Key Fob Fable
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,333
Likes: 304
From: Dorset, UK
GLC 450
I think the problem is you can't have the motion sensor too sensitive. Otherwise the key will wake up constantly by the lightest touch. Also, more frequent sleep/wake cycle will most likely drain the key battery faster.
I don't know the exact time before the key goes to sleep mode, but you can manually trigger it by pressing the lock button twice in quick succession.
I don't know the exact time before the key goes to sleep mode, but you can manually trigger it by pressing the lock button twice in quick succession.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 496
Likes: 214
From: Philadelphia, PA
2020 Mercedes GLE 450
Umm, it looks like there are two types of "sleep" the keyfob has. One is "light sleep" (or standby mode) which is awake by motion sensor. The other one is "deep sleep" (or off mode) which is trigger by double clicking on the lock button (does not wake by motion, only by the button).
For mine issue, its the first type. Before getting the new key, almost after any amount of drive, after getting off the car and trying to lock the door with the sensor, it wouldn't work until I shake the key fob.
I wish Mercedes could change the design, so that if the key is detected inside the car while running, it should keep the key "awake". That way, the "time to sleep" won't matter as much.
For mine issue, its the first type. Before getting the new key, almost after any amount of drive, after getting off the car and trying to lock the door with the sensor, it wouldn't work until I shake the key fob.
I wish Mercedes could change the design, so that if the key is detected inside the car while running, it should keep the key "awake". That way, the "time to sleep" won't matter as much.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,333
Likes: 304
From: Dorset, UK
GLC 450
Umm, it looks like there are two types of "sleep" the keyfob has. One is "light sleep" (or standby mode) which is awake by motion sensor. The other one is "deep sleep" (or off mode) which is trigger by double clicking on the lock button (does not wake by motion, only by the button).
For mine issue, its the first type. Before getting the new key, almost after any amount of drive, after getting off the car and trying to lock the door with the sensor, it wouldn't work until I shake the key fob.
I wish Mercedes could change the design, so that if the key is detected inside the car while running, it should keep the key "awake". That way, the "time to sleep" won't matter as much.
For mine issue, its the first type. Before getting the new key, almost after any amount of drive, after getting off the car and trying to lock the door with the sensor, it wouldn't work until I shake the key fob.
I wish Mercedes could change the design, so that if the key is detected inside the car while running, it should keep the key "awake". That way, the "time to sleep" won't matter as much.
The problem is that the "light sleep" doesn't awaken as designed, it should wake up with the motion created when leaving the car but sometimes it doesn't.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 496
Likes: 214
From: Philadelphia, PA
2020 Mercedes GLE 450
I think yours and mine are different issue. Mine is either the key go to sleep to early, or the motion sensor doesn't work correctly (now that I think of it), and new key seems to fix it so far.
As for yours, it could be the car not recognizing the key from time to time.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,333
Likes: 304
From: Dorset, UK
GLC 450
Hopefully that plus the new keys fix your issue.
I think yours and mine are different issue. Mine is either the key go to sleep to early, or the motion sensor doesn't work correctly (now that I think of it), and new key seems to fix it so far.
As for yours, it could be the car not recognizing the key from time to time.
I think yours and mine are different issue. Mine is either the key go to sleep to early, or the motion sensor doesn't work correctly (now that I think of it), and new key seems to fix it so far.
As for yours, it could be the car not recognizing the key from time to time.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 496
Likes: 214
From: Philadelphia, PA
2020 Mercedes GLE 450
The reason why I said this is because my issue was resolved with a new key, and no software update.
You mentioned that your dealer performed some kind of software update (which I believe is on the car side, as I don't believe you can update the software on the key), which is why I think your issue might be different than mine.
By the way, did the new key + software update fix the issue for you?
You mentioned that your dealer performed some kind of software update (which I believe is on the car side, as I don't believe you can update the software on the key), which is why I think your issue might be different than mine.
By the way, did the new key + software update fix the issue for you?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,333
Likes: 304
From: Dorset, UK
GLC 450
The reason why I said this is because my issue was resolved with a new key, and no software update.
You mentioned that your dealer performed some kind of software update (which I believe is on the car side, as I don't believe you can update the software on the key), which is why I think your issue might be different than mine.
By the way, did the new key + software update fix the issue for you?
You mentioned that your dealer performed some kind of software update (which I believe is on the car side, as I don't believe you can update the software on the key), which is why I think your issue might be different than mine.
By the way, did the new key + software update fix the issue for you?
I am always dubious when they say that they have carried out a software update, I believe that is to pacify you that they have done something.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2018
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From: Boise
2024 GMC Canyon Denali..... 2018 Audi SQ5
There is actually a software up date to the Key Fob. Before I got my new ones they did both of mine. I had one Fob that was much worse than the other and the update made them both work about the same so one worked better but neither were satisfactory after the update. Phil is probably correct in that Mercedes makes the Dealer do the software first. Does it fix any or just a stall tactic?
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 496
Likes: 214
From: Philadelphia, PA
2020 Mercedes GLE 450
I haven't got a new key, they only did the software update yesterday so can't judge whether it has fixed the issue but I doubt it. No "knowledge" of new keys in UK yet but sure it will happen, probably when I am about to trade the car.
I am always dubious when they say that they have carried out a software update, I believe that is to pacify you that they have done something.
I am always dubious when they say that they have carried out a software update, I believe that is to pacify you that they have done something.
(sorry I got confused between you and bkushner which did got a new key)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2016
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From: Dorset, UK
GLC 450
To be honest it isn't much of an issue to me but they aren't correct and will eventually will be replaced.
Last edited by Philamg; Jul 22, 2020 at 06:43 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 496
Likes: 214
From: Philadelphia, PA
2020 Mercedes GLE 450
You should really push for your dealer for a new key. Show them this post, show them the pictures me and Ron posted. I originally got the "cannot find any issue" response from my dealership, but after showing them this post + Ron's picture, the "found" the LI document describing the issue and replace the key, when fix the issue for me.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,333
Likes: 304
From: Dorset, UK
GLC 450
You should really push for your dealer for a new key. Show them this post, show them the pictures me and Ron posted. I originally got the "cannot find any issue" response from my dealership, but after showing them this post + Ron's picture, the "found" the LI document describing the issue and replace the key, when fix the issue for me.
Thread Starter
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From: Boise
2024 GMC Canyon Denali..... 2018 Audi SQ5
Unfortunately some Fobs don’t wake up properly and may go to sleep prematurely. They have a new Fob and I’m sure that they will come in new cars. The production numbers may not be adequate to also provide them to the replacement parts supply chain for now.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,333
Likes: 304
From: Dorset, UK
GLC 450
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,333
Likes: 304
From: Dorset, UK
GLC 450
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,333
Likes: 304
From: Dorset, UK
GLC 450
Have reported the issue to MB UK, pointless really as they are going to arrange for the dealer to look at it which the did and carried out "software update" 2 weeks ago. Told them about new fobs available in US, let's wait and see.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2018
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From: Boise
2024 GMC Canyon Denali..... 2018 Audi SQ5
Another approach (if this doesn’t work) is to have them replace your Fobs. There’s a good chance that you will get the new ones but even if not they may work. If not ask for new ones again. At some point the squeaky wheel gets action.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,333
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From: Dorset, UK
GLC 450
Have already told them that replacing the fobs is the answer, they won't do that until they admit there is an problem.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2018
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From: Boise
2024 GMC Canyon Denali..... 2018 Audi SQ5
So for proof, I took several video’s with my phone showing the malfunction-describing how long I had been driving-shaking the Fob to show it working again. I also described the frequency that it occurred by tracking trips with a failure percentage. That provided the Dealer the necessary documentation of the malfunction. They also began to realize that it becomes more than just a minor inconvenience when it happens so often.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 12
Likes: 3
2020 GLE350
Finally after a 9 month battle with the service department, I got 2 new key fobs and they work perfectly. It shouldn't have to be this difficult. I spoon fed them everything and they still refused there was an issue. Kept going back and forth between "you must be doing somethning wrong" and "this is the way they are designed to work".
At least 4 members of the service department witnessed the fact that the door would not lock after exiting the vehicle. I provided them videos I took of the issue when the car would not lock when I exited. I provided them with printouts of some of the comments in this thread and provided a link. I showed them the solution that Ron S finally got. This is my 3rd Mercedes so I am pretty sure I know how to lock the doors. Yet even on the day that they finally ordered the new key fobs, they still didn't believe an issue existed.
Thanks to Ron S and all who participated in this thread so I at least had some fodder to use against the service department that just thought I was crazy.
At least 4 members of the service department witnessed the fact that the door would not lock after exiting the vehicle. I provided them videos I took of the issue when the car would not lock when I exited. I provided them with printouts of some of the comments in this thread and provided a link. I showed them the solution that Ron S finally got. This is my 3rd Mercedes so I am pretty sure I know how to lock the doors. Yet even on the day that they finally ordered the new key fobs, they still didn't believe an issue existed.
Thanks to Ron S and all who participated in this thread so I at least had some fodder to use against the service department that just thought I was crazy.
