A140 Battery / Alarm /Keyfob problems

[vinnie1202]

So here's the story

About 6 months ago, i had to bump start my 2000 reg A140 a few times. Took car in to get battery checked and they said it wasnt holding power so I got a replacement, which up until now has been fine (this may or may not be relevant).

I have used my car little over the past 2 months, one 30 min trip a week, until 2 weeks ago, when i went away and so car was left not used.

When i returned neither key fob would open car, so i replaced the batteries in these. Car still wouldn't open. I opened with the key in the lock (old skool style) and alarm went off. I tried everything to turn it off, key in ignition, little tab key in hole under steering wheel, tried to start engine. Eventually stopped. Tried turning on headlights - it seemed that battery was dead. Hence reason for key problems?

Today I got someone to jump start me. The second we connected the cables alarm started and we could again find no way to stop this apart from running battery down. With alarm going i could start car and could have driven it (if i wanted very odd looks).

eventually found somewhere online suggesting a magic trick. Put key in ignition, hold down lock button whilst removing key and clicking unlock 5 times. It actually worked (why the man at mercedes call centre couldn't tell me this trick i dont know).

So car started/ no alarm. I went for a good 45minute drive using minimal electrics, but noticed i could get my windows down, but very difficult to get back up (it has been suggested that they are stiff, but it really feels like a battery problem - leaving it 10 mins made them work quicker).

When i got home i turned car off and put my other key in to try and reset that like i had the other one, but this key set the alarm off and it seems i cant reset it. Turned alarm off with working key and left car.

I'm guessing as my windows werent working, the battery probably isnt very charged and wont work when i try to start tomorrow. Sold dodgy battery or maybe another problem????

Also has anyone else experienced similar key fob / alarm problems. How do you stop the alarm when keys don't work? What is that little key for, if it doesn't turn off alarm??? and how do i reset my other key???

Thanks for listening to my story - any advice massively appreciated.

 

[television]

Without having a good battery you will never sort it out, its what we call basics, and one should always start there.

 

[vinnie1202]

I purchased the battery that the garage recommended. How can I tell whether it is a 'good battery' as far as i am concerned it is! especially as it is <6 months old

 

[tonyb]

hiya..one thing i learnt from the same prob as you is dont leave it parked up too long without starting (alarms,and elecs run battery down if not used) and rotate your remote key every couple weeks or when you need backup you will find that key dead. p.s keep a couple a new batteries in glove -box just in case..

 

[jdma]

Can anyone tell me the secret for getting the left-hand side bolt out so I can change the battery? Got the right one removed with no problems, but cannot for the life of me work out how I'm supposed to access the other side.

 

[Cole@MBS]

welcome, are we still talking about a A,class hear????

 

[jdma]

welcome, are we still talking about a A,class hear????

Thank you. Yes, an A140.

 

[Cole@MBS]

the frame is held in with 2 bolts that screw into plastic, if you lift the clamp/frame at the same time as your undoing the bolts it should lift out, or are you having a differnt fault to the one i read??

 

[jdma]

the frame is held in with 2 bolts that screw into plastic, if you lift the clamp/frame at the same time as your undoing the bolts it should lift out, or are you having a differnt fault to the one i read??

Sorry for the long delay. Problem seems to be that the right-bolt won't come out, it's probably got stuck. So I can lift the left part, but obviously not the right side. Very, very annoying, will probably have to be taken to a garage, which really frustrates me as I have the battery all ready to go.

 

[jdma]

Sorry for the long delay. Problem seems to be that the right-bolt won't come out, it's probably got stuck. So I can lift the left part, but obviously not the right side. Very, very annoying, will probably have to be taken to a garage, which really frustrates me as I have the battery all ready to go.

Thinking about it, is that a common problem? I was looking at a German MB forum, and though my German isn't that great, I did see someone complaining about one of the bolts getting stuck fast, and having to put it on a ramp to get it out to lift the plastic holder up. Am I missing something here, or has MB made what should be a simple task into a ridiculous amount of time-wasting?

 

[Cole@MBS]

Its screwed in to a plastic floor, pull the clamp up as your un-doing it, i have changed 1000,s of these and never had your problem, just lift the clamp as you un-do it!

 

[jdma]

Its screwed in to a plastic floor, pull the clamp up as your un-doing it, i have changed 1000,s of these and never had your problem, just lift the clamp as you un-do it!

I have! I spent 10 minutes lifting and unscrewing this afternoon! That right bolt isn't going anywhere!!

 

[Cole@MBS]

your going to have to get real with it and get a lever in there as your un-doing it! the plastic will give trust me!

 

[jdma]

I just went out (at midnight ) and had another go. I haven't thought of the lever option, but will have a crack at that tomorrow. I really, really do not want to take it to a garage for the sake of a battery fitting - even I can deal with that myself, and I'm useless. Report back tomorrow. Thanks!

 

[three pointed star]

Fingers crossed

 

[jdma]

your going to have to get real with it and get a lever in there as your un-doing it! the plastic will give trust me!

So, finally got out there with a crowbar to lever it up, but still nothing! Here are a couple of shots, just so I know we're talking about the same thing.

The battery in the white holder:

And the bolt that will not come out at all:

 

[Cole@MBS]

Thats the one!! have you tried lifting it as you un-do it??

 

[jdma]

Thats the one!! have you tried lifting it as you un-do it??

Yes, have tried every which way possible at this point!

 

[Cole@MBS]

Yes, have tried every which way possible at this point!

Cant believe your having so much trouble, thought of you today when i changed one, this is from a 169 a,class but still the same!

 

[tonywolf]

I have had same problem since I changed the battery

Hi there,I have had same problem since I changed the battery.You will need new different one..it is seems even the garage people make a mistakes(a lot),I changed with Bosh for mercedes a140 and it is work well.about the alarm reset,you have a small bits with the key and you have to put in the small hall in the glove box.that how you will reset the alarm and stoped when you need it.About the windows you have to reset them...here in the forum have that but for me still unwell explained.
Good luck.