A Good Rant About Fiat Panda Key Fob Replacement
Reasons Your Fiat 500 Key Fob Won't Work
A key fob for the Fiat 500 is a handy way to unlock the doors and start the car. There are a variety of reasons why the key fob might stop working. These include a dead coin battery, damage to the receiver module, issues, and interference.
This listing is for a NEW replacement Fiat Flip Key Remote - similar to the Ilco brand that needs to be professionally programmed by a local locksmith (click here for Locksmith Search). It comes with lock, unlock and trunk buttons.
Dead Coin Battery
The most common reason the 500 key fob won't function is a dead battery. Modern key fobs only have only a limited range of operation and must be within just a few inches of the vehicle to function. If you are further away from your vehicle and you push the keyfob button it will not respond, and display the message "Key Fob Not Detected".
If this occurs you need to replace the battery of your coin-cell (Part Number CR2032) by a new one of a reliable brand, like Panasonic Duracell or Energizer. They are usually available at your local hardware store or online.
After you've changed the battery on the coin cell You can test it by standing near your Fiat 500 and pressing the buttons. The car will blink its parking lights and the key fob should work the lock and unlock switches.
If the fob's remote doesn't function after replacing the battery, it could have water damage that prevents it from communicating with the receiver module in your vehicle. Water damage can occur in a variety of ways, ranging from an accidental splash to submerging the fob in salt water at the beach. If you think your fob was exposed to water, you can place it in a bag of rice to draw out the moisture. If that doesn't work your fob is likely to need to be reset by a professional auto locksmith or by the dealer.
Water Damage
While the fob has some rubber seals that keep water out of the chip's electronic circuit it, submerging it in the ocean or washing it in a machine could cause water damage. Saltwater poses a particular risk to the circuit board of the fob, causing it to short out and eventually end up dying. It's not the best idea to submerge the fob in water but don't give up even if you accidentally drop the fob in water or fail to remove it from your pocket.
First, remove the battery. Before replacing the battery, clean the electronic chip using isopropyl or a similar product. Then, test the fob to check if it functions. If the key doesn't function, it may need to be reset. This is usually done by an auto locksmith or dealer.
If your key is old and not programmed for your car, you will need to replace it completely. A professional locksmith for cars can complete this simple process. The locksmith will require the key to be cut to match the car's ignition. The locksmith will also need to reprogram your fob in the vehicle's system. This is a fast and cost-effective procedure that is usually completed within the same day.
Receiver Module Issues
One of the main reasons why your 500 key fob might stop working is because it's out of range. G28 Car Keys has an operating range of 30 feet or less, and if it's too far away from your car it won't respond to your commands. This can be easily fixed by moving it closer to your vehicle until it starts responding.
If you've replaced your coin battery (commonly known as"button" or "button" or "watch") and the fob won't work, it could have an internal circuit board problem. Reprogramming your fob can resolve this issue. You can find the instructions for most vehicles on YouTube or in the owner's guide.
It may be necessary to replace the metal clips that hold the coin batteries in their place. If they lose tension, it may prevent your battery from sitting properly, causing your remote to malfunction.
In rare instances, the fob may become disconnected from your vehicle due to software or hardware issues. It is possible to fix this issue by visiting your local auto-locksmith or dealer to reprogram your key fob. In certain instances the software might require reinstallation in your body control modules.
Interference
In addition to a dead coin battery The key fob may not be able to receive or transmit the signal due to interference. This could happen if the key fob is near radio transmitters (cell phones, radar detectors) or any other source of electromagnetic radiation. The key fob might not function due to a poor connection to the buttons or water damage, or damage to the internal chips.
If your key fob suddenly stopped working, or you have tried everything at home to resolve it (e.g. replacing batteries, reprogramming or using the spare key fob, you might have a damaged receiver module on your 500. The receiver module is situated under the dash and picks up the radio frequency signals from the key fob. Then, it converts them into electronic commands that the vehicle interprets.
Luckily, there is an easy way to reset every single system on board in your 500 keys, including the key fob. Disconnect the battery of 12 volts for about 15 minutes, by disconnecting the negative cable first then the positive cable. Reconnect the battery. This will clear out any remaining electricity and then restart the car's computers. This can help get your key fob working again. If the problem persists you should speak with an experienced technician. They will be able to determine the exact cause of your issue.