User110

For the past year I would have to use my Keys at a Very Close Range(key next to door) in order to lock or unlock. That was one headache but I soon got over it. Now, Whenever I go to get into my car, I can't even unlock it. If it sits for more than an hour, I find my self sitting outside pressing the unlock button hundreds of times before it unlocks. Also, sometimes the key isn't recognized in the ignition or it's very weak and not responding the way the key Should respond.

All Batteries on Both Keys have been changed.

Fuse has been checked.

No clue as to what or why it's doing this. This is the only issue I'm having as of now and I want it cleared!

Please, respond if you have had similar problems and how you went about correcting this.

ALi

fatmike

Ok, mine doesn't sound as bad now. Hooray. LOL j/k bro. Mine has a very limited range and fails to recognize for keyless go maybe 1/5 of the time. I dunno what's wrong though...

AMWebby

Sounds like the antenna, in the back above the rear window, is faulty. This antenna is what picks up the signals from a distance.

JAYCL600

Mine too Ali

User110

Yea but what does the Antenna have to do with the Infrared part? I have always been aware of the Signal Strength issues but this is different. I can't even get the car to recognize the Key is aiming at the door, sometimes even in the ignition. I have tried it with both keys before and after new batteries.

But once I get the car to unlock once, it's all fine and dandee, starts up every time if I keep playing with it. But that's IF I can get in and not leave the car for more than a few hours.

ALi

AMWebby

To me it still sounds like an antenna-based RF issue, not an IR one. IR will only work if there is a direct line of sight to the door handle, RF is what works from a distance.

Chauss

Have you tried new battery in your remote?

User110

But my IR is ALSO not working unless I try it like 40 times, with it right up on the door.

yes in both keys.

ALi

AMWebby

Is it the same for both doors? Might be a failing unit in the door. Alternatively it may be the key itself. Have you tried your spare? Is it the same with the Keyless Go key?

User110

-No Keyless Go, wish I had the option
-Both Doors are non-responsive
-Both Keys tested, no difference in reactions
-Once the key is recognize, it will continue to do so until the next period of rest.

ALi

AMWebby

We're back to signal strength then. Not sure how the RF and IR interact but I did experience the same as you when I took the aerial out to replace it with one for my TV. Until I put the new one in the keys worked, or rather didn't work, exactly as you have described.

User110

aerial? Explain please.

ALi

AMWebby

The aerial, or antenna, above the rear window, as well as providing FM/AM reception (and TV signal if you have the correct one), also provides RF reception for the key. This, not IR, is what enables you to open and lock the car from a distance.

User110

I can see why the RF would be messed up and how to fix it.

BUT

What about the IR, since this is a separate type of an issue/part

ALi

AMWebby

I don't think your IR is messed up. When I replaced my antenna to enable TV reception I first removed the old one, then went inside to get some tools. Being a cautious type I went to lock the car and discovered it would not lock from a distance. So I placed the key right up to the IR receiver in the door handle and, after a few attempts, it locked the car.

Unlocking was the same but, once I had replaced the aerial with the new one, remote locking and unlocking worked again. I think the IR is reliant on the RF signal to boost it sufficiently for the IR to work at any distance.

User110

Ok, Cost of the Part and Instructions please. I want to get this done ASAP, I plan on putting the car for sale and do NOT want to give it to its new owner with issues.

Hoping this really is it, sounds simple enough to just try, but I bet the part is a rape in price lol.

ALi

JonMBZ

there is an IR issue with the key if it's not recognizing when he is turning the car on. Sounds like you have more than one issue.

AMWebby

The aerial is some £150. It is worth checking the connections first, just to make sure it's not a loose connection.

Agree the key in ignition problem may point to other issues, I didn't try to start my car when the aerial was out of the car.

fatmike

Don't sell it bro, I'll feel all alone in w215 land

User110

any tips or ideas what it might be?

I know bro I know. But I'm looking to buy a new home already and I will need to clear out some bills lol.

ALi

JonMBZ

Well my first guess would be the key, but you said both keys have this issue so I would lean towards the EIS both costly repairs an EIS will run you around 500 and 200 for the key plus whatever your dealer charges for the install.

User110

This sounds like something my Warranty can cover. They told me that Keys and "Alarm system" related issues are not covered but wouldn't this be ignition related as well?

ALi

JonMBZ

Yes it would

User110

GOD this sucks. I want to at least be able to drive my car to the dealer or at least on the flat bed when it comes. I can't start the car and it wont raise up unless I do so. WTF!!!!!!111

ALi

BenzElite

From reading your situation, sounds like the remote keys are defective. they fail quite often we use to replcae those remotes at the dealership all the time. one way to check is bang it a few times. customers would complain there keys wouldnt unlock/lock but when i would get the car it worked everytime, so i would tap the remotes and they would start to fail, tap them again and they would start to work. goodluck