Non-functioning door locks and other problems

[DavidV]

We have had our Fortwo Cabrio since last week and have noticed the following problems/issues:

Non-functioning door locks. You can press the key fob or button on the dash - neither locks the door. As a result, the doors are perpetually unlocked.

Dome light does not operate with doors opening or closing. Whether the switch is in the forward or back position, the dome light does not go on or off when the doors are opened/closed.

Rain sensing wipers. It has been pouring non stop here for days and we have yet to experience the wipers turning on by themselves. Interestingly, the headlights will work in auto mode, but the wipers will not turn on for rain.

Burning smell. This is probably just cosmoline burning off in the engine compartment but after several days, we still smell it pretty strongly inside the cabin.

Otherwise, love the car.

** DavidV

[bmx43]

Originally Posted by DavidV

We have had our Fortwo Cabrio since last week and have noticed the following problems/issues:

Non-functioning door locks. You can press the key fob or button on the dash - neither locks the door. As a result, the doors are perpetually unlocked.

Dome light does not operate with doors opening or closing. Whether the switch is in the forward or back position, the dome light does not go on or off when the doors are opened/closed.

Rain sensing wipers. It has been pouring non stop here for days and we have yet to experience the wipers turning on by themselves. Interestingly, the headlights will work in auto mode, but the wipers will not turn on for rain.

Burning smell. This is probably just cosmoline burning off in the engine compartment but after several days, we still smell it pretty strongly inside the cabin.

Otherwise, love the car.

** DavidV

the burning smell is just the motor breaking in. it happens in all new cars, you just may not get to enjoy it as much when the motor is at the front of most cars instead of the back like in the Smart. it goes away eventually.

[BeSmart]

Originally Posted by DavidV

Non-functioning door locks. You can press the key fob or button on the dash - neither locks the door. As a result, the doors are perpetually unlocked.

Otherwise, love the car.

** DavidV

Is anything ajar, back window, tail gate. Mine won't lock if something is not closed. Just a thought.

[Dave777]

So, you have an appointment at the dealer?

[DavidV]

OK - the door locks and interior light issue were related, and after a phone conversation with Steve Sheath over at Smart San Jose (Thanks, Steve) those are now both resolved. Turns out the trunk was not fully closed. Phew.

The wipers only come on when the stalk is one click down - I did not realize that - so those too are functioning correctly.

After a quick and friendly phone call, all is well.

The burning smell never really concerned me as I suspect that this is just the coating burning off the engine.

** DavidV

[Dave777]

Thumbs up to BeSmart for knowing the answer.

[SmartCard]

Originally Posted by DavidV

OK - the door locks and interior light issue were related, and after a phone conversation with Steve Sheath over at Smart San Jose (Thanks, Steve) those are now both resolved. Turns out the trunk was not fully closed. Phew.

The wipers only come on when the stalk is one click down - I did not realize that - so those too are functioning correctly.

** DavidV

that's good. So you CAN defeat the auto wipers afterall. Thats good to know!

[spdickey]

Seems like most of these problems were found between the steering wheel and the driver's seat. A complete reading of the owner's manual would have probably solved most all of these problems.

[BeSmart]

This is just the break-in period for smarties. Takes them awhile to get their owners all shaped up and trained. Smile when you realize your smartie is smarter than you!

[NYRangrfan]

One thing you all might want to remember....it is very important that you make sure the back hatch is closed....FULLY closed, you can push it shut and it will latch. but you really got to give it a good slam to shut it all the way. I found out the hard way on my old smart, It got completely soaked in the rain because it was latched and not completely closed....and it shorted out the Transmisson switch (which is located under the carpet.)