Left Turn Lane Trigger

[burtandnancy]

Right here in my own home town, I've sat thru two cycles of signals because my smart did not trigger the left turn green arrow. Is it the car or the kind of switch/trigger in the street? Anyone else (beside bike riders) have this problem?

[Dave777]

I have, but rarely. There was a thread about it a few months ago. Some people swear by big magnets attached underneath the car. My local city traffic eengineering people tried them and said they make no difference.

Just try moving fore and aft a bit to get the sensor in the road to trigger. Most are set sensitive enough these days to work for motorcycles and even bikes.

Talk to your local traffic engineering people and they can adjust.

[jwight]

I expected some problems based on posts in that thread but so far none, including trips to other cities. Fingers crossed.

[Kermit]

I missed any previous threads but I ran a light on a vacant road the other night because my Smart didn't trigger a light.

[Karl Roth]

Have quite a few on my commute, the car has always "triggered" them all with out magnets or crystals or...
karl

[JPaul]

Here is one thread about the same issue:
Traffic light sensor problem


And another one:
Embedded Signal Light Sensors

[Andrewlcox]

The lights at one particular intersection in my town are not working correctly but it isn't because of the sensors in the pavement. I spoke with the Street Department and the intersection is actually controlled by video cameras and managed by the State, not the city.

Andy

[theguywiththelongestname]

i was caught at two signals so far: one was a traditional "in-the-ground" magnetic-loop sensor, the other was at an "above the signal" EMF sensor. The ones above the signal work in a manner similar to automatic sliding doors: they transmit and recieve EMF signals. The EMF signals, it seems, must be properly "aimed" in order to pick up little vehicles like bikes, scooters, motorcycles...and aparently, smartmobiles!

i just waited until a bigger car pulled up behind me and triggered the signal...

[2smartArizona]

Unless you get a red arrow you should be out there in the intersection on a green light anyway.
I never have any trouble setting those things off with even my motorcycle. Just look for them and try to postition you vehicle over them.

Barring that, they do make a device for motorcycles that will trip them. I'm not too familiar with it, but perhaps you could make one fit your smart.

[wsussman]

I discussed this about 4 months ago. Some of the postings were lost. I sent for a trigger from Whitehorse Gear Online. Essentially a 1 in. by 3 in. strong magnet and strong double stick tape. $30 total. Placed it off center (crosses more of the arc of the sensor circle) in a groove in the plastic pan near the front. Drive slowly over the sensors (only works while car in motion). This works every time and has solved my problem. I would try a magnet and Monster tape from Home Depot first for a lot less money.