Why can't the key be pulled out when the smart car is parked in P gear?
4 Answers
smart car key may not be pulled out due to the steering wheel being locked, you can try turning the steering wheel. Here is more information about P gear: Introduction to P gear: P gear is the most common gear in automatic transmission models, usually located at the frontmost position of the gear shift console, in front of the R gear, designed to lock the axle when the car is stationary on a slope. Main purpose of P gear: P gear is a special neutral gear that mechanically locks the transmission output shaft to secure the vehicle, functioning as a parking brake to prevent the vehicle from moving.
Last time I drove my smart, I also ran into this issue where the key wouldn’t come out after shifting to P. I struggled for a while. The main reasons could be that the gear lever wasn’t fully engaged, the P-position sensor was a bit slow, or the brake pedal wasn’t pressed deep enough to unlock the key. Sometimes, a slight turn of the steering wheel can fix it—the steering lock is linked to the key system. Also, the electronic systems in small cars like the smart are quite sensitive; if the battery voltage is unstable or the keyhole is dusty, it can get stuck. My advice is, don’t force the key out. Try pressing the brake again, shifting to N, and then back to P to avoid damaging the lock. If that doesn’t work, it’s likely you’ll need to check the electronic module or clean the contacts to prevent future issues—safety first. If all else fails, visit a repair shop early. Regular maintenance checks on the gear mechanism can help avoid this hassle.
I think this is quite common because the smart key has an interlock device with the transmission to prevent pulling the key out when in the wrong gear. The root cause might be a faulty brake switch not sending signals, or the solenoid in the key lock not working. Like last time, my friend's car had low voltage affecting the electronic control module, and it was fine after recharging. Also, a malfunctioning P-position sensor can trigger the lock. When troubleshooting, try starting the car and then shifting to P, and check if the fuse is blown. For prevention, regularly clean the key slot and update the electronic system early if it's aging. Similar issues have occurred in Audi A4s. Daily care includes not hanging heavy objects on the key to reduce wear. If you can't fix it yourself, quickly seek professional diagnosis to avoid delays—safety comes first.
I drove my Smart to take the kids out, but when I parked and shifted to P, the key just wouldn't come out—so frustrating. Common simple reasons might be that the steering wheel isn't straightened, jamming the lock cylinder, or try gently pushing the gear lever to see if it's fully engaged. If the brake isn't firmly pressed, the system won't recognize it, and the key won't unlock. Minor electronic issues or moisture after washing the car could also be the cause. Try turning off the engine and restarting it before attempting again. If it still doesn't work, don't force it to avoid damaging the car. Smart's compact design makes such issues common; regular maintenance to check connection points and keep them dry can help prevent them. Developing a habit of firmly pressing the brake when parking can also reduce trouble.
