The Sage Advice On Fiat Panda Key Fob Replacement From The Age Of Five
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. However, there are many reasons why the key fob might stop functioning. This could be due to a dead coin-battery, water damage, problems with the receiver modules, and interference.
This listing is for an NEW replacement Fiat Flip Key Remote that looks like the Ilco brand. It has to be professionally programmed (click here to find local automotive locksmiths). This remote includes lock, unlock and trunk buttons.
Dead Coin Battery
A dead battery is the most frequent reason for your 500 key fob being inoperative. Modern key fobs have a very restricted operating range, and should 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 respond and will display an "Key Fob Not Detected" message in the instrument cluster.
If this happens you need to replace the battery of your coin-cell (Part Number CR2032) with a new battery from a reputable brand like Panasonic Duracell or Energizer. They are usually available at your local hardware store or on the internet.
After you've changed the battery on the coin cell, you can test it by standing close to your Fiat 500 and pressing the buttons. The car will flash its parking lights, and the key fob should work the lock and unlock switches.
If G28CarKeys doesn't work even after replacing the battery, it might be water damage that hinders it from connecting to the module in your vehicle. Water damage can occur through a variety of methods, including a simple splash or submerging your key fob in saltwater 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 doesn't work your fob will probably need to be reset by an experienced locksmith or dealer.
Water Damage
While the fob has some rubber seals to keep water out of the chip's electronic circuit and out of the ocean or washing it in a machine can cause water damage. Saltwater poses a particular risk to the fob's circuit board which causes it to short out and eventually end up dying. It's not a good idea to get the fob wet however, don't give it up even if you accidentally drop the fob in water, or fail to remove it from your pants pocket.
First remove the battery from the fob. Clean the electronic chip using isopropyl or a similar product and dry it completely before replacing the battery. Next test the fob to test if it works. If the key does not function, it may have to be changed. This is typically handled by a dealer or professional auto locksmith.
If your key is older and is not programmed for your vehicle You will need to replace it completely. A professional locksmith for cars will be able to complete this process. The locksmith will have to cut the key to match the ignition in your vehicle. The locksmith also needs to reprogram your fob in the car's system. This is a low-cost and quick procedure that 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's range is of 30 feet, which means in the event that you are far from your car, it won't respond to your commands. This can be easily fixed by moving closer to your vehicle until it begins responding.
If you've replaced the coin battery (commonly called a "button" or "watch") and the fob isn't working it could be due to an internal circuit board problem. Reprogramming the fob typically resolves this issue. You can find the procedure for the majority of vehicles on YouTube or in the owner's manual.
It is possible to replace the metal clips that hold the coin battery in place. If they lose tension it may prevent your battery from being properly seated and cause your remote to malfunction.
In rare instances the fob might become desync'd with your vehicle due to software or hardware issues. It is possible to fix this issue by visiting your local auto-locksmith or dealer to reprogram your key fob. In certain situations it may be necessary to reinstall the software on your body control module as well.
Interference
Interference can also cause the key fob to not receive or transmit a signal. This could happen if the key fob is near the radio transmitter (cell phones and radar detectors) or another source of electromagnetic radiation. The key fob might not function because of a weak connection to the buttons, water damage or damage to the internal chips.
If the key fob has stopped working one day out of the blue, or after trying every option at home to fix it e.g. You might have a damaged 500 receiver module after you've tried replacing the battery, reprogramming, and using a spare key fob. The receiver module is located 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 interpreted by the vehicle.
There is a straightforward method to reset the 500's in-board system including the keyfob. Disconnect the battery 12 volt for about 15 minutes by taking off the negative cable first then the positive cable. Then reconnect the battery. This will remove any remaining electricity, and allow you to restart the computer in your car. This can help get your key fob to work again. If the issue persists, you should consult an experienced technician. They'll be able determine the root of your issues.