Electrical problems

[Rick Moroso]

I've got a 2004 SL 500. It has started to have an electrical problem. Sometimes it will do it immediately, sometimes it will take a while, and it is occurring more and more.

I will park the car, doors locked or unlocked. When I come back to it the FOB will not lock or unlock the doors, (but the lights flash), the trunk won't open, the roof won't open (it says the divider is open when it is not) and the glove boxes won't open. Also the switch on the dash to lock/unlock the doors dosn't work.

Typically everything will start working again when I drive it for about a quarter mile, but the other day it took about 20 miles to start working again.

It is at the dealer now, but I am afraid they won't find it again. This is the second time it has been back for this.

Anybody else have this problem, and know what it is?

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,

Rick

[Ethan]

something interesting - and I don't think it is the problem with your car. Washington Post reported that in regions around the country, one being in southern Maryland near a Naval transmission installation and near other military installations around the country, signals from the base prevent certain electronic key fobs from working or starting the car. Seems the portion of the spectrum portioned to the car industry can cross with military siganls and that it is a very weak signal.

[Rick Moroso]

Thanks Ethan,

It does happen here and in upstate New York where I vacation. We are close to a base there, and right under a high altitude flight path.

I will post what the dealer finds/decides when I hear from them.

Rick