SethP

The car does not detect the key at all. The outdoor buttons don't work, the car will let me lock it with the key inside, and lastly, the button to start the engine doesn't work.

I say all of that to say that it doesn't seem to be that any of these components are individually inoperable, but rather the car simply doesn't see the key (i've tried all 3 of my keys to no avail). Any ideas on what would be causing this?

Obviously I can continue to put the key in the ignition and use my key fob to lock/unlock doors. It's just the "keyless" functions that I've lost.

cetialpha5

Did you change the batteries in the fob? Did you check the voltage with a meter? Sometimes the store batteries are old and no good. Should be anywhere from 3.25-3.31 for new batteries. The door handles are known to go bad. Did you try all 4 door handles, both lock and unlock? Also works on the trunk and the gas cap. If you did all that, you'd probably have to get the car scanned to see what specific problem you're having with keyless go, could be the antenna or some module.

SethP

Yes, I have changed batteries recently, and as mentioned, I tried multiple fobs. And yes, I've tried all the doors.

I figured it was an antenna or module, as you say, but was hoping someone knew some specifics if this is a more common problem.

konigstiger

LED (5) should flash when key responds to a wakeup request. Could be sensor in door handle (initial recognition) requiring door handle replacement, as suggested best to pull fault codes.

cetialpha5

It's common to have Keyless go problems, but there are many possibilities so the only way to really narrow it down is to get it scanned and see what errors come up.

anxx3

I just bought a 2018 E300 and everything worked perfectly. Got my windows tinted and all of a sudden, i have the same issue. Car wont start unless i place my key in the center console.

konigstiger

How does your second key function. If fine, key used during tint install may have been deactivated try activating several times. BTW 213 should be posting here: https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w213-208/

Darren Lewis

I have same issue apparently it’s the tint on the rear window that causes interference to the fob as the antenna is built into the rear window . Some say once it completely dries out after 48 hrs it works again so I’ll just wait and see for now