red fire extinguisher looking key thing under console

[forestacademy]

So what your saying is where it is sitting looks like a storage spot for when you really need it for an unknown reason.


Unknown for now

[pitstopautoinc]

exactly.... but what the hell is it for? i called the smart dealer, and mercedes, and neither know ( usually they dont know jack anyways ) but thats besides the point. I want to know what it does, that way if i have a problem, i can be like "oh yeah i know how to fix that"

[pitstopautoinc]

Okay after I stared at the console for a while I figured where the key goes but still cant figure out what it does.....

[Smart Enuf]

Well, I just pulled my console cover off just to see what all the commotion is about. Turns out I don't have one of those red thingamajiggies. I saw another post with a shifter unit removed, and that unit didn't have one either. So maybe it's just a temporary thing to hold the cables to the sensor unit under the console cover while the car is being assembled at the factory? Perhaps these are supposed to be routinely removed at the factory but sometimes they make it through assembly?

[Gearhead]

I believe that key holds items in place and in alignment so that the console can be assembled/disassembled.

[Smart Enuf]

Originally Posted by pitstopautoinc

Okay after I stared at the console for a while I figured where the key goes but still cant figure out what it does.....

Maybe it's there to keep the shifter internals from being damaged while the shifter unit is being transported from the parts supplier, similar to the faux floppy disc protector that would be inserted into floppy drives of new computers to keep the drive's internals from being jostled around?

[Mud Pie]

Methinks it's a lockout key of some sorts for mechanics when they work on your car.

I'd be a little wary though of trying the "what's this do ?" test. Pop it in where it fits and you may very well disconnect something !!

But, I have to admit, if you tried it and your next post is, "Every time I put my car in drive, it goes backwards", I'll be spitting coffee all over my keyboard !!

[smartSEATTLE]

Originally Posted by pitstopautoinc

Yes enuf that is exactly what i'm talking about and if you look to the right of the console you'll notice there is a small spot with two holes that it may go into?

It is a lock for shipping the sprintshift module. Comes installed in the module from the factory to keep the gear selector from moving while in shipping.

Just leave it alone

[jwight]

Originally Posted by smartSEATTLE

Just leave it alone

Obviously you don't know what you're dealing with; somebody will figure out a way to paint it, chrome it or wire it to an LED before you know it.

[John_H]

Can I get a carbon Fiber treatment on mine?