The Fiat 500 Keys Case Study You'll Never Forget

· 4 min read
The Fiat 500 Keys Case Study You'll Never Forget

Fiat Panda Key Fob Replacement

Fiat Panda key fobs contain an transponder chip that transmits signals to your car to unlock the doors or start the engine. The fob can stop functioning for a variety of reasons.

A dead coin battery is the most frequent cause of key fob malfunctions.  replacement fiat 500 key  are water damage or a malfunctioning module and interference signals.

Dead Coin Battery

If your key fob battery has died, the first thing to do is replace it. Make use of a new button battery that is the same size, voltage and specifications as the old one.


If the key fob was exposed to water (such as rain or saltwater at the beach) It must be cleaned prior to being used again. A paper towel that has been soaked in isopropyl alcohol or electronic cleaner will be the solution.

If the key fob isn't working despite not being exposed water it could be due a malfunction in the receiver module, or even in the internal electronic chip. In these situations you can reprogramme the key fob using an OBDII scanner can help.

Water Damage

You might have water damage to your key fob if it was submerged in a puddle, pool or washing machine. It's usually possible to restore it's functionality by taking the battery off and cleaning the circuit board with isopropyl alcohol. It's best to let the fob dry completely before putting in a new battery.

You may have a faulty module in the event that your key fob stops working after replacing the battery or changing the programming. You can find information on changing the programming of most remote keys on YouTube or consult your owner's manual. You can also reset your computer of your vehicle using the OBDII scanner tool.

Faulty Receiver Module

The key fob is equipped with the chip that communicates with the vehicle's system. If the chip is damaged, it will be unable to longer transmit and receive signals to the vehicle. This could be due to dropping the key fob, or due to exposure to water. If the key fob you have purchased has stopped working due to exposure to water, you may be able fix the issue if you clean the chip with electronic cleaner or isopropyl alcohol.

If the key fob won't respond to cleaning, it is possible that the component has a fault and needs to be replaced. A faulty receiver can also cause the key to cease to function. This is usually due to electromagnetic interference.

Faulty Electronic Chip

The electronic chip inside your key fob is a vital component of the anti-theft system in your car. It sends a signal to the immobiliser device in the vehicle to determine whether or not the key is valid. If the chip is damaged or broken, your car will not start.

A defective chip can be caused by interference signals from other objects or weather conditions that are bad, or transmitters operating on the same frequency as your car. In this instance, a new fob will be required.

Faulty battery contacts

The battery contacts inside the key fob are fragile and are susceptible to damage by repeated use. If they are bent, or broken, the fob won't send any signals to the receiver modules inside the vehicle.

Modern fobs are designed with rubber seals in order to keep out water. A splash of water or a light rain is acceptable but submerging them into saltwater can cause damage to the chip's electronic components.

The key fob comes with a chip which communicates with the immobilizer system of the vehicle in order to start it. This system makes use of cryptocoding systems in the latest vehicles, or the old red key system used in older models. If this chip is faulty it must be replaced.

Problems with 12 Volt Batteries

A malfunctioning battery could cause the key fob to cease working. When this occurs the car's computer will not be able to recognize that the remote is in the vehicle.

Test the battery using the voltmeter before replacing it to determine its capacity. A fully charged battery should read 12.6 volts. If the reading decreases significantly it's time to change it.

Place an electrical load for a short time on the battery to determine its capacity. This will eliminate 1percent of the surface charges. Then, measure the voltage once more. The longer a battery is able to hold its voltage and the higher its capacity. Ideally, it should remain close to 12 volts for several minutes.

The radio signal is not working properly. Radio Signal

This is the most common reason for the key fob to stop sending signals to a car. The issue can be fixed by replacing the battery. It is important to buy an identical battery voltage and dimensions as the original.

Fobs are not indestructible and can take a lot. The battery buttons and contacts are delicate and can be bent or broken with rough use.

A signal can also be disrupted by other objects or transmitters which use the same frequency. For instance, a light-control panel close to your home can send interference over the same frequency that key fobs use. This could cause interference with the remote control in your car.

Problems with OBDII Scan Tool

There are a number of reasons why a scanner might not work. Some are more complicated than others.

Professional scan tools permit mechanics to monitor the car's network and run a range of self-tests. These are great time-savers, but they can also be very expensive, and beyond the reach of most DIYers.

If your OBD2 scanner doesn't work make sure you check the voltage at terminal 16 (scan tool power) and terminal 4 (chassis ground). If they're all fine, a fuse may have been blown. This is the main reason for failure of the scan tool. It is usually easy to fix the problem by replacing the fuse that has blown.