[JapSpec]

I searched the forums already and couldn't find the issue.

My keyfob only unlocks the doors 3 meters from the car and locks the same distance.
I just changed the batteries out to new lithium ones and the strength has not changed

It seems like the red light on the keyfob has a delay. About 1 second after i press the buttons the red light flickers.

Where's the sensor located on the car?

Its a newer keyfob too. Is there only a certain distance the keyfob works?
and sometimes when i press the buttons the light doesn't flash.

Thanks

 

[Zack (CLK 430)]

Same issue here bro. About 20 feet or so is the farthest I have got mine to work. My parents' cars' fob works WAY farther than that. I have had the same batteries in it since I got it back in November of 2008. I don't know what is up? Anybody?

-Zack

 

[keyhole]

Where's the sensor located on the car?

Two systems at work here to lock/unlock doors & fuel cap.

1. IR receiver is located in driver's door handle (very short range) for convenience feature.

2. FM antenna is located in the roof. My own range is over 100 feet.

 

[Guiness]

You might want to try cleaning the contacts on your key fob on the battery spring. A little corrosion there could delay your light coming on, or not coming on at all.

 

[stim141]

Same problem with my 2000 CLK430 on range. Sometimes it has decent range sometimes it doesn't. When its colder the range seems better then when hot. Batteries new and get strong red LED on both keyfobs. Could be some problem with the receiver - also depends where you are standing. As long as it still works at say 20-30 feet I'm not going to go through the hassle to check it. From new the range wasn't all that great. Compared to my newish BMW X5 the range is way shorter. Range on the X5 is like 250 feet. Just don't leave the BMW fob in your pocket - did that during a rainstorm - was watching TV on the floor - car was outside - dropped all the windows and panoramic sunroof - flooded car - didn't realize it until the next morning. Spent the weekend sucking out ALL the moisture with a shop vac/etc. Had to pull all the carpets/seats, etc. No damage or mildew but won't do that again. Fortunately the MB won't do a full window open until you are pretty close to the driver's door.

 

[sfclk]

Same problem with my 2000 CLK430 on range. Sometimes it has decent range sometimes it doesn't. When its colder the range seems better then when hot. Batteries new and get strong red LED on both keyfobs. Could be some problem with the receiver - also depends where you are standing. As long as it still works at say 20-30 feet I'm not going to go through the hassle to check it. From new the range wasn't all that great. Compared to my newish BMW X5 the range is way shorter. Range on the X5 is like 250 feet. Just don't leave the BMW fob in your pocket - did that during a rainstorm - was watching TV on the floor - car was outside - dropped all the windows and panoramic sunroof - flooded car - didn't realize it until the next morning. Spent the weekend sucking out ALL the moisture with a shop vac/etc. Had to pull all the carpets/seats, etc. No damage or mildew but won't do that again. Fortunately the MB won't do a full window open until you are pretty close to the driver's door.

...to prevent something like that from happening is the reason why I think the mb key fobs only work within close range.

 

[Check Codes]

The replacement chrome keys have a greater range, so besides style you get something for your two-hundred-odd bucks. The original black plastic things...not much. Altitude helps, though; from twenty feet up the range on mine is about five times greater than when level with the car.

 

[JapSpec]

yea i got the chrome key.

Checked the whole thing. If i depress and hold the button the light comes on right away. If i just press it quick the delay happens.
The contacts are all shiny and new. No wear from pulling the unit apart yet.

Is the FM receiver for the remote visible??

 

[keyhole]

No. It's shown on the drawing at the front of the roof, near the top of the windscreen, with access via removal of the interior roof lining.