Does anyone use their "Mechanical" key?
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2002 C240
Does anyone use their "Mechanical" key?
Hi there,
I was going to park my car valet over the weekend, so I decided to test out the mechanical key to lock my trunk. I could lock it (it was not so smooth, but I could lock it), but I can't open it for the life of me. Key doesn't want to turn, and I have so little leverage that I only end up hurting my fingers and hand. I looked everywhere in the manual to see if there is any special logic for opening this....
Am I to take this car to a dealership just to open the darned trunk??
I was going to park my car valet over the weekend, so I decided to test out the mechanical key to lock my trunk. I could lock it (it was not so smooth, but I could lock it), but I can't open it for the life of me. Key doesn't want to turn, and I have so little leverage that I only end up hurting my fingers and hand. I looked everywhere in the manual to see if there is any special logic for opening this....
Am I to take this car to a dealership just to open the darned trunk??
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From: Gaithersburg, MD
2002 C240 6-spd (ret)
Remember, the mechanical key will not turn off the alarm. You'll have to insert the smart key in the ignition or press the panic button, once you open the door or trunk to shut off the alarm. (I have not tried the mechanical key myself, but this is what I read in the manual).
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It's been several months, but I recall someone posting that they had to have the rear lock tumbler replaced because it would lock but not unlock (or vice-versa) with the mech. key. I do remember testing my trunk lock after reading this.
Mine works, but it certainly is not easy, as you have very little leverage, as noted. Have you tried turning the key using a flat-nosed plier, just to get it unlocked again?
BTW, if you want to test your Mech key in the door lock, be sure to insert the key with the "L" pointing AWAY from the door handle, as it can scratch the door handle when turned.
Mine works, but it certainly is not easy, as you have very little leverage, as noted. Have you tried turning the key using a flat-nosed plier, just to get it unlocked again?
BTW, if you want to test your Mech key in the door lock, be sure to insert the key with the "L" pointing AWAY from the door handle, as it can scratch the door handle when turned.
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From: Obama Land
K Car
I have not used my mechanical key yet, although I have valet parked my car (I just gave them my key chain). But this raises a question. Whenever I've valet parked, the attendent normally attaches a tag to the key with the number correspoding to the ticket that they give me. Without the mechanical key, where do they attach the tag (assuming that you just give them the transmitter)? Also, most of the time there is a cabinet where they hang the keys. How would they do this? Has anybody experienced a problem with this?
Maybe I just worry too much about stupid things! :p
Maybe I just worry too much about stupid things! :p
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From: Rancho Bernardo, CA
2001 MB CLK55
Originally posted by revstriker
Whenever I've valet parked, the attendent normally attaches a tag to the key with the number correspoding to the ticket that they give me. Without the mechanical key, where do they attach the tag (assuming that you just give them the transmitter
Whenever I've valet parked, the attendent normally attaches a tag to the key with the number correspoding to the ticket that they give me. Without the mechanical key, where do they attach the tag (assuming that you just give them the transmitter
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From: Gaithersburg, MD
2002 C240 6-spd (ret)
Originally posted by revstriker
Without the mechanical key, where do they attach the tag (assuming that you just give them the transmitter)? Also, most of the time there is a cabinet where they hang the keys. How would they do this? Has anybody experienced a problem with this?
Maybe I just worry too much about stupid things! :p
Without the mechanical key, where do they attach the tag (assuming that you just give them the transmitter)? Also, most of the time there is a cabinet where they hang the keys. How would they do this? Has anybody experienced a problem with this?
Maybe I just worry too much about stupid things! :p
Hmmm.. Calling MB-BOB. How about fashioning a "blank" mechanical key that can be fitted when you want to remove the smart key for the valet? I'm looking at mine now. All we need is a piece of metal (or plastic) that is shaped like the mechanical key w/ the little pin at the top to hold it in place.
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Originally posted by MarkL
Hmmm.. Calling MB-BOB. How about fashioning a "blank" mechanical key that can be fitted when you want to remove the smart key for the valet? I'm looking at mine now. All we need is a piece of metal (or plastic) that is shaped like the mechanical key w/ the little pin at the top to hold it in place.
Hmmm.. Calling MB-BOB. How about fashioning a "blank" mechanical key that can be fitted when you want to remove the smart key for the valet? I'm looking at mine now. All we need is a piece of metal (or plastic) that is shaped like the mechanical key w/ the little pin at the top to hold it in place.
The Reserve key also has a metal mechanical key in it (with the keyhole that can be hung up at the valet desk). I've thought of keeping this key in the car to give to valets, even though the manual says not to do so. (Not sure why)
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Out Of Control!!
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From: Obama Land
K Car
Originally posted by MB-BOB
I think I read somewhere that this had changed for 2002, but with my 2001, I received three keys, two "Smart Keys" and one "Electronic Reserve" Key. The Reserve is a thinner version of the Smart Key, but without the Remote button electronics. It looks like a blank piece of plastic as you describe, Mark.
The Reserve key also has a metal mechanical key in it (with the keyhole that can be hung up at the valet desk). I've thought of keeping this key in the car to give to valets, even though the manual says not to do so. (Not sure why)
I think I read somewhere that this had changed for 2002, but with my 2001, I received three keys, two "Smart Keys" and one "Electronic Reserve" Key. The Reserve is a thinner version of the Smart Key, but without the Remote button electronics. It looks like a blank piece of plastic as you describe, Mark.
The Reserve key also has a metal mechanical key in it (with the keyhole that can be hung up at the valet desk). I've thought of keeping this key in the car to give to valets, even though the manual says not to do so. (Not sure why)
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From: Gaithersburg, MD
2002 C240 6-spd (ret)
Originally posted by MB-BOB
I think I read somewhere that this had changed for 2002, but with my 2001, I received three keys, two "Smart Keys" and one "Electronic Reserve" Key. The Reserve is a thinner version of the Smart Key, but without the Remote button electronics. It looks like a blank piece of plastic as you describe, Mark.
The Reserve key also has a metal mechanical key in it (with the keyhole that can be hung up at the valet desk). I've thought of keeping this key in the car to give to valets, even though the manual says not to do so. (Not sure why)
I think I read somewhere that this had changed for 2002, but with my 2001, I received three keys, two "Smart Keys" and one "Electronic Reserve" Key. The Reserve is a thinner version of the Smart Key, but without the Remote button electronics. It looks like a blank piece of plastic as you describe, Mark.
The Reserve key also has a metal mechanical key in it (with the keyhole that can be hung up at the valet desk). I've thought of keeping this key in the car to give to valets, even though the manual says not to do so. (Not sure why)
But, I was thinking w/ your engineering prowess, you could "invent" a blank mechanical key "stub" that you could "provide" (at a nominal charge) that would take the place of the real mechanical key.
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Originally posted by MarkL
But, I was thinking w/ your engineering prowess, you could "invent" a blank mechanical key "stub" that you could "provide" (at a nominal charge) that would take the place of the real mechanical key.
But, I was thinking w/ your engineering prowess, you could "invent" a blank mechanical key "stub" that you could "provide" (at a nominal charge) that would take the place of the real mechanical key.
I looked at my reserve key when I got home. It appears to be a solid slug of plastic, with the slot on the side for the familiar mechanical key. Of course the mech. key has a hole for a key ring, but the reserve key has its own hole, too... on the other corner. So, you can remove the mech key, lock your private places up and give the parkmonkey (new term) the "solid slug of plastic." I'll have to take a picture some time.
I think there's gotta be more to the reserve key than just a slug of plastic, though. It's gotta have a chip in it or something to alert the induction ring in the ignition that it's a legitimate key, turn off the alarm, etc. Right?
I'll have to play with it later, though. F1 qualifying from Australia is on Speed Channel in a few minutes.
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From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
Originally posted by MB-BOB
Ah, love that flattery... If I can only teach tommy...
Ah, love that flattery... If I can only teach tommy...
Here's an even easier answer:
Eat at Chez Taco Bell; we don't need no stinkin' valet keys! All you need is 5 bucks, and a comfortable restroom about 30 minutes from the restaurant, and you're golden. :p
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From: Central NJ
C230K Coupe/Orion/C4/C5/CD/AMG Spoiler/V60/TeleAid, 2 MGB's
I was at the dealer yesterday and noticed a black C1/C5/C7 coupe didn't have the mechanical key door locks on the handles...and the IR sensor was slightly larger that the one on my car.
Have they changed production on that component already...or is that part of the C1 package and the smartkey function?
Have they changed production on that component already...or is that part of the C1 package and the smartkey function?
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2006 MB C230 SS 6spd, Navi
Originally posted by MB-BOB
Ah, love that flattery... If I can only teach tommy...
I looked at my reserve key when I got home. It appears to be a solid slug of plastic, with the slot on the side for the familiar mechanical key. Of course the mech. key has a hole for a key ring, but the reserve key has its own hole, too... on the other corner. So, you can remove the mech key, lock your private places up and give the parkmonkey (new term) the "solid slug of plastic." I'll have to take a picture some time.
I think there's gotta be more to the reserve key than just a slug of plastic, though. It's gotta have a chip in it or something to alert the induction ring in the ignition that it's a legitimate key, turn off the alarm, etc. Right?
I'll have to play with it later, though. F1 qualifying from Australia is on Speed Channel in a few minutes.
Ah, love that flattery... If I can only teach tommy...
I looked at my reserve key when I got home. It appears to be a solid slug of plastic, with the slot on the side for the familiar mechanical key. Of course the mech. key has a hole for a key ring, but the reserve key has its own hole, too... on the other corner. So, you can remove the mech key, lock your private places up and give the parkmonkey (new term) the "solid slug of plastic." I'll have to take a picture some time.
I think there's gotta be more to the reserve key than just a slug of plastic, though. It's gotta have a chip in it or something to alert the induction ring in the ignition that it's a legitimate key, turn off the alarm, etc. Right?
I'll have to play with it later, though. F1 qualifying from Australia is on Speed Channel in a few minutes.
What's this engineering prowess y'all speak of? And exactly why do you need it to machine a blank. No engineering prowess just machining skills.
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From: Central NJ
C230K Coupe/Orion/C4/C5/CD/AMG Spoiler/V60/TeleAid, 2 MGB's
....and that was one hell of a first turn event....
Australia's always been considered dangerous in that respect, but that was amazing! Ralf went airborne and Spped Channel actually showed the in car footage of it! After that, it was just a matter of time for the elder Schumacher. All his real competition was out.
I, like Flavio Briatorre, am still concerned that they DIDN'T red flag the start.
Oh, and the Mercedes team opted for the wrong Michelin compound...they went soft expecting wet weather. But they still placed third with a rookie driver!
www.formula1.com
Australia's always been considered dangerous in that respect, but that was amazing! Ralf went airborne and Spped Channel actually showed the in car footage of it! After that, it was just a matter of time for the elder Schumacher. All his real competition was out.
I, like Flavio Briatorre, am still concerned that they DIDN'T red flag the start.
Oh, and the Mercedes team opted for the wrong Michelin compound...they went soft expecting wet weather. But they still placed third with a rookie driver!
www.formula1.com
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Originally posted by Rick
[BRalf went airborne and Spped Channel actually showed the in car footage of it! [/B]
[BRalf went airborne and Spped Channel actually showed the in car footage of it! [/B]
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I agree the race should have been red-flagged. Barichello should have had a chance to defend his pole position. Now, he's psychologically defeated, back in the subordinate role where he was last year, 10 points behind his "#1" and will soon be asked by his team to play second fiddle... again, and again, and again. That sucks big time. Just think about the fans, paying big money to watch just 7 cars finish the race. Booooooring!
Here's an idea on the valet key thing. Instead of thinking about creating a black plastic slug of a key, how about asking the dealer for a blank (uncut) mechanical key? Keep it on a ring in the glove box, remove your real mechanical key, and replace it with the blank... ensuring that the parkmonkey has a SmartKey with a keyring to hang up on his pegboard?
Here's an idea on the valet key thing. Instead of thinking about creating a black plastic slug of a key, how about asking the dealer for a blank (uncut) mechanical key? Keep it on a ring in the glove box, remove your real mechanical key, and replace it with the blank... ensuring that the parkmonkey has a SmartKey with a keyring to hang up on his pegboard?
Last edited by MB-BOB; Mar 3, 2002 at 01:47 PM.
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From: NJ
'05 c240 4matic wagon
This thread threatens to go off course like Barichello. He changed lines twice which is illegal when you're in the lead, thus causing Schumi Jr. to become airborne. But there's always two sides to the story. Even his big brother contended that. Surprised they didn't red-flag the race, too.
Schumi the elder said his Bridgestones worked out really well against the mushy Michelins.
Back to the topic before accord moves the thread:
I'm not that concerned with valets here on the east coast. Usually, if we go out, we take the PATH train to Manhattan, or we street-park. Sure it's a shame - such a lovely car in the asphalt jungle...
Schumi the elder said his Bridgestones worked out really well against the mushy Michelins.
Back to the topic before accord moves the thread:
I'm not that concerned with valets here on the east coast. Usually, if we go out, we take the PATH train to Manhattan, or we street-park. Sure it's a shame - such a lovely car in the asphalt jungle...
