2012 SMART FORTWO COUPE maintenance

effect. Maintain a safe distance from
vehicles in front.
To
help prevent brake disc corrosion after
driving on wet road surfaces (particularly
salted roads), it is advisable to brake the
vehicle with considerable force prior to
parking. The heat generated serves to dry
the brakes. G
WARNING
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers.
Limited braking effect on salted roads Remember that the effect of the brakes can
be

limited on salted road surfaces. A layer
of salt can form on brake discs and brake
pads, considerably reducing the friction
between the brake disc and the brake pad.
The effect is most noticeable after long
trips without braking, e.g. on the highway,
and after the vehicle has been parked for
several hours. G
WARNING
The accumulation of salt on brake discs and
brake pads reduces braking effectiveness
and increases the distance necessary to
come to a complete standstill. This could
potentially cause an accident and/or
personal injury.
To avoid this risk, you should
R brake carefully every now and then on
salted

roads in order to remove any layer
of salt on the brake disc and brake pad,
but do so without endangering any other
road users
R keep a good safe distance from the
vehicle in front and drive carefully
R press the brake carefully at the end of the
trip and again when beginning the next
trip in order to remove any salt residues
from the brake disc New brake pads Only install brake pads recommended by
smart.
G
WARNING
If other than recommended brake pads are
installed,
or other than recommended brake
fluid is used, the braking properties of the
vehicle can be degraded to an extent that
safe braking is substantially impaired.
This could result in an accident. G
WARNING
New brake pads will not achieve their
optimal braking effect until after several
hundred miles (kilometers). This means
that you must compensate for the reduced
braking effect by pressing harder on the
brake pedal and adapt your driving style
accordingly. The same applies after brake
pads or brake discs have been changed. Drive sensibly - save fuel
Fuel consumption, to a great extent,
depends on driving habits and operating
conditions.
To save fuel you should:
R Shift gears in a timely manner.
R Avoid frequent acceleration and
deceleration.
R Keep

tires at the recommended inflation
pressures.
R Remove carriers* when not in use.
R Remove unnecessary loads.
R Allow engine to warm up under low load
use.
R Have all maintenance work performed at
the intervals specified in the
Maintenance Booklet and as required by
the Maintenance System. Contact an
authorized smart center.
Fuel consumption is also increased by
driving in cold weather, in stop-and-go
traffic, on short trips, and in hilly areas. Driving instructions
145
>> Operation.
* optional Z

Catalytic converter
Your smart is equipped with monolithic-
type catalytic converter, an important
element in conjunction with the oxygen
sensors to achieve substantial control of
the pollutants in the exhaust emissions.
Keep your vehicle in proper operating
condition by following our recommended
maintenance instructions as outlined in
your Maintenance Booklet. G
WARNING
The catalytic converter can become very
hot. Coming into contact with the catalytic
converter could result in burns.
Note the following:
R Do not remove the protective heat guards.
R Do not apply any underseal.
R As with any vehicle, do not idle, park, or
operate this vehicle in areas where
combustible materials such as grass,
hay, or leaves can come into contact with
the hot exhaust system, as these
materials could be ignited and cause a
vehicle fire.
! To prevent damage to the catalytic
converter, only use premium unleaded
gasoline in this vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in engine
operation should be repaired promptly.
Otherwise, excessive unburned fuel may
reach the catalytic converter, causing it
to overheat and potentially start a fire.
It is essential to observe the following
points, as there is otherwise a danger of
overheating and the catalytic converter
may be damaged.
R Fill up only with premium unleaded
gasoline. Even small quantities of
leaded gasoline can damage the catalytic
converter.
R Make sure you adhere to the prescribed
service intervals.
R Never run the fuel tank empty. R
If
the engine starts to misfire, bring the
vehicle to an immediate standstill
without endangering traffic.
R If the engine fails to start the first time,
you should not try to start it any more
than three times in succession.
R Do not try to start for more than four
seconds at a time. Tires
G
WARNING
If you feel a sudden significant vibration
or ride disturbance, or you suspect that
possible damage to your vehicle has
occurred, you should turn on the hazard
warning flashers, carefully slow down, and
drive

with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the road.
Inspect the tires and the vehicle underbody
for possible damage. If the vehicle or tires
appear unsafe, have the vehicle towed to the
nearest smart center or tire dealer for
repairs.
Treadwear indicators (TWI) are required by
law. These indicators are located in six
places on the tread circumference and
become visible at a tread depth of
approximately 1
/ 16 in (1.6 mm), at which
point the tire is considered worn and
should be replaced.
The treadwear indicator appears as a solid
band across the tread. G
WARNING
Although the applicable federal motor
vehicle safety laws consider a tire to be
worn when the treadwear indicators (TWI)
become visible at approximately

1
/ 16 in
(1.6 mm), we recommend that you do not allow
your tires to wear down to that level. As
tread depth approaches 1
/ 8 in (3 mm), the
adhesion properties on a wet road are
sharply reduced. 146
Driving instructions
>> Operation.

water being ingested by the engine through
the air intake, causing severe internal
engine damage.
Any
such damage is not covered by the smart
Limited Warranty. Passenger compartment
G
WARNING
Always fasten items being carried as
securely as possible.
In an accident, during hard braking or
sudden maneuvers, loose items thrown
around inside the vehicle may injure
vehicle occupants.
The cargo compartment is the preferred
place to carry objects. Control and operation of radio
transmitters
Radio and telephone G
WARNING
Please do not forget that your primary
responsibility is to drive the vehicle
safely. Only operate the radio or
telephone 16
if road, weather and traffic
conditions permit.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), your vehicle is
covering a distance of 44 feet
(approximately 14 m) every second.
Telephones and two-way radios G
WARNING
Never operate radio transmitters equipped
with a built-in or attached antenna (i.e.
without being connected to an external
antenna) from inside the vehicle while the
engine

is running. Doing so could lead to a
malfunction of the vehicle’s electronic system, possibly resulting in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.
Radio

transmitters, such as a mobile phone
or a citizens band unit should only be used
inside the vehicle if they are connected to
an antenna that is installed on the outside
of the vehicle.
Refer to the radio transmitter operation
instructions regarding use of an external
antenna. Emission control
Certain engine systems serve to keep the
toxic components of the exhaust gases
within permissible legal limits.
These systems, of course, will function
properly only when maintained strictly
according to factory specifications.
Any adjustments to the engine should
therefore

be carried out only by qualified
smart center authorized technicians.
Engine adjustments should not be altered
in any way. Moreover, the specified service
jobs must be carried out regularly
according to smart servicing
requirements. For details refer to the
Maintenance Booklet. G
WARNING
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to
your health. All exhaust gas contains
carbon monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can
cause unconsciousness and lead to death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas
(such as a garage) which are not properly
ventilated. If you think that exhaust gas
fumes are entering the vehicle while
driving, have the cause determined and
corrected immediately. If you must drive
under these conditions, drive only with at
least one window fully open at all times.
16 Observe all legal requirements. Driving instructions
149
>> Operation. Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions6
Reserve Fuel The fuel level has dropped below the reserve mark.
X
Refuel at the next gas station. Ö
Driver´s Door Ajar The driver’s door is open.
X
Close the driver’s door. Ø
Door Ajar The passenger door is open.
X
Close the passenger door. Õ
Tailgate Open A tailgate or the rear soft top
17
is open.
X Close the tailgates or the rear soft. Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutionsh
Check
Tire Pressure The tire inflation pressure in at least one tire is
significantly below the reference value.
X
Carefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt
steering and braking maneuvers.
X Check and adjust tire inflation pressure as required
(Y page 126).
X If necessary, change the wheel ( Y page 194).G
WARNING
Each tire should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure
recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the Tire and Loading Information placard. If
your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the Tire and Loading
Information placard, you should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those
tires.
As

an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires
is significantly underinflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your
tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly
underinflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s
handling and stopping ability. Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even
if underinflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.
17 cabriolet only. Display messages
161
>> Practical hints.
Z

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)*
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutionsh
The yellow
combination
low tire
pressure/TPMS
malfunction
telltale
illuminates
continuously. The TPMS detects a loss of pressure in at least one tire.
X
Carefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt
steering and braking maneuvers. Observe the traffic
situation around you.
X Check and correct tire inflation pressure as required
(Y page 126).
If the tire inflation pressure in the respective tire(s) has
(have) been corrected, the combination low tire pressure/TPMS
malfunction telltale goes out after a few minutes of driving.
See also “Restarting the TPMS” (Y page 129). h
The
combination
low tire
pressure/TPMS
malfunction
telltale flashes
60 seconds and
then stays
illuminated. There is a malfunction in the TPMS.
X
Have the TPMS checked at an authorized smart center.
After the malfunction has been remedied the combination low
tire pressure/TPMS malfunction telltale goes out after a few
minutes of driving. G
WARNING
Each tire should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure
recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the Tire and Loading Information placard. If
your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the Tire and Loading
Information placard, you should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those
tires.
As

an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires
is significantly underinflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your
tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly
underinflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s
handling and stopping ability. Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even
if underinflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when
the system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the 172
What to do if ...
>> Practical hints.
* optional

Wheel change
Preparing the vehicle
X Park the vehicle on a hard, flat surface
when possible.
X Turn on the hazard warning flasher.
X Turn the steering wheel so that the front
wheels
are in a straight-ahead position.
X Engage the parking brake.
X Move the gear selector lever to park
position P.
X Turn off the engine.
X Have any passenger exit the vehicle at a
safe distance from the roadway. Removing the wheel
G
WARNING
When jacking up the vehicle, only use a
suitable jack. Observe the manufacturer’s
safety instructions.
The jack must be designed for jacking up
this vehicle at the jack take-up brackets
built into both sides of the vehicle.
The jack is intended only for lifting the
vehicle

briefly for wheel changes. It is not
suited for performing maintenance work
under the vehicle. To help avoid personal
injury, use the jack only to lift the vehicle
during a wheel change.
Never get beneath the vehicle while it is
supported by the jack. Keep hands and feet
away from the area under the lifted vehicle.
Always lower the vehicle onto sufficient
capacity jackstands before working under
the vehicle.
Always firmly engage the parking brake and
block the wheels with wheel chocks or other
sizeable objects before raising the
vehicle with the jack. Do not release the
parking brake while the vehicle is raised.
Make sure the ground on which the vehicle
is standing and where you place the jack is solid, level and not slippery. If necessary,
use

a large underlay. On slippery surfaces,
such as tiled floors, you should use a non-
slip underlay, for example a rubber mat.
Do not use wooden blocks or similar objects
to support the jack. Otherwise the jack may
not be able to achieve its load-bearing
capacity if it is not at its full height.
The jack must always be vertical when in
use. Always try to use the jack on level
surface. If you do not position the jack
correctly, the vehicle can fall off the jack
and seriously or fatally injure you or
others.
Never start the engine when the vehicle is
raised.
Also observe the notes on the jack.
X Make sure to have a suitable jack 18
,
wheel
wrench 18
and wheel chock 18
.
Contact an authorized smart center for
information on which jack and wheel
wrench are required.
X Prepare the vehicle as described
(Y page 194).
X Make sure the surface is level.
Prevent the vehicle from rolling away by
blocking
wheels with wheel chocks or other
sizeable objects:
X Place one wheel chock or other sizeable
object in front of and another wheel
chock or other sizeable object behind
the wheel that is diagonally opposite to
the wheel being changed.
18 Not included and not available as factory equipment.194
Wheel change
>> Practical hints.

to come off. This could cause an accident.
Be sure to use the correct wheel bolts.
G
WARNING
Only use genuine smart wheel bolts. Other
wheel bolts may come loose.
Do not tighten the wheel bolts when the
vehicle is raised. Otherwise the vehicle
could fall off the jack.
X Clean contact surfaces of wheel and wheel
hub.
! To avoid paint damage, place wheel flat
against hub and hold it there while
installing first wheel bolt. X
Guide the wheel onto the wheel hub and
push it on.
X Insert two wheel bolts and tighten them
slightly.
X Vehicles with wheel trim cap on steel
rim: Attach the wheel trim cap so that it
is held by the two wheel bolts.
X Install last wheel bolt and tighten it
slightly.
X Lower the vehicle until the vehicle is
resting fully on its own weight.
X Remove the jack.
X Tighten the wheel bolts. Observe a
tightening torque of 80 lb-ft (110 Nm)

.G
WARNING
Have the tightening torque checked after
changing a wheel. The wheels could come loose if they are not tightened to a torque
of 80 lb-ft (110 Nm).
Steel rim with wheel cover
X
Vehicles with wheel cover on steel rim:
Position wheel cover aperture : so
valve ; fits through.
X Push the wheel cover evenly onto the
wheel rim with both hands.
X Check that the wheel cover is fixed
securely to the wheel rim.
i The Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)*

only functions on wheels that are
equipped with the proper electronic
sensors (Y page 127). Battery
About the battery
Your vehicle’s battery is located in the
passenger footwell below the footrest
(Y page 198).
The battery should always be sufficiently
charged in order to achieve its rated
service

life. Refer to Maintenance Booklet
for battery maintenance intervals.
If you use your vehicle mostly for short-
distance trips, you will need to have the
battery charge checked more frequently.
When replacing the battery, always use
batteries approved by smart.
Battery: 12 V and 42 Ah
If you do not intend to operate your vehicle
for an extended period of time, consult an 196
Battery
>> Practical hints.
* optional

key is in the starter switch. Otherwise
the alternator and other electronic
components could be severely damaged.
Have the battery checked regularly at an
authorized smart center.
Refer to Maintenance Booklet for
maintenance intervals or contact an
authorized smart center for further
information.
! Never invert the terminal connections! Disconnecting, removing, charging,
reinstalling and reconnecting the
battery
Disconnecting the battery i
If the battery is disconnected or
discharged
R the key will not turn in the starter
switch
R the automatic transmission will
remain in park position P
For more information see “Jump
starting” ( Y page 199).
X Engage the parking brake.
X Move the gear selector lever to park
position P.
X Turn off all electrical accessories.
X Turn off the engine.
X Open the passenger door.
X Move the passenger seat to the rear as far
as possible.
X Unscrew the carpet holder in the
passenger footwell (Y page 158).
X Lift the carpet. X
Unscrew fastening screw ;
counterclockwise.
X Pull footrest : sideways out of the
vehicle.
X Read and observe safety instructions and
precautions (Y page 196). !
Always disconnect the battery in the
order described below. Otherwise the
vehicle’s electronics can be damaged.
X Disconnect the battery negative lead
from negative terminal =.
Make sure the negative lead does not
come
into contact with the positive lead.
X Remove cover ? from the positive
terminal.
X Disconnect the battery positive lead.
Removing the battery X
Unscrew battery mount A.
X Remove the battery support and bracket.
X Pull out the ventilation hose from the
battery (depending on battery198
Battery
>> Practical hints.