engine SMART FORTWO COUPE 2012 Repair Manual

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
The brake warning
lamp illuminates
while the engine is
running. You are driving with the parking brake engaged.
X
Release the parking brake. The brake circuit fails or the brake fluid level in the brake
fluid reservoir is too low.
X
Stop the vehicle immediately in a safe location.
X Do not continue to drive.
X Turn off the engine.
X Do not add brake fluid as this will not solve the problem.
X Engage the parking brake when leaving the vehicle.
X Contact Roadside Assistance or an authorized smart center. $ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
The brake warning
lamp illuminates
together with the ABS
indicator lamp while
the
engine is running. The ABS system has failed.
X
Stop the vehicle immediately in a safe location.
X Do not continue to drive.
X Turn off the engine.
X Engage the parking brake when leaving the vehicle.
X Contact Roadside Assistance or an authorized smart center. G
WARNING
Driving with the brake warning lamp illuminated can result in an accident. Have your brake
system checked immediately if the brake warning lamp stays on.
Do not add brake fluid before checking the brake system.
! 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. 164
What to do if ...
>> Practical hints.

Safety systems
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions7
The seat belt
telltale
illuminates
constantly for a
maximum of
6 seconds after
starting the
engine. Regardless of whether the seat belt is fastened or not, the seat
belt telltale always comes on and remains lit for 6 seconds
after starting the engine.
X
Fasten your seat belts. 7
The seat belt
telltale
illuminates
constantly. An
additional
warning chime
sounds for a
maximum of
6 seconds after
starting the
engine. The driver’s seat belt is unfastened.
X
Fasten your seat belts. 7
The seat belt
telltale flashes
with
increasing
frequency of a
warning chime
for a maximum
of 60 seconds. The vehicle speed once exceeds 15 mph (25 km/h), and both the
driver’s and passenger seat belt are unfastened.
X
Fasten your seat belts.
If the driver’s or the passenger seat belt remains unfastened
after 60 seconds, the warning chime stops sounding. The seat
belt telltale stops flashing but continues to be illuminated.
The seat belt telltale will only go out if both the driver’s and
the
passenger seat belt (with the passenger seat occupied) are
fastened, or the vehicle is standing still and a door is opened. What to do if ...
165
>> Practical hints. Z

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions6
Scenario 1:
The SRS
indicator lamp
illuminates
when the
ignition is
switched
on and
goes out after a
maximum of
4 seconds. The subsequent self check of the safety systems detected no
malfunction. The supplemental restraint system is
operational.
6
Scenario 2:
The SRS
indicator lamp
illuminates
when the
ignition is
switched

on and
goes out after a
maximum of
4 seconds for
approximately
1 second, then it
comes on again
and stays on. There is a malfunction in the supplemental restraint systems.
The air bags or Emergency Tensioning Devices could deploy
unexpectedly or fail to deploy in an accident.
X
Do not sit on the passenger seat; this applies particularly
to children.
X Have the system checked at an authorized smart center. G
WARNING
If the SRS indicator lamp does not come on when you switch on the ignition or does not go
out
again after a few seconds once the engine is running or comes on again, the supplemental
restraint systems are malfunctioning.
In the event that a malfunction of the SRS is indicated as described in scenario 2, the SRS
may not be operational. For your safety, we strongly recommend that you contact an
authorized smart center immediately to have the system checked; A malfunctioning SRS
system may not deploy when needed in an accident resulting in serious or fatal injury, or
it might deploy unexpectedly and unnecessarily which could result in an accident and/or
injury to you or to others.
! If the SRS indicator lamp comes on while driving, have the system checked at an
authorized smart center immediately.
It is possible that the air bag and the emergency tensioning device could be activated
unintentionally or will not function in the event of an accident.
i Information on the operating principle of the air bags can be found in the “Safety”
section (Y page 33). 166
What to do if ...
>> Practical hints.

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions÷
The ESP ®
warning lamp
flashes while
driving. The ESP
®
has engaged because of detected traction loss in at
least one tire.
X When driving off, apply as little throttle as possible.
X While driving, ease up on the accelerator pedal.
X Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road and
weather conditions. ÷
The ESP ®
warning lamp
illuminates
continuously
while the
engine is
running. The ESP
®
is not operational due to a system failure.
X Have the system checked at an authorized smart center. The ESP
®
is not available.
X Have the system checked at an authorized smart center. G
WARNING
When the ESP ®
warning lamp is illuminated continuously, the ESP ®
is not available or not
operational due to a system failure.
Adapt
your speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions and the non-operating status
of the ESP ®
.
i It may be possible to clear a system failure by restarting the engine.
X Restart the engine.
If

the warning lamp still does not go out, have the system checked at an authorized smart
center immediately.
i More information on the ESP ®
can be found in the “Safety” section (Y page 47). Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsD
The yellow EPS*
warning lamp
illuminates
while the
engine is
running. The Electronic Power Steering (EPS)* is not available.
X
Have the EPS* checked at an authorized smart center
immediately. G
WARNING
When the EPS* is not available a higher degree of effort is necessary to steer the vehicle.
Have the system checked at an authorized smart center. What to do if ...
167
>> Practical hints.
* optional Z

Vehicle
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions#
The battery
indicator lamp
illuminates
while driving
or does not go
out after the
engine is
started. The alternator is malfunctioning. The battery is no longer
charged.
X
Stop the vehicle immediately in a safe location.
X Do not continue to drive.
X Turn off the engine.
X Engage the parking brake when leaving the vehicle.
X Contact Roadside Assistance or an authorized smart center. The poly-V-belt is broken. The battery is no longer charged.
X
Stop the vehicle immediately in a safe location.
X Do not continue to drive.
X Turn off the engine.
X Engage the parking brake when leaving the vehicle.
X Contact Roadside Assistance or an authorized smart center. !
Among other possible causes, the poly-V-belt could be broken. Do not continue to
drive.
Otherwise, the engine will overheat due to an inoperative water pump which may
result in damage to the engine. 168
What to do if ...>> Practical hints.

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions# !
The turn signal
indicator lamp(s)
flashes at double
frequency. One of the turn signals is malfunctioning.
X
Replace the bulb as soon as possible ( Y page 179).
or
X Have the turn signal checked at an authorized smart center
as soon as possible. ®
The fuel cap
indicator lamp
comes on when
the engine is
running. The fuel cap may not be closed properly or the fuel system may
be leaky.
X
Check the fuel cap ( Y page 116).
X If it is not closed properly: Close the fuel cap.
X If it is closed properly: Have the fuel system checked at an
authorized smart center. Engine
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions?
The red coolant
temperature
warning lamp
illuminates
while the
engine is
running. The coolant is too hot.
X
Stop the vehicle immediately in a safe location.
X Do not continue to drive.
X Turn off the engine.
X Engage the parking brake when leaving the vehicle.
X Contact Roadside Assistance or an authorized smart center. The coolant level has fallen below the marking bar on the
coolant reservoir (Y page 122).
X
Add coolant as required.
X Have the coolant system checked for leaks at an authorized
smart center. G
WARNING
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.
! Among other possible causes, the poly-V-belt could be broken. Do not continue to
drive.
Otherwise, the engine will overheat due to an inoperative water pump which may
result in damage to the engine. 170
What to do if ...
>> Practical hints.

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions;
The engine
malfunction
indicator lamp
illuminates
while driving. There is a malfunction in the system.
X
Have the vehicle checked at an authorized smart center
immediately. i
Some states may by law require you to visit a workshop as soon as the engine
malfunction indicator lamp comes on. Check local requirements. Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions5
The engine oil
pressure
indicator lamp
illuminates
while driving. The engine oil pressure is low.
X
Stop the vehicle immediately in a safe location.
X Do not continue to drive.
X Turn off the engine.
X Engage the parking brake when leaving the vehicle.
X Contact Roadside Assistance or an authorized smart center. 5
The engine oil
pressure
indicator lamp
goes out before
the engine
starts. The engine oil pressure indicator lamp has failed.
X
Check the engine oil level.
X Have the system checked at an authorized smart center. !
The engine oil pressure indicator lamp should not be ignored. Extended driving with
the engine oil pressure indicator lamp illuminated could result in serious engine
damage that is not covered by the smart Limited Warranty. What to do if ...
171
>> Practical hints. Z

G
WARNING
If the 4 0 indicator lamp does not illuminate or remains out with the weight of
a typical 12‑month‑old child in a standard child restraint or less on the passenger seat, do
not transport a child on the passenger seat until the system has been repaired. Engine
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsThe engine does not
start.
X
Check if
R
the gear selector lever is in park position P
R the brake pedal has been depressed
R the transmission position indicator is on P or NThe engine does not
start within
4 seconds.
X
Wait for a few seconds.
X Repeat the starting procedure.
Remember that extended starting attempts can drain the
vehicle battery. The engine does not
start after several
starting attempts.
X
Engage the parking brake when leaving the vehicle.
X Contact Roadside Assistance or an authorized smart center. Loss of key
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsYou lose a key. X
Have the key deactivated at an authorized smart center.
X Report the loss of the key to your car insurance company
immediately.
X If necessary, have the mechanical lock replaced.
Your authorized smart center will be glad to supply you with a
replacement following an identity check. 174
What to do if ...
>> Practical hints.

Acoustic warning signals
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsOnce the anti-theft
warning system* has
been armed, a visual
and audible alarm is
triggered. The alarm is triggered when
R
someone opens a door or the tailgate
R the driver’s door is unlocked with the key (Y page 176)
R the vehicle’s interior is entered
R there is motion inside the vehicle
R the vehicle is raised
To cancel the alarm:
X Insert the key in the starter switch.
X Turn the key to starter switch position 1.
or
X Press button # or * on the key.A warning signal
sounds. The door is opened while a gear is engaged with the engine
running and neither the brake nor accelerator pedals are
depressed.
X
Close the driver’s and passenger door.
X Move the gear selector lever to park position P.
or
X Turn off the engine. You open the driver’s door with the key in starter switch
position 0 to remind you not to leave the key in the vehicle.
X
Close the driver’s door.
or
X Remove the key from the starter switch. A warning signal
sounds. The seat belts are not fastened when the engine is started. For
details, see seat belt telltale (
Y page 165).
X Fasten your seat belts. What to do if ...
175>> Practical hints.
* optional Z

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsA warning signal
sounds when parking. You have not engaged the parking brake before releasing the
brake pedal, turning off the engine, and switching off the
ignition.
X
Switch on the ignition to deactivate the acoustic warning.
X Engage the parking brake.
X Make sure the gear selector lever is in park position P.
X Turn the key to starter switch position 0.
X Remove the key from the starter switch.
For safety, it is important that you perform the parking
procedure as described (Y page 80). You can hear a
continuous
noise from
the front axle when
braking. The vehicle is equipped with a mechanical/acoustic brake pad
indicator.
X
Have the brake pads checked at an authorized smart center. Unlocking/locking manually
Unlocking the vehicle
You can unlock the driver’s door and the
fuel filler flap by unlocking the driver’s
door using the key. The lock cylinder is
fitted with a cap.
X Press button # on the key.
The anti-theft warning system* is
disarmed.
i If the transmitter battery in the key is
discharged, the anti-theft warning
system* can no longer be disarmed with
button # on the key.
For replacing the transmitter battery
(Y page 177).
Unlocking the vehicle with the key and
opening a door or the tailgate will
trigger the anti-theft warning system*
(Y page 48).
To cancel the alarm:
X Insert the key in the starter switch.
X Turn the key to starter switch position 1. X
Remove cap : from lock cylinder ;.
X Unlock the driver’s door.
The

driver’s door and the fuel filler flap
are unlocked.
i To unlock the vehicle centrally press
the

central unlocking switch in the upper
center console ( Y page 27). Locking the vehicle
If
you can no longer lock the vehicle using
the remote control and you do not have a
spare transmitter battery at hand, please
proceed as follows: 176
Unlocking/locking manually
>> Practical hints.
* optional