Remote starter for Mercedes with Smartkey
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Chicagoland Area
2008 C300 4matic
Just finished the SmartKey and SmartStart install.
Very easy, is literally plug & play.
The SmartKey only took 10-15 min, beginning to end, and works flawlessly.
The SmartStart [module to start car from iPhone] took over an hour to install.
You have to hard-wire in the SmartStart module for constant 12VDC power. What took me so long was looking for somewhere to tap off the power from without having to cut into factory wiring. I read somewhere in one of the forums that the US C300's don't have fuse panels inside the cabin, but the owners manual (that clearly says on the back it's the US version) gives instructions on removing the driver-side dash panel.... trust me it's not there. It drove me nuts taking off the panel only to find it blank behind it.
Cartonics recommended to tap the 12VDC of the white harness that plugs into the SmartKey module. A little time with the multimeter and I was in business. Use ScotchLocks to tap the wires. After you verify the LEDs light solid amber and green on the SmartStart call Cartonics and they'll help you activate it. That only took 5 minutes. It's a trip to stand outside your own car and watch as someone over the phone locks the doors & start the motor.
LOVE IT!
Thanks to Scott and Brian at Cartonics for your help over the phone!
I found out there's a subscription cost for the SmartStart [iPhone module] because it's basically a small phone that's communicating thru a wireless network. Cost wasn't too bad; $49.99/yr or $119.00/3 years.
Thanks again Cartonics! We'll definitely be doing business again!
Very easy, is literally plug & play.
The SmartKey only took 10-15 min, beginning to end, and works flawlessly.
The SmartStart [module to start car from iPhone] took over an hour to install.
You have to hard-wire in the SmartStart module for constant 12VDC power. What took me so long was looking for somewhere to tap off the power from without having to cut into factory wiring. I read somewhere in one of the forums that the US C300's don't have fuse panels inside the cabin, but the owners manual (that clearly says on the back it's the US version) gives instructions on removing the driver-side dash panel.... trust me it's not there. It drove me nuts taking off the panel only to find it blank behind it.
Cartonics recommended to tap the 12VDC of the white harness that plugs into the SmartKey module. A little time with the multimeter and I was in business. Use ScotchLocks to tap the wires. After you verify the LEDs light solid amber and green on the SmartStart call Cartonics and they'll help you activate it. That only took 5 minutes. It's a trip to stand outside your own car and watch as someone over the phone locks the doors & start the motor.
LOVE IT!
Thanks to Scott and Brian at Cartonics for your help over the phone!
I found out there's a subscription cost for the SmartStart [iPhone module] because it's basically a small phone that's communicating thru a wireless network. Cost wasn't too bad; $49.99/yr or $119.00/3 years.
Thanks again Cartonics! We'll definitely be doing business again!
Last edited by cunha1679; Mar 2, 2012 at 02:39 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Chicagoland Area
2008 C300 4matic
An update after a month-and-half of use:
I love the convenience of the remote start ... When it works. I'd say it works 85% of the time. Sometimes when I try to start it, the side mirror lights flash a few times then nothing happens (doesn't matter if I'm using my iPhone or key FOB). I know the cars not out of range because all the other functions still work (like opening the trunk, and locking & unlocking the car). I have to run out to my car, put the key in the tumbler and start it with the key. After i turn it off the remote start works again.
A friend of mine has this installed on his 06 E350 and runs into the same problem. Im going to call Cartonics this weekend to troubleshoot the problem. The only caveat is that it's an intermittent problem, so the issue may not present itself when I'm on the phone with them, and it'll be difficult to verify the issue is truly resolved because it comes & goes.
I love the convenience of the remote start ... When it works. I'd say it works 85% of the time. Sometimes when I try to start it, the side mirror lights flash a few times then nothing happens (doesn't matter if I'm using my iPhone or key FOB). I know the cars not out of range because all the other functions still work (like opening the trunk, and locking & unlocking the car). I have to run out to my car, put the key in the tumbler and start it with the key. After i turn it off the remote start works again.
A friend of mine has this installed on his 06 E350 and runs into the same problem. Im going to call Cartonics this weekend to troubleshoot the problem. The only caveat is that it's an intermittent problem, so the issue may not present itself when I'm on the phone with them, and it'll be difficult to verify the issue is truly resolved because it comes & goes.
Last edited by cunha1679; Apr 12, 2012 at 01:32 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 57
Likes: 1
From: MBAY CA
1998 Acura Integra GSR-T
An update after a month-and-half of use:
I love the convenience of the remote start ... When it works. I'd say it works 85% of the time. Sometimes when I try to start it, the side mirror lights flash once then nothing happens (doesn't matter if I'm using my iPhone or key FOB). I know the cars not out of range because all the other functions still work (like opening the trunk, and locking & unlocking the car). I have to run out to my car, put the key in the tumbler and start it with the key. After i turn it off the remote start works again. A friend of mine has this installed on his 06 E350 and runs into the same problem. Im going to call Cartonics this weekend to troubleshoot the problem. The only caveat is that it's an intermittent problem, so the issue may not present itself when I'm on the phone with them, and it'll be difficult to verify the issue is truly resolved because it comes & goes.
I love the convenience of the remote start ... When it works. I'd say it works 85% of the time. Sometimes when I try to start it, the side mirror lights flash once then nothing happens (doesn't matter if I'm using my iPhone or key FOB). I know the cars not out of range because all the other functions still work (like opening the trunk, and locking & unlocking the car). I have to run out to my car, put the key in the tumbler and start it with the key. After i turn it off the remote start works again.
A friend of mine has this installed on his 06 E350 and runs into the same problem. Im going to call Cartonics this weekend to troubleshoot the problem. The only caveat is that it's an intermittent problem, so the issue may not present itself when I'm on the phone with them, and it'll be difficult to verify the issue is truly resolved because it comes & goes.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Chicagoland Area
2008 C300 4matic
Thanks for the input man
Unfortunately I don't have the Keyless Go system, so don't believe we have the same issue.
I've never had a problem starting my car with the FOB directly connected to the ignition tumbler though. Thanks again tho man. Any and all input is appreciated.
****
I came out of work tonight and waited until I was in front of my car to use the remote start. The side view mirrors flashed a few times but it didn't start again
I could have really used it tonight too because it's getting chilli in Chicagoland recently.... oh well....
I'll let everyone know how the troubleshooting goes.
Unfortunately I don't have the Keyless Go system, so don't believe we have the same issue.
I've never had a problem starting my car with the FOB directly connected to the ignition tumbler though. Thanks again tho man. Any and all input is appreciated.
****
I came out of work tonight and waited until I was in front of my car to use the remote start. The side view mirrors flashed a few times but it didn't start again
I could have really used it tonight too because it's getting chilli in Chicagoland recently.... oh well....
I'll let everyone know how the troubleshooting goes.
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: NW Chiburb
04 E500
If you haven't been following this forum lately you may have missed this and other posts related to Cartronics. See https://mbworld.org/forums/audio-ele...eo-mb-4-a.html. Chances that you'll be able to do any troubleshooting this weekend seem pretty slim.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
ml450
We can help you trouble shoot the issue, however the number of flashes that you receive when attempting to remote start your vehicle are very important to getting to the bottom of what is going on.
Here is a copy/paste from the owners manual indicating what the problem may be.
Here is a copy/paste from the owners manual indicating what the problem may be.
When the remote start function terminates, the parking lights will flash a specific number of times to indicate the reason for shutdown:
3 flashes: Normal Shutdown
5 flashes: Exceeded maximum number of remote starts
6 flashes: Foot brake was depressed
7 flashes: Hood opened
8 flashes: Engine RPM too high
9 flashes: Engine failed to start
10 flashes: Communication Error
3 flashes: Normal Shutdown
5 flashes: Exceeded maximum number of remote starts
6 flashes: Foot brake was depressed
7 flashes: Hood opened
8 flashes: Engine RPM too high
9 flashes: Engine failed to start
10 flashes: Communication Error
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Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Chicagoland Area
2008 C300 4matic
If you haven't been following this forum lately you may have missed this and other posts related to Cartronics. See https://mbworld.org/forums/audio-ele...eo-mb-4-a.html. Chances that you'll be able to do any troubleshooting this weekend seem pretty slim.
We can help you trouble shoot the issue, however the number of flashes that you receive when attempting to remote start your vehicle are very important to getting to the bottom of what is going on.
Here is a copy/paste from the owners manual indicating what the problem may be.
Here is a copy/paste from the owners manual indicating what the problem may be.
I'll check the exact amount of flashes to see what could have possibly caused he issue.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,430
Likes: 12
From: Cleveland Ohio
beater with a heater
I just want to say that with my other remote start experience in a MB, I liked the idea that if I wanted to run into the store really quick, I can pull back on the cruise control stalk and the remote start will keep the car running, remove key, lock door... come out, it is still running and nice and cool inside...
Please add this to the remote starts.... and dont tell me know one asked, as we all know they didnt know... now the cat is out of the bag!!!
I will wait for the call from Dan
Please add this to the remote starts.... and dont tell me know one asked, as we all know they didnt know... now the cat is out of the bag!!!
I will wait for the call from Dan
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Chicagoland Area
2008 C300 4matic
We can help you trouble shoot the issue, however the number of flashes that you receive when attempting to remote start your vehicle are very important to getting to the bottom of what is going on.
Here is a copy/paste from the owners manual indicating what the problem may be.
When the remote start function terminates, the parking lights will flash a specific number of times to indicate the reason for shutdown:
3 flashes: Normal Shutdown
5 flashes: Exceeded maximum number of remote starts
6 flashes: Foot brake was depressed
7 flashes: Hood opened
8 flashes: Engine RPM too high
9 flashes: Engine failed to start
10 flashes: Communication Error
Here is a copy/paste from the owners manual indicating what the problem may be.
When the remote start function terminates, the parking lights will flash a specific number of times to indicate the reason for shutdown:
3 flashes: Normal Shutdown
5 flashes: Exceeded maximum number of remote starts
6 flashes: Foot brake was depressed
7 flashes: Hood opened
8 flashes: Engine RPM too high
9 flashes: Engine failed to start
10 flashes: Communication Error
This is becoming very frustrating. MidCity, any help you can provide is greatly appreciated. I'm starting to think I made a mistake purchasing the MidCity module. I've heard there's another version by a different manufacturer that doesn't have this issue. I feel I paid way too much for this not to be working. Please help! 
Last edited by cunha1679; Jul 24, 2012 at 02:40 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,430
Likes: 12
From: Cleveland Ohio
beater with a heater
happens all the time the remote starter is out of sync with the key. once the car has been running for over a minute and you turn it off, take the key out, lock walk away, come back later, you can start it and stop it several times. now if you do the same thing as above and don't let the car run for more than 30 seconds and take the key out it won't remote start because it basically needs to learn the next few key cycle codes. in a nut shell.
I just went through this with a client of mine and killed audiofyl with emails.
i emailed him this :
I believe I might know the issue
please try this
1. turn the valet switch off
2. start the vehicle with the key and let run for 2 minutes
3. turn off vehicle and let sit for 10 minutes locked
4. unlock and start with key
5. while running turn on valet switch
6. let vehicle run for 2 minutes
7. turn vehicle off get out and lock it
8. press panic button for 1 second (it should remote start)
9. unlock, insert key, turn to on position, press brake and shift into drive
What I believe the issue is that the key is out of sync with the ignition cylinder. The key always needs to be inserted and turned to the on position for about 1 minute. This enables the key cylinder to read the next encrypted start commands (there is only 5-7) if you turn on and then turn off, most likely the key is not able to generate the codes resulting in the problems you are having
and he responded that it is all good... this also works for not shifting out of park
I am assuming this is the C300?
I just went through this with a client of mine and killed audiofyl with emails.
i emailed him this :
I believe I might know the issue
please try this
1. turn the valet switch off
2. start the vehicle with the key and let run for 2 minutes
3. turn off vehicle and let sit for 10 minutes locked
4. unlock and start with key
5. while running turn on valet switch
6. let vehicle run for 2 minutes
7. turn vehicle off get out and lock it
8. press panic button for 1 second (it should remote start)
9. unlock, insert key, turn to on position, press brake and shift into drive
What I believe the issue is that the key is out of sync with the ignition cylinder. The key always needs to be inserted and turned to the on position for about 1 minute. This enables the key cylinder to read the next encrypted start commands (there is only 5-7) if you turn on and then turn off, most likely the key is not able to generate the codes resulting in the problems you are having
and he responded that it is all good... this also works for not shifting out of park
I am assuming this is the C300?
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
ml450
I agree with what jbondox said. is there any reason that you would turn the key on for a very short time after you have left the vehicle (i.e., eject a cd, put the window up, etc). if, when the ignition is turned on, it isn't left on for at least 60 seconds, you can limit your number of starts, or cause it to not remote start at all next time you request it. our remote start has to stay in sync with the key and the vehicle and it requires a set amount of time to complete that process.
... glad you guys got the KG finder!!!!
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 309
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey, USA
Black 04 C230 Kompressor SS
