program keys - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

hobbies001 · #1 12-26-2003, 03:50 PM

99 ml430........just bought but only came with a regular key. How do i go about getting a remote? And can i program it myself if i bought one of the ones on ebay? Thanks.......Mercedes wants to charge me 120$ for the key than 1 hr. of service to program. Geez.
Happy Holidays.

Gilly · #2 12-26-2003, 04:35 PM

DO NOT buy an EBay key. It will NOT work for either starting or remote locking/unlocking the truck. You may as well buy it and throw it in the trash can.
If/when you buy a new key, it will start the truck without any extra work.
To get it to do the remote locking/unlocking, the dealer needs to "learn" the new key. This is about a 5 to 10 minute job. I'd talk to the service manager, armed with this knowledge, and tell him you think it's a bit much to expect that much money to get the new key to work after shelling out $120 for the key itself.

Gilly

hobbies001 · #3 12-26-2003, 05:31 PM

Thanks Gilly........that helps alot. How do they learn the key.........are you sure we can not do it ourselves? I know other companies with similar keys just have to follow programming steps like cycling on off the ignition etc. while pressing on remote.
Thanks for your help.
Hans

Gilly · #4 12-26-2003, 07:23 PM

Hans:
There is a procedure listed in the owners manual for "resynchronizing" the key. To "learn" an RF key (radio frequency), the tech needs to connect the shop computer, called the SDS (Star Diagnosis System); it's an IBM thinkpad laptop computer with an interface system so it communicates with the systems in the truck. The technician sets up the body computer, called the AAM (All Activity Module) so that when he does the synchronization procedure (same as the resynchronization procedure) it will "learn" the RF code for the new key. A key made for a different vehicle won't work with your truck any more than the metal blade will turn in the ignition cylinder; theses are all vehicle-specific. But again it certainly doesn't take an hour to do this, they must think they need to get some certain dollar amount to do this job, but it's very unfair to charge 1 hour to do this procedure. The place I worked just rolled the cart with the SDS out to the service entrance, had the owner bring in the truck and did it there, not a big deal. Of course I'm not there anymore, so they're probably charging an hour now too

Gilly

PS You could try doing the resynchronization procedure on your new key and see if it makes it work, I've heard people say that it will, but I doubt it. Not going to hurt anything trying. I assume you don't have a remote key at all now, just that "mickey mouse" key? (bladed key with the oval head and the 2 little "humps" that look like mickey mouse ears)