Start the Car With a Dead Key Fob Battery

Last updated: June 12, 2026

The Abarth 595 (312, 2008–2022) — the hot version of the Fiat 500 in 595 and 695 trims — shares the 500’s key system: a conventional remote with a turn-key ignition barrel on the steering column. A dead fob battery is therefore a minor annoyance, not a breakdown. The flat coin cell only stops the remote lock and unlock buttons; the metal blade and the immobiliser chip in the key still work, so you unlock the door and start the engine exactly as normal. This guide covers both, and how to fit a fresh cell.

Starting the 595 With a Dead Fob

The Abarth 595 has a key barrel, so a flat fob does not stop you driving:

1. Unlock the driver’s door with the metal blade (steps below) and get in.
2. Insert the same key into the ignition barrel on the steering column.
3. Press the clutch (manual) or brake (Abarth Robotised auto) and turn the key to crank the engine.
4. The engine starts normally — the immobiliser reads the transponder in the key head, which needs no battery.

The only thing a dead fob costs you is remote central locking. The car drives exactly as before.

Unlocking the Door With the Emergency Blade

With a flat battery the remote buttons stop responding, so use the blade.

1. Slide the latch on the side of the fob and fold out (or pull out) the metal key blade.
2. Go to the driver’s door — the lock barrel is in or just behind the handle.
3. Insert the blade and turn to unlock.
4. This can set off the alarm; turning the ignition on with the recognised key clears it.

The Immobiliser Still Reads the Key

The 595’s immobiliser uses a passive transponder in the key, separate from the remote radio. When you turn the key, an antenna ring around the barrel energises that chip and reads its code to release the engine. Because the antenna powers the chip, a totally flat fob never prevents starting — it only kills the remote locking.

Replacing the Key Fob Battery

The Abarth 595 remote uses a single CR2032 3V lithium coin cell.

1. Slide the latch and remove the metal blade to release the case.
2. Prise the two halves of the fob apart at the seam with a thin coin or flat screwdriver.
3. Lift out the old CR2032 and fit the new one with the “+” side facing the same way.
4. Clip the case shut and refit the blade.
5. Press a button next to the car to confirm remote locking works again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a dead fob stop my Abarth 595 starting? No. The 595 uses a turn-key ignition, so it starts as normal — you only lose remote locking.

Which battery does the 595 key take? A CR2032 3V lithium coin cell.

My 595 cranks but won’t fire after the fob died — why? A flat fob can’t cause that on a turn-key car. Suspect the 12V battery, fuel pressure or the immobiliser, not the coin cell.

Is the door keyhole hidden on the 595? No — the driver’s door has a visible barrel in or behind the handle.

Does the 595 share its key with the Fiat 500? Yes, the 595 and 695 use the same key family and procedures as the 312-series Fiat 500, since they are the same car underneath.

If a warning light stayed on after a flat fob or weak 12V battery, you can look up exactly what the code means on our sister site autodtcs.com.