Smart car immobiliser problem ?

[philthy]

I wonder if any of the PH bods can help a friend of mine?
He's had a smart car dinged, and is now getting problems with it.
Here's what I know:
Phil, it seems that the car immobiliser will not recognise the key, its been fine up till now. The key when turned in the ignition brings on all the normal lights but just wont turn the engine over. There is a 'x' appearing in the lights displayed on the dashboard. We thought it would be possible to get a new key (they are chipped apparently) but Smart say the new keys come 'blank' and have to be set up with the car. My friends suggestion was can they send me the 'computer' (car sort of cpu, seems Marias brother is a wizz kid mechanic, but says they dont have the necassary connections to sort out a Smart) the car is 1998 model (german) any help or ideas would be most welcome thanks.

Anyone got any ideas at all?

Thanks in advance.

Phil

[slinky]

Phil,

Throw your question up on www.smartmaniacs.co.uk/

They should be able to help you out chap...

slinky
587racing.com

[toys]

The same thing happened to my Smart recently. I tried a new battery in the key, but that didn't help. The dealer then 're-programmed' the key and all was fine. A Smart main dealer should be able to sort it despite the car being an early import.

HTH

[mcflurry]

Afraid it is a main stealership job. The ecu and key need to be reprogrammed to each other.

[philthy]

Thanks for your replies guys, I'll give the smartmaniacs a try, and see if anyone has an option before main dealer visit.

Phil