ctsa6

I have a 2004 Mercedes CLK320, i noticed that my car doesn't make a beeping sound when I lock and unlock the doors also it doesn't make that sound and even when i hit the panic button on the key....the fog and tail lights just flash....So what is wrong here?? Is there a way to activate it?

dynomite05

Take it to a dealer or a reputable MB shop. It can be activated.

Rudeney

MY2004 didn't have the beep enabled. It can be, but the dealer may not do it (or know how). I think they have to set the country code to "Netherlands" or something odd like that. Personally, I hate the beep - I'm going to see if I can figure out how to disable mine.

Mka77

Is the beeping that important? Lights flashing is fine with me.

Kevwood

+1. I had the audible lock/unlock feature disabled on my C class.

ctsa6

Yes, because if you open the door use door key the alarm go's on but it's only fog and tail lights flash, but theirs no any sound. So it's not gonna make any sound when someone breaks in.

Mka77

I don't believe that to be true. Here's why.

Whenever I lock or unlock the lights just flash. No beep. When locked the alarm is set. Had it up on a jack with a wheel off and locked the car up to run a quick errand. Came back to do what I was doing and pumped the jack once, the alarm went off.

Now I don't know about using the actual key to lock or unlock because I have never had to do it.

Or maybe I'm overlooking something here.

Rudeney

Electronically disabling the arm/disarm chirp using SDS settings will not affect the alarm sound when it is tripped. And how it is tripped does not matter - opening a door, jacking, towing, glass break, etc. Now, if you physically disconnect the alarm siren to get rid of the chirp, yes, you will be disabling the alarm sound when triggered, too.

Mka77

Exactly. Great response Rudeney

ctsa6

ok, if i lock the car with smart key, and will open it with door key should the the alarm went off?

Mka77

Why use the door key if the smart key is in hand?

ctsa6

just to test if alarm works...

Louie D

Mka77

I'm done

Rudeney

Actually, it's a valid question. If you use the Remote Control Locking (RCL) feature on the fob to lock the car, then open anything (door, hood, trunk) without using RCL to unlock, the alarm will sound. So, yes, if you use lock with RCL then unlock the door with the hard key and then open it, the alarm will sound.

ctsa6

Exactly, but my car only flashing the lights and no sound.

Rudeney

If you get no sound from the siren, then it could be defective or disconnected. It's located behind the front right wheel. You have to remove the wheel well shroud to gain access.

mis3

My car (2004 as well) came with this feature disabled but I asked MB to enable it. They told me it's some kind of European settings.
I personally like this beeps. Unlike other alarms, these beep are not loud and discreet. After parking, I would press the remote and walk away. When I hear the beeps, I know it's locked !

My friend has a 2003 CL550 and he asked MB to enable the beeps but they said it's not an option for the CL.

mis3

Now I am curious.

What if the battery of my remote is dead? I can use the key to get in the car, will I be able to start the car?

Rudeney

@mis3: Yes, if the battery in your SmartKey dies, you will still be able to start the car. The battery (actually two CR2023's) only power the RCL function. If they die, you won't be able to lock or unlock the car remotely, but you will be able to use the hard key. The ignition system uses an inductive coil within the ignition switch itself to power the SmartKey so it can communicate via IR and authorize starting for the engine.

mis3

Thanks, Rudeney. I am impressed with all the technologies that went into our remotes.

I once used the hard key to open the door. It worked but it was not easy, probably because it was never used before. Wonder if I should put in some WD40?

Kevwood

Same thing here just after I bought the car and the remote batteries died, I gave it a little shot of WD, put the key in and out a few times, turned it back and forth a few times and it was a-okay.

Rudeney

Next time, use graphite. You can buy a spray especially for locks. A cheaper method is to use a #2 pencil and mark all over the key, then manipulate it in the lock. If that doesn't work, then go with a light oil (WD-40 is convenient), but use as little as possible. The problem with the oil is that it will trap dirt and dust and in the long run, make things worse.

Oh, and if you want to know more about the key and how it works, check out this:

Everything you always wanted to know about DAS

mis3

I just went to lubricate the locks. I sprayed the hard key with WD and pushed it in and out a few times. I could feel that the key worked better now. I then went to treat the trunk lock. This one was difficult, I had to push the key in hard. All OK now, thanks.

The smartkey is indeed very smart. It is a great and reliable system and apparently, this is not new technology. I am curious why the other car manufacturers did not adopt this technology (besides Chrysler).

Rudeney

Well, the SmartKey technology (like many automotive technologies) was invented by MBZ. They really have no reason to sell it to other manufacturers. The only reason Chrysler has it is because Daimler own them and had started pushing their technology "downstream". Of course many makers have created their own versions. Toyota/Lexus for example calls their keyless push-button start system "smart key". I don't know if it uses technology like MBZ's DAS or not. I know BMW uses a similar system (key codes are pre-programmed to the car's electronics at manufacture).