starting problems (2005 smart) - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

jemoore · 08-11-2009, 06:54 PM

hi folks,
i have a 2005 passion, i love my car... & have told everyone that too!!

but not now... about a month ago the engine wouldn't turn over... not even a dull groan... got a friend to give me a push... unfortunately i got some lovely scratches on the back bumper... but that didn't stop me from loving my little car.

well the other day... it did it again... wouldn't start, turn over, boost wouldn't help nor getting a tow... so off the dealership for a checkup...

IS ANYONE ELSE HAVING THIS PROBLEM? Would appreciate your response.
/jm

Leroy · 08-15-2009, 08:02 PM

Have you got the car going? It not tell me more details and I can guide you through the problem. Also where are you located?

Leroy

Georgieslovak · 08-27-2009, 11:50 AM

Hi Jemoore,

I to have the same problem with a "no start" condition with my /05 Passion.....just a click and faint wrrr from under the steering wheel area....!
However, I will post another thread an/or reply to you because my Smartie is now in the hands of a pro shop in Oshawa. They are replacing the alternator and will call as soon as the solution to "no start" is solved

Hang in there.

G

smart-*ss · 12-02-2009, 10:21 PM

I am also having problems starting my 05 passion (the car - this isn't a personal problem

)

It started a few months ago - every now and then the car would not turn over, just no sound at all or some brief clicking under the dash. It now happens on average about one in three times I try to start. I have to go through all kinds of gyrations - turn the key on and off; take the key out of the ignition and reinsert; take the key out, turn the alarm on and off again; etc. Finally, it will turn over, but there seems to be no particular pattern to why it finally does. My mechanic said that another G&K 2005 had the same problems and the ECU was pinned as the likely, but not definite, source of the problem. It was nearly impossible for them to obtain a replacement ECU, and I don't know what the outcome of that problem was.

Anyone hear of (or experience) this issue and have wise words for me?

Thanks!

Leroy · 12-03-2009, 06:07 PM

It seams like the starter solenoid is going bad. It happens on smart cars just like other cars. See if you are getting 12 volts to the starter solenoid when the starter fails to engage. The starter relay is built into the SAM unit so it cannot be serviced. If you are not getting 12 volts to the starter solenoid when cranking then the relay could be bad or a bad conection. Try removing the conections from the SAM unit and starter and see if there is any wires that are burnt or have corrosion on them. If you use the Star equipment it can check to see if everthing is working and not something ealse.

Leroy

smart-*ss · 12-03-2009, 06:10 PM

Thanks, Leroy. A problem with the starter solenoid makes sense to me. The ECU story I heard had me mildly alarmed, but there can also be a simple explanation.

I'll know more when I take the care to my mechanic next week, and I'll post the results.

carrico37 · 08-19-2010, 07:17 AM

I just wanted to let everyone know that i am thinking on buying a smart car. yrs2005-2007 But hearing about the cars probs im not sure. I have fallen in love with the car and want to buy one but with all the probs i am hearing now im not sure please help me with my choice buy or not to buy thanks james carrico.

YoGT1 · 08-19-2010, 01:27 PM

¿Want an advice? Check the battery first, when the battery is old everything works fine but the start doesnt works, that happens to my wife´s 05 fortwo last month, we just change the battery for a new one and that was the solution.

Mike T · 08-19-2010, 10:56 PM

+1 on the battery. Modern cars are VERY sensitive to small voltage drops. Around 12.3 V static charge and you throw the old one away.

BB Benz · 08-20-2010, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carrico37

I just wanted to let everyone know that i am thinking on buying a smart car. yrs2005-2007 But hearing about the cars probs im not sure. I have fallen in love with the car and want to buy one but with all the probs i am hearing now im not sure please help me with my choice buy or not to buy thanks james carrico.

Is it the body style and headlights you like so much?
Why not an 08+ so that your parts and servicing options are much greater?
The mitsu engine seems to be quite robust.
I hope you enjoy whatever you buy.