[Michael T]

So, back in January a passenger knocked my shifter into manual with his knee without my noticing. I then went up a steep grade for more than .75 miles at over 70 mph in 3rd gear, resulting in limp-mode kicking in before I reached the summit of the pass. I had to drive it another 60 miles in limp mode before parking it (for the last 9+ month's). A local German Car mechanic gave me a $3,200 estimate - but the only two Smart car centers near me are in San Francisco and Sacramento - NEITHER of which are willing to give me an estimate over the phone. I suspect the problem is a burnt valve, possibly requiring head replacement. Has anyone experienced an issue like this before? And if so, what was the final bill? It's a 2008 Passion and as much as I love it, I'm not sure if I'm prepared to pay more for a repair than I did for the car. Any insight would be helpful . . .

 

[jwight]

What's the diagnosis of the problem? What OBD codes have they found? What warning lights were on? Does the car run now? Lots of questions here...

 

[smark]

^^^^^ ditto.

I wouldn’t sink $3,000 into a 2008 car, that worth $1,500-$2,500 bucks. Driving 60 miles in limp mode, possible did some major damage to that engine. Who no’s what. Limp mode means to stop, have the car towed. Did your engine check light come on? How many miles are on the car?

At this point, sorry to say. You might want to write off this car. Its just going to be expensive to replace a engine. If that’s the issue. Like John mentioned above, check for some engine codes first, that’s what I’d do.

Good luck, Micheal!