My key won't work! help?
 

I'm pretty sure that there isn't anything wrong with my key because I tried the spare keys and none of them worked. Do MB keys run out of batteries? But that's not even the problem. I can't lock/unlock the car unless I'm super close to the driver's side door. The trunk doesn't open automatically at all! Everything worked fine until this last friday. Can I fix this problem without going to a dealer? Bonus points for the person who can tell me what happened!

i would start by checking to see if your (car) battery is dead

batteries in the remote can die as well as the car battery.

sounds to me like the batteries are drained. i mean if it works ok when you are up close then i dont see what else it could be. buy new batteries and see if it works. and yes, MB keys run out of batteries.

maybe a progamming issue with the keys. use the MB roadside assistance to jump the car and bring it to the dealer if its under warranty.

Well everything about my car is otherwise normal. I can drive around just fine and play music without the car running so I don't think the car battery is dead.

Do the key batteries run out even if the key isn't used very much?

The giveaway that it's the key's batteries is the fact that it will work if you are close. It is strange that BOTH keys would go dead, but stranger things have happened.

If the car is an 05 as your sig says, try to get them covered under warranty. If it's not that then warranty should cover whatever the problem is, but I'd bet a lot that it's the batteries.

just a side question,

is there any sign before the key battery run out?

Proof positive the batteries do NOT run the car. Discussed a gillion times, the batteries in the key operate only the remote lock/unlock/trunk features. The car runs (electromechanically) off the ignition coil once the key is inserted... remove the batteries completely and the car will still start and run.

So... if the remote functions don't work, then replace the batteries.
Regardless of how often the keys are used, you don't know how long the keys sat in stock (with batteries installed) before being paired with a car at the factory.

Jeanna:
just pull the batteries out of your key. look at the battery size stamped on
them and swing by Radio Shack or the dealer for replacement. they should
not cost any more than $3-4 each. if replacing them solves the problem,
great. if not then you've isolated what isn't the problem...and you can opt
to save these new batteries in the glove box as spares.

battery in the keys needs replacing, no question. It should be free at the dealership, but cheap if you get it yourself too.

drex, it's free from the stealer?
i didnt know that. maybe it's just at yours. mine charges me for everything they 'dont cover'.

Your dealer is just messed up man, or you just fall over and don’t fight back.

lol, its true, you know i cant fight back the way you do. im getting better?:wall:

My TE was leaking tranny fluid, I stopped by my local dealership to have it checked out and they -

1. Topped my car off for free
2. topped my brake fluid for free
3. replaced a burned out rear fog light bulb for free
4. Checked and adjusted air pressure free
4. free coffee and complimentary news letter while I waited

With all due respect my friend, but your stealership sucks.

If you are away from the car and press the lock or open button, does a small red light flash on the key. The flash should occur between the lock button and the panic button. If it does, then the battery in the key is fine. It could well be that the central control unit in the car is going bad. Mine did and was replaced under warranty.

LOL, bro, you dont have to tell me twice. i was charged $50 for adjusting my bix to the correct level. :confused:

I was just at my local dealership at the PARTS counter. This guy says his remote sometimes doesn't work. The parts guy removes the old batteries and replace with new ones. No charge for the swap out or for the batteries. I inquired about it and he mentions that technically a work order needs to be done up. If the car is under warranty, then it's free of charge. It seems it really depends on the individual dealership and who you happen to approach.

So does yours if they don't provide donuts, croissants (sp), snacks, etc. to go with that free coffee. Mine even provides popcorn for your movie enjoyment.

News letter............ Mine has news papers.

:rolf:

(j/k)

change the batteries in the key like others said. other wise have the remote sensor on the car checked out.

I had the same problem before. The remote control antenna is located on the rear windshield near top area. There are few connectors connected to it with a double side tape. Mine was loose. After I tape it up it works like a charm now.