Wisdom On Fiat Panda Key Fob Replacement From A Five-Year-Old
Reasons Your Fiat 500 Key Fob Won't Work
A fiat 500 key fob is a handy way to unlock the doors and start the car. There are many reasons the fob may stop working. This could be due to a dead coin battery or water damage, receiver module issues, and interference.
This listing is for an NEW replacement Fiat Flip Key Remote - similar to the Ilco brand that must be programmed professionally by a local locksmith (click here for Locksmith Search). It comes with lock, unlock and trunk buttons.
Dead Coin Battery
The most frequent reason that your 500 key fob won't function is due to an inactive battery. Modern key fobs come with a limited range of operation, and must be within some feet of the car to operate. If you're far from your vehicle and press the keyfob button it will not respond and display the message "Key Fob Not Detected".
If this happens, replace the coin-cell battery (Part Number CR2032) by a new one of a reliable brand, like Panasonic Duracell or Energizer. You can usually find them at your local hardware store or on the internet.
After you've replaced the battery in 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 operate the lock and unlock buttons.
If the fob's remote doesn't function after replacing the battery, it could be damaged by water that blocks it from communicating with the receiver module in your car. Water damage can happen in a number of ways, from an accidental splash to submerging your fob in salt water at the beach. If you suspect your fob has been exposed to water, try placing it in a dry rice bag to draw the moisture back out. If this doesn't work, the fob might require reprogramming by an experienced locksmith or dealer.
While the fob has some rubber seals to keep water from the electronic chip inside and out of the ocean or washing it in a machine could cause water damage. Saltwater is especially dangerous to the fob's circuit board which causes it to short out and eventually end up dying. Getting the fob wet is not a good idea however, if you drop it in the water in a cup or forget to take it out of your pants pocket before running the washer and you don't have a chance, don't give in.
Take the battery off first. Clean the electronic chip with isopropyl alcohol or another similar product and then dry it completely before replacing the battery. Next, test the fob to verify if it is working. If the fob doesn't work, it may have to be reprogrammed. This is usually done by an auto locksmith or dealer.
If the key is a newer model and was not programmed to your car it is likely to need to be replaced completely. This is a simple procedure that can be handled by a professional automotive locksmith. The locksmith will have to cut the key to match the ignition on your vehicle. They will also need to reprogram the fob for the system of your car. This is a cost-effective and quick process that could be completed on the same day.
Receiver Module Issues
The 500 key fob you have may stop working because it is out of range. The remote typically has 30 feet of range or less, and if it's too far from your vehicle, it won't respond to your commands. This can be fixed by moving it closer to your vehicle until it begins responding.
If you've replaced the coin battery (commonly known as a "button" or "watch") and your fob still won't work it could be due to an internal circuit board issue. In most cases, reprogramming the fob can resolve the issue. You can find the instructions for the majority of vehicles on YouTube or in the owner's guide.
You may need to replace the metal clips that keep the coin battery. If they become loose, it could prevent your coin battery from sitting properly, causing your remote to malfunction.
In rare instances it is possible that the fob will become disconnected from your vehicle due to software or hardware issues. You can fix this issue by visiting your local dealer or auto-locksmith to reprogram your key fob. In some cases the software may require reinstallation in your body control modules.
Interference
In addition to a dead battery on a coin, the key fob may not be receiving or transmitting signals due to interference. This may happen if the key fob is in close proximity to a radio transmitter, such as a cell phone or radar detector. Other reasons the key fob could not function include a weak connection to the buttons or the internal chip or water damage.
If the key fob suddenly stopped working, without notice and you've tried everything you can do at home to solve it e.g. It could be a defective 500 receiver module in the event that you've tried replacing the battery, reprogramming it, or using an alternative key fob. The receiver module, which is located beneath the dashboard, receives radio frequency signals from your key fob. It converts them to electronic commands that the vehicle interprets.
There is a straightforward method to reset the 500's onboard system including the keyfob. Disconnect the 12 volt battery for approximately 15 minutes by taking off the negative cable first then the positive cable. Reconnect the battery. This will clear out any remaining electricity and restart the car's computer system, which could allow you to get your key fob working again. If the issue persists, you should seek out an expert technician. They will be able to diagnose the exact cause of your problems.