A140 key fob not working - electric fault?

[villawoz]

Hi there, wifes A Class wouldn't open with the key fob last night. This happened late last year so she started to use the spare with no problems. In February the spare went the same way too.

Called the AA out who fiddled and messed about for a while before the guy came over and said he's fixed it and it was all fine. He had the key fob open so we presumed it was something to do with the fob.

It's been fine ever since but last night she came out of work and it wouldn't open. She can open and drive it by using the key but the alarm just goes on and on whilst driving.

AA have turned up this morning and have tried to get it working but to no avail so have towed it to the local MB garage.

She is awaiting their call now.

If the fob is OK then what could it potentially be do you think, and more importantly, how much will it sting us for?

As a side note, the car itself has lately started to 'kangaroo' when starting it up. Some days fine, others hopping like a good one.

Could it all be electrical based?

Any help most welcome.

 

[Splatt]

In the above I hear no mention of the batteries in the fob having been renewed. There are two (CR2025) and it takes a couple of minutes to change them , details of how to are in the handbook. If the fob does not work the first thing to do is change the batteries ( keep two spares in the car glove box, they cost 99p ) Only if the fob still does not work do you need to look further. I found mine lasted 18 months.

 

[Blobcat]

Mercedes do change the batteries at 2 yearly intervals if you have your servicing done at the dealers. They used to just have one CR2025 however the newer keys have 2 although I don't know why.

 

[villawoz]

The guy from the AA checked both keyfobs with a gadget he had on him and said both were fine, had power and were working correctly.

I would have questioned this if I was there but it was just the missus there & you know what they are like!

Told her to get a price from the dealer and don't commit to anything just yet.

 

[Splatt]

You fob should have a tiny red diode near to where your thumb goes. Make shure this lights when you press lock or unlock.

 

[hawk20]

See Jberks helpful reply re keys on this thread: -
http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=40712

 

[wozwebs]

Wife has just spoken to Merc garage. They say the Receiver Control Unit seems to have gone. They say it was working for about an hour and then died again. They don’t think it’s a wiring connection otherwise it would be constantly dead. They are just getting prices for parts etc and will call back in 20 mins ish. I am guessing that we'll be charged a small fortune just for them to have investigated what was wrong?

 

[wozwebs]

They have just said £622 to replace the Reciever Control Unit. Joke price surely.

or £65 to drive it away now and look for somewhere else to do it. (charging that just to look at it)

Is there any way at all to disable the alarm and imobilliser functions of the car and just use it normally by using the key to open the doors etc and drive it?