Starter

[Dale Christensen]

Just wondering why the Smart starter seems to have a delay on it. When I turn the ignition there is a small pause, and then the starter seems to engage. Just wondering why!!!!!!

[fredthe]

I suspect it's because it's electronically controlled. I know with my other (US) cars, I have to hold it they key in the start position until the engine actually starts. With the smart, it's just a brief turn to position II and release... then the starter cranks as much as it needs to.

[jimvw57]

Because it can.... seriously, the computer starts the car. the keyswitch only tells the computer to start the car. thus, the delay. The computer does a series of system tests and checks before it activates the starter. If you turn on the key to the I position, wait a bit, then turn to the start position, it cranks right away. Once you turn the key to the start position, you can release it and the computer will still start the car.

[John_H]

Because today's cars are controlled by a computer. Your ignition is no longer hooked up directly to your starter motor.

An added benefit: if you don't hold the key in the "crank" setting long enough, the car usually continues to fully start anyway. And though I haven't tested it lately (if at all) I don't think the starter will grind like most older cars if you accidentally try to "start" when the engine's already running.

[RVGRINGO]

All of you are correct; when you drive a smart, you are 'out of control' and simply giving orders to little computers, which make the final decisions based upon what they decide; not you.

[NeWave]

Originally Posted by John_H

...And though I haven't tested it lately (if at all) I don't think the starter will grind like most older cars if you accidentally try to "start" when the engine's already running.

This holds true. I've done it, mostly just showing off... my 05 (2000 model) impala was the same way. You could just tap the key over til it started to start and let go. It wouldn't grind either on an accidental "restart"

[forestacademy]

Because it wants more Quarters in the slots?




I give the key a quick turn and release, and while its thinking about starting I put on my seat belt. Once the Belt is on the car is ready to go.

They might as well have made it a start button

[BB Benz]

If they did that, they couldn't get so much for the key.

[WhiteNBlack08]

Originally Posted by forestacademy

They might as well have made it a start button

Then we would be in the same boat as toyota!

[tvengineer]

The dealers really should go over this with the owners on the day of sale..

My car did have an electrical problem that was keeping it from starting.. and even with the loaner the gave me.. I thought something was wrong at first when I turned the key and it didn't crank right away...
It only took a couple of days to realize that this was just the way the car worked...
but now I make sure to explain it to anyone i let drive the smart .. just so they don't think that they broke it or something,.

dealer could have explained it