Howto - Reprogram Smart Key
09-27-2002, 09:12 PM
#1
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2014 GL450
Howto - Reprogram Smart Key
Hello All,
I just bought a spare key off eBay for my 2000 S430. My local dealer says it cannot be reprogrammed - I find that hard to believe.
Is this something that I can do myself? Also, has anyone gotten a Smart Key off another car reprogrammed by a dealer. If so, can you please pass on the name and location off that dealer.
Thanks....
Regards,
Vikram
I just bought a spare key off eBay for my 2000 S430. My local dealer says it cannot be reprogrammed - I find that hard to believe.
Is this something that I can do myself? Also, has anyone gotten a Smart Key off another car reprogrammed by a dealer. If so, can you please pass on the name and location off that dealer.
Thanks....
Regards,
Vikram
09-27-2002, 09:25 PM
#2
Super Moderator
Do a search for this topic. It was discussed in detail a whole back. If the key had already been programmed once, its done. You can't reprogram it.
09-27-2002, 09:30 PM
#3
More art than science
I have found out that the smart key programming thing is more art than science. Some new keys come programmed (your vin is used as info at time of purchase), some the dealer has to program and some come programmed for a specific vehicle. I will ask my SA tomorrow. As strange as that may be, it is possible that it's not reprogrammable for security reasons. Actually, if i was MB, I'd make them that way - i.e., if you want a key, get a autheticated one only from MB. That only makes sense since the smartkey is the ONLY WAY TO THE HEART of the E class.
09-28-2002, 06:22 AM
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Re: More art than science
Originally posted by Darkmann
I have found out that the smart key programming thing is more art than science. Some new keys come programmed (your vin is used as info at time of purchase), some the dealer has to program and some come programmed for a specific vehicle...
I have found out that the smart key programming thing is more art than science. Some new keys come programmed (your vin is used as info at time of purchase), some the dealer has to program and some come programmed for a specific vehicle...
Originally posted by patrick
When a "smart key" - in Europe it is called a FBS3-key(fahrberechtigungssystem, 3rd generation) - needs to be ordered there are two possibilities. If you want an additional key (e.g. a fourth if you have three) than it must be ordered that way. An additional key works always immediately without programming. If a key is lost, a replacing key needs to be ordered. A replacing key always needs to be programmed. Because someone who finds your lost key could steal your car, this programming is in fact wiping all not used secret codes for that key that is lost. The time that is needed depends on how many combinations that need to be wiped (takes maximum 90 minutes). While waiting for that ordered key you can let your MB workshop block all codes for that key. For unblocking a special workshop key (green color) is needed.
If a key needs to be programmed and your car is a 220, 215, and so on, the key must not only be programmed to the EZS (electronic ignition switch module, where you put the key into), but also to the WHM (wahlhebelmodul, the device for changing the gears), so it takes twice as much time (maximum 2 times 90 minutes). When using the MB workshop computer you can program EZS and WHM at the same time.
for ordering (replacing) keys, the MB workshop must know which keys are lost. therefore the MB workshop computer is needed.
This is the reason why some workshops always order additional keys. This is pure luck. I you have already ordered additional keys and/or lost some keys it can be that they order the wrong keynumber (all keys have a number) and someone who finds your lost key can still steal your car.
When a "smart key" - in Europe it is called a FBS3-key(fahrberechtigungssystem, 3rd generation) - needs to be ordered there are two possibilities. If you want an additional key (e.g. a fourth if you have three) than it must be ordered that way. An additional key works always immediately without programming. If a key is lost, a replacing key needs to be ordered. A replacing key always needs to be programmed. Because someone who finds your lost key could steal your car, this programming is in fact wiping all not used secret codes for that key that is lost. The time that is needed depends on how many combinations that need to be wiped (takes maximum 90 minutes). While waiting for that ordered key you can let your MB workshop block all codes for that key. For unblocking a special workshop key (green color) is needed.
If a key needs to be programmed and your car is a 220, 215, and so on, the key must not only be programmed to the EZS (electronic ignition switch module, where you put the key into), but also to the WHM (wahlhebelmodul, the device for changing the gears), so it takes twice as much time (maximum 2 times 90 minutes). When using the MB workshop computer you can program EZS and WHM at the same time.
for ordering (replacing) keys, the MB workshop must know which keys are lost. therefore the MB workshop computer is needed.
This is the reason why some workshops always order additional keys. This is pure luck. I you have already ordered additional keys and/or lost some keys it can be that they order the wrong keynumber (all keys have a number) and someone who finds your lost key can still steal your car.
10-14-2002, 01:14 AM
#7
Super Moderator
Originally posted by nov0798
if you go to your owners manual, it clearly states how to program it.
if you go to your owners manual, it clearly states how to program it.
