A Provocative Rant About Fiat Panda Key Fob Replacement
Reasons Your Fiat 500 Key Fob Won't Work
A key fob from Fiat 500 allows you to easily open doors and start your car. However, there are numerous reasons why the fob won't be functioning. This includes a dead coin-battery and water damage, as well as problems with the receiver modules, and interference.
This listing is for an NEW replacement Fiat Flip Key Remote - an exact replica of the Ilco brand that must be professionally programmed by a local automotive locksmith (click here to search for a Locksmith Search). This remote includes lock, unlock and trunk buttons.
Dead Coin Battery
A dead battery is the most common reason for your 500 key fob being inoperative. Modern key fobs have a limited range of operation, and must be within some feet of the vehicle in order to function. If you're not close to your vehicle, and you press the key fob button the car won't be able to respond, and will display an "Key Fob Not Detected" message in the instrument cluster.
If this occurs If this happens, replace the battery in the coin-cell (Part Number CR2032) by a new one from a reputable brand like Panasonic Duracell or Energizer. You can typically find them at your local hardware store, or online.
You can test the battery in the coin-cell by pressing the buttons while you are standing close to your Fiat 500. The parking lights should light up and the key fob should operate the lock and unlock switch.
If your fob's key doesn't work even after replacing the battery, there might be water damage that has prevented it from interacting with the module in your vehicle. Water damage can happen in a variety of ways, such as an easy splash or submerging the key fob into saltwater at the beach. If you suspect your fob was exposed to water, try placing it in a dry rice bag to draw the moisture back out. If this does not work, you'll require your fob to be reset by an auto locksmith or dealer.
Water Damage
Water damage can happen if you immerse the fob in the ocean or wash it in a machine. Saltwater can cause the circuit board to short and then die. If you get the fob wet, it's not an ideal choice but if you drop it in a glass of water or don't remember to remove it from your pants pocket before running the washer do not give up hope.
First, remove the battery. Before replacing the battery, clean the electronic chip with isopropyl, or a similar product. Test the fob next to verify if it's working. If the key isn't working it could need to be programmed again. This is usually handled by an auto locksmith or dealer.
If the key is more recent and hasn't been programmed to your vehicle, it will likely need to be replaced completely. This is an easy process that can be completed by a professional locksmith for automotive use. The locksmith will require the key to be cut to match the car's ignition. They'll also need to reprogram the fob for the system of your car. It's a simple and cost-effective procedure that is usually 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 has a range of 30 feet, which means in the event that you are far away from your vehicle, it won't respond to your commands. You can solve this issue by moving the remote closer to your car until it responds.
If you've replaced the battery on your coin (commonly called a "button" or "watch") and your fob doesn't function It could be because of an internal circuit board issue. In most cases, reprogramming the fob will solve the issue. There are instructions on how to do this for all vehicles by searching YouTube or checking out the owner's manual.
You may need to replace the metal clips that keep the battery of your coin in place. If they lose tension it could prevent the coin battery from sitting properly and can cause your remote to malfunction.
In rare instances, the fob may become disconnected from your vehicle due to software issues or hardware issues. You can fix this problem by visiting your local auto-locksmith or dealer to reprogram your key fob. In some cases, they may need to reinstall the software on your body control module too.
Interference
Interference can also cause the key fob not to receive or transmit a signal. This could happen when the keyfob is located in close proximity to a radio transmitter, such as a cell phone or radar detector. Other reasons why the key fob might not function include a weak connection to the buttons and internal chip, or water damage.
If your key fob suddenly stopped working, or you have tried everything at home to fix it (e.g. It could be a defective 500 receiver module if you've tried replacing the battery, reprogramming it, or using an alternative key fob. The receiver module is situated under the dash and is able to pick up the radio frequency signals from the key fob. It transforms the signals into electronic commands which are then translated by the vehicle.
There's a quick and easy way to reset the 500's onboard system, including the keyfob. Disconnect the 12 volt battery for about 15 minutes by removing the negative cable and then the positive cable. Reconnect TheKeyLab . This will erase any remaining electricity, and restart the computer in your car. This can help you get your key fob working again. If the problem persists you should seek out an expert technician. They can identify the root of any problems.