The Worst Advice We've Ever Heard About Fiat Panda Key Fob Replacement

Reasons Your Fiat 500 Key Fob Won't Work

A key fob from Fiat 500 is a convenient method to unlock the doors and start the car. There are a variety of reasons why the fob could stop working. It could be due to a dead battery water damage, receiver module issues, and interference.

This listing is for an NEW replacement Fiat Flip Key Remote that appears similar to the Ilco brand. It must be professionally programmed (click here to search for local locksmiths in the automotive industry). This remote includes lock, unlock and trunk buttons.

Dead Coin Battery

The most common reason the 500 key fob won't function is due to the battery is dead. Modern key fobs have a limited operating range and must be within just a few feet of the vehicle to operate. If you're not close to your vehicle and press the key fob button, the car won't be able to respond, and will display the "Key Fob Not Detected" message in the instrument cluster.

If this happens, simply replace the battery of your coin cell (Part number CR2032) by a new one from a reliable brand such as Panasonic, Duracell, or Energizer. You can find them in your local hardware store, or on the internet.

After you've replaced the coin cell battery, you can test it by standing in front of your Fiat 500 and pressing the buttons. The car should blink its parking lights and the key fob will operate the lock and unlock switches.

If the key fob won't function after replacing the battery, it might have water damage that prevents it from communicating with the receiver module inside your car. Water damage can happen in a variety of ways, from the slightest splash to submerging the 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 fails, you'll have to get your fob changed by an auto locksmith or a dealer.

Water Damage

Damage to the water supply can occur if you immerse the fob in the ocean or wash it in a machine. Saltwater poses a particular risk to the circuit board of the fob, causing it to short out and eventually die. It's not good to soak the fob in water however, don't give it up if you accidentally drop it in water, or fail to take it out of your pants pocket.

First, remove  fiat 500 car key  from the fob. Clean the electronic chip using isopropyl alcohol or a similar product and dry it thoroughly before replacing the battery. Check the fob again to check if it's working. If the key does not function it could need to be reprogrammed. This is typically handled by a professional or dealer auto locksmith.

If the key is older and was not programmed to your vehicle It is likely that it needs to be replaced completely. This is a simple process which can be accomplished by a professional locksmith for automotive use. The locksmith will need to cut the key to match the ignition in your vehicle. The locksmith will also need to reprogram your fob in the vehicle's system. This is a simple and cost-effective procedure which can be completed within the same day.

Receiver Module Issues

One of the simplest reasons why your 500 key fob won't be working is that it's simply out of range. The remote's range is of 30 feet, so in the event that you are far from your vehicle it won't respond to your commands. It can be solved by moving it closer to your vehicle until it begins responding.

If you've replaced your coin battery (commonly known as a "button" or "watch") and the fob won't work, it could have an internal circuit board issue. Reprogramming the fob usually resolves this problem. You can find the instructions on how to do this for most vehicles by searching YouTube or looking through the owner's manual.

It may be necessary to replace the metal clips that hold the coin batteries in the correct position. If they loose tension, it could hinder the battery from sitting properly and cause the remote to malfunction.

In rare instances, the fob may be out of alignment with your vehicle because of software or hardware problems. This can cause a major issue, but you are able to often fix this by visiting a local dealer or auto locksmith to have them reprogram your fob for you. In some cases the software might require reinstallation to your body control modules.

Interference

Interference can also cause the key fob not to receive or transmit an signal. This could happen if the key fob is close to an electronic radio transmitter (cell phones, radar detectors) or any other source of electromagnetic radiation. Other reasons the key fob might not function may be a lack of connection to the buttons and internal chip or water damage.

If the key fob has suddenly stopped working, suddenly and you've tried everything you can at home to resolve it e.g. replacing the battery, reprogramming, and using the spare key fob, it 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 them to electronic commands that the vehicle interprets.

There's a quick and easy way to reset the 500's on-board system, including the keyfob. Disconnect the battery for 15 minutes by removing first the negative cable and then the positive cable. Reconnect the battery. This will eliminate any remaining electrical charge and restart the car's computers. This could help get your key fob working again. If the issue persists, you should speak with an expert technician. They can identify the root of any issues.