clutch adjustment, international repair

[biocdi 0]

dear clubsmartcar,

 

we have a 2005 smart fortwo that's a bit stuck in new york. it badly needs a service and clutch servo adjustment. the transmission thumps violently when accelerating from a stop and cannot make long trips without triggering a 'three line' indicator which limits it to first gear thereafter. we have double wrenches too! the car is as stated physically in the u.s.a. but registered in quebec [..and previously serviced in montreal.] our question is how can we fix this ourselves so it is drivable enough to get back to canada? are there any smart cdi technicians in the u.s. we ought to contact? suggestions welcome.

                                                                                                                                  - biocdi

[Huronlad 186]

smart Car of America has a list of service options in the US for 450s. 

 

How have you determined it needs a clutch actuator adjustment?

[LooseLugNuts 557]

remove the actuator and inspect the divot ..if hole has punched thru the release bearing arm you will need to search on how to repair that

 

if the hole is not punched thru you may be able to do a manual adjust to get it home...the actuator mounts on slotted holes

[biocdi 0]

dear all,

     well thanks for these tips! we finally set some time aside to try a mechanical

clutch adjustment. now the car is shifting like normal. i simply marked with chalk,

measured a 3mm nudge inward then hand tightened the E10 bolts. afterward we

test drove it on our property with much improved shifting and smooth engagement

in both A [auto] as well as manual shifting modes. i did not fully remove the actuator

and inspect the divot as also mentioned or any of the lubrication procedures due to

limited garage facility/tools and to try least invasive steps first. we will test some more

to be sure it does not revert to safe mode but it has run great with no more shudder/

jolting [up to 3rd so far..] we think long trips and an overdue tune-up are possible now.

                                                                                                                -biocdi

https://www.evilution.co.uk/Engine/clutch_adjustments.htm