forfour.co.uk

Forum => General Smart Chat => Topic started by: Jakethedog on October 21, 2017, 11:08:59 AM

Title: Embarrassed to ask!
Post by: Jakethedog on October 21, 2017, 11:08:59 AM: Hi, my first post, which I'm embarrassed to ask! I am partially disabled and have just bought a new Smart ForFour as it seemed to suit my needs (which, so far, it does!). However i wanted to check the oil and feel that maybe I'm being dim, as it seems so difficult. Lifting the base of the boot I am faced with the engine cover and and 5 cross-shaped 'nuts' each with a Phillips screwhead. (too large for any screwdriver I have!) Can I open them? Can I heck? I must be missing something, right? I can't believe I have to struggle through this procedure every time. There, I said it was embarrassing...
Title: Re: Embarrassed to ask!
Post by: Problemchild on October 21, 2017, 12:46:38 PM: hello and welcome - P145 in the manual says you need to unscrew the 6 screws/knobs but they look like they should be removable using your hands not any tools

and its not a screwdriver but a hex screw

(do you have a subwoofer as this also needs to be removed)

manual - http://moba.i.daimler.com/markets-smart/ece-row/baix/cars/smart-forfour-453_2017_b/en_GB/downloads/09_17/BA_smart_453_0_AEJ2017-1a_en_GB.pdf

JJ
Title: Re: Embarrassed to ask!
Post by: Brabs on October 21, 2017, 12:48:33 PM: Probably need to use a coin or similar. ;)
Title: Re: Embarrassed to ask!
Post by: Jakethedog on October 21, 2017, 12:59:52 PM: Hi and thanks. Certainly can't unscrew with fingers or coin. Looks like I may have to buy a hex screw set...

Pleased to say no subwoofer to further complicate things...
Title: Re: Embarrassed to ask!
Post by: Problemchild on October 21, 2017, 02:21:56 PM: does the "screw" not look like this...

(https://www.evilution.co.uk/files/smartengine/cover/453enginecover/453cover4.jpg)

https://www.evilution.co.uk/1178

JJ
Title: Re: Embarrassed to ask!
Post by: Jakethedog on October 21, 2017, 02:25:23 PM: it does! Looks like a philips, not a hex... (afraid i can't bend to get close enough!)
Title: Re: Embarrassed to ask!
Post by: Problemchild on October 21, 2017, 03:51:54 PM: It’s defo a hex

Don’t try any more with the Philips or it’ll get chewed up

Should be able to turn by hand though

Maybe some long nosed pliers to get them moving?

JJ
Title: Re: Embarrassed to ask!
Post by: Jakethedog on October 21, 2017, 05:34:10 PM: Thanks. Tried pliers and can't shift them. Guess I'll take it into a dealership. Seems a bit pathetic, but oh well.... (As an aside, even ignoring my problems, is it not a bit weird that even to check the oil you have to remove the parcel shelf, the sub woofer and undo 5 'nuts'. I sure ain't going to be doing it very regularly! Maybe I'm just feeling cranky!)
Title: Re: Embarrassed to ask!
Post by: Problemchild on October 21, 2017, 08:44:31 PM: Trouble with a rear or mid engined car

At least it’s really easy to check the fluids with the access panel

JJ
Title: Re: Embarrassed to ask!
Post by: Deszus on October 22, 2017, 10:55:06 AM: It's silly but good to remember that most of screws in machines are (RH) right handed. So clockwise you tight them up and anticlockwise you loose them.

Can confirm that 99% screws in ForFour are RH.
Title: Re: Embarrassed to ask!
Post by: lil.smartie on October 22, 2017, 12:12:42 PM: They are a Torx iirc t50 but yes, they are a pain! If you are local to us in Somerset you are welcome to pop in & we can check for you :)

Kate
www.smart-sport.co.uk
Title: Re: Embarrassed to ask!
Post by: Jakethedog on October 22, 2017, 12:36:43 PM: Thank you Kate! But sadly I'm way along the coast from Somerset... :(
Title: Re: Embarrassed to ask!
Post by: Problemchild on October 22, 2017, 01:28:13 PM: Amazon

Torx set (with a T handle)

Sorted

Awful that you need tools to check oil :(

JJ
Title: Re: Embarrassed to ask!
Post by: lil.smartie on October 22, 2017, 07:51:48 PM: You can undo by hand but easier with tools