C Series - Remote Locking, etc.

[skinthegoat]

I recently got a 1995 C180 which has a factory-fitted alarm. Once in a while, usually if the car's been unused for a while, the remote locking / alarm misfunctions. On operating the remote, both red and green lights flash on the receptor (on the interior mirror) and on the door-handle. The car may or may not start, though the engine always turns over. Once it's had a run, everything seems to work alright again. Have I just got a weak battery, or is it more sinister? I'm not very mechanical.

 

[RJR28/12]

Hi skinthegoat if the red and green lights flash together then the batteries in the key need replacing.
If they flash alternatively then the car is immobilised,it will crank but not fire.

 

[jberks]

I used to find that the lights flashed together from time to time, whether the battery was ok or not. Just lock and unlock a few times and all went back to normal.

 

[skinthegoat]

Thanks

My thanks to RJR28/12 and to JBERKS. The problem hasn't occurred for several weeks now, and I couldn't honestly say whether the lights were flashing together or alternately, though I think it was the former. However, on two occasions my wife, using her own key, has been unable to start the car. Both times, when I've tried it with my key, it's worked OK, leading to mutterings about silly women, etc. Reading your postings, I hope I'm not in for a diet of humble pie......

 

[jberks]

Not sure, My wife always seemed to have more trouble with it than me. Could be an height thing.

 

[skinthegoat]

So, size matters...