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CLK 320 Driver side Keyless-go does not open door

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Old 05-12-2017, 03:28 PM
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2005 CLK320
CLK 320 Driver side Keyless-go does not open door

Hi all!

I'm having some problems with the keyless go on the driver side... I've read a couple of threads but i'm still uncertain which of the components i need to change...

Hope someone can help me out here.

so far the trouble shooting is that the passenger side works. And the remote works.

The only thing that is not working is the driver side, doesn't matter how i press it doesn't lock or unlock the door.

My question would be

1. Is the door activated by Infrared or just wireless? I thought it was a wireless thing. by infrared i would think you will need line of sight... but it works for the passenger side when the key is in my pocket.

2. Do I change the door handle first or the antenna?
3. How do i get to the antenna?
4. Anyone can advise me which is the correct part number to get?

Thank you for your advise! I need all the help i can get...
Old 05-12-2017, 10:57 PM
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It is RF, not IR. IR is used primarily for the convenience open/close feature where you can aim the key at the sensor on the door handle and press and hole the lock or unlock buttons to raise and lower the windows and sunroof (or cabriolet top).

It is most likely the antenna in the door that has failed as it would be rare that both the sensor and lock button on he door handle would fail simultaneously. However, I strongly recommend getting a proper diagnosis before throwing parts at it.
Old 05-13-2017, 12:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Rudeney
It is RF, not IR. IR is used primarily for the convenience open/close feature where you can aim the key at the sensor on the door handle and press and hole the lock or unlock buttons to raise and lower the windows and sunroof (or cabriolet top).

It is most likely the antenna in the door that has failed as it would be rare that both the sensor and lock button on he door handle would fail simultaneously. However, I strongly recommend getting a proper diagnosis before throwing parts at it.
Hi Rudeney,

Actually i did send it in to a "specialised" merc shop... For their sake, i'll leave out their name. But let me quote their diagnosis word for word including the typos, which cost me $150 and left me baffled...

"Diagnosis
Customer states the driver side keyless entry does not work. Passenger side is operating as designed. Upon walk around. Advisor tried using the keyless entry on the drivers door and would not funtion. Passenger goor operated as designed.

Pulleed vhicle in, window button and unlock button on driver's side are not functioning. Keyless unlock FOB functions normally. Scanned vehicle. Check the left door module. There are no hard codes stored for locking. Checked all actuators for door, the infrared trigger status says there is no input. Measured against the passenger side door value, which does say there is input. Doing more research confirmed that this is a more common issue for this vehicle. The infrared receiver is mounted to the door lock cylinder. This needs to be replaced. Called mercedes parts department and confirmed that the part can be replaced without getting vin specific part or replacing the actual lock cylinder. We will have to rely on their information that states we can simply swap the part out. If not the customer will have to order the lock assembly with cylinder from the dealer so that they can verify ownership. Pulled vehicle out."

From the diagnosis... it got me confused totally.
1. How does an infrared sensor works without line of sight? I thought it was through RF. Which was why i asked the initial question...
2. Why does the lock cylinder need to be replace? The lock and unlock function on the FOB works perfectly. The lock is working. And the Passenger side is working perfectly... So doesn't that mean that the sensor on the driver side is the only one not functioning properly?
3. There is no mentioned of a RF sensor in the diagnosis... which is also my plead for help. Where is the sensor, and can i reach it easily.

Overall, i know that this facility does not do good diagnosis and they are just going to do swaps and waste my time and money... and not getting the car fixed.

Btw... they quoted me $800 for parts and labour. Labour = 3 hours to replace the IR sensor... which would take you like 10 mins maybe? i've seen it on youtube how to replace that part... its just a screw and a plug... you don't even need to remove the door panel...

If anyone is concern, you can pm me and i will give you the shop's name so you can avoid it.



So back to my question, should i just change the door handle or try to replace the sensor since the diagnosis doesn't really bit...
Old 05-13-2017, 11:57 PM
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OK, here's a few things to know:

1. The IR sensors in the door handles do often fail. Sometimes they can be repaired:

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w203...placement.html

2. The IR sensor itself can be replaced without the need to replace any other components (i.e. lock cylinder, handle, etc.)

3. The IR sensor has nothing to do with KeylessGo. It is only used as a backup to the RF interface when using the SmartKey fob buttons to lock/unlock the car or for the convenience open/close function. With convenience open/close, you point the SmartKey fob at the IR sensor on the door handle, then press and hold the lock button to close all windows and the sunroof (or soft top), or press and hold the unlock button to open all windows and the sunroof (or soft top). You must hold the SmartKey aimed at the IR sensor and within 3-5 feet of it while continuing to hold the button for this to work. And this assume the IR sensor is functioning, which again, is a common failure.

4. KeylessGo works regardless of the IR sensor or even the RF interface for the lock, unlock, trunk or panic button on the SmartKey fob. Instead, it uses four antennas (one in teach door, one in the trunk, and one in the rear bumper). These antennas do two things, First, they communicate with the SmartKey to validate that it is authorized for the car. Second, they are used to triangulate the key's position. This is how the system knows if the key is inside the car, outside the car, in the trunk, etc. This is how it can prevent you from locking your key inside the car or trunk.

Here are the components of the KG system:

http://benzbits.com/w209/KeylessGoComponents.pdf

5. You need to find a new mechanic. This guy tested the door control unit, which is involved in getting the signals from the KG antenna in the door to the KG control unit, but it cannot test the antenna. He needed to test the KG system which has specific checks for the antennas.
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Old 05-14-2017, 01:41 AM
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Hi Rodney,

I wished the mechanic knew half of what you knew... i can't believe that they could be this bad... And this was a BIG shop... they deal with imports and all. I hope i'm just a one off case. But anyway i've paid my lesson fee... so thats history.

Thank you for explaining the keyless go so throughly, now i have a much better understanding of the system. I do have a question after understand it better, if one of the 4 antenna are not working, would the car get a malfunction code and show it on the dash board? i mean its even showing me brake light fail and stuff like that... (it give me a brake light 3 fail at random times, i'll deal with that when it doesn't go away)

I'm considering to replace the handle as the first option and because there are more examples online to getting one replaced as opposed to the antenna. I can't find much about replacement of the door antennas.

Do you think its a good idea?

I did a search and unfortunately my area doesn't do much merc... so i'm pretty much on my own until i find a trustworthy mech...

Thank you!
Old 05-14-2017, 11:27 AM
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You won't get any errors on the MFD when KeylessGo malfunctions, well, other than "Key not detected" when you try to start the car. In fact, maybe you can do a test - with they key at least 10 feet away from the vehicle, repeatedly press the lock button on the outside door handle and see if the "Key Not Detected" message appears on the MFD. I know this works on my SL, but I'm not sure about the CLK. If you do get the message, then you know the door handle button is working, so it's likely the antenna. If not, try the passenger side just to verify that this message works on the CLK. If you get the message on the passenger's side but not the driver's, then it's either a bad door handle, wiring issue, or door controller problem.

If you are so inclined to want to try to work with the antenna, here's the WIS docs:

http://benzbits.com/w209/DoorPanel.pdf
http://benzbits.com/w209/DoorProtectiveStrip.pdf
http://benzbits.com/w209/KeylessGoDoorAntenna.pdf

Note that the plastic clips on the door panel often break, so have some spares. You can get them for fairly cheap at the dealer, but you can also find suitable generic versions at most auto parts stores.

If you think it's the antenna, you might try swapping them from the left and right doors (they are the same parts) to see if the problem follows the antenna or stays with the door handle. If it is the antenna, here's the part:

https://www.mbdirectparts.com/oem-pa...ver-2098200475

Oh, and you don't say where you are located (maybe you should update your User Profile on the forum to add that, at least country). That website only sell to USA residents. And if you were within driving distance of me, I'd be glad to help.
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Old 05-15-2017, 10:08 AM
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2008 CLK550 Cab
What you say about it being unlikely that both micro switches will fail simultaneously makes sense. Unless they share some common connection in the handle. Mine stops working - left side only - for a day or two after some heavy rains. Not every heavy rain -
but the triggering event is always rain. Then after a day or two of sun is works fine again. Since it does not rain heavily that much here, it probably does not work only 6 days a year. Next time my left handle stops working I will try your test. But I think I did already. If memory serves, I get the message when it's working, but no message when it stops. But I will check.
Old 05-15-2017, 06:28 PM
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Hmm, that's food for thought, Yidney. And I keep forgetting that the CLK uses and actual mechanical switch for the unlock function (I did not have it on the C or CLK, and on the SL, it's just touch-sensitive). I suppose it is possible that water gets into the handle and causes issues with both switches.
Old 03-24-2018, 01:46 PM
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Diagnosis - Analysis?

Originally Posted by Rudeney
You won't get any errors on the MFD when KeylessGo malfunctions, well, other than "Key not detected" when you try to start the car. In fact, maybe you can do a test - with they key at least 10 feet away from the vehicle, repeatedly press the lock button on the outside door handle and see if the "Key Not Detected" message appears on the MFD. I know this works on my SL, but I'm not sure about the CLK. If you do get the message, then you know the door handle button is working, so it's likely the antenna. If not, try the passenger side just to verify that this message works on the CLK. If you get the message on the passenger's side but not the driver's, then it's either a bad door handle, wiring issue, or door controller problem.

If you are so inclined to want to try to work with the antenna, here's the WIS docs:

http://benzbits.com/w209/DoorPanel.pdf
http://benzbits.com/w209/DoorProtectiveStrip.pdf
http://benzbits.com/w209/KeylessGoDoorAntenna.pdf

Note that the plastic clips on the door panel often break, so have some spares. You can get them for fairly cheap at the dealer, but you can also find suitable generic versions at most auto parts stores.

If you think it's the antenna, you might try swapping them from the left and right doors (they are the same parts) to see if the problem follows the antenna or stays with the door handle. If it is the antenna, here's the part:

https://www.mbdirectparts.com/oem-pa...ver-2098200475

Oh, and you don't say where you are located (maybe you should update your User Profile on the forum to add that, at least country). That website only sell to USA residents. And if you were within driving distance of me, I'd be glad to help.
Rodney,

This has been quite helpful! If you would be so kind, please review my findings and further advise next steps in your opinion?

Current Status on my ‘05 CLK500:
FOB works for lock/unlock/trunk
gear selector button works for start/stop
pass door handle (US) lock button works (and MFD shows “Key not recognized” when I attempt with fob 10’+ away)
Pass handle does not allow unlock fxn
Driver handle lock/unlock KG fxn’s do not work, NOR any MFD msg

Thoughts on further diagnostics (without STAR)? Seems likely I have a faulty driver door handle, possible portion of pass handle faulty? It seems I cannot test driver door antenna fxn given this status, without STAR...agree?
Old 03-24-2018, 02:26 PM
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Driver Side:
Since you get no MFD messages when trying to use the driver's side KG lock/unlock functions, I'd say there is a physical problem with either the handle, wiring, or it could even be a fault in the door controller. I am fairly certain it's not an antenna problem, or else you would get messages on the MFD.

Passenger Side:
Since the lock button works with the key in range, and you get a message when the key is out of range, I'd say the antenna is operating properly. Since only the unlock function does not work (and with no MFD messages), I'd say that's a bad sensor on the door handle.

Trunk:
Can you open the trunk (with the car locked) just by squeezing the handle and having he key nearby? If not, then you may have an issue with the trunk antenna. But I think you;d get a message ont he MFD for "key not detected".

One thing to note is that the CLK uses physical, mechanical switches on the door handles for KH unlock. Other models uses capacitive touch-sensitive handles. I think the mechanical style have been more problematic. I don't know if there is any sort of DIY fix, but it will probably end up requiring handle replacement to fix them.
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Old 03-24-2018, 04:02 PM
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Hmm...

I will search related threads again, as I seem to recall ability to replace individual sensors in door handles in order to avoid cost of full handle replacement? Also, my remote trunk unlock works fine (sorry if I misspoke) although I’ve been meaning to ask a more general question regarding trunk lids...from the factory, did these lids pop open and raise to full shock extension? Or did they only pop up an inch or so...which is what mine does now. I would replace shocks if I could get it to open all the way...first world problems haha
Old 03-24-2018, 06:00 PM
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I'm not sure about the door handle sensors. Do search the forum - also check other model forums like the W211 E-Class or W220 S-Class.

No, I don't think you misspoke about the trunk - I just wanted to make sure that part was also working properly. And I think yours does work correctly by popping open just an inch - the hydraulic open/close feature was optional and only offered on the cabriolet. If you look on the inner edge of the trunk lid when it's open, you should have a red lock button. If that's all you have, then you do not have the hydraulic open/close function. If you did, there would be another button next to it to activate the close feature.
Old 03-24-2018, 08:58 PM
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Funny...

I don’t even see a red button anywhere on or within the trunk lid...the only buttons on my Cabriolet are the green blinking one inside the trunk lid that I assume is a safety should one get trapped in the trunk (?) and the black textured button external on the lid next to the license plate light. Regardless, I agree with no hydraulic as I only see two short shocks and two spring mechanisms of some sort. Ah well, back to door handle investigations
Old 03-24-2018, 09:44 PM
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OK, I just checked the owner's manual. You only have the red lock button on the edge of the lid if you have both KeylessGo and the automatic trunk closer (it's next to the red closer button). If you have the trunk closer and no KG, then you just have a red close button. Without the closer, and with or without KG there are no buttons there. Some other models with KG and no trunk closer have a lock button on the trunk lid or sill, but not the CLK. So, I think all is good except the door handles. Let us know if you find a good solution!
Old 10-31-2018, 01:20 PM
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Hello, I've had my w211 2009 e63 for a few weeks now and it seems now one handle isn't working anymore (rain??? we'll see). By chance would these instructions and antenna replacement work for model? I didn't see it specifically in the w211 e63 section. thank you very much!
Old 10-31-2018, 02:42 PM
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It should be mostly the same for the W211, although the door paneling will be different.
Old 10-31-2018, 04:09 PM
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thank you! I've just read over the w211 e55/e63 posting on this (https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...ent-diy.html); too bad the initial pictures are not showing anymore.

However it seems most ppl just simply replaced the handle instead of verifying if it was indeed the handle (internals corroded/broken) or the antenna you discuss above; luck I guess as no one mentioned it.

I'm of course wondering if mine is weather related as it has rained often lately, and the handle was working last week. So being about 10 years old and these are prone to water getting inside, I'm sure it has some issues inside the handle.

I appreciate it!
Old 10-31-2018, 10:41 PM
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So are you sure it's the handle and not the antenna? A quick test is to pull the handle with the key more than 10 feet away while observing the MFD on the instrument cluster. If you get no message, then it's probably the handle. If you get a "key not detected" then the handle is working.
Old 11-01-2018, 10:13 AM
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Not yet but I’ll certainly perform the test after your provided info above (thank you for that). My comment regarding the other thread was that it is luck and odd that many simply resorted to change the handle without checking the antenna first (or if they did there’s no mention of it, haha). I’ll do the check first and hope it’s a 10 minute handle replacement vs getting to the antenna.

I appreciate the help!
Old 11-02-2018, 12:31 PM
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Keyless go works ONLY on driver's side

Hi guys, great thread. I recently picked up a 2013 E550 (w212) and the keyless go function is only working on the driver's side and the trunk. I did the test with the key away from the car and get the "key not detected" message when trying to open the driver's side doors and the trunk, but no message with either of the passenger side doors. Based on the info in this thread, sounds like I have 2 bad door handles. Does that sound accurate or do these doors share a common part which could cause this? I'm looking forward to learning a lot! Thanks guys!!
Old 11-03-2018, 10:28 AM
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i am not familiar with the W212's systems, but assuming they are like other models, the two doors have separate door controllers, so that would probably not be an issue. It is possible that both handles have fails. What about locking? Do you have physical buttons on those handles, or are they also touch-sensitive?
Old 11-03-2018, 12:21 PM
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Originally Posted by Rudeney
i am not familiar with the W212's systems, but assuming they are like other models, the two doors have separate door controllers, so that would probably not be an issue. It is possible that both handles have fails. What about locking? Do you have physical buttons on those handles, or are they also touch-sensitive?
all of the doors have the capacitive touch handles, no physical buttons. The passenger doors don't respond to touches to lock or unlock but if u use the drivers side handles or the key fob all the door locks respond appropriately.
Old 11-04-2018, 02:48 PM
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Like I said, I am not familiar with the W212's system, so maybe there is some part shared by both door handles that has failed. I know on older models, the rear door handle did not have KeylessGo functionality, so maybe when that was added to the W212, they used a different control module? At this point, you're likely going to need to get it hooked up to SDS for testing.
Old 05-09-2019, 07:16 PM
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2004 mecedez clk 320
mercedez clk 320 keys locked in trunk fob not working trunk button not working

Originally Posted by viewwing
Hi Rudeney,

Actually i did send it in to a "specialised" merc shop... For their sake, i'll leave out their name. But let me quote their diagnosis word for word including the typos, which cost me $150 and left me baffled...

"Diagnosis
Customer states the driver side keyless entry does not work. Passenger side is operating as designed. Upon walk around. Advisor tried using the keyless entry on the drivers door and would not funtion. Passenger goor operated as designed.

Pulleed vhicle in, window button and unlock button on driver's side are not functioning. Keyless unlock FOB functions normally. Scanned vehicle. Check the left door module. There are no hard codes stored for locking. Checked all actuators for door, the infrared trigger status says there is no input. Measured against the passenger side door value, which does say there is input. Doing more research confirmed that this is a more common issue for this vehicle. The infrared receiver is mounted to the door lock cylinder. This needs to be replaced. Called mercedes parts department and confirmed that the part can be replaced without getting vin specific part or replacing the actual lock cylinder. We will have to rely on their information that states we can simply swap the part out. If not the customer will have to order the lock assembly with cylinder from the dealer so that they can verify ownership. Pulled vehicle out."

From the diagnosis... it got me confused totally.
1. How does an infrared sensor works without line of sight? I thought it was through RF. Which was why i asked the initial question...
2. Why does the lock cylinder need to be replace? The lock and unlock function on the FOB works perfectly. The lock is working. And the Passenger side is working perfectly... So doesn't that mean that the sensor on the driver side is the only one not functioning properly?
3. There is no mentioned of a RF sensor in the diagnosis... which is also my plead for help. Where is the sensor, and can i reach it easily.

Overall, i know that this facility does not do good diagnosis and they are just going to do swaps and waste my time and money... and not getting the car fixed.

Btw... they quoted me $800 for parts and labour. Labour = 3 hours to replace the IR sensor... which would take you like 10 mins maybe? i've seen it on youtube how to replace that part... its just a screw and a plug... you don't even need to remove the door panel...

If anyone is concern, you can pm me and i will give you the shop's name so you can avoid it.



So back to my question, should i just change the door handle or try to replace the sensor since the diagnosis doesn't really bit...

i locked my blade in the trunk..fob not working. manual button not working. convertible top wont let down. is there another manual way to open the trunk besides cutting a hole in the license plate area? like a trunk release or something on the drivers side? also how do i get the dang convertible top down manually? maybe i can access the trunk that way. or can i got through the back seat? i had the problem with my 2000 e320 and i was able to utilize the hydraulic system with a bicycle pump, can i do the same thing. please help asap!
Old 05-10-2019, 09:35 PM
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In order to manually operate the soft top, you'd need access the the trunk, so that's sort of a Catch-22. I'd order a new mechanical key blade from the dealer.

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