First time in 26 months ... it just DIED!

[NCC1701]

Maybe this has happened to other people. Maybe it's nothing to be overly concerned about, but it does worry me.

I was in Dothan, Alabama today. My fuel was down to 1.0 Bars and I had already located a gasoline station on my GPS and was headed that way. Stopped at a traffic light, on a slight incline, the engine simply quit ... just died with my foot on the brake at a dead standstill.

There was traffic behind me, and the light changed to green. I put my emergency flashers on, put the car in park, and it started right up without a hint of a problem. After buying four RC smarts at Rite Aid, and fueling up, I drove another 120 miles without a hint of a problem.

I've been driving the car for about 26 months now and this is the first time it has done this.

What happened? Have I got a developing problem?

[Terry Stibal]

Somewhat earlier on in our smart experience, I had the car "die" in the midst of making a left turn. Having read all of the "three bar postings" and the like, I was immediately worried that our smart was heading down the same road.

However, what really happened was that a second car key on the key ring had landed against my leg, and when the turn was being made, the slight leaning of my leg to the right was just enough to turn the ignition key to the II position, killing the engine deader than dead.

Once rolled to the side of the street, the car started right up. End of mystery.

[NCC1701]

OK, Terry. Glad your mystery was solved. I hope someone can answer mine. With OSDII coming up, I'd hate to think I've got anything which might prevent me from making a long trip out of town.

[jimvw57]

I wouldn't worry about one occurance, especially if you drove 120 miles afterwards with no instances.

[NCC1701]

Originally Posted by jimvw57

I wouldn't worry about one occurance, especially if you drove 120 miles afterwards with no instances.

What could have caused it? OK, let's assume I'm not worried to death ... I am curious though. And, a little worried. Doesn't it seem odd?

[Kermit]

Your smart was jealous of the little RC smarts you just bought. Glad I didn't make the trek up there to get one.....looks like someone bought them all up.

You may have inadvertently bumped the key.

[jetfuel]

...Commander...when the engine die and you re-started it ...were there any or all instrument cluster lights on?

jetfuel...trouble shooting 101...information

[NCC1701]

Originally Posted by Bum-bling-B

Your smart was jealous of the little RC smarts you just bought. Glad I didn't make the trek up there to get one.....looks like someone bought them all up.

Naw, I left two on the shelf at that store (they had six), and there are at least two other stores in Dothan which I didn't clean out.

You may have inadvertently bumped the key.

Yeah, that would explain it. Simply did not happen though.

Originally Posted by jetfuel

...Commander...when the engine die and you re-started it ...were there any or all instrument cluster lights on?

jetfuel...trouble shooting 101...information

I guess I wouldn't make a very good detective. I can't swear whether they were or not. I only know for certain that when I re-started the car, absolutely nothing struck me as being out of the ordinary. It just started normally.

I hope I don't get another chance to be a better witness.

[Kermit]

And now for the big question while you are online. Don't you have a Area 451 Cruise?...and were there any cell phone towers nearby?

[SmartDigger]

I would say a stray RF signal tripped the imobilizer.