C36 AMG, C43 AMG (W202) 1995 - 2000

weird problem with key

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Old Aug 21, 2015 | 03:38 AM
  #1  
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05 c55 silver, 98 Imperial Red C43
weird problem with key

So my key has stopped working completely.

I am not able to lock the car or turn the ignition. Whats weird is that even the metal key wont lock the car using the drivers door lock.

The batteries were recently replaced but I tried different batteries just to be sure.

Ive had a problem with my vacuum on my car that Ive been lazy to fix even tho I had the part. Despite this my key always worked.

The vacuum problem was that all doors would unlock except the drivers door so I had to reach from the back door and open it. I am not sure if this would be related to this but thought id mention it in case someone has experience.

My car fires up no problem with my valet key. Any ideas?
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Old Aug 21, 2015 | 04:02 AM
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From: Vancouver, B.C., CANADA
2006 E55 AMG/1996 C36 AMG/1999 C43/55 AMG/2021 Toyota Tundra Crew Max TRD Sport Premium
Originally Posted by PJmak
So my key has stopped working completely.

I am not able to lock the car or turn the ignition. Whats weird is that even the metal key wont lock the car using the drivers door lock.

The batteries were recently replaced but I tried different batteries just to be sure.

Ive had a problem with my vacuum on my car that Ive been lazy to fix even tho I had the part. Despite this my key always worked.

The vacuum problem was that all doors would unlock except the drivers door so I had to reach from the back door and open it. I am not sure if this would be related to this but thought id mention it in case someone has experience.

My car fires up no problem with my valet key. Any ideas?
It's definitely the key! I had the same problem a few years back and had to get a new key coded from Mercedes.
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Old Aug 21, 2015 | 06:20 AM
  #3  
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you have more and more issues with your car.
maybe time to get rid of her and get another c43 which hopefully will be in better condition?
what ya think about getting another car with less headache?
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Old Aug 21, 2015 | 06:53 AM
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From: A.D., U.A.E
2000 (W202 C200) & 2000 (W202 C55)
Is infrared light blinking when you press lock or unlock buttons..?

ZAYED,,
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Old Aug 21, 2015 | 11:31 AM
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05 c55 silver, 98 Imperial Red C43
Thanks for the input guys.

Im happy with my car overall and i dont think id want to replace her

I am looking into getting a parts car soon. (Friend has a 98 c43 with under 70k that he doesnt wanna fix)


Btw the red light does blink on the key
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Old Aug 21, 2015 | 12:14 PM
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w202
Unfortunately, the smart key can go bad overnight and simply it just won't work anymore.
Many cars of mine had the same problem and quick solution is replacement from dealer. I just ordered a new key 2 days ago for $260.

The blade will central lock/unlock the car only from the trunk. Using the blade at the drivers door will lock/unlock only the driver door.
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Old Aug 22, 2015 | 04:43 AM
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12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG + Ultima Can-Am sold)
Perhaps a bit OT but still key related....
Some time back when I cleaned out the rear of "T-Rex", I found a complete key fob under the heat/sound insulation of the rear seat. OK the battery was dead, but with a new one installed the key works perfectly giving me three to use and swap around from time to time.
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Old Aug 22, 2015 | 05:41 AM
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From: A.D., U.A.E
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You may have a bad "OCP/MHz" receiver, it's one of important part of key fob system.!!,,

see our fine friend Paul thread:-

https://mbworld.org/forums/c36-amg-c...rf-pickup.html

ZAYED,,
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Old Aug 24, 2015 | 06:25 PM
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Originally Posted by PJmak
So my key has stopped working completely.

I am not able to lock the car or turn the ignition. Whats weird is that even the metal key wont lock the car using the drivers door lock.

The batteries were recently replaced but I tried different batteries just to be sure.

Ive had a problem with my vacuum on my car that Ive been lazy to fix even tho I had the part. Despite this my key always worked.

The vacuum problem was that all doors would unlock except the drivers door so I had to reach from the back door and open it. I am not sure if this would be related to this but thought id mention it in case someone has experience.

My car fires up no problem with my valet key. Any ideas?
I had an issue when my car would do nothing very similar to yours. Issue occurred when my carpet on the passenger side got wet from the vents being clogged with leaves. There is a computer under the carpet that had corrosion. Had it replaced and the key was working fine. That was my experience. As far as I know the key does not just stop working unless it got damaged or some other component got effected.
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Old Aug 24, 2015 | 06:42 PM
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05 c55 silver, 98 Imperial Red C43
Wouldnt that make the other key not work either? My valet key starts up the car no problem...
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Old Aug 24, 2015 | 06:51 PM
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Originally Posted by PJmak
Wouldnt that make the other key not work either? My valet key starts up the car no problem...
Then something is wrong with the key you normally use then
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Old Sep 7, 2015 | 07:02 PM
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1998 C43 AMG
It's your key. From what I understand, you can only get them at the dealer. Call around, they can be had for as little as $200. Don't buy keys off eBay, they will not be programmed at the dealer.
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