I have the same issue. Tried all ways described in the forum, vedio but no luck. Cleared codes several times and tried again and again but got no where.

When I've done the programming with a rolling code opener; I had to first program the homelink with the garage door remote; then repeat with the 'learn' or 'training' button on the garage motor itself.

See this mbusa video (this is the procedure I used on my 02 E-class)
https://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/owners/videos/year-2011/class-GL_Class/model-All/videoId-fc2eab43c4d8b210VgnVCM1000007c184335RCRD

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Daily Driver: 02 E430 4MATIC
In the family: '03 E500 // '04 ML500 // 64 220SE

Reread your car's Owners Manual, if you have one.

My 98 trained right up to my ca. 2005 Genie Intellicode and my dad's ca. 2008 LiftMaster. Both of these are "rolling code" units.

I know rolling code came out in the late 90s, I wonder if the 97s were different than the 98s on being able to handle the rolling code system.

Try this:
- hold down L and R buttons for 20 seconds until it flashes to clear it out
- Using your current remote do the press and hold thing (per the manual) until the visor light fast flashes (sometimes you have to do it a couple times for it to take)
- Go to your opener and press (and release) the learn button, there is usually an LED next to the learn button that should turn on or flash (this part is not in the manual, at least not in the manual for my 98)
- Go back to the car, hit the programmed visor button several times until the door starts moving.

I would be careful with the car in the garage, make sure the car is clear of the door or else be sure the drive mechanism is disengaged.

__________________
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

Resurrecting this old thread since I have the same problem. Turns out the 1996-1997 visors have a RED indicator light and these are not compatible with rolling-code garage door remotes/openers.

You need a 1998-up visor with AMBER indicator light, these will working with rolling code remotes/openers.

__________________
Dave
Boise, ID
Check out my website photos, documents, and movies!

gsxr, OK explain this away. My granddaughter's husband programmed my '97
CL500 in a couple of minutes. I have a relatively new Chamberlain opener with rolling codes. We used the Austin MB video as a guide.
I upgraded to a '97 CL600 and I can't program it! Unfortunately Matt lives 1500 miles from me!
Anziani
'97 CL600 52K

It could be related to build date. I have two 97 E420's that are very early production and they have the red-light visor that doesn't work with rolling codes. However, I also have another 97 E420 that is a very late build (06/97 production, almost overlapping 1998 model year) and that one has the amber-light visor that does work with rolling codes. I don't know if a previous owner upgraded the visor, or if the late style visor was phased into production late in the 1997 model year.

It would be interesting to check the build dates (month/year) on the VIN tag in the driver door jamb, on each of your CL's. And, see what color the LED is on each as well.

Interesting. The Cl500 has been sold but it is in the area. It took the opener. It is my Cl600 that won't. It gives the "delivery" date of Mar 24, 1997 but no build date on the "data card". I'll have to check and see what color the flashes are.
Thanks for the tip.
Anziani