Can a remote start be installed?

[Smart Car Geek]

Does anyone have a remote starter installed in their Smart? I know you can't install one in a car with a manual transmission, but the Smart isn't "fully" manual right?

So does that mean we can install a remote starter and it will be safe?

[smarticus]

It's fully manual, it only seems automated because of the way the computer remotely shifts it for you.

[Smart Car Geek]

Originally Posted by smarticus

It's fully manual

Yes, but doesn't it also have a parking gear?

The reason why remote starts can't be installed with a manual tranny is because the car could kick into gear and drive away.

[smarticus]

Park is another way of spelling REVERSE.

[Flashman]

I had a remote start installed in a manual back in the early 90's. The reason they don't sell them for that is liability (some idiot leaving it in 1st gear). But I simply had one installed meant for automatic, and it worked great. Just had to make sure to always leave the car in neutral (which I always do). A life saver in those New England winters. I would imagine the same can be done with the smart.

[Smart Car Geek]

Originally Posted by smarticus

Park is another way of spelling REVERSE.

Well that's no fun

BTW-does anyone know why an automatic is offered as an option? Mercedes Benz makes great trannies and I'm sure they could figure out how to pop one in a Smart.

[curtis]

yeah, i have had one in my toyota for a long time and if your in a cold weather state it's an amazing device!

[mdfortwoguy]

Originally Posted by smarticus

Park is another way of spelling REVERSE.

Did we ever actually get a concrete answer about this?

[doogster]

And.... doesn't the key have a chip in it or something for security? I mean, if the key isn't in the ignition, will a remote start be able to actually start the engine?

[evilbean42]

First off, a remote start can be installed safely in a manual trans car. There is a special type that verifies the e-brake is on before allowing the car to start or something like that. My buddy is one of the only long island distributors authorized to install them. The problem is the key chip. There is not yet a bypass being produced for this car. Apparently Mercedes is very slow with this type of thing. Now a bypass can be custom wired, or you can take a key and tape it inside the console next to the ignition and be down a key. personally my friend told me my best bet is to wait a while and see if the bypass comes out. If the end of the summer rolls around and there still isn't an available bypass, I'll probably have him rig up a custom one, or go buy an extra key. But anyway, to give the short answer the manualness is not an issue, but untill the bypass comes out putting a remote start in can be costly and very difficult.