Smart Redux

[littlefeather 0]

Hi everyone!

I've done it again

Re-entered the Smart life ......

I bought a brand new 2008 gas Passion in 2008 and we enjoyed a nice problem - free relationship for about a year before life dictated our ways should part.

Then in the last month or so a friend purchased a Smart - whilst another stepped forward indicating he also was in the market and off we trotted to the dealership for some lookie-loos and obligatory test drive of a coffee-bean cabriolet. Sunny afternoon, smiles beaming - memories came flooding back.

But not the "premium fuel only" memories!

You see - I've always wanted a diesel. There is something so intoxicating about the "chug a lug" aural tones. I started perusing the classifieds and used dealership inventories whilst grappling with my conscience "you don't need a second car" blah blah (well conscience, this is not a car - it's a Smart!!) and found a nice 06 Pulse with 30 000km on it and very decently priced. Best of all, it's that nice brighter green with silver Tridion.

It came home on Wednesday - I took the long way home lol!!

First things first - it needs to have a thorough check and service - the previous service is from a Hyundai dealership *yikes*. From forum recommendations I think I'll head out to Eddie for future servicing - might go to MB first as the engine cooling fan has been coming on/off intermittently and only 6 months of warranty remain.

Yes, I have read the horror stories and I proceed with fingers crossed knowing what might arise in the future and the high cost of repairs.

But I'm ecstatic to have another Smart to enjoy!

Di

[Smarty-Pants Sandy 0]

Hello Everyone,I've coveted a smart for years and now that I've joined the brigade, I've realized 3 days in that I'm due for an A Service. I'd appreciate if someone could recommend a best value servicer in or around the Edmonton area. I'm a smart neophyte and should have picked up on the wee wrench. I thought it was a "check engine" indicator and included it as a fix item with the Dealer's Bill of Sale. They didn't let me know it was for regular service; should I insist?Other than that, I'm absolutely giddy with my smart. Should have done this years ago.

[gordo.bernard 1]

Why not give it a shot? If you can show them that the light was on at time of purchase(if I read your post properly). That picture you posted almost looks like the French Cafe area in EPCOT...LOL

[Alex 21]

Welcome to the TRUE smartcar!

might go to MB first as the engine cooling fan has been coming on/off intermittently and only 6 months of warranty remain.

Is that the intercooler fan you mean, in the back on the left side? If so, intermittent is normal, comes on only when the computer thinks it should, actually that's ditto for the radiator fan in the front.

Use Eddy for all your service, service regularly and you'll miss a lot of the horror. If you're mechanically inclined pick up a suction pump and add some in-between oil changes, I do a oil only, no filter (takes 5 min, 10 with a few extra checks) at 5K, then regular A, B at 10K intervals. A's I do, Eddy for B's and any extras. I firmly believe most of the bad stories are due to:

1) Poor service practices on the part of SOME dealerships.

2) Too many short city trips when the engine doesn't warm up enough. Diesels in general HATE short trips, ours perhaps even more than most.

3) Crappy fuel and no conditioner. European diesel is much better than here. Use Milligans or another.

4) Overfilled oil. (See #1 above.) 2/3 on the dipstick and no more. More oil foams up, gets out the PCV and into the EGR, intercooler, turbo and then the problems start.

[MikeT 744]

Welcome (back) to the club!

[littlefeather 0]

Thanks for the welcome - and in particular Alex for your helpful words of wisdom!

I have been swayed by your opinion to deal with Eddy now, even for my first post purchase service and check. I may well research the suction pump and get a friend to help with some extra oil changes as I don't mid rolling up my sleeves.

Should the oil be as black as it is currently - my previous vehicles (including vespas) have always had synthetic that is a nicely tinged brown. I will book with Eddy as I fear the oil is old....

May I enquire about Milligans - is this a diesel additive?

And yes it is the intercooler fan at the left rear that is turning on frequently on my rather short stop and go trips around metro Vancouver. I've kept a watchful eye on the engine temp so am pleased to hear the fan is run by software and not being triggered by overheating (well, it is unseasonably warm here in Vancouver right now).

Which reminds me - it's time to go for a drive!!

Hope to see you at the totem pole meet up in April,

Di

[smart142 605]

Ya, diesel oil is always black- not to worry.Milligans is a Cdn made diesel fuel conditioner from Sask- available at many truck stops.

[Alex 21]

Yes to black oil... Even THAT black! And Eddy has Milligans... One stop service! I suspect all the diesel fuel conditioners have much the same effect, I went with Milligans because of convenience and some good reviews, but I think any brand would be fineAnd no, I don't get a commission from Eddy , I've just seen his work and knowledge and have a very high opinion of him. As do others at clubsmartcar.

[littlefeather 0]

Thanks so much - advice noted and appreciated.I should have known that black is an OK colour for diesel oil - duh!I'm certainly enjoying reading through the many posts of this awesome forum- when not out driving that is

[littlefeather 0]

Just returned from a nice afternoon with Eddy @Flying Tiger in Richmond - add me to the list of satisfied customers!B service and fresh brake and tranny fluids. I want my gem to last for many moons! Sadly at a previous service with a nonSmart specialist the OIL WAS OVERFILLED grrrrr....Eddy - you may call yourself "fast" but you also came across as friendly and competent - a tech to trust.Thanks again (too busy to say more, time to drive!