I have a 2000 GLE that we just bought used. We have one remote that works fine. However, when the car is locked (either with the remote or by locking inside and getting out and shutting the door), I can't unlock the car with the key and open the door without the alarm going off. The remote works to enable/disable the alarm, but the owner's manual says the key will do it too.

Any ideas?

Oh...and hello (first post).

 

Have you tried the 'spare' key in the ignition as well? Sounds like it might just be a matter of a copied key that needs the chip inside it programmed. If you try to start the car with it and it doesn't work, this might be the case.

 

no...I can start the car with both keys, while the alarm is going off, and then the alarm will quit after 2 minutes. But if I open the door again, it goes off again.

 

Does the key have blue or red on it (a small strip of color)?

 

Both keys have a small blue strip on it. Those are the only two keys I have. And 1 programmed remote.

 

Just an FYI, I went to the dealer and got it fixed, here was the fix:

FAULTY KEY CYLINDER UNLOCK SWITCH - $209

After they replaced it it works fine.

 

ouch! man those local dealers are brutual with the full list price. thank god for the internet and our .org discounts.

Just curious, do you live up north? did you get ice or salt in there?