Yet more Smart Fortwo problems.

[Rob.T]

It seems the starter motor has packed up now. As the car is not used much I thought perhaps the battery was flat so I charged it overnight, the battery’s not very old so I know it’s not duff. Refitted it this morning and just a soft whining noise, no turn over.
The starter motor couldn’t be in a more difficult to reach place. The bill for this is going to pleasant. Might just wait till I’ve had a holiday the week after next before I do anything.

 

[LostKiwi]

Not impossible to do yourself. If you drop the subframe a few inches it becomes accessible.

 

[umblecumbuz]

... the battery’s not very old so I know it’s not duff.

With respect, the one does not necessarily follow the other.
A duff battery can be new or old - just a thought.

 

[Chrishazle]

Going back a few decedes, we stopped for petrol at an autobahn service station in Dad's Mk 1 GT Cortina, after a long high speed run, tried to start the car after filling, whining but no engine turning over. Helpful attendant came out with a hammer and clouted the starter motor a couple of times, that freed up the bendix and car started!

 

[Rob.T]

Going back a few decedes, we stopped for petrol at an autobahn service station in Dad's Mk 1 GT Cortina, after a long high speed run, tried to start the car after filling, whining but no engine turning over. Helpful attendant came out with a hammer and clouted the starter motor a couple of times, that freed up the bendix and car started!

I’ve been on the evilution site, it too suggests I belt it with a hammer.

 

[EmilysDad]

I changed my Roadster's starter last year. I can confirm that it's a t**t to do. Took me about 5 hours to get the old one off & almost the same to refit the new one.

 

[EmilysDad]

I’ve been on the evilution site, it too suggests I belt it with a hammer.

The armature was burnt out on mine, It had always been a slow to turn over, but one day it started fine & the next day absolutely zilch ..... besides you'd need a very long hammer handle to reach the starter.

 

[Rob.T]

The armature was burnt out on mine, It had always been a slow to turn over, but one day it started fine & the next day absolutely zilch ..... besides you'd need a very long hammer handle to reach the starter.

I have a 5 foot long crowbar I might just tap it with .

 

[Rob.T]

Couldn’t see enough of it, even with a torch. There is no click when I turn the key, just a soft hum.
Will have to see if I can get to the alternator, just as difficult to locate as the starter motor by the look of things.