FYI -- Reprogramming works for a second fob that's been sitting unused for a year. Mine wouldn't work when I just tried it, even though the batteries seemed good (had replaced them a year ago). Using the reprogramming sequence got the fob going again.

 

What dealer can I go to for a key that has a reasonable key price?? The prices seem to go from 55 to 143 and I am sure that mine is one of the higher priced dealers. Thanks, Woody

 

Woody, if you can find one for less than $150, go for it! $150 is the going rate.

 

Does this mean that I could program all 4 of my keys for one car???

 

I think not. The actual key is VIN specific. If you buy one on ebay it will not work, but you can use the parts of it that are not VIN specific.
I think that's how it goes.

 

Anyone know an online source for a spare key less than $150? It seems some on this thread have found for much less

 

yeah, I just came back from the Chrysler Dealership and they wanted $160. A couple of months back it even was $250......

 

Just bought one for $160 but they had no "card" to program it so I did it and saved $45. DIY Gary

 

Thanks for the info
https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...tml#post562371

 

I would bet you could provide your own key/fob (bought off ebay for ex) and take it to a dealer, and if they were willing to, would send it off to have it re-programmed to your VIN for you. But, since they are in the business of selling key fobs, I'll bet most are unwilling to take one bought from an outside source. Or maybe you could send it (along with your VIN) yourself to MB lock and key and have them program it for you.

 

Just reprogrammed one of my keys. It never did work right. Wow was that E-Z!
Easiest repair job I've ever done. Thanks Shawn.

 

Whare can I find the Key Blade?
Do they actuly cut each blade to match the VIN?

 

This forum is great. I just go a 400% return on my membership fee. Only had one key when I purchased the SRT 6. Ordered a new key. Quoted $80.00 to program. NO WAY! Push the button twice for FREE. Thanks
Mike

 

Well it seems that I need a new key. Just to add to the numerous posts here, my MB dealer quoted me $165 for a new key for my 2002 SLK. Then, just like some others here have posted, my dealer told me that unfortunately, it has to be programmed before it will work, and it costs $80 to program.

I'm going to order the key and try this procedure to program it myself.

Thanks for the info for all those who contributed, especially Shawn who started this thread.

 

Well- after having my SKREEM (?) module replaced for a few hundred bucks, had to reprogram 1 f my 2 keys myself. Worked like a charm; easy as could be.

Thanks everyone!

 

Just to toss in my bits of knowledge: remember the key and fob have two DIFFERENT, although in our thoughts very related, functions.

One function is the RKE, or Remote Keyless Entry, which will unlock doors and trunk for you. This function is easy to DIY sync, and is not considered such a 'security' risk. An eBay key can be re-used for this, or you can 'program' your new key by yourself, not pay a Chrysler dealer an unfair price for two minutes of work.

Second function is to start and drive the car. This is the part which is VERY secure, and a royal pain, and expense. Thanks to the Crossfire legacy of coming from a mid-1990's MB, the ONLY way to get a new key fob to START the Crossfire is to buy one from Chrysler (or a cooperative Mercedes dealer). The RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) chip inside the fob is ONE TIME matchable to electronics in the car. This chip in the fob cannot be reprogrammed to start another car, but the fob CAN be matched to open the locks on a different car.

The chip which has been mated to one car's electronics can be transferred (popped out of the glued position) in an old broken or worn fob and inserted into another fob, then start the car. The only other way I understand you can get another fob / key to start your Crossfire is to order one according to your VIN through a Chrysler dealer from the Mercedes facility in Texas (or the mother place in Germany) which knows the secure code for your VIN, along with the mechanical key profile, and can produce a working key to start the car. Going price is about $150.

A bit of global / historical perspective: Western Europeans (and their insurance companies) were very upset about how many nice cars were disappearing to Eastern Europe and Russia with the melting of the Iron Curtain, so on purpose made it REALLY hard to get a new key to start a car. North American dealers for the Detroit Three would never have put up with this. But our Crossfires are, for this function for sure, a mid-90's Mercedes.

 

I just ordered a spare key yesterday from my local Chrysler dealer for $169 CAD and that's with a discount, retail was $225 CAD.

Not only did they ask for my VIN but my odometer reading as well.

 

I have a non functional vehical. I ordered a new fob off ebay and poped it apart to change out the key and chip from my old beat up case. Everything went fine until my glued in chips end broke off. Its was really stuck in there and the chip poped out leaving a piece inside the very end. Now I have no car. The oher chip from the new fob will not start my car. I tried the reprogram procedure many many times... I am screwed here. I called Chrysler they want 180 for a new key fob by next week Wed. and 100 to program it. If I buy this new key can anyone tell me that I am 100% on being able to program this new Key?

 

The key you buy from the dealer has to be made for YOUR CAR at a special Mercedes service center in either Texas or Germany. So it WILL start your car.

The $100 to 'program' the new key is either ignorance or a scam by dealer. There is a minor procedure to sync the door unlocking function with the new fob, covered in the owners manual, no need for dealer to 'program.'

This sort of stuff is what makes me angry with dealer service folks. Greed and / or ignorance.

While typing, a question I have wanted to put (and will, soon, in a new post) is slightly related: have any folks found their own DRB III unit to use with their Crossfire? How about the slightly newer Chrysler dealership tool for connecting with the Crossfire (and other Chrysler) computers, the StarScan?

Any emotion to share some of these among owner groups?

 

I only had one key for my car and needed a spare. After I read this thread I ordered a new key from the parts department at the dealer (it was specifically ordered for my vehicle using my VIN from Germany). When it arrived I programmed it myself in minutes following the instructions I found in here. They were going to charge me a lot of money for something that took me 2 minutes, but this forum saved me (thank goodness).