SmartKey Starter® Frequently Asked Questions

 What is the SmartKey Starter®?

• The SmartKey Starter is a seamless remote start solution for Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles and Sprinter vans.

How does it work?

• Out of the box, the SmartKey Starter® will work off of the factory key fob.  All passenger (non-Sprinter) vehicles can be remotely started by hitting the ‘panic’ button one time (if the OEM key is equipped with a panic button).  The panic feature will work as designed by holding down the panic button.  If the vehicle does not have a panic button on the OEM key, you will be able to use a ‘lock-unlock-lock’ sequence to start the vehicle remotely. The 2007-2018 Sprinter vans will remotely start by hitting the ‘lock’ button on the factory remote three times.  The 2019+ Sprinters (SKSNG907 and SKSNG907RV will remotely start using a lock-unlock-lock sequence from the OEM key fob. There are also several ways to add extended-range remote starting, lock, and unlocking capabilities.  The Compustar Drone or Directed Smart Start can be added to the SmartKey Starter® and will allow for operation from a smartphone or computer anywhere in the world.  Extended-range RF remote kits from either Compustar or Directed will also work with the SmartKey Starter®.   

Adding smartphone integration: will give you unlimited range.  As long as the module in your vehicle has a cell signal and you can get on the internet, you will be able to remote start, lock, unlock, and release the trunk (if applicable).  This is the most popular way to extend the range.  This feature is an additional module that can be plugged into the SmartKey Starter®.  The Compustar Drone is available for purchase at a discounted rate as a package with the SmartKey Starter®.  When adding to your cart, check the box for smartphone control.   There is a yearly fee for the Compustar Drone.  The Directed Smart Start is also compatible with the SmartKey Starter® and also gives you the same features.  There is a yearly fee for the Smart Start as well.  Both the Drone and Smart Start offer premium plans that allow for GPS services such as vehicle tracking, speed notifications, geo-fencing, and more.  All SKUs with ‘SKSNG’ in the part # will work with both Compustar and Directed.  For all other models, orders for Directed compatible units will need to be placed over the phone at 312-421-1114.

Adding RF remote kits: RF remote kits are external fobs that can be used to operate the SmartKey Starter®.  Every Compustar remote kit will work with the SmartKey Starter®.  Adding Directed remotes requires an XL202 RF to the data transmitter and any remote and antenna combination that works with the XL202.  Both manufacturers offer one-way or two-way remote options. One-way remotes transmit a signal to the vehicle and two-way remotes transmit information both to the vehicle and back to the remote.

How long will it run?

• For most passenger vehicles (vehicles other than Sprinters), the remote start factory setting will run for 15 minutes.
• For the Sprinter van (SKS906C, SKS906D, SKSNG907, SKSNG907RV), the stand-alone remote start time is 1-hour. For SKS906CRV, SKS906-SMRT, and SKS906-SMRT-B, the default run time is 2 hours. If the remote start command is initiated through an external Compustar or Directed alarm / remote start module (for example, using a Compustar Drone or RF remote connected to a Compustar module), the run time will be dictated by the device that the remote start command was initiated through (for example, Compustar remote start brains can be programmed for 15-45 minute run-times). If initiating the remote start command through the OEM key fob or through a device connected directly to the SmartKey Starter® module, the run time will be the default setting (2-hour default for this system). If a shorter run time is desired, please contact us for custom programming. For all Next Generation (with SKSNG in the part #) hardware units, the run-time is field programmable.  For all other SKUs, custom run time needs to be programmed upon ordering.  
• Note: when using a Sprinter auto start (SKSNG907, SKSNG907RV, SKS906CRV, SKS906-SMRT, SKS906SMRT-B) with external 1-wire trigger (latched ground to start and run) the system will re-start if the ground is still applied to start wire after run-time expiration. The system will continue running and re-starting until the external trigger removes the ground signal. 

How is it installed?

• The SmartKey Starter® is a revolutionary way to install a remote starter.  Nearly all models are 100% plug-and-play and none of our units require any programming.  Once you install the system and run the engine for 30 seconds, remote start will work right away.  All SmartKey Starter® kits come with a T-harness that plugs in behind the Electronic Ignition Cylinder.  Our T-harnessing requires no cutting or soldering.  All of our harnessing comes with OEM connectors to ensure reliability and ease in installation.  Most vehicles with Keyless Go (push-button start) require a jumper harness to either a CAN distribution block or a Keyless Go module.  This harness also requires no cutting of wires or soldering.

Who can install the SmartKey Starter®?

• Professional installation is always recommended.  You can locate an authorized dealer and installer near you, or purchase the system online and bring to a shop that you feel comfortable with.  There have been many end-users who have installed the SmartKey Starter® themselves.  You can view all of our installation and disassembly manuals to see if the project is something you or you and your installer are comfortable with.  We are available Monday-Friday for technical support.

Does the installation require any specialty tools?

• In most cases, the tools required for the SmartKey Starter® installation are standard torx screwdrivers and panel removal tools.  However, for some models, removing the EIS (electronic ignition cylinder) is either required or very helpful for the installation.  To remove the EIS, some models require using an EIS removal tool to remove the metal ring that holds the EIS in the vehicle’s dash.  This tool is not required for all models. You can see the full list of required or recommended vehicles here and purchase the EIS removal tool here.  The tool is $29 and is an OEM Mercedes tool.

How will my climate control settings work?

• Upon remote start, the climate control settings will remain the same as they were the last time the vehicle was shut off.  To ensure optimal comfort, set the climate control to the desired temperature before you shut the vehicle off.

Will my heated seats turn on automatically?

• For all Next Generation (NG) hardware units (with ‘SKSNG’ in the part # ), the heated seats will turn on when the outside temperature is below a programmable threshold.  The default setting is < 41* F.  From the steering wheel, you can set the temperature threshold to <32* F or <50* F or return to the factory setting.  Any temperature can be set from a computer using a Compustar programmer and computer. 

Will my rear defroster come on?

• For all Next Generation (NG) hardware units (with ‘SKSNG’ in the part # ), the rear defroster will turn on when the outside temperature is below the same programmed threshold as the heated seats.

What about my cooling seats?

• For all Next Generation (NG) hardware units with the exception of the W166 platform ( SKSNG166D3, SKSNG166D4 ) cooling seats can be programmed to come on at a desired temperature using a Compustar programmer and a computer.  If you contact us, we can pre-program the unit to trigger the cooling seats at a desired temperature if your model is applicable.  

What is the warranty?

• Since our system is designed specifically for Mercedes Benz, we offer a warranty that is consistent with what is expected by Mercedes owners.  Our warranty for the SmartKey Starter® is 4 years.  Please see our owner’s manual for more warranty information.

How do I know if it is compatible with my vehicle?

• Click here and choose your vehicle to purchase and get vehicle-specific information.

Does the SmartKey Starter® affect my factory warranty?

• No- installed correctly, our system does not affect your factory warranty.  Because the harnessing is plug-and-play, the integrity of the vehicle is not disrupted.  The system can be installed and removed with no signs of it being installed- there are no cut wires.

Are you sure it won’t affect my warranty?

• Yes.  In the United States, there is legislation known as the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act that protects consumers from having their factory warranties unfairly terminated.

What is the range of the factory key fob?

• For passenger vehicles, Mercedes lists the factory key fob range at 200 feet.  The Sprinter is about 30 feet. The Smartkey Starter® will be effective from a key fob at the same maximum distance that you can currently lock and unlock the doors using the factory remote.  If you find that your range is far below the Mercedes listed range, you may need to replace the battery in your remote.

Can the Mercedes factory key range be extended?

• While the range of the Mercedes factory key cannot be extended, you can extend the range of the remote start using either smartphone integration or RF remote kits.

Adding smartphone integration: will give you unlimited range.  As long as the module in your vehicle has a cell signal and you can get on the internet, you will be able to remote start, lock, unlock, and release the trunk (if applicable).  This is the most popular way to extend the range.  This feature is an additional module that can be plugged into the SmartKey Starter®.  The Compustar Drone is available for purchase at a discounted rate as a package with the SmartKey Starter®.  When adding to your cart, check the box for smartphone control.   There is a yearly fee for the Compustar Drone.  The Directed Smart Start is also compatible with the SmartKey Starter® and also gives you the same features.  There is a yearly fee for the Smart Start as well.  Both the Drone and Smart Start offer premium plans that allow for GPS services such as vehicle tracking, speed notifications, geo-fencing, and more. All SKSNG kits (with ‘SKSNG’ in the part # will work with both Compustar and Directed.  For all other models, orders for Directed compatible units must be placed over the phone at 312-421-1114.

Adding RF remote kits: RF remote kits are external fobs that can be used to operate the SmartKey Starter®.  Every Compustar remote kit will work with the SmartKey Starter®.  Adding Directed remotes requires an XL202 RF to the data transmitter and any remote and antenna combination that works with the XL202.  Both manufacturers offer one-way or two-way remote options. One-way remotes transmit a signal to the vehicle and two-way remotes transmit information both to the vehicle and back to the remote.

What if my vehicle does not have a ‘panic’ button?

• Vehicles without a panic button that are covered by the SmartKey Starter® can still be remotely started using the factory remote.  For passenger vehicles, there is a ‘lock-unlock-lock’ sequence that can be utilized for remote start.  The 2007-2018 Sprinter Vans can be remotely started by hitting the lock button three times. 2019 and up Sprinters use a lock-unlock-lock sequence to remote start from the OEM key.    

How do I program ‘lock-unlock lock’ remote start sequence?

• For all Next Generation (NG) hardware units (all kits with ‘SKSNG’ in the part #), if no panic button is detected, the ‘lock-unlock-lock’ remote start sequence will be set automatically.  For all other passenger vehicles, please consult this application note for the ‘lock-unlock-lock’ programming procedure.   Sprinter vans (SKS906) do not require programming to utilize lock-lock-lock remote start.  Once the system is installed and the valet switch is on, start the vehicle manually and let run for 30 seconds- remove the key, close all doors, and attempt to remote start. Please note: SKSNG907 and SKSNG907RV (2019+ Sprinter) use a ‘lock-unlock-lock sequence to remote start from the OEM key.

What if I am having trouble with my system?

• If you are having any issues, questions, or concerns with our products, please visit our support page.  It is advised to consult any instruction/installation manuals, troubleshooting guides, or tech documents.  You can also contact us by phone at 312-421-1114 to speak to someone in technical support.  We are available M-F from 10-6 US Central Time.

What if I need to take my vehicle into service?

• While the SmartKey Starter® does not disrupt the Mercedes diagnostic process, it is required to put the system in valet mode (remote start off) before any service is done to the vehicle.  This is most important for safety reasons. For information on valet mode, see the next question.

How do I put the SmartKey Starter® in valet mode?

• Valet mode (remote start-off) instructions depend on the model and version #. For details and valet mode instructions, click here.

What is the orange warning sticker in the kit for?

• Every SmartKey Starter® kit comes with an orange and white warning label.  Installation of this label is required.  This label is to inform anyone performing service on the vehicle that there is a remote start system installed and to make sure that the system is in valet mode. If you did not get a sticker with your kit, please contact us at 312-421-1114 or sales@midcityengineering.com with your order or invoice number and we will send you a new sticker right away.

What is the return policy?

• Returns are accepted within 30 days of the original purchase date and may be subject to a restocking fee.