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  #1  
Old 03-04-2016, 08:59 AM
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Location: Barrington, RI
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W210 Any way to fix remote functionality of key?

The remote functionality for one of the keys for my 98 E300 doesn't work....never has in the 2-1/2 years I've owned the car. So I simply use the mechanical key. Not a huge deal since it's a spare key (my son has the working key), but I was curious to find out if there's any possible way that the remote function can be brought back to life. (Yes, I've replaced the batteries.)

I haven't tried contact cleaner yet...or seeing what can be taken apart and put back together.

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06 E320 CDI "Rutherford", Black on Tan, 177k mi, Stage 1 tune, tuned TCU
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Last edited by shertex; 03-04-2016 at 09:44 AM.
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Old 03-04-2016, 10:32 AM
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Have you replaced the batteries? Always a good place to start.
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Old 03-04-2016, 11:32 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mxfrank View Post
Have you replaced the batteries? Always a good place to start.
Yes....I mentioned that in my post.
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14 E250 Bluetec 4Matic "Sinclair", Palladium Silver on Black, 158k miles
06 E320 CDI "Rutherford", Black on Tan, 177k mi, Stage 1 tune, tuned TCU
91 300D "Otis", Smoke Silver on Tan, 144k mi, wastegate conversion, ALDA delete

19 Honda CR-V EX 72k mi
Fourteen other MB's owned and sold
1961 Very Tolerant Wife
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  #4  
Old 03-04-2016, 12:42 PM
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I once pulled the circuit board on a non functional one cleaned all the contacts now it sometimes works at like 2 feet away. There are some good write ups I had found somewhere its been almost 8 years since I had worked on it.
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  #5  
Old 03-04-2016, 04:04 PM
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I have seen stories where someone dropped the key and that cracked the circuit board inside. Might try disassembling and inspecting the board.

My range stinks on the RF based locks stinks, I have maybe 25 ft with new batteries. But that was the first year, so maybe the radio isn't that strong.
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The OM 642/722.9 powered family
Still going strong
2014 ML350 Bluetec (wife's DD)
2013 E350 Bluetec (my DD)

both my kids cars went to junkyard in 2023
2008 ML320 CDI (Older son’s DD) fatal transmission failure, water soaked/fried rear SAM, numerous other issues, just too far gone to save (165k miles)
2008 E320 Bluetec (Younger son's DD) injector failed open and diluted oil with diesel, spun main bearings (240k miles)

1998 E300DT sold to TimFreeh
1987 300TD sold to vstech
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Old 03-04-2016, 05:00 PM
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Solder the contacts for the buttons?
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  #7  
Old 03-04-2016, 06:19 PM
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Some auto parts stores have a remote tester ( usually near the battery display ) that will check if a RF or IR signal is being generated.

Yours will have IR for the steering column lock ( can't test this at the store ), I'm not sure if it has IR or RF for unlock. Anyone know if they can unlock the car if the remote isn't pointed at the car?

If you have a video camera you can test an IR remote by shining it at the camera. Not all camera are IR sensitive so test it first with your TV remote.

The remote might need resynced. On the just prior generation single button flip key, press the button 2X then insert key in ignition and turn to run position.

I'd suspect the same procedure was used for the electronic key. This should be in the owners manual also.
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Old 03-04-2016, 06:42 PM
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On the 98 with the smart key there are 3 mechanisms in play in the key.

- RFID chip (same as they use for your dog or cat) for the DAS system. This is powered from the keyhole, there is a coil behind the trim that supplies the energy to wake up and read the chip. This activates the unlocking motor on the steering column and tells the engine and transmission computers it is ok to start and drive. The internal batteries do not affect this element.

- an IR emitter that was used in 97 and prior for the lock and unlock. They placed IR receivers in the rear view mirror and the trunk lock. There was no RF prior to 98. The IR performs both the lock/unlock/trunk and the "convenience open/close" features in 97 and prior. 98-up it is just the convenience opening via door handle IR receivers, the lock/unlock is via RF. This of course depends on the batteries in the remote. There is an IR communication in the key hole that synchronizes the IR system to the key.

-98 and up added the RF for lock/unlock. The antenna is in the overhead control unit where the dome light and sunroof switches are located. Therefore it is most sensitive standing in front of the vehicle due to the metal roof.

__________________
The OM 642/722.9 powered family
Still going strong
2014 ML350 Bluetec (wife's DD)
2013 E350 Bluetec (my DD)

both my kids cars went to junkyard in 2023
2008 ML320 CDI (Older son’s DD) fatal transmission failure, water soaked/fried rear SAM, numerous other issues, just too far gone to save (165k miles)
2008 E320 Bluetec (Younger son's DD) injector failed open and diluted oil with diesel, spun main bearings (240k miles)

1998 E300DT sold to TimFreeh
1987 300TD sold to vstech
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