[wahi]

2011 Passion. OK, so I was about 3 minutes drive from home. Went to my Bank's drive-up for a deposit, and while waiting to for the chute to return my receipt, switched off the engine. Restarted the car, and as I was pulling out of the driveway, I noticed the battery light was on. Instinctively I looked at my Scangauge II and saw the temp at 177F. Drove a block and saw it at 187F. And just as I was turning into my backyard, it was 206F. Hoho... Off-ed the engine and saw the gauge inch up to 207, then 209F. It was drizzling so left it at that. I restarted it just to see if it would clear the battery light. Light still there.
When the rain has stopped, I got the engine cover off and yes, there was no belt! Belt was changed along with alternator in early 2020 along with alternator and tensioner at a MB/smartcenter in Michigan, according to ex-owner. Retraced my steps and found the chewed-off belt about 1/4 mile form home. Glad I didn't fry the engine...

 

[jwight]

Close call!

 

[smark]

I just watched a You tube video, on how the accessory belts fray, wear out, break from worn out bearings play. From the alternator.

Your very lucky you did burn up the engine.

 

[Miss Mercedes]

I've done this very drive before. Started with a cold engine and drove a half mile to the nearest shop to have a belt fitted. I think my engine maxed out at about 170 degrees on that run.

Since your belt was basically new, it shouldn't have broken so soon. As smark remarked, check for play in the pulleys. Also make sure that the alternator spins freely. The last time my car threw a belt it was because the alternator was on its way out.

 

[Karl Roth]

I will keep my fingers crossed for you.

 

[twcom]

Scanguage II usage good good good. My Fan kicks on at 213 degrees. Normal run temp 181 - 184 degrees. Interested to hear why they believe you belt shred,

 

[wahi]

Thanks for all the input, guys. The alternator, belts and tensioner (and starter, even though not needed) were all done by the Michigan smartcenter last year (allegedly). The pulleys (tensioner's and alternator) rotated freely. I haven't started work on replacing the belt yet. I will see if the tensioner was inline with the other pulleys. Maybe the tensioner wasn't installed right?

 

[sokoloff]

Parts are typically guaranteed for one year unlimited mileage after being serviced at a Mercedes/Smart dealer. Any associated labor and damage to replace/repair is included. If you are within a year, I'd hit up the former Smart dealership.

Len