With its cutting-edge electric propulsion, the Smart Fortwo Electric 2023 has a complex fuse system to protect its electrical components. The fuses and fuse box are critical in ensuring the smooth running of the vehicle by protecting important circuits from overloads or short circuits that could potentially impair functionality. These components serve as the vehicle’s first line of defence, preventing electrical malfunctions and ensuring the vehicle’s operational integrity. Understanding their placement, function, and how to troubleshoot any difficulties is critical for this unique electric vehicle’s effective maintenance and troubleshooting.
Replacing the Bulbs
Manually releasing the selector lever lock
In cases of an electrical fault the selector lever lock can be manually deactivated, e.g. if the parking lock has been deactivated for towing and should subsequently be re-applied.
Do not use any sharp-edged objects to prise out the cover from the centre console. Otherwise, the cover or the centre console could be damaged.
- Apply the parking brake.
- Open the drawer on the front-passenger side.
- Prise out cover : on the centre console from bottom edge ; using with a flat, blunt object.
- Pull cover : in the direction of the arrow.
- Pull yellow release 3 behind the trim up and simultaneously press release button ? on the selector lever.
- Shift the gear selector lever to position N or P
Replacing the Bulbs
Please note
G WARNING
Bulbs, lamps and plug connectors can become very hot during use. When replacing a bulb, you could burn yourself on these components. There is a risk of injury.
Allow these components to cool down before replacing the bulb.
Observe the following rules when replacing bulbs:
- Only replace bulbs when the engine is switched off.
- Do not use bulbs that have been dropped or show signs of visible damage, e.g. scratches.
- Do not touch the glass bulb with your bare hands.
- Only use bulbs in enclosed lamps designed for that purpose.
- Only fit spare bulbs of the same type and with a specified voltage.
- Do not allow bulbs to come into contact with moisture.
- Have LEDs changed at qualified specialist workshops only.
Change only the bulbs described below your-self in accordance with the specified bulb types.
Replacing front bulbs
Changing dipped-beam and main-beam headlamps
- Switch off the lights.
- Open the service cover.
- Remove cover :.
- Pull out the connector.
- Press retainer ; inwards and to the left.
- Pull the bulb out.
- Insert the new bulb.
- Lock retainer ;.
- Insert the connector.
- Replace and engage cap :.
Replacing the front turn signal lamps
- Switch off the lights.
- Turn the respective front wheel inwards. X Push clamp : downwards.
- Remove cover ; upwards.
- Turn the bulb holder anti-clockwise and remove it.
- Remove the bulb from the bulb holder. X Insert the new bulb.
Insert the bulb holder and turn it clock- wise until it engages. - Insert and engage cover ;.
Replacing the side turn signal lamps
- Carefully insert a flat tool into recess :
- Prise out side turn signal
- Unscrew the bulb from the bulb holder
- Insert the new bulb into the bulb holder 2 .
- Refit side turn signal 2 .
Replacing rear bulbs
Replacing the tail lamp bulbs
Tail lamps without partial LEDs
- Rear/brake lamp
- Rear fog lamp
- Reversing lamp
- Turn signals
Tail lamps with partial LEDs
- Turn signals
- Reversing lamp
Removing the tail lamp cover
- Switch off the lights.
smart fortwo coupé: open the upper and lower tailgate. - smart fortwo cabrio: open the lower tail-gate.
- smart fortwo cabrio: fold the rear soft top up.
- Loosen screws :.
- Remove the tail lamp.
- Carefully insert a flat tool under the plastic hanger on the tail lamp.
- Lift the connector and remove it.
Replacing a faulty tail lamp bulb
- Rear lamp/brake lamp (vehicles without partial LEDs)
- Turn signals
- Reversing lamp
- Rear fog lamp (vehicles without partial LEDs)
- Release four tabs A on the bulb holder. X Remove the bulb holder.
- Pull the faulty bulb out.
- Insert the new bulb.
- Refit the bulb holder.
- Insert the connector.
- Insert the tail lamp until you hear it engage.
- X Tighten the screws on the tail lamp.
Replacing the licence plate lighting
- Insert a flat tool into recess :.
- Remove the cover from the licence plate lamp.
- Remove the bulb from the holder.
- Insert the new bulb into the holder.
- Insert the lamp lens into the licence plate lamp.
Replacing the interior lighting
- Insert a flat tool into the recess.
- Prise out lamp lens :.
- Remove the bulb from the holder.
- Insert the new bulb into the holder.
- Refit the lamp lens.
Changing Fuses
Please note
WARNING
If you manipulate, bridge or replace a faulty fuse with a fuse of a higher amperage, the electric cables could be overloaded. This may result in a fire. There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Always replace faulty fuses with specified new fuses of the correct amperage.
Only use fuses that have been approved for smart vehicles and which have the correct fuse rating for the system concerned. Components or systems could otherwise be damaged.
Make sure that no moisture can enter the fuse box when the cover is open.
The electrical fuses disconnect defective circuits. If a fuse blows, all the connected components and their functions will fail.
Blown fuses must be replaced with fuses of the same rating, which you can recognise by the colour and fuse rating. The fuse ratings are listed in the fuse allocation chart.
If new fuses blow, the cause for this must be diagnosed and rectified at a qualified specialist workshop.
Preparing the vehicle to change a fuse
- Apply the parking brake.
- Switch off all electrical consumers.
- Turn the key to position u in the ignition lock and remove it.
- Check whether all indicator lamps in the instrument cluster are off.
Replacing a fuse (left-hand drive vehicle)
Do not use a pointed object such as a screwdriver to open the cover in the dash-board. You could damage the dashboard or the cover.
- Open the front-passenger door.
- Open the glove compartment.
- To open: open cover : in the direction of the arrow.
- Replace the faulty fuse.
- To close: insert and fold in cover : until it engages.
- Close the glove compartment.
Replacing a fuse (right-hand drive vehicle)
- Open the driver’s door.
- To open: turn quick-release fastener ; by 90° using a suitable object.
- Fold down cover :.
- Replace the faulty fuse.
- To close: close cover :.
- Close quick-release fastener ;.
Replacing the key battery
WARNING
Batteries contain toxic and corrosive sub-stances. If batteries are swallowed, it can result in severe health problems. There is a risk of fatal injury.
Keep batteries out of the reach of children. If a battery is swallowed, seek medical attention immediately.
Environmental note
Batteries contain pollutants. It is illegal to dis-pose of them with the household rubbish. They must be collected separately and disposed of in an environmentally responsible recycling system.
Dispose of batteries in an environmentally responsible manner. Take discharged batteries to a qualified specialist work-shop or to a collection point for used batteries.
- Fixed keys: unscrew screw :.
- Insert a flat tool, e.g. a coin, into the recess.
- Turn the tool until the cover of the battery tray opens.
- Replace battery ; with the positive terminal facing upwards.
- Replace the cover on the battery tray and push it closed.
- Fixed keys: screw in screw :.
- Check the function of all key buttons.
FAQs
In the Smart fortwo Electric 2023, the fuse box is usually positioned in the interior compartment, under the dashboard or beneath the hood.
Fuses safeguard electrical circuits from overloading by interrupting the circuit when an excessive current flows through it, hence preventing component damage.
A blown fuse is frequently distinguished by a visibly broken wire inside the fuse or by a discoloured look. To determine whether a fuse is operational, always use a multimeter.
Electrical overloads, short circuits, damaged components, or wrong installation can all result in blown fuses.
Yes, changing a blown fuse is a simple procedure. To avoid electrical issues or damage, it is critical to utilise the correct fuse rating and type.
The car normally employs standard blade-type fuses, which are found in the majority of modern vehicles.
The fuse rating is usually mentioned in the owner’s manual or on the fuse box cover. Using the wrong fuse rating can result in electrical difficulties or damage.
Some vehicles include a spare fuse set. It’s a good idea to maintain spare fuses of various grades in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
No, utilising a higher-rated fuse could result in electrical risks or damage to the vehicle’s components. Always use the fuse rating that is provided.
If a fuse continues to blow, it suggests an underlying electrical problem. It is advised that a professional mechanic evaluate the vehicle in order to detect and repair the problem.
No, different fuses protect different electrical components in the car, such as lights, music systems, air conditioning, and more.
Yes, severe temperatures can have an effect on fuse performance. Fuse blowing may become more frequent at extreme temperatures.
Yes, always disconnect the car’s battery before working with fuses to avoid electrical shocks or damage.
While regular checks may not be necessary, inspecting fuses is a smart practise if you suspect an electrical problem in your vehicle.
If you’re unsure or uncomfortable handling fuses, it’s preferable to seek the help of a competent technician or a service centre to avoid any problems.
Useful Link
View Full PDF: 2023 Smart Fortwo Electric User Manual| Auto User Guide
2023 Smart Fortwo Electric Keys Instructions