Smart dies at 65 mph on I-state...[key bumped] - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

**rfernatt** · 12-11-2008, 08:16 AM

... after my wife tried to remove one of those discount tags from my key chain. I thought I'd killed it when everything went off (dash lights, radio, etc.)

, but then realized she must have done it while messing with the key chain. Fortunately, we were able to pull over and sort it out. The key looked like it was still in the on position, but she must have bumped it or it's extremely sensitive. We had a good laugh after figuring it out. After turning the car off, removing the keys (and the offending discount tag), putting the keys back in, the car started up and ran normally.

So, don't try this at home and don't mess with the key chain (even if being very careful) while the car is zinging down the interstate.

smark · 12-11-2008, 08:50 AM

Why would you????? while driving a car?

**rfernatt** · 12-11-2008, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smark

Why would you????? while driving a car?

It seemed harmless to the passenger since she wasn't turning or handling the car key (I have a long key chain with many keys), but in retrospect it's obviously not a good idea. I mention it as a funny, after the fact, situation. Materials such as mail, gloves, etc. that are stuffed between the parking brake and seat could potentially do the same thing.

So, take it for what it is, some humor and a caution about the key sensitivity.

Most "doh!" moments don't seem that way until afterward...

BigWarpGuy · 12-11-2008, 09:08 AM

At least no one was hurt. I am glad you can look back and laugh about it (or at least find some humour in it).

**rfernatt** · 12-11-2008, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigWarpGuy

At least no one was hurt. I am glad you can look back and laugh about it (or at least find some humour in it).

Yes, we were fine and everyone around us was fine. Even 'busy' West Virginia interstates are nothing like other places - plenty of room and time to pull off in the emergency lane. The only possible exception being I-64 between Charleston and Huntington at certain times...

My wife and I try to laugh at ourselves often - it's like we're watching a scene from a comedy show.

It makes for a long and happy marriage.

Dave777 · 12-11-2008, 09:30 AM

I'm not going to search for the posts, but this has been reported now many times on this forum. People accidently bump or touch the key while driving and the engine shuts off without actually turning the key. It seems to be very sensitive and is in a location where it's actually pretty easy to hit it.

HGB · 12-11-2008, 09:35 AM

Just curious...does the smart lock the steering wheel when the key is removed?
Currently away from driving any car because of an issue with a ladder.

**rfernatt** · 12-11-2008, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HGB

Just curious...does the smart lock the steering wheel when the key is removed?

I don't believe so. I think others have mentioned that as a potential issue when towing the car.

broberts · 12-11-2008, 10:57 AM

No, the wheel is NOT locked when the key is removed.

Arch · 12-11-2008, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HGB

Just curious...does the smart lock the steering wheel when the key is removed?
Currently away from driving any car because of an issue with a ladder.

The key can't be removed with the fortwo's shifter in any position other than Park. At least that's how it's supposed to work.

That said, even with the key removed and the shifter in Park, the steering wheel doesn't lock.

Cheers,
Arch