SMART Alternator

SMART Generator: find out more! How to choose, when to change , and how much they cost

What are the causes of alternator failure in Smart vehicles?

This may occur if the battery or its terminals are in a bad state. It is also important to pay attention to the polarity of the wires, in particular, when jump-starting your car. Malfunctions may also occur if water gets into the electrical connections. This happens when the engine compartment is not cleaned properly.

In addition to this, insufficient drive belt tension causes pulley and bearing damage. Oil leaks and dirt on the component housing cause the brushes to wear out more quickly. If the standard electrical components are replaced with more powerful ones, the onboard network of the vehicle is often subjected to high power loads. As a result, the device will overheat repeatedly and may break down.

Can I replace the alternator in my Smart car myself?

Yes. You will need a jack, a set of combination spanners, wheel chocks, and a plastic clip removal tool.

The general procedure is as follows:

1. Access the underbody of the vehicle.
2. Remove the wheels, wheel arch liners, lockers, and bumper.
3. Remove the drive belt cover.
4. Loosen the tensioner.
5. Place a jack under the point indicated in the car’s owner’s manual.
6. Remove the fasteners connecting the subframe to the car body from the right-hand side and loosen them on the left.
7. Detach the stabiliser bar link.
8. Unscrew the bolts that hold the component in place and unplug electrical connections.
9. Turn the unit over so that the pulley is facing up and remove it.
10. Assemble in reverse order.

Can the alternator in a Smart vehicle be repaired?

Yes. Repairing the device usually involves replacing wires, repairing the rotor and the stator, installing working relays and diodes, and mounting a new bearing.

Can I drive my Smart car with a faulty alternator?

This is only an option if the device fails while you are driving and you need to get to the nearest service station. A faulty alternator is not able to charge the battery, which accelerates battery deterioration. It becomes impossible to start the engine.