Unlock range reduced - NOT a battery issue.
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From: Nova Scotia, Canada
2023 GLK250, 1987 560SL
Unlock range reduced - NOT a battery issue.
Hi all,
I've got a 2005 E320 Estate and just recently the unlocking/locking range has reduced to a few inches, meaning that I have to have the key right up close to the sensor on the driver door handle. This happened simultaneously with both keys, but in the spirit of ruling out coincidences I replaced the batteries to confirm and the issue remained unresolved.
This suggests to me that the issue is with the receiver/antenna in the car.
There are no issues with starting the car, and no warnings about convenience features being disabled.
Thoughts? Comments?
Thanks in advance
I've got a 2005 E320 Estate and just recently the unlocking/locking range has reduced to a few inches, meaning that I have to have the key right up close to the sensor on the driver door handle. This happened simultaneously with both keys, but in the spirit of ruling out coincidences I replaced the batteries to confirm and the issue remained unresolved.
This suggests to me that the issue is with the receiver/antenna in the car.
There are no issues with starting the car, and no warnings about convenience features being disabled.
Thoughts? Comments?
Thanks in advance
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,140
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From: Nova Scotia, Canada
2023 GLK250, 1987 560SL
Slight amendment:
Since replacing the batteries, I can now unlock/lock from a range of ~25' but only when in direct line of sight with the driver door handle.
Since replacing the batteries, I can now unlock/lock from a range of ~25' but only when in direct line of sight with the driver door handle.
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From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
I am not good with electronics and radio frequencies, but common forum knowledge is that those keys have dual transmitting.
The one for locks has high range and the one for windows/sunroof operation need to be very close to the car.
Sounds like your long range transmitting quit.
Good luck figuring it out.
The one for locks has high range and the one for windows/sunroof operation need to be very close to the car.
Sounds like your long range transmitting quit.
Good luck figuring it out.
Thread Starter
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From: Nova Scotia, Canada
2023 GLK250, 1987 560SL
Yes I was aware of the dual signals. The symptoms indicate that the IR is working fine, I don't think this requires further explanation. It would appear to be an RF problem.
So the question remains, is the central locking module and radio receiver all in one unit?
So the question remains, is the central locking module and radio receiver all in one unit?
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From: Nova Scotia, Canada
2023 GLK250, 1987 560SL
Well, I didn't get any hits on the document, and the attachment is for an R-class, albeit many of the component locations would be the same.
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From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Nova Scotia, Canada
2023 GLK250, 1987 560SL
Found this thread:
https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...s-popping.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...s-popping.html
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,140
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From: Nova Scotia, Canada
2023 GLK250, 1987 560SL
Well, I haven't been able to find any blown fuses, and the alarm siren works fine, so I don't think the issues encountered in the link in my prior post apply.
I think there is a good likelihood that my antenna module that has failed - having searched for this there is clearly a separate module from the central locking module. As it is a relatively inexpensive component, I'll just try swapping it out and see if that resolves the problem.
I think there is a good likelihood that my antenna module that has failed - having searched for this there is clearly a separate module from the central locking module. As it is a relatively inexpensive component, I'll just try swapping it out and see if that resolves the problem.
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Joined: Jan 2009
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From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
Did you try to search W210 topics? Those cars are very similar and when for some reasons not too many W211 owners research those cars, - W210 have very extensive database.
I found a topic about module on benzworld. IN STICKIES.
I found a topic about module on benzworld. IN STICKIES.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Nova Scotia, Canada
2023 GLK250, 1987 560SL
Yeah, I'm just sort of pecking away at it. I found the location of the antenna module. It's in the driver side rear pillar near the roof.
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E350 4matic wagon
Did you ever figure this out? I'm picking up a 2007 E350 Estate as well, which has similar issue. Now, I haven't gotten the car, so I don't know if it's the IR or the RF that's quitting. But owner complained about it sometimes not working, and told me battery is the issue - upon searches, I find the IR receiver maybe an issue, but then again, that would only impact convenience feature, not lock/unlock... so I'm guessing the RF would be it. Let me know if you have found a solution to this pls.
Thanks,
Thanks,
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Nova Scotia, Canada
2023 GLK250, 1987 560SL
If it's the radio receiver/transmitter module in the car, be prepared to spend a few hundred dollars on repairing it. I think the module is about $350 and replacing it will take a solid two hours or more. So at the dealer, it's going to cost about $1,000. At an independent, maybe $600-$700.
