I have 2 keys that came with the car. Neither will unlock via keyless. I have tried the process 4-5 times to no avail. I also confirmed the LED in the end of the remote lights if you hold it down 2-3 secs. Anyone know what I could be doing wrong or could post the correct process?

__________________
1996 E300D
1996 E320 Wagon 4MATIC
2003 Jetta TDI- GLS, 5-spd
1997 Passat TDI
2002 F350 Crew cab 4x4 Powerstroke
Jacobsen HR 15' cut ZTR w/ 80 HP Perkins diesel
Hustler 6' front deck with 28HP Kubota diesel

Try replacing teh battery in the remote.

__________________
Terry Allison
N. Calif. & Boca Chica, Panama

09' E320 Bluetec 77k (USA)
09' Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel 48k (S.A.)

They may also need to be synchronized. The procedure is in the owner's manual. From memory: aim the remote at the receiver in the mirror and press the button twice. Within 30 seconds, put the key in the ignition cylinder and turn to position 2. Then remove the key. If that doesn't work, change the batteries. If they still won't synchronize, you may have bad keys or a replaced RCL and IFI computer which don't match the car.

I have never seen the red or green LED on the mirror light. Is there a test/ diagnostic mode that will flash them?

__________________
1996 E300D
1996 E320 Wagon 4MATIC
2003 Jetta TDI- GLS, 5-spd
1997 Passat TDI
2002 F350 Crew cab 4x4 Powerstroke
Jacobsen HR 15' cut ZTR w/ 80 HP Perkins diesel
Hustler 6' front deck with 28HP Kubota diesel

Your car sat for a few months with a bad front end right? Battery disconnected too? If so, read up on sync'ing the remotes like matt said and throuw a new battery in them too.

The battery in the remote is only used to lock and unlock the car (not parrt needed for communications with DAS) so they may be bad and car still starting.

__________________
Terry Allison
N. Calif. & Boca Chica, Panama

09' E320 Bluetec 77k (USA)
09' Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel 48k (S.A.)

You are correct, it sat for a month with battery disconnected. If I hold the remote's button down for 5 secs they both light up a red LED. (as the manual says to test the remote) Is that not a complete remote test?

__________________
1996 E300D
1996 E320 Wagon 4MATIC
2003 Jetta TDI- GLS, 5-spd
1997 Passat TDI
2002 F350 Crew cab 4x4 Powerstroke
Jacobsen HR 15' cut ZTR w/ 80 HP Perkins diesel
Hustler 6' front deck with 28HP Kubota diesel

They light with the remote or with DAS negative authorization. Was your car shipped with a $450 "Start lock out" credit ($450 off the list price)?

If not, or if your computer has been replaced (the replacement units have the lock-out) you can activate it. Open the driver's window, lock the door with the door cylinder, open it with the interior lock knob. Then put the key in the ignition cylinder and engage the starter motor. If you have DAS, the red and green lamps will light alternatively, and the engine will not start (the starter motor will engage). If you don't have DAS, the engine will start normally.

Did you attempt the synchronization procedure?

yes, I have tried the sync process as per the manual (about 15 times) If I try your process do I run the risk of the car not starting and having to get it to the dealer to fix?

__________________
1996 E300D
1996 E320 Wagon 4MATIC
2003 Jetta TDI- GLS, 5-spd
1997 Passat TDI
2002 F350 Crew cab 4x4 Powerstroke
Jacobsen HR 15' cut ZTR w/ 80 HP Perkins diesel
Hustler 6' front deck with 28HP Kubota diesel

I did a quick seach for DAS, did not find anything right off. Can someone explain in simple terms what DAS is or a link to a post about it?

__________________
1996 E300D
1996 E320 Wagon 4MATIC
2003 Jetta TDI- GLS, 5-spd
1997 Passat TDI
2002 F350 Crew cab 4x4 Powerstroke
Jacobsen HR 15' cut ZTR w/ 80 HP Perkins diesel
Hustler 6' front deck with 28HP Kubota diesel

If you try the procedure that I outlined above and you have DAS, your car won't start until you unlock the car with the door cylinder (or the remote, but that doesn't seem to apply here). There's no risk.

DAS comes in various flavors. The '96 has an early version, which simply requires that the car be unlocked from outside if it was locked from outside.

Let me add that unless you've had the car since new, it is possible that someone has substituted used parts for the IFI computer and the RCL module. If that is the case, your keys (probably) won't synchronize.

I'm pretty sure that the dealer can read the VIN from the computer to see if it matches your car. If it does not, perhaps they would be willing to get you some remotes that would work. Unfortunately, they won't be cheap.

The battery can be weak. I'd suggest replacing it in one unit and see if it helps before going to the next steps. Is a standard watch battery available at your local drug store.

__________________
Terry Allison
N. Calif. & Boca Chica, Panama

09' E320 Bluetec 77k (USA)
09' Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel 48k (S.A.)

Actually a pair of them. 2025 I think.

My car had the opposite problem when I got it. The IR remote worked great, but the door cylinder did nothing when it turned. The trunk cylinder did work, but that wouldn't help to get into the car if the battery died.

Matt L,

Here is a list of options based on VIN decoder. I assume the "Start lock Out" credit would be listed here? Can you explain that function a bit? ModelE300DChassis2100201J010003Engine606912 02 004774Transmission722438 03 915514Order0 6 705 33103Delivery date12.12.95DealerUnited States (USA) (705) Interiormb-tex grey (108) Paint149polar white (T) (с 01.01.1992)Options249automatically dipping inside rear view mirror (с 01.06.1990)
242right front seat electrically adjustable with memory feature. only applicable to series w 210 when installed in conjunction with code 275. (с 01.03.1983)
251radio MB-Exquisit - USA (с 01.07.1992)
265installation parts kit and connecting cable harness for TeKaDe BSA 31s car phone with one set
elimination of lettering elegance/sport/esprit
omission of line logo elegance/sport/esprit/classic (с 01.02.1993)
Becker radio set Mexico, stereo
275front seat positioned lower
memory package (driver's seat, steering column, mirror) (с 01.10.1993)
292sidebag in front left and right (с 01.01.1994)
414electric tilting/sliding roof in glass version (с 01.10.1988)
420automatic transmission, floor shift (с 01.01.1963)
431headrest for center rear seat
3-point seat belt and 3rd headrest in centre rear (с 01.10.1993)
461instrument with mileage reading and english lettering (с 01.04.1990)
494California version
California version (с 01.05.1973 по 31.12.1995)
524paintcoat preservation (с 01.01.1964)
543sun visor with vanity mirror, illuminated, left and right (с 01.11.1978)
551anti-theft warning system (с 01.11.1978 по 31.03.1998)
570folding armrest front w202/210 stowage box front with armrest (с 01.04.1970)
front folding armrest w202 - housing at front with armrest
581automatic climate control (с 01.01.1977)
593heat-insulating glass, all-around, heated rear window pane (single-sheet safety glass), band filter
green heat-insulating glass all round, heated rear window, single pane safety glass - tinted strip (с 01.01.1972)
600headlamp wiper/washer (с 01.08.1971)
611courtesy lamps for front and rear doors, with W124 also for central doors/W202 front doors only (с 01.11.1978)
636elimination of warning triangle (с 01.03.1973)
634elimination of first aid box (с 01.08.1977)
656light alloy wheels, 10-hole (с 01.06.1993)
668
673high-capacity battery (с 01.01.1964)
806Change of year of model, last figure shows new model year
873seat heater for left and right front seats (с 01.02.1984)
915fuel tank, 70 liter (с 01.05.1988)
955extension tube on the roof, front
equipment package elegance (с 01.11.1991)
987battery cut-off switch for vehicles to be shipped (с 01.02.1993)

__________________
1996 E300D
1996 E320 Wagon 4MATIC
2003 Jetta TDI- GLS, 5-spd
1997 Passat TDI
2002 F350 Crew cab 4x4 Powerstroke
Jacobsen HR 15' cut ZTR w/ 80 HP Perkins diesel
Hustler 6' front deck with 28HP Kubota diesel

I assume that it would show up via the VIN. Mine had it listed on the window sticker, but had the IFI computer replaced so now it has DAS.