Ntuck

Anyone had to replace the battery in their key fob in less than a year? I've had mine for 5 months and received the message that it needed to be replaced. Asked the service guy and he said it's typical. I do have the Keyless go, so don't know if that has anything to do with it. Just asked my Sister who has a C300 and has had for 4 years and never replaced. My old Suburban I had for 6 years and never replaced the battery on it either.

fabbrisd1

Three things -

1) In part Keyless Go does have a larger drain on the fob battery since it is a 24/7/35 signal

2) fob's with Keyless Go have the "same" single battery installation as non-Keyless fob's - so Keyless fob's will go "dead" faster than a non-Keyless fob

3) CORRECTABLE - the current MB batteries are sourced from a battery factory in Indonesia - yes, either Panasonic or Sony brand - you can see the Made in Indonesia marking on the back of the battery - and my personal experience Indonesia batteries are SH*T

Do yourself a BIG favor and order in five Maxell-Japan batteries in from Amazon for $2 - these fresh Maxell-Japan batteries have a 5 year shelf life - on top of being the best battery for your Keyless fob.


Replacing the fob battery takes less than 30 seconds - this 1 1/2 minute youtube video is accurate for X166 and W166 fob's:

gdtaber

Thanks for the tip...and the easy Amazon link....

Ntuck

Thanks Fab, I figured you be the one to know the answer. I actually got some Duracell batteries that came in a 2 pack the other day. I changed it myself by looking up the instructions in the manual and very easy. Makes sense that it drains faster, but thought 5 months seemed super quick. Appreciate the response!

doctorG

Funny that you posted this today. My CLS key fobs both said change battery yesterday...one year since I got the car. Went to the dealer and they replaced both batteries...albeit with the Mercedes packaged Made in Indonesia Panasonic batteries.

1st amg

I was told that if the key fob is less than three meters from the car, the key fob is activated or is in some state of getting prepared to unlock, lock or start the vehicle. I had the key fob batteries drain pretty quick on everything I have owned from MB like my old C63, my older Gl and the current ones like the 2014 GL and my SLS. I since have found a spot for the keys about four meters from the cars and have found that this works and they last longer.

blittle

Replaced both of mine last week.....

fabbrisd1

Correct on storing/keeping keys more than 10-12 meters from the GL...

Also correct - if low battery comes up in one key, replace battery in BOTH keys.

Unofrtunately, sh*t Panasonic/Indonesia - believe me I have fought upstream on this - battery life with the Maxell Japan will more than double...

sbasham

I may have the record. One key fob went from just fine to "Key not recognized" in 3 weeks from purchase (2014 model). It was Indo. panasonic battery.

cincy8

I've had my gl550 since late October, about 6,500 miles. I have to get the key very close to the car to unlock, now car says it can't find the key. Old battery was Panasonic, Indonesia.

I'm trying Duracell duralock off amazon (I'm P&G loyal). Made in Japan.