[Omar]

Hello group,
I just received a new remote key directly from Germany (Truck is a 2002 400CDI and was bought in Europe and is Euro spec).

Anyway, I programmed it per the pertinent section in the owners manual (The part about turning the on switch to position 2 then off, then take key out and within 60 seconds press lock and keep on pressing it and while doing that press unlock 5 times then release, then pressing any button on the remote for final activation).

The problem is that the key will not lock\unlock the truck but it will turn the truck on and the truck will not die moments after that!

The reason I know that, is that I thought it was cheap insurance to have a couple keys cut (just the blade part) in case I lose the originals. This way I can gain access to the inside of the truck. Those keys do unlock the door (not without tripping the Alarm) and do start the engine but the engine dies in just a few seconds.

I also know that the programming sequence I used was correct because the one key I received with the truck had a weak battery and it would not work after replacing the batteries until I reprogrammed it per the instructions above (Actually I think it is not the key being programmed but the transmitter receiver part somewhere under the dash).

I am aware of the maximum number of 8 keys which can be recognized by the system but it is so unlikely that a not so old a truck would have had all 8 exhausted!! And if this is the scenario how can the new key turn it on and keep on doing so?! Or is there a different kind of programming for a "new" new key?? At the dealer for instance?!

Thanks for all the help you have given me in the past few years and I apologize for a long post.
[:I]

 

[Omar]

Correction! []
When I said "programming" in my last post, I actually meant to say "Synchronizing"!
I apologize for the confusion.

Hence, my question should be, is there a step prior to synchronizing a brand new key? Maybe programming the new key at the dealer?!

As always, thank you all.

 

[rudeney]

It sounds like you are following the correct procedures for programming the remote control portion of the key. Maybe the battery is dead or the buttons are not functioning? Does the red indicator light next to the radio blink at all when you try to synchronize?

As for the comment about the maximum of 8 keys, that has nothing to do with the remote control locking (RCL) function. The Drive Authorization System (DAS) is a totally separate function of the key. DAS programming on a MY2002 can only be performed by the factory, so the key would have come (as you have found) ready for operating the ignition.

I would first try replacing the battery. If that does not work, then I’d have the key replaced. I assume that you would not be able to go to the dealer since you have a “gray market� ML. Which, by the way, how the heck did you do that? I tried to pull all the strings I could find to get a CDI in the US!

- RODNEY

 

[Red Wagon]

Hi, I went though the same problem one month ago when i bought my wife a 2000 ML320 . It had only one key . I bought one at the dealer for $153.00 i tried to sycronize the remote and it did'nt work . I had to take the ml 320 to the dealer to match the remote to the suv . they connected some big computer to the inside of the suv in the diagnastic plug . They did'nt let me see what they did to it .The MB dealer parts manager in the South Texas where i bought the key did'nt charge me for this work. The helper on parts department wanted to charge $30.00 to do this. ML320 2000

 

[Red Wagon]

Where did you buy this spare key and how much was it? I payed $153.00 at the MB dealer. Thank you, Steve

 

[Omar]

rudeney - 3/16/2005 3:47 PM

I would first try replacing the battery. If that does not work, then I’d have the key replaced. I assume that you would not be able to go to the dealer since you have a “gray market� ML. Which, by the way, how the heck did you do that? I tried to pull all the strings I could find to get a CDI in the US!

- RODNEY

Rodney, thanks for the clarification, it was not clear to me that there are at least two systems for the key to interact with.
As for your question about whether or not the red light next to the radio blinks, no it does not! I also tested the batteries with a battery tester and they show maximum charge.
Of course I could try replacing them with brand new ones just in case but I truly feel stupid doing so when the tester shows them to be fully charged.

Finally, the truck is NOT in the US yet and it maybe a while before it is but hope does spring eternal.

Thanks for the input.

 

[Omar]

Red Wagon - 3/19/2005 9:36 AM

Where did you buy this spare key and how much was it? I payed $153.00 at the MB dealer. Thank you, Steve

Hi Steve,
The key was bought by the German dealer on my behalf from MB in Germany after I strongly objected to having only one key!
He told me at the time that I cost him an amount in Euros not far from dollar amount you mentioned (around 187 Dollars).