Engine compartment, carpet retainer? - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

NCC1701 · 10-12-2008, 10:15 PM

The other day, I was checking out the engine compartment. Trying to hold back the carpet to fiddle with the compartment cover, I noticed on the right hand side a clip/hook thing, and on the car's wall right side what seemed like a receptacle for the hook. But, I got frustrated trying to get the hook secured into that thing. Is that what the design is for? If not, what are those TWO features for?

wahi · 10-12-2008, 10:16 PM

Yes, and it's a PITA to hook it up or to unhook it off!

NCC1701 · 10-12-2008, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wahi

Yes, and it's a PITA to hook it up or to unhook it off!

Ok. Poor design then. Would be easy to do better.

SunDiego · 10-12-2008, 10:22 PM

I hate the design of the engine cover, including the carpet cover. GRRRRR

Kermit · 10-12-2008, 10:29 PM

Practice. Just like the the gas cap holder - try it a few times. I now can slide it right in there and then pop it right out when I'm done. You just need to get the angle right when removing it - I find removing it more difficult, at least at first I did.

snk325 · 10-13-2008, 07:02 AM

I've found that it helps to keep the left side of the carpet pushed back when trying to hook the right side hook. Otherwise, it's very hard to get it hooked.

yellow smart · 10-13-2008, 07:06 AM

Someone please post a picture showing the cover in the up or open position using this gizmo.

Thanks,

Yellow-Smart

**JPaul** · 10-13-2008, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yellow-smart

Someone please post a picture showing the cover in the up or open position using this gizmo.

Thanks,

Yellow-Smart

Don't know if it helps, from the Owner's Manual page 171:

**jwight** · 10-13-2008, 09:22 AM

I have the cargo cover blind and have yet to figure out how to get the carpet hook to connect as shown. Hence, my trusty 2x4 prop rod modification.

Old smart · 10-13-2008, 09:31 AM

Same problem - before. Before, the hook was installed so that it engaged the far edge (forward edge) of the square hole, as the manual shows. It was difficult to hook and almost impossible to unhook. I turned the hook around in the fabric tab so it engages the close edge (after edge), and it is now much easier to hook and especially unhook.