StudentBallerina Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 Hey all! I just wanted to put this out there, I don't know if anyone else has ever experienced this, but here it is. I bought a 2006 Smart For Two in June 2014 (used, from a lady in my city), and she had taken really good care of the Smartie (I nicknamed it) when she ordered it in 2006. Given that she resides in the city, she did not need to drive very far to get to stores and stuff, so when I bought it, it only had about 35 000 km on it. She did take it out in the winter, she told me, because she said people who leave their Smarties sitting for long periods of time have trouble with the car. Everything was fine with it, I loved it SO much, the usual. Then, when it started getting cold here (November, when the average is -5'C and goes down from there), I found the Smartie making these rev-like noises just before it automatically changed gears. I thought it did this because it was cold out (maybe this is when I should have brought it in - I didn't know, I never had it in the winter before, shoot me!). So, on December 29, right before changing gears on a hill, the Smartie broke down, turned off, and the little screen on the dash had these 4 horizontal lines on it (??). The service dealer in my city fixed a few things, and we are now mid-January, he gives it a test drive, and it breaks down just like it did before. We get it towed to the next city to a Mercedes service place, and they find out it's the transmission that has broken. Question 1: when does a transmission break down? I have no idea about automobiles... Question 2: the service guy said when he looked in the transmission, the liquid was not its usual colour, but literally silver with the hundreds of specks of METAL, from somewhere in my car! What does that mean? Has the transmission been a shitty state for a while then? When does one "check up" on their transmission - why didn't the previous owner do so? So, end of my sob story: my Smartie is still in the city 1.5 hours away from me, they will not put in an old transmission (it's cheaper!) because of ethics, I know... I'm just a university student, you know how it is, and looking at piling costs, for (maybe) a transmission, new or old, the other parts that needed fixing, towing, and service pay for 2 different men. I don't know if I'll go all the way and fix it with new parts (but wouldn't it be weird to give an 11 year old Smartie an expensive new transmission?), or just let it go... But I love my baby Smartie! It's orange, and the only one in my city! Ok, done crying, if anyone has any transmission advice, I would be eternally grateful. Sorry for the long post! I am studying literature, so I'm used to writing a lot StudentBallerina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huronlad Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 If it is at a Mercedes dealer, I would find an independent to take it to. From the list of know problems, a transmission failing is almost unheard of. I would have an easier time believing it is a clutch or clutch actuator problem, or possibly an electrical problem. Do you know someone with some automotive knowledge that can help you deal with the mechanics in your area. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeT Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 The metal flakes in the oil - if this is true - would probably be the result of an internal gearbox bearing failing or beginning to fail. But I agree with Huronlad, it's certainly an electrical issue that is causing the three bar error. Flakes in the oil will never trigger an error like that. In your situation, I would recommend having the car taken to an independent Mercedes shop, where they can find the bad wiring that is causing the three bar error, fix that, and then change the gearbox lubricant. Unless the gearbox is noisy when driving (whining loudly or grinding), there may not be a real problem internally. I had the three bar error once in my previous smart, and it was caused by the intercooler scoop plastic chafing through the wiring. Just for the record, low km on a city driven car is far worse than high km on a highway driven car. These diesel smarts do not like short trips, it is bad for the engine. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeT Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 Oh yeah that story of not using a used transmission because of "ethics" is laughable, one of the lamest excuses I have ever heard of. Most Mercedes dealers won't do this, but some would, because it IS ethical to re-use old parts rather than throwing the old one in the landfill and buying a new one. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TO Ed Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 The transmission does not require any service. Ownwrs manual doesn't even suggest a fluid change although many people do this anyways. If it has failed at the very low mileage on it then it is likely a manufacturing defect. MB will not help you given the age of the vehicle. MB is the most expensive place to get it fixed. Find someone with a parts car and get a used transmission for $300 then get a mechanic to swap it out for another $300. Where are you located? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TO Ed Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 I agree with Huronlad and Mike's advice. Get electrical problem addressed first. Also get the clutch actuator lubed and adjusted. Then get the transmission lube changed. Mine was silvery also which is normal for these cars. Only then should you consider replacing transmission if other steps do not fix problem. Do not believe MB diagnosis! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmoonen Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 +1 on the electrical side. Most transmission problems have been the wiring, clutch actuator or punch through. Never really any internal problems to date. If you have allot of metallic chunks you may be one of the first. Also vw and mb has the same comment on trany fluid stating nothing in the service section. Talk to the staff it's really only with their warranty window. Once its through the window the car should essentially be replaced in their eyes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StudentBallerina Posted January 30, 2015 Author Share Posted January 30, 2015 The metal flakes in the oil - if this is true - would probably be the result of an internal gearbox bearing failing or beginning to fail. But I agree with Huronlad, it's certainly an electrical issue that is causing the three bar error. Flakes in the oil will never trigger an error like that. In your situation, I would recommend having the car taken to an independent Mercedes shop, where they can find the bad wiring that is causing the three bar error, fix that, and then change the gearbox lubricant. Unless the gearbox is noisy when driving (whining loudly or grinding), there may not be a real problem internally. I had the three bar error once in my previous smart, and it was caused by the intercooler scoop plastic chafing through the wiring. Just for the record, low km on a city driven car is far worse than high km on a highway driven car. These diesel smarts do not like short trips, it is bad for the engine. Wow, thanks so much! I have been receiving lots of really good information, and I will definitely bring this to the attention of the man servicing my Smartie now. And I did not know that about the city driving being bad for the engines - I guess that`s good for me because I live 30 min out of my city, so the Smartie got lots of highway driving with me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StudentBallerina Posted January 30, 2015 Author Share Posted January 30, 2015 Oh yeah that story of not using a used transmission because of "ethics" is laughable, one of the lamest excuses I have ever heard of. Most Mercedes dealers won't do this, but some would, because it IS ethical to re-use old parts rather than throwing the old one in the landfill and buying a new one. I know, that`s what I was thinking! Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StudentBallerina Posted January 30, 2015 Author Share Posted January 30, 2015 The transmission does not require any service. Ownwrs manual doesn't even suggest a fluid change although many people do this anyways. If it has failed at the very low mileage on it then it is likely a manufacturing defect. MB will not help you given the age of the vehicle. MB is the most expensive place to get it fixed. Find someone with a parts car and get a used transmission for $300 then get a mechanic to swap it out for another $300. Where are you located? We are definitely thinking of getting it out of the MB dealership in Saint John (NB) because they are expensive and not wanting to put in a used transmission for me -__- But I live in Fredericton, and we only have one guy in the city who knows Smarts and can fix them, and I think he said he could put in a used one for me... Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StudentBallerina Posted January 30, 2015 Author Share Posted January 30, 2015 +1 on the electrical side. Most transmission problems have been the wiring, clutch actuator or punch through. Never really any internal problems to date. If you have allot of metallic chunks you may be one of the first. Also vw and mb has the same comment on trany fluid stating nothing in the service section. Talk to the staff it's really only with their warranty window. Once its through the window the car should essentially be replaced in their eyes. Thanks so much! I am so happy and relieved with the replies with advice I got on this post! I will take all your tips and address them ASAP to the MB serviceman. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlossyTheSmart Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 If you have the information for this independent, please consider adding it to our "Service Options" page HERE! We are sorely lacking in service places outside of Ontario, Alberta and BC! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StudentBallerina Posted January 30, 2015 Author Share Posted January 30, 2015 If you have the information for this independent, please consider adding it to our "Service Options" page HERE! We are sorely lacking in service places outside of Ontario, Alberta and BC! Wow, that's a great page! I'm so glad there are that many independents out there! Sadly, the East Coast is void of such great independent service places... Makes me just want to take up Smart mechanics just so I can fix it myself (hint of humour to lighten my mood!). Thanks anyway for the service options page. I will definitely bookmark it in case I'm ever out there with my Smartie! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bessy Posted January 31, 2015 Share Posted January 31, 2015 Low mileage could equal tons of short trips around the city with lots of shifting, every gear shift rubs the syncros and can produce normal metallic wear. All smart car trans fluid I'd changed has been "glittery" for lack of better word. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tolsen Posted January 31, 2015 Share Posted January 31, 2015 First time my Smart broke down dealer told me I needed a new engine control unit, clutch actuator, clutch and transmission. Towed Smart home. Turned out there were only a couple of broken cables in wiring harness to clutch actuator. Repaired for 3 Pounds in parts. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StudentBallerina Posted February 2, 2015 Author Share Posted February 2, 2015 Low mileage could equal tons of short trips around the city with lots of shifting, every gear shift rubs the syncros and can produce normal metallic wear. All smart car trans fluid I'd changed has been "glittery" for lack of better word. Interesting, well good to know! Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StudentBallerina Posted February 2, 2015 Author Share Posted February 2, 2015 First time my Smart broke down dealer told me I needed a new engine control unit, clutch actuator, clutch and transmission. Towed Smart home. Turned out there were only a couple of broken cables in wiring harness to clutch actuator. Repaired for 3 Pounds in parts. Interesting... That's good you found the problem! So far, my actuator and clutch have been changed, among other things that had to be fixed. Thanks for the help though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex Posted February 3, 2015 Share Posted February 3, 2015 An awful lot of clutches, actuators, shift motors and even transmissions have been changed by MB because of a spot of corrosion on a connection or a wire break/chafe. No common sense, no diagnostic skills, no experience. Plug into the computer, change components as suggested by computer. Most expensive first, not the most likely to fail. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmoonen Posted February 3, 2015 Share Posted February 3, 2015 Clutch and clutch acutator changed. . I'm just going to predict that's going to be a hefty bill. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tolsen Posted February 3, 2015 Share Posted February 3, 2015 They will change your pedal rubber soon. Make sure you keep the changed parts. I bet they are perfectly OK. Sell them here and recover some of your repair cost. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StudentBallerina Posted February 4, 2015 Author Share Posted February 4, 2015 Clutch and clutch acutator changed. . I'm just going to predict that's going to be a hefty bill. Yes, I think they already did, and I asked the serviceman about the cost... yup, it's a sh*t ton! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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