Healingtouch69 Posted February 29, 2020 Share Posted February 29, 2020 Apologies for the verbose story in advance. For the past two weeks, my 2014 smartcar fortwo pure, with almost 70000 kms, had a slight vibration at high speeds over 100 kmh that got noticeably worse in the last 3 days whenever going over 60-70 kmh. I assumed it was a wheel alignment and balance problem. Today I went over a deep pothole at a fairly high speed of 50, kept driving then i noticed my car did a weird fish tail thing while making a 90 degree left turn just before pulling into a burger joint. Then when I came out, the left front wheel seemed deflated quite a lot, luckily a gas station was 500 m away so drove in there and put air into the tire and was able to keep on driving home. On my way home though, I stopped at a Canadian Tire to ask them how much for a tire repair. Guy tells me $35 so i figured i will take a day to decide since the tire seems to be holding ok for now and new tires are $100.each. At this price, considering the front tires are quite worn out, im seriously just contemplating going for a new set. Anyhow, as i go to start the car for my final leg home about 10 mins away, i noticed it took a few more cranks to start than usual with a higher pitched noise. And as I am driving, instead of hot air, the heater fan is now blowing cold air and i could definitely hear the whirring of the ac unit. The engine light is also on at this point. Upon parking, a smell of overheated rubber and a definite boiling water sound coming from the front of the vehicle. Im not mechanically inclined at all obviously, but Id appreciate someone explaining to me whats going on so i sound somewhat knowledgable when taking it in tomorrow in the hopes that saves me a bit in repair costs. Thank you in advance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willys Posted February 29, 2020 Share Posted February 29, 2020 Sounds like your alternator has seized and you have cooked your belt or snapped it...maybe? No belt no water pump do not drive car....check coolant level..... Get tire guys to check rims for dents or warpage from pothole damages, and or tire belt has broken same fix new tires and or rim...? I wouldn't buy anything until you figure out if you have cooked your engine....whenever engine lights come on, stop driving, especially coolant temp light or oil light.....fill coolant back up using coorect winter antifreeze then check to see if alternator will turn, research proceedure here, check alt belt and air con belt IF everything is working correctly run engine to see if it over heats with alt and new belt spinning, if it does you have either cooked engine or have an air lock in coolant system IMHO, have it taken to good mechanic shop if you can't get someone you know who can do these things for you. Check for coolant puddle under engine in snow or garage, parking spot...? Sorry for bad news..... Oh welcome to the site, search seized alternator, water pump issues and thermostat issues, air lock issues........I think it should kick up enough info to help you understand better. Before taking it into shop so they can't screw you for not knowing what they are speaking about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willys Posted February 29, 2020 Share Posted February 29, 2020 I'm not sure how far away from a member here you are, but he is an excellent guy to deal with here, his name is Stickman007 Izzy is his name and a very good mechanic for Smart Cars.....PM him and ask.....if you have CAA and it's within their towing distance and he wants to do the work, IMHO, use him....just my humble opinion....it will be far better in the long run. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigel Posted February 29, 2020 Share Posted February 29, 2020 I agree with Willys from your description something has seized and the belt has burned off. Without the belt the engine has no cooling and you will destroy it if you drive too far. Izzy is near Edmonton if you need a smart guru. He has a full time job and does smart cars at home in his spare time and will be way cheaper than a dealer if that is where you usually go. Everyone we have sent his way has come back on the forum and given glowing reports. The CAA premier membership will give you extended tow up to 320km once per year. I assume it is still the same you have to be a member for a couple of days before you can take advantage of the tow. Also don’t tell them the car broke down before you bought the policy. Please report back and let us know how you make out. By the way welcome to the site. Nigel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Healingtouch69 Posted March 1, 2020 Author Share Posted March 1, 2020 Thank you everyone for your replies. Just spoke with the Canadian Tire service guy. He told me it needs a new cooling sensor and a radiator but they are unable to locate any parts until tomorrow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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