Smartless on Memorial weekend

proaudiodude · 05-25-2009, 07:54 AM

Hey gang,

Bummed out over my Smart being in the shop over the BEAUTIFUL holiday weekend....and maybe even longer. Let me give you the back story.

Found a ForTwo online that I liked a lot, just under 4500 miles, convertible, white, nav system installed, hands free Bluetooth, etc, etc (was at a CarMax dealership in DC) and had it transferred to the closest CarMax to MN (this would be Milwaukee, WI). Picked it up about four weeks ago, drove it home and have been having a blast. Noticed some rattles shortly after getting it home from the underside so I called the Smart Center in Bloomington and inquired about service. Seemed they were a bit backed up due to the 2.0 software upgrade (which I asked for as well) so it put my service appt out a few weeks. A couple days before the scheduled appt my Smart started SQUEALING; an ungodly loud screech and squeal happening upon start up and continuing thru the gear shifting. I immediately parked the car and only drove it again to get it to the Smart Center in Bloomington last Thursday (my scheduled appt). The guys over there took a look at the car and are unable to determine the cause for this but it sounds like its going to be pretty major. They are contacting the Smart HQ for assistance on this one. I have no doubt that the Service center in Bloomington will take care of the problem ultimately but makes me concerned that I am the first to show up with this issue in the Twin Cities (guess I am #1 ehhh J). The staff there has been very helpful so far with regards to being honest (i.e., we don’t know what is going on) and keeping me informed, they are very nice folks over there. Timing is a bit scary as I was just about to take it to Kansas City for a meeting on Tuesday when the screeching started….can't imagine how much fun that would have been down there. I will let you all know how it turns out. Hopefully all of you had a safe holiday weekend!!!

Speak to you soon.

Jay
ProAudioDude

Big Panda · 05-25-2009, 08:36 AM

Bummer about your smart. Hope whatever they find is under warranty. If not, I would be contacting "CarMax" IMMEDIATELY. "CarMax" DID show you the "CarFax", right?

I too can't imagine what it might be, squealing on start-up and continuing while driving? Must be something driven off the engine. Alternator maybe or just the drive belt?

Well, in any case, I hope you get your smart back and get on the road again. We've had great weather here in Indy (until TODAY!) and I hate for anyone to miss out on having fun with their smarts......especially a CABRIOLET!

btw, what kind of Nav does it have and is it 'user friendly'?

jefferios · 05-25-2009, 08:41 AM

Yikes, I have no idea what that would be, keep us informed. Also the staff there is awesome.

forestacademy · 05-25-2009, 09:29 AM

Car MAX IN Milwaukee? It's right next to the Smart Center.

Well it should still be under Warantee now mater what, I hope.

John_H · 05-25-2009, 09:47 AM

The only squealing I'm familiar with is a slack belt (number one answer on the board) or the kind of squel you get when moving: a tiny stone somewhere in the brakes that shouldn't be there.

I hope your ride is back home and happy real soon! Better weekends are still ahead.

Dan500 · 05-25-2009, 06:40 PM

Hope it all works out for you. Let us know what the problem turns out to be. I`m sure you`ll be on the road again soon.

forestacademy · 05-25-2009, 06:45 PM

what smart will get the attention. Squeeky smart or smoking smart?
http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/forums/f4/fire-22970/

jimvw57 · 05-25-2009, 06:47 PM

Hopefully yours will be easier to fix than mine!!Ironic they are heading to the same place...

proaudiodude · 05-27-2009, 04:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Panda

btw, what kind of Nav does it have and is it 'user friendly'?

The Nav is a Pioneer AVIC D3. It works, I dont know if I would call it user friendly. The Nav in my Navigator is so much easier to use than this one. The Nav system in the wifes ML is very simple too. It seems the Pioneer is trying to do too many things as options when really I just want directions.

proaudiodude · 05-27-2009, 04:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimvw57

Hopefully yours will be easier to fix than mine!!Ironic they are heading to the same place...

Glad to hear you are all OK. That is a pretty scary scenario. Still waiting to hear back from the Smart guys in Bloomington about what they found out with regards to the squeal. Maybe I will see you up there...mine is the white and black cabrio.