Just drove my car Home (Re: ignition key) - Page 2 - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

rafols · 03-06-2009, 03:53 PM

I have a question I need some spare keys, but I can not bring the car to a dealer. Can they program the keys without the car?

**jwight** · 03-06-2009, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rafols

I have a question I need some spare keys, but I can not bring the car to a dealer. Can they program the keys without the car?

According to smart center Easton, no they can't. Car and keys need to be done at the same time.

**JPaul** · 03-06-2009, 04:30 PM

And it gets more complicated: the car has to be plugged with Smartville via the Dealer's own connection, meaning a weekday morning (time difference)...

At least, that's my understanding.

jetfuel · 03-06-2009, 04:59 PM

...make sure the dealers gives you another key...no $.should be paid....

...jetfuel

SuperGeek · 03-06-2009, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JPaul

And it gets more complicated: the car has to be plugged with Smartville via the Dealer's own connection, meaning a weekday morning (time difference)...

At least, that's my understanding.

Interesting... brings up two big questions. Why? and Source?

**JPaul** · 03-06-2009, 06:05 PM

As I wrote, it's my understanding.
From memory, from reading it posted somewhere. But that's one occasion I'd wish the search to be more refined...
As for the connection to Smartville: it is to be sure that the car and key/fob match is legitimate, they'll check the VIN vs. the files, since that's where the car's original manufacturing paperwork is kept. Make sense?

SmartTech · 03-06-2009, 06:41 PM

no connection to smart ville needed. how ever to program a key you need all the keys. you do have to scan the car, get a code from the car. then call smart usa with the code and then get corresponding codes and put them back in to the scanner then you teach each key in up to 9 i think

SuperGeek · 03-06-2009, 09:45 PM

haha, sounds like activating Windows.

I hope to all that is holy that the Smart isn't running Windows.

As a Windows developer, I'm gonna roast in hell for saying it, but it's true.

But that sounds like it would almost eliminate the chance of duplicating someone's key by knowing VIN and 'borrowing' a dealer machine. As long as the dealer goes through the trouble and I don't lose my keys (never have in 17 years), I think that's a good thing.

BTW, my Ford Explorer's similar - key fob, coded to the vehicle itself. $150 replacement and I think the activation is just as picky. I don't think this is Smart trying to outSmart everyone, it's an industry shift for anti-theft reasons.

**SmartDigger** · 03-06-2009, 10:12 PM

I purchased a free key replacement policy when I got the car. If I need a new key all I need to do is call Easton.

goldseekur · 03-07-2009, 04:38 AM

You guys are lucky! At least you can GET a second key! Try having a 450 smart, the dealers can't/won't help you. I have been trying fins someone to help me get a second key for my smart for about a year now!

I have gotten some help from a couple of smart vendors so I may be taking a road trip to Canada some time soon to hopefull get my second key.

Debbie