A Provocative Rant About Fiat Panda Key Fob Replacement
Reasons Your Fiat 500 Key Fob Won't Work
A key fob for Fiat 500 makes it easy to open doors and start your vehicle. There are a myriad of reasons the fob could stop working. These include a dead battery or damage to the receiver module, issues, and interfering.
This listing is for an NEW replacement Fiat Flip Key Remote that looks like the Ilco brand. It needs to be professionally programmed (click here to find local automotive locksmiths). Includes trunk, lock and unlock buttons.
Dead Coin Battery
A dead battery is the main reason for your 500 key fob not functioning. Modern key fobs operate with a limited range of operation, and must be within some feet of the vehicle to function. If you are further away from your vehicle and you press the keyfob button it won't respond and display the message "Key Fob Not Detected".
If this happens you need to replace the battery of your coin-cell (Part Number CR2032) by a fresh one of a trusted brand such as Panasonic Duracell or Energizer. You can find them in your local hardware store, or online.
You can test the battery on your coin-cell by pressing the buttons while standing near your Fiat 500. The parking lights should blink and the key fob should operate the lock and unlock switch.
If the fob's remote doesn't work after replacing the battery, it may be damaged by water that blocks it from communicating with the receiver module inside your vehicle. Water damage can occur in many ways, including simply splashing or submerging the key fob in saltwater at the beach. If you suspect that your fob has been exposed to water, place it in a rice bag to draw out the moisture. If this doesn't work, your fob may require reprogramming by a professional auto locksmith or by the dealer.
Water Damage
Water damage can occur if you immerse the fob into the ocean, or wash it in a machine. Saltwater is particularly dangerous to the fob's circuit board and can cause it to short out and eventually die. It's not the best idea to let the fob get wet but don't give up if you accidentally drop it in water or forget 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. Test the fob next to verify if it's functioning. If the fob doesn't work, it may have to be reprogrammed. This is typically done by a dealer or professional auto locksmith.
If your key is a bit older and has not been programmed to work with your vehicle, you will need to replace it completely. This is a straightforward process that can be completed by a professional locksmith for automotive use. The locksmith will have to cut the key to match the ignition of your vehicle. The locksmith also needs to reprogram the fob into the vehicle's system. This is a quick and affordable process that can usually be completed in the next day.
Receiver Module Issues
One of the simplest reasons your 500 key fob may stop working is that it's simply out of range. The remote typically has an area of 30 feet or less and if it's far from your vehicle, it won't respond to your commands. It can be solved by moving closer to your vehicle until it begins responding.
If your fob doesn't work after you replace the coin battery, also called a "button", "watch" or "button" It could be a problem with the circuit board inside. Reprogramming your fob can resolve this issue. fiat 500 key button replacement can find directions on how to do this for most automobiles by searching YouTube or looking through the owner's manual.
It could be necessary to replace the clips made of metal that hold the coin batteries in the correct position. If they loose tension they could stop the coin battery from being seated properly, and this will cause your remote to malfunction.
In rare cases the fob might be out of sync with your vehicle because due to hardware or software issues. This issue can be fixed by visiting your local dealer or auto-locksmith to reprogram your key fob. In some instances the software may need to be reinstalled in your body control modules.
Interference
In addition to a dead coin battery The key fob may not be able to receive or transmit signals due to interference. This is possible when the key fob is close to an electronic radio transmitter (cell phones and radar detectors) or another source of electromagnetic radiation. Other reasons why the key fob may not function include a weak connection to the buttons, damage to the internal chip or water damage.
If your key fob suddenly stopped working, or you have tried everything at home to resolve it (e.g. replacing the battery, reprogramming it and using the spare key fob, you might have a defective receiver module on your 500. The receiver module is situated under the dash and is able to pick up the radio frequency signals from the key fob. Then, it converts them into electronic commands that the vehicle interprets.
There's a simple method to reset the 500's internal system, including the keyfob. Disconnect the battery for 15 minutes, removing first the negative cable, then the positive cable. Then reconnect the battery. This will clear any residual electrical charge, and then restart the computer in your car. This can help get your key fob working again. If the problem persists you should consult an expert technician. They will be able to diagnose the exact cause of your problems.