IR key, Immobiliser, Door lock
Hi,
I'm new to the forum but not new to the G! I've an G463, G320, 1996 with the I6 engine and I currently live in Rwanda.
I've been struggling with the IR Key knob: both keys are letting me down. I've already repaired one key in Germany, but it start failing again. The issue being that on this 1996 model G463 the immobilizer engages/disengages exclusively via the IR key knob (system with the red & green lights on the rear mirror). If I lock the car with the IR remote (engaging the immobilizer) and the IR key lets me down I am pretty much (not saying the f word), with an immobilized car and no IR key working.
I have few options to overcome the issue, and I would like you to help me out in finding the easiest one:
1) Buy a new key from MB. I tried, and it is hugely expensive plus my car is a Japan import, thus (???) not on the regular MB database (they don't have the codes of my immobilizer)
2) Only use the door key lock (and thus leaving the immobilizer disengaged). Key lock is on the passenger side and doesn't operate the central lock. Is it possible to move the key door lock to the driver side and link it to the central door lock system?
3) Buy an aftermarket FR remote and install it on the central locking system. Thus leave the Immobilizer disengaged. How shall I install the aftermarket remote? Any complicated wiring? I do understand that the Immobilizer and Central locking are two separate units and circuits. Thus it should be feasible?
4) I understand that deactivating the immobilizer by cutting a wire or something and use the IR key remote with the central locking only is not an option... (too complicated).
Help?
Tom
I am not totally familiar with the system you have, but most key fobs can be re-synchronised to the car (made to work) by following a set of steps with the key in the ignition. Therefore, I would first check your owner's manual to see if this process is explained and if it is, then purchase a new key fob.
Are you sure it's infra-red? If your fob is squarish and has a flip-out key blade, then I think the central locking and alarm is through radio-frequency and the comfort open/close is through infra-red.
In any case, these key-fobs also contain and RFID device which couples with a transponder around the ignition switch. It would therefore be difficult to steal the car with a just copy of the key.
You will need to order a new key fob from MB and with your VIN I am sure you will receive the correct one, albeit possibly requiring re-synchronisation with the system.
You can, of-course go have an after-market alarm/ immobilizer fitted, Personally, that would not be my choice, but at the end of the day, it depends on what you can afford. however, i would say that a new original key-fob will be cheaper than a new alarm, unless you fit it yourself.
A new IR key from Mercedes is £271.28 which I am told includes the programming.
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