Mid City Engineering SmartKey Starter SKSNG166D4T User manual

SmartKey Starter® Installation Manual:
ML ‘14-‘15, GL ‘14-‘15, CLA & GLA ‘15-‘19, GLS ‘16-’19 GLE
SKSNG166D4
Installation for the SKSNG166D4 involves the following procedures. The procedures
2) T-Harness behind the ignition cylinder
3) Keyless Go harness installation
4) Key box installation
5) Smart phone control and / or RF remote connections (optional)
6) Options settings (optional)
Note: Page 23 of this manual contains resources including website and contact
information, a link to our troubleshooting guide, and more.
Tools needed:
T-20 Driver
Drill
E14 Torx Socket - ML only, Keyless Go only
T45 Torx Bit- Keyless Go only
T40 Torx Bit- Keyless Go only
Panel Removal Tool- Keyless Go only
Pick tool- Keyless Go only
View and download EIS mod. instructional video here: https://goo.gl/ALiKb1
This jumper is a requirement for all SKSNG166D4 installations to allow full plug and play of the
to learn using these instructions. Damage to the EIS is possible if jumper installation is not dont
properly. Please contact Midcity Engineering if you would like to have the work done for you.
9 98

EIS jumper modication contd.
Note: for EIS removal, go to section 2 and follow instructions for T-Harness In-
stallation
1. Remove three (3) T-8 screws from the rear of the EIS case. Remove them complete-
ly from the case, do not simply loosen them and leave them in place (see picture).
2. Using the pry tool, release the clips on one side of the EIS case while lifting up on
the back panel.
3. Work around the EIS until all clips are released and the rear cover is removed.
4. Gently remove the circuit board from the front half of the case.
5. Locate the empty pin 8 in the set of 8 pins (see picture). The pin locations are
marked inside the plug housing on the
rear panel of the EIS that was removed in step 3.
6. Using the soldering station, ll the empty solder pad at pin 8 with solder. Do not over
ll, just enough to cover the
opening.
7. Using tweezers, insert the extra EIS pin into the pin 8 solder pad while heating the
opening with the soldering station.
Make sure the pin is parallel with the rest of the pins and it is fully inserted.
8. Remove heat from the pin and verify that it is properly held in place.
9. Tin each end of the short length of 30awg wire.
10. Solder one end of the wire to the pin 8 that was installed in steps 6-8. This wire
should be attached at the very base of
the pin closest to the circuit board.
11. Solder the other end of the wire to the solder point shown in the picture below. It is
the rst solder point next to the
white optical sensor on the same side of the board as the pin that was just installed in
steps 6-8.
12. Secure the wire to the board so that it won’t get caught up when the EIS is reas-
sembled or get in the way of any
moving parts. See picture below for best placement.
13. Using a Multimeter, you can test your work by probing the test points as shown in
the picture below to verify proper
continuity. In other words, you should have continuity between the new pin 8 and the
tab on the optical sensor.
14)Put the circuit board back into the front of the EIS housing.
15. Snap the rear panel in place making sure the new pin ts properly through the pin
slot.
16. Reinstall the three (3) T-8 screws.
17. Snap in the white screw cap where the sticker was broken to access the screw.
See reference pictures for EIS modcation on pages 3 and 4.
Attention: Video of EIS modication can be found here: https://goo.gl/ALiKb1
2
EIS is an electrostatic sensitive device.
To prevent damage, use proper grounding and handling techniques.

Original EIS removed from vehicle Remove three (3) T-8
Fill Pin 8 location with solder before inserting pin
Wire secured in place with glue
Circuit board removed from case
Pin inserted and wire soldered
Remove three (3) T-8
Fill with solder
Pin 8
Attach wire Secure wire with glue
3

Section 2: T-Harness Installation (refer to wiring diagram on page 9)
ML, GL, GLE and GLS
1. Remove three (3) T-20 screws from the driver’s under dash panel.
2. Lower dash panel down and move air vent from the clips that hold it in place.
3. Reach up to the rear of the EIS. There are two retaining clips. One on the top and
one on the bottom of the EIS.
4. Grasp the wiring harness while squeezing the retaining clips together and push from
the front to remove the EIS.
5. Pull the EIS with harness attached out of the dash to access the wiring.
6. Un-plug both plugs (blue and green) from the EIS.
7.Connect the Smartkey Starter® harness in line with the plugs and connect the oppo-
site end into the rear of the EIS (see diagram on page 9).
8. Once ALL connections are secured, make sure the the SmartKey Starter® module
has power (indicated by LEDs on module). Note: you may need to hit ‘unlock’ on the
OEM fob for LEDs to illuminate.
Test points after jumper is installed Re-assembled with screw cap in place
View and download EIS mod. instructional video here: https://goo.gl/ALiKb1
If you have any questions about the modication procedure or would like to send
EIS to Mid City Engineering for modication free of charge, please contact Mid City
Engineering at 312-421-1114 or [email protected]
4

Remove (3) T-20 Lower panel and move vent
EIS Removed T-Harness Installed
9. Start the vehicle with the push button to verify your work. If the vehicle starts and
runs, you’ve made all the connections correctly.
10. Run engine for 30 seconds
11. Shut the vehicle off.
12. Push the panic button once on the OEM remote key fob to test the Smartkey
Starter® . Note: Push button must be inserted in ignition in order for the SK-
SNG166D4 to work.
13. Once you are satised with its operation, shut down the Smartkey Starter® by
pushing the panic button once.
14.Locate mounting location for the module away from any moving parts or heat sourc-
es. Note: do not mount the module to its nal location until the the key box in-
stallation is complete (section 5) and the remote start and any external devices
are tested.
15. Place warning label on OBD access panel
5

CLA, GLA, Q30 and QX30
1. Lower the steering column and extend it to its maximum.
2. Gently pry out on the bezel around the gauges and release all the clips.
3. Un-snap the top rear half of the steering column shroud by pulling up- starting at the
part closest to the rewall.
4. Un-plug the HVAC sensor from the bottom right of the trim bezel and set the bezel
with column cover aside in a safe place.
5. You now have access to reach the rear of the EIS to make the T-harness connec-
tions as shown in the T-Harness wiring diagram. Additionally, you can remove the
gauge cluster by removing two (2) T-20 from the bottom and releasing the clips on top.
This may free up additional space for accessing the EIS and will provide a place to
mount the Smartkey Starter® module behind the gauge cluster.
6. Reach in the behind the EIS and unplug the two plugs, one (1) green or tan plug and
one (1) blue plug, and un-plug them.
7. Connect the Smartkey Starter® harness in line with the plugs and connect the oppo-
site end into the rear of the EIS (see diagram on page 9)
Note: A subset of CLA/GLA/Q30/QX30 will have twelve (12) pin tan plugs instead
of green and will have an alternate keying. In order to accomodate this, shave
the small keys from the top of the twelve (12) pin green plug on the SmartKey
Starter® T-Harness (see pictures on next page for reference).
8. Route the Smartkey Starter® harness to a location where the starter can be mount-
ed away from heat and moving parts.
9. Connect the Smartkey Starter® to the T-harness
10. Once ALL connections are secured, make sure the the SmartKey Starter® module
has power (indicated by LEDs on module) note: may need to hit
11. Start the vehicle with the push button to verify your work. If the vehicle starts and
runs, you’ve made all the connections correctly.
12. Run engine for 30 seconds
13. Shut the vehicle off.
14. Push the panic button once on the OEM remote key fob to test the Smartkey
Starter® . Note: Push button must be inserted in ignition in order for the SK-
SNG166D4 to work.
15. Push the panic button on once on the OEM remote key fob to test the Smartkey
Starter® Note: may need to hit ‘lock’ or ‘unlock’ rst if KG harness is not yet hooked up.
16. Once you are satised with its operation, shut down the Smartkey Starter® by
pushing the panic button once.
17.Locate mounting location for the module away from any moving parts or heat sourc-
es. Note: do not mount the module to its nal location until the the key box in-
stallation is complete (section 5) and the remote start and any external devices
are tested.
18. Place warning label on OBD access panel
6

CLA, GLA, Q30 and QX30 contd.
Begin to release bezel
Remove bezel and unplug HVAC sensor
Remove steering column cover
EIS connections
If tan twelve pin plug does not t, remove small keys from plugs using razor blade (subset of CLA/
GLA/Q30/QX30 with alternate keying)
7

G Wagon (Note: SKSNG166D4 only compatible with 2016-2017 G Wagon if OEM
Keyless start retrot is installed rst. Call 312-421-1114 for details on adding
OEM Keyless Start)
1. Lower the steering column and extend it to its maximum.
2. Grasp the plastic trim below the instrument cluster and pull toward you.
3. Continue removing the boot around the steering column and pull it away from the
dash as far as it will go.
4. Reach in the behind the EIS and unplug the two plugs, one (1) green plug and one
(1) blue plug, and un-plug them.
5. Connect the Smartkey Starter® harness in-line with the plugs and connect the oppo-
site end into the rear of the EIS (see diagram on page 9)
6. Route the Smartkey Starter® harness to a location where the starter can be mount-
ed away from heat sources and moving parts.
7. Connect the Smartkey Starter® to the T-harness.
8. Once ALL connections are secured, make sure the the SmartKey Starter® module
has power (indicated by LEDs on module).
9. Start the vehicle with the push button to verify your work. If the vehicle starts and
runs, you’ve made all the connections correctly.
10. Run engine for 30 seconds
11. Shut the vehicle off.
12. Push the panic button once on the OEM remote key fob to test the Smartkey
Starter® . Note: Push button must be inserted in ignition in order for the SK-
SNG166D4 to work.
13. Once you are satised with its operation, shut down the Smartkey Starter® by
pushing the panic button once.
14.Locate mounting location for the module away from any moving parts or heat sourc-
es. Note: do not mount the module to its nal location until the the key box in-
stallation is complete (section 5) and the remote start and any external devices
are tested.
15. Place warning label on OBD access panel
EIS plug location at back of EISRemove steering wheel boot
8

Page 9: T-Harness overview and important installation information
9
CLA / GLA / Q30 / QX30 with Tan 12 Pin Plug* SmartKey Starter® SKSNG166D4 T-Harness Wiring Overview
®
* Must remove tabs from 12 pin green plug on supplied T-Harness as shown on page 7
Tan Plug (remove tabs, see page 7)
Tan Plug
Blue Plug
Blue Plug
Before Installation
After Installation
EIS
(Key Cylinder)
EIS
(Key Cylinder)
SmartKey
Starter®
®
Blue Plug
Blue Plug
Before Installation
After Installation
EIS
(Key Cylinder)
EIS
(Key Cylinder)
SmartKey
Starter®
SmartKey Starter® SKSNG166D4 T-Harness Wiring Overview
Green Plug
Green Plug
Supplied T-Harness
Supplied T-Harness

Section 3: Keyless Go Jumper Harness (KG20166) Installation
ML and GLE
1. Remove the driver’s rear door sill plate.
2. Fold the driver’s rear seat bottom forward.
3. Remove two (2) bolts holding the seat bottom to the oor.
4. Remove the driver’s side rear seat bottom from the vehicle.
5. Remove one (1) bolt holding the center seat back bracket and (1) bolt holding the
seat belt.
6. Fold the rear driver’s side seat back down.
7. Pry up the covers for the tie down loops in the cargo area.
8. Remove the bolts from each tie down and remove the hooks from their mounts.
9. Remove the cargo cover.
10. Remove the foam inserts directly behind the rear seats.
11. Remove two (2) additional bolts that hold the driver’s side rear seat back.
12. Un-clip the wire harness that is clipped to the driver’s side rear seat bracket.
13. Flip the driver’s side rear seat back into the cargo area making sure the wire har-
ness doesn’t get pinched or
pulled beyond its limit.
14. Pull up the carpet to access the KeylessGo module on the oor.
15. Route the supplied KeylessGo harness (KG20166) from the Smartkey Starter®
module to the rear seat area.
16. Un-plug the main connector from the KeylessGo module.
17. Remove the shroud from the main KeylessGo connector.
18. Remove the brown and brown/red wires from the KeylessGo plug. Make a note of
the wire locations in the plug.
19. Insulate the ends of the removed wires.
20. Using the supplied W166 KG jumper harness (KG20166), populate the brown and
brown/red wires into the locations where the factory wires were removed.
21. Re-install the shroud for the KeylessGo main plug and plug it back in.
22. Close all doors, hood and hatch to test the remote start.
23. Remote start the vehicle. If everything is connected properly, you should be able
to lock and unlock the vehicle using the touch sensors on the door handles while the
remote start is running.
24. Unlock and enter the vehicle. Push the start button one time. The lights should
ash three times to conrm key take over.
25. Turn off the vehicle.
26. Secure the KG20 harness to existing wiring.
27. Lay the carpet back in place.
10

28. Re-mount the seat back and seat belt. Make sure the wire harness is clipped back
into place.
29. Fold the seat back down and install the foam inserts and the cargo cover.
30. Re-install the cargo tie down hooks.
31. Fold the seat back up.
32. Re-install the seat bottom and bolt it in place.
33. Re-install the sill plate.
Unbolt seat bottomRemove sill plate
Seat bottom removed Unbolt seat back
11

Unbolt Cargo tie downs
Remove foam inserts
Unclip wire harness
Remove cargo cover
Unbolt seat bracket
Flip seat back into cargo area
12

Pull up carpet
Shroud removed from plug
Plug Keyless Go module in
Unplug KeylessGo module
New pins installed, reinstall shroud
Note: 2014+ w166 KG module has slightly dif-
ferent plug conguration (pictured)
See picture on bottom right for updated KG module conguration
13

GL and GLS
1. Remove driver’s rear door sill.
2. Fold driver’s middle row seat all the way forward.
3. Remove torx bolt holding seat belt to rear side panel.
4. Pull back weather strip on the back side of the rear door opening.
5. Remove (1) T-30 torx from inside the rear retractible cover mount.
6. Pop side panel partially out.
7. Route the 166 KG adapter to the rear side panel area.
8. Reach in and unplug connector on KG module (see picture).
9. Remove the shroud from that connector
10.Remove the brown and brown/red pins from the black connector making a note of
their position
11.Install the pins from the 166 KG adapter into the spots where the factory wires were
removed.
12.Reinstall the shroud for that plug.
13.Re-install the plug into the module.
14.Pop the side panel back into place.
15.Re-install (1) T-30 Torx and cosmetic cover.
Remove door sill Remove seat belt
Remove screw cover Remove T-30
14

Pull back weather strip
Remove white plug (note: see alternative mod-
ule conguration on next page)
Shroud removed
Pop out side panel
Plug removed
KG harness properly installed into plug
15

Note: 2014+ w166 KG module has slightly dif-
CLA, GLA, Q30 and QX30
1. Remove carpeting and access wire trough in drivers side cargo area
2. Route the KG20166 adapter to the trunk area
3. Reach in and unplug connector on KG module (see picture).
4. Remove the shroud from that connector
5. Remove the brown and brown/red pins from the black connector making a note of their
position
6. Install the pins from the KG jumper harness (KG20166) adapter into the spots where
the factory wires were removed.
7. Reinstall the shroud for that plug.
8 .Re-install the plug into the module.
Note: there is an alternative KG jumper harness installation procedure at the CAN
distribution block behind the instrument cluster. Follow procedure in video here
https://youtu.be/zUia4us_19U (connections must be hard-wired)
Remove carpeting and access wire trough Keyless Go module
16

Section 4: Key box installation
1. Remove the metal key blade from the Smartkey, if present.
2. Remove the battery cover using the at blade screwdriver by pressing on the tab
inside the key (see picture).
3. Remove the battery from the key.
4. Insert the battery emulator with the arrow facing the tip of the key by angling the pos-
itive side down into the key rst.
5. Push the battery emulator fully into the battery slot.
6. Insert the key into the key box with the buttons facing down on the foam.!
7. Put the lid on the box and secure it with the four (4) screws provided using the #1
philips.
8. Connect the 2 pin plug to the 2 pin port on the SmartKey Starter labeled® ‘KEY'
Remove battery cover Remove battery
17
Battery removed Insert battery emulator- bottom rst
Push battery emulator fully into place Key positioning in box

Section 5: External Device Connections
The Smartkey Starter® NG module allows for multiple external devices (such as RF re-
motes or telematics controllers) to be connected without additional programming.
Compustar Drone Connection
1. Connect the Black data cable from the Drone to the Black port labeled ‘DRONE’ on the
SmartKey Starter®
DO NOT USE BLUE PORT FOR DRONE CONNECTION. DRONE DATA CABLE MUST
PLUG INTO BLACK PORT MARKED RS232 OR DRONE AS INDICATED ON THE BOT-
TOM LABEL
2. Verify that the Drone has power and cellular connection. The blue LED on the Drone
will indicate power and connection to SKS module. Once the Drone has a cellular
connection, the blue LED will ash slowly.
3. Activate the Drone using the Drone Mobile smart phone application or www.dronemobile.
com (see picture below for hardware selection)
Compustar Drone connection
Compustar Drone activation hardware selection
18

18
Compustar RF Remote Connection and Programming Instructions
The SmartKey Starter® NG module has two (2) blue Compustar antenna ports. To connect
Compustar RF antenna, use corresponding antenna port on the SKS NG module (either six
(6) pin blue plug or four (4) pin blue plug.
To program any compatible Compustar remote control, complete the above installation
steps and verify standard operation. Read entire procedure prior to attempting to pro-
gram remotes- programming procedure must be completed in under 10 seconds.
1. If the vehicle is equipped with a Push start button on the dash (push buttons in the gear
selector lever do not come out in this manner, nor are they applicable in this case), grasp
the button and pull it out of the ignition switch.
2. Insert the key in the ignition switch and cycle it ve (5) times from ‘OFF’ to (only one click
in the clockwise direction) and back to off. The lights will ash once.
3. Press ‘lock’ or button 1 on the remote control and the lights will ash to conrm program-
ming. Up to four (4) Compustar remotes can be programmed to one SKS unit.
4. Once all remotes have been programmed, wait for a single light ash conrmation signi-
fying the module has exited programming mode.
5. Verify the operation of the new remote.
6. Insert KeylessGo button back into ignition (if applicable) when nished.
Compustar RF remote antenna connection
19
NOTE: Compustar AM Remotes are not supported

Directed RF Remote Connection Instructions
The Smartkey Starter® is equipped with a (4) pin and a (3) pin connector
The (4) pin connector is designed to accept a D2D cable from an XL202 RF translator mod-
ule to provide the ability for adding long range remotes and 2 way capability to the Smartkey
Starter®.
There is no programming required for the module. The remotes need to be programmed to
the XL202 which should have instructions provided with it.
Directed Smart Start Connection
1. Plug the three (3) pin ESP cable with the black plug directly into the three (3) pin white
plug on the SmartKey Starter® NG module labled ‘Smart Start’
Note: If not using an XL202 for remotes, SmartStart unit power can be tapped from
the D2D port of the NG module. To do this, remove and insulate the blue and green
wires from the D2D connector on the SmartStart harness then connect to the white
four (4) pin D2D port on the SmartKey Starter® NG module labeled ‘D2D.’
If using XL202 for Directed remote connections, follow steps 2 and 3 for power and ground
connections to the SmartKey Starter® T-Harness.
2. Power should be connected to any solid red wire on the top row (clip side) of the main
harness.
3. Connect ground to any solid brown wire in the bottom row directly below the solid red
wires on the SmartKey Starter® T-Harness.
NOTE: DO NOT CONNECT TO A BROWN WIRE TWISTED WITH A BROWN/RED
STRIPE WIRE.
Directed XL202 connection Directed SmartStart Connection
20