97 SL320 - thank you for the reply. I will double check for "bridging" on the key fob circuit board. I did not yet try to activate the fob outside of the housing - but will try this too.

As for the security - all S Class fobs have the encription built into the IR pulses and they ONLY work with the car which they were originally programmed for - according to Mercedes.

Also, I have not tested the battery check function, but suspect it will not operate until the IR LED will turn off. But I will try this too.

Thanks again for your input.