Experiencing issues with your 2016 Mercedes Smart car key fob can be frustrating, especially when it suddenly stops working. If your key fob buttons are unresponsive, but your car still starts, you might be facing a common issue where the key has become de-synchronized. Before you consider professional key programming services, this guide provides a DIY procedure to potentially reactivate your 2016 Smart car key fob yourself. This method, based on real-world experience, could save you time and money.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reactivating Your 2016 Smart Car Key Fob
This procedure outlines the steps that have been reported to successfully restore key fob functionality for a 2016 Mercedes Smart 451 ED. While some steps might seem redundant, following them closely has proven effective.
Preparation and Initial Steps
-
Replace the Key Fob Battery: Start by installing a new battery in your non-working key fob. It’s a minimal investment that eliminates a common cause of key fob malfunction.
Alt text: Replacing the CR2032 battery in a Mercedes Smart car key fob, a common first step in troubleshooting key connectivity issues.
-
Inspect the Key Fob: Carefully check the key fob for any visible damage or loose components. If possible, use a key fob tester (available at auto parts stores) to verify if your key is transmitting a signal. This step helps rule out physical damage as the primary issue.
Synchronization Procedure
-
Lock the Car with a Working Key (If Available): If you have a second, functional key fob, use it to lock your Mercedes Smart car. This step is part of the described procedure and might help reset the car’s system for key recognition.
-
Physically Unlock the Door with the Non-Working Key: Use the mechanical key blade within your unresponsive key fob to manually unlock the driver’s side door by turning the key in the door lock cylinder clockwise.
-
Button Press Sequence (Outside the Ignition): Before entering the car, press and release each button on the non-working key fob – unlock, lock, and rear hatch (if applicable). This step might initiate a preliminary communication attempt between the key and the car.
-
Enter the Vehicle and Insert the Key: Get inside your Smart car and insert the non-working key into the ignition slot.
-
Button Press Sequence (In Ignition, Engine Off): With the key in the ignition but the engine off, again press and release each button on the key fob (unlock, lock, rear hatch).
-
Turn Ignition to ACC (Accessory) Mode: Turn the key in the ignition to the first position, ACC mode, without starting the engine.
-
Button Press Sequence (In ACC Mode): In ACC mode, repeat the button press sequence – press and release each button (unlock, lock, rear hatch).
-
Start the Car: Start your Mercedes Smart car engine.
-
Button Press Sequence (Engine Running): With the engine running, perform the button press sequence one more time (unlock, lock, rear hatch).
-
Turn Off the Car and Remove Key: Turn off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.
-
Final Button Test: Finally, press each button on the key fob (unlock, lock, rear hatch) to check if the functionality has been restored.
After completing these steps, your 2016 Mercedes Smart car key fob buttons should ideally be working again.
Observation and Potential Alternative
One user reported an instance where the key fob spontaneously started working after being left inside the car (doors closed, engine off) for about 10 minutes. During this time, the car reportedly beeped and locked the doors, after which the key fob buttons became functional. This suggests that in some cases, simply allowing the car and key to sit together for a period after attempting to use the key might also resolve the issue.
While the outlined procedure might contain steps that are not strictly necessary, it has been observed to be a practical solution for re-establishing communication with a 2016 Mercedes Smart car key fob. If these steps do not work, or if you encounter repeated issues, it is advisable to consult with a qualified Mercedes-Benz technician or a locksmith specializing in automotive key programming for professional assistance and potentially explore more advanced 2016 Mercedes Smart Car Key Programming options.
