Vehicle not recognizing key and not starting
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2026
Posts: 1
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2011 ML350
Vehicle not recognizing key and not starting
Hi,
I have a 2011 ML350 that is not recognizing either of the keys and the vehicle will not start.
In November, I had an locksmith make me a new fob after I lost my original key which eventually I found. Initially it worked fine but I noticed that it would sometimes take a few presses of the buttons to lock/unlock the vehicle.
A few days ago, when I put the vehicle in park, I got a red message on the dash that said "DRIVE TO WORKSHOP WITHOUT CHANGING GEAR".
After this, the car would not recognize either fob for both locking/unlocking and starting the vehicle. It doesn't even recognize it enough to give me some kind of error message. Both keys have good batteries - one is official from Mercedes and the other is aftermarket.
I have tried to jump the car with another vehicle but it didn't help.
Has anyone had this problem? Potential fixes?
I have a 2011 ML350 that is not recognizing either of the keys and the vehicle will not start.
In November, I had an locksmith make me a new fob after I lost my original key which eventually I found. Initially it worked fine but I noticed that it would sometimes take a few presses of the buttons to lock/unlock the vehicle.
A few days ago, when I put the vehicle in park, I got a red message on the dash that said "DRIVE TO WORKSHOP WITHOUT CHANGING GEAR".
After this, the car would not recognize either fob for both locking/unlocking and starting the vehicle. It doesn't even recognize it enough to give me some kind of error message. Both keys have good batteries - one is official from Mercedes and the other is aftermarket.
I have tried to jump the car with another vehicle but it didn't help.
Has anyone had this problem? Potential fixes?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 443
From: Melbourne, Australia
2010 ML550 VIN WDC1641722A564750, 2010 B180
If you can get into your car, Id start by looking at your charging system and voltage. The message you got is symptomatic of a low battery/poor alternator and you them said you had to jump it. You want minimum 11.7 v engine iff and 12.7 v engine running or you have an issue.
