Hacking the Fortwo

[mklprc]

I have had mine for a week and a half now, and am beginning to discover a few things I would like to change about it. First, I got a new radio (which the installer had to make a custom plate to fit it in) that offered iPod control. I had that in my MiniCooper and just couldn't do without the direct control and charging of the ipod.

Second, I find it a nuisance that the switch to unlock the rear window hatch is so recalcitrant. I can't flip a switch or press a button inside the car to do so. Anyone have thoughts on how to make one?

I want to get inside the idiot light that tells me "the passenger airbag is inactive" - of course, dumbsky, there is no one sitting there! I assume I can get into the lamp assembly and snip that light.

Any thoughts as to how to put an off switch for the nagging bell? Maybe I don't want to put on my seat belt, or maybe the heavy bottle of water in the passenger seat doesn't need a seat belt. The "You Idiot Americans Are Too Stupid to Live" attitude from our National Safety Bureau or whoever they are is just too annoying for words. I had to use my own stickers to cover up the warning stickers PERMANENTLY affixed to the sun visors because I couldn't get the paint off. Even dumber: The sticker warns me about danger to sprogs strapped into the back seat. Is our government dumb, or what?

Overall, I think the car is great, but I can't wait for more hacks, add-ons and the like to appear. Is there a service manual I can buy for this?

[a4skiing]

Find the relay under the dash that makes that buzz while not wearing your seat belt .There should be a small hole in that relay for the sound to find its way to your ears , fill that hole with a squirt from a tube of silicone !
Works wonder in all cars.

[Carnut]

Here's another doofus design glitch. The lever for tilting the passenger seat back to a forward position is only accessible from the driver's side!!!

Also, try to do it from the passenger door - excercise in futility.

[StevenM1TX]

Originally Posted by Carnut

Here's another doofus design glitch. The lever for tilting the passenger seat back to a forward position is only accessible from the driver's side!!!

Also, try to do it from the passenger door - excercise in futility.

I have a feeling that is actually by design so the driver can lower the passenger seat for storage without going around to the other door.

[SmartCard]

Originally Posted by Carnut

Here's another doofus design glitch. The lever for tilting the passenger seat back to a forward position is only accessible from the driver's side!!!

Also, try to do it from the passenger door - excercise in futility.

yeah, that one I noticed in the showroom as the salesman struggled to show me how the passenger seat folds forward.

[Gearbreaker]

Shifting with paddles like a F-1 car would be great if these cars could wind up to 20,000 RPM and and make 0-60 in 2.9 seconds but....... I heard so much whining in the press about the shifting that I bought a "For Two" today. I purchased simply out of curiosity. I design some of the electronic and electromechanical systems for the American auto industry and thought it would be fun to convert the shifting to a more user selectable system. I know that not everyone that drives a car is an idiot so perhaps a quasi manual gearshift just might make the people that know how to shift happy. Besides all of the wasted energy of the flywheel inertia during the engine spindown between gears really bothers me. I'll bet with a few modifications I can get another 3-4 MPG out of city driving and perhaps get the 0-60 down by at least three seconds. Also, can't wait to see what the US government has made Mits. do with the ECU computer mapping... That is going to be a whole different story.... God, I still love toys. Stay tuned, it's going to be a wild ride! (:

[lhoboy]

There are a number of aftermarket iPod adaptors that should allow you to control and monitor the iPod from the stereo head unit (DICE, IIRC,etc.)

[randyzimmer]

Originally Posted by Gearbreaker

...Stay tuned, it's going to be a wild ride! (:

Keep in touch!

[Mitspowered]

I know I'm not alone when I say I'm looking forward to seeing what you can do for us/smart cars.

Ron

Originally Posted by Gearbreaker

Shifting with paddles like a F-1 car would be great if these cars could wind up to 20,000 RPM and and make 0-60 in 2.9 seconds but....... I heard so much whining in the press about the shifting that I bought a "For Two" today. I purchased simply out of curiosity. I design some of the electronic and electromechanical systems for the American auto industry and thought it would be fun to convert the shifting to a more user selectable system. I know that not everyone that drives a car is an idiot so perhaps a quasi manual gearshift just might make the people that know how to shift happy. Besides all of the wasted energy of the flywheel inertia during the engine spindown between gears really bothers me. I'll bet with a few modifications I can get another 3-4 MPG out of city driving and perhaps get the 0-60 down by at least three seconds. Also, can't wait to see what the US government has made Mits. do with the ECU computer mapping... That is going to be a whole different story.... God, I still love toys. Stay tuned, it's going to be a wild ride! (:

[BeSmart]

Originally Posted by mklprc

I have had mine for a week and a half now, and am beginning to discover a few things I would like to change about it. ...

Second, I find it a nuisance that the switch to unlock the rear window hatch is so recalcitrant. I can't flip a switch or press a button inside the car to do so. Anyone have thoughts on how to make one?

I want to get inside the idiot light that tells me "the passenger airbag is inactive" - of course, dumbsky, there is no one sitting there! I assume I can get into the lamp assembly and snip that light.

Overall, I think the car is great, but I can't wait for more hacks, add-ons and the like to appear. Is there a service manual I can buy for this?

mklprs, in the 450 there is a button just inside the driver's door under the dash for opening the rear window. The 451 does not have one? This is the second difference that seems to make it more inconvenient.

Can you put a piece of tape over the airbag light, at least temporarily until you cut the wire? I have not found a shut off in the 450.

Have fun with your new smartie.