smart is replacing my ECU...

[anthony94114]

I've had it for about a month, covered less than 300 miles, mainly because the engine light has come on periodically during ownership. It was @ the dealer for a week, as they tried to solve the issue.. eventually deciding it was due to water in the tank. Well, that wasn't it and now the light has come on and off again (always paired with incredibly rough running). Smart pulled the codes which told little, so they've ordered a new ECU (Engine control unit, I'm assuming). It was ordered at least 10 days ago, and STILL, nothing has arrived (aren't they supposed to have a parts warehouse in the US?)

Anyway, long story short, the whole car is rough idling even when warm. RPMs are solid, but might the ECU alter the roughness of the car if it's faulty and replaced? Any experiences out there? I hardly trust the car to get me across town and back.

[mvukovich]

Do you have a loaner car? Any idea what the fault code is? PO****

[anthony94114]

No loaner. I got one for 2 hours or so about 15 days ago. The problem, is that the fault codes aren't leading to anything.. if there were any. Thus, with smart corporate, they decided the ECU must be screwed up, since the engine light would come on, but not throw any codes.

[SmartAzz]

Keep track of all the details to be prepared to lemon the car if necessary.

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/lemon_law/

[jonnysan]

Just a wild guess....try closing off the fuel tank filler with something other than the cap...(to prove or disprove whether the cap is indeed closing off the tank when it is secured properly**-or prove that it is leaking slightly) The cap is supposed to be keep the tank unvented so basically the vapors that accumulate in the evaporative emissions get trapped or sucked back into the tank. If the cap is bad or some connection to the tank (like a fill hose clamp) or a connection to the evap emissions system is loose it is allowing air to be sucked in and could be causing the problem....like the same problem you would have if the cap were not tightened with at least 3 positive clicks when closed.....:;) Worth a try....sometimes back yard tricks and techniques can tell you things a computer can't....

John

[anthony94114]

The cap check is a good idea.. though I've actually not even had to fill the tank yet. The dealership has given it both its tanks (first free with purchase, second because they drained the tank and had to refill)... so I'm certain they, of all peeps know that the gas cap must be clicked - but I'll send your tips regarding the connection/fill hose clamp/or bad cap to the tech. They definitely could be the reason. Really, nobody seems to know. I appreciate the tips a lot. Thanks!

[Dunerunner]

anthony94114

Your smart center should pop for a rental car if they have your car more than three days. This is an industry wide practice, my land rover dealer did it when working on my Defender and the VW dealership did it when they had to keep my new beetle for and extended period. Good luck with the easy fixes!!