A Productive Rant About Fiat Panda Key Fob Replacement
Reasons Your Fiat 500 Key Fob Won't Work A key fob for the Fiat 500 is a convenient way to unlock the doors and get started the car. However, there are many reasons the fob could stop functioning. This includes 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 is similar to the Ilco brand. It must be professionally programmed (click here to search for local locksmiths for your vehicle). This remote includes trunk, lock and unlock buttons. Dead Coin Battery A dead battery is the main cause of your 500 key fob that isn't working. Modern key fobs have only a limited range of operation and must be within a few inches of your vehicle in order to function. If you're far away from your vehicle when you press the key fob button, the car will not respond, and will display a “Key Fob Not Detected” message in the instrument cluster. If this happens, replace the battery of your coin cell (Part number CR2032) with a fresh one from a reputable brand like Panasonic, Duracell, or Energizer. They are usually available in your local hardware store, or online. You can test the battery in the coin-cell by pressing the buttons while you're standing close to your Fiat 500. The parking lights should flash and the key fob should operate the lock and unlock switch. If your key fob still doesn't work even after replacing the battery, there might be water damage that hinders it from connecting to the module inside your vehicle. Water damage can occur in many ways, such as simply splashing or submerging the key fob saltwater at the beach. If you suspect your fob was exposed to water, you can try placing it in a dry rice bag to draw the moisture out. If this doesn't work, you will require your fob to be reprogrammed either by an auto locksmith or a dealer. Water Damage Water damage can happen if you immerse the fob into the ocean, or wash it in a machine. Saltwater is especially dangerous to the circuit board of the fob, causing it to short out and eventually end up dying. The fob getting wet is not a good idea, but if you drop it in an empty cup of water, or don't remember to remove it from your pants pocket before running the washing machine Don't give up hope. First remove the battery from the fob. Before replacing the battery, clean the electronic chip using isopropyl or similar products. Next, test the fob to check if it functions. If the key doesn't function it could need to be programmed again. This is usually done by an auto locksmith or dealer. If your key is older and not programmed to work with your vehicle it is necessary to replace it completely. A professional locksmith for automotive can carry out this simple task. The locksmith will need the key cut to match your vehicle's ignition. The locksmith will also have to reprogram your fob in the car's system. This is a quick and affordable process that can usually be completed in the same day. Receiver Module Issues One of the most common reasons your 500 key fob may stop functioning is because it's out of range. The remote usually has an area of 30 feet or less and if it's far away from your car it won't respond to your commands. You can easily solve this problem by moving the remote closer to your car until it responds. If you've replaced your coin battery (commonly called a “button” or “watch”) and your fob still won't work, it could have an internal circuit board problem. Reprogramming your fob can resolve this issue. There are instructions on how to do this on the majority of vehicles by searching YouTube or reading the owner's manual. It is possible to replace the metal clips that keep the coin battery in place. If they lose tension it could prevent your coin battery from being properly seated, causing your remote to malfunction. In rare instances, the fob could be out of alignment with your vehicle because of hardware or software issues. This could cause a significant trouble, but you could frequently fix this issue by visiting an auto locksmith to reprogram your fob for you. In some cases it may be necessary to reinstall the software in your body control module as well. Interference Interference can also cause the key fob to not be able to receive or transmit an signal. This could happen when the key fob is in close proximity to a radio transmitter like a cell phone or radar detector. Other reasons the key fob may not function may be a lack of connection to the buttons and internal chip or water damage. If the key fob suddenly stopped working, out of the blue, or after trying everything you can do at home to fix it e.g. You could have a malfunctioning 500 receiver module if you've tried replacing the battery, reprogramming, or using an alternative key fob. The receiver module, which is located under the dashboard, is able to pick up radio frequency signals from your key fob. It transforms the signals into electronic commands which are then interpreted by the vehicle. There's a simple method to reset the 500's internal system including the keyfob. Disconnect the battery for 15 minutes by taking off first the negative cable, then the positive cable. Then reconnect thekeylab.co.uk . This will eliminate any remaining electricity, and restart the car's computer. This could help you get your key fob working again. If the problem persists you should speak with an expert certified technician. They will be able to identify the exact cause of any issues.