[Vultureboy]

Hey all, new Smartcar owner, first time poster. So I bought a used 2009 Smart Fortwo Passion. They guy selling it said it simply wouldn't start one day. So, being technically minded, I did some troubleshooting. Now, when I turn the key, the starter is working, but the engine won't fire. So here's what I've done:



Fuel - working, fuel pump is pushing out fuel.

Battery - brand new, fully charged

Spark - pulled coil and plug #2 , and put it to the engine block. Spark is weak and orange, probably being quenched by the compression into the cylinder.

Also checked continuity between engine block, and frame ground - have continuity.

So what else am I missing? Thoughts?

Thanks in advance everyone.

 

[vadsoom]

Check the connector on the starter. Since it’s on the bottom of the engine, it gets exposed to the elements and can corrode to the point of not passing enough current to turn the starter motor.

 

[Vultureboy]

Sorry, I should have been more specific in the original message, the start is turning, it's just the engine won't actually catch.

 

[albertlastsmart]

Any trouble codes??...................

Very first thing to do,is plug a code reader into the OBD port for any displayed trouble codes..............

 

[Igor Barbaros]

When the starter is turning, is it turning the engine? Or is just the motor inside the starter dining

Sorry, I should have been more specific in the original message, the start is turning, it's just the engine won't actually catch.

 

[Vultureboy]

I've checked it with my OBD reader, and it's not showing any codes.

And the starter is turning the crankshaft, I can hear it doing so.

Just checked all my fuses, they are fine.

And just replaced all 3 spark plugs. It actually sputtered, like it was about to fire up, it just couldn't do it.

 

[Igor Barbaros]

I'd put a fuel pressure gauge and see what she says

I've checked it with my OBD reader, and it's not showing any codes.

And the starter is turning the crankshaft, I can hear it doing so.

Just checked all my fuses, they are fine.

And just replaced all 3 spark plugs. It actually sputtered, like it was about to fire up, it just couldn't do it. <img src="http://smartcarofamerica.com/forums/images/SmartCarOfAmerica/smilies/tango_face_sad.png" border="0" alt="" title="Frown" class="inlineimg" />

 

[dhlairbusb4]

Maybe the battery gave out just as it was about to fire... try to recharge the battery, see if it will fire.

 

[Vultureboy]

Hey everyone, I know this topic is month old, but I wanted to do a follow up, in case it might benefit someone else in the future. I ended up taking the car to my mechanic, who diagnosed it as having little to no compression. This obviously meant I would have to rebuild the engine or get a new one. So I ended up buying a salvaged engine off EBay. Thanks to Kane over at Evolution, he had instructions on how to remove the engine cradle. Once I pulled the old engine off the gearbox, I was able to see through intake and exhaust ports what had happened: the previous owner had cooked the engine. There was "chicken fat" congealed in the chambers where coolant had leaked into the combustion chambers.
Anyways, 9 months and a lot of procrastination after I bought the salvage engine, my little Smart is running perfectly! (if a bit loudly).