c180 red light on rear view mirror flashing

[kenbenz]

Hi there,
The red light on the rear view mirror of my 1997 c180 has started flashing in the last few weeks when i start the car and for the first few minutes of driving. It then goes out and doesn't come on again even if i start the car several times that day. It's not affecting anything (at least not at the moment) but the book i have only refers to problems with the green and red light flashing and mentions nothing about the red light on its own. I've seen articles sugesting that it's telling me the batterys in my keys are running low but not sure. Can anyone give some advice. Thak You.

 

[anyweb]

replace your key fob batteries and/or get your car battery checked (it's in the boot)

when you say 'red' does the green led flash also ?

more info on the flashing at the bottom of this page

 

[kenbenz]

Thank for that Anyweb. The green light doesn't flash at all. It's just the red light which flashes for a few minutes after driving off and then it goes out and doesn't flash again for the rest of the day. Other than this there is no problem (so far). I'll try the battery change first. Does it have to be a key fob battery from the MB dealer or can i use other brands as well? Thanks for the help.

 

[triplemmm]

Have the same problem.

http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=35390&highlight=red+light+rear+mirror

Have changed the batteries in the keyfob, resynched, and changed the car battery.
None of these made any difference.

 

[Dec]

Currently my own key fob battery is in need of replacing, both Red and Green lights flash simultaneously (about 4 or 5 times per second) for 30 seconds to remind me of this, I use whatever battery is available from any auto parts store with no problems.

I am wondering if it possible in both your case that the Green LED bulb is dead, however I have read on forums that the death of one of these bulbs can result in starting problems with the immobilize.

Are there any circumstances at all that the Green LED flash, for example when you synchronize the key, you press the button twice in quick succession?

Dec

 

[kenbenz]

Thanks to everyone for their answers. To be honest i haven't even tried to change the batteries yet so that will be the first thing for me to try this coming week. My worry is that i'm hearing more and more that this can be anything from a simple battery problem right through to a more serious immobilizer problem. I'm keeping my fingers crossed it's just a battery problem. Thanks again for all your help.

 

[Dec]

One other thing, do you have Red and Green lights on driver door handle, if you do, the should flash in the same manner as the rear view mirror lights.

Dec

 

[kenbenz]

No. It's only on the rear view mirror. I'll try some of the above in the coming week and let you know how i get on. Thanks for all the help.

 

[100%Bitch]

Does it have to be a key fob battery from the MB dealer or can i use other brands as well? Thanks for the help.

If you go to the dealer, they'll probably give them to you for nothing that's what my local dealer does anyway. Mind you, I don't know if that's for everybody.

 

[bigasotonuk]

Look again carefully at your drivers door handle make sure the leds are not just dead.
If you have "any" of the leds not working, it will cause problems, and may eventually cause the car not to start.
When these cars were regular visitors to the main dealer 95% of the problems were caused by the rear view mirror, the door led unit and batteries in the remote.

 

[bigasotonuk]

key fob batteries you will need are CR2025's and you will need two of them, and are available at most car parts stockist Halfrauds etc.

 

[kenbenz]

Thanks again one and all for your help. Will get some batteries tomorrow and give it a go to start with. Much appreciated

 

[anyweb]

kenbenz, in your rear view mirror have you EVER seen your green LED flash ?

if not, as bigasatonuk says probably that bulb is gone

cheers
anyweb

 

[mojo]

Hi, I am having the same problem with my car. The red light flashes on the rear view mirror even while I’m driving. I got a brand new key from MB dealers only a few months ago and had no problem until 2 days ago.
There don’t seem to be any problem at the moment but I’m just worried that this will escalate into something big.

I have been advised by a friend to disconnect the battery to reset the alarm??? If I tried this it will not cause any other problems?

I do have the Immo keys if they can help?

Thanks, Mojo

 

[Dec]

What year is your car Mojo?
What kind of key fob do you have?
Does the Green LED flash in the drivers door handle and in the mirror when you unlock with the key fob?
Does the Red LED flash in the drivers door handle and in the mirror when you lock with key fob?

Dec