cupcrazy

just wondering if anyone out there has had problems with opening thier windows using the key remote. it seems like 80 percent of the time i cannot get the remote to do this. maybe there is some kinds= of thing to like reset the function. kinda like when my sunroof acts up? if anyone has any ideas, please help. thankyou

AsianML

Are you pointing it directly at the IR sensor in the door handle?

Polar Bear

Since your car is a 2003, the IR sensor could be damaged due to weather exposure. Ideally, you should be able to use the feature by pointing the SmartKey directly at the driver door handle and holding the lock or unlock button to operate the desired function, within about 15 feet from the vehicle. If the IR sensor is damaged, it is much less sensitive and will only work when the car is out of daylight (in a dark garage, etc.) and you are very very close (within inches) of the sensor. If that is the case, the IR sensor in the door handle probably needs replaced. Try the obvious first and ensure your batteries in the SmartKey are good.

FT Benz

I've never had a problem using the remote to open the windows but what sometimes works and doesn't work is when I use the door handle to open the windows. With the Keyless Go I have been able to open all the windows using the handle (just kept holding the open door pad on the back) then close them using the lock button. Sometimes it works....sometimes it doesn't. I'm wondering if anyone knows if there is a process to doing it?

Polar Bear

This is an "undocumented feature" that you can do on the Keyless-Go cars that will lower the windows with door unlock button. To learn to operate, first, lower your windows slightly. Then using the Lock button on the door handle and hold it. Observe the time period that it takes for the windows to start closing. After this time period has passed, you can use the Unlock button on the inside of the door handle to lower the window. Once you get used to the delay, you can do it second nature. You can practice by watching the windows raise and releasing the lock and pressing the unlock button. You always need to press the lock button, hold it, and then the unlock button for this to work. If you only hold the unlock button, it will just unlock the doors a second time.

FraKctured

this has always been unreliable for me. On my '99 C230, it malfunctioned and I ended up with the sunroof open when the windows were closed, and vice versa. Not sure how I fixed it in the end (I think I started the car while holding the sun roof controls or something). My '06 C280 doesn't respond to it at all no matter what I do.

It is a nice luxury feature--clears the hot air out immediately, but nice features are nice only if they work.

03E500AMG

I use to have the same problem... got new remotes and works every time.

Barry45RPM

They had to replace the IR receiver in the door on my 2004 when I had this problem.

Diesel Benz

This sounds odd. If the issue would be the IR transmitter at your key, the car would not start because the IR transmitter is needed when the key signals with the EIS. It could be a dead battery in the key but then the RF part would neither work and you would not be able to open doors with the remote.

How was it with your other key? Did you get two new keys?

cupcrazy

thanks everyone for all the input. I'm sure it is that the handles are old and wheathered. this make sense that it would work so infrequently. i didn't quite understand about holding the lock on the handle thing though. i didnt even know that was a feature. thanks again everyone

cupcrazy

well now that that has been mostly answered, what about this sunroof problem? once in awhile, when i go to open the sunroof, it will only open a third of the way or so. it takes a few tries. i know about the holding the button each way for 10 seconds to reset it. but i want to know what is making this stuff happen

Polar Bear

It could just need lubrication. If the system detects an unusually (or slightly) different effort needed to move the roof, it will do this.

Also, FYI - the door handle button trick is for Keyless-Go equipped cars only.

DrDrilZ

on my car with KG, if i press the door pad on the back of the handle, it unlocks and opens the door. so if i keep pressing the pad, it will also lower the windows? i dont have access the car right now otherwise id just go and try it myself.

novae500

i have trouble w/mine as well.....sometimes it works and sometimes it doesnt...

gaazmon

I have same problem. I haven't tried with second remote (have never used it), but I think it is the remote and not the car.

03E500AMG

took it to the dealer with this complaint and this is what they said was wrong. ended up with two new keys and it fixed the problem.

Diesel Benz

You must have some thoughts why it would be the key and not the car? Even if one car was fixed by a dealer ordering two new keys, I would not be convinced. It can be the standard case, the keys were faulty and then there was something else too, the door handle IR receiver. Except that in this referred case the dealer had to consider which one to make the owner pay for.

As I mentioned before, windows are control with the IR part of the key. If the IR part does not work, you cannot start the car. The key switches sometimes break (soldering) but then one could not open/close the door. What is it in the key that disables remote control of the windows but keeps the keys working otherwise?

gaazmon

The reason I think it is the key also is because once in a while the lock/unlock will not work. Probably batteries are old, but have to check with voltmeter. The remote is a little beat up from the previous owner (luckily they never touched the second key).

Diesel, O/T question but, do you know if the frequency on the Benz remotes in Europe are 433MHz.? In the US, they give us 310MHz (it's like this on pretty much all factory OEM key systems). The reason I'm asking is because in the old days, the aftermarket alarms in the US were 310MHz. but I remember my father having to carry one unit which didn't match the rest in regards to the chip processing because it was 433MHz. (the box says European High-Frequency) and it was being sold specifically in Europe. Now, pretty much all the aftermarket ones are 433MHz here in the US too (but OEMs are still 310MHz). I just wanted to see if it is some kind of law there in Europe for that, because I think that was the reason for the 433 freq. If it is 433MHz., you guys are lucky since it gets better range.

cupcrazy

thanks everyone. i appreciate all the advice. i wish i j=knew about this forum site long ago! cheers

Diesel Benz

OK if you have observed problems with remote key locking/unlocking doors, then it could well be an issue with the key (both the RF connection and the IR connection failing, although the latter could be from not pointing to the IR receiver).

Shouldn't the US keys operate at 315 MHz? Euro keys operate at 433 MHz (approximately).

gaazmon

Lol, yes 315MHz. Sometimes they do 310MHz as well on some cars. Ya, you guys get the better chip for added range, since I think it is a Europe law for the frequency.

I've pointed at the IR receiver directly and sometimes it still doesn't. I'll try with the spare and see what happens.