Experiencing issues with your 2016 Smart car key fob? It’s a surprisingly common problem where the buttons on your key suddenly stop working, even if the car starts perfectly fine. Based on firsthand experience, keys can sometimes seem to “forget” their programming, especially backup keys that aren’t used frequently. Before you rush to a dealer or assume you need a costly replacement, try this simple, step-by-step procedure to potentially reprogram your 2016 Smart car key fob at home. This method was tested on a 2016 Smart 451 ED (Electric Drive), but it should be applicable to all 451 models.
Here’s a practical guide to get your Smart car key fob working again:
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Replace the Battery: Start with a fresh battery. It’s a cheap and easy first step to eliminate a low battery as the culprit.
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Inspect the Key Fob: Visually check your key fob for any damage. If you’re unsure if it’s transmitting, some auto parts stores, like Autozone, offer free key fob testing devices.
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Lock the Car (Using Working Key if Available): If you have a second working key, use it to lock your Smart car. This step is based on personal practice and may not be strictly necessary, but it’s part of the successful procedure.
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Manually Unlock with the Problem Key: Use the non-working key to physically unlock the driver’s side door by turning the key in the door lock clockwise.
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Button Press Sequence (Outside the Car): Press and release each button on the key fob – unlock, then lock, then the rear hatch button.
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Enter the Car: Get inside the vehicle and close the door.
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Repeat Button Press Sequence (Inside the Car): Again, press and release each button on the key fob – unlock, then lock, then rear hatch.
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Turn Key to ACC: Insert the key into the ignition slot and turn it to the ACC (Accessory) position.
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Repeat Button Press Sequence (ACC Position): Press and release each button on the key fob – unlock, then lock, then rear hatch while the key is in the ACC position.
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Start the Car: Start the engine.
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Repeat Button Press Sequence (Engine Running): Press and release each button on the key fob – unlock, then lock, then rear hatch while the car is running.
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Turn Off and Remove Key: Turn off the car and remove the key from the ignition.
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Final Button Press Sequence (Key Removed): Press and release each button on the key fob one last time – unlock, then lock, then rear hatch.
At this point, your 2016 Smart car key fob buttons should hopefully be working again!
While it’s uncertain if every step in this process is absolutely essential, this sequence has proven effective in restoring key fob functionality. It’s a quick and easy DIY solution to try before seeking professional help.
Update: Further experience suggests that if this method doesn’t work immediately, simply leaving the key inside the car (after attempting to use it) for about 10 minutes might also trigger the car to re-recognize the key. The car might beep and lock the doors, and upon picking up the key again, the buttons might be functional. This suggests the car may need a short period with the key present after an unsuccessful attempt to re-establish communication.
Give this procedure a try – it might just save you a trip to the mechanic and the cost of reprogramming your 2016 Smart car key.
