Almost ready for my 1st service...

[doogster]

I bought my Smart Cabrio on June 3rd, 2008. I now have 7300 miles on it - and in the next 2 months I'll be around the recommended 10K service mark.

I have two dealerships in NJ that are "within reach" of me... one is 61 miles and the other is 71 miles... neither one is very close... but better than a lot of people on this site :-)

The two dealerships are Cherry Hill and Edison. I just got off the phone with each of them asking what the 10K charges are...

Edison: $225 + tax

Cherry Hill $200 + tax. (they said it was a "type A" service, whatever that means)

Seems kinda high to me - and I know a lot of people will comment that I should do the oil change myself --- but I'm here to tell you I still have oil stains on my driveway from the LAST car I tried to change the oil on (old oil filter ring did NOT come off when I took the old filter off, and therefore put the new one on right over top of the other one and when I started the engine... 5 qts of oil sprayed in a 360 degree pattern that hit everything from my garage door to my pants and shirt) --- so... per the wife's direction there will be NO MORE attemped self-repairs done to our vehicles)

PLUS *** I have 2 more issues why I think I want to go have it serviced.

1) My lights flicker like crazy... and I'm thinking the battery cables are loose?? I tried to find the battery myself but I went as far as to lift up the carpet under the passenger's seat and I didn't see it... moved on.

2) I'm hoping the transmission "fix" will be out by March or April and I can get that update while I'm there...

Any thoughts???

[SmartTech]

lights that flicker... do you have the auto headlamps and wipers?

there is no eta on the trans update. smart is still having a few problems with it. 99% of cars take the update, but the other 1% need a new sprintshift module. until they get it to where none need the module or or the have a programing fix for that 1%..

[Old smart]

Originally Posted by doogster

... I tried to find the battery myself but I went as far as to lift up the carpet under the passenger's seat and I didn't see it... moved on. ...

The battery is under the passenger footwell. After you remove the screw and lift the carpet there is another foam piece (containing the tow eye) that comes out to uncover the battery. Loose ground straps (heavy brown wire) have been common.

[doogster]

Originally Posted by Old smart

The battery is under the passenger footwell. After you remove the screw and lift the carpet there is another foam piece (containing the tow eye) that comes out to uncover the battery. Loose ground straps (heavy brown wire) have been common.

yeah... once you go to "remove the screw"... I'm out!

I do have the auto lights and wipers... does that have something to do with it?

[Old smart]

Originally Posted by doogster

... yeah... once you go to "remove the screw"... I'm out! ...

The screw is just a plastic retainer about the diameter of a quarter that holds the front part of the carpet up. It is just finger tight.

[paroyboy]

By "flicker" do you mean they dim and brighten? Mine does that at each gear change. Assumed the clutch motor is a big draw on the current.

[SuperGeek]

Originally Posted by paroyboy

By "flicker" do you mean they dim and brighten? Mine does that at each gear change. Assumed the clutch motor is a big draw on the current.

Aye, that it is. Mine do the same, reducing voltage from 14 to 13 for about a second. It's normal.

doogster, definitely go to the dealer for the service ... your time and safety are worth the extra 150 bucks to get:

Warranty service at the same time on lights
Transmission upgrade (estimated ready 30-45 days from now, per other poster)
Review for service bulletins (anything from chipping paint to parts coming loose)
Peace of mind

Plus, if you ask they'll be happy to show you the battery compartment and demonstrate the tire repair kit and compressor. If you get a flat, trust me, you'll want to know how to use it... those Playskool instructions printed on the compressor are just impossible. The manual has better instructions, but nothing beats a personal demonstration.