Locksmith capabilities and equipment vary. You would need to ask them. Least hassle and time wasted is tow it to the smart dealer and get two keys and programming. Otherwise, you remove the SAM and send it to SOS and wait. What is your time worth?
Best option when all keys are lost
Well, my daughter lost the second and final set of keys to our 2008. I read several old threads about different options. But, I wonder if anything has changed. What options are available? Preference given to lower cost over faster solution. I'm in the NY/CT area. It seems SOS Diagnostics can do something if I remove the SEM and mail it to them. Do they need other parts, too? How do they know how to cut the blade? Do locksmiths now have the ability to do essentially what they are doing without me having to remove and ship parts? I have AAA and can get the car towed 100 miles if need be.
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Thanks for your reply. Does that mean there are some locksmiths that could actually create a key without any to work with? Wondering if it's worth my time to call any. At this point, my time is definitely worth saving 1/2 the cost of the dealer/new SAM route. However, even that's pretty expensive and somewhat time-consuming, so I'm hoping there might be an even better way.Locksmith capabilities and equipment vary...
I may be incorrect, however I thought smart could cut new keys from blanks by using the VIN number - else it seems the lock cylinders would need to be changed. Then you would need them programmed. Best in the future to have some extra key blanks cut in case all programmed fobs go missing.
If the blanks are cut-able from the VIN. Then purchase the unprogrammed fobs and send all the pieces with the SAM unit to SOS for pairing/programming - or buy an expensive new SAM unit from the dealer in additional to programming
If the blanks are cut-able from the VIN. Then purchase the unprogrammed fobs and send all the pieces with the SAM unit to SOS for pairing/programming - or buy an expensive new SAM unit from the dealer in additional to programming
~ There Will Be Happy Days Again ~ The Misery Will Pass ~
1) Go to the Smart Dealer with the VIN and order the Set (they come as two) all are pre-cut blanks sent from the Factory in Germany to match your Car... $50.00
2) Buy the EBAY Fobs to get the button sets. You will have no need for the blanks on them. Vary easy to put your new cut blanks on them...
3) Send your SAM and the fobs you just bought to "SOS" to have the Fobs re-programed to YOUR SAM Unit...
4) Pay and wait for their Return to you...
NOTE: Verify over the Phone with "SOS" what you plan to do. with their OK, execute your Plan...
BUY These: Lot of 2 Key fobs- Smart Car
Lot of 2 Key Fobs Smart Car | eBay
1) Go to the Smart Dealer with the VIN and order the Set (they come as two) all are pre-cut blanks sent from the Factory in Germany to match your Car... $50.00
2) Buy the EBAY Fobs to get the button sets. You will have no need for the blanks on them. Vary easy to put your new cut blanks on them...
3) Send your SAM and the fobs you just bought to "SOS" to have the Fobs re-programed to YOUR SAM Unit...
4) Pay and wait for their Return to you...
NOTE: Verify over the Phone with "SOS" what you plan to do. with their OK, execute your Plan...
BUY These: Lot of 2 Key fobs- Smart Car
Lot of 2 Key Fobs Smart Car | eBay
I just went through this 2 months ago..... I can't imagine having anyone else do it besides the dealer....even they had difficulties.... It was a huge ordeal. They want to see you in person to order the keys to be sure that you are who you are..... I had to beg them to order it over the phone and I had to fax over identification and a statement saying I'd pay for the keys. It's a 2 hour drive and I didn't want to drive down twice... once to order then again to install.
It was an ALL day ordeal, because it took forever for the mother ship to code the keys to the SAM.... and just as they gave me the car back working, I got the call that someone found my original key...and that doesn't work anymore now lol I towed my smart down in a box trailer so I didn't have to spend $250 on towing charges.
Overall for 2 keys at the dealer, it was around $400... less than the $600 quoted.
Wait, maybe someone else doing it aftermarket style may have been better.... hahaha
It was an ALL day ordeal, because it took forever for the mother ship to code the keys to the SAM.... and just as they gave me the car back working, I got the call that someone found my original key...and that doesn't work anymore now lol I towed my smart down in a box trailer so I didn't have to spend $250 on towing charges.
Overall for 2 keys at the dealer, it was around $400... less than the $600 quoted.
Wait, maybe someone else doing it aftermarket style may have been better.... hahaha
I have never used a locksmith so I have no knowledge of what they can or can not do. If you tow the car to the dealer they will order the key blanks cut by VIN and the key fobs, then program them to the existing SAM. There is a smart service bulletin that details the procedure.Thanks for your reply. Does that mean there are some locksmiths that could actually create a key without any to work with? Wondering if it's worth my time to call any. At this point, my time is definitely worth saving 1/2 the cost of the dealer/new SAM route. However, even that's pretty expensive and somewhat time-consuming, so I'm hoping there might be an even better way.
Date: December 7, 2012
Order No.: SM-B-80.00/02a
Supersedes: SM-B-80.00/02, August 8, 2012
Group: 80.00
Revision a: Revised with Additional Process Steps.
SUBJECT:
MY-All, Model 451 Procedure to Request SAM Password After Customer Loses All Existing Keys
When learning a new key into the SAM of Model 451, all existing keys must be present. For situations where the customer needs to order new key after losing all existing keys, you can request a special password that allows the SAM to learn new keys without any old keys being available.
The customer must have the following documentation before you can proceed with the request:
^ Valid vehicle registration with the customer name shown as the owner ^ Valid vehicle title with the customers name shown as the owner or lessee if vehicle is owned by a financial institution 1. Create a PTSS case for the vehicle with the symptom: Overall Vehicle//Safety and Locking System//Locks/locking/remote closing mechanism/Nonfunctional. 2. In customer complaint enter: Customer lost all original keys. 3. In workshop findings enter: Need password for SAM to learn new keys. 4. Ensure RO field is filled out and matches the RO for the spare part key order. 5. Attach clear and legible copies of both proofs of ownership documentation stated above. 6. You will receive in return a password for use in DAS version 11/2012 and later that will allow you to program key transponder codes in the existing SAM control unit.
Thanks, this was HUGE for me knowing there's a relatively painless way to do this. After reading about $1,500+ SAM replacement posts, this is a huge relief....If you tow the car to the dealer they will order the key blanks cut by VIN and the key fobs, then program them to the existing SAM. There is a smart service bulletin that details the procedure.
So, the keys that come from the smart factory are just the metal blades? I'd be buying the fob separately, either from eBay or the dealer? I'm asking because if I want to have the dealer do the service but have more than one key, I'm wondering if I should buy two blanks on eBay first, bring them to the dealer and have them get the cut blades from HQ and program my new fobs after swapping out the blanks for the cut blades. Don't want to have to pay $200 per key (or whatever) if I can do it for $50 each off eBay (plus programming).~ There Will Be Happy Days Again ~ The Misery Will Pass ~
1) Go to the Smart Dealer with the VIN and order the Set (they come as two) all are pre-cut blanks sent from the Factory in Germany to match your Car... $50.00
2) Buy the EBAY Fobs to get the button sets. You will have no need for the blanks on them. Vary easy to put your new cut blanks on them...
3) Send your SAM and the fobs you just bought to "SOS" to have the Fobs re-programed to YOUR SAM Unit...
4) Pay and wait for their Return to you...
NOTE: Verify over the Phone with "SOS" what you plan to do. with their OK, execute your Plan...
Thanks.
Get the fobs from eBay.
Get the keys from dealer.
Have dealer program fobs.
Swap the blanks out of the fobs for the cut keys, yourself.
Get the keys from dealer.
Have dealer program fobs.
Swap the blanks out of the fobs for the cut keys, yourself.
A word of thanks to everyone who helped. I ordered a pair of key fobs off eBay. When I got to the dealer, the parts counter guys tried to tell me I was going to have to get a new computer. I told them that is not what I'd been told and explained the procedure outlined. They left to go check their computer. Meanwhile, I started to pull up this thread on my iPad to show them the TSB, but when they came back they apologized for having the wrong info. I wonder if I hadn't known if I could have been screwed for a new computer I didn't need.
In the end, it cost me $200 in labor and $50 for the two new key blades in addition to the $85 for the fobs I got on eBay, which is much better than it would have been if this had happened a few years ago. I feel bad for everyone who got stuck buying a new computer for basically no reason.
In the end, it cost me $200 in labor and $50 for the two new key blades in addition to the $85 for the fobs I got on eBay, which is much better than it would have been if this had happened a few years ago. I feel bad for everyone who got stuck buying a new computer for basically no reason.
I have never used a locksmith so I have no knowledge of what they can or can not do. If you tow the car to the dealer they will order the key blanks cut by VIN and the key fobs, then program them to the existing SAM. There is a smart service bulletin that details the procedure.
Date: December 7, 2012
Order No.: SM-B-80.00/02a
Supersedes: SM-B-80.00/02, August 8, 2012
Group: 80.00
Revision a: Revised with Additional Process Steps.
SUBJECT:
MY-All, Model 451 Procedure to Request SAM Password After Customer Loses All Existing Keys
When learning a new key into the SAM of Model 451, all existing keys must be present. For situations where the customer needs to order new key after losing all existing keys, you can request a special password that allows the SAM to learn new keys without any old keys being available.
The customer must have the following documentation before you can proceed with the request:
^ Valid vehicle registration with the customer name shown as the owner ^ Valid vehicle title with the customers name shown as the owner or lessee if vehicle is owned by a financial institution 1. Create a PTSS case for the vehicle with the symptom: Overall Vehicle//Safety and Locking System//Locks/locking/remote closing mechanism/Nonfunctional. 2. In customer complaint enter: Customer lost all original keys. 3. In workshop findings enter: Need password for SAM to learn new keys. 4. Ensure RO field is filled out and matches the RO for the spare part key order. 5. Attach clear and legible copies of both proofs of ownership documentation stated above. 6. You will receive in return a password for use in DAS version 11/2012 and later that will allow you to program key transponder codes in the existing SAM control unit.
Extremely valuable information as this comes up all the time on here. Should be made into a sticky and included in the tech notes!
Yes thanks for the info. My orphan only came with one of the two original keys. The former owner died and they could not find the other original. But it did come with a Mercedes cut key that has a head with a chip in it. Of course it won't start the car but it will work the ignition and unlock the door so I carry it in my billfold and even though the head isn't nearly as big and thick as the original fob it still creates quite a bump to sit on. My sole original key is on the key ring the size of a horse collar and several other gadgets on the ring too as well as a key finder. I can't lose this puppy and I won't be able to go to the Smart dealer until Febuary (2 hrs away) until after my hip replacement surgery. So even though I only need one key this info was priceless. Can't lose this key......Thanks.
this whole ordeal with Smart and key/fobs gives me the willies... just thinking on loosing a key ...
though i live in an area where car theft is extremely rare. and i rarely lock my house, let alone my car... most times I leave my key in the tray in the dash anyways... most people couldnt start a Smart (like mine anyways..450) as it is, the procedure too complicated..press the fob button twice, turn the key to on,shift out of reverse, step on the brake and hold, turn key to start.. then shift into gear and I never keep anything of value in it anyways ..... I have lost a key to my 02 Eldorado once, the local GM dealer was no help, lucky for me i had a spare I could get copied locally...
But with the Smart, everything is tied to the SAM unit. and without a FOB to unlock and a key to start, youre back to ZERO.. F ..cked
so folks keep your keys and fobs safe,
though i live in an area where car theft is extremely rare. and i rarely lock my house, let alone my car... most times I leave my key in the tray in the dash anyways... most people couldnt start a Smart (like mine anyways..450) as it is, the procedure too complicated..press the fob button twice, turn the key to on,shift out of reverse, step on the brake and hold, turn key to start.. then shift into gear and I never keep anything of value in it anyways ..... I have lost a key to my 02 Eldorado once, the local GM dealer was no help, lucky for me i had a spare I could get copied locally...
But with the Smart, everything is tied to the SAM unit. and without a FOB to unlock and a key to start, youre back to ZERO.. F ..cked
so folks keep your keys and fobs safe,
Arg. I have lost my only key! I bought the car used and it only came with one key :-( I think I lost it walking the dog so bought a metal detecter and will see if that helps any.
I have been reading multiple threads about this - looking on ebay I see lots of various Smart car key fobs varying in price. I wasn't sure which one to get. Any ideas? The dealer quoted me $250 for 1 new key without the cost of programming which I assume includes the FOB. I assume I can just order just the metal part of the key? (mine is a 2013).
I live 30 miles away from the dealer so that is going to be an expensive tow. If I get the pre-cut key can a regular locksmith program it? $100 an hour or more in labor costs seems extreme - plus the cost of a tow.
If I join AAA - will this be covered in their services?
I'm hoping that the key will get found by the metal detector but its been raining for hours now so its all muddy :-(
Any help? Thanks
Wendy
I have been reading multiple threads about this - looking on ebay I see lots of various Smart car key fobs varying in price. I wasn't sure which one to get. Any ideas? The dealer quoted me $250 for 1 new key without the cost of programming which I assume includes the FOB. I assume I can just order just the metal part of the key? (mine is a 2013).
I live 30 miles away from the dealer so that is going to be an expensive tow. If I get the pre-cut key can a regular locksmith program it? $100 an hour or more in labor costs seems extreme - plus the cost of a tow.
If I join AAA - will this be covered in their services?
I'm hoping that the key will get found by the metal detector but its been raining for hours now so its all muddy :-(
Any help? Thanks
Wendy
And my car is still under warrenty. Would that cover any of this? I know there is some Smart Car phone number on the dash but since I bought it used don't really know anything about that.
You lost the key, getting a new one is on you. 
Some Service Contracts will cover lost keys, also sold as extended warranty. might be worth a phone call.
Most locksmiths can cut a key for you, but they don't usually have a machine to program them , that requires a STARR setup (pretty sure) Hate to say it but a trio to the dealer is most likely in your future. You could try SOS Diagnostics and see if they can do a mobile service for you. Not sure how much area they can cover
Most locksmiths can cut a key for you, but they don't usually have a machine to program them , that requires a STARR setup (pretty sure) Hate to say it but a trio to the dealer is most likely in your future. You could try SOS Diagnostics and see if they can do a mobile service for you. Not sure how much area they can cover
If you join AAA for about $70, they will cover the tow. As far as the key goes, I don't think you have any good options except the dealer. Put your dog on the scent - maybe he/she can find it.
Len
2014 EV
Len
2014 EV
Some of the locksmiths and Ace Hardware stores advertise that they can program key fobs. You will still need a key blade cut, which many of the places I just mentioned can now do. Not sure if they can do this for a smart car.
So I don't lose my keys, I clip them on a lanyard that I wear around my neck. You can also secure your keys to a belt loop, so if they come out of our pocket, you won't lose them.
So I don't lose my keys, I clip them on a lanyard that I wear around my neck. You can also secure your keys to a belt loop, so if they come out of our pocket, you won't lose them.
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