Issues with Smart Car Clutch Actuator - Need Help!

I’ve been experiencing some problems with my Smart Fortwo’s clutch actuator, and I’m hoping to get some advice from fellow Smart car owners. Here are some details:

What’s Happening?

Recently, I’ve noticed that the car struggles to shift gears smoothly, and there are times when it’s almost impossible to get it into gear. I’ve read that the clutch actuator is a common issue with these cars, and I want to know if anyone else has faced similar problems.

Possible Causes

From my research, it seems that the actuator can fail due to:

  • Electrical issues: Are there specific wiring problems I should check?
  • Hydraulic fluid leaks: How do I inspect for leaks in the system?
  • Sensor failures: Can this affect the actuator’s performance?

What I Need

I’m looking for:

  • DIY repair guides or video tutorials: Anything that can show me step-by-step what to do.
  • Troubleshooting tips: What to look for when diagnosing the issue.
  • Replacement costs: If I end up needing to replace the actuator, how much should I expect to pay?

Any Help?

I’d really appreciate any tips or insights from your experiences. Have any of you repaired or replaced your clutch actuator? How did it go? Thanks in advance for your help!

I’ve been having issues with my smart car’s clutch actuator too! The car sometimes won’t shift into gear, and there’s this annoying grinding noise. Has anyone else experienced this?

That sounds frustrating! In my case, I noticed that my gear shifts were really slow and sometimes the dashboard would show an error code P0651. It turned out to be a faulty sensor in the actuator. Have you checked for error codes?

Yes, I get P0651 too! It started when I noticed the clutch pedal feeling very weird, like it was losing pressure. I wonder if it might be caused by air in the hydraulic line.

Air in the hydraulic line is definitely a possibility. I’ve seen people suggesting a bleed of the clutch system. Have you or anyone done that yet? It might solve some issues.

I haven’t bled my system yet, but I’m planning to! Is there a specific procedure I should follow, or should I just take it to a mechanic?

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B bleeding the system isn’t too complicated for a DIYer! Just make sure to use the right brake fluid. And be prepared for possibly a lot of air bubbles!

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Ha! I had no idea I was signing up for a bubble party. Thanks for the tip!

Does anyone else hear a clicking sound when the clutch engages? I feel like there’s something wrong with my actuator; it definitely doesn’t feel smooth.

Yes, the clicking sound can indicate a failed or failing actuator. It might be misaligned or the motor could be the issue. I had that happen to my smart car, and it turned into a costly repair!

Yikes! I’m hoping it doesn’t come to that. Has anyone successfully replaced their actuator themselves?

Replacing it can save you a LOT! I did it myself last summer, though it took several YouTube videos and a bit of courage! Just make sure to have the exact part number to avoid issues.

That’s impressive! What was the biggest challenge you faced during the replacement?

Honestly, just fitting my hands into the cramped spaces was the toughest part! But once I got the hang of it, it wasn’t so bad. Definitely rewarding to take on that challenge!

That’s awesome! I think I’ll have to muster up the courage and try it myself too. Fingers crossed I don’t end up in a repair shop!

Haha! That’s the spirit! Worst case you could always just blame your smart car for being too ‘smart’ for you!

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I’ve been having issues with my Smart Car clutch actuator too! Start by checking the fluid levels and leaks. Often, low fluid can cause performance issues.

Great tip! Also, listen for unusual noises from the actuator while it operates. That can hint at internal issues.

I would recommend checking the actuator’s electrical connections first. A loose or corroded connection can cause the actuator to malfunction.

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True! And if there’s no power, you might need to look at the fuse box as well.

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