Smart fortwo coupe and smart fortwo cabriolet (2019). Manual - part 10

Problem

Possible causes/consequences and 

X Solutions

d 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.

d 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 48).

Problem

Possible causes/consequences and 

X Solutions

D The EPS*

warning lamp
illuminates
while the
engine is
running.

The power steering is not available.

X

Have the power steering checked at an authorized smart
center immediately.

G

Warning!

When the power steering is not available a higher degree of effort is necessary to steer the
vehicle. Have the system checked at a smart center.

What to do if ...

157

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* optional

Z

Vehicle

Problem

Possible causes/consequences and 

X 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.

158

What to do if ...

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Problem

Possible causes/consequences and 

X Solutions

K The high‑beam

headlamp
indicator lamp
does not
illuminate
when the
high‑beam
headlamps are
switched on or
when using the
high‑beam
flasher.

The high‑beam headlamp indicator lamp has failed.

X

Have the high‑beam headlamp indicator lamp checked at an
authorized smart center.

M The low‑beam

headlamp
indicator lamp
does not
illuminate
when the
low‑beam
headlamps are
switched on.

The low‑beam headlamp indicator lamp has failed.

X

Have the low‑beam headlamp indicator lamp checked at an
authorized smart center.

# !
The turn signal
indicator lamp(s)
do(es) not illuminate
when the ignition is
switched on and the
corresponding turn
signal is switched on
or the hazard warning
flasher is switched
on.

The turn signal indicator lamp(s) has (have) failed.

X

Have the turn signal indicator lamp(s) checked at an
authorized smart center.

# !
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 169).

or

X

Have the turn signal checked at an authorized smart center
as soon as possible.

What to do if ...

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Z

Problem

Possible causes/consequences and 

X Solutions

®

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 110).

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 

X Solutions

? The 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 115).

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.
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.

Problem

Possible causes/consequences and 

X 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.

160

What to do if ...

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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 

X Solutions

5 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 ...

161

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Z

Tires

Problem

Possible causes/consequences and 

X Solutions

h

The
combination
low tire
pressure/TPMS
malfunction
telltale
illuminates
continuously.

The TPMS detects a loss of pressure in at least one tire.

X

Carefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt
steering and braking maneuvers. Observe the traffic
situation around you.

X

Check and correct tire inflation pressure as required
(

Y

 page 120).

If the tire inflation pressure in the respective tire(s) has
(have) been corrected, the combination low tire pressure/TPMS
malfunction telltale goes out after a few minutes of driving.
See also “Restarting the TPMS” .

h

The
combination
low tire
pressure/TPMS
malfunction
telltale flashes
60 seconds and
then stays
illuminated.

There is a malfunction in the TPMS.

X

Have the TPMS checked at an authorized smart center.

After the malfunction has been remedied the combination low
tire pressure/TPMS malfunction telltale goes out after a few
minutes of driving.

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.
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.

162

What to do if ...

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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.

Warning and indicator lamps in the overhead control panel

Problem

Possible causes/consequences and 

X Solutions

4 0
The passenger front
air bag off indicator
lamp illuminates and
remains illuminated
with the weight of a
typical adult or
someone larger than a
small individual on
the passenger seat.

There is a malfunction in the system.

X

Have the system checked at an authorized smart center.

4 0
The passenger front
air bag off 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

There is a malfunction in the system.

X

Have the system checked at an authorized smart center.

G

Warning!

If the 40 indicator lamp illuminates and remains illuminated with the weight
of a typical adult or someone larger than a small individual on the passenger seat, do not
have any passenger use the passenger seat until the system has been repaired.

G

Warning!

If the 40 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.

What to do if ...

163

>> Practical hints

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Z

Engine

Problem

Possible causes/consequences and 

X Solutions

The 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 

N

The 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 

X Solutions

You 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.

164

What to do if ...

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Acoustic warning signals

Problem

Possible causes/consequences and 

X Solutions

Once 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 166)

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.

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 155).

X

Fasten your seat belts.

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.

What to do if ...

165

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* optional

Z

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 167).

Unlocking the vehicle with the key and
opening a door or the tailgate will
trigger the anti-theft warning system*
(

Y

 page 49).

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 28).

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:

X

Open the driver’s door.

X

Press the central locking switch
(

Y

 page 56).

The indicator lamp on the central
locking switch comes on, when the starter
switch is in position 1.
The indicator lamp on the central
locking switch flashes, when the starter
switch is in position 0.

X

Remove the key from the starter switch,
take it with you, and close all doors.
The vehicle is now locked and the anti-
theft warning system* is armed.

Closing the rear soft top

If the rear soft top does not lock properly
after being closed, proceed as follows:

X

Stop the vehicle in a safe location.

X

Engage the parking brake.

X

Make sure the key is in starter switch
position 1.

X

Fold up the rear soft top completely.
The rear soft top stops in the unlocked
position.

X

Within one minute, press and hold symbol
G on the retractable soft top switch
for 15 seconds twice.
The rear soft top closes the locking
hooks.

X

Close the retractable soft top
completely.

X

Have the rear soft top checked at an
authorized smart center.

166

Unlocking/locking manually

>> Practical hints

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* optional

Replacing transmitter battery

Notes

The remote control’s transmitter battery is
almost spent when the turn signals flash
rapidly nine times in a row when locking
the vehicle.

i

If you do not replace the transmitter

battery, after about 100 more times you
will no longer be able to lock or unlock
the vehicle using the remote control.

X

Replace the transmitter battery.

or

X

Have the transmitter battery replaced at
an smart center.

G

Warning!

Batteries contain poisonous and corrosive
substances. Therefore keep the batteries
out of reach of children.
If a battery is swallowed, seek medical help
immediately.

Batteries contain materials that can harm
the environment if disposed of improperly.
Recycling of batteries is the preferred
method of disposal. Many states/provinces
require sellers of batteries to accept old
batteries for recycling.

Replacing battery

Replacement battery: CR 2016 button cell

! 

Replace the remote control’s

transmitter battery every two years at
the latest. Otherwise there is a danger of
leakage. The remote control could be
damaged.

X

Insert a suitable object such as a coin
into the slot at the eyelet of the key
housing.

X

Carefully turn the coin until key housing
top half : is unlatched.

X

Open key housing top half : to the side.

X

Remove transmitter battery ; from the
board.

! 

Check the polarity when inserting the

new transmitter battery. You could
otherwise damage parts of the electrical
system. When inserting the batteries,
make sure they are clean and free of lint.

X

Insert the new transmitter battery.

X

Press both halves of the key housing
together again.

X

Check the operation of the remote
control.

Replacing transmitter battery

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Z

Replacing bulbs

About replacing bulbs

Safe vehicle operation depends on proper
exterior lighting and signaling. It is
therefore essential that all bulbs and lamp
assemblies are in good working order at all
times.
Correct headlamp adjustment is extremely
important. Have headlamps checked and
readjusted at regular intervals and when a
bulb has been replaced. Contact an
authorized smart center for headlamp
adjustment.

G

Warning!

Bulbs and bulb sockets can be very hot.
Allow the lamp to cool down before changing
a bulb. Otherwise you could be burned if you
touch them.
Keep bulbs out of the reach of children.
Halogen lamps contain pressurized gas. A
bulb can explode if you:

R

touch or move it when hot

R

drop the bulb

R

scratch the bulb

Wear eye and hand protection.

i

If the headlamps or front fog lamps* are

fogged up on the inside as a result of
high humidity, driving the vehicle a
distance with the lights on should clear
up the fogging.

Notes on bulb replacement:

R

Only use bulbs of the same type and with
the specified watt rating.

R

Switch the lights off before replacing a
bulb to prevent short circuits.

R

Always use a clean lint-free cloth when
handling bulbs.

R

Your hands should be dry and free of oil
and grease.

R

Avoid touching the glass of the bulb with
bare fingers.

R

If the newly installed bulb does not come
on, contact an authorized smart center.

R

Have the bulbs for the front fog lamps*
replaced at an authorized smart center.

168

Replacing bulbs

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* optional

Overview bulbs

Front lamps

Headlamp

Type

:

Parking and side marker lamp
WY 5 W

;

Turn signal lamp
2357 A

=

Low‑beam headlamp
H7 (55 W)

?

High‑beam headlamp
H7 (55 W)

Front fog lamp*

Type

:

Front fog lamp
H 11

Side turn signal lamp

Type

:

Side turn signal lamp
WY 5 W

Replacing bulbs

169

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* optional

Z

Rear lamps

Tail lamp unit

Type

:

Brake lamp/tail lamp/turn signal
lamp/side marker lamp
12 V 21/5 W

;

Reflector
-

=

Backup lamp
12 V 21 W

License plate lamps

Type

:

License plate lamps
C 5 W

High‑mounted brake lamp

Type

:

High‑mounted brake lamp
W 16 W

170

Replacing bulbs

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Replacing bulbs for front lamps

Before you start to replace a bulb for a
front lamp, do the following first:

X

Turn the exterior lamp switch to position
$ (

Y

 page 66).

X

Switch off the ignition.

X

Open the service flap (

Y

 page 114).

Left headlamp, (right headlamp in reverse)
:

Bulb socket for parking, and side
marker lamp

;

Bulb socket for turn signal lamp

=

Low‑beam headlamp cover

?

High‑beam headlamp cover

Parking and side marker lamp bulb

X

Removing:
Driver’s side: Turn bulb socket : toward
the outside.
Passenger side: Turn bulb socket :
toward the outside.

X

Pull bulb socket : out of the headlamp
housing.

X

Pull the bulb out of bulb socket :.

X

Installing: Insert the new bulb into bulb
socket :.

X

Insert bulb socket : into the headlamp
housing.

X

Driver side: Turn bulb socket : toward
the inside.

Passenger side: Turn bulb socket :
toward the inside.

Low‑beam headlamp bulb

X

Removing: Take off low‑beam headlamp
cover =.

X

Detach the electrical connector.

X

Bend the retainer spring end down and
forward until it unclips. Fold the
retainer spring back.

X

Pull the bulb out of the headlamp
housing.

X

Installing: Insert the new bulb into the
headlamp housing.

X

Fold the retainer spring forward.
Bend the retainer spring end forward
then up and back to clip in.

X

Attach the electrical connector.

X

Reinstall low‑beam headlamp cover =.

High‑beam headlamp bulb

X

Removing: Take off high‑beam headlamp
cover ?.

X

Detach the electrical connector.

X

Tilt the bulb socket down and pull it out.

X

Pull the bulb out of the bulb socket.

X

Installing: Insert the new bulb into the
bulb socket.

X

Fit the bulb so that the retaining lug of
the base plate is pointing up.

X

Press the bulb into the bulb socket until
it is fully engaged.

X

Attach the electrical connector.

X

Reinstall high‑beam headlamp
cover ?.

Replacing bulbs

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Z

Front turn signal lamp bulb

X

Removing: Turn bulb socket ;
counterclockwise by a quarter of turn and
pull it out of the headlamp housing.

X

Press gently onto the bulb and turn it
counterclockwise.

X

Pull the bulb out of bulb socket ;.

X

Installing: Insert the new bulb into bulb
socket ;.

X

Press gently onto the bulb and turn it
clockwise.

X

Insert bulb socket ; into the headlamp
housing.
The arrow on bulb socket ; must be in
line with the line on the headlamp
housing.

X

Turn bulb socket ; clockwise by a
quarter of turn.

Side turn signal lamp bulb

X

Removing: Open the door on the
corresponding side.

X

Press on retaining lug : in the
direction of the arrow until the side turn
signal lamp housing disengages.

X

Use a suitable tool to loosen the side turn
signal lamp housing from the fender.

X

Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise
and pull it out of the side turn signal
lamp housing.

X

Pull the bulb out of the bulb socket.

X

Installing: Insert the new bulb into the
bulb socket.

X

Insert the bulb socket into the side turn
signal lamp housing and turn the bulb
socket clockwise.

X

Fit the side turn signal lamp housing
onto the fender.

X

Press gently onto the side turn signal
lamp housing.
The side turn signal lamp housing must
audibly engage.

Replacing bulbs for rear lamps

Before you start to replace a bulb for a rear
lamp, do the following first:

X

Turn exterior lamp switch to position
$ (

Y

 page 66).

X

Switch off the ignition.

Tail lamp unit

X

Removing:
Coupé: Open the upper tailgate.

X

Open the lower tailgate.

X

Cabriolet: Open the rear soft top
(

Y

 page 75).

X

Remove the side cover in the cargo
compartment on the corresponding side.

X

Fold the damping material forward, if
necessary.

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Replacing bulbs

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