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So I followed the instructions for the summer convenience feature fix by solder the 2 joints on the IR. This worked for a while but a few months ago it stopped working now I did have my key replaced by a locksmith and I am not sure if he's key is somewhat faulty and I don't have another key to test so I went to the pick a part and grabbed another sensor.
I performed the same fix and still nothing it doesn't work so I am dumbfounded at the moment. There's a few things I think of that maybe wrong.
1. My soldering skills suck
2. I maybe need to solder the other 3 joints?
3. The key I have is wonky. ( car turns, locks and unlocks just fine)
4. I somehow someway deactivated the feature in Xentry?
I cannot tell from your photo whether you coated the area you repaired with a water-resistant sealant. If you didn't, that may be the source of the problem. I don't recall adding additional solder to mine. I think I only heated the solder joints.
The IR sensor has 5 weak points. Reflow the solder in the other 3 joints at the opposite end. See post for a bit more information. Hope this helps.
I would also try using both keys on the IR sensor on the other side of the car. Use the process of elimination to see if your keys or both IR sensors are bad.
The sensors are not tied to any specific car. They are fungible. If you are desperate, just grab one off a local wrecker or the dealer. The dealer probably won't sell the driver's side separately though (ie you'll have to buy the entire tumbler assembly) as it's attached to the key tumbler. You'll have to transplant one off an assembly from another car. Stupid design.
Last edited by slammer111; 02-01-2022 at 11:17 PM.
I would also try using both keys on the IR sensor on the other side of the car. Use the process of elimination to see if your keys or both IR sensors.
By 2005 Mercedes had eliminated the passenger-side sensor. I expect it saved a few dollars.
I wonder what other “de-contenting” they committed in the interest of cost-saving. In applying “The best or nothing” concept to the passenger IR sensor Mercedes decreed you 03 owners got the best and we 05 owners received nothing.
I know for MY2003 they eliminated the key tumbler for the rear hatch/trunk. It's now covered by a black rectangle next to the handle. To be fair, I can count on 1 hand the number of times I've actually had to use the physical key on the driver's door.
By MY2005 or 2006 the rear side airbags became an option instead of standard equipment.
The MY2005 M271 engine also has a redesigned head that apparently results in less carbon buildup. Wouldn't count this as a "minus" but thought I'd mention.
At least you have the facelifted interior and radio. Honestly I have no idea who thought a tape deck would be a good idea in 2002-2004.
Then there is also the debate as to why certain options were options instead of standard equipment. Heated and electric seats come to mind, as well as digital climate control, folding mirrors, and HIDs.
Last edited by slammer111; 02-02-2022 at 12:34 AM.
By MY2005 or 2006 the rear side airbags became an option instead of standard equipment.
On my 2005 Sport Sedan, it appears a full complement of air bags were included as standard equipment,
At least you have the facelifted interior and radio. Honestly I have no idea who thought a tape deck would be a good idea in 2002-2004.
I prefer the facelift interior including the steering wheel. I had a 1996 Infiniti G20 and the standard audio system included a CD player. An optional dealer-installed cassette deck was available. My G20 had a plastic cubby in the dash where the cassette deck could go. It would seem that Mercedes was at least 6-8 years behind on this. On a related matter, I'm curious regarding whether original owners who spent relatively large amounts of money for the Command System regret the purchase. Aftermarket systems offer much more functionality today.
Then there is also the debate as to why certain options were options instead of standard equipment. Heated and electric seats come to mind, as well as digital climate control, folding mirrors, and HIDs.
I retrofitted the HIDs and the digital climate control in my car. The retrofitted HID's don't function like the factory installed units. If I ever find a car that has factory installed HIDs at the local pick and pull I may pull off the components for self levelling and see if I can add them.
Joe (jggarcia.vc) has started a thread on the folding mirrors. He's just about worked out all of the issues. I'm intrigued by this and may seriously consider adding this feature.
Another oddity is that folding rear seats were optional in the sedan. (In most Japanese sedans this is standard equipment including base trim levels.)
Last edited by KevinH2000; 02-02-2022 at 11:02 PM.
02-01-2022, 12:32 AM
