Can't lock (powerless) car (displayed in local mall)

[John_H]

But they aren't keyed locks - they're keyed unlocks!

[HGB]

Pardon me if I have a stupid attack...but how would I lock the two front doors from the inside before exiting out the rear..by pressing the door lock/unlock button?
So if a smart has a missing (cannibalized or defective) battery... is it then fair game in the wee hours of the morning for those very sought after model 9 & 10 radios... ?
It's alarming isn't it. Get it... alarming.

[JPaul]

Originally Posted by HGB

Pardon me if I have a stupid attack...

No need to: you're just stating the same with different words: how to lock the car if it doesn't have power?

[randyzimmer]

If you have to do it once, fold one seatback down, lock, unhook the battery and exit out the gate.
If you need to do it two or more times, put a switch on the ground and put it under the service flap (drill hole in firewall).
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[forestacademy]

Originally Posted by randyzimmer

If you have to do it once, fold one seatback down, lock, unhook the battery and exit out the gate.
If you need to do it two or more times, put a switch on the ground and put it under the service flap (drill hole in firewall).
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If you do this how are you going to lock the tailgate. Well it may Lock, but the unlock is electric and you will still be locked out.

But yes if someone needed to do this on a regular basis that switch might be helpfull.

[randyzimmer]

Originally Posted by forestacademy

...but the unlock is electric and you will still be locked out...

back to response #4
Can't lock (powerless) car (displayed in local mall)
(use key.)

[forestacademy]

Originally Posted by randyzimmer

back to response #4
Can't lock (powerless) car (displayed in local mall)
(use key.)

See Post 7

I'm not goting to be the one to try it. It seems to be the concensus that the locks are only useable when powered.
Randy if you want to prove that you can unlock the car manualy while the battery is disconnected (or dead) please feel free and report back.

[wrumbarger]

From experience, you CANNOT lock a smart using the mechanical lock on the driver's door (unlock ONLY)

BUT, there is a way to disconnect the battery and still have the smart locked.

A little complicated, but it will work.

OK, here goes.

Park smart car.

Exit and lock with remote.

Use remote key to unlock rear glass hatch.

Enter vehicle through rear glass hatch. (leave tailgate CLOSED)

Disconnect battery.

Exit through rear glass hatch.

Close rear glass hatch.

Vehicle should be locked.

Use key on mechanical lock on driver's door to enter, reconnect battery.


A note to all smart owners. If you lock the smart with your remote, then open the rear glass hatch with the remote, and drop your key in, then close the glass hatch, you WILL be locked out of your smart with the keys locked inside (get your other set to open, or call a locksmith)?

[jonnysan]

Originally Posted by nicecarstar

I am displaying my Smart Car in the local mall. Fire regulations require the battery be disconnected, but I can't lock the car, either with the remote or the key. Surely, if the battery was dead there must be a way to get into the car. Am I missing something here? Can anyone help me? Thanks!

To which you could plug into with a jump battery and an Anderson Connector, would be a nice "emergency backup" plan especially made for this very scenario. Would make it easier to jump start for any reason, too.

Hardwire it right directly into the battery circuit. Locating the Anderson connector in the grill someplace would be a likely mounting location.
Familiar with this kind of setup because we had them installed on our prototype Stirling Engine powered vehicles back in the 80's....

Using the Anderson connector is most expedient and very safe as you cannot accidently cross connect when jumping the vehicle's battery.

[SmartJoeMN]

I have a Cabrio so not sure how the Coupes work, but the tailgate looks like it would shut fine with no power, appears it only unlocks it self with power.