2012 SMART FORTWO COUPE alternator

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions4
Switch Engine Off The engine oil level is too low. The engine could be damaged.
X
Stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
X Turn off the engine.
X Engage the parking brake.
X Check the engine oil level (Y page 118) and add engine oil as
required (Y page 119). J
Release Parking
Brake You are driving with the parking brake engaged.
X
Release the parking brake. 5
Shift

to N or P to
Start You have attempted to start the engine while the automatic
transmission was in reverse gear
R or drive position D.
Shift the automatic transmission into park position P or
neutral position N.5
Apply Brakes to
Start You have attempted to start the engine without depressing the
brake pedal.
Depress the brake pedal to start the engine.
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions#
Charge Battery The battery is not being charged.
Possible causes:
R
alternator malfunctioning
R broken poly-V-belt
X Stop the vehicle immediately as soon as it is safe to do so.
X Turn off the engine immediately.
X Engage the parking brake.
X Check the poly-V-belt.
X If poly-V-belt is broken: Do not continue to drive. Contact
an authorized smart center.
X If poly-V-belt is intact: Have the vehicle checked at an
authorized smart center immediately. !
Among other possible causes, the poly-V-belt could be broken. Do not continue to
drive.

Otherwise, the engine will overheat due to an inoperative water pump which may
result in damage to the engine. 160
Display messages
>> Practical hints.

Vehicle
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions#
The battery
indicator lamp
illuminates
while driving
or does not go
out after the
engine is
started. The alternator is malfunctioning. The battery is no longer
charged.
X
Stop the vehicle immediately in a safe location.
X Do not continue to drive.
X Turn off the engine.
X Engage the parking brake when leaving the vehicle.
X Contact Roadside Assistance or an authorized smart center. The poly-V-belt is broken. The battery is no longer charged.
X
Stop the vehicle immediately in a safe location.
X Do not continue to drive.
X Turn off the engine.
X Engage the parking brake when leaving the vehicle.
X Contact Roadside Assistance or an authorized smart center. !
Among other possible causes, the poly-V-belt could be broken. Do not continue to
drive.
Otherwise, the engine will overheat due to an inoperative water pump which may
result in damage to the engine. 168
What to do if ...>> Practical hints.

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.