More electrical problems - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

unicycle · 11-21-2008, 01:26 PM

The SAAM (or SAM) was replaced (see this thread for the note about why: replacing my SAAM (or SAM)), but some of the problems persisted. Apparently the SAM was causing the brights to flicker -- they don't anymore -- but now it turns out that the alternator is prolly the root cause of the other two electrical problems. I have to get it replaced on Monday. Unforch, this means driving 200 miles with a wonky alternator. Since I've already driven 20000 miles with it, I'm hoping it can last one more round-trip from NYC to NP.

The smart center folks told me that this was the first they'd heard of such a problem. It's always nice to be first in something, I guess.

Dunerunner · 11-21-2008, 03:10 PM

Did anyone tell you what the problem is with the alternator? other than it's wonky

unicycle · 11-21-2008, 03:56 PM

Sorry; I didn't get specifics, bit the thing IS being replaced.

Duckhunter · 11-21-2008, 04:08 PM

Might be the alternator but electrical problems can be a bear to isolate. I would also check all grounds for tightness and have them load test battery. A weak battery caused all kinds of problems in my pickup. I would think it might be worse in the smart as everything is computer controlled and any drop in voltage will cause some weird things to happon. It may very well be the alternator but I would have them check the whole system while you have it there.

SuperGeek · 11-21-2008, 05:29 PM

Agreed. And an alternator can be aged faster by a bad battery if it's constantly trying to charge it. Low voltage can cause all kinds of weird stuff, but voltage isn't the only factor in a bad alternator... one of mine had a bad diode and I had to replace positive battery cable, battery and alternator in one shot. Not sure, but I think the defect in one contributed to damage in another.

Surely the dealer techs will know all this if they're properly trained. Whether or not they care enough to give it a thorough check will depend largely on how nicely you ask, in some cases.

unicycle · 11-22-2008, 11:01 AM

thanks; I WILL ask. I found out today that the new part won't necessarily me around until ... Well, long story short: I'll take it in again after turkey day. Meanwhile I'll just have to drive it a few hundred miles. Since it already has 20k on it, the extra 200 - 400 miles won't kill me.

Duckhunter · 11-22-2008, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unicycle

thanks; I WILL ask. I found out today that the new part won't necessarily me around until ... Well, long story short: I'll take it in again after turkey day. Meanwhile I'll just have to drive it a few hundred miles. Since it already has 20k on it, the extra 200 - 400 miles won't kill me.

I would at least check and make sure the battey and ground connections are tight since you are not taking it to the dealer till later. Just lift up the passenger carpet and remove the foam block to get to the battery. Make sure the battery cables are tight but do not overtighten as this will damage the clamp. They should not move with gentle tug. Do the same with the ground connections to the tridion cell (looks like at least two that I saw around the battery.

unicycle · 11-24-2008, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duckhunter

I would at least check and make sure the battey and ground connections are tight since you are not taking it to the dealer till later.

Thanks, and thanks for the great directions. Sadly, the connections are all rock-solid. I say 'sadly' because this means I have to go back to the dealer (who, apprently, did NOT check the connections). This was the first time I ever lifted up the foam under the passenger side; it's always nice to learn something new about one's car. And now I know what the secret shelf is made of and all that.

But I'm not sure what that liquid was inside the container that's part of the foam you have to remove. Is that the tire sealant?

SuperGeek · 11-24-2008, 07:02 PM

Yup, that's the tire sealant. And the air compressor's right near it. Noisy, slow little bugger but it gets the job done. I hear it's not designed for a long life, so don't go pumping up other people's tires for fun. If you look on Tirerack.com for the ContiPro tires, you'll also find a compressor/goop combo that looks awfully familiar for about 70 bucks.

jefferios · 09-11-2010, 06:21 AM

How has the SAAM been working in the past few months?