When I got my smart back in January, it took me an extra 45 minutes to get off the lot, because I opened the engine cover and then couldn't get it to lock. A technician replaced the latch, but it had the same problem. The solution turned out to be as simple as applying strong downward pressure at the latch point, and then twist. It was not a matter of 'seating' the cover properly, and could not be resolved by wiggling the cover, in my case.
When I got my car, Ricardo was showing how to open the cover. He couldn't close it though. He pulled another set out of his pocket and switched the key and socket. Works fine since then.
Forcing is not necessary, new gasket or not. Slide the cover forward such that the slot is under the ears and turn the latch. If it won't latch fairly easily, wiggle the cover side-to-side slightly and you will feel it "pop" toward the front of the car. Hard to explain, but if the latch is difficult to turn, the cover is NOT in the right place, regardless of how it appears...
I'd say it's a bit like a cell phone battery cover: the lid requires to be pushed into its groove all the way forward before closing it fully, then the D-ring screw and its hole should align.
When I got my smart back in January, it took me an extra 45 minutes to get off the lot, because I opened the engine cover and then couldn't get it to lock. A technician replaced the latch, but it had the same problem. The solution turned out to be as simple as applying strong downward pressure at the latch point, and then twist. It was not a matter of 'seating' the cover properly, and could not be resolved by wiggling the cover, in my case.
EXACTLY, I'm familiar enough with the engine cover to know if it is properly centered. String downward pressure wasn't enough, that's why we applied SUPERstrongdownwardpressure and it locked right into place.
Mine broke when I was trying to lock it. The nut part broke, not the finger twist top. I went to the dealer and he said that a lot of them are breaking. They were out of them when I went the first time but they had a bunch on order. Went back a few weeks later and got it replaced. I only live 3 miles from the dealer so it wasn't a big deal. He said they MIGHT change the engine cover lock design on the 2009 model.
I didn't get mine quite centered and twisted off the last 1/8" of the key (which the sales person had me use at the dealership). I also then realized that the alignment had to be just so to fully engage. I bought a cheapie circular screwdriver at Sears which is like a flat disc with flat blade protrusions of various sizes on the circumference. I just lay it on top of the engine cover under the carpet. Can't tell it's there and it doesn't get lost.
had the same problem with mine....and it's not pleasant if the engine is still hot. This worked for me. Slide the little clip-nut back until it is seated all the way back and centered in the hole. Then spray both the clip and the twisty thing with silicone spray. Don't know how permanent it will be, but it is a quick-fix. I agree, it's a poorly engineered system that should be redesigned
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