SMART FORTWO COUPE 2011 Owners Manual

sensors to achieve substantial control of
the pollutants in the exhaust emissions.
Keep your vehicle in proper operating
condition by following our recommended
maintenance instructions as outlined in
your Maintenance Booklet.GWarning!
The catalytic converter can become very
hot. Coming into contact with the catalytic
converter could result in burns.
Note the following:
R Do not remove the protective heat guards.
R Do not apply any underseal.
R As with any vehicle, do not idle, park, or
operate this vehicle in areas where
combustible materials such as grass,
hay, or leaves can come into contact with
the hot exhaust system, as these
materials could be ignited and cause a
vehicle fire.
! To prevent damage to the catalytic
converter, only use premium unleaded
gasoline in this vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in engine
operation should be repaired promptly.
Otherwise, excessive unburned fuel may
reach the catalytic converter, causing it
to overheat and potentially start a fire.
It is essential to observe the following
points, as there is otherwise a danger of
overheating and the catalytic converter
may be damaged.
R Fill up only with premium unleaded
gasoline. Even small quantities of
leaded gasoline can damage the catalytic
converter.
R Make sure you adhere to the prescribed
service intervals.
R Never run the fuel tank empty.
R If the engine starts to misfire, bring the
vehicle to an immediate standstill
without endangering traffic.
R If the engine fails to start the first time,
you should not try to start it any more
than three times in succession.
R Do not try to start for more than four
seconds at a time.
Tires
GWarning!
If you feel a sudden significant vibration
or ride disturbance, or you suspect that
possible damage to your vehicle has
occurred, you should turn on the hazard
warning flashers, carefully slow down, and
drive with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the road.
Inspect the tires and the vehicle underbody
for possible damage. If the vehicle or tires
appear unsafe, have the vehicle towed to the
nearest smart center or tire dealer for
repairs.
Treadwear indicators (TWI) are required by
law. These indicators are located in six
places on the tread circumference and
become visible at a tread depth of
approximately 1
/ 16 in (1.6 mm), at which
point the tire is considered worn and
should be replaced.
The treadwear indicator appears as a solid
band across the tread.
GWarning!
Although the applicable federal motor
vehicle safety laws consider a tire to be
worn when the treadwear indicators (TWI)
become visible at approximately 1
/ 16 in
(1.6 mm), we recommend that you do not allow
your tires to wear down to that level. As
tread depth approaches 1
/ 8 in (3 mm), the
adhesion properties on a wet road are
sharply reduced.
Depending upon the weather and/or road
surface (conditions), the tire traction
varies widely.
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Specified tire inflation pressures must be
maintained. This applies particularly if
the tires are subject to high loads (e.g.
high speeds, heavy loads, high ambient
temperatures).GWarning!
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire will
affect your ability to steer or brake and may
cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
Continued driving with a flat tire or
driving at high speed with a flat tire will
cause excessive heat build-up and possibly
a fire.
For more information, see “Tires and
wheels” ( Y page 126).
Hydroplaning
Depending on the depth of the water layer
on the road, hydroplaning may occur
resulting in a loss of control, even at low
speeds and with new tires. Reduce vehicle
speed, avoid track grooves in the road and
apply brakes cautiously when it is raining.
Tire traction
The safe speed on a wet, snow covered or icy
road is always lower than on a dry road.
You should pay particular attention to the
condition of the road whenever the outside
temperatures are close to the freezing
point.
GWarning!
If ice has formed on the road, tire traction
will be substantially reduced. Under such
weather conditions, drive, steer and brake
with extreme caution.
smart recommends winter tires
( Y page 145) with a minimum tread depth of
approximately 1
/ 6 in (4 mm) on all four
wheels for the winter season to ensure
normal balanced handling characteristics.
On packed snow, they can reduce your
stopping distance compared to summer
tires.
Stopping distance, however, is still
considerably greater than when the road is
not covered with snow or ice. Exercise
appropriate caution.
! Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an
extended period when driving off on
slippery road surfaces. Otherwise, the
drivetrain could be damaged, which is
not covered by the smart Limited
Warranty.
Tire speed rating
Regardless of the tire speed rating, local
speed limits should be obeyed. Use prudent
driving speeds appropriate to prevailing
conditions.
GWarning!
Even when permitted by law, never operate
a vehicle at speeds greater than the
maximum speed rating of the tires.
Exceeding the maximum speed for which
tires are rated can lead to sudden tire
failure, causing loss of vehicle control and
possibly resulting in an accident and/or
personal injury and possible death, for you
and for others.
An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding a speed of 90 mph
(145 km/h).
The factory equipped tires on your vehicle
may have a tire speed rating above the
maximum speed permitted by the
electronic speed limiter.
Make sure your tires have the required tire
speed rating as specified for your vehicle
in the “Technical data section”
( Y page 217), for example when purchasing
new tires.
For information on how to identify the tire
speed rating on a tire’s sidewall, see “Tire
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size designation, load and speed rating”
( Y page 139).
If you are uncertain about the correct
reading of the information given on a
tire’s sidewall, any authorized smart
center will be glad to assist you.
i For information on speed ratings for
winter tires, see “All-season and winter
tires” ( Y page 140).
Winter driving instructions
The most important rule for slippery or icy
roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid
abrupt acceleration, braking and steering
maneuvers.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding,
move gear selector lever to neutral
position N. Try to keep the vehicle under
control by corrective steering action.
For information on driving with snow
chains*, see “Snow chains*” ( Y page 145).
GWarning!
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This
could result in drive wheel slip and
reduced vehicle control. Your vehicle’s ABS
will not prevent this type of loss of control.
Road salts and chemicals can adversely
affect braking efficiency. Increased pedal
force may become necessary to produce the
normal braking effect.
Depressing the brake pedal periodically
when traveling at length on salt-strewn
roads can bring road-salt-impaired
braking efficiency back to normal.
If the vehicle is parked after being driven
on salt-treated roads, the braking
efficiency should be tested as soon as
possible after driving is resumed.
GWarning!
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers.
GWarning!
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make
sure snow is kept clear of the exhaust pipe
and from around the vehicle with the engine
running. Otherwise, deadly carbon
monoxide (CO) gases may enter vehicle
interior resulting in unconsciousness and
death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation,
open a window slightly on the side of the
vehicle not facing the wind.
GWarning!
The outside temperature display is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that
purpose. Indicated temperatures just
above the freezing point do not guarantee
that the road surface is free of ice.
For more information, see “Winter driving”
( Y page 145).
Standing water
! Do not drive through flooded areas or
water of unknown depth. Before driving
through water, determine its depth.
Never accelerate before driving into
water. The bow wave could force water
into the engine and auxiliary
equipment, thus damaging them.
If you must drive through standing water,
drive slowly to prevent water from entering
the passenger compartment, the front
compartment, or the engine compartment.
Water in these areas could cause damage to
electrical components or wiring of the
engine or transmission, or could result in
water being ingested by the engine through
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the air intake, causing severe internal
engine damage.
Any such damage is not covered by the smart
Limited Warranty.
Passenger compartment
GWarning!
Always fasten items being carried as
securely as possible.
In an accident, during hard braking or
sudden maneuvers, loose items thrown
around inside the vehicle may injure
vehicle occupants.
The cargo compartment is the preferred
place to carry objects.
Control and operation of radio
transmitters
Radio and telephone
GWarning!
Please do not forget that your primary
responsibility is to drive the vehicle
safely. Only operate the radio or
telephone 16
if road, weather and traffic
conditions permit.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), your vehicle is
covering a distance of 44 feet
(approximately 14 m) every second.
Telephones and two-way radios
GWarning!
Never operate radio transmitters equipped
with a built-in or attached antenna (i.e.
without being connected to an external
antenna) from inside the vehicle while the
engine is running. Doing so could lead to a
malfunction of the vehicle’s electronic
system, possibly resulting in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.
Radio transmitters, such as a mobile phone
or a citizens band unit should only be used
inside the vehicle if they are connected to
an antenna that is installed on the outside
of the vehicle.
Refer to the radio transmitter operation
instructions regarding use of an external
antenna.
Emission control
Certain engine systems serve to keep the
toxic components of the exhaust gases
within permissible legal limits.
These systems, of course, will function
properly only when maintained strictly
according to factory specifications.
Any adjustments to the engine should
therefore be carried out only by qualified
smart center authorized technicians.
Engine adjustments should not be altered
in any way. Moreover, the specified service
jobs must be carried out regularly
according to smart servicing
requirements. For details refer to the
Maintenance Booklet.
GWarning!
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to
your health. All exhaust gas contains
carbon monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can
cause unconsciousness and lead to death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas
(such as a garage) which are not properly
ventilated. If you think that exhaust gas
fumes are entering the vehicle while
driving, have the cause determined and
corrected immediately. If you must drive
under these conditions, drive only with at
least one window fully open at all times.
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Coolant temperature
During severe operating conditions and
stop-and-go city traffic, the coolant
temperature may rise.
! Excessive coolant temperature causes
the red coolant temperature warning
lamp 00AE in the instrument cluster
comes on.
The engine should not be operated with
the red coolant temperature warning
lamp illuminated. Doing so may cause
serious engine damage which is not
covered by the smart Limited Warranty.
For more information on coolant
temperature warning lamp ( Y page 172).GWarning!
Driving when your engine is overheated can
cause some fluids which may have leaked
into the engine compartment to catch fire.
You could be seriously burned.
Steam from an overheated engine can cause
serious burns which can occur just by
opening the engine hood. Stay away from the
engine if you see or hear steam coming from
it.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away
from other traffic. Turn off the engine, get
out of the vehicle and do not stand near the
vehicle until the engine has cooled down.
Driving abroad
Abroad, there is an extensive smart service
network at your disposal. If you plan to
drive into areas which are not listed in the
index of your smart center directory, you
should request pertinent information from
an authorized smart center.
Symmetrical low beams
i If you drive in countries where
vehicles drive on the other side of the
road than the country in which the
vehicle is registered, you must have the
headlamps modified for symmetrical low
beams. Relevant information can be
obtained at any authorized smart center.
Vehicle care
Care tips
Regular and proper care will help to
maintain the value of your vehicle. The
best way to protect your vehicle from
harmful environmental influences is to
wash it and use protective treatments
regularly.
smart recommends that you care for the
paintwork at least twice a year (e.g. in the
spring and autumn).
GWarning!
Many cleaning products can be hazardous.
Some are poisonous, others are flammable.
Always follow the instructions on the
particular container. Always open your
vehicle’s doors or windows when cleaning
the inside.
Never use fluids or solvents that are not
designed for cleaning your vehicle.
Always lock away cleaning products and
keep them out of reach of children.
! Follow the care tips. Wash your vehicle
preferably by hand.
While in operation or even while parked,
your vehicle is subjected to varying
external influences, which left unchecked
can attack the paint as well as the vehicle
underbody and lead to permanent damage.
Such damage is caused not only by extreme
and varying climatic conditions, but also
by:
R Air pollution
R Road salt
R Tar
R Gravel and stone chipping
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To avoid paint damage, you should
immediately remove:
R Insects
R Bird droppings
R Tree sap, etc.
R Grease and oil
R Brake fluid
R Coolant
R Fuel
R Tar spots
! Failure to remove such dirt
immediately can cause damage to the
paint or the soft top fabric*.
Environmental influences are not
covered by the smart Limited Warranty.
Frequent washing reduces and/or
eliminates the aggressiveness and potency
of the above adverse influences.
More frequent washings are necessary to
deal with unfavorable conditions:
R near the ocean
R in industrial areas (smoke, exhaust
emissions)
R during winter operation
You should check your vehicle from time to
time for stone chipping or other damage.
Any damage should be repaired as soon as
possible to prevent corrosion.
In doing so, do not neglect the underbody
of the vehicle. A prerequisite for a
thorough check is a washing of the
underbody followed by a thorough
inspection. Damaged areas need to be re-
undercoated.
Your vehicle has been treated at the factory
with a wax-base rustproofing in the body
cavities which will last for the lifetime of
the vehicle. Post-production treatment is
neither necessary nor recommended by
smart because of the possibility of
incompatibility between materials used in
the production process and others applied
later.We have selected vehicle-care products
and compiled recommendations which are
specially matched to our vehicles and
which always reflect the latest technology.
You can obtain smart approved vehicle-
care products at an authorized smart
center.
Scratches, corrosive deposits, corrosion
or damage due to negligent or incorrect
care cannot always be removed or repaired
with the vehicle-care products
recommended here. In such cases it is best
to seek aid at an authorized smart center.
The following topics deal with the cleaning
and care of your vehicle and give important
“how-to” information as well as references
to smart approved vehicle-care products.
Vehicle care
Contact an authorized smart center for
recommended and approved care products.
i Advice on caring for the soft top
system, see ( Y page 157).
GWarning!
After washing the vehicle, the brakes may
still be wet and thus their functionality
impaired. Therefore, when you start off,
brake lightly several times without
endangering traffic.
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Selecting the right cleaning agent
! To avoid damage to interior equipment and materials: Never rub roughly or use
cleaning spirits on the cloth upholstery, never use strong agents, stain remover etc.
on the leather upholstery. Never scour ore use solvent on plastic parts. Never use strong
and aggressive agents on windows, do not touch the inside of the windows with hard
objects such as an ice scraper or ring, doing so may damage the windows.
InteriorSpecial
considerationsLight soilingHeavy soilingCloth upholsteryUse a clean, lint-
free clothLight soap sudsStain remover (test
on an inconspicuous
place first)Plastic partsUse a color-fast
clothDamp, clean cloth,
cockpit sprayDamp, clean cloth,
cockpit sprayLeather upholsteryUse a clean, color-
fast clothClean cloth with
lukewarm water,
leather care
productLeather care
productWindowsDamp, clean cloth,
microfiber cloth,
glass cleanerMicrofiber cloth,
glass cleaner
! To avoid damage to exterior surfaces never do the following: Use aggressive paint
cleaner, machine polish, abrasive cleanser, acidic, highly alkaline agents, abrasive
sponges, high-pressure or hot water cleaning equipment.
ExteriorSpecial
considerationsLightly soiled
Hand-/Automatic
car washesHeavily soiled
Hand-/Automatic
car washestridion safety cell,
blackPowder coated
single-coat paint
finishCar shampoo
concentrate, insect
remover for insect
remains, polishCar shampoo
concentrate, hard
wax, insect remover
for insect remains,
polishtridion safety cell,
silverPowder coated
single-coat paint
finish and
clearcoatHighly polished
plastic parts (body
panels)Body panels with
base coat and
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ExteriorSpecial
considerations
Lightly soiled
Hand-/Automatic
car washes
Heavily soiled
Hand-/Automatic
car washes
Wheels and wheel
covers
Two-layer metallic
paint (high-gloss)
Car shampoo
concentrate, rim
care
Car shampoo
concentrate, rim
care
Retractable soft topPAC fabricCar shampoo
concentrate, soft
top cleaner,
impregnation spray
Car shampoo
concentrate, soft
top cleaner,
impregnation spray
Removing insects
Remove insect remains before you start to
wash the vehicle.
XSpray insect remover on.XAllow insect remover to work in briefly.XRub in gently with a soft cloth or sponge.XRinse with plenty of water.XTreat the cleaned surface with hard wax.
Removing tar
Remove any tar marks before washing the
vehicle.
XApply tar remover with a soft cloth.XAllow tar remover to work in briefly.XRub in gently.XRinse with plenty of water.XTreat the cleaned surface with hard wax.
Vehicle washing
In the winter, thoroughly remove all traces
of road salt as soon as possible.
When washing the vehicle underbody, do not
forget to clean the inner sides of the
wheels.
Washing your vehicle by hand
XWash the vehicle using car shampoo
concentrate and a sponge.
XRinse with clean water.XTowel dry the vehicle.! Do not wash the vehicle in direct
sunlight. The body panel surfaces and
paint finish may be damaged.
Washing your vehicle in an automatic car
wash
iWhen running your vehicle through an
automatic car wash, water droplets can
run down the inside of the side windows.
Unscrew your vehicle’s antenna before
driving into an automatic car wash.
XRemoving: Unscrew antenna \000F
counterclockwise.
XFitting: Screw antenna \000F in clockwise.
Power washer
! Never use a round nozzle to powerwash
tires. The intense jet of water can result
in damage to the tires.
Always replace a damaged tire.
Do not aim directly at electrical parts,
electrical connectors, seals, or other
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rubber parts. The distance should be at
least 3.9 in (10 cm) and the water
temperature must not exceed 140 ¦
(60 ¥). Follow the instructions provided
by the power washer manufacturer on
maintaining a distance between the
vehicle and the nozzle of the power
washer.
Always keep the jet of water moving
across the surface.
Wheel cover* XWash the wheel cover with shampoo and a
soft brush or in the car wash.
Decorative foils
! Decorative foils are permanently
adhered to the painted parts of the
vehicle and cannot be removed.
! Do not expose the foils to solvents,
gasoline or diesel.
i When cleaning with a power washer, note
the following guideline values:
R Water temperature max. 176 ¦ (80 ¥)
R Minimum distance 11.8 in (30 cm)
R Jet of water strike at a right angle
Paintwork care
The frequency with which you care for your
paintwork is dependent on
R how much the vehicle is used
R where you normally park the vehicle (e.g.
in a garage or under a tree)
R the season
R weather and environmental influences
Rectifying paintwork damage
You can use a touch-up paint pen to repair
minimal stone chip damage and scratches.
Recommended touch-up paint pens can be
obtained in a smart center.
i For any major paintwork damage, please
contact a smart center.ExteriorRepair optionsPlastic parts (body
panels) with
clearcoatClearcoat touch-up
paint penBody panels with
base coat and
clearcoatrecommended
touch-up paint pen
set in the relevant
colortridion safety cellrecommended
touch-up paint pen
set in the relevant
color
Soft top system (cabriolet only)
Regular care will protect the retractable
soft top and the rear soft top against
external influences, helping to preserve
its value. Use only an approved soft top
cleaner when removing dirt from the soft
top.
! Never clean the soft top using a power
washer, as water could get into the inside
of the vehicle.
Cleaning the soft top fabric
! Only clean the retractable soft top and
the rear soft top when they are closed.
Dry cleaning
XBrush the soft top fabric with a soft
brush, always working in the same
direction, i.e. from front to back.
Wet cleaning
smart recommends that you use an approved
car shampoo concentrate and soft top
cleaner.
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X“Dry clean” the vehicle first.XWash the soft top off using a soft brush or
sponge and plenty of lukewarm water.XThen rinse thoroughly with clear water.
i If you have the vehicle cleaned in a car
wash, you may find that some water gets
into the interior.
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