maintenance SMART FORTWO COUPE 2012 User Guide

Maintenance service interval display
Example illustration (U.S. vehicles)
i
Canada vehicles: The maintenance
service interval display shows km
instead of miles.
The maintenance service interval display
will notify you approximately one month
before the next maintenance service is
due.
The following information will be
displayed after starting the engine:
R Days or distance to next maintenance
service
This information will be displayed
instead of the main odometer display.
The
main odometer display will reappear
after approximately ten seconds
(Y page 87).
R Type of service that is due
This information will be displayed in
the status indicator.
X Start the engine. X
Selecting maintenance service interval
display: Press button : on the
instrument cluster repeatedly until the
maintenance service interval display
appears in the status indicator.
Depending on the type of maintenance
service that is due, symbol ¬ or } is
displayed.
X Clearing maintenance service interval
display: Press button : once.
The maintenance service interval
display is cleared.
X Activating maintenance service
interval display: Press button : twice
in quick succession.
Reserve fuel indicator Example illustration (U.S. vehicles)
The reserve fuel indicator is only
displayed when driving on reserve fuel.
X
Selecting reserve fuel indicator: Press
button : on the instrument cluster
repeatedly until the reserve fuel
indicator appears in the status
indicator. Instrument cluster
91>> Controls. Z

RESET menu appears in the multifunction
display.
X To reset: Press button : (Y page 90)on
the instrument cluster until the RESET
menu is reset to 0.Messages menu
The Messages menu stores messages that
you can call up.
i When

no messages have been stored, the
Messages menu is not displayed. X
Press the control switch on the control
lever (Y page 93) up or down until the
Messages menu appears in the
multifunction display.
The number of stored messages is :
displayed
X Press the OK button on the control lever
briefly.
The first stored message appears.
X To scroll through messages:
Press the OK
button on the control lever briefly.
For more information on display messages,
see (Y page 158).
Maintenance service interval display The maintenance service interval display
will notify you when the next maintenance
service

is due and what type of maintenance
service is required.
Example:
R ¯ Care Service in XXX mi
R ° Main Service in XXX mi
R ° Main Service in XX Days X
To confirm: Press the OK button on the
control lever briefly.
The mesage is stored.
When the due date for the maintenance
service has been has been passed, the
number

of miles (kilometers) or days since
are preceeded by a minus sign.
! Failure to have the maintenance
service performed at the designated
times/mileage, may result in vehicle
damage that is not covered by the smart
Limited Warranty. Settings menu
In the Settings menu, you can select
individual settings for your vehicle.
The following functions are available:
R Setting the language
R Setting the temperature unit
R Setting the distance and speed unit X
Press the control switch on the control
lever (Y page 93) up or down until the
Settings menu appears in the
multifunction display.
X Press the OK button on the control lever
briefly.
Setting the language The following languages are available:
R
German
R English
R French
R Italian
R Spanish 96
Control system*
>> Controls.
* optional

When checking the engine oil level
R
the vehicle must be parked on level
ground
R the
vehicle must have been stationary for
at least five minutes with the engine
turned off
X Turn off the engine.
X Engage the parking brake.
X Open the tailgate.
X Open the engine compartment cover
(Y page 117).
The oil dipstick is located in the engine
compartment on the passenger side. X
Pull out oil dipstick :.
X Wipe oil dipstick : clean with a clean
cloth.
X Fully insert oil dipstick : into the
dipstick guide tube.
X Pull out oil dipstick : again after
approximately one minute to obtain
accurate reading.
The oil level is correct when it is
between lower mark = (minimum) and
upper mark ; (maximum) on both sides
of oil dipstick :.
X Fully insert oil dipstick : into the
dipstick guide tube again.
X If necessary, add engine oil
(Y page 119).
i The
filling quantity between the upper
and lower marks on the oil dipstick is
approximately 1.1 US qt (1.0 l). Adding engine oil !
Only use approved engine oils and oil
filters required for vehicles with
Maintenance System. For a listing of
approved engine oils and oil filters
contact an authorized smart center.
Using engine oils and oil filters of
specification

other than those expressly
required for the Maintenance System, or
changing of oil and oil filter at change
intervals longer than those called for by
the Maintenance System will result in
engine or emission control system
damage not covered by the smart Limited
Warranty. G
WARNING
When adding engine oil, always use a funnel
to avoid spilling oil on any hot parts such
as the catalytic converter or exhaust
system.
If this should happen, however, the engine
must be thoroughly cleaned before you
continue your trip. The engine oil could
otherwise ignite.
The filler cap is located in the engine
compartment on the passenger side. X
Unscrew filler cap : from the filler
neck.
X Add engine oil as required.
Do not add more than 0.53 US qt (0.5 l)
engine oil at a time.
X Wait one minute until the engine oil has
run into the oil pan. Engine compartment
119
>> Operation. Z

G
WARNING
Windshield washer concentrate is highly
flammable. Fire, naked flames and smoking
are prohibited when windshield washer
concentrate is being handled.
X Use a windshield washer concentrate
labeled for summer and water for
temperatures above freezing point.
X Use a windshield washer concentrate
labeled for winter and water for
temperatures below freezing point.
! Always use a windshield washer
concentrate labeled for winter where
temperatures may fall below freezing
point. Failure to do so could result in
damage to the washer system/reservoir.
X Premix the windshield washer fluid in a
suitable container.
Observe mixing ratios depending on the
outside temperature

(Y page 222).
X Use the tab to pull cap : upwards.
X Refill the windshield washer reservoir.
X Push cap : onto the windshield washer
reservoir.
X Remount the service flap and close it
(Y page 120). Brake fluid
G
WARNING
During vehicle operation, the boiling
point of the brake fluid is continuously reduced through the absorption of moisture
from the atmosphere. Under extremely
strenuous operating conditions, this
moisture content can lead to the formation
of

bubbles in the system, thus reducing the
system’s efficiency.
Therefore, the brake fluid must be replaced
regularly. Refer to your vehicle’s
Maintenance Booklet for replacement
interval.
The brake fluid level in the brake fluid
reservoir may be too low if the brake
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
comes on (Y page 22) although the parking
brake is released.
! If you find that the brake fluid in the
brake fluid reservoir has fallen to the
minimum mark or below, have the brake
system checked for brake pad thickness
and leaks immediately. Contact an
authorized smart center immediately. Do
not add brake fluid as this will not solve
the problem.
X Remove the service flap and insert it on
the front of the vehicle ( Y page 120).
The brake fluid reservoir is located in the
front compartment on the passenger side. Checking brake fluid level
X
Perform a visual check of the brake fluid
reservoir :. Front compartment
123
>> Operation. Z

As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates
a low tire pressure telltale when one or
more of your tires is significantly
underinflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure
telltale illuminates, you should stop and
check your tires as soon as possible, and
inflate them to the proper pressure.
Driving on a significantly underinflated
tire
causes the tire to overheat and can lead
to tire failure.
Underinflation also reduces fuel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may
affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping
ability. Please note that the TPMS is not a
substitute for proper tire maintenance,
and it is the driver’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if
underinflation has not reached the level to
trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate
when the system is not operating properly.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure
telltale. When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately 1 minute and then remain
continuously illuminated.
This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the
malfunction exists. When the malfunction
indicator is illuminated, the system may
not be able to detect or signal low tire
pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety
of reasons, including the installation of
incompatible replacement or alternate
tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent
the TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale after
replacing one or more tires or wheels on
your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the
TPMS to continue to function properly.
i If a condition causing the TPMS to
malfunction develops, it may take up to
10 minutes for the system to signal a
malfunction using the TPMS telltale
flashing and illumination sequence.
The telltale extinguishes after a few
minutes driving if the malfunction has
been corrected.
i Operating radio transmission
equipment (e.g. wireless headsets, two-
way radios) in or near the vehicle could
cause the TPMS to malfunction.
i USA only:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
R This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
R this device must accept any
interference received, including
interference
that may cause undesired
operation.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
i Canada only:
This device complies with RSS‑210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
R This device may not cause
interference, and
R this device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment. 128
Tires and wheels
>> Operation.

For more information on tire load rating
(Y page 137).
For information on calculating total and
cargo load capacities ( Y page 131).Direction of rotation
Unidirectional tires offer added
advantages, such as better hydroplaning
performance.
To benefit, however, you must
make sure the tires rotate in the direction
specified.
An arrow on the sidewall indicates the
intended direction of rotation (spinning)
of the tire. Tire care and maintenance
G
WARNING
Regularly check the tires for damage.
Damaged tires can cause tire inflation
pressure loss. As a result, you could lose
control of your vehicle.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the
tire

tread is badly worn, or if the tires have
sustained damage, replace them.
Check the tire inflation pressure at least
once a month. For more information on
checking tire inflation pressure, see
“Recommended tire inflation pressure”
(Y page 125).
Tire inspection Every time you check the tire inflation
pressure, you should also inspect your
tires for the following
R
excessive treadwear ( Y page 133)
R cord

or fabric showing through the tire’s
rubber
R bumps, bulges, cuts, cracks or splits in
the tread or side of the tire
Replace the tire if you find any of the above
conditions. Life of tire G
WARNING
Tires should be replaced after 6 years,
regardless of the remaining tread.
The

service life of a tire is dependent upon
varying factors including but not limited
to
R driving style
R tire inflation pressure
R distance driven
Tread depth G
WARNING
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.
Do not allow your tires to wear down too far.
Adhesion properties on wet roads are
sharply reduced at tread depths of less
than 1
/ 8 in (3 mm).
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.
Recommended minimum tire tread depth:
Summer tires 1
/ 8 in (3 mm)
Winter tires 1
/ 6 in (4 mm) Tires and wheels
133>> Operation. Z

effect. Maintain a safe distance from
vehicles in front.
To
help prevent brake disc corrosion after
driving on wet road surfaces (particularly
salted roads), it is advisable to brake the
vehicle with considerable force prior to
parking. The heat generated serves to dry
the brakes. G
WARNING
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers.
Limited braking effect on salted roads Remember that the effect of the brakes can
be

limited on salted road surfaces. A layer
of salt can form on brake discs and brake
pads, considerably reducing the friction
between the brake disc and the brake pad.
The effect is most noticeable after long
trips without braking, e.g. on the highway,
and after the vehicle has been parked for
several hours. G
WARNING
The accumulation of salt on brake discs and
brake pads reduces braking effectiveness
and increases the distance necessary to
come to a complete standstill. This could
potentially cause an accident and/or
personal injury.
To avoid this risk, you should
R brake carefully every now and then on
salted

roads in order to remove any layer
of salt on the brake disc and brake pad,
but do so without endangering any other
road users
R keep a good safe distance from the
vehicle in front and drive carefully
R press the brake carefully at the end of the
trip and again when beginning the next
trip in order to remove any salt residues
from the brake disc New brake pads Only install brake pads recommended by
smart.
G
WARNING
If other than recommended brake pads are
installed,
or other than recommended brake
fluid is used, the braking properties of the
vehicle can be degraded to an extent that
safe braking is substantially impaired.
This could result in an accident. G
WARNING
New brake pads will not achieve their
optimal braking effect until after several
hundred miles (kilometers). This means
that you must compensate for the reduced
braking effect by pressing harder on the
brake pedal and adapt your driving style
accordingly. The same applies after brake
pads or brake discs have been changed. Drive sensibly - save fuel
Fuel consumption, to a great extent,
depends on driving habits and operating
conditions.
To save fuel you should:
R Shift gears in a timely manner.
R Avoid frequent acceleration and
deceleration.
R Keep

tires at the recommended inflation
pressures.
R Remove carriers* when not in use.
R Remove unnecessary loads.
R Allow engine to warm up under low load
use.
R Have all maintenance work performed at
the intervals specified in the
Maintenance Booklet and as required by
the Maintenance System. Contact an
authorized smart center.
Fuel consumption is also increased by
driving in cold weather, in stop-and-go
traffic, on short trips, and in hilly areas. Driving instructions
145
>> Operation.
* optional Z

Catalytic converter
Your smart is equipped with monolithic-
type catalytic converter, an important
element in conjunction with the oxygen
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. G
WARNING
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
G
WARNING
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. G
WARNING
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. 146
Driving instructions
>> Operation.

water being ingested by the engine through
the air intake, causing severe internal
engine damage.
Any
such damage is not covered by the smart
Limited Warranty. Passenger compartment
G
WARNING
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 G
WARNING
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 G
WARNING
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. G
WARNING
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.
16 Observe all legal requirements. Driving instructions
149
>> Operation. Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions6
Reserve Fuel The fuel level has dropped below the reserve mark.
X
Refuel at the next gas station. Ö
Driver´s Door Ajar The driver’s door is open.
X
Close the driver’s door. Ø
Door Ajar The passenger door is open.
X
Close the passenger door. Õ
Tailgate Open A tailgate or the rear soft top
17
is open.
X Close the tailgates or the rear soft. Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutionsh
Check
Tire Pressure The tire inflation pressure in at least one tire is
significantly below the reference value.
X
Carefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt
steering and braking maneuvers.
X Check and adjust tire inflation pressure as required
(Y page 126).
X If necessary, change the wheel ( Y page 194).G
WARNING
Each tire should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure
recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the Tire and Loading Information placard. If
your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the Tire and Loading
Information placard, you should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those
tires.
As

an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires
is significantly underinflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your
tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly
underinflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s
handling and stopping ability. Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even
if underinflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.
17 cabriolet only. Display messages
161
>> Practical hints.
Z