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Reasons Your Fiat 500 Key Fob Won't Work
A key fob from Fiat 500 makes it simple to open doors and start your vehicle. There are a myriad of reasons why the key fob might stop working. This could be due to a dead coin-battery and water damage, as well as problems with the receiver modules, and interference.
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Dead Coin Battery
A dead battery is probably the most common reason for your 500 key fob not functioning. Modern key fobs have a restricted operating range, and should be within some feet of the car to operate. If you are far from your vehicle when you press the key fob button the car won't respond, and will display the "Key Fob Not Detected" message in the instrument cluster.
If this happens, replace the battery of your coin cell (Part number CR2032) by a new one from a reputable brand such as Panasonic, Duracell, or Energizer. You can find them at your local hardware store or on the internet.
You can test the battery in the coin-cell by pressing the buttons while standing near your Fiat 500. The parking lights will flash and the key fob should operate the lock and unlock switches.
If the key fob doesn't function after replacing the battery, it may be damaged by water that blocks it from connecting to the receiver module in your vehicle. Water damage can occur in a variety of ways, from the slightest splash to submerging your fob in salt water at the beach. If you believe your fob was exposed to water, put it in a rice bag to draw out the moisture. If this isn't working, you'll need to have your fob reset by an auto locksmith or dealer.
Water Damage
While the fob comes with rubber seals to keep water out of the chip's electronic circuit and out of the ocean or washing it in a machine can cause water damage. Saltwater can cause the circuit board to become shorted and eventually cease to function. It's not good to submerge the fob in water but don't give up if you accidentally drop it in water, or fail to take it out of your pants pocket.
First, remove the battery from the fob. Before replacing the battery clean the electronic chip using isopropyl or another similar product. Check the fob again to see if it is functioning. If the key doesn't function then it might need to be reprogrammed. This is usually done by an auto locksmith or dealer.
If the key is more recent and has not been programmed to your car, it will likely need to be replaced completely. This is a simple procedure which can be accomplished by a professional locksmith for automotive use. The locksmith needs to cut the key to match the ignition of your vehicle. The locksmith will also have to reprogram your fob into the car's system. This is a quick and affordable process that can usually be completed the same day.
Receiver Module Issues
The 500 key fob could not work because it's out of range. The remote typically has an area of 30 feet or less and if it's far from your car, it will not respond to your commands. It can be solved by moving closer to your vehicle until it begins responding.
If you've replaced the battery on your coin (commonly called a "button" or "watch") and the fob isn't working, it could have an internal circuit board problem. Reprogramming the fob is usually the solution to this problem. The instructions are available for the majority of vehicles on YouTube or in the owner's manual.
You may have to replace the metal retaining clips that keep the coin battery. If they loose tension, it can stop your coin battery from being properly seated, causing your remote to malfunction.
In rare cases it is possible that the fob will become desync'd with your vehicle due to software issues or hardware issues. It is possible to fix this issue by visiting your local auto-locksmith or dealer to reprogram your key fob. In some instances the software may require reinstallation to your body control modules.
Interference
In addition to a dead battery on a coin The key fob may not be receiving or transmitting the signal due to interference. This can occur when the keyfob is in close proximity to a radio transmitter like a cell phone or radar detector. Other reasons the key fob may not function could be due to a weak connection to the buttons or damage to the internal chip or water damage.
If your key fob suddenly stopped working, or you have tried everything at home to solve the issue (e.g. replacing the battery, reprogramming, and using the spare key fob, it could have a faulty receiver module on your 500. The receiver module, located beneath the dashboard, detects radio frequency signals from your key fob. It converts the signals into electronic commands, which are then translated by the vehicle.
Fortunately, there's an easy method to reset all of the on-board systems in your 500 and include the key fob. Disconnect the 12 volt battery for about 15 minutes, by removing the negative cable first then the positive cable. Then, reconnect the battery. This will get rid of any residual electricity and restart the car's computer system, which can help you get your key fob working again. If the problem persists you should seek out an expert technician. They'll be able to determine the exact cause of your issues.