Smart won't start

[daemonoid]

I left my roadster for a while and now it simply won't start.

When I turn the key to position 1 everything comes on and the left indicator begins constantly flashing. Put it in neutral and I hear the gear move, I can also hear the little click. No fault codes on the dash* and no fault codes on the obd2. I then turn to position 2 and nothing.

It was outside and there has been some water ingress, but the SAM appears fine. There were a few chewed wires but now it's up on jacks it appears the only damaged ones have been replaced. Battery has been double checked and is fine. One key appears to've de-synched but the other is good.

So... What's next to check before I have to drop the engine to get to the starter? Is there any way of testing the starter without dropping the engine? Does the constant left indicator mean anything?


*well not now the abs wiring has been replaced (chewed by wild ferrets).

[Jimmyrinse]

Re: Smart won't start

I would guess if abs wires have been chewed maybe some other wires have been as well? Either that or possibility of water ingress into sam? Do you get a key symbol on the dash?
You could try removing the sam and putting in a dry warm place for a while to dry out if it is suspect. Also try removing battery for 10-20 mins to reset.

Just some easy free troubleshooting to try

[daemonoid]

Re: Smart won't start

I would guess if abs wires have been chewed maybe some other wires have been as well? Either that or possibility of water ingress into sam? Do you get a key symbol on the dash?
You could try removing the sam and putting in a dry warm place for a while to dry out if it is suspect. Also try removing battery for 10-20 mins to reset.

Just some easy free troubleshooting to try

Thanks for the response. No key symbol except when I've left it too long between attempts.

The SAM certainly looks dry and I'm in the process of checking the other wires. Seems like it was only chewed up front though. Currently the car has no backend, no seats and very little at the front - so while a roadster novice I am being thorough...

The power to the ignition key is working as expected (checked with a multimeter) which should mean the SAM is still functioning correctly. At least for the purpose of starting the thing?

Battery was left overnight on Sunday->Monday.

[137699]

Re: Smart won't start

When left to stand for a while, Smart's are know to suffer seized alternators which prevent the car from starting.
That said, I've never personally witnessed that so I am unsure if you would still expect to still hear the starter motor kick in or not - maybe someone more knowledgeable will be along soon to confirm...?

[Jimmyrinse]

Re: Smart won't start

I would have thought even with a seized alternator you would hear the thing trying to turn over?

Are you certain there is good charge in the battery?

[daemonoid]

Re: Smart won't start

I would have thought even with a seized alternator you would hear the thing trying to turn over?

Are you certain there is good charge in the battery?

Absolutely certain. Tested and even attempted with a spare battery.

If only the starter weren't tucked behind the engine (or at least the relay was accessible) I'd be able to get the multimeter on it.

Anyone got a guide to dropping the engine? The only one I can find is behind evilution's pay wall...

[Jimmyrinse]

Re: Smart won't start

The £10 for evilution is worth it!

[daemonoid]

Re: Smart won't start

Just as a guide to how far I've got, and because pics of cars insides are always cool...

[tolsen]

Re: Smart won't start

Can you hear starter relay in SAM clicking when you turn key to start?

[Jimmyrinse]

Re: Smart won't start

Can you hear starter relay in SAM clicking when you turn key to start?

You should hear some sort of noise when you turn the ignition to 'start' even if it is just the relay, if not then it sounds like either a sam or wiring fault

[daemonoid]

Re: Smart won't start

You should hear some sort of noise when you turn the ignition to 'start' even if it is just the relay, if not then it sounds like either a sam or wiring fault

Yeah, I mentioned the click in my first post although I maybe wasn't clear as I mentioned it in the same sentence as the gear selection which seems to be working too.

I'm now pretty convinced it's a problem with the starter, just need an easy way of testing it or at least an engine dropping guide so I can get at it...

[Jimmyrinse]

Re: Smart won't start

Simplest way would be to hook it up to a star machine, but unless there is someone mobile near you it may not be an option.

[tolsen]

Re: Smart won't start

Star machine may not tell you much.
As regards relay click, you mention in first post hearing a click before turning key to start. That click can't be start relay in SAM.
Common fault is bad contact on spade connector at starter solenoid.

[daemonoid]

Re: Smart won't start

Star machine may not tell you much.
As regards relay click, you mention in first post hearing a click before turning key to start. That click can't be start relay in SAM.
Common fault is bad contact on spade connector at starter solenoid.

Yeah, that's the premise I'm working on now. Why on earth they put it behind the engine I don't know!

So anyone got an engine drop guide? I can't seem to find it on FQ101, even though I see some references to it.

[mac999]

Re: Smart won't start

Even if the starter motor is knackered,you will be able to push start the car. If you can't push start it the alternator is seized.