DIY Mercedes key fob repair (saved $1,300)

[@royalbohemian9757]

I have had a very bad time of it. I will spare you the details but you saved my whole world world tonight. I couldn't afford to have it serviced right now. I prayed to God for help. Then I found your KZbin! God helps those who don't give up. Thank you Sir!

[@frugalfabrication]

Amen, and I am glad that this helped you. God works in mysterious ways my friend🙏🏾. Stay blessed, and I would love to hear that full story of how this helped you when you have the time.

[@royalbohemian9757]

@@frugalfabrication All I can tell you is that it was a series of unfortunate events. We get on with it and push thru. Sometimes you feel like yiur faith is being tested...so you don't let go of God's hand, then Bam! Like magic, you're no longer up the creek without a paddle! You save folks a lot of money and stress in these times too. Incredible! Mind blown.🙂

[@jcainsfc]

I appreciate you bro. My daughter dropped my keys to both cars clk430 and my bmw in a bowl of water. The bmw key worked as soon as I dried it off but the Mercedes key wouldn't open the door or strat on e I got it open. I replaced the batteries and that let me unlock it. It still wouldn't start so I did what you did in the video I took the key apart and cleaned all the water marks off and placed the folded paper in the and put it back. I tried to start it again and it worked. 3 hours later I was finally able to move my car. Thanks bro that video saved me time and money. You the man👌🏾

[@frugalfabrication]

You are more than welcome my friend. I’m glad that this video has helped you greatly.

[@perryjurgensjurgens3416]

OK, let's remember and thank those who practice "the mother of innovation is necessity" - this talented man shows all of us that "you can do it"

[@christinawashington7304]

I’m old-fashioned I’d still rather have a husband, With an ever-growing honey do list LOL

[@rogelioromero7762]

I have the key fawb with the chrome sides and I tried this method using a folder piece of thin box material and it worked I was starting to think I would have to get another key fowb and this method saved me a few bucks thanks my good sir may gawd bless you!!!

[@frugalfabrication]

You are welcome and God Bless you as well my friend.🙏🏾 And a special thank you for informing all of us that this also works with the mercedes keys with the chrome sides.👍🏾👍🏾

[@fitrih6878]

Is it difficult to dismantle the key fob? (Chrime side type)

[@510Trophy]

2023 and you came in clutch thank you for this video

[@frugalfabrication]

You are welcome.👍🏾

[@armandg88]

Thank you you a life savie i had got stuck about 2 hours away from my home and I looked all videos no help all i had to do was clean my ledS. Thanks again

[@frugalfabrication]

Anytime, you are welcome. Please feel free to subscribe. If you have the chance.

[@d.crosby3799]

Black man taking NO losses. I did the same thing about 2 years ago. Great Job

[@frugalfabrication]

D. Crosby Thank you man...much appreciated. 👍🏾

[@Mr105246]

Could it just be my battery?

[@Sunny-uk5fn]

@@Mr105246 no battery is only for opening and closing the doors

[@richardhall6762]

I’ve got the same problem with an E320 key- just like yours (2001). This just looks too crazy but I’m going to give it a go. By the way I love your music-it’s soothing for my worried mind and heart. Thank you sir!

[@frugalfabrication]

Thank you for the kind words. I am glad you enjoy the music as well. 🙏🏾

[@abdulabdul3399]

You’re a life saver… I called different auto mechanics but they couldn’t resolve this and when I did this it worked perfectly fine… thanks a lot I’m so much grateful.. I just subscribed to your channel.. thanks 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@KatieR-lr1yv]

Well your paper trick worked! My girlfriend dropped the key fob in a puddle or something and it wouldn't turn over until i watched the video. Turns out the sensors were not lining up.

[@FidlerOnTheRoof]

Wandering why drooping key into puddle will mess the lining. It can be dust on the IR transmitter. Some just replaced the case and works.

[@armando9419]

Wow. This really works. Thanks a million. FYI this technique will work with regular paper too. I was stuck in parking lot and I used a piece of paper from a bank receipt. I just folded it twice as many times to get it to right thickness. Worked on the first tried.

[@frugalfabrication]

You are welcome, and great job! And thank you for reporting back that this also works with regular paper. I and I’m certain many others greatly appreciate your info. All the best.

[@alwynprinsloo-h6k]

i cleaned mine.could t believe what was in there. nut working perfectly. thank you

[@frugalfabrication]

@@alwynprinsloo-h6k you are welcome. 👍🏾

[@KrisstySchooler]

OMG! It worked!!! I spent $800 for new starter which worked for a week and quit on me again. Bought a $12 fob on Amazon and the damn car started right up like nothing was wrong. Dealership quoted me $1,500 for the same job I just did. Thank you so much!!!

[@frugalfabrication]

You are welcome. Anytime.

[@spiitre]

Did you have to reprogram thr fob?

[@KrisstySchooler]

No, it should start right up

[@royalbohemian9757]

Replacement fob on the road, 500.00! Insane.

[@alphajagtuning]

@@KrisstySchooler wait , it has to be programmed to the vin no?

[@igorthadeu6094]

I Just want thank you for this Man, i cried out of emotiion just now, thank you for being like this, thank you for helping others. That saved me so much. 🙏🏼

[@frugalfabrication]

@@igorthadeu6094 You are welcome brother. I am just glad to help and make everyone’s lives easier, one step at a time. I am extremely happy it helped and worked for you.👍🏾

[@paulmiddleman]

SIR. I LOVE YOU. YOU JUST SAVED ME THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 wish I can give you a hug

[@frugalfabrication]

Lol, you are welcome. Anytime and happy thanksgiving.

[@Kwakcrazy]

I had this issue in February whilst I was at work trying to go home 😠. Quickest solution I found was disconnect the negative side of the battery leave for a few minutes reconnected the negative battery terminal & it worked straight away and touch wood it's not happened again.

[@an63l36]

The car battery ?

[@anikflo05]

This works! Just tried it! Car wouldn’t start after trying this hack it started right up

[@frugalfabrication]

Congratulations and well done!👏🏾👏🏾👍🏾

[@eucalovthisbalm7828]

Thanks man and I have a lucky find for you. I changed the battery in the key fob and still the key would not turn. Also the trunk release inside the car would not open the trunk so I thought the car battery was dead. New keyfob battery but the door lock buttons would not unlock or lock the doors. I crawled into the trunk by pulling down the seats in the car. I thought maybe there's a latch in the trunk I can pull, but I hit the trunk button on the keyfob while I was in the trunk and everything works now. My mechanic said there is a sensor in the trunk and by getting closer to this sensor the keyfob with a new battery was able to reset. Everything works as normal with no error codes. Time for a quick "Italian Tuneup" up to Malibu on the PCH. Hope this helps!!!!!!!!

[@frugalfabrication]

Thank you for posting this information. This will greatly help those who may have the same keyfob problem/issue you had. Good job man. 👍🏾

[@Sasha-bq5ul]

Hey, you're a legend, your practical and workable solution to a nightmare of a problem! Thanks for the direct, practical and informative solution. I look forward to finding you when I need you next! Xx

[@frugalfabrication]

Thank you, and I am glad that my video has helped you. Please look out for some new and videos and feel free to subscribe.

[@michaelkcuzoma5311]

@@frugalfabricationyou in New York? I’m currently in a similar situation now. My Mercedes Benz ML550 2008 key fell down and have refused to start the truck. I change the battery still not working, remove the motherboard, try to use paper 📄 as shown in your video still couldn’t start.. at this point not sure what to do!

[@tannervoit1271]

I could literally kiss you😂 this happined to a customers car while I was doing a $75 service and I thought I was f***ked but I watched the video ripped a peace of paper and shoved it in there and away we went! Thank you so much.

[@frugalfabrication]

You are more than welcome. I’m glad it saved you in emergency.

[@fishdoctor173]

Did this after my key fob went underwater! Cleaned everything with isopropyl alcohol. Did not need the paper wedge but the video helped me get it cleaned out. Working again! Thank you sir!!!

[@frugalfabrication]

You are welcome.

[@wilbertgarcia103175]

Thank you for your video I replace a battery shell of my remote even with the new did not work, but I used your paper trick man guess what my remote freaking works man dang I cant belive this. Thank you so much for your video....

[@frugalfabrication]

You’re welcome.👍🏾

[@kikeherrera3921]

So glad this worked. Thank you for the video sir

[@frugalfabrication]

You are welcome. I am glad that it helped you.👍🏾

[@davidarambula700]

Good job buddy I'll give you 100% I just wanted to turn it on once now I just have to go to the locksmith for a new key I've saved almost half thanks buddy 😂😂

[@ericviola8659]

Thank you for the video on how to take apart and assemble. My wife washed my fob in the washing machine and it quit working. I followed this to take it apart at used 91% isopropyl alcohol with cotton swabs to clean it the chip and contact points. Was very dirty and watery. Luckily the fob came back to life and I can start my car again! The unlock and lock buttons do not work however

[@frugalfabrication]

Awesome, I an glad that you can get the car started.

[@adeyinkaadebayo4192]

Had similar experience, just to add to what you just described, apart from cleaning the contact point, make sure u clean the battery also(try not to touch them) when putting them back in and make the latches firm enough. My unlock button dint work after the first try. I took everything apart and observed that while removing the battery, i had expanded the metal brace that held them together. I adjusted them and voila! Everything worked perfectly.

[@frugalfabrication]

@@adeyinkaadebayo4192 Great find (👏🏾👏🏾) and thank you for posting this information for others who come here with the same issue. Many Thanks👍🏾

[@gurpinderheran6221]

Hey man I had the same problem in my 2004 c240 but I realized after doing all that one of the infrared eyes was disconnected from the circuit board on the one side so it was lopsided a bit to get that fixed and got him to soldered back together check all the connections all those little eyes if they're sitting right on your circuit board and the repair cost me $5

[@frugalfabrication]

This is great news and thank you for posting this info here… I am certain this will help those in need who may have the same issue. This is much appreciated.

[@jeffblanken]

Wow, you just saved me about $450 and so much time. Thank You

[@frugalfabrication]

You are more than welcome.

[@dereksingh1387]

Thanks for the video! I have the newer style key, with the chrome sides. Going off your solution, I opened up the key by sliding off the two chrome pieces and cutting through the glue joining the plastic, and put a rolled-up piece of paper above the IR sensor (little rectangle right above the panic button) to keep it pushed down. Seems to have happened from the key being dropped one too many times. 20 minutes saved me 400 bucks!

[@frugalfabrication]

Derek Singh You are welcome, and thanks for this extra method to fix the IR key fob. I myself also upgraded from my old black plastic key fob style shown in the video, to your chrome side key style as well. This is good information to know. I now keep the black original key fob as a backup.

[@BolajiBashiruBalogun]

This is a very helpful video. Thank you so much for this life-saving video. Blessed Up Brother!

[@frugalfabrication]

Thank you for the kind words. Stay Blessed my brother. No problem, anytime.👍🏾 🇳🇬

[@leon-kv7bw]

Man you save my life u got a new subscriber

[@frugalfabrication]

Alan leon Hehe..That’s Awesome man. I’m glad this fix worked for you and you got your keys up and running. And much thanks for the subscription.

[@brianjohn2894]

v need more brothers like you i had key problem if i had seen this vdo earlier i would have saved few hundreds that i payed well done

[@frugalfabrication]

Thank you very much for the kind words. I wish you could have seen it and saved some cash too. Its all good though. As long as your car is running, I am happy. All the best brother👍🏾.

[@brianjohn2894]

@@frugalfabrication I have an after market key (from the world factory) fob aswell over 2 years old sometimes lights are on but wont start then have to use original key could i use same trick !!?

[@frugalfabrication]

@@brianjohn2894 I would give it a try. This may be the fix you need.It couldn’t hurt🤷🏾‍♂️

[@brianjohn2894]

@@frugalfabrication well one way to find out

[@doyouyouknow2149]

You know I saw this video about a week ago and my car the kids been stuck it won't turn in the ignition for over 2 weeks now and I did this and it worked thanks a lot man

[@frugalfabrication]

You are welcome. And I am happy that it worked for you. Congratulations and well done.

[@mrswayzzo]

Thanks boss! It worked you're a genius!

[@frugalfabrication]

You are welcome.

[@om6xxmotorsport18]

Thank you so much for this video...your tip is awesome Works like a charm

[@frugalfabrication]

I am glad it worked out.👍🏾👍🏾

[@Itsluforyou]

You flipping rock ! Super easy and exactly what I needed

[@frugalfabrication]

Thank you and You are welcome🙏🏾.

[@katlehojrsiduba3093]

You the best you just saved me a ton of money🎉. Best video

[@frugalfabrication]

@@katlehojrsiduba3093 you are welcome.

[@christianpablico]

Thank you sir, you save me a lot of money!

[@frugalfabrication]

You are welcome and congratulations.👍🏾

[@kdao1007]

Great video, thanks for making step by step

[@frugalfabrication]

You are welcome.👍🏾

[@cobybush6443]

Thx you so much it work, I was stuck for hours an saw this video, thx you

[@frugalfabrication]

I am glad you were able to get your car started. You are welcome.

[@aninamagee9487]

Thank you so much for this video I was able to fix the key fob for my husband's 2000 mercedes clk430.

[@frugalfabrication]

You are welcome.

[@curlymyhero]

I'm kinda blown away by this fix!! How'd u ever find this out?? I know Mercedes n most of these issues r EIS unit behind key fob. Around $300 to fix

[@frugalfabrication]

As an electrical engineer, when I looked at the key fob, I knew it utilized an infrared sensor. When I had the non-start issue, I immediately thought of “the average tv remote, not being directly pointed at the tv, and thus not being able to change the channel”. Thats how I realized, the key fob was not aligned due to the old worn out plastic housing.

[@FidlerOnTheRoof]

@@frugalfabrication Have a new case may work.

[@stanleychambers6972]

Thank you bro, you are the man

[@frugalfabrication]

Much appreciated. You are welcome.👍🏾

[@stanleychambers6972]

@@frugalfabrication imma keep it 💯 with u, I did not think that was gonna work but it did so thank you so much, saved me so much money

[@frugalfabrication]

@@stanleychambers6972 I am super happy that it helped you.

[@laworders7307]

Thank you very much buddy, you save my weekend and alot of Euros 🙏🙏🙏🙏 it worked on my Mercedes Vito 2.2 year 2008

[@frugalfabrication]

You are very welcome.

[@michaelnardmann3208]

Thank you so much. It worked fine. Greetings from Germany. Stay safe.

[@frugalfabrication]

You are very welcome and I am happy that it worked for you. Thank you and take care too.

[@javidudai285]

bro u just saved my fucking life i was at this water park in PA ,key got wet and it won’t work got it to dry and put me battery in and it unlock the car but doesn’t start or turn i went back to NY to get the other key but didn’t work so i call a tow truck they wanted 1000 to tow it to nyc i tried this and boom it worked i f**** love u man

[@frugalfabrication]

Bro pure awesomeness! This just made my day. I am glad that this video saved you in your situation. Great job man m, and I am happy you made it home safely.👏🏾👏🏾🤙🏾

[@dts.motorsport]

U really helped me thanks 🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@frugalfabrication]

You are welcome man.👍🏾

[@jasintaharriman266]

Thank you so much!You are amazing🙏🙌

[@frugalfabrication]

You are welcome.🙏🏾

[@shakerothman6134]

very professionally done. your the best. thanks and have a great day..

[@frugalfabrication]

You are welcome. Just glad to help.

[@safetypin5324]

Real talk.I just figured mine out thanks 2 u😃😃😃😃.... KZbin University

[@frugalfabrication]

Safety Pin You are more than welcome.

[@user-ng2ox5oo7r]

Nice bro in goin to try it 3 in the morning

[@syawarabbas]

That's great ❤thank you so much ❤

[@frugalfabrication]

You are welcome.

[@MrRuss1927]

Nice one ! Cost over £300 in the UK , I'll know next time . Thanx

[@frugalfabrication]

You are welcome. Anytime.

[@eprestige1215]

OMG! Thank you so much for your video! It might take a few tries but it eventually works. How long can I expect for this to work? I wonder how big of hurry I should be in to get to the dealership for the replacement. Thanks again!!

[@frugalfabrication]

You are welcome. I already made a new key copy(2nd key), but this fix is still working with the original.

[@wilkinsbrito5168]

Funny how we fix complex tech with primitive ideas and materials. Excellent work!

[@frugalfabrication]

will brito Thank you very much. 👍🏾

[@carlosteixeira7053]

Thank you, it works perfectly!

[@frugalfabrication]

Carlos Teixeira Pure Awesomeness. Congratulations, well done, and you are welcome. Thanks for posting your results. This can give others with the same problem the confidence to try.

[@chris666christopher4]

My car is doing the same not closing windows , only sucking the key 🔑 and not turning I'm sure this might work w210 e230 parked for 6 months now

[@frugalfabrication]

Give this a try and let us know how it worked for you.

[@ericanane61]

Great ideas

[@frugalfabrication]

Thank you.🙏🏾

[@taylankarakus7754]

Thank you very much, I did what you said, my problem is solved

[@frugalfabrication]

You are welcome. Please feel free to subscribe as there are more videos to come soon.

[@loicbinard9360]

Thank you from france. You are the best... take care of you and your family. Loic

[@frugalfabrication]

Loic Binard “Je vous en prie”, and thank you for your kind words.

[@tbk19656]

Many many thanks.

[@frugalfabrication]

You are very welcome.👍🏾

[@MrThomachen]

Great suggestion

[@frugalfabrication]

Thank you

[@hazlo99]

i have a 2004 w230 sl350 with the older key. does this work on that as well? Great trick and thank you for sharing

[@frugalfabrication]

If your key fob looks similar to this style era of key fob in the video, It should. I dont see why not. After some time, the plastic wears and slightly deforms. Then the IR laser/light does not line up with the Cars tumbler.

[@genemccoy5943]

You are the truth, thank you it worked out great 👍

[@frugalfabrication]

Thank you and you are welcome my friend. Well done👍🏾.

[@nikolaavramov6703]

That it is Amazing work! Its work! Thank you!

[@frugalfabrication]

Thank for the compliment and Congratulations on getting your keys/car up working again. You are welcome.

[@marknorton5951]

I don’t know how often this needs to be said. The batteries in the key fob play NO part in allowing the key to be turned or in starting the car. The fob is instead powered after insertion by an induction coil surrounding the key. The fob batteries are used only for locking and unlocking the car remotely. This is why you can use the emergency metal key to unlock the car and the key fob to then start the car even if there are no batteries in the fob. I expect the problem in this case is a dry joint in the soldering and stressing the board with the paper wedge makes the connection. I don’t think it has anything to do with the optical alignment of the IR transmitter and receiver.

[@frugalfabrication]

Thank you for explaining the batteries in the key have nothing to do with starting the car. Also, you may be right in the fact that there was a dry solder joint as well. In any case, the beauty of this is that you can fix your mercedes key fob with a piece of paper. This is An issue where if you went to a mercedes dealer to fix, you would be shelling out a substantial amount if money (~$500 to $1,000+ USD) to resolve. Thank you for your observations.

[@marknorton5951]

I really don’t understand your motivation for posting this nonsense video. It has no sound engineering basis and it’s ridiculous to pretend that stuffing a piece of paper into the key will fix all problems. It just happens to in this case. Far better to send the key off to someone who has some real talent and experience who can look closely at the soldered connections and make the necessary repairs. Take a look at the videos by NorthridgeFix. There’s a guy who understands what he’s doing and brings the tools and experience to the job to complete it successfully. .

[@frugalfabrication]

Mark Norton Ok, not everyone at any exact given point and time has the immediate ability to just send off keys to be copied, and go without their vehicle for however long it takes to 1) have an electrical specialist get to their key in the order it was received. 2) or leave their car wherever it may be stranded (as they have already known their key case is faulty, but have been dealing with it for quite some as they do not posses the $500 to just give to the mercedes stealership who rips them off making an ~$15 (near true circuitry value) key copy. 3) need their vehicle up and running immediately as they may have work the next day or in the next few hours, and can’t afford to pay for and maintain the cost of a rental car for up to 2 weeks in order to send off the keys (as you so geniusly recommend) to a specialist who will need time to diagnose, and then send you the invoice for repair and await your approval to begin. I could go on listing more reasons, but I won’t. If you don’t like the vid, you can easily keep it moving to another youtube page. But there are quite a few people this has helped. Judging by the comments and quite possibly the thumbs up. No worries nor sweat of my back, have a good one.

[@frugalfabrication]

Mark Norton Also forgot to mention...my youtube page focus is designed to aid those in finding simple and frugal ways to solve their problems. If I went into full scale engineering circuit analysis of this issue (Kirchoff’s Voltage Law and Kirchoff’s Current laws, transistor saturation points, etc), 99% of the viewing audience would be lost in the first 20 seconds.

[@moiraroberts7083]

Mark Norton Hello. My key just worked last night and I just went out to start my car and it won’t turn in the ignition or unlock/lock the doors. Any ideas?

[@balwindersidhu6562]

Thanks bro for valuable tips

[@frugalfabrication]

Balwinder Sidhu you are more than welcome man. Anytime.

[@trebjesanintransportdoo]

Thank you so much, you help me a lot bro 😊😊😊 🥳🥳🥳🍺🍺🍺🍺

[@frugalfabrication]

Anytime man, You are more than welcome.

[@AgentFoxMulder1972]

Hello there! Unfortunately forgot to take the key out of my costume before taking a bath in the beach.....huess had to wak home to get the spare key....... is there a chance to fix it or must I buy a new circuit?

[@aldogela]

thank you so muchh for your video, help me alot

[@frugalfabrication]

Excellent, I am happy that it worked for you! Good job!

[@artcook6848]

I’m having the same issue did you Mercedes not start ? Or was the key not turning in the ignition ?

[@josefranco2276]

Is it because of the broken tab that you need to "wedge" it?

[@Randombitsoftruth]

This fucking worked. Incredible man. Love you bro. 🍻 (2001 CLK 320)

[@frugalfabrication]

Your welcome..Cheers man🍻

[@michaelkcuzoma5311]

@frugalfabrication you in New York? I'm currently in a similar situation now. My Mercedes Benz ML550 2008 key fell down and have refused to start the truck. I change the battery still not working, remove the motherboard, try to use paper as shown in your video still couldn't start.. at this point not sure what to do!

[@frugalfabrication]

@@michaelkcuzoma5311 unfortunately I am not in New York. But the goal with this fix is to get the infrared beam led and receiver to line up between the key and the tumbler in the car. Keep trying with the paper method, and also try to gently/slowly wiggle the key to the side while trying to turn the key/car on. You may get the led beam to line up.

[@michaelkcuzoma5311]

@ cool, I’ll try some more to if I can get it fix before tomorrow

[@dwenzain2480]

Thank you for the fix!!! Cheers man!

[@frugalfabrication]

Dwen Zain You are most definitely welcome, and thank you for your comment. It is much appreciated.

[@technicsmelancholic6289]

Cool vid my key red light doesn't flash when I press on my lock button, so I can't lock my car from the key fob, just unlock it ! ESP it's showing up on the screen 2001 E430 ! will this procedure work,I don't have the original key fob ,I have transfer it to an upgraded metal key fob ! but it has been like this since I purchase the car,there is a bunch of functions that doesn't work,sunroof,radio, little controls,windows and rear view mirrors are all crazy !

[@frugalfabrication]

Technics Melancholic I think your original key fob for your year/era mercedes may have been the all black plastic key. Your new metal key has a different style of case and I DO NOT think this will work for you. Unfortunately, you may want to have your key circuit board/components looked at by an electrical tech who specializes with keys before paying for a brand new dealer key and labor copy service.

[@technicsmelancholic6289]

@@frugalfabrication Thanks for replying bud,it looks exactly as the Original it's just an upgrade that has metal in it ,the sides are made of metal and it fully opens for easy replacement ! but it follows the same pattern as the Original same composition same buttons placement etc ! it did the same with the Original key fob ! I had to replaced because it was all torn apart ! and wore out ! but it's looks just the same with the MB logo placed on the back not on the center !

[@technicsmelancholic6289]

@@frugalfabrication Will do bud Thanks !

[@noumanwaleed2904]

I have same problem with w203 ,oneside of remote is not turning but another side is turning but not engine start,,,after 3 or 4 trys it's start. What I do 🥺? Plz help me

[@frugalfabrication]

I am hoping the instructions shown in this video can help you. Otherwise, I am not sure.

[@lauris4887]

Is there a way to reprogram my second key to be recognised by immobilizer? Key was working fine but i tried to take radio out by bit of force and the key stopped working. I have other key that only locks car manualy. And the button on starting key doesnt work.

[@frugalfabrication]

Possibly, but you need the $500 CGDI Mercedes key programmer tool/software(red plastic tool in the background of this video), and know the step by step process on how to do it… I have done it, but it’s a 15-20 step process if I remember correctly. In my opinion, you are better off just paying the~$300+ for a new programmed key copy(from a NON-Dealership).

[@lauris4887]

@@frugalfabrication what if i remove immobilezer

[@frugalfabrication]

@@lauris4887 I am not sure.

[@jwill3856]

Nice video. However, both my key fobs didn’t turn. One I use all the time and the other was a spare. Also, no interior lights came on when I opened the door. I thought battery died but it didn’t take a jump either. Any ideas or suggestions?

[@frugalfabrication]

J will I can’t say as I have never had this issue. I would recommend googling the term (auto forum) “MBworld keys will not turn Mercedes ____(insert model here)___” and see what mbworld members have posted with the same issue.

[@jwill3856]

@@frugalfabrication It was the main battery. It’s an ‘05 that I’ve owned for 8 years. I think it’s OEM battery too. I’m replacing it myself. Any pointers?

[@frugalfabrication]

J will is it S55? If so, I’d just remove all of my stuff out of the trunk and disconnect the negative terminal of the battery first. Then after, I disconnect the positive terminal of the battery. I Always do it this way with cars, because the negative battery terminal is grounded into the cars Chassis/body. Imagine if the negative terminal is still connected, and you are removing the positive terminal first, and as you are un-tightening the positive battery nut and you mistakenly make contact with the chassis...a nice big arc/spark will occur. Keep in mind this can damage sensitive sensors as well. So to avoid this, disconnect the negative terminal first always. Sorry to be so long winded.

[@Street_Costello]

I’m going through this issue now. Mercedes sucks for this

[@DeryaAmuseva]

Yessssssss thenku brooo

[@frugalfabrication]

@@DeryaAmuseva You are welcome bro. I am assuming by your response this fix/mod worked for you.. please if you don’t mind, could you tell your story of the situation and how you overcame it with this fix/modification?

[@spirosdim2930]

Mercedes Benz officially hate you 😂😂😂

[@frugalfabrication]

😂Hehe..well as long as it helps people, I don’t mind.

[@fuffoon]

November 2024, 2012 e-class key, new and programmed, 432 euro. Are you sure its 1300? My first replacement was in 2013 after a house fire. 325 euro.

[@frugalfabrication]

@@fuffoon for new keys, EIS tumbler reprogramming/or new EIS tumbler(dealership may just suggest this to make money) the costs are much more expensive than the standard ~$490 Mercedes new key programming.

[@olivermateee547]

Do you knkw the fix for key not unlocking or locking the car from a distance or anything anymore

[@frugalfabrication]

Yo may need to tattle your key fob to a circuit repair shop. I have heard of this before (I think it may be in the comments of this video) and someone said that a small circuit component separated on their keys circuit board. The circuit repair shop was able to see it and solder/fix it back to the circuit board to make the electrical connection.

[@olivermateee547]

@@frugalfabrication thanks for your comment man, but it seems my key works fine but there isn't a radio connection

[@frugalfabrication]

@@olivermateee547 yes if a capacitor or other circuitboard element has disconnected, radio transmission portion of your key fob may not work as best as possible.

[@sifisodlozi175]

Could i possibly have the same people? My Vito 115 CDI used to start very well, until i had my gearbox replaced with a second hand one. After inserting the second hand gearbox, the key would not turn in the ignition at all. However, my EIS and smart Key were tested and said they are all good. When connecting the battery, the ABS automatically runs on its own and the rear fan kicks as well. At this point, seems like i am running out of solutions of what i can do to fix it. Please advice me on what could be the problem, could it be the key? And i have to do what you did in this video? Or?

[@frugalfabrication]

Sifiso Dlozi I am not sure what the issue with your car is. And I don’t believe this video will help you. I have heard on some of the more recent mercedes when the transmission is changed, and another transmission is installed, there is a “provisioning / transmission computer registration” process where the car/transmission may need to be connected by computer to the mercedes online “registration” servers so that it may function correctly after being installed. I am not sure...maybe this is your issue. I have never seen a Vito 115 CDI, as they are not sold in my country.

[@sifisodlozi175]

@@frugalfabrication i forgot to mention that my gearbox is a manual gearbox. I think i will have to call in a specialist then in my case. Thank you very much for your advice and knowledge.

[@frugalfabrication]

Sifiso Dlozi you are welcome.

[@cc92103]

How did you figure out that wedged paper would line those two up, that is amazing. BTW, a folded business card keeps my glove box closed on my 1998 E320.

[@frugalfabrication]

cc92103 Thanks. When I had the issue of the key not turning all the way, one day I thought “the plastic key case is worn and possibly loose so the infrared emitters from the key must not be aligned”. I tried turning the key while applying force at different portions of the plastic key shell and when I eventually squeezed on the worn plastic key case, the key turned immediately in the vehicles “ELV” (ignition tumbler) and the car started right up. I knew then that my issue was either the worn case allowing the key’s infrared led emitter to be off center alignment, or that there was a circuit component on the key’s circuit that was no longer making electrical contact with the key’s circuitry. And thank you for the folded business card tip glove box tip. This may come in handy for I and other readers in the future.

[@karlhalsey5850]

There are only 2 screws that hold the handle on to your glove box on the inside of it, try replacing them because they seem to work themselves slack thru wear and use. Good luck!!

[@Srał_cie_Pies]

Need to welding the UR on the 🔙 and that's it.

[@frugalfabrication]

I don’t think the IR led on the key Fob is desoldered from the circuit board. It just was not aligned with the EIS key “Tumbler” in the steering wheel

[@shahbazkhan-ri3rn]

My ignition key turns but won't crank. Could this fix the issue??

[@frugalfabrication]

No i dont think so.

[@neptunevibe]

Oh you hae that type of key with a red disc on it! So beautiful. Only me i got the ugliest key ever. Doesn't have either a sepparate button for the back, only lock and unlock doors. (Well maybe becuase is T Modell) however I don t have that cool red button or whatever it is.

[@frugalfabrication]

Neptune Vibe the red button is panic mode. It is to be used to cause the alarm to start making noise in various emergency situations. And attract he attention of people around you. For example if you are being robbed.

[@rickdraughn823]

Broken key how to start 1998 Merc ml 320. Any ideas.

[@frugalfabrication]

If the key is literally broken (as in electrical circuit componnent...capacitor, resistor, etc) broke off, you may want to google or read through the comments (someone posted about a year ago) of an actual electrical circuit tech repair shop for the key. Take all plthe pieces that fell off to the tech and have him solder back on. If key is physically broken into several pieces, you are better off purchasing another key and having it programmed to your car. This is possible, but the specialist doing it will need the mercedes CGDI key programmer equipment. If you are not tech savy, find a specialist or someone to do it for you. They may charge youa around $350 USD (at best) to $400...It won’t be cheap, but usually will be cheaper than the dealership (dealership may want you to buy a whole new key and electrical lock tumbler set and install in your steering wheel....very expensive at mercedes.

[@luislango8791]

Thanks a lot look like is going to help me. I'm experiencing my Vito won't start

[@frugalfabrication]

Luis Lango You are welcome. I hope everything works out.

[@CoolCatsLC]

UPDATE I cleaned the inside of the ignition switch with a q-tip and it may have solved the problem

[@frugalfabrication]

sketchyj thanks for replying back with this tidbit of info. If it works out, it may help others down the line.

[@MalcombMedia1]

Great video!! I have a 1999 C230 I have the same issue Key wont turn even after replacing remote battery. If I buy a new key off Ebay can it be reprogrammed? Also does it have to be a new key or used key with same model#? What type OBD II reader could i get for cheap to Re-Program the key if necessary?

[@frugalfabrication]

Marvin M. The NEW keys can be purchased off of ebay and other sites as well. Do not buy a used key as it will require quite a bit of extra work for it to be utilized and it may not be worth it. Plus who knows if the key was stolen (ebay used key sales). There isn’t a simple obdii scanner that will allow you to write data to new keys. The device to do this is called a mercedes benz CGDI key copier and it is not cheap. I got a Chinese made one for ~$480 and there was a significant learning curve to copy my first set of keys. At that price, the CDGI is the cost of paying a small business to copy the key. If you are not savy with working on cars to a medium level nor have time to learn, you may NOT want to do it by yourself. It can be frustrating if you dont have the patience. Its about 15 or more steps if I remember correctly. Once you get it though, it is easy from there on out.

[@MalcombMedia1]

@@frugalfabrication if you have a good ebay link that would be cool to buy a NEW 1

[@frugalfabrication]

Marvin M. I’m not sure which original mercedes key fob style you have. Just googled real quick and this is a website I found.

[@leanidis300]

On my 05' SL500 I can enter the vehicle by the manual key and start it but, can't open and close the doors or trunk via the remote. Dash lights and door bell does not work? tried charging both batteries but the trunk battery doesn't seem to take the charge. Any suggestions or recommendations?

[@frugalfabrication]

Anton For the issues you list, I do no’t have any direct suggestions other than to google the mercedes forum “MBworld.com” and search through the SL500 forums for this particular issue. I have not come across this specific problem on my vehicle, and hence I have not had a reason to look for a solution.

[@robwilliams6770]

9

[@CoolCatsLC]

After changing the batteries I was still having problems starting the car. I opened it back up and bent the metal that goes around the batteries inward so that it makes a better connection to the batteries. It started up right away with no problem after that but then it had some problems again. I discovered that pinching the fob so that the batteries make a connection while turning the key is the answer and it starts right away.

[@frugalfabrication]

sketchyj great find, and I appreciate you posting this info here for others as well.

[@Sunny-uk5fn]

The battery is absolutely not responsible for starting the car. It is only for opening and closing. Car even should start without battery.

[@jamescosby2343]

Oh, by the way, had to replace batteries in my fob. It takes two 2025 dime/size batteries for 13.00$. ----js

[@frugalfabrication]

Thank your for this info. Much appreciated.

[@jamescosby2343]

@@frugalfabrication: Thing is, these are extremely sensitive fobs! You can't just throw them around for heavens sakes! Like your gal, tender and sweet.

[@frugalfabrication]

@@jamescosby2343 HAHA! Lol. So true.

[@BMJJ8]

PLEASE HELP. My key can turn to the on position but it doesn’t turn on the engine. Key works as it can turn and powers the gauge cluster just no turn over to engine. Please help

[@frugalfabrication]

Can you turn the key turn all the way to the “engine start position”..(2nd position)?

[@BMJJ8]

@@frugalfabrication Yes. Everything works as it did before. When I insert my key the zip noise is made which I’m guessing Is the ESL unlocking. Position 1 works as normal… some lights come on and begin to work as normal. When I turn to position 2 my instrument cluster and all of the lights on the gauge clusters power on. When I go to do the flick motion to turn on the engine nothing at all (no crank, no noise, minimal clicks sometimes it’ll click once or not at all) I’m thinking it’s either my ignition switch bad, my key went bad or my EIS(Ignition Switch) went bad. I am not sure how to diagnose if the EIS went bad as a lot of videos show the cluster not turning on when the key is inserted or they can’t turn the key past position 0, and it the steering wheel doesn’t free up

[@BMJJ8]

@@frugalfabrication My steering wheel opens up fully and my power supply for interior and exterior is all fine. I’m thinking my starter possibly went out as it was all of a sudden. I went to get gas drive home came back out within 30 minutes and the car won’t crank

[@frugalfabrication]

@@BMJJ8 yes, it may be your starter.

[@tagacornel5201]

i have the same problem with a mercedes e220 cdi since 2000 ..

[@frugalfabrication]

Hopefully this fix will work for you. Let us know.👍🏾

[@kenedixon5720]

God bless you 🙏

[@frugalfabrication]

Thanks

[@meshamm99]

I didn't see you put the battery back in.

[@frugalfabrication]

Yes the battery is for the alarm’s functioning.

[@mostwantedreckz8]

amazing..... Thank you so much bro broooo !!!

[@frugalfabrication]

Jovan Pariz You are welcome. Please subscribe.

[@paulmetdebbie447]

So you can start the car with no batteries in the fob?

[@frugalfabrication]

Yes you can. The batteries are for the locking aspect of the vehicle. The vehicle will start without batteries in the key fob.

[@paulmetdebbie447]

@@frugalfabrication 🙏❤️👍

[@josecalvo6657]

muchas , muchas gracias !

[@frugalfabrication]

Jose Calvo De Nada. 🙂👍🏾