[Jim Shores]

Here’s one for ya. My steering is acting odd. I’ve tried the battery disconnect but no effect. When I start the car I get no warning lights. But when I turn the wheel I get the warning light and the steering feels different. It has power steering but I’ve never had this happen. Anyone else experienced this? It’s like the wheel does not try to center itself, it just stays where you aim it when you release the wheel. I use this Smart as a “toad”. I tow it behind a motorhome. I’ve towed it thousands of miles. When you tow a Smart you attach a bungee cord from the seat to the bottom of the steering wheel. I hooked it up the other day and forgot to fasten the bungee and when I pulled the motorhome forward about 20 feet I felt the front wheels whip back and forth rapidly right and left. (Reason for the bungee) I stopped, hooked up the bungee and problem solved. No that it’s unhooked I’ve been having this problem. -Jim

 

[smark]

The electric power steering rack is probably dead. Your getting a light. Might need replacing. I’d check that out. A new one is $$$. If it’s bad, you might look for a salvage one

Remanufactured Steering 451460085180 | MB Online Parts

451460085180 - Remanufactured Steering

www.mbonlineparts.com

 

[gtdump]

If you like a project, it might be worth checking the wiring harness that feeds it. In both my 2008 and my 2010 I have found several spots where the insulation has failed, all have been minor thus far, but who knows.

 

[Kennedysmart]

Here’s one for ya. My steering is acting odd. I’ve tried the battery disconnect but no effect. When I start the car I get no warning lights. But when I turn the wheel I get the warning light and the steering feels different. It has power steering but I’ve never had this happen. Anyone else experienced this? It’s like the wheel does not try to center itself, it just stays where you aim it when you release the wheel. I use this Smart as a “toad”. I tow it behind a motorhome. I’ve towed it thousands of miles. When you tow a Smart you attach a bungee cord from the seat to the bottom of the steering wheel. I hooked it up the other day and forgot to fasten the bungee and when I pulled the motorhome forward about 20 feet I felt the front wheels whip back and forth rapidly right and left. (Reason for the bungee) I stopped, hooked up the bungee and problem solved. No that it’s unhooked I’ve been having this problem. -Jim

My 2009 Smart is having the same issue--power steering light is on and steering is heavy--but not from a bungee cord issue. Started happening a few days after having a new front rim installed, but I doubt there's a connection to that, right? The car is our only vehicle presently and is needed for commuting to work. Is it safe to continue driving it, as in it won't cause an accident or further damage to the car? It's not difficult to drive, just a bit heavier. Any advice, suggestions, warnings would be greatly appreciated. Money is tight, so would like to avoid the expensive diagnostic and fix if it is still safe. Thanks.

 

[Jo e Lefors]

Hello from Las Vegas NV.

Welcome to SCoA forum.

Sorry I have no idea if it is safe to continue driving your smart with nonfunctional power steering.
Good luck

 

[Jim Shores]

Here’s one for ya. My steering is acting odd. I’ve tried the battery disconnect but no effect. When I start the car I get no warning lights. But when I turn the wheel I get the warning light and the steering feels different. It has power steering but I’ve never had this happen. Anyone else experienced this? It’s like the wheel does not try to center itself, it just stays where you aim it when you release the wheel. I use this Smart as a “toad”. I tow it behind a motorhome. I’ve towed it thousands of miles. When you tow a Smart you attach a bungee cord from the seat to the bottom of the steering wheel. I hooked it up the other day and forgot to fasten the bungee and when I pulled the motorhome forward about 20 feet I felt the front wheels whip back and forth rapidly right and left. (Reason for the bungee) I stopped, hooked up the bungee and problem solved. No that it’s unhooked I’ve been having this problem. -Jim

UPDATE! Problem solved. Under the steering wheel is a device that monitors the rotation of the tires and if any are out of sync it set off a warning light. In my case the steering wheel had whipped back and forth when I had taken off the bungee cord. The device popped out of its clips holding it! So I removed the steering wheel and reclipped it into its housing. Fixed it immediately. -Jim