Taylor-Made'90

OK, I need some insight from somma you older owners...

I think it's time to replace the battery in my key fob. I work in downtown Dallas. I have a window office, which sits across the light-rail tracks from our parking garage. From my office window I can see my car. Usually, I can stand at my window and 'chirp' my car. It's about 100 feet from my window to my car ('03 E500). But recently, I can't chirp it from the window anymore. And when I'm 30 feet from the car, I've got to press the buttons more than once to get the signal sent. So, I believe it's time to simply replace the battery.

But here's the question. Can I go to RadioShack and have them replace the battery (like you can with every other auto remote fob)?? Or do I have to go back to the dealer for some Jedi mind-trick/use the force thingamajiggy???

Can I replace the battery myself, or does MBenza have to get their grubby little hands on it...

Help???

pfphipps

No big deal. Go to Radio Shack, Walgreens, Walmart, Target, K-Mart, just about anyplace and buy two CR2025 batteries. The top comes off of the key. Remove the metal key, push back on the gray thing inside where the metal key was removed and pull off the top of the key. The batteries are in the part that is removed. Just make sure you put the batteries in just like they came out and snap it back together.

Taylor-Made'90

Thanks, Phipps!!!!

I'm going to buy the batt'rys tonight...

Taylor-Made'90

I got it.....

amdeutsch

Isn't the 'how to' explained in the manual?

Taylor-Made'90

I just popped mine off. After you remove the metal key, take the key and use it to press the gray insert. Press the insert in the same direction you slide the gray button to release the key. When you press the insert 'in', the end (or top) of the fob dislodges, allowing you to grab it and slide it out. The batteries slide out with the top.

mandrek

Thank you folks. That was slick. I did not want to go the dealership & pay through the nose just for the batteries.

- MD
2004 E500

harkgar

How much did it cost you at Radio Shack? How much at the dealership?

Diesel Benz

Owners don't seem to know hot to use their manual. Perhaps there should be a manual explaining that.

ohlord

there was a manual for the manual,they would still not read the manual and then they would need the original manual for the manual for the owners manual
The only valid excuse is when the previous owner has not provided the owners manual

To the post about how much radio shack v.s. the dealer,that is not the issue.When dealers charge 90bucks to change a 2dollar light bulb that is the reason you read the manual and diy,key batteries,light bulbs,front end suspensions

sdunham

Not to be rude, but RTFM... It's in there, with pictures... The batts are 2025's and you need 2... I takes all of about 2 minutes to do...

Barry45RPM

Actually the downloadable PDF version of the manual is the most user friendly version because you can use the Adobe "Search" function and look for any word or phrase to zero in on what you want immediately. Too bad MBUSA doesn't put all the manuals needed for the car (VCA, Comand, NAV, etc.) on a CD & include it in the glove compartment on delivery. The "quick start" manual could be included as a slide show at the beginning of the disc... very slick & thorough.

Back in the '70s, I remember GM including a quick start cassette tape to play in the car as soon as you got the new car home.

BavarianPride

What's a cassette ? lol j/k .

Barry45RPM

Its a much smaller 8 Track Tape you can fast forward & rewind ?

vettdvr

8 Track what's that,, I thought cars still came with 45 rpm players as in the 50+ Cryslers

Television

8 track reminds me years ago of all of the double tracking problems, 2 makers RCA and EMI and the 2 cassettes were not compatible, sorry the very mention gave me a hot flush

gaazmon

Lol, I remember the dealer quoting me $20 a battery for replacement. I just wanted to see for my curiosity. I started laughing and asked if he knew what I did for a living. You guys DON'T want to know the cost from a distributor of panasonic on those batteries or the cost of those replacement remotes that Huf makes for them. It's amazing how much the dealer can rip you off. He said some people pay for it. I couldn't believe it. Well, it's like when I saw this girl take her car in when I was there too. She took it in for a replacement tire since it was banged up from potholes. I thought, are you *******g kidding, have you not heard of a tire shop before??? She was with her mother too. Wow, I'd go ape sh** on my wife and daughter if they pulled something like that

Barry45RPM

Actually, my dealership charges just about what the local tire shop charges for a Michelin tire replacement, remount & balance.... and the MB Dealership always has a couple in stock... the local tire shops have to get them all the time for nextday delivery & installation.

I find that depending on the dealership personell you are dealing with, you do better on pricing depending on what they feel they can get away with with you without losing the sale AND on WHO you are dealing with. There are different proces for different people on some things.

As with all things, you have to know the fair price of the item & agree to pay it or negotiate.

gaazmon

I see what you mean, but usually the dealer, out here at least, will charge an "arm" more for things that you could get somewhere else. Perfect example was the battery. Unfortunetly, some things you can't get from anywhere else, such as key fobs. In that case you have to pay, but I find that acceptable.

vettdvr

Interesting, I paid $675 for 2 michelins at the dealer and bought the next 2 michelins (same tire) locally for $520. UMMMMM

Barry45RPM

If you know the "good price" press them for the "good Price". (Next time) I doubt they'd want to lose such a simple sale.

Here on Long Island, we have so many MB Dealers and tire shops that they are falling all over each other to compete for the sale.