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Hello community.
I have quietly stalked these forums for several years as a non-registered viewer. I finally have incentive to register now that I am dealing with a slight mechanical issue.
I have a 2009 Smart Pure that I purchased in 2012. A few weeks ago I received a letter from Mercedes Benz detailing a recall issue that would be remedied at no charge. This was replacement of the mat/carpet that covers the engine compartment in the rear of the vehicle (I guess some of these were a fire hazard). Seems like a simplistic enough thing to fix. To not miss work, I had the car towed to the dealer and carpooled to work with a friend.
While the car was at the dealership getting the recall work done, I was alerted that the check engine light was on, and was asked if I wanted a diagnostic test to be run. I agreed, but told the service manager that it seemed odd to me. The engine light was not on prior to being towed, and the nature of the recall repairs didn't seem like something that would involve disturbing the actual internal components of the engine compartment. Frankly, it just seemed odd that it would come on at that specific time under those circumstances. The service manager didn't disagree, but basically said they can check it for a fee of $150, or they won't and it was up to me. So, I had them go for it. I later receive a call that the diagnostic code read something about a transmission related issue, specifically reverse gear. The service manager said that it isn't a big deal right now, but if it continues to happen, it may end up in the reverse gear no longer functioning and that the only remedy would be replacing the vehicle's transmission.
I check the invoice after I picked the car up yesterday, and the print out said that the engine code has come up once, and that if it comes up 5 or more times transmission replacement is recommended. I drove it home, and the light was off (It was about a 20 mile drive home). I drive it for my 3 mile work commute this morning and the check engine light is back on. I am a bit baffled by the timing, I guess. No check engine light, towed, recall work, check engine light is on. I feel like something isn't adding up.
It's not super heavy mileage for its age (65k miles). It doesn't go long distances or experience heavy abuse. I didn't get a quote of the transmission replacement because everything I have ever heard about transmission replacement goes to the tune of, "If you have to replace the transmission, it makes more sense to replace the entire car." Due to age and condition, the car is only worth a couple thousand dollars or so. It has been a reliable little car.
Has anyone else experienced anything like this? Have any suggestions? I am not tech savvy myself, and my wedding is October 27th so I am a bit strapped at the moment. Any insight would be appreciated.
Thanks!
-Seth
I have quietly stalked these forums for several years as a non-registered viewer. I finally have incentive to register now that I am dealing with a slight mechanical issue.
I have a 2009 Smart Pure that I purchased in 2012. A few weeks ago I received a letter from Mercedes Benz detailing a recall issue that would be remedied at no charge. This was replacement of the mat/carpet that covers the engine compartment in the rear of the vehicle (I guess some of these were a fire hazard). Seems like a simplistic enough thing to fix. To not miss work, I had the car towed to the dealer and carpooled to work with a friend.
While the car was at the dealership getting the recall work done, I was alerted that the check engine light was on, and was asked if I wanted a diagnostic test to be run. I agreed, but told the service manager that it seemed odd to me. The engine light was not on prior to being towed, and the nature of the recall repairs didn't seem like something that would involve disturbing the actual internal components of the engine compartment. Frankly, it just seemed odd that it would come on at that specific time under those circumstances. The service manager didn't disagree, but basically said they can check it for a fee of $150, or they won't and it was up to me. So, I had them go for it. I later receive a call that the diagnostic code read something about a transmission related issue, specifically reverse gear. The service manager said that it isn't a big deal right now, but if it continues to happen, it may end up in the reverse gear no longer functioning and that the only remedy would be replacing the vehicle's transmission.
I check the invoice after I picked the car up yesterday, and the print out said that the engine code has come up once, and that if it comes up 5 or more times transmission replacement is recommended. I drove it home, and the light was off (It was about a 20 mile drive home). I drive it for my 3 mile work commute this morning and the check engine light is back on. I am a bit baffled by the timing, I guess. No check engine light, towed, recall work, check engine light is on. I feel like something isn't adding up.
It's not super heavy mileage for its age (65k miles). It doesn't go long distances or experience heavy abuse. I didn't get a quote of the transmission replacement because everything I have ever heard about transmission replacement goes to the tune of, "If you have to replace the transmission, it makes more sense to replace the entire car." Due to age and condition, the car is only worth a couple thousand dollars or so. It has been a reliable little car.
Has anyone else experienced anything like this? Have any suggestions? I am not tech savvy myself, and my wedding is October 27th so I am a bit strapped at the moment. Any insight would be appreciated.
Thanks!
-Seth