Keith, thanks for hanging in here with me!!!

That's an interesting thought....

I did disconect the battery a few weeks ago when I thought it might be a battery charge issue. It was out for about 30 minutes - Pep boys and back - the problem continued after that. I might just try it again for kicks.

By "manual" key are you refering to the non-switchblade type. If so, the answere is, yes I have tried it - but not directly after dis/re connecting the battery.

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1996 (W210) E300D 86K - Traded in for a Lexus
1992 (W124) 300D 2.5 Turbo 202K - Sold
1983 (W123) 300D, 146K - Sold
1970 280S, 263K - Sold - Beginning of addiction