How to Remove the Key When the smart Car is Parked in P Gear?
2 Answers
Check whether the steering wheel is straightened, whether the steering angle is too large and locked, or whether the gear is not in P position when the engine is turned off. Restart the vehicle, shift to P gear, turn off the engine, and check if the key can be removed. Go to a repair shop to repair or replace the solenoid valve.
I've been driving for over 20 years and have seen many cases where car keys get stuck, especially in compact cars like the Smart. The key can only be removed when the gear is in P position—this is a mandatory design requirement in vehicles to prevent the risk of rolling when not in park. Once, I also forgot to shift to P before turning off the engine, and the key got stuck for quite a while, forcing me to restart the car to resolve it. This mechanism is implemented through the ignition switch's lock cylinder, which only allows key removal when the gear position sensor detects P mode. I recommend always checking that the dashboard displays 'P' before turning off the engine. Developing this habit not only avoids awkward situations but also reduces wear on the key system and extends component lifespan. For used Smarts, sensor lag issues are more common, making regular maintenance and circuit checks essential. In short, safe driving starts with small details—don't cut corners.
