2008 Smart ForTwo Key reprogram Copy

5631 Views 16 Replies 8 Participants Last post by MKRyder, Mar 17, 2022

Smartyboii

Discussion Starter · Nov 13, 2020

Hello SoA,

I have a 2008 Smart ForTwo I recently acquired. It came with 2 keys. One of those keys works fine, the other does nothing. I replaced the battery in it but still no luck.
Are there any other quick checks I can try to fix it? Failing this would anyone know how to get the programming of one key copied over to the other?
I called my nearest Smart Service Center and they said it's $500 for a new key + $170 Reprogramming key, but as I have the original metal key they can knock off $170 key cutting fees. Which all in all is still bloody expensive.

For reference I live around the Vancouve area in BC

Kind Regads,

Callum

1 - 17 of 17 Posts

smartiealbert

· #2 · Nov 13, 2020

I had one key fob the would work in the ignition to start/run/stop the car. But NOT lock/unlock the doors.
I found that as I was changing the battery in the key fob, somehow I had pressed the little contact points,
so no firm contact with the battery. I bent the contact points upward. Works like a charm now!...............
I the problem isn't with the key fob battery. I suggest that you contact a local locksmith that has the
ability to reprogram your key fob..........................

Reactions: 2

smark

· #3 · Nov 13, 2020

SmartI,

Sounds like someone, added none compatible key fob with the car. You have to buy the key fobs in pairs. They need to be synced to the car, at the dealership. that’s why they were so expensive. We lost both of ours. Had to buy two new keys fobs. Later found one of the lost keys. Very expensive loss mistake.

Sorry, today’s technology affects all modern cars.

Reactions: 1

gtdump

· #4 · Nov 13, 2020

Smartyboii said:
Hello SoA,

I have a 2008 Smart ForTwo I recently acquired. It came with 2 keys. One of those keys works fine, the other does nothing. I replaced the battery in it but still no luck.
Are there any other quick checks I can try to fix it? Failing this would anyone know how to get the programming of one key copied over to the other?
I called my nearest Smart Service Center and they said it's $500 for a new key + $170 Reprogramming key, but as I have the original metal key they can knock off $170 key cutting fees. Which all in all is still bloody expensive.

For reference I live around the Vancouve area in BC

Kind Regads,

Callum

Call around to locksmiths, most anyone who does a lot of automotive work will be able to take care of you. One thing of note is that the Smart is a little diffrerent than some other cars; when you program keys for it it's a total write, meaning that when they program it they will need to have and add all the keys. Any key not present and readded will no longer function.

It sounds to me like your second key was cut, but not programmed.

Smartyboii

Discussion Starter · #5 · Nov 13, 2020

gtdump said:
Call around to locksmiths, most anyone who does a lot of automotive work will be able to take care of you. One thing of note is that the Smart is a little diffrerent than some other cars; when you program keys for it it's a total write, meaning that when they program it they will need to have and add all the keys. Any key not present and readded will no longer function.

It sounds to me like your second key was cut, but not programmed.

If the key battery dies does the programming stay on the keys or do they lose it? AFAIK the 2 keys are the ones that came with it. I will call around, thanks

smark

· #6 · Nov 13, 2020 (Edited)

gtdump said:
Call around to locksmiths, most anyone who does a lot of automotive work will be able to take care of you. One thing of note is that the Smart is a little diffrerent than some other cars; when you program keys for it it's a total write, meaning that when they program it they will need to have and add all the keys. Any key not present and readded will no longer function.

It sounds to me like your second key was cut, but not programmed.

The smart car, isn’t unique compared to any other modern car. That uses key fobs. what really is, if your vehicle, has push button start. Not a issue with a smart car.

Both smart car keys to be the exact same. You can’t just add another. They have to come in pairs. Programmed in pairs. Every new car on the road the uses key fobs, have the same Protocol.

The orignal found key fob we located, didn’t function in our car any longer. After we replace with the 2 new ones.

SLIVERS

· #7 · Nov 13, 2020

First off is it the key or fob.
You didn't say does the "key" not turn in the ignition?
If it is the fob one can lay the working key/fob next to the non working one in the ignition and it should start.

Smartyboii

Discussion Starter · #8 · Nov 13, 2020

SLIVERS said:
First off is it the key or fob.
You didn't say does the "key" not turn in the ignition?
If it is the fob one can lay the working key/fob next to the non working one in the ignition and it should start.

The fob doesn't work. I actually haven't tried the key in the ignition or tried unlocking / starting without the fob key. The chap on the phone at mercedes said I could immobalise my car this way. Any merit to that?

SLIVERS

· #9 · Nov 13, 2020

Smartyboii said:
The fob doesn't work. I actually haven't tried the key in the ignition or tried unlocking / starting without the fob key. The chap on the phone at mercedes said I could immobalise my car this way. Any merit to that?

Well were it me I would try the key in the ignition first, it may not even be the right key.
One step at a time.
If the key works in the ignition lay the good key beside it and try the key.

Reactions: 2

gtdump

· #10 · Nov 13, 2020

Smartyboii said:
If the key battery dies does the programming stay on the keys or do they lose it? AFAIK the 2 keys are the ones that came with it. I will call around, thanks

The programing stays no matter if the car or key battery is removed.

smark said:
The smart car, isn’t unique compared to any other modern car. That uses key fobs. what really is, if your vehicle, has push button start. Not a issue with a smart car.

Both smart car keys to be the exact same. You can’t just add another. They have to come in pairs. Programmed in pairs. Every new car on the road the uses key fobs, have the same Protocol.

The orignal found key fob we located, didn’t function in our car any longer. After we replace with the 2 new ones.

I didn't say it was an issue or unique to Smarts, I was saying that having to have all the keys added in bulk isn't what most expect. I didn't expect it, my locksmith didn't, and none of the other cars I've dealt with do it this way. It's not a fault, it's just a design decision with pros and cons, but I don't want anyone to end up thinking they had 1 key added and later, when they needed it, find that the others no longer work because they weren't added at the same time.

Reactions: 2

Smartyboii

Discussion Starter · #11 · Nov 14, 2020

SLIVERS said:
Well were it me I would try the key in the ignition first, it may not even be the right key.
One step at a time.
If the key works in the ignition lay the good key beside it and try the key.

I've tried this now and it will both open the car and start it with the other working key besides it

Reactions: 1

SLIVERS

· #12 · Nov 14, 2020

Now just for kicks try another battery in the fob.

Reactions: 1

Smartyboii

Discussion Starter · #13 · Nov 14, 2020

SLIVERS said:
Now just for kicks try another battery in the fob.

I tried swapping the batteries and I may have even accidentally swapped the tops and bottoms. Regardless. They both work now? So. hurrah!!

Thankyou very much @SLIVERS

Reactions: 2

SMARTKAR

· #14 · Jan 8, 2022 (Edited)

I think they cost $350 to get one cut & programed.
price is $300 in this area

MKRyder

· #15 · Mar 17, 2022

Smartyboii said:
Hello SoA,

I have a 2008 Smart ForTwo I recently acquired. It came with 2 keys. One of those keys works fine, the other does nothing. I replaced the battery in it but still no luck.
Are there any other quick checks I can try to fix it? Failing this would anyone know how to get the programming of one key copied over to the other?
I called my nearest Smart Service Center and they said it's $500 for a new key + $170 Reprogramming key, but as I have the original metal key they can knock off $170 key cutting fees. Which all in all is still bloody expensive.

For reference I live around the Vancouve area in BC

Kind Regads,

Callum

Where are you located? I have a key programmer and it does Smarts, I did my own.

1983JZR3W

· #16 · Mar 17, 2022

MKRyder said:
Where are you located? I have a key programmer and it does Smarts, I did my own.

The OP has not been active on the forum since Nov. 20, 2020.

MKRyder

· #17 · Mar 17, 2022

1983JZR3W said:
The OP has not been active on the forum since Nov. 20, 2020.

I noticed after I replied..Im a newb and didnt see the dates.

Reactions: 1

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