remote keys no longer work - Benzworld.org

hiwaystar · 03-06-2008, 06:01 PM

my 2 keys will know longer lock or unlock car or arm the alarm system. everything works fine when locked with manual key. all this started tuesday night when i tried to unlock the car in a bad storm i already have changed the battery in one of them, any ideas anybody

ohlord · 03-06-2008, 07:55 PM

that the battery is installed properly in the key.If it is it might be a com problem in the system.Disconnect the battery neg lead through that little door in the rear pass foot well.step on the brakes for 30 seconds rehook up the neg lead,put the key in start the car turn the wheels all the way left to right a few times,enter the radio code and sync the windows and sunroof per the manual or in the tips or diy section.That will reset all the can bus systems and may solve the problem.

ohlord

classioldy · 03-07-2008, 11:25 PM

or it culd be a simpler solution to it!
depending on the model year `til 97you have to sit inside the car
and point the remote to the reciber in the rear view mirror and press the button twice whitin 30 sec.and put it in the switch on the no.2 position and let it sit for a few seconds.
on newer models simply stick the remote in the switch on #2 position(whitout turn the engine on) and whait few seconds
in both cases the remote reprogram it self.

bikedoctor · 07-23-2008, 05:03 PM

I know this isn't exactly along the lines of this thread, but I have searched to no avail for my particular situation. First off, I have only one keyfob (I know, I know). Prior to our leaving town a few days ago (in another car) the LED was dimly lit full time on the keyfob. Upon our return the LED was out. I assumed it was telling me the batt was dead. I went to the stealership today and had the batts replaced in the keyfob. To my surprise it was only $15. When I pressed the buttons, the LED lit up brighter than ever. I was happily on my way. This evening I pressed the button and it still flashes brightly. The car unlocks the doors and opens the trunk fine as well as lowering the windows/opening the sunroof by IR. What it doesn't do is "unzip" the ignition lock when inserted as it used to. I guess I'll order a key tomorrow, but is there anything else I can try? I plan on opening the key up as I can see how the stealership gained access and see if anything looks strange. I rubbed the windows on both key and ignition, but I've never, never had this issue at all prior, so I can't imagine that it just starts up now. Any thoughts from this knowledgebase?

**Musikmann** · 07-23-2008, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bikedoctor

...What it doesn't do is "unzip" the ignition lock when inserted as it used to...

That's a good way to describe the sound it makes when we insert the key. Are you saying that you cannot start the car as a result? From what I've read, the key will still start the car even with dead batteries. That's partly why the valet key (thin w/o batteries if your car came with one) will work for the valet but do nothing else.

bikedoctor · 07-23-2008, 07:53 PM

Correct. Key won't turn at all. So am I to believe that the IR port in the key and the IR port in the ignition serve no purpose or is it, perhaps, my key malfunctioning. I have no valet key, so I know not of what you speak. If a valet key functions perfectly aside from unlocking, why pay $200 for a new one? It just seems logical to me that something is up with the key getting "clearance" since the batts were just changed. Is there a procedure after changing batts?

**Musikmann** · 07-23-2008, 08:21 PM

In my opionion, your key is malfunctioning due to the crumpled metel contact strip you have. Because the valet key will only start the car, no lock/unlock, trunk open, panic, etc. There is no procedure to follow after changing batteries, it should still work.

bikedoctor · 07-23-2008, 09:21 PM

No valet key here to compare. I have a key that will do everything, but turn the ignition. I'm wanting a new key anyway, so we'll see what happens...

**Musikmann** · 07-24-2008, 03:15 PM

Good Luck, and the new chrome keys are nice.

me beautiful · 07-24-2008, 03:29 PM

Hello, I don't know about your key shape but I have an old model style, when you open it the coil at the end is quiete large (compare to the new teeny key in the chrome one). I had the same problem then yours and realise that the "hair thin" copper wire around the end was kind of disconnected. I took it off completely, weld it at one extremity, wrap it around the end snuggly, and weld the other end to the other side. I might not make much sense but if you open your key and look inside you might have the "large" coil at the end. Mine is a 1997 E300.This might be your solution. Just make sure the wire is welded properly and fit snuggly. All the best. Keep us inform. Olivier