Smart won't start

[daemonoid]

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.

Well, by hotwiring it (shoving 12V to the starter after the SAM) the starter turns over. It looks to likely to be a SAM issue. I certainly would like it to be the alternator though, but surely an alternator problem wouldn't prevent the car from starting with a second battery?

[Jimmyrinse]

Re: Smart won't start

Ive had alternator problems before (not on a smart, but principle should be the same) and that didn't stop the car from starting (until the battery went flat). If you have good charge in battery then the alternator shouldn't be issue (correct me if i'm wrong?)

Have you checked all the fuses as well in case one has blown, especially due to rodent activity.

Also if you do suspect the sam try my earlier suggestion and put it somewhere warm for a while just in case there is water or condensation inside, its worth a go and you've nothing to lose!

[Jimmyrinse]

Re: Smart won't start

Another thing thats just popped into my head, check the earth leads in case they have corroded or been chewed

[mac999]

Re: Smart won't start

If the alternator is seized there will be great resistance in the drive belt,even a freshly charged battery won't start it if thats the case

Try turning over the alternator pulley with a 24mm spanner or socket.

[daemonoid]

Re: Smart won't start

If the alternator is seized there will be great resistance in the drive belt,even a freshly charged battery won't start it if thats the case

Try turning over the alternator pulley with a 24mm spanner or socket.

I'll give it a go, but I don't hold much hope. There is no sound when trying to turn it over... Absolutely nothing from the starter.

I'll add again about the left indicator constantly going as that strikes me to be a really odd symptom or an obscure warning signal.

- - - Updated - - -

Another thing thats just popped into my head, check the earth leads in case they have corroded or been chewed

Earths are probably good - the thing does turn over when 'hot wired'. SAM seems to be the only option now. The multimeter on the ignition works and the starter itself so it's got to be the bit in between one way or another...

[Jimmyrinse]

Re: Smart won't start

Left indicator on would indicate an electrical fault of some kind most probably linked to your sam again

[madDan]

Re: Smart won't start

So far as I understand you have applied 12 direct to starter and it turns over?

In which case it sounds like you can rule out alternator.

Is SAM receiving ignition signal?

If so is it outputting it?

If that is to much faffing and given the odd indicator get the SAM out and inspect it internally for any corrosion.

[krassegrand]

Re: Smart won't start

Sorry but my money is on the SAM!
Will That show on a STAR machine?

Jörgen

[daemonoid]

Re: Smart won't start

So far as I understand you have applied 12 direct to starter and it turns over?

In which case it sounds like you can rule out alternator.

Is SAM receiving ignition signal?

If so is it outputting it?

If that is to much faffing and given the odd indicator get the SAM out and inspect it internally for any corrosion.

Unfortunately I've not had chance to work on it and probably won't until friday. SAM is currently out and drying... I'll report back at the weekend.

[happymechinical]

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

I agree there should be a noise of a relay. try turning engine over using a spanner (ign off) starters some times seize in. (although this usually causes the battery to be connected to the starter) the starter is viewable from the top after you have removed the engine mount (drivers side) and lowered the engine pretty easy as you have all the back panels off. You can then check the connections to the starter motor.
And £ 10 for the access on evolution site is easily worth twice that especially as you are engaged in such major refurb.

[daemonoid]

Re: Smart won't start

So far as I understand you have applied 12 direct to starter and it turns over?

In which case it sounds like you can rule out alternator.

Is SAM receiving ignition signal?

If so is it outputting it?

If that is to much faffing and given the odd indicator get the SAM out and inspect it internally for any corrosion.

And the man wins a prize... The SAM was corroded. The missus' dad spent a couple of hours cleaning it this afternoon and it's alive. And the internals are dry. I'll give it a full service and ultra deep clean and put it back together on Sunday

[krassegrand]

Re: Smart won't start

Congratulations!
I hope You get it working without to much financial loss.

Jörgen

[Jimmyrinse]

Re: Smart won't start

A good outcome!

Hopefully there will not be any further or lasting damage and all will be well, if you have not already done so you may want to seal the wiper tray to aviod further problems and if your overly worried you can waterproof the sam as shown on evilution.

If it was condensation then if its due to be left again get a few of those dehumidifiers you put on your windowsill and shove them in the car to keep the condensation at bay

[daemonoid]

Re: Smart won't start

A good outcome!

Hopefully there will not be any further or lasting damage and all will be well, if you have not already done so you may want to seal the wiper tray to aviod further problems and if your overly worried you can waterproof the sam as shown on evilution.

If it was condensation then if its due to be left again get a few of those dehumidifiers you put on your windowsill and shove them in the car to keep the condensation at bay

I sealed the wiper tray a few years ago, but the carpets were so wet that it must be getting in again. I have another way too... I've just bought a garage!

[krassegrand]

Re: Smart won't start

I have another way too... I've just bought a garage!

That is a very good way to go!

Jörgen