rubensans

Hello,

This problem happens since one week and each time is worst.

When I put the smartkey in the car for starting it, it dosen’t recognise it (like if I haven’t put it). After put the key in and take out and another time put in several times; maybe 10 to 15 attemps, it recognise it and I hear the steering unlooking and can turn the key to start the car. Sometimes the fist time that it recognise the key, before I arrive to starting position, it stops all systems and then If I take it out and reenter it goes fine and can start the car without problem.

It only happens If I don’t use the car more than 3 hours aprox. If I stop for a petrol station all ok, or if I go to dinner, etc…. but every morning I have to do the same.

I have test it with the 2 smartkeys and the non powered key and happens the same.

Any idea of what could this be?

Best Regards,

Ruben.

MB-BOB

is the infrared receiver in the ignition clean? Just a guess, but it might be time to take it to the dealer, hopefully under warranty.

rubensans

The infrared is clean; at less on the side that I saw. I also have cleaned it, and no change.

I think you need I special tool to remove it and clean the other side.

Car isn't under waranty :-(

Thanks.

Ruben.

lok

hv u changed the key battery?

rubensans

I have tested with the 3 keys, and one of them don't have any battery. So I don't think it's a battery problem.

Thanks.

JohnCL

A friend of mine had a similar problem on her '02 and she had to get a new ignition module. All of her keys stopped working after a period of time and she got stranded on the road. She was under warranty, so I couldn't tell you what it cost. Something tells me that it will not be cheap.

rubensans

mine is also a 2002

MB-BOB

It's not a battery issue. The batteries only power the remote locking/unlocking, etc., functions. The coil in the ignition module senses the key when inserted (mechanically), and the infrared port (in the ignition module) queries the key to validate authorization stored in the key.

If the ignition module is bad, it will need to be replaced. Unfortunately unless you have a really good aftermarket MB repairman, it might be something only a dealer can fix.

trench

BOB's correct, can't be a key battery issue - the ignition unit powers the key via induction (that way even a key with a completely dead battery can still be used to start the car).

rubensans

Yes.

The problem as far as I can see can be:

a) Key insertion not recognised.
b) Infrared reading wrong. (could be the red plastic glass scratched or dirty on the "DARK SIDE".

What I don't understand is why it only happens when the car is without the key for several hours.

Best Regards and thanks.

Ruben.