[toecutter]

I just paid an independent shop to fix my smart and the problem was the clutch actuator. They were scratching there heads for 2 days to track down the problem so i'm guessing they padded the bill. I completely feel ripped off!!
- Is a new clutch actuator a simple install or is a software install/update needed to sync the new part? It was giving a p1800 code when it was first brought in the shop.

 

[jwight]

http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/fo...r-adjustment-43284/?highlight=clutch+actuator

http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/fo...instructions-40960/?highlight=clutch+actuator

Basically a 15 min job; the book says a computer is needed to adjust the new actuator but several owners have bypassed that with no problems.

 

[SmartDigger]

I never updated the computer when I moves or cleaned it

 

[toecutter]

I spent 1.5 hours yesterday reading through several threads and the postings were rather old so i didn't want to bump an old thread. No mention of a software needed to install.
-The estimate of $1,100 before the work started went to $1,380 by the time i showed. He claimed a fee of $100 for software update hidden somewhere in the labor costs.
- testing and evaluation $138
-replace actuator $110
-reprogram and initialize clutch system $211

One day of driving and the car has lost its crisp shift between gears that it had before.

-Off beat question...............does the 453 have these actuator problems or any odd design flaws?

 

[stevenjb]

Wow, they charged you a lot for the actuator. They usually run $600-700 online. And at most they had to retrain the transmission by shifting it through the gears while the car was running, and sitting still.

What was the failure of the actuator? Mechanical damage (broken components)? Did they return the old actuator to you?

 

[toecutter]

Claimed the dealership cost was $750 and i was billed $800 plus tax ($70). Because i took out the battery to see if it was bad, he might of been scratching his head a little more with the install. Yea, i retained the old actuator.
I'm trying to think what action i need to take to reclaim what i was over charged.