Key programming

[cloggedb]

Is the only way to program a key to a smartcar is Mercedes star software?

 

I know years ago that was the only way but is there any other software or device I can purchase to program a key to a car. 

 

I have a smart that the fob has had a dead battery for years and the car no longer sees it. 

[leejor]

Any software/hardware device would be many times the cost of the Fob itself, so unless you planned on doing this for a living, i's not worth it.

I ended up having one of mine done at Flying Tiger in Richmond BC. Unfortunately they could not get the rear hatch button to work. You might look, in your area, for an independent smart repair shop, that I'm sure, would be less expensive than a Mercedes dealer.

[cloggedb]

I'm hoping to find someone that won't charge dealer prices

🤞🏻

[LooseLugNuts]

i was able program an original fob with a delphi ds150e or 650e (i cant remember what it was called)

 

it was a rough couple of days...i tried programming some extra chinese sourced keys and did something wrong and in the process it deprogrammed my original keys

 

after having the local "smart" garage idiots tell me it was a 30 day minimum wait for a simple key programming appointment i managed to get my original ones reprogrammed after several attempts...was too scared to keep trying on the chinese ones and just gave them to the new owner as parts when i eventually sold the smart

Edited January 30 by LooseLugNuts

[cloggedb]

15 hours ago, LooseLugNuts said:

i was able program an original fob with a delphi ds150e or 650e (i cant remember what it was called)

 

it was a rough couple of days...i tried programming some extra chinese sourced keys and did something wrong and in the process it deprogrammed my original keys

 

after having the local "smart" garage idiots tell me it was a 30 day minimum wait for a simple key programming appointment i managed to get my original ones reprogrammed after several attempts...was too scared to keep trying on the chinese ones and just gave them to the new owner as parts when i eventually sold the smart

I see a couple of those on AliExpress. Maybe I should order one. At 40 bucks might be worth a try 

[cloggedb]

So I bought one of the Delphi 150 from AliExpress thanks to the tip from LooseLugNuts.

 

Good news is I can connect software run through the key programming and get by the immobilizer and the car starts!

 

Bad news is it says key learned 0. So everytime I'd want to start the car I need to run the fob learn again.

 

I'm assuming my key antenna is bad and that's why I never actually learn the fob to the sam/ecu.

Anyone else have any ideas?

[cloggedb]

And here is the car running! If I can learn the key this is a huge win

 

https://youtu.be/zrAyKfpTj0g?si=Gp7yTK_PCbxI4EEm

[LooseLugNuts]

On 3/8/2026 at 7:42 PM, cloggedb said:

Anyone else have any ideas?

 

none...

 

i have no idea why it would do that but maybe swapping out the ignition antenna reading loop with a used one if you can find one

 

(im guessing theres one near the ignition like my volvo has)

 

or keep tinkering with erase and teach functions and hope it works one time 

 

or maybe try adding extra keys 

Edited April 8 by LooseLugNuts

[cloggedb]

15 hours ago, LooseLugNuts said:

 

none...

 

i have no idea why it would do that but maybe swapping out the ignition antenna reading loop with a used one if you can find one

 

(im guessing theres one near the ignition like my volvo has)

 

or keep tinkering with erase and teach functions and hope it works one time 

 

or maybe try adding extra keys 

Yeah I'm gonna try and borrow an antenna from a working car and see if I have better luck.

[cloggedb]

If any one has an antenna I could buy let me know they are hard to find!

[LooseLugNuts]

the way fuel prices are going it might be worth it to just get it running and to get it to a dealer and get a proper reliable key made 

 

it will only hurt for a few days 

[cloggedb]

😅

Edited May 4 by cloggedb

[cloggedb]

7 hours ago, LooseLugNuts said:

the way fuel prices are going it might be worth it to just get it running and to get it to a dealer and get a proper reliable key made 

 

it will only hurt for a few days 

Luckily I'm driving the electric car as last time I got gas it was 80 bucks to fill up my Miata I'm hoping to take most of this car and combine it with another smart to make 1 good little car.

[cloggedb]

So got a new antenna from a known working car. Still can't program keys. I guess next step is checking the wiring