This is not a ? about A Frames (1 Viewer)

Apr 21, 2009
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PLEASE lets not go there - this is about a specific TOAD. :Eeek:

Does anyone on here TOAD a Smart ForFour with the electronic gearbox? If so any advice specific to this model would be greatly appreciated.

I would also be keen to hear from anyone who TOADS a ForTwo with the electronic gearbox. Presume the key has to be in the ignition with the steering unlocked so can you still lock the car with another 'plip' - what about the alarm? Gear must be in Neutral (pays to push the car to check?) - any other knowledge you have gained and could pass on.
 

Merle

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Mar 31, 2013
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Firstly I apologise I do not tow a Smart but I did a lot of research into doing so. As it was explained to me the Smart system is a manual gearbox with an electronic clutch (including the sprint shift paddles). Yes you will need a key in the ignition and manually lock the door with a key turn, I have to do the same with my KA. It is slightly concerning leaving a key in the ignition (insurance company questions in mind....you did what? left a key in the ignition!) and so I have locks fitted to both of the car attachment points and the towball. I went for the Towbars2Towcars system of A frame, Grahame the owner is very knowledgeable and ready to discuss your worries. I know plenty on here and elsewhere will say it has to be a trailer or nothing, well my maximum tow weight is 1 tonne and even the Fortwo on a trailer grosses more than that. I do not and at present do not intend to tow abroad. Dave

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Feb 22, 2008
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I use a "dud" key in my Peugeot 107 when towing, by fluke it no longer matches the the immobiliser so will not start the car :thumb:
 

Xabia

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PLEASE lets not go there - this is about a specific TOAD. :Eeek:

Does anyone on here TOAD a Smart ForFour with the electronic gearbox? If so any advice specific to this model would be greatly appreciated.

I would also be keen to hear from anyone who TOADS a ForTwo with the electronic gearbox. Presume the key has to be in the ignition with the steering unlocked so can you still lock the car with another 'plip' - what about the alarm? Gear must be in Neutral (pays to push the car to check?) - any other knowledge you have gained and could pass on.

I have towed a Smart ForTwo for thousands of miles without any problem, don't do it now only because of the problems in Spain.

Lifted the following from a post on here some time ago which may help you.

I have towed mine for thousands of miles without any problems. What you MUST do is make sure it is in neutral as you can get a FALSE neutral and it is still in gear.
What I do once the A Frame is connected to Motorhome is:
put gear leaver in neutral
check that the gear selection symbol on the dash is on N
If not, put foot on foot brake and move gear selector to Neutral again
Once you have the N symbol on the dash start engine to make sure it is in neutral ( Wont start if not in neutral.)
Turn off and take the key OUT as this locks the gear selector in Neutral
Make sure hand brake is off and do not lock the doors otherwise the alarm will go off when towing.
It is also worth checking the level of engine oil before you tow on an A Frame.

Mike
 

peter marshall

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Mar 5, 2009
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Hi
We had a smart for 2, never towed on A frame so can't comment on that, we used a trailer, I know the key can't be taken out unless the car is in neutral, BUT several times we came to start ours it was in FIRST ?, with nobody being in the car since parking, If this had happened undertow I think serious damage would have happened. Pete :Sad::Sad:

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pappajohn

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Aug 26, 2007
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I cant see the problem leaving a key in the ignition.....

a thief will have to be bloody quick to unhitch the car and drive away while doing 60mph down the M1.
they would have to be nearly as quick to unhitch and drive away when stopped at traffic lights etc.

naturally you need to remove the key and lock the doors when stopping at service areas etc but a simple elastic band with the key attached and placed over your wrist should stop you driving off with the car locked.

I had no choice when towing my little Vauxhall Corsa as the steering would be locked without the key.....and nobody stole that. :RollEyes:
 

pappajohn

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Aug 26, 2007
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Hi
We had a smart for 2, never towed on A frame so can't comment on that, we used a trailer, I know the key can't be taken out unless the car is in neutral, BUT several times we came to start ours it was in FIRST ?, with nobody being in the car since parking, If this had happened undertow I think serious damage would have happened. Pete :Sad::Sad:

I could be wrong, never having driven a smart, but i would think the key interlock would rely on the shift lever being in neutral....not the actual gearbox being in neutral.

stop the car, turn off the ignition THEN selecting neutral may release the key but its still be in gear....its needs electrical power to operate the gearbox, no key..no power.
 
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peter marshall

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I could be wrong, never having driven a smart, but i would think the key interlock would rely on the shift lever being in neutral....not the actual gearbox being in neutral.

stop the car, turn off the ignition THEN selecting neutral may release the key but its still be in gear....its needs electrical power to operate the gearbox, no key..no power.

Hi John
I can see your point, but the one we owned had a manual stick and paddel's for changing up, but it changed down automatically or manually, and when put in neutral the key could be taken out, but has I said it was in gear sometimes on return. Pete

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