[Danny Richie]

I just bought a 2013 model that was a repossession.

It looks like the car was picked up but the keys were not recovered. So they took the lock cylinder out to turn the ignition switch so that the car could be put in neutral and moved around. But moving the ignition switch to the start position does not start the car.

It also came with two keys. One one has a FOB. But they do not fit the lock cylinder or the door. So they obviously don't go with this car.

So do I need to order new lock cylinders for the door and ignition? And new FOB's and keys? And then how do I program the car for new FOB's?

And where would I even order that stuff from?

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Bob Denman]

Are you anywhere near a Smart Dealership? :shrug:

 

[Danny Richie]

The nearest dealer is about a 2.5 hour drive away.

I am sure that I can swap out the lock cylinders but have no idea what to do to train the car for new FOB recognition.

 

[OliverB]

Unfortunately, with modern electronics in cars you are in for an expensive repair.

 

[jimvw57]

without the original keys, you will most likely be at the mercy of a MB dealership. it could be a new computer and keys, plus a tow, plus programming... None of which will be cheap! You might try SOS Diagnostics and see if they can assist you.

 

[Bob Denman]

It's sounding as if you'll need new keys, and locks for all three locations...
Plus some programming at a Dealership.
Good luck. Please let us know how this all works out!

 

[smark]

Off to the nearest smart/MB dealership. They will need to order you a pair of new key fobs. It was around $250.00. Plus when the keys arrive, the keys need to be programmed to the vehicle. To your vin number. Another $110-150. We lost ours and bought new keys, 7 years ago. That was the going rate. We towed our smart car, to Aristocrat motors. 2 1/2 miles away. Call up your nearest dealership, give them your vin number. You’ll probably have to pay for the keys up front. When they arrive. Tow your car there. So they can be programmed.

 

[Igor Barbaros]

I remember seeing a guy on here bought his own starr computer and programmed his own keys. Maybe you can find some guy around you that works on cars on the side and has one. Then you can order keys for like 15 pesos from Amazon and but the guy a big case of his favorite beverage. I'm sure he will charge you way less than the dealership.
I don't know much about starr machines but a quick Google machine search says you can find them for under 400 pesos. I honestly would rather do that than go to a dealership and be at their mercy. Especially since you might need it in the future

 

[Bob Denman]

That might depend on the level of sophistication that is used in the encryption.
Some can simply be cloned, and they work perfectly.
Others require a whole different process.

 

[Danny Richie]

Okay, I spoke with someone at Ace Hardware. They said they can provide the key (They'd have to order the key) and do the programming for $185.

https://www.acehardware.com/automot...lgyiQ085IcjOAO8kvXtUd2zPhhCVvBwRoCLWAQAvD_BwE

I am wondering if they only program the key to unlock the doors and stuff. I am still skeptical about it starting the car.

But they can't cut a blank from a lock cylinder. So I am checking with a local locksmith about cutting the key.

 

[sokoloff]

I'd make sure they guarantee it will work before I commit to Ace Hardware. Keep us posted. That's great news if in fact they can do it.

Len
2014 EV Coupe 19,000 miles
2014 EV Cabriolet 13,500 miles

 

[smark]

Okay, I spoke with someone at Ace Hardware. They said they can provide the key (They'd have to order the key) and do the programming for $185.

https://www.acehardware.com/automot...lgyiQ085IcjOAO8kvXtUd2zPhhCVvBwRoCLWAQAvD_BwE

I am wondering if they only program the key to unlock the doors and stuff. I am still skeptical about it starting the car.

But they can't cut a blank from a lock cylinder. So I am checking with a local locksmith about cutting the key.

I mention ACE hardware could this a couple months ago, on another tread. Someone on this forum, said it wasn’t possible. ACE hardware right up the street from me. My daughter needs another spare key. I’ll asked them. I believe the blank might be already cut from MB. I gave them my vin number. Like the ones, I got years ago. It just needed to be programmed.

 

[jimvw57]

I was under the impression that a STARR computer was needed to program the chip in the key to the computer, and also the remote in the fob. I doubt that ACE hardware would have that tye of a setup for the limited amount of smarts in the country compared to say Ford or GM.

The actual key blank cutting could be done as a number of manufacturers use the same type of cut on the keys, but that doesn't mean it will start the car....

 

[Danny Richie]

I haven't pulled the trigger yet on anything. My best bet might be going to the dealer to order the key and pay for programming. $384 in Fort Worth.

Or how about this idea? Help me out guys.

I found a 2013 parts car that I can buy for $950. It was in a wreck and is missing front body panels and stuff.

How hard would it be to swap out the lock cylinders and computer? Is there anything else I'm missing here? I'm thinking that after swapping out what I need to get my repo going I still have an almost complete parts car for about $500 and some change.

 

[Igor Barbaros]

Not 100% sure but I don't think it will work. The VIN had to be coded into the computer for some reason.

I haven't pulled the trigger yet on anything. My best bet might be going to the dealer to order the key and pay for programming. $384 in Fort Worth.

Or how about this idea? Help me out guys.

I found a 2013 parts car that I can buy for $950. It was in a wreck and is missing front body panels and stuff.

How hard would it be to swap out the lock cylinders and computer? Is there anything else I'm missing here? I'm thinking that after swapping out what I need to get my repo going I still have an almost complete parts car for about $500 and some change.

 

[Danny Richie]

Not 100% sure but I don't think it will work. The VIN had to be coded into the computer for some reason.

But if I take the whole computer, lock cylinder, and FOB from the other car then how will it know any difference?

What else is there on the car that the computer looks for to make sure it is in the right car?

If anyone knows the answer please jump in.

 

[jwight]

Call SOS Diagnostics and ask them before you spend any money......

 

[SLIVERS]

If it's like VW the instrument cluster has to be programmed also?

 

[ekrocket]

Where in Ft.Worth did you go? The MB dealer in Plano? I'm thinking of getting a spare and might pull the trigger on the high price key. That way it will save me in case I ever lock the keys in the car and don't have a spare

 

[Danny Richie]

The dealership that I spoke to couldn't at all tell me if the computer, key, and fob from another car would work or not.

I really wish someone knew if it would or wouldn't. I know where there is a really good deal on a parts car.

And the closest dealership wouldn't do anything for me until I got the title in (with it in my name). And that just arrived. So, I've been waiting on that.