tassnh

Hi everyone,

I read most of the topics referred to the problems on key fobs for C class W203. I have a problem and need your assistance. My 2 key fobs won't work from distance (RF) only from close range. I read that it might be fuse number 8. Checked that and fuse is ok (7.5A). It's a 2003 model sedan with no alarm and fuse does not blow as other users indicated as a problem (with alarm system). What should I check for? How do I find the amplifier to check if that is the problem? What other reasons might be causing this?

P.S. I checked both my keys with a key specialist and they are both ok

tassnh

Really? NO ONE??? I thought this was a MB Experts site!

samaritrey

Search on here for the amplifier location how does your fm radio work?

tassnh

Its working fine. It has been working fine forever. That s why I didn t think of the amplifier. Will I need to replace the rear glass if its the amp?

corkshoppe

have you replaced the battries?

tassnh

Yes, I have, many times.

darkdiver

Hi tassmch,

did you solved your problem?

tassnh

No, I didn't. I didn't have many suggestions to follow

tommy

No, it's an MB ENTHUSIAST site; big difference.

Search for discussions on the receivers in the door handles; that seems to be the overall weak point in the system that people have had replaced (and yes, it's expensive).

I started to have similar problems years ago; had the MODS4CARS module installed in my car, and it's worked perfectly since. It wasn't cheap (around $300), but it does take care of the problem completely, and gives you some nice benefits too.

LILBENZ230

No one wants to help anyone with that sort of attitude in the first place.

tassnh

REALLY?? What is it that offended you exactly? The fact that a forum named "MBWORLD" and not "ENTHUSIAST" as tommy indicated (who I thank for his reply on my problem) earlier, with thousands of registered users and specialists could not provide an answer a week after a question has been submitted? Let me ask you something; had you seen my question when submitted several months ago? Did you know the answer? If you did, is there a reason you didn't post a reply before I said what I said? Either way, I never thought I was offending anyone with that. I just said what popped into my mind, that almost a week after placing a question to a site dedicated to MB (call it experts, enthusiasts, world etc) I would expect to get at least some replies. Was that offending to you? So you thought you 'd drop by and share it, right? Guess you also know the answer to my problem, right?

tommy

I really didn't mean it in exactly the same way that LIL did, but you've got to realize that people here are of varying levels of knowledge, and have their own sh*t to deal with too. So it's more of a "you get more flies with honey than vinegar" kind of thing.

Also, you should generally take the info here with a grain of salt, and verify things before proceeding based solely off of what someone here said. Unless it's Glyn, who is always in the right (just ask him ).

Anyway, good luck with your current situation; it's something that almost everyone here has been through, unfortunately (like the fading in the heat MFD issue in the gauge cluster), and there are several approaches to take.

neurodave

Another thing to keep in mind is that many of the more knowledgeable individuals in these cars have already moved on to newer MB vehicles or just another vehicle in general. Patience is a virtue!

tassnh

There isn't much I can do for now neurodave. I'm planning on moving to the CLA but not earlier than in 2 years, so I gotta find some solutions to my current situation at the moment.

Tommy, I know how u meant it; I just used ur "expression" in my conversation with lil, just to emphasize my point; either way I really thank you for ur reply and suggestions. I'll look into them. Who's Glyn btw? Ohhh ... and I do have an issue with my MFD but I wouldn't expect otherwise, especially with the temperatures here!

samaritrey

Ok so whats your definition of close range? When you want to unlock or lock do you have to point at IR sensors on door?

tassnh

Errrr .... that would be 2-3 meters apx. and I don't have to point directly at IR sensors. Somehow the RF 's working but not that good

tassnh

2-3 meters ... 10 ft.

samaritrey

So how far did it use to work from would you guess? Did it suddenly get worse or slowly? Did you happen to install tint around that time?

tassnh

sorry for the late reply Trey;
well, it used to work from more than 30m (if I remember correctly). That's 100ft+ and yes, it happened all of a sudden. I don't have any ting on my car!

samaritrey

So lets go over everything it could be.
Key
rear amp
rear antenna
wiring
You said you have two keys and they were tested but I have never heard of a test for range so maybe it is the key...
Rear amp is a common issue but that is usualy after water gets into them after a tint job.
Rear antenna could have been damaged/leads cut any rear stickers or anything?
wiring could obviously be an issue but as it works to some degree I doubt it.
To be honest if it works when your close to car I would say move on its an old car and without blindly buying parts for it or getting an expert working on it. That said it would bother me too but my w203 has over 200,000 miles so I am fast to write it off but if it was my newer w211 I would be upset.

tassnh

Excellent approach! Indeed I tested the keys but not the range. I tested if both IR and RF signals work and they do. Their is a small tool that locksmiths use to test RF and IR. I don't have tint and no stickers but I will make sure to check my rear glass for cuts. Maybe I'll follow your suggestion but it would be nice to know the reason. After all I know that I will be using the same car for the next couple of years so ... keeping it at a good condition is essential at this time. I will be checking it late this week with a friend (electrician) and I will get back to you Trey. Cheers

samaritrey

Keep us updated and good luck!!

tassnh

Tnx Trey. Will do!
Cheers