Open a Smart with a Dead Key Fob

Getting into your Smart

Open a Smart. Smart manufactured the Fortwo model as a two-seater city car a as division of the Mercedes-Benz Group from 1998–2024. Attempts to market the car in North America were abandoned due to poor sales in 2018.

• First, if you are already inside, click here.
• Note, if you need another manufacturer, click here.

Mechanical keys

Smart Fortwo

If the battery in the key fob has died, we have the instructions you need to get inside and started.

The company used two key fob styles in these models. The first is a very basic hard key with lock and unlock buttons in the plastic handles (right). This key was used from 2005 right through 2016.

A second somewhat more sophisticated key fob was introduced in 2015. It remains a quite basic fob that features a flip key (right). The mechanical key hides in the fob until the chrome button is pressed.

Smart 1, 3 and 5

The key fobs for these vehicles are frankly awful. Each hides a mechanical key inside, requiring that the fob be opened up to get at it.

Above is the first fob for the Smart 1, and its round. Getting at the mechanical key starts by turning it over and then turning the base cover clockwise. The mechanical key then can be pulled away (far right) and unfolded for use.

By 2024, the Smart 5 had a more conventional looking key fob, but getting at the mechanical key gets an extra step with two pieces needing to be removed (Mercedes is still a part owner and should know better…).

The first image above shows a cover being removed. Something the size of a paper clip needs to be pushed into the hole the 1 is pointing two and the top cover can be removed.

The second image shows an arrow pointing at a slot for a small screwdriver tip to be used to pry off the back cover of the fob. The result is seen to the right where the cover is removed and a mechanical key has been pulled out.

It will need to be unfolded for use.

Getting inside

Smart Fortwo

Smart actually hides the key hole behind a small plug found just below the door handle. It is removed by simply pulling it away (right). Once the key hole is visible, the mechanical key can then be inserted and the car unlocked.

Smart says that doing this will set off the vehicle’s alarm.

Oddly, in 2017 the company began calling this an “emergency release.” The process appears to be the same with the key being inserted and turned counterclockwise. There is no mention of which direction to turn the key prior to this.

However, in all cases, it is not possible to lock these models with the key! It must be locked using the switch inside the vehicle before closing the door.

Smart 1, 3, and 5

These three models use a now common process to get at the lock cylinder. The cylinder is behind the driver’s door handle which is flush to the door panel.

To get at it, push the front of the handle inwards and pull out the back of the handle as far as it will go. The key cylinder is exposed and can now be used (right). Insert the mechanical key and turn to the left. Return the key to the center, remove it and release the handle. The next pull of the handle will open the vehicle.

Models examined include the Fortwo, EQ Fortwo, Smart 1, Smart 2, and Smart 3. Model years 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Continue to Part II, Getting Started …

——————————————————————-

The information on this website is provided for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.

Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.

Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.

Privacy Policy