stickman007 Posted May 29, 2012 Share Posted May 29, 2012 I'm currently researching on more info on diagnostic software that's available to the the general DIY mechanic. My curiousity started when my 450 cabrio is starting show symptoms of the clutch slipping, and I began looking for adjustment and clutch replacement options. To my knowledge so far I could use the MB Star C3 to electronically re-learn the clutch position? Maybe reprogram another key? (I only have one right now)....the dealer is 3.5hrs away and wants wants way too much money to do these services. From what I gathered, I can purchase the MB Star for ~$600.Anybody who has owns any software that can shed like on the topic? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CANMAN Posted May 29, 2012 Share Posted May 29, 2012 The Chinese Star machines are difficult to use, you have to know a bit about computers, serial port issues are a big problem. There is no support from the mfg. Having said that, it's cheaper then a trip to the dealer. These is a company called Winstar which is not a rip off of MB Star, Tolsen can tell you more about it. Here is a link to some info. Canman http://www.evilution.co.uk/761 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bilgladstone Posted May 29, 2012 Share Posted May 29, 2012 http://www.win-star.co.uk/index.php/produc...-win-star-plus/ Looks like about $3K plus your own desktop PC or laptop. B Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stickman007 Posted May 29, 2012 Author Share Posted May 29, 2012 Thanks for the quick info! I have no idea how long my clutch will last, my actuator adjustment is nearly to its limit. Any idea how much a clutch replace will cost from the dealer? Flying Tiger Development is selling a clutch for around $800ish...how many hours of labor? or should I try to replace it and then take it to the dealer for the re-learn programing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex Posted May 29, 2012 Share Posted May 29, 2012 ... my actuator adjustment is nearly to its limit...What do you mean by that?The clutch is supposed to be self-adjusting for normal wear. The actuator mechanical adjustment is pretty simple and should not need to be done again until something is replaced. Note there have been too many cases of the throw-out fork and actuator rod wearing due to lack of lubrication, you may have this problem starting. Simple to prevent; mark the position, remove the actuator, dab a bit of heavy sticky "black grease" on the end of the rod and re-assemble. If the position is carefully marked a teach of the drag point won't be needed. Not so simple to repair, however. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bilgladstone Posted May 29, 2012 Share Posted May 29, 2012 Stickman007, don't go buying expensive parts and stuffing them in yourself without getting a proper diagnosis! If you are anywhere near Eddy, make an appointment and get it properly sussed. What if you re/re an $800 clutch and that wasn't your problem!? B Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stickman007 Posted May 29, 2012 Author Share Posted May 29, 2012 (edited) What do you mean by that?Followed the instructions on evilution for the mechanical adjustment http://www.evilution.co.uk/index.php?id=331Thanks Alex for the fork wear tip...I looked up some info on that as well. Will craw underneath this wkend to check!BTW - Who is Eddy? Where is he located? The sucky thing is that its a 7hr drive for me to get to Vancouver where all the reputable shops are. The dealer in Kamloops has a bad repIzzy Edited May 29, 2012 by stickman007 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bilgladstone Posted May 29, 2012 Share Posted May 29, 2012 (edited) Eddy is on Westminster Highway in Richmond. I live in Kelowna and when I first got my car, I regularly went to him for service. 800km round trip. I really ought to see him again... Eddy Lai, http://www.flyingtiger.ca Bil Edited May 29, 2012 by bilgladstone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CANMAN Posted May 29, 2012 Share Posted May 29, 2012 Izzy,How many kilometers on your car?I agree with Alex it would be a good idea to inspect the clutch fork for wear.Be sure to put the car in N and disconnect the battery before you remove the actuator ( you have the radio code right? )Don't let the actuator hang on the wires, carefully disconnect the electrical connector first.A trip to the dealer is important to teach in the clutch afterwards.No matter how bad a reputation the dealership has, it would be extremely difficult to screw up the teach in procedure.It takes about 1/2 hr and should cost no more then $120.00If you want more info on Chinese Star machines feel free to send me a PM.Canman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stickman007 Posted May 29, 2012 Author Share Posted May 29, 2012 Izzy,How many kilometers on your car?I agree with Alex it would be a good idea to inspect the clutch fork for wear.Be sure to put the car in N and disconnect the battery before you remove the actuator ( you have the radio code right? )Don't let the actuator hang on the wires, carefully disconnect the electrical connector first.A trip to the dealer is important to teach in the clutch afterwards.No matter how bad a reputation the dealership has, it would be extremely difficult to screw up the teach in procedure.It takes about 1/2 hr and should cost no more then $120.00If you want more info on Chinese Star machines feel free to send me a PM.CanmanThanks for all the helpful hints!I currently have 84k on the odometerQuick question on the actuator, I've been getting a lot of different info on what to grease the actuator with...spray on lithium white grease okay? or does it have to be thicker or thinner stuff?I'm suspecting clutch wear because of the sluggish feel/slipping feel (maybe even glazed) pulling from a stop, and it over revs a little bit when changing gears. I used to be a heavy duty mechanic, so I'm not afraid of working on the car if necessary, but I'm totally new to fortwos...I'll probably take it in to Eddy the next time I'm in the lower mainlands to confirm the diagnoses and pick up more info from gurus like you guys! Thanks for the tips again, I still need to find time to craw underneath to check up on the fork.Canman - All I want from the MB Star right now is to do the clutch teach and programming a new key are there any other programs that can do it cheaper? maybe less features? I do have some connections with powerful computer geeks, so I'm not too worry if computer issues...or I really should b? There's a couple of smart owners here and I figure if I have a copy of MB Star then I can save them a trip to the stealership if necessary hence the motivation...Izzy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CANMAN Posted May 30, 2012 Share Posted May 30, 2012 Izzy, Inspect the fork for the end of the actuator punching (wearing) right thru the fork or cracks. Thick black brake grease dabed on the end of the actuator rod will do, don't get carried away. You may want to lubricate the actuator after you get it back together. Here is a link to instructions (located in the Articles, top of screen beside Forums) http://clubsmartcar.com/index.php?autocom=...rticle&id=3 Duck also did a Utube video on lubing the actuator. Canman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeT Posted May 30, 2012 Share Posted May 30, 2012 My theory on the actuator rod wearing a hole in the release bearing lever: exacerbated by excessive idling in city traffic with the car in gear. I shift mine into neutral when the idle period will be longer than about 30 seconds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houseofdiesel Posted May 30, 2012 Share Posted May 30, 2012 Be careful when searching out star software that it is current enough for the smart-most for sale are only good to 2004 model year. I have seen one set up for sale on kijiji for $1400 good to June 2010 models, it was complete and new. The tool trucks now offer compatible software/programs for example matco tools offers Autel for $1800 and will do pretty much everything that star will do, snap on also has coverage too but their unit was $4000+. These units need updating/subscriptions sometimes, so be sure it will always work without needing a subscription. There was a law passed in Canada last year that forced the manufacturers to hand over all that coding etc to the aftermarket so independant shops could repair all cars, it is just making the market now for Mercedes/smart. These units may not be as easy to use as star though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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