Check Engine Light On, No Codes, No Start Options

[fernblatt]

I have a 2006 Canadian Cabrio CDI with about 60k Km on the odometer -


While running errands a couple days ago - on a nice chilly rainy day - I hop into my car and notice it doesn't want to turn over. Just a "click" from the SAM, no starter.

Noticed the CHECK ENGINE light is on. Used a ScanGaugeII to find what trouble code may have caused this -- THERE ARE NO TROUBLE CODES STORED. Was at an auto parts store and they loaned me two other types of generic code scanners.
I even called smart Canada, who forwarded me to a dealer in BC (it was late in the day...) and this is not a problem they had ever come across.


Troubleshooting, I found - battery is good, battery cables good, doesn't drop at all in voltage when turning the key to the start position. All other systems appear to function normally. Disconnecting the battery overnight and trying again did not resolve the problem.


Anyone else heard of this particular problem? Surely my starter solenoid hasn't suddenly died - even if it has, that doesn't explain the check engine light.

ummm, help?


[EDIT: disconnecting the battery for several day seemed to have cleared the problem. But it is still going on, intermittant, and doesn't always need to battery cable pulled. Wish I had a service manual or diagram to troubleshoot with.]

This post has been edited by fernblatt: Mar 7 2010 - 12:06 PM

[Speedie]

There have been some starter failures - not sure if that throws a check engine light - you can bump start a smart - just to see if it is perhaps another issue.
Evilution Bump Start instructions


If you can get a clamp ammeter (they are real cheap these days) - put it around the battery cable and try the starter - if there is a larger current draw then a probably a dud starter - if not then other issues. There have been a few SAM failures too - unfortunately they are expensive and usually need Star Diagnostics to definately say they are shot.

A love tap on the side of the starter (if you can get to it) sometimes will loosen the bearings enough to get it to turn over if it is drawing current.


Good luck with it -

Cheers,
Cameron

[smartzuuk]

Didn't we just have another thread on this same topic, or very similar? I'll have a look....

Edit - same item here

Ok, so you're likely going to have to have some funny little gremlin to look into....
Be prepared to find someone with a Star Machine, cause you may need that at some point.

This post has been edited by smartzuuk: Feb 6 2010 - 10:38 AM

[FastEddy]

Star for sale. 2009 updates. Email for detail.

[MightyMouseTech]

The engine light should remain on if the car has not been started. Does not mean there is an engine fault.

Just sounds like either an ignition switch problem or a starter motor problem.

[fernblatt]

The engine light should remain on if the car has not been started. Does not mean there is an engine fault.

Just sounds like either an ignition switch problem or a starter motor problem.

Normally it's on for about ten seconds, then goes off, similar to the SRS light, etc.

[MightyMouseTech]

Normally it's on for about ten seconds, then goes off, similar to the SRS light, etc.

Tried it on my car, waited a full 30 secs and the light stayed on the whole time.

This post has been edited by MightyMouseTech: Feb 9 2010 - 05:59 AM

[fernblatt]

Tried it on my car, waited a full 30 secs and the light stayed on the whole time.

Odd, then again my car may be - and probably is - the odd one! lol

BTW= replaced the battery cable today. Started right up. Old one checked good, and provided power to the rest of the car, so dunno. When the ground dries up enough so i don't need scuba gear to crawl under the car, I'll replace the engine ground strap with a pair of beefy braid straps. Hopefully no more problems if that was indeed the problem to begin with. not going to do much driving until all that is done.

Now I need to call smart.ca to see what is involved in retrieving my radio's code - the radio wants a code, I don't have one in my paperwork!!

Thanks all

[Mike T]

Get the radio's serial number off the chassis at the back before asking for a code. You can remove it using coat hanger wire.

[Mike T]

I haven't calculated FE yet but yesterday's Scanguage result was 4.5 L/100 km, good considering the speeds, snow and everything else!