Unlock range reduced - NOT a battery issue.
12-09-2015, 01:19 PM
#1
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Unlock range reduced - NOT a battery issue.
Hi all,
I've got a 2005 E320 Estate and just recently the unlocking/locking range has reduced to a few inches, meaning that I have to have the key right up close to the sensor on the driver door handle. This happened simultaneously with both keys, but in the spirit of ruling out coincidences I replaced the batteries to confirm and the issue remained unresolved.
This suggests to me that the issue is with the receiver/antenna in the car.
There are no issues with starting the car, and no warnings about convenience features being disabled.
Thoughts? Comments?
Thanks in advance
I've got a 2005 E320 Estate and just recently the unlocking/locking range has reduced to a few inches, meaning that I have to have the key right up close to the sensor on the driver door handle. This happened simultaneously with both keys, but in the spirit of ruling out coincidences I replaced the batteries to confirm and the issue remained unresolved.
This suggests to me that the issue is with the receiver/antenna in the car.
There are no issues with starting the car, and no warnings about convenience features being disabled.
Thoughts? Comments?
Thanks in advance
12-09-2015, 01:25 PM
#2
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Slight amendment:
Since replacing the batteries, I can now unlock/lock from a range of ~25' but only when in direct line of sight with the driver door handle.
Since replacing the batteries, I can now unlock/lock from a range of ~25' but only when in direct line of sight with the driver door handle.
12-09-2015, 03:24 PM
#3
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1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
I am not good with electronics and radio frequencies, but common forum knowledge is that those keys have dual transmitting.
The one for locks has high range and the one for windows/sunroof operation need to be very close to the car.
Sounds like your long range transmitting quit.
Good luck figuring it out.
The one for locks has high range and the one for windows/sunroof operation need to be very close to the car.
Sounds like your long range transmitting quit.
Good luck figuring it out.
12-09-2015, 05:27 PM
#5
Out Of Control!!
Be very careful with poster 3--once again he is spammer and spreading false and misinformation on a MB basic system, the central locking system---FYI on lock and unlocking of all doors\trunks and tailgates both the RF signal and the IR signal are used.
Regarding the convenience features, the IR signals are used
Be vigilant.
Regarding the convenience features, the IR signals are used
Be vigilant.
12-09-2015, 05:34 PM
#6
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Yes I was aware of the dual signals. The symptoms indicate that the IR is working fine, I don't think this requires further explanation. It would appear to be an RF problem.
So the question remains, is the central locking module and radio receiver all in one unit?
So the question remains, is the central locking module and radio receiver all in one unit?
12-09-2015, 06:36 PM
#7
Out Of Control!!
Your google search for document GF8020P2002GM plus your manual will answer any rational questions you can think of regarding your cars central locking system!!
Last edited by Plutoe; 12-09-2015 at 08:00 PM.
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12-09-2015, 06:47 PM
#8
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Well, I didn't get any hits on the document, and the attachment is for an R-class, albeit many of the component locations would be the same.
12-09-2015, 06:51 PM
#9
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1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
12-10-2015, 10:41 AM
#11
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Well, I haven't been able to find any blown fuses, and the alarm siren works fine, so I don't think the issues encountered in the link in my prior post apply.
I think there is a good likelihood that my antenna module that has failed - having searched for this there is clearly a separate module from the central locking module. As it is a relatively inexpensive component, I'll just try swapping it out and see if that resolves the problem.
I think there is a good likelihood that my antenna module that has failed - having searched for this there is clearly a separate module from the central locking module. As it is a relatively inexpensive component, I'll just try swapping it out and see if that resolves the problem.
12-10-2015, 10:49 AM
#12
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1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
Did you try to search W210 topics? Those cars are very similar and when for some reasons not too many W211 owners research those cars, - W210 have very extensive database.
I found a topic about module on benzworld. IN STICKIES.
I found a topic about module on benzworld. IN STICKIES.
12-10-2015, 10:53 AM
#13
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Yeah, I'm just sort of pecking away at it. I found the location of the antenna module. It's in the driver side rear pillar near the roof.
06-23-2016, 03:45 AM
#14
Did you ever figure this out? I'm picking up a 2007 E350 Estate as well, which has similar issue. Now, I haven't gotten the car, so I don't know if it's the IR or the RF that's quitting. But owner complained about it sometimes not working, and told me battery is the issue - upon searches, I find the IR receiver maybe an issue, but then again, that would only impact convenience feature, not lock/unlock... so I'm guessing the RF would be it. Let me know if you have found a solution to this pls.
Thanks,
Thanks,
06-23-2016, 07:42 AM
#15
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If it's the radio receiver/transmitter module in the car, be prepared to spend a few hundred dollars on repairing it. I think the module is about $350 and replacing it will take a solid two hours or more. So at the dealer, it's going to cost about $1,000. At an independent, maybe $600-$700.
