Independent Smart garages

[MikeBigg]

Hi,

I have the 9-flash indicator problem on my Smart car - and don't have a spare.

I'm expecting to have to get it to a Smart dealer for reprogramming / replacing.

But, are there any independent garages / or Smart owner enthusiasts in my area who can help me out?

I'm Tadley, North Hampshire - between Basingstoke and Reading.

Thanks,

Mike

[137699]

I am also near Basingstoke - apart from the obvious Smart of Basingstoke at Houndmills, you have a choice of independent specialists but they all involve a trek...
- Smart Car Superstore - Romsey
- Smart Car Specialist - Guildford
- Smart Sport - Shepton Mallet
- S2Smarts - Watford (where I go)
- BIG Performance - Egham

[MikeBigg]

Thanks for the info. I hadn't heard of Smart of Basingstoke ... I'll look them up.

As you say the others are a trek.

I've been looking at mobile locksmith key fixers, but havent had any luck yet.

Can anyone recommend one?

Thanks,

Mike

[137699]

When my key decoded (and I was away from home) I called a mobile locksmith guy who came out, told me I had a failed SAM unit and tried to charge me £1000 to replace it -told me there was no way my key would code until this was done.

I passed on his advice, got the car recovered back to Smart of Basingstoke who re-coded the key and had me on my way for £54.

[Thrumbleux]

Hi,

I have the 9-flash indicator problem on my Smart car - and don't have a spare.

If this is with a 450 (can't tell as it isn't posted in the designated 450 section) then all you have to do is prise open the key and replace the battery. Unless you the key is out of synch with the car, but 9 flashes on a 450 is the 'replace key battery' warning.

[Evilution]

You have broken rule 1. Always have at least 1 spare.

[MikeBigg]

Evilution,

More than 1 key is always wise - but I am where I am and nee to find a solution for my situation.

Have you any helpful suggestions?

Regards,

Mike

[Thrumbleux]

Have you any helpful suggestions?

Yes.

More than 1 key is always wise - but I am where I am and nee to find a solution for my situation.

Tell us the car and the situation. Is it unsynched or merely the indicators flashing nine times when you press the key?

[MikeBigg]

If this is with a 450 (can't tell as it isn't posted in the designated 450 section) then all you have to do is prise open the key and replace the battery. Unless you the key is out of synch with the car, but 9 flashes on a 450 is the 'replace key battery' warning.

I'm not sure if it is a 450.

I'm trying to source a couple of batteries from my local shops today - so I'll be able to change them later.

The symptoms are than on pushing the button, the indicators flash 9 times and the doors don't lock or unlock.

It seems to me that if the car can receive the signal enough to flash the indicators, it should be able to operate the locks - but what do I know

Thanks,

Mike

[MikeBigg]

When my key decoded (and I was away from home) I called a mobile locksmith guy who came out, told me I had a failed SAM unit and tried to charge me £1000 to replace it -told me there was no way my key would code until this was done.

I passed on his advice, got the car recovered back to Smart of Basingstoke who re-coded the key and had me on my way for £54.

£50 odd ! Extortion! But I've heard of worse. Thanks for the info.

Oh - and I've remembered seeing the Smart garage on Houndmills. I was all set to get the AA to carry me to Reading.

Thanks,

Mike

[Thrumbleux]

I'm not sure if it is a 450.

Year built? (There will be a clue in the reg number).

The symptoms are than on pushing the button, the indicators flash 9 times and the doors don't lock or unlock.

Has it been doing the 9 flash thing for some time before it stopped unlocking the car?

[mac999]

I could re-program the key for you as I have a STAR machine. I am located in Swindon so not that far from you.

Tel: 07813626249

[MikeBigg]

We'll ... new batteries didn't help :/. It still has the 9 flashes and the door locks don't operate. It's a w reg 2000 600cc LHD multi coloured . Is that a 450? Mike

[MikeBigg]

I could re-program the key for you as I have a STAR machine. I am located in Swindon so not that far from you. Tel: 07813626249

Thanks, I'll send you a text. Regards, Mike

[137699]

Yes it's a 450 and yes you have a "de-sync'd" key. Well actually / technically not de-synced - as you can see - you press the button, and the car responds by flashing the hazards, but alas doesn't do what it's supposed to do.

Reason? There is an error in the locking algorithm which creates a code which is invalid - so yes the car receives the key's instruction but throws an error that the code is "outside of expected range". There is nothing you can do to prevent this from happening. As evilution says, as a Smart owner you HAVE to have a 2nd key - if you own the car long enough it is inevitable that this will happen. Could be tomorrow - could be 20 years away - it's completely random and can strike at any moment.