Hi Folks,

Not been on in a while

Hope you all had a fab Christmas

Anyway, yesterday while out in my 1.2 Lounge my remote fob stopped working. It worked fine when I got in the car and locked it when I had got where I was going but when I went to open it up again to go home - nothing happened. Annoyingly I had a boot packed full of shopping at the time!

I put in a new battery but to no avail. I tested the battery that was in it before in something else and it worked fine so I know it's not the battery.

A couple of questions to help me make the right decision...........

I've seen a couple of places advertising that they can repair key fobs so you don't have to buy a new one. Would you recommend this or should I run for the hills?!

Is there any way I can tell whether it is actually the fob which is broken as I don't want to shell out on sorting the fob if it turns out to be the remote receiver or something like that?

Obviously I'm trying to avoid paying dealer prices if I can but on the other hand I don't want to get it all wrong by trying to cut corners.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

Warranty?

306maxi said:

Warranty?

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No Maxi it's not under any warranty unfortunately

Ah. Take it to a specialist electronic repairer then would be my advice

How much does a new key cost?

Told by the salesman when I collected mine "don't lose this key, its $300 for a new one, and the service key is $100"

That's pricey ... A repair, if it can be repaired can cost as well - may have to just get the new coded key...

PsFiat said:

That's pricey ... A repair, if it can be repaired can cost as well - may have to just get the new coded key...

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Probably something as simple as a loose connection which will be sorted for practically nothing

thedebonair said:

Is there any way I can tell whether it is actually the fob which is broken as I don't want to shell out on sorting the fob if it turns out to be the remote receiver or something like that?

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Excellent question - you are thinking like I would.

Most places that have anything to do with keys will have a detector that will show if the remote is putting out a signal, and may be able to read quite a bit of information from that signal. It only takes them a few seconds and generally speaking, I'd expect them to do that for you for free - it's the first thing they'd do if you took in an unknown remote & asked if they could replicate it.

So hop down to your local Timpsons or similar & they just might be able to tell you if it's the key, or the receiver in the car. If you go to one of Timpsons Auto Specialist stores, they may have more capable diagnostic & key programming equipment.

This link will help you find a Timpsons Auto Specialist near you.

This isn't a recommendation as I've never used them, but it's the first place I'd start.

Whilst we're on the topic of 500 key fobs, does anybody know how you can remove the FIAT badge and replace it? I've got a new badge as the old one is worn, but wondered if there's a knack to getting the old one off? Is it an 'unscrew the whole key' jobby? Ta.

Any good locksmith should be able to tell you if the remote is sending a signal.
Most wont charge you.
If offered, I tell my customers to put a pound in the blind box.

mister500 said:

Whilst we're on the topic of 500 key fobs, does anybody know how you can remove the FIAT badge and replace it? I've got a new badge as the old one is worn, but wondered if there's a knack to getting the old one off? Is it an 'unscrew the whole key' jobby? Ta.

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It requires some disassembly but the badge has tabs which fold to hold it on iirc

It used to be the case that each time the remote was used, it sent a slightly different signal, calculated by a complicated algorithm. This prevents people scanning the signal and transmitting it again later in order to gain entry to your car. This is why the key and car have to be matched. It is common for us to press the fob buttons when away from the car, in our pocket, just carrying it, etc. If we do this enough times the fob would be out of sync with the car. The usual trick then is to press the fob 3-5 times near the car, as then the car computer will accept it as the mathematical sequence will match what is expected. This is also sometimes necessary if two remotes are owned but one seldom used. I cannot find any reference to this in my Panda handbook, but it might be worth a try.

I have a Seat, it will quite often do this usually when i have my arms full or its raining! After opening the door manually I have to put the key in the ignition turn it on, while its inserted depress and hold the "door open" button on the key for 10 seconds,turn off and remove. Works every time. maybe worth a try....

Erm, that's if there is a way to unlock manually....

Hi Iam new to the forum,and I may be able to help regarding key fob not working.

1/First off make sure the key fob battery is giving 3 volts or more.
2/ check fuse as not blown for central locking, if it as blown 20 amp yellow fuse
then more than likely the wiring for the boot hatch is damaged inside the rubber gaitor top left when hatch open.

Mine was totaly ruined, only two wires were not broken(poor quality wires).
So these need reconecting preferably solder them, make sure each wire is then insulated to prevent shorting out on another wire.

Now tape up all wires with insulating tape.

With that sorted you may find that the key fob buttons does not operate the locks, so fob has to be programmed.

Dont worry you dont have to pay a arm and leg at Fiat dealers, just follow this below.

You need two keys, the one without buttons is ok. Put into the drivers door lock the one without buttons and turn key to lock the door, and keep pressure on the key in lock position, now whilst doing this press the lock button on the other key fob. If you cannot hear the electric locking click then remove key from lock then repeat same procedure until you hear the lock click electrically. Mine I had to do 2 or 3 times for the programing to complete.

Now you should be able to lock and unlock all locks using remote key fob

Ade:wave:

Do bear in mind something near home and car this particular time has made remote inoperable. Just drive back to where it last worked. If it doesn't then maybe an issue. Battery change wil need to be followed by key in ignition and car started. Resynched my Punto over a decade ago. Lucky guess in the end.