my battery is dead in my smart. it strikes me there is a way to free up the gear shift without replacing the battery. i need to move the car 6-8 feet.

Hello, the owners manual is available online via the Smart site -- https://www.mbusa.com/content/dam/mb-nafta/us/smart/manuals/2013/owners_manual.pdf However, I didn't find the answer easily in there. I can say that doing a little digging, you can find a bypass with a screwdriver under the driver's side of the console by the carpet. You have to get the carpet up and get underneath there I believe. I'd suggest contacting a local relevant shop near you for some further guidance. Use this link to find some shops near you that can help with your concern: www.repairpal.com/repair-shops