[BimmerDob]

No need to reprogram the car, I have replace the shifter twice, it is a weak point (expensive piece of plastic) in the UI / trans design. I have a used one from the last swap out (it was not the problem, ended up being the actuator) so I left the new one in the smart and shelved the working used on. The key can be pop'd out of the housing, there is a trick to getting it out.

 

[BimmerDob]

My actuator thread: https://www.smartcarofamerica.com/threads/goes-into-neutral-while-driving-now-will-not-restart-clutch-actuator.155010/#post-1674268

 

[jimvw57]

Thanks BimmerDob, I have had the actuator out and apart, no obvious broken parts, shaft looks good so I lubricated it and re-installed it. When I turned on the key (with brake down) it made a few noises and still got the 3 lines. Now I get no sounds when I turn the key on (with brake down) except maybe one click. did replace the battery, the car does go into neutral (park comes off and on) as it can roll when out of park, My 2 guesses are shifter or shift motors. If not that then I am guessing a cooked computer (??)

I think I read that removing a seat makes the shifter removal easier??