The No. 1 Question That Anyone Working In Fiat Panda Key Fob Replacement Should Be Able To Answer
Reasons Your Fiat 500 Key Fob Won't Work
A key fob for the Fiat 500 allows you to easily open doors and start your car. There are a myriad of reasons why the fob may stop working. These include a dead coin battery, damaged receiver module, water damage issues, and interference.
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Dead Coin Battery
The most frequent reason why your 500 key fob won't function is due to an inactive battery. Modern key fobs have a restricted operating range, and must be within just a few 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 an "Key Fob Not Detected" message in the instrument cluster.
If this happens If this happens, replace the battery in the coin-cell (Part Number CR2032) by a brand new one from a reputable brand like Panasonic Duracell or Energizer. You can find them at your local hardware store or online.
You can test the battery on your coin-cell by pressing the buttons while you're standing close to your Fiat 500. The car should flash its parking lights, and the key fob will operate the lock and unlock switches.
If your fob's key does not work after replacing the battery, it could be water damage that is preventing it from interacting with the module inside your vehicle. The Keylab can occur in a variety of ways, such as an easy splash or submerging the key fob in saltwater at the beach. If you suspect your fob has been exposed to water, you can try placing it in a dry rice bag to pull the moisture out. If this doesn't work, your fob is likely to need to be reprogrammed by a professional locksmith or dealer.
Water Damage
Water damage can happen if you submerge the fob in the ocean, or wash it in a washer. Saltwater can cause the circuit board to become shorted and eventually end up dying. It's not a good thing to get the fob wet but don't give up when you accidentally drop it in the water or don't take it out of your pocket.
Remove the battery first. Clean the electronic chip using isopropyl ethanol or a similar product and dry it thoroughly before replacing the battery. Next test the fob to test if it works. If the key isn't working, it may need to be reset. This is typically handled by a professional or dealer auto locksmith.
If your key is older and has not been programmed for your vehicle then you'll need to replace it completely. A professional locksmith for automotive can carry out this simple task. The locksmith must cut the key to match the ignition of your car. They will also need to program the fob into the car's system. It's a simple and cost-effective process which can be completed in the same day.
Receiver Module Issues
Your 500 key fob might be inoperable because it's out of range. The remote usually has an area of 30 feet or less, and if it's too far away from your car it will not respond to your commands. This can be fixed by moving it closer to your vehicle until it starts responding.
If you've replaced the battery on your coin (commonly known as a "button" or "watch") and your fob still won't work It could be because of an internal circuit board issue. In the majority of cases, reprogramming your fob will fix the issue. You can find the instructions 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 battery of your coin in place. If they loose tension they could stop the battery from sitting properly, and this will cause your remote to malfunction.
In rare cases the fob may be out of alignment with your vehicle because due to hardware or software issues. You can fix this issue by visiting your local dealer or auto-locksmith to reprogram your key fob. In certain instances the software might require reinstallation to your body control modules.
Interference
Interference can also cause the key fob to not receive or transmit the signal. This could happen if the key fob is located near an electronic radio transmitter (cell phones or radar detectors) or another source of electromagnetic radiation. Other reasons the key fob could not function may be a lack of connection to the buttons and internal chip or water damage.
If the key fob has stopped working one day without notice or even after trying every option at home to solve it e.g. battery replacement, reprogramming and using the spare key fob, you could have a damaged receiver module on your 500. The receiver module is located under the dash and receives the radio frequency signals from the key fob. It converts the signals into electronic commands, which are then processed by the vehicle.
Fortunately, there's an easy way to reset all of the on-board systems in your 500 keys, including the key fob. Disconnect the battery for 15 minutes, removing first the negative cable and then the positive cable. Reconnect the battery. This will get rid of any remaining electricity and then restart the car's computers. This can help you get your key fob working again. If the issue continues, you should consult an expert technician. They'll be able to determine the exact cause of your issue.