W211 Key Fob Not Working
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14
Likes: 1
2003 E 320 Sport
W211 Key Fob Not Working
TL; DR: My key fob will not lock, unlock or open the trunk of my 03 E320.
Anyone have any ideas?
Neither of my two key fobs work, and stopped working at the same time. Both were working up until a month ago when I noticed my main key fob stopped lighting up when the buttons were pressed and obviously the doors stopped locking/unlocking. I replaced the batteries and that fixed the problem.
About a week later, the same issue started to occur, the key car would not respond when I pressed the buttons on the key fob. The lights on both fobs do come on when the buttons are pressed and one has very new batteries.
I replaced the #8 fuse (7.5 amp) for the antenna module. This did not help.
The key fob does still work when inserted in the ignition to start the car.
My AM radio signal does not seem to be affected.
Some background:
Several months ago I replaced the starter and fuel injectors. It left me with a red "visit workshop" malfunction notification with a picture of the battery. I figured it had something to with the battery being taken out in order to get to the starter and that the computer needed to be reset or reprogrammed somehow. I have not wanted to take it to the dealer so I have been avoiding it since it did not seem to affect the functionality of the car. I had been living with that malfunction for several months before the key fob issue started.
Seems like a sensor issue in the car since the problem is with both of my key fobs. Any help is appreciated.
Anyone have any ideas?
Neither of my two key fobs work, and stopped working at the same time. Both were working up until a month ago when I noticed my main key fob stopped lighting up when the buttons were pressed and obviously the doors stopped locking/unlocking. I replaced the batteries and that fixed the problem.
About a week later, the same issue started to occur, the key car would not respond when I pressed the buttons on the key fob. The lights on both fobs do come on when the buttons are pressed and one has very new batteries.
I replaced the #8 fuse (7.5 amp) for the antenna module. This did not help.
The key fob does still work when inserted in the ignition to start the car.
My AM radio signal does not seem to be affected.
Some background:
Several months ago I replaced the starter and fuel injectors. It left me with a red "visit workshop" malfunction notification with a picture of the battery. I figured it had something to with the battery being taken out in order to get to the starter and that the computer needed to be reset or reprogrammed somehow. I have not wanted to take it to the dealer so I have been avoiding it since it did not seem to affect the functionality of the car. I had been living with that malfunction for several months before the key fob issue started.
Seems like a sensor issue in the car since the problem is with both of my key fobs. Any help is appreciated.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,950
Likes: 1,309
From: Republic of Texas
'99 and '05 E55 AMG
Will the trunk open with the trunk release button in the driver's door?
Most common failure point is the harness on the left side of the trunk hinge; the wires flex and break. Very common and multiple posts on this. I repaired mine with a longer piece of wire a few months ago. Just open the harness and you'll find the broken wire.
Most common failure point is the harness on the left side of the trunk hinge; the wires flex and break. Very common and multiple posts on this. I repaired mine with a longer piece of wire a few months ago. Just open the harness and you'll find the broken wire.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14
Likes: 1
2003 E 320 Sport
Will the trunk open with the trunk release button in the driver's door?
Most common failure point is the harness on the left side of the trunk hinge; the wires flex and break. Very common and multiple posts on this. I repaired mine with a longer piece of wire a few months ago. Just open the harness and you'll find the broken wire.
Most common failure point is the harness on the left side of the trunk hinge; the wires flex and break. Very common and multiple posts on this. I repaired mine with a longer piece of wire a few months ago. Just open the harness and you'll find the broken wire.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 51
Likes: 1
From: Buffalo NY
2004 Mercedes-Benz E320 4matic w211
I have the same exact issue! Car starts trunk opens with the button on the driver's door panel, but the unlock, lock and trunk buttons on the remote do not work
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14
Likes: 1
2003 E 320 Sport
Hey Johnny, this was a long time ago so I'm having a hard time remembering the details. I think I ended up just taking it to my mechanic and I believe it was some kind of door handle component that needed to be replaced. I want to say the lock cylinder?
