Smart Mods, Rear Power Source + Boot Release + Boot LED Lights

[DDELS41]

I tackled 3 mods this afternoon and they took the better part of the whole afternoon.

1. 12V power outlet in boot area
2. LED lights to provide light in the boot area
3. Boot release button on button bank.

This info is intended as a supplement to the detailed instructions that are readily available at Evolutions. I will place photos at the end of this post so you can see what I saw.

The first two were ever straight forward utilizing the instruction provided in Evolutions.
However the boot release required some additional info, at least for me. Its an easier job if you go in knowing that the button bank is completing the circuit via the negative side of the battery not the positive like I would think.

My smart did have the pink/orange color wiring so I did not have to lower the SAM unit. I did lower it just to see how easy it would be if done from that side. I lowered the SAM and was greeted with only what could be described as a HOT MESS. The cramped working conditions make it almost impossible to reach connector 8 which was all the way in towards the front of the car. This approach looked like a mistake waiting to happen.

Even if you were not lucky enough to have this color combination a 2 minute venture into the boot door panel would allow you to trace the correct wire that is connected to the exterior boot release handle right to the drivers side boot access panel where you would be tapping into it anyway. You just need to take out the 6 screw holding the panel no need to remove the panel.

When you attach to the button bank the instructions show a connector that is not readily available, well I couldn't find one. If you have an old computer laying around just use the connector from one of the sound connector for the CD ROM drive there is a picture. A set of small screwdrivers from the 99 cent store works well sliding the connector out. See the photo below.




Not a very tough job and well worth the time, it makes your Smart just that much more usable. Mine is now perfect. Michael

[jetfuel]

...Thanks for the update Michael...don't make me go get the "pichers guys"...lol

jetfuel

[cubefx]

I did boot release thru SAM unit, and I tell you guys, that it was MOST uncomfortable soldering I ever did in my life!

.


CUBE

[bluedeuce]

Where did you get the extra button from? The dealer?

[the_dude]

i did the boot release button & the boot lights. i basically followed evil's mod page, but for the lights, i put a kill switch in and mounted it underneath the dashboard.

[the_dude]

Originally Posted by bluedeuce

Where did you get the extra button from? The dealer?

no, it's just a matter of making one of the empty buttons operational. takes about 3 minutes.

Evilution - Smart Car Encyclopaedia

[The Rigger]

I've gone through Kane's DIY eleventy-seven times and followed this thread, alas I'm clearly missing something...

The hatch release solenoid is activated by grounding the pink/orange or lilac wire, right? Or do you supply 12v to that wire to energize the solenoid?

When you tap the wire at the SAM, are you tapping into a grounding wire?

If the solenoid in the hatch/boot/whatever you want to call it releases when it sees ground, can you not just tap a wire, run it to the button bank, and have other side of your chosen button connect to ground instead of going to the SAM wire? Or does grounding the SAM wire release the boot solenoid?

[*lightbulb*]
Or are you connecting the boot solenoid to the wire coming off the SAM through the switch?, e.g. one side of the switch gets the wire going to the SAM and the other wire of the switch goes to the solenoid?

I think I have a slight case of The Dumb today.

[The Silver Pellet]

My smart came with a built-in hatch release activation button; easily accessible from right there at the hatch. ;-)

[Woody14619]

Originally Posted by The Silver Pellet

easily accessible from right there at the hatch. ;-)

Bah.. You need one inside in the cockpit. How else are you supposed to drop the hatch and release the trunk full of water balloons on the tailgater behind you?

Not that I'm giving anyone ideas... just saying...

[DDELS41]

yep you are grounding the solenoid to open the hatch. dont introduce 12 v to the circuit. Much easier from the rear of the car.