Strange issues when braking - ideas please

[Blobcat]

Hello All,

I've an issue with the smart car (R451) that just occurred this evening, when you use the brake from motorway speeds (or other heavy braking) there is a click (that you can feel and hear) when the brake pedal is pushed - then all the lights flash (headlights, sidelights, instrument lights, radio, clocks) and an audible clicking is heard.

The flashing and clicking happens multiple times for 2-4 seconds (whilst braking)

Yellow warning light on the dash now remains illuminated

All can functions continue to operate just the yellow warning light is now staying on

The ABS isn't operating (no pulsing through the pedal)

My other issue is that I'm a few hundred miles away from it as my son is using it so I can't plug my diagnostic tool in so I'm looking to the forum for remote remote diagnostics

 

[Craiglxviii]

Please tell me you’ve not snapped the tit out of it!

 

[Blobcat]

Please tell me you’ve not snapped the tit out of it!

No he's still sat in it...


Seriously though he's made it back to his flat safely

 

[Craiglxviii]

I’m guessing it’s electronic ignition related, I have a vague memory of someone else seeing similar issues related to the EIS...

 

[Mark A]

Where about is your son, perhaps someone here is local, has a diagnostic tool and is willing to help out.

 

[LostKiwi]

As above, I'm based in the Midlands and have full diags - if he's nearby I'm happy to help.

 

[Blobcat]

Thanks for the kind offer LK, much appreciated.

I've asked him to check the battery connections this morning in case one of those is loose. I'm struggling with the connection between breaking and all the lights flashing away.

I've also asked him to give Smart Tecnic a call as they're only 2 miles away form him. Whilst I've no experience of them they do appear to know smart's

 

[LostKiwi]

Thanks for the kind offer LK, much appreciated.

I've asked him to check the battery connections this morning in case one of those is loose. I'm struggling with the connection between breaking and all the lights flashing away.

I've also asked him to give Smart Tecnic a call as they're only 2 miles away form him. Whilst I've no experience of them they do appear to know smart's

That's only a mile from my work....

 

[Blobcat]

He checked the battery terminals this morning in case they were loose and all nice and tight. He's booked in with Smart Tecnic on Tuesday who initially thought it might be ABS related until they heard about the lights, now they're not sure what it is until they get it in. He walks to work so doesn't need it for the next few days.

I'm interested in what they'll find, had both front springs changed in July as they'd both snapped and brake pads were worn but a good few thousand away from replacement time. Everything else looked good then.

 

[Blobcat]

Just spoken with the garage they thought it might be related to the DRL wiring initially although they've now discounted that, then they thought it might be the wiring for the solar charger but that's OK as well now. They're going to check the SAM next, there's no obvious water ingress anywhere so they're struggling somewhat with it.

The brakes are OK although the rear cylinders are partially seized but that's common and unrelated.

 

[Naraic]

Could be an earthing issue...connected to the brakes, but would affect other electricals.

 

[Blobcat]

Could be an earthing issue...connected to the brakes, but would affect other electricals.

It happens under hard braking, although they say they've seen the dash lights flash with it in the garage with it not moving so I'm leaning towards an electrical issue of some sort.

 

[Blobcat]

Update, the garage have disconnected the Brabus DRL's / foglights as well as the solar charger and they're not getting it to fail. He's going to collect it and next time I see him I'll go through the wiring and see if there's a short somewhere. He can live without the DRL's and front fogs until I see him.