Mercedes Benz Key Fob remote Problems and ESP malfunction FIXED! 

I know I might get in trouble for releasing this info. But what the heck. Yes some times it can be a dirty lens on the key, such as lint. Or dirt on the IR portion on the EIS electronic ignition switch itself. And if that's the case clean as the video describes. But 99 percent of the time it's the ESL module's drive motor located inside a metal box mounted to the steering column. Inside that small motor it has brushes that burn up over time. And just before total failure it will work intermittently. Ive been repairing Mercedes Ben's vehicles for years. " AND HERE IS THE TRUTH" We replace both the ESL and the EIS and sometimes even the keys all together. With new virgin units. After installation they must be re-flashed with the MB'S star tool. That's standard procedure. This is the way Mercedes wants the repair done period. But here's to secret. There are plenty of videos showing how DIY'S can open the ESL and just replace the small brushed motor. If you Repair it with only the motor, the car "DOSE NOT NEED TO BE RE-FLASHED". If your Mechanical skills are 8 out of 10 and have the basic tools such as a metric sockets and Torx's drives, and about 2 hours, than your good to go. You will save your self not only a tow to the Mercedes dealer. But on the average of about 1600 US dollars for the repairs. Just look on either Ebay or Amazon. And type, "Mercedes Ben ESL motor" The motors cost about 15.00 US dollars. Good luck from your friendly Mercedes tech.

Can someone please tell me the battery information so I can order the replacement batteries on Amazon? Thank you so much.

My problem with the key will open the door after I use the manual key for the first time of the day

Jak ti video, nema šta, srami se.

I have a 1999 C230 Kompressor, W202. The tip start worked intermittently, sometimes requiring several tries to start the car. I tried a number of things including new relay, new starter and solenoid, new fuse box, new battery and removing the key assembly to have it checked over with the keys. All to no avail. Finally a light dawned and I realized that it is an infrared key. I cleaned the tip of the key with glass cleaner and I wiped the inside of the ignition latch with q-tips. Problem resolved. Hope this helps.

i havent had problems with cheap fob cover but im gonna change it back because this scared me

U just don't know what u did for me After 4 hours trying to figured out why my car wouldn't start Thanks so much bruh GOD BLESS

Wow i couldnt start my car i was about to need a tow and god know what else i watch ur vid and sure enough a ball of lint was at the tip of fob cleaned it and started right up. Thanks on the big save there much appreciated!!

Thanks for the video. The camera showing the infrared is a great way to see that the remote is working somewhat, sans the generic case. I also seam to have an issue with the copper battery terminals on the pc board wearing out.

Thank you peter for making this wonderful video. I found exact problems as you've described with my S500 key. You've saved me so much time and headache. Best!

My steering column and ignition locked on my C230 2006 sports

The remote flash the light but don't open the door, ,,can u help me please, 2003 benz

Thanks so much Peter for your clear repeatedly explanation. Your video helps me to solve the key fob locked problem. I have Mercedes ML500 2006 so as you know I lost one spare key, the existing one having the case kind of cracking at the LOCK and UNLOCK area. Similar to you I bought $5 case (after market made) and replaced it. It works fine for 2 years and I recently found ABS/EPS malfunction message and LOCK button doesn't work anymore. I have to make sure nothing valuable left in my car when I left it in the company parking lot... it happend for few weeks and I worry about something I might be left in my car. So tonight I started searching youtube for LOCK issue in the remote control, which I thought I have to spend 3-400 bucks to fix this issue. Lucky me to see your video, Gosh, and lucky that I save the old original case so I replace it back, the LOCK button works fine. at 12:30AM, I'm glad that fix my lock button so I started the car and run few miles with the hope that it should also help for "ABS/EPS, malfunction message" but it doesn't help. If you have any idea, please share with us. Thanks so much for your time to make this video, fantastic. Tony

废话连篇

Hello I have a 2004 kompressor coupe I can’t start it , it won’t turn in the car now can I try this instead of my paying $300 for a new key fob

Can you ask Ava to watch my channel! and comment on what kind of videos I can do to make my channel better.

Nice sharing my friend

I could not get the circuit board out, but cleaned with a cue tip and bam! the car starts now! Thanks!! I was getting those ESP malfunctions while driving too before the key stopped working altogether.

I am watching at " you Tube " electronic repair man making fortune Fixing " Mercedes " Fob s which I watch he does put on Videos how he was repairing Those Fob s most case problems were are broken or lose " coil " which had been install with out much support and when key fall , large coil come lose from Board " bad Design " which Mercedes have to look at that issue .

dude i’m really hoping this is the reason my benz doesn’t start sometimes it will let me put the key in and let me turn it and lights work radio works everything works it’s just it won’t crank it’s like i can hear the starter bouta turn but then just nothing :/ kinda shitting myself as my trip tags only got like 5 days left and i still needa get it through deq fuck oregon lol

I used 2 c 2025 battery, is ok, I heard u said 1 c 2025 and 1 c2030

OMG!!!! THIS JUST SAVED ME!!! I went to get it cleaned out and there was a piece of fuzz right there in front of the sensor!! :-D OMG I'm so happy right now!! thank you so much!! :-D

Gr8 info

The infrared part isn't what starts the car it only locks & unlocks doors & windows! Radio frequency is what unlocks steering, transmission & starts the car. So it's possible for the key fob to work to unlock the doors without unlocking ignition & starting the car.

I have the problem when I put key fob in ignition, it won't turn. I'll have to take the key in and out a few times to eventually turn and start BUT the annoying part is the panic button. Itll go off at times trying to start my vehicle. How can I solve this?

thank u petter great video and tutorial god bless ur fam and u

Chingon.thanks I did learn something important taday,keep it up

I WANT SPANISH VERSION

As far as I can tell my key works fine but I saw on your video that you can see the IR light when you press on a button but I can't on mine. Which may be the problem when I press the open button and hold it for 5 sec or so the windows open including the sunroof without starting the car but only sometimes.

Just purchased a used 2001 MBZ e320, and began having electrical issues. The previous owner never changed the button batteries in the Key FOB remote. The signal is just not strong enough so sometimes it does not open or close the doors. In addition, the previous owner, never checked the car battery or replaced it. She owned it for four years before I bought it from her. So I immediately began having ESP, SRS, ASB, etc. you name it. So now I have a car without any power, thankfully I left the rear window open so that I can get into the car, but when I use the Key FOB remote or try to start the car, nothing happens. Can't even turn the key in the ignition. We tested the car battery and there was ZERO power. The meter showed nothing. Hehehe. DEAD AS A BOARD. So now I have to get a new battery, which just happens to be installed under the rear seat, no matter the previous owner never checked it. You have to remove the rear seat to get to the battery. What a design nightmare, if there ever was. You would think the Germans would get something this important installed under the hood where it belongs. I love my e320, but hate it forthe above. !!@@!!

Peter you are a life saver,I cleaned my key fob and it started my car,but it won't open and lock still

Where can i send 2006 SLK280 new key fob to be programmed?

We have a Mercedes Benz C320 and it's locked!After we watched this video we were following it and perhaps either the battery needs to be change because there's no light sensor on the key.Please advice us what to do---------From Washington State.

This video saved me as I had the same symptoms, but this was not my problem. When I opened up my key fob and pulled out my circuit board, I noticed a copper rectangular piece dangling and one wire was broke off. I later found, one side was for the door locks which still worked cause that was the side attached, the side that was broken off recognizes the ignition. On a hunch because it would require such a small solder, I called my local jeweler and asked if he could repair it, $15 and 5 minutes later it was fixed and my 2009 ML350 started right up. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

We have a 2006 B170 Mercedes and 2 keys for it. One key starts the car but it can't unlock or lock it , the other key only unlocks and locks the car but it can't start it. What could be the problem?

Thanks Peter! Long day today for me. Was told the starter and start relay needed to be replaced, which was why all the dash was working , but got nothing when I tried to start it. Yes my starter seemed to be going and looked terrible when the mechanic took it out. So I replaced it. Also replaced the starter relay which showed signs of burning/wear. The car started once and quit on me again. I got the ESP malfunction message and right after that saw this video. Cleaned the key, new batteries, car started right up. I was forced to do some preventative maintenance and then blessed to see your video. It’s been a good day. Thanks again.

ESP inoperative message. But no warning symbols on dash. Car starts and everything thing working. So is it possible only my remote need battery’s and or cleaning or new Key fob? I’m going to start with the minimum cost first of course.

Peter, great job putting this video together, it definitely help me! Much appreciated!

Thanks a million.

on my key fob for a 2008 clk 350 the red light flashes but the white infrared litedoes not. please tell me what that means or a solution to fix thanxvalare

I have a 2001 C240 when I turn off the engine the dash screen shows 1 malfunction do you think is my remote o something else and thanks for the video is very helpful

I have the same Benz, key fob light does not flash, I changed the battery also do not lock or unlock

👍👍👍🇺🇸

I have a 2005 S500. When I got the car it had just one 2025 battery in the fob. Even had the fob replaced. Changed the battery and it only had one battery inside. My fob looks exactly like the one in the video. So all these years I am supposed to have 2 batts inside. Doesn't look like it will fit 2 batts inside mine.

Oh I hope I pressed the right key....definitely thumbs up. Information helped me tremendously. Thank you very much

Dude you’re great!

Hi Peter. My Mercedes key fob does not lock the car (ML350) from outside, but it does open it when locked manually from inside. Even the physical key does not lock manually. Would you be able to help diagnose the issue. Thanks in advance.

Ty

I have a e500 that was running great then one day it stopped while i was driving all the lights come on still but if i let it sit over night it goes dead I charged battery it started after 30 turns and when i lock my doors with my key fob the car doesn’t start up anymore i would have to play with it for like a hour and it shows esp then reduce engine power for braking

Can I start it even tho the Batterie is dead ? Will the Main car batterie start it up without the phob batterie?

Thank you very much for this video your have helped me a lot today

Hi Peter. A great video. Thank you! I have a 2003 S500. My key fob will not lock the car. the other buttons work. Can this be fixed?

Thank you.Your advice helps me.

Can you please help,my car key was dumped in water and it's not working, is there any way I can fix it??

My car does the same thing I put the key in it and I won’t start the tip of the key is broken I don’t have the red cover on the tip Can that be the problem it was working fine as it was and one day it didn’t work anymore

I changed the battery in my key fob and light comes on fine but the car battery itself is dead and the key blade won't turn so i can open the door manually what else can i do?????

The key( metal), has gotten rust on it . Is this a problem

I have a 2004 c240. My car will start, but the fob won't lock and unlock the doors and trunk. The battery is good. Any tips?

Hello, I have a slk 200 r171 2004 and the remote control stops to open and close the doors. It changes the batteries but it still does not work, infrerojos sends I saw it with the camera of the telephone. I think the command is deprogrammed. How could I program it? Is there a way to put the key in and press the buttons, or do I have to take it to the official service. a greeting

My key will start the car but it doesn’t lock it or unlock it. I’m not sure what’s going on with it??? I have 2003 Mercedes E500

Go to the swap meet they have one $25.00 to $40.00

Hey Peter Big huge thanks to you and your info Exactly what u have said I found a len inside my keys Really thank so much And my car now works just perfectly Today is sep-14-2018

does the key turn at all if you have this problem, and does the steering lock engage/disengage when you pull the key in/out?

It "Worked" for me!!! Thanks

Thanks for the tips.

Just saved me $5.00 and a lot of heart-ache! Thanks. The problem with all modern motor dealers, is mostly, they just replace items they think are the likely cause and if they're not, it's just tough luck for the customer!

Great video! One way to get out of the ESP jam is to turn the key to second ignition. Then turn the steering wheel max left and max right. Then start the car and it will start up. Sometimes it's not even necessary to turn the steering wheel to max, just turning it a little bit to the left and a little bit to the right will do the trick. Cheers!

You are correct in that there is a division in the middle of the window. I think the reason this didn't work for you is that it is for an older car. I have a 1999 C230 and the circuit board extends down to the window and creates the division. Further, on my key there is no additional slit to the side.

moi j'ai probléme de contacte,démarage Mercedes B200 année 2010

Thanks you. It really help me

Welldone Peter great job.

My remote work but doors not get luck or open and have to do manually. What the problem could be .lights work with remote. Thanks

I prefer to buy honda or Toyota

Bla bla bla bla

Good job man!!

What if it gets wet ?

I have a 1998 E300D and the key refuses to stay in the Ignition. It always starts fine...but I have to keep track of where the key is when I am driving to shut her down ! Weird !

I'd had a problem with my 2007 E 350 and not sure it was the key fob. It would crank kinda non stop and engine wouldn't start. Have you heard of this? One's a while back almost towed it home.

see the comment below, the reason I believe it works without the battery is--- there is a coil inside the fob and I believe it generates a voltage to power the IR sensor when is inserted in the key hole and that is what makes it work. The coil is fairly rugged for the frequency it operates at about 433 mhz. The coil that is in there is perhaps to induce from the vehicle a voltage to power the infra red transmitter. But it mentions the the small windows in front of the fob can be dirty with fuzz, make sure you do not scratch the fob lens and the lens on the key hole. Good luck. my vehicle will crank and run without the batter pack. Juan

I didnt see any infared light when i pressed the lock unlock button so what does that mean

I can't thank you enough. I took the key apart and cleaned it out and my car starts the first time every time.

My 03 Mercedes’ Benz c230 won’t crank/start replaced alternator, starter have a new battery , put in key it turns all the way turns everything on headlights , all lights on dash board , radio , locks and unlocks car but car still won’t crank or start any ideas ?

Thank youu

I have a mbz 2005 c230 my fob does not work (buttons), I played around and found that if you take the battery out it will start your car. Thou you can not lock /unlock /trunk will not work. But try the fob without the battery. It works on my c230 without the battery -no lie. Juan

My problem is my fob will work only for 2 hours after it's put in the ignition. I have gotten the ESP message but it never stopped my vehicle. Please assist me! I did change my battery in my vehicle and my fob. I even changed the central locking fuse 8, still after 2 hours I have to use my metal key to enter vehicle. PLEASE HELP!!

Ok

That’s a Motorola Generation key fob they are the worst need to get a Generation 3 key

my ml55amgstartandoffimediatly

P0405 peugeot 206

I have 02 ML 320 start error code , changed burned body control module due to roofleek driped right above the emergency brake on it !!! I bought on ebay same part # A1635457332 and took it to dealer ,payed $184 for programing BCM and still not starting I gave up to pay other $200 to program key or deal with steelership ....anybody has solution below $500 ? Now thinking to buy ECU ,Bcm,key ,tubler and sender of ebay .....did anybody do it ??..... would I be ok without reprograming in steelership tro start the car if all of it is changed from diffrend car ???? Thanks

Thank you for the advice. It was useful to know about in more detail the inner components of the key fob. Both my key fobs stopped working recently. The main one had multiple cracks in the plastic (like yours) but the spare key looked in good condition. I have a year 2000, E240. I changed the batteries but still no luck. I called the recovery service and they suggested it was the ignition reader and suggested that they tow me to garage. I declined. A mechanic friend brought a diagnostic machine which gave 'equivocal results' and suggested the same until he noticed the red lights did not light up on the key fobs when pressed. He tapped each one gently with a screw driver and one started to work! Unfortunately within a week, this fob failed again and the trick with the gentle tapping did not work. I have recently ordered a new key from Mercedes. However, this evening I saw your video. Unfortunately I could not remove the circuit boards to clean the keys (and I was a little afraid to damage the circuit board) but swapped the part that holds the batteries between keys and one (the old cracked one) started to work again (red light came on). Your video was very helpful and re energised me to have a go myself! I will keep the new key as a spare when it arrives but knowing the key itself was the problem rather than more expensive components has saved me a lot of money. Thank you.

Wow This is entertaining 🤣

just bought a 02 c320 key wouldn't turn 2 separate mechanics said it needed a computer well i bought it for 1k with 85k miles in mint condition took the battery's out and then the chip just to find on the board a broken resister the one down next to the IR that's wrapped in copper just laying in the case so hoping I can get another Mercedes Key and just unsoldier and re-soldier the chip to the new board and zoom zoom lol we'll see

Great video man! Never thought of this and came across a lot of built up dirt and dust, key don connects right when I put it in the ignition now!! Thank you!

Can the fob drain the car battery? When I open the trunk, all doors lock up!!! I wonder if FOB has something to do with it.

How do you get the key out when the latch won t release it?

thanks i need to clean my fob it has a tear on it good looking out

Thankyou

hello I need help my Mercedes benz has the fob key not locking doors remotely. what solution?

My son just bought a e350 A few days ago It ran great Then in the morning he hoes to start the car and it wont kick over , the lights come on and you could hear the it trying to start but it wont kick over Could it be hes key fob ?. Any help would be awesom.