[starrdanser]

Just purchased an older (2013) Smart Fortwo and noticed that sometimes when idling, the red battery light pops up. The dealer said not to worry about it, but the owner's manual says it could indicate a problem. Is this normal? I've never driven a SmartCar before and know they have their quirks, but I don't want to ignore a potential issue.

 

[WhiteNBlack08]

No, it's not normal. You could have a charging issue with the alternator, or the battery is getting weak. Get a digital voltmeter, and check the voltage across the battery terminals at idle. If it's not in the range of 13.8-14.4V, you have an issue. Might need a new alternator. Hold onto your butt if you do. Smart alternators are not cheap.
I had to put one in my smart at about 155,000 miles. I got lucky and found a low mileage used one on eBay for $50. I think remanufactured ones are going for close to $300 right now...

 

[OliverB]

That light should not turn on. Others might offer a cause.

 

[WhiteNBlack08]

Oh, and another thing, find yourself another dealer. If they told you not to worry about a red warning light on the dash, they are either incompetent, or are trying to avoid working on your smart. Either situation is not good....

 

[wahi]

You could have a broken alternator belt!! Don't run it, if so. Fix it ASAP as it also runs the water pump. That's how Cheewawa's original engine got fried.

 

[Shalmaneser64]

Oh, and another thing, find yourself another dealer. If they told you not to worry about a red warning light on the dash, they are either incompetent, or are trying to avoid working on your smart. Either situation is not good....

Agreed. Red warning lights are there for a reason. Find another dealer, or learn some of the maintenance tips for your own benefit. One of the issues with owning an older orphan car, but they are worth the extra effort, I think.

 

[WhiteNBlack08]

If you are looking for a good OBDII tool that works on the smart, get a blue driver took from Amazon. $99 and they work well with a smart.

 

[Shalmaneser64]

Since the ICE smarts don't have a voltage gauge, this power splitter might be of interest. It monitors the car voltage:

Amazon.com: Car Charger, Otium 150W 2-Socket Cigarette Lighter Splitter QC 3.0 Dual USB Ports 1 USB C Fast Car Adapter with Separate Switch LED Voltmeter Replaceable 15A Fuse Compatible GPS/Dash Cam/Phone/iPad: Home Audio & Theater

 

[MB DNA]

Just purchased an older (2013) Smart Fortwo and noticed that sometimes when idling, the red battery light pops up. The dealer said not to worry about it, but the owner's manual says it could indicate a problem.

THE DEALER that you bought it from “said not to worry about it?”

Any warranty with this purchase or “As is?” Take it back TODAY and make him fix it so as to take the “worry” out of your good faith purchase!

 

[gtdump]

You could have a broken alternator belt!! Don't run it, if so. Fix it ASAP as it also runs the water pump. That's how Cheewawa's original engine got fried.

That's what happened to my "Parts Car" too. I would expect though that if it's the belt the light would remain lit. Still I would take it back to where I bought it (MB or used lot) and give them a chance to make it right. Still, I'm not too sure I'd trust them to fix it right if they said not to worry about it in the first place....gets out the electrical tape and puts a strip over the alternator light "There, fixed good as new!"