2015 SMART FORTWO COUPE maintenance

It monitors the tire inflation pressure in
all four tires. A warning is issued to alert
you to a decrease in pressure in one or more of the tires.
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) is equipped with a combination low
tire pressure/TPMS malfunction telltale in the instrument cluster. Depending on how
the telltale illuminates, it indicates a low
tire pressure condition or a malfunction in
the TPMS system itself:
R If the telltale illuminates continuously,
one or more of your tires is significantly
underinflated. There is no malfunction
in the TPMS.
R If the telltale flashes for 60 seconds and
then stays illuminated, the TPMS system
itself is not operating properly.
The TPMS only functions on wheels that are
equipped with the proper electronic sen-
sors. G
WARNING
The TPMS does not indicate a warning for
wrongly selected inflation pressures.
Always adjust tire inflation pressure
according to the Tire and Loading Infor-
mation placard on the driver’s door B‑pil- lar.
The TPMS is not able to issue a warning due to a sudden dramatic loss of pressure (e.g.
tire blowout caused by a foreign object). In
this case bring the vehicle to a halt by
carefully applying the brakes and avoiding abrupt steering maneuvers. 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 plac-
ard. If your vehicle has tires of a differentsize than the size indicated on the Tire and
Loading Information placard, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pres-
sure for those tires. As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a tire pressure moni-
toring 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. Driv-
ing on a significantly underinflated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can lead to
tire failure.
Underinflation also increases energy con-
sumption, reduces 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 com-
bined with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a malfunction, the
telltale will flash for approximately
1 minute and then remain continuously
illuminated.
This sequence will continue upon subse-
quent vehicle start-ups as long as the mal-
function exists. When the malfunction
indicator is illuminated, the system may
not be able to detect or signal low tire
pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety
of reasons, including the installation of
incompatible replacement or alternate
tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent
the TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale after
replacing one or more tires or wheels on
your vehicle to ensure that the replacement Tires and wheels
131>> Operation.
Z

For more information on tire load rating
(Y page 140).
For information on calculating total and
cargo load capacities (Y page 134).Direction of rotation
Unidirectional tires offer added advan-
tages, such as better hydroplaning per-
formance. To benefit, however, you must
make sure the tires rotate in the direction
specified.
An arrow on the sidewall indicates the
intended direction of rotation (spinning)
of the tire. Tire care and maintenance
G
WARNING
Regularly check the tires for damage. Dam- aged tires can cause tire inflation pres-
sure loss. As a result, you could lose control
of your vehicle.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the
tire tread is badly worn, or if the tires have
sustained damage, replace them.
Check the tire inflation pressure at least
once a month. For more information on
checking tire inflation pressure, see
“Recommended tire inflation pressure”
(Y page 128).
Tire inspection Every time you check the tire inflation
pressure, you should also inspect your
tires for the following
R excessive treadwear (Y page 137)
R cord or fabric showing through the tire’s
rubber
R bumps, bulges, cuts, cracks or splits in
the tread or side of the tire
Replace the tire if you find any of the above conditions. Life of tire G
WARNING
Tires should be replaced after 6 years,
regardless of the remaining tread.
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying factors including but not limited
to
R driving style
R tire inflation pressure
R distance driven
Tread depth 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.
Depending upon the weather and/or road
surface (conditions), the tire traction var- ies widely.
Do not allow your tires to wear down too far. Adhesion properties on wet roads are
sharply reduced at tread depths of less than
1 / 8 in (3 mm).
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 approx-
imately 1
/ 16 in (1.6 mm), at which point the
tire is considered worn and should be
replaced.
Recommended minimum tire tread depth:
Summer tires 1
/ 8 in (3 mm)
Winter tires 1
/ 6 in (4 mm) Tires and wheels
137>> Operation. Z

R
Remove unnecessary loads.
R Have all maintenance work performed at
the intervals specified in the Mainte-
nance Booklet and as required by the
Maintenance System. Contact an author-
ized electric drive smart center.
Energy consumption is also increased by
driving in stop-and-go traffic, on short
trips, and in hilly areas. Tires
G
WARNING
If you feel a sudden significant vibration
or ride disturbance, or you suspect that
possible damage to your vehicle has occur- red, you should turn on the hazard warning
flashers, carefully slow down, and drive
with caution to an area which is a safe dis-
tance 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 approx-
imately 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. Depending upon the weather and/or road
surface (conditions), the tire traction var- ies widely.
Specified tire inflation pressures must be maintained. This applies particularly if
the tires are subject to high loads (e.g.
high speeds, heavy loads, high ambient
temperatures). G
WARNING
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire will affect your ability to steer or brake and maycause you to lose control of the vehicle.
Continued driving with a flat tire or driv-
ing at high speed with a flat tire will cause
excessive heat build-up and possibly a
fire.
For more information, see “Tires and
wheels” (Y page 127). Hydroplaning
Depending on the depth of the water layer
on the road, hydroplaning may occur
resulting in a loss of control, even at low
speeds and with new tires. Reduce vehicle
speed, avoid track grooves in the road and
apply brakes cautiously when it is raining. Tire traction
The safe speed on a wet, snow covered or icy
road is always lower than on a dry road.
You should pay particular attention to the
condition of the road whenever the outside temperatures are close to the freezing
point. G
WARNING
If ice has formed on the road, tire traction will be substantially reduced. Under such
weather conditions, drive, steer and brake
with extreme caution.
smart recommends winter tires (Y page 146)
with a minimum tread depth of approx- 150
Driving instructions>> Operation.

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 low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately 1 minute and then remain continuously illuminated.
This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction
exists. When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of incom-
patible replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or
more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and
wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function properly. Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M MSolutions Ò
Danger: Ice Danger: Ice
(Canada only) The outside temperature is below 3
¥. The road may be icy.
X Adjust your driving style to the prevailing road and weather
conditions.
X Confirming message: Press the OK button on the control lever
briefly (Y page 83). G
WARNING
The display message Danger: Danger:Ice
Iceis not designed as an ice-warning device and is therefore
unsuitable for that purpose.
Indicated temperatures just above the freezing point do not guarantee that the road surface
is free of ice. The road may still be icy, especially in wooded areas or on bridges. Your
vehicle could start to skid if you do not adjust your driving style accordingly.
Therefore, always adjust your driving style to the prevailing road and weather conditions. Display messages
165>> Practical hints. Z

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 increases energy consumption, reduces 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 lowtire pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately 1 minute and then remain continuously illuminated.
This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction
exists. When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect
or signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of incom-
patible replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or
more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and
wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function properly. 174
What to do if ...>> Practical hints.

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 Switch off the drive system.
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 othersizeable objects before raising the vehi-
cle 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 sur- face. If you do not position the jack cor-
rectly, the vehicle can fall off the jack and
seriously or fatally injure you or others.
Never switch on the drive system when the
vehicle is raised.
Also observe the notes on the jack.
X Make sure to have a suitable jack 10
, wheel
wrench 10
and wheel chock 10
.
Contact an authorized electric drive
smart center for information on which
jack and wheel wrench are required.
X Prepare the vehicle as described
(Y page 195).
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.
X On wheel to be changed, loosen but do not
yet remove the wheel bolts (approx-
imately one full turn with wheel wrench).
! Only position the jack on the designa-
ted take-up brackets.
You must not position the jack under the
high-voltage battery. Otherwise, the
high-voltage battery could be damaged.
10 Not included and not available as factory equipment. Wheel change
195>> Practical hints. Z

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).
i The Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)* only functions on wheels that are
equipped with the proper electronic
sensors (Y page 130). Batteries
Notes on the vehicle’s electrical sys-
tem
The vehicle’s electrical system provides
power for the electric drive and all elec-
trical consumers or components of the
vehicle.
Power is supplied to the vehicle via two
batteries:
R 12-volt battery
R High-voltage battery Notes on the 12‑volt battery
Your vehicle’s 12‑volt battery is located in
the passenger footwell below the footrest
(Y page 199).
The 12 volt battery should always be suffi-
ciently charged in order to achieve its
rated service life. Refer to the Scheduled
Maintenance Guide (USA only) or the Ser-
vice booklet (Canada only) for battery
maintenance intervals.
If you use your vehicle mostly for short-
distance trips, you will need to have the
12 volt battery charge checked more fre-
quently.
When replacing the battery, always use bat-
teries approved by smart. For information,
contact an authorized electric drive smart
center. If you do not intend to operate your vehicle
for an extended period of time, consult an
authorized electric drive smart center
about steps you need to observe. G
WARNING
Observe all safety instructions and pre-
cautions when handling automotive batter- ies. Risk of explosion.
Fire, open flames and
smoking are prohibited
when handling batteries.
Avoid creating sparks.
Battery acid is caustic.
Do not allow it to come
into contact with skin,
eyes or clothing.
Wear suitable protective
clothing, especially
gloves, apron and face-
guard. Wear eye protection.
Rinse any acid spills
immediately with clear
water. Contact a physician
if necessary. Keep children away.
Follow the instructions in
this Operator’s Manual. G
WARNING
Failure to follow these instructions can
result in severe injury or death.
Observe all safety instructions and pre-
cautions when handling automotive batter- ies.
Never lean over batteries while connect-
ing, you might get injured. Batteries
197>> Practical hints.
* optional Z

Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not
allow this fluid to come in contact with
eyes, skin or clothing. In case it does,
immediately flush affected area with water
and seek medical help if necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas,
which is flammable and explosive. Keep
flames or sparks away from battery, avoid
improper connection of jumper cables,
smoking, etc. G
WARNING
Do not place any metal objects on a battery.
You could otherwise cause a short circuit
and the battery’s highly flammable chemi-
cals could ignite.
Never allow any metal object to contact both
battery terminals or the positive terminal and the vehicle body at the same time. This
might short circuit the battery and ignite
the highly flammable and explosive hydro-
gen gas generated by the battery, causing
serious personal injury. G
WARNING
Keep flames or sparks away from battery,
avoid improper connection of jumper
cables, smoking, etc. R When disconnecting the battery, always
disconnect the negative terminal first,
followed by positive terminal.
R When connecting the battery, always con-
nect the positive terminal first, fol-
lowed by the negative terminal.
R Do not loosen or disconnect the battery
terminal clips while the drive system is
running or the key is in the starter
switch.
! Never loosen or detach battery terminal
clamps while the drive system is running or the key is in the starter switch. Oth-
erwise, electronic components could be
severely damaged.
Have the battery checked regularly at an
authorized electric drive smart center. Refer to Maintenance Booklet for main-
tenance intervals or contact an author-
ized electric drive smart center for fur-
ther information.
! Never invert the terminal connections! Notes on the high‑voltage battery
Have work on the high-voltage battery per- formed by an authorized electric drive
smart center only. Observe the safety noteson (Y page 16) as well as the notes on the 12-
volt battery (Y page 197). G
WARNING
The electrolyte of the high-voltage bat-
tery, i.e. the battery fluid, is toxic and
caustic. Do not allow this fluid to come in
contact with eyes, skin or clothing, for
example in case of an accident.
In case it does, immediately flush affected area with water and seek medical help
immediately.
The high-voltage battery is located in the
vehicle underbody. Keep this in mind when
jacking up the vehicle. The vehicle has
designated take-up brackets for the jack.
For more information, see (Y page 196).
! Only position the jack on the designa-
ted take-up brackets.
You must not position the jack under the
high-voltage battery. Otherwise, the
high-voltage battery could be damaged. 198
Batteries>> Practical hints.