Thanks for commenting - I'll run this by the dealer. Wonder if the case you mention had not hit the 8-key limit...when there's key inventory, no problem with the coding (at least no problem that the $120 can't solve...) And you're right about the AAM; if that's the demon, there can be no lasting peace...
Just to throw my $0.02 in, this might not be a problem with the AAM itself. It is very rare for the AAM to fail, and when it does, there are usually other symptoms as well. Another culprit could be the “antenna� in the ignition switch. Each time you use your key, a new rolling code is written to the chip in the fob. There is an antenna device behind the ignition switch that performs this and also supplies power (via EMF radiation) to the chip in the key. If this antenna is defective, it could be failing to write the new rolling code. The dealer should be able to test to see if this is the case and if it is, they should be able to re-sync the keys with the AAM’s rolling code system. Again, just a thought.
Rudney might have a point. I had the same problem last year. At first the remote keys would only work if you were within a few feet. Then it got worse to the point of not working at all. Went to the dealer and he ordered new keys. It worked when I left the dealer and was not working when I got home. The dealer went on to change the AAM. Still not working. Finally the problem was with the antenna behind the dash board. The antenna was damaged by someone working behind the dash.
I have to believe that the problem was caused by a MB tech person. No one else has ever touched the car.
Actually, the antenna for RCL is different than the one for DAS, but the point is the same – key problems don’t always have to be with the key or the AAM as there are several other components involved.
From Stevem5 to everyone who's pitched in your ideas on this - thanks a million, and keep 'em coming. I'm running them all by the dealer and have MBenz N. America involved now. Trying, anyway: silence to date. Will post results when I have some. Thanks again. Steve
I found the following recalls which many people don't seem to be aware of. Just in case your VIN falls in the right range.
AC
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2005 ML 500
Black, 18" AMG Wheels, 285/60R18 Falken Ziex ST/Z + Bi-Xenons(+ Drew's e-code mod), Yakima roof bars. Former vehicle 2001 ML 320 with 108K miles, when traded, and a large repair/defect history. After 3 years of owning my current 2005 ML 500, it has become another unreiliable vehicle with a very large/expensive repair/defect history..
Note that the second bulletin is dealing with remote locking (RCL) failure and not drive authorization, but of course the remedy is the same – AAM and key replacement!
if you are still having problems with mb about your key issue, i can help you out a bit in terms of advice., first and foremost get on the horn with MBUSA, be polite at first, a couple times if u need to in fact, then you can let them have it, i got jerked around by my dealership, mbusa said they were going to do somethiung, then they didnt etc etc. finally i lost it on the phone, told them in reality they should be paying for my whole fix, and giving me a loaner for my 8 y/o car and that I believed i should sue. Well someone must have heard the recorded conversation up the ladder, b/c my supposedly unobtainable part showed up 2 days later at the dealership. I'm not sure if you have purchased more than one car from them, it may have helped my case a bit, and it could help yours.
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