1999 ML430 key remote programming help

[MikeC825]

My wife and daughter broke down out of state and had problems which required DAS module replacement because it was losing key codes......after $799 they were fine. The mech also ordered a new spare key/remote which was mailed. However, the key itself works but the remote does not. After talking to him on the phone, he now states I would have to bring it to a dealer to get programmed. Is there a procedure That I can follow and do it myself?? Appreciate any help as I can't really spend much more on this and I am sure it would be $100 at MB. Thanks Mike

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[c3212571]

Make sure you have brand new (2)#2025 batteries in the fob.
1.Hold down lock button on key fob
2.While holding lock button, hit unlock button five times
3.Release all buttons and hit any button on key fob
Note:1-3 steps within 7 seconds.

[MikeC825]

I will give that a try!

Do you know if that has any affect on the original remote? Eg: will they both operate?

Either way, I will be using the new one so I'll go forward with it.

And just one other question........Hopefully that is not the same key codes that he replaced the DAS module on.

Because he really confused me with the repair ( I was over the phone only , as my wife and daughter were there.
There was a part that he could not get and only replaced the part # 163 545 40 32 ( it is a small box on a wire to a circular piece).
And made them sign that they agreed to only replace that........He talked about getting around it by reprogramming ?? I had no idea.

That part was supposed to be expensive in his quote, but his time to program it increased the cost.

But appreciate your reply! Mike

[MikeC825]

Originally Posted by c3212571

Make sure you have brand new (2)#2025 batteries in the fob.
1.Hold down lock button on key fob
2.While holding lock button, hit unlock button five times
3.Release all buttons and hit any button on key fob
Note:1-3 steps within 7 seconds.

I forgot to ask in my last reply to you. Does the key need to be inserted in the ignition?

[c3212571]

It's just a standard way to re-sync the key to the car

[Mike's ML]

Originally Posted by MikeC825

After talking to him on the phone, he now states I would have to bring it to a dealer to get programmed.

Yes, that is correct. The AAM's DAS must be programmed at the dealer with both the key and vehicle together.
Mike

[c3212571]

"However, the key itself works but the remote does not"
key starts car but remote function for the lock/unlock/hatch does not work?

[Mike's ML]

I checked the part number that they replaced and 163 545 40 32 is NOT the AAM or DAS. In the 1999 ML the AAM and DAS are the same module.
The part they replaced is only the RFID pickup coil which goes around the ignition lock and is what activates and reads the RFID chip in the key. If that is all they replaced then all your old keys should still work. That part should have not cost $799 + programming + labor.

Hwever you state that they did some re-programming. They may have needlessly programmed new keys into the AAM/DAS unless all your keys lost synchronization with the AAM/DAS.

I am assuming that the key that they mailed to you was a complete unit, meaning the black part with the remote buttons and the metal key blade. If so the only way the "key" can start and run the engine is to have had the black remote part of the key in their possession when your ML was in the shop in order to program the RFID to the DAS.

So I am still confused as to how they accomplished that and mailed you a key at a later date.
Several things that you said the dealer told you just doesn't add up.

What they may have done was to program the black remote part's RFID/AAM/DAS, when they had your vehicle then ordered the Key Blade and put the two together for you then mailed that complete unit. The Tech may have simply forgot to program the remote entry functions at that time. Now that makes sense. (sorry for the run on sentence)

Now having said all that I agree with c3212571 in that all you need to do is follow his instructions for programming the remote entry functions.
Mike

[MikeC825]

Here is what is on the Repair invoice:
(1) module 1635459132 DAS module 199.00
Labor, perform diag and found DTC's in engine Control Module ME P0156,P1570 & P0161
In AAM fount DTC's B1858,B1786, B1419, B1703 & B1783

Replacing the DAS Module due to engine control Module kept losing DAS codes.
Customer agreed to replace just the DAS module to be able to drive home ( they were stranded there for 3 days and there was a part he could not get.......that is what he said there was a programming work around that he could do, and did (??)

In addition, we got the spare key sent to us as we live out od State where the repair was done.


That was the remote and cut key........the key works but the remote functions do not.
Total bill was $799.58 plus the tow paid.
That's what I am trying to get to work

Because I was not there and had very little contact with him, I honestly don't know what was done. It started when the car would start and shut right down.......then I believe it did nothing later on.

The 163 545 40 32 I got off the only old part he left in the car. ( thats the part I had desribed........Don't think anything else was replaced as there was something he could not get within a reasonable time with them already stranded 3 days( it was a rebuilt/reconditioned part)

Hopefully what ever he did/or did not do won't come back and haunt us again either.

Appreciate your opinion And haven't had luck yet with the remote. Later, I will try that procedure CL proposed with the key in ignition Position 1

[MikeC825]

And the key came directly from MB as far as I remember........I doubt that they had the key at the same time the car was there. My wife understood it was to be ordered and sent to us.

It troubles me even more when you guys are confused over what he did.

I personally think we were taken over the barrel ( 2 girls broken down out of State)

[MikeC825]

The dates on the Dealer tag on the key is 2 days after they drove away.

[Mike's ML]

Mike, the 163 545 91 32 is Not a DAS module and is not listed as such in the Mercedes parts catalog.

The 163 545 91 32 is just the current version of the 163 545 40 32 RFID pickup coil that was left in your ML.

The DAS alone cannot be changed in your 1999 ML since it is integral to the AAM which is a very expensive module. Certainly much more than $199.
The $199 sounds more like the 163 545 91 32 pickup coil that they changed.
I ask, since you have the old pickup coil, do you think it's worth $199? That's probably the official list, Mercedes screw the customer, price.
However I will say that installation of this part is a real PITA ($$$$).

As far as the source of the mailed key and how they got it programmed into your vehicle's AAM is a mystery. I don't know what they did. As long as it works you should be good.

A replacement key can be as much as $250 at some dealers and some charge an additions $100 for AAM programming.

RFID pickup coil....$199
Install labor.........$250
New Key.............$250
AAM programming.$100
........................====
........................$799

I can see the $799 price even though it's a little steep.
My feeling is that you were not royally screwed. Only a little bit.

I sympathize. I went through the same thing with my 98ML, only under warranty, thankfully.

My advice -- file the bill away only if you need it for future documentation, kiss the $800 good by, relax and forget about it.

As far as the keyless entry programming I have heard so many different procedures I don't know which is correct. I have also heard that the driver's door needs to be open or closed, I can't remember which.

Mike

[MikeC825]

If it stays fine , your right,it is over............

The only thing now is I have a new key that works in the doors and ignition, but the remote is not functional.

I don't see it worth another $100 to bring it somewhere else unless I do get it to work with that procedure.

If not, when we get do to see our son again, I'll stop in and hopefully talk him into finishing the job!

Thanks again mike

[Mike's ML]

Mike,
Here are my online service manual instructions for my 05ML.
I think a few steps were eliminated in previous posts.

1) put key in ignition and turn to position 2.
2) turn key to off position
3) remove key from ignition
4) press and hold Lock button
5) press Unlock button 5 times
6) release all buttons
7) press Lock or Unlock 1 time
All this has to be done fairly rapidly.


[Then run around ML in a clockwise direction 3 times and 2 times in a counter clockwise direction. You may want to eliminate this step or your neighbors will think you are loosing your mind.]

Hay -- I'm trying to lighten your day.

[NOTE: The instructions should be in your owners manual]

Mike

[MikeC825]

Appreciate it.......

Getting dark out here, I'll give that a shot in the Morning.

Appreciate it.........I may skip that last step with all the ice here, I'll slip and have another $799 bill!

Thanks again............If you think of anything else.........please let me know

I never thought to look for something like that in the owners manual...........and I don't have a service manual.

Thanks again

[cmitch]

Originally Posted by MikeC825

If it stays fine , your right,it is over............

The only thing now is I have a new key that works in the doors and ignition, but the remote is not functional.

I don't see it worth another $100 to bring it somewhere else unless I do get it to work with that procedure.

If not, when we get do to see our son again, I'll stop in and hopefully talk him into finishing the job!

Thanks again mike

Take the new key to your dealer, or another dealer for that matter. All you say is "My new key just came in that I ordered and now I need you to program it." DON'T tell them you didn't buy it there if it's another dealer. Act as if you did and USUALLY the dealer will program free of charge. Mine did.

[edwinnjara]

hi.also i ,i do not know how to program the new remote key of ml 320

[edwinnjara]

hi guyz ,i am a new member ,so i hope i can get more issue from you about mercedesbenz

[Maj. Dundee]

Originally Posted by edwinnjara

hi guyz ,i am a new member ,so i hope i can get more issue from you about mercedesbenz

Mike's ML, supplied the procedure in post #14. Have you read things?

[dfghhgfd]

Sounds like for the most part this is solved other than programing. But just for your peice of mind MikeC825, here is a picture and location of part 163 545 91 32 and the supposed cost in 2012.