[jimvw57]

Got cold out finally, 15 degrees and on the way home my smart started acting up again. 146,xxx miles and I got a P0303 code, then after resetting, I got a P0302 but it went away when I restarted the engine.

I hope it is the plugs I installed as they were the standard Denso plugs and not the long life ones. It could be time for new ones as it has been right around 30K miles, and I do have these fancy RED coils from Smart Madness (with lifetime warranty)

It is possible I got some bad gas, used the same station I always use, but I did fill up before driving to work... At least I made it home (46 miles )

 

[Mailman]

Original 146,xxx spark plug wires?

 

[jimvw57]

the 451 does not use spark plug wires, they have a C.O.P. (coil over plug) that mounts n top of the spark plugs, and they have roughly 30K miles on then (red coils are not stock, hey are sold from Smart Madness and are advertised as better than stock)

smart fortwo High Performance Ignition Coil Pack Set - MAXFire - 451 Model Online Store - smart car Parts and Accessories

 

[jwight]

The really cold temps were the issue with our car and it turned out to be a burned valve.....

 

[jimvw57]

That's what I am afraid of. Gonna try the plugs but I am thinking it is a valve, however it does seem to change to a different cylinder. May be time to hang up these smarts... I still have the Land Rover...

 

[toaster]

That's what I am afraid of. Gonna try the plugs but I am thinking it is a valve, however it does seem to change to a different cylinder. May be time to hang up these smarts... I still have the Land Rover...

Blasphemy!

~toaster

 

[jimvw57]

OK.. Been a pretty lousy week with the sub-zero weather, snow, and stuff. Today it is above zero, ok 7 degrees above zero, and I ran out of cars again. Got the Land Rover home but it was a 43 mile drive without brakes at -17 degrees out... Anyhow...

Put spark plugs in the smart, #3 cylinder, seems to run much smoother, but after about 2 miles, I got the flashing CEL again. this time a P030 error. so I put in plugs in cyl 1 and 2. Agsin took a drive. same thing. 2 miles and the CEL again, P0302 again. I had the 2 old coils from abut a year ago when I installed new ones so I changed coil #2 ... drove around for about 5-6 miles.. NO LIGHT!! This is the second coil I have had fail, both were relatively new, and one was about 100 miles on it.

at least I now have the longer life plugs installed so that will take that out of the problems list. Now if my feet will thaw out before I head to work.... we'll see how it does with some drive time on it!!

 

[jimvw57]

OK.. Been a pretty lousy week with the sub-zero weather, snow, and stuff. Today it is above zero, ok 7 degrees above zero, and I ran out of cars again. Got the Land Rover home but it was a 43 mile drive without brakes at -17 degrees out... Anyhow...

Put spark plugs in the smart, #3 cylinder, seems to run much smoother, but after about 2 miles, I got the flashing CEL again. this time a P030 error. so I put in plugs in cyl 1 and 2. Again took a drive. same thing. 2 miles and the CEL again, P0302 again. I had the 2 old coils from abut a year ago when I installed new ones so I changed coil #2 ... drove around for about 5-6 miles.. NO LIGHT!! This is the second coil I have had fail, both were relatively new, and one was about 100 miles on it.

at least I now have the longer life plugs installed so that will take that out of the problems list. Now if my feet will thaw out before I head to work.... we'll see how it does with some drive time on it!!

 

[jwight]

Were those the Smart Madness coils that failed...

 

[jimvw57]

Yes they were. first one that failed, was replaced as soon as I contacted them. I suspect this one will be the same. My only concern is that I might need to carry a spare or two for when they fail.

 

[jimvw57]

** UPDATE***
The drive to and from work was.. uneventful!! which is a good thing in this chapter. Just gotta get used to no 4WD in the snow again

 

[jimvw57]

heard back from SM last night, new coil is on it's way..