door won't shut!

[unicycle]

Originally Posted by Smart Enuf

When you say the door won't stay shut, do you mean it closes all the way so that the door is flush with the body, but it won't latch so that you can push it open without pulling on the inside door handle? ...

...If you push the silver part of the latch to the left with your finger or key so that it rotates until it locks into position, you will not be able to shut your door until you pull on either exterior or interior door handle (i.e., it will stay ajar). Is this what happens when you say the door won't shut?

Yes, it closes all the way but won't LATCH. Thanks for the clarification.

And then as to your idea, I think that's the problem, except that the exterior handle pull didn't seem to help -- only the interior.

[DFWehman]

Don't have my smart to look at yet, but I have had similar problems where the latch wouldn't pop out due to binding, littl squit of lock lube helped..

[sheraldyne]

We're having the same problem with Vernie Mae. Macaw is out taking a pic now. Opening the window is not helping. We also think it might be heat related. I just took Vernie out about an hour ago and it worked fine when I left. She sat in the hot sun for about 3 minutes, and then the door would not close. I had to hod it shut to get back home.

[DowneasTTer]

After nursing the drivers door of Max (08 cab) for about 2 months, finally got to a smartcenter. I was waiting for a trip to the in-laws which is near smartcenter Hartford as I am 350 miles from any service center. Was able to put up with the problem because simply using the inside handle seemed to allow for the door to catch. Hartford replaced the driver's door latch and all seems well.

DowneasTTer
Orrington, ME

[Macaw]

Problem is with the door latch. If you look up into the door latch there is a plactic piece that the top of the latch pushes against and sometime the latch lock doesn't drop and the door just pops back open. Squirted some lube up there for now (dealer is 2-hours away) but will let them know monday as probably it will take a new latch mechanism...

[unicycle]

Thanks, Macaw, for that info.

It's been happening a lot more lately, and I phoned the dealership today; I'll have to take the car in next week in order to fix this problem -- the WD-40 isn't always doing the trick, tho I think it's helped a few times. I actually had to drive the car on the highway today with a bungee cord holding the door shut for awhile. Eventually the latched worked (phew), but it was a bit scary (and noisy) till then. I think the problem may have something to do with expansion in heat.

[bradgarbus]

Originally Posted by unicycle

I called my dealer, and the guy said he'd never heard of this problem with a Smart.
anyone else?
any ideas?

I had the same issues with the tester smart at the dealership. I had to slam the snot out of the door to get it to shut. I'm not sure if it is due to the door being so lite or what... I do know I worry about the glass in the door. I think the glass is heavier than the door itself. I can see this bring a concern after a few years of ownership. We will see. I personally hope not...

[Macaw]

Just had my latch replaced 9/12 ...they indicated they have a service advisory for the problem. New part is redesigned.

[Mitspowered]

Originally Posted by Macaw

Just had my latch replaced 9/12 ...they indicated they have a service advisory for the problem. New part is redesigned.

Does anyone have any further info on this service advisory? I'm taking my car in this Friday after suffering through this problem intermittently and I don't want to just have my dealer spray some lube in the latch and send me home.

Mitspowered
(can't recall a positive dealer service experience)

[UncleBill]

I would also like to know if anyone has access to Advisory Number. Having same problem, infrequently for now.