Notmy1stMB

The sensors on the C230 was receiving the signal from the key remote on and off, then stopped working all together. No lights nothing when pressing button on the remote to lock/unlock car. Dealership say I need new key remotes at $350 each. Any ideas? Would appreciate any help.

ptcruiser

Did you change the battery?

Notmy1stMB

Yes, I did change the battery... it was one of the first thing I thought of and the dealership did too as well, but no go. Could it be a fuse? I saw another similar post.

ptcruiser

I saw the post as well, and that was new to me. When you insert the key in the ignition, can you turn the key? If you can, I would try his suggestion.
If you can't turn the key, then it maybe the key itself.
Try another thing. Hold the open door button down for 10 or 15 seconds, and see if the windows go down.

Notmy1stMB

I can start the car with my key... and when I hold down the remote button nothing happens. Even if I hold it down for what seems like an eternity. I get no flashing lights on my sensor indicators (the red/green buttons on the rearview mirror).
This might be a clue, when the remote was working on and off.. my reverse lights were on the fritz too. After replacing the bulb, my sensors stopped responding. Maybe my woman's intuition is all over the place on this one!! lol...

ptcruiser

Did you try the other suggestion that was posted? This appears to be a potential easy fix, it's just finding the easy solution. I am going to suggest that you disconnect the battery negative side for about 15 or 20 minutes, and see if you get a computer reset. This will mean that you need to readjust the auto windows and sunroof (if you have one) but that is really easy.
Step by step as they say.

Notmy1stMB

What will happen to the windows and sunroof? Can you tell me what I'll need to do to "readjust" them? I'm not a very DIY person, if you haven't guessed already. Should I take the car to my mechanic to do what you've suggested?

ptcruiser

The windows and sun roof have to "learn" their positions once the battery is disconnected.
Here is how it's done, and it takes 2 or 3 minutes. The windows have 2 options to open and close. One is the "express" mode, which means you fully push or pull the button and it automatically rolls up or down. The other option is you can push or pull the buttons sort of half way, and you decide where you want it to stop. To reset, use the second option, and when the window is down just push the button to the "express" position, and hold for 3 to 5 seconds and do the same thing moving the windows to the full up position and the windows will be reset. Same for the sunroof.
Disconnecting the battery negative post is another 2 or 3 minutes. Open the trunk, and lift the floor mat. The battery is on the right side. The negative post is the post closest to the rear bumper. Loosen the nut holding the negative battery cable to the battery post, and wiggle it off. Once that is done, wait 15 or 20 minutes and reconnect and see what happens. As far as taking it to a mechanic is concerned, it's something so simple that if he charges more that a few "directly in his pocket" bucks, then do it yourself.
I think you will need a 1/2 inch or 9/16 wrench to loosen the battery cable.
As you mentioned your not mechanically inclined, something like this (if it works properly) will give you a great deal of personal satisfaction.

Notmy1stMB

Thanks PT... I will try to do this myself tonight. Will let you know how it goes.

ptcruiser

Good luck.............

Notmy1stMB

Ok, car is still not getting signal from my remote. Maybe I'm doing something wrong. Anyways, I scheduled to take my car in this weekend for the mechanic to run a diagnostic.
Any other suggestions before I shell out the big bucks?

ptcruiser

Is the diagnostic being done with a Mercedes dealer, or someone with the Mercedes Star diagnostic equipment?
I can't think of a reason why it shouldn't work? When you get the results, let me know what they found out, so I can store it in my goodie bag of fixes.
One last thing is the vacuum pump in the trunk. It supplies the vacuum that operates the door to open and close. It is found in the trunk. Normally, when it is operating correctly, you will hear a buzzing sound as it creates the vacuum to recharge for the next time it's used.
It looks somewhat like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/MERCEDES-W14...-/191562266234

ptcruiser

It could be a fuse for the central locking system.
Here is a fuse layout for you to check.
Fuse box is under the hood on the right. Pop the top and check the fuses.
It could be that simple..
http://www.autofuseboxdiagram.com/10...e-box-diagram/

Notmy1stMB

I'll look for the vacuum pump... no guarantees! The diagnostic was originally done by the dealership and they suggested I get new keys at $350 a piece. This time it will be done by my mechanic who is factory trained and charging me $100 per hour.
Although when I told my mechanic the dealership's suggestion, he did suggest a less costly solution which was to install an alarm that will allow me to pop the locks remotely and the whole thing would cost me $150. I might go that route if I can't find a solution through this forum.

ptcruiser

Check the fuses first before doing anything else...The pump has some foam material surrounding it, and if it doesn't work, it needs to be replaced. The dealer is BSing you about a new key. If it works in the ignition, it's fine.
I doubt an aftermarket alarm/remote system would work on a Mercedes, due to the configuration of the lock mechanism. This ain't no Detroit car. If you decide to use the mechanic, find out what his minimum charge is. To check the fuses is 5 minutes if he is slow. To check the connection to the vacuum pump is 10 minutes. Understandable, he has to make $$$$, but a $100.00 an hour? Just think, 8 hours a day is $800.00X5=$4000.00 a week X 4 = $16,000.00 a month X 12 = $192,000.00 a year.

Notmy1stMB

Got it! Have the mechanic reset with the battery, check the pump, and check the fuse, and only pay him for 30 minutes of work.
I'll do all the above and report back. Thanks again.