key fob keyless entry issue
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,190
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From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
The GT350 I had, obviously a Ford, allows you to program your own new keys right in the center console as long as you have the two original keys. You can have up to six keys I believe. That’s the way it should be with every manufacturer. I don’t enjoy getting ripped off for such a simple request to have an additional key.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 48
Likes: 12
2010 mercedes e550
I guess, whatever it takes to squeeze more money out of the owner, even after the sale of the car, very sad...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,141
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From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
When I bought a used 2010 E550, the dealer owed me an extra key as they only had one. When the new key came I picked it up and inserted it into the slot and turned it. The dash showed “key initiating” for a few seconds and then it was good to go. There was no dealer programming involved whatsoever.
I was told the key comes from Germany. It took the whole week to get it so it probably did come from the main place.
The key came in a plastic bag and the dealer did not do anything with it. Before I left with the key I asked the parts clerk to test the key that it works and this test showed good on the door locks when buttons were pressed with key still in the bag.
Assuming all is good I went with the key but a couple days later when I went to start the car with the new key it would not. Door locks worked fine for the touch but obviously the key was not correctly recognized by the car.
Then just thinking about it if the key would need to be used once in the ignition I removed the start button and used the key in the ignition and the car started fine. After this the start button also started working.
From this I think the new key needs to be “programmed” to the car starting system by first using it as a manual key. Wonder if some other functions would get programmed this same way if the key was not originally fully programmed to the car, i.e. changing key components could cause the key to forget some of the programming?
It is easy for the OP to just use the key in the ignition and see if it helps. Nothing to lose here.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 48
Likes: 12
2010 mercedes e550
I bought a used S550 and had to get another key for it. Pretty pricey at $600!
I was told the key comes from Germany. It took the whole week to get it so it probably did come from the main place.
The key came in a plastic bag and the dealer did not do anything with it. Before I left with the key I asked the parts clerk to test the key that it works and this test showed good on the door locks when buttons were pressed with key still in the bag.
Assuming all is good I went with the key but a couple days later when I went to start the car with the new key it would not. Door locks worked fine for the touch but obviously the key was not correctly recognized by the car.
Then just thinking about it if the key would need to be used once in the ignition I removed the start button and used the key in the ignition and the car started fine. After this the start button also started working.
From this I think the new key needs to be “programmed” to the car starting system by first using it as a manual key. Wonder if some other functions would get programmed this same way if the key was not originally fully programmed to the car, i.e. changing key components could cause the key to forget some of the programming?
It is easy for the OP to just use the key in the ignition and see if it helps. Nothing to lose here.
I was told the key comes from Germany. It took the whole week to get it so it probably did come from the main place.
The key came in a plastic bag and the dealer did not do anything with it. Before I left with the key I asked the parts clerk to test the key that it works and this test showed good on the door locks when buttons were pressed with key still in the bag.
Assuming all is good I went with the key but a couple days later when I went to start the car with the new key it would not. Door locks worked fine for the touch but obviously the key was not correctly recognized by the car.
Then just thinking about it if the key would need to be used once in the ignition I removed the start button and used the key in the ignition and the car started fine. After this the start button also started working.
From this I think the new key needs to be “programmed” to the car starting system by first using it as a manual key. Wonder if some other functions would get programmed this same way if the key was not originally fully programmed to the car, i.e. changing key components could cause the key to forget some of the programming?
It is easy for the OP to just use the key in the ignition and see if it helps. Nothing to lose here.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,363
Likes: 1,012
'11 E350, '11 E550, '98 M3, '95 E320
"Programming" is sticking the key in and the vehicle automatically writes in a new key track... as the key comes coded per the VIN. An extra step would be removing an old key track if it was stolen or damaged so it cannot be used in the future. There are some limitations, which at the time of purchasing the "spare" key I'm not sure they know. There's limited key tracks, so additional programming may be required.
Shop around, but arguing with them whether it needs to be "programmed"... it is what it is. All they really need to do is verify the ownership, that's why the vehicle needs to be brought to the dealership. Around here regular keys are $300-400 and KG are $500-600.
Shop around, but arguing with them whether it needs to be "programmed"... it is what it is. All they really need to do is verify the ownership, that's why the vehicle needs to be brought to the dealership. Around here regular keys are $300-400 and KG are $500-600.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,363
Likes: 1,012
'11 E350, '11 E550, '98 M3, '95 E320
For indys with a good relationship with a dealer.. they just send the key over to the garage for the end customer. Verifying vehicle ownership is on the indy... at least that's how is was before my parents retired out of the business.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 48
Likes: 12
2010 mercedes e550
"Programming" is sticking the key in and the vehicle automatically writes in a new key track... as the key comes coded per the VIN. An extra step would be removing an old key track if it was stolen or damaged so it cannot be used in the future. There are some limitations, which at the time of purchasing the "spare" key I'm not sure they know. There's limited key tracks, so additional programming may be required.
Shop around, but arguing with them whether it needs to be "programmed"... it is what it is. All they really need to do is verify the ownership, that's why the vehicle needs to be brought to the dealership. Around here regular keys are $300-400 and KG are $500-600.
Shop around, but arguing with them whether it needs to be "programmed"... it is what it is. All they really need to do is verify the ownership, that's why the vehicle needs to be brought to the dealership. Around here regular keys are $300-400 and KG are $500-600.
but, since i have full working key fob now, im only at this point looking to see why the fingerprint sensor is not operating., thanks
Last edited by reefguy; Dec 2, 2021 at 03:07 AM.
