turn key to position two, pull it out, within 10 seconds hold down the lock buttom and press the unlock button 5 times quick while still holding hte lock button. It shoudl resync right then.

 

nope this is the procedure that was in my manual, didnt work.

there was a diff. procedure that I used on another key which worked.

maybe my batteries are dead in this key.

 

nope this is the procedure that was in my manual, didnt work.

there was a diff. procedure that I used on another key which worked.

maybe my batteries are dead in this key.

We had the same issue, we put new batteries in and it still would not program, we had to have the dealership do it with the computer, $33

 

Where can I get a spare key cut?

When we bought our ML320, it only came with one key. I bought a new remote with uncut key off eBay recently, so I need to know if I can get the key copied at a locksmith or if I have to take it to the dealer. If dealer, anyone know by chance how much they'll charge?
Also, I tried the "hold LOCK down, press UNLOCK 5 times" method as well, but it didn't work for me.

 

I don't fancy your chances of getting the eBay key to work. You'd have to have a technician program the AAM to recognize the new key. But why would they do that for a dodgy key? They want you to order a new one through MB.

A locksmith couldn't copy the key. It's some sort of "laser cut" technology.

If you manage to get this eBay key to work, please let us know.

 

I tried the re-sync procedure too...Hold the lock button, then pressing the unlock, it locks or unlocks once after the performing the procedure, then the remote does not work, and to get it to lock or unlock, I have to do the procedure all over again...

I have not taken it to the dealership to see whats wrong, but so far its not a big hassle to lock my doors manually....I would love to use my remote again though!

 

Alryt mate did you get any further with this problem?, im having the exzact same issue:crybaby2:

 

Key Re-sychronization

ML key, just by looking at the markes and smallest radius is cut by 3/32" mill in mini milling machine and each one has it's own code for cutting program.
You can buy other remotes but you need to do little bit of homework "operation" on it. You have to transplant your original key and little black chip low frequency RFID transponder that has a fixed code for your car (to match ignition lock ring receiver) connected to your AAM all activity module. To do this, you have to open up the remote and re-glue it back together. I did it twice and both of my ML remotes are like brand new. I even tried to pull batteries out for 2 hours and remote did not need re-synchronization and worked fine. Same here, my 1999 ML320 owner's manual synchronization procedure is not working for me.
This is out of 1998 Intreduction to service book:
(I've scaned it but can't upload the page here, so this is what it says)
First procedure:
1. Turn key to position 2 then back to position 0 and remove it.
2. With in 60 sec. push the lock button and lift gate button at the same time for 15 sec.
3. Press any remote control button twice to activate the system.
Second procedure:
1. Turn key to pos.2 and back to pos. 0 and remove it.
2. with in 60 sec. press and hold the lock all button.
3. While the lock all button is depressed, press unlock button 5 consecutive times.
4. Press any RADIO remote button to activate the system.

It seems like some of you are not activating the system after re-synchronization and that could be why the remote will work for you only ones!
Regards,
Bernard

 

It seems like some of you are not activating the system after re-synchronization and that could be why the remote will work for you only ones!
Regards,
Bernard

Do you mean you bought the body of the key seperately and replaced the blade and the chip of original key?

Also how do you activate the system after re-sync? What Radio remote button?
I have a three keys that don't work right now form my 2001 ML320....:crybaby2:

 

Yes. I bought two nice remotes on e-bay in like-new condition, opened them up (by pre-heating them in lab oven to 180 deg. F for 10 min.) with razor blade. Removed key blade and small black transponder chip (not part of circuit board but loose by its self next to key spring mechanism) from my original and moved them both to donor remote then glued back both halfs with black loctite super glue. Pre-programmed chip is for starting your vehicle purpose and circuit board is there for opening your doors function. After inserting key into ignition, your vehicle's ignition collar receiver will recognize the original transponder chip, LED on dash will blink and All Activity Module will let you resynchronize the remote.
My manual is wrong. I found it now and here are my notes:
1. Close all doors.
2. Turn key to pos. 2 then to pos. 0 and remove.
3. Within 10 sec. press and hold lock button now press unlock 5 times.
4. Release the lock button.
5. PRESS TAIL GATE BUTTON TO END AND FINALIZE RESYNCHRONIZATION!
This last step is the most important that some guys missed in their procedure and it's not mentioned in owner's manual!
2001 may be diferent then my 1999 but I would try it out.
Good luck, Bernard

 

where is tail gate button? you mean the trunk unlock button on the remote or in the car?

 

On the remote key.

 

Yes, tail gate button of the remote control.

 

Sync'ing new keys

Unfortunately, the key has to be an original or MB replacement to be sync'd. An Ebay or used key will need to be recognized by the AAM via the OBII plug. Once the key is recognized, it can be sync'd when needed.
If there is a way to connect the remote and car without placing it in the key programmer, I really want to know.
I have several used remotes that MB refuses to program. They say it's against their policy to do so.
The tech said all the new replacement keys are designed to not work with the cheap Chinese programmer, since this has become a worldwide issue with their keys. What pain in the ass.

 

dude - you like live in like hawaii - what do you want with keys?
just leave the car unlocked & key in the ignition
who is gonna steal yer benz.
and if they do ... where are they going to go (hehe) :yelrotflmao:

 

The used key will get recognized by AAM with your original key in the ignition and original transponder chip next to receiver that is build into ignition lock ring. I have tried holding original transponder in my hand while inserting used FOB with my original key and it was not recognized untill I installed the chip into key FOB enclosure to be very near to ignition lock collar and then it worked fine. One of my original remotes had broken off one integrated circuit from the board and I did not have to resolder it back on, because the board from other used remote was synchronized just fine with AAM in my ML.
Bernard

 

This may be off the thread, but my car stopped automatic lock when drive above 15mph, then about two weeks later my key stopped working. Is this two different prombem, like AAM and key? or AAM only?

Also, dealer near me told me the key is $375 including programming. :crybaby2: Do I really have to pop out $400 for key replacement?

 

Where are you located. Keys here in Wisconsin are less than $200 including
programming. I think your dealer is being a bit ambitious on the price.

 

Is there anything else we can check regarding the keyless entry/alarm in regards to it not working (Key fob wont sync, alarm wont arm, etc)
I bought the vehicle used with dead batteries in the key fob. I replaced them and tried to re-sync and it didn't work. Got another remote out of a wrecked ML and tried to sync it and still no luck.
My light blinks on the dash when my key is in the ignition.
Where do I go from here, besides the dealer. Any help would be awesome.:surrender:

 

I was quoted $150 here in Barrington ILLINOIS, plus $40 for programing.
Used remote out of another ML will have to have your original transponder and key installed into it before re-synchronization. Done it twice with success and both of them are working fine for over a year, looking brand new for less then $30 each off of e-bay!
Bernard

 

Used remote out of another ML will have to have your original transponder and key installed into it before re-synchronization. Done it twice with success and both of them are working fine for over a year, looking brand new for less then $30 each off of e-bay!
Bernard

are you saying if I transfer the transponder and the key to used key bought from ebay or such and go thru re-sync process, the key works? do I don't have to go to dealer to get it programmed? I have three keys that don't work right now....:crybaby2:

Also, how do you open the key?

 

Correct! I thought I've reply to you on mercedesforum. I'll check the Star manual if the synchronization for MY99 is same as for your MY01.
Bernard

 

Pressing the trunk key to finalize the syncronization didn't work.
Looks like I need new keys....anyway, I am asking again.

How do you open the key? Where do you split to remove transponder and blade?

 

Mbenz, what do you attribute being able to resync with tranferring the transponder(?) and key to a used MB remote?
Todesto: same here, tried resync process with final pressing truck lock. Did not work.

What I don't understand is how to know whether it is the FOB or AAM.

 

2001 have the same re-synchronization procedure as 1999 but the last final step to end programing could be any one of the three buttons: lock, unlock or tail gate.
With transfering key and tranponder to diferent remote I have eliminated posibility of my circuit board of the remote control being bad (unable to receive programing signal from AAM) since one surfaced mount chip of the circuit board was broken loose in my remote and when I shaked it, I could hear it moving around inside of the remote before I have opened it up.
It would be same thing if I would just transplant the circuit board to my remote but my buttons were in the bad shape (beat up) and I want newer outside shell, that is why I trasfered over my key with chip.
If your remote is looking good, you could just replace the circuit board in it.
Damage to board could accure from water, incorrect battery insertion or mechanical, as in my case, with broked off component possibly from dropping it.
Programming should cost only $40 as I was quoted but I've try to take my chances with used remote purchase first and when it worked, I was watching for nice looking second unit to upgrade and also it worked with no problems.
Good luck,
Bernard