Hi Chip. I'm from the UK and was so excited to read your instructions on how to flat tow my 2017 automatic Smart car, as in the UK this seems to be a big no-no wherever I look! So yesterday I had an A-frame fitted and followed your instructions to the letter and towed my Smart car home about 90 miles (top speed of 60mph) All seemed well until I pulled up outside my house, unhooked the car and started the engine. Oil began to drip from the underside. I'm gutted! I watched your video over and over prior to having this fitted and I am meticulous at following instructions and caring for my vehicles. The laws in the UK differs to the US in that if the towed vehicle is over 750kg, they must have a braking system connected, which must work. This is connected mechanically. The battery is totally disconnected - I have even used the same two battery disconnects that you have used in your video. I would be so grateful if you, or anyone else on here, has experienced similar problems and could answer the question of what may have gone wrong, how this can be rectified and how can I flat tow my car without any futures problems. I bought this car purley to tow, so as you can imagine, I am totally gutted by this. Any help or tips at all would be gratefully received. Thanks, Tony
This was a GREAT Video! I destroyed my first transmission by having bad information. You're right, the book is totally wrong! Car Still in Repair Shop Thank goodness for Warranties! Great Job...Thanks!
You can add a wire from the radio to the batter to keep time and stations. (you have to remove the fuse so it dont back feed when its off. not a big deal)
Bob Mitchell, the 453 trans is much better than the previous model (451). That said the clutch wear will be like the 451 I’m sure. The largest problem is towing! EVERY owners manual is wrong! Please follow the instructions I show in this vid and contact smart USA (MBUSA) and have them send you the updated instructions. I’ve put 3 transmissions in from people not following the directions, none of them deemed as warranty. That pushed me to make this video. I’m certainly not a pro but I hope I convey the instructions in a easy to understand format. Thanks for the comment.
Chip, could explain how you installed the battery disconnect switch using the parts listed? I just purchased a 2016 Smart car for 2 Prime and am trying to understand the process of installing the disconnect switch.
Hi Chip, I was towing our 2016 smart car last summer and at first everything seemed ok. I tried the battery disconnect, and clearly something was wrong so reconnected the battery. I didn't really care if the car counted mileage or not. One of our travel days was quite long, and when we arrived at our destination the battery was dead. I couldn't even get it out of the tow gear. Boosted it and everything seemed fine. A number of days later we had a message come up on the dash indicating a concern with the transmission. I took it to a Mercedes dealership where I was told the transmission was damaged and needed complete replacement. I returned home to have a used transmission installed. Now I'm afraid to tow again as the repair bill was quite a bit and I don't want a repeat experience. Can the battery be completely disconnected during towing I.e. cables disconnected from the battery? Will there be damage to the transmission and/or transfer case?
On the off chance that you are still monitoring this thread, I have a 2016 that I have setup for towing and had some trips that were successful using the method you demonstrated. However, during my last tow (about 20 miles) something happened that destroyed the tranny (according to Mercedes tech). I suspect that somehow the gear shifted, during transit, into Drive ... is that possible? While it is possible that I made a mistake setting up for tow, my confidence is pretty high that I followed the steps properly. I am working on getting the transmission replaced (MBenz quoted $14K) using a local transmission shop and a salvaged tranny ... but my only use of this car is as a toad and I my confidence is shot. No accidents. 23K miles. I have driven less than 1K miles since getting in 2019 (pandemic). Sob :-(
In short, if it went into gear and it was fine for a while the most likely cause is the battery reconnected. I have seen this, this is the reason I show the type of cut off switch I do in the video. Not sure I can help however I do have a few contacts. Not sure where you are but I'm in Tampa, Florida. I work at the Smart dealer (Mercedes-Benz). Please reach out and lets see if we can help.
James Kirchner, sorry, don’t work at that dealer anymore and while I do see Smart cars I have yet to see one for an RV tow car. As far as needing both cut off switches, for this application I use 2. My reason for this is the screw together type can reconnect while you drive (seen this happen) the other is a more positive on/off switch. Remember I’m doing this for owners unable to do it for themselves. There was a previous comment on here about disconnecting the battery, that will work also however you need to insulate the cable to INSURE it can’t reconnect!
I know on the 451 it was a common practice. For the 453 (body shown in this video) the manual was available in 2016 only as I recall. If you have one of these bodies in a manual I would contact Smart USA (which is MBUSA) before flat towing. With a tad bit of looking the 451.431 body had engine 132.910 engine and 717.4 manual transmission. The 453.353 had the 281.910 engine and a 700.41 transmission. While I think you would be fine flat towing. I would not do so until MBUSA gives you the 👍. Or….. get an HDT to haul it around.
So as I understand, the process in my owners manual for the 2015 is correct? I don't have to do the shifting procedure as demonstrated in your video. Thanks again for your patience and help.
Rick Kennedy, first question, do you have a 451 or 453? If you don’t know the chassis numbers, does your vehicle resemble the one pictured of is it the older body style
I have a 2017 (453) and towed it like the manufacturer said (in neutral) and the transmission was destroyed … I saw your video to put it in 6th. I am a little nervous that it will happen again ?… are you still in the Tampa area?
Currently in Tampa, yes. I look forward to inspecting your vehicle. The instructions in this video are accurate to what MBUSA would provide you in writing. You can receive a copy of the instructions be contacting MBUSA.
Is there a way to lock the doors so people can’t mess with the key or the gearshift? I’m always paranoid someone will take it out of neutral and I wouldn’t know until the transmission fried.
What could be the cause if the transmission does not want to go back to PARK? I turn the battery disconnect back on and was not able to shift the transmission back to park.
Aurelio, I feel there a few details you left out of this question you asked. I have seen this before yes. Please provide the following, the year, the last 8 digits of your VIN number and the odometer reading. Also, what work has been done on the transmission? Does the car start in neutral? What does the display in the dash say when you hold the key to the “start” position? Let me know please.
The last 8 digits of the vin are GK052648 and the vehicle has no history of any transmission work. The vehicle does not start at all and the only thing that shows up in the display is the mileage. The last position of the transmission gear lever is in the manual position after I waited for the 6S. I know the vehicle is in fact in 6S as the vehicle moves when pushed. I was told that it could be a vehicle theft feature that has locked the steering wheel and does not allow for the vehicle t start.
Sorry, sent by mistake. When initiating the process, could you say push down or back? Also would it be wise to use a bungee to hold gearshift in the plus minus position?
NAPA, the numbers changed. Someone commented earlier and I haven’t been to the store to verify. However... I saw them at Harbor freight also (just 2 weeks ago)
What parts are moving during the towing process and how are they lubricated? Must I stop every 4-500 miles to run the car and lubricate the transmission?
aoksales, this transmission is like any other “manual” transmission, when in neutral you can flat tow the vehicle. The reason for the other steps is to assist in keeping the electric “control” portion of the transmission in check while towing.
Rick Kennedy, 2015 is not this body style. That is a 451 body. this video demonstrates the process on a 453 body. Please review your owners manual because the process is correct.
Only the 2016 and 2017 Smart for Two (453 Body) with Dual Clutch Automatic Transmissions can be flat towed. Flat towing does NOT apply to the Smart Electric or manual transmission models.
smoknjoe73 , Yep, sure can. The owners manual is correct on that vehicle. Just follow the instructions. Please do not apply the 453 (new body smart) to the 451 (previous body smart).
Hi Chip, thanks for the video. I've tried looking up the NAPA part numbers for the battery disconnect and can't find them anywhere. What am I missing ? Sure need to find one. Thanks.
Hi Chip, I looked a little closer at the video and it appears that you used part of the brass screw type to connect the napa battery disconnect to but I can't see how you connected the other end to the left side. Can you please help with that as I don't want to use just the screw on type. Thanks
@@Moultrie31768, I used the screw on type and the switch type. I had mentioned that Napa no longer has those part numbers however I did see both components at Harbor freight. I do not have another smart car to show you how I did this. Where are you located?
@@22howards Hi Chip, I'm in SW Georgia. I didn't see the switch on Harbor Freight's web site but I did order one from EBay. I had only the screw on type today and while going down the road my power went out and back on. Got a few messages about the transmission including one about the clutch so I let things cool down and I hooked the battery back up right and it appears to be OK. I believe I can figure out the switch when it arrives BUT I'll never go back to the screw on type disconnect, just not reliable. Thanks for all your help !!!
Good video. I’ve been trying to get answers about towing a Smartcar and have been getting all sorts of contrasting responses. So, if I understand you correctly, the car is actually being towed in 6th gear not neutral. Is this correct? Thanks for the video it’s the best info I’ve seen so far.
It says sixth but what is it actually in. Can it move into gear with anything extranious without you knowing? how can you lock it when the key is in it.? and is it really free running without the output shaft revolving.? I have heard of the gearboxes self destructing, and leaving bit all over the road. Here in the UK MB say it is FORBIDDEN TO TOW and there is nothing to tell you how to.
Graham Dawes, Sad to say but the Smart car never had large sale numbers within this country (USA). The owners manual was incorrect so the information was obtained from MBUSA. During the time this was becoming an issue we were told the resolution was available in Europe however it was being approved for the US market. Now we only have the electric model available and the gas/petrol version is no longer available (in the USA). To respond to your questions, what gear is it in? We were told neutral. Leaving the key in, yes it is a pain however that’s what you have a spare key for. And lastly, I would relate this to having the car in neutral while rolling down a hill and shut the engine off. The output shaft is turning and so is the ring gear. The vehicles I HAVE seen with transmission issues have not followed the proper instructions (above). And, when asking the owner to demonstrate on a known good vehicle they are unable to do so. I hope this helps a bit. I do work at a dealer and while the information is on the web my literature is provided by Daimler. Hope this helps a bit.
Thanks for that, I heard of a smart being towed and the whole unit ended up ripped out when it seized at 60mph because it was runnig at twice the rpm for that speed because the gearbox was engaged.. I have now got a 2011 diesel and that is a freewheeling model without trouble in proper neutral so I am happy now. A pity about the safe mode it has got stuck in though. I will fix it..
Graham Dawes, sorry for the delay in responding. In 2011 (in the USA) the 451 was sold in here. The model mentioned in the video is a 453 which was brought over in mid 2015 as a 2016 model. Diesel....... sadly that is a negative word in this country it seems. A diesel Smart was never approved for the US market. Our colleagues to the north had this vehicle. Every once in a while I see one. That was a good engine from what I was told.
@@22howards I have a 2007 Diesel. I am getting ready to switch from a dolly towed Nissan to this (flat towed) Smart due to weight. The car, as old is it is a load of fun.
Alex Smith, In short, no! The “correct “ way is to do what I outlined. This is what the factory recommends. I think everyone who has a 453 smart automatic who watches this video can try it and see it’s not hard. The problem is there is a possibility of the vehicle going into gear while being towed. This will cause failure of the transmission and clutch assembly. I have seen this failure happen, it’s not warranty and delays the owners on their trip.
Kens utube, Sir, had you watched the video you would see this is being demonstrated on an automatic vehicle. They did make manual 453 body vehicles however only electric Vehicles are now available, no gas vehicles for the USA.
@@22howardsnless the 2016-17 is much different than all the other smart cars I know about they are ALL manual trans. They have a computer controlled clutch. You can put them in D for drive and the computer will shift the car for you just as a manual. Or you can shift it like you would any 5 speed car. I understand that the 2018 and later are going to be all electric and are listed in RV mags as being unfit for flat towing.
Thank you for posting this. Have you had any problems with this technique since you've been using it? Would this same technique work if we were to use a tow dolly?
Rick Loe, to be honest I kind of suck at making videos. I get the general point across but somehow I leave some details out. If you or someone you know owns one of these cars and you read the owners manual you will see it differs from my approach. The reason for this? They didn’t update the owners manual to properly reflect the correct process. The process I am trying to convey in this video is from the updated process provided by Smart USA. Process works fine, no problems. Should you put the front wheels of the Smart on a tow dolly this process would still apply. That said, these cars are so light you don’t need a brake buddy or other such devices. Another comment was to disconnect the battery. That will work, however, should the battery reconnect on its own there will be problems. So, in short, models 450,451,453 (gas engines which is all that was offered for USA) can all be towed behind an RV. The process is similar for the 450 and 451. The 453 (2016 and up) with automatic gearbox needs to follow the instructions shown in the video. I have been witness to not following the process 3 times and it all ended up needing a new transmission assembly which was NOT COVERED by warranty! I just wanted to get this out there and share so others don’t make the same mistake.
@@22howards I know this is a year later. We are getting ready to tow our 451 (2012) behind our RV. The manual says that these cars should never be towed with the front wheels off the ground on a dolly as it will cause damage to the vehicle.
Thanks for the video. I have a 2016 453 that I am about to tow for the first time. This video is a little clearer than the MB instructions. Did you find you had to use a bungee to manage the steering wheel any? I know in the previous generation people did that, but I'm not sure in the 453.
To answer my own question.....my 453 tows fine without any steering assistance or stabilization. So no bungee needed on the 453 series. even super-sharp cornering does not affect it...everything tracks perfectly so far (350 miles towing).
Jack Mayer, it’s funny I have watched so many of your videos concerning The NH product and I see you chime in on the SC and NH groups. Thanks for all the wisdom you have conveyed thru UA-cam. I just work on Smarts. The 450 diesel is my favorite. I like the 453 (newest Smart) but I also appreciate the simplicity of the 451. See you in the NH groups and maybe at your HDT facility.
@@22howards I've now towed that smart for thousands of miles with no issue. It tows great. Thanks for your commments....you are welcome to stop by the shop any time if in the area.
My suggestion, contact Mercedes Benz and see if they will send you the owners manual and look on page 202. This describes the procedure for towing. Not sure why you need to tow however this is a popular toad for RV coaches. In this case there are many tow bars available for this vehicle. They will normally wire in a 5 pin connector in the front to control the rear taillights. A MB dealer can also help you with this provided they are willing.
Well, CLEARLY did not watch the video. I mention how this doesn’t apply to the 450 and 451 in the video. If you own a 453... better pay attention, just sayin.
@@larryandjackieoz5275, My panties as you call them do not have a problem. You sir capitalized the word “not”. Therefore I felt the need to point this out. Please keep in mind the 453 is different than previous models as it uses Renault for the power plant. The previous 451 uses Mitsubishi and I have not had a 450 apart as they were imported to Canada. I am NOT a professional video maker nor the best spokesperson. I DID provide accurate information to the RV community which is where these vehicles are mostly used as “toads”. I am NOT smarter than anyone, what was doing was pointing out the owners manual was/is incorrect and I personally saw more than the average of ruined transmissions due to an incorrect process being followed. Therefore sir, with all due respect, you are the one who had had his panties in a wad and posted/commented incorrectly.
Hi Chip. I'm from the UK and was so excited to read your instructions on how to flat tow my 2017 automatic Smart car, as in the UK this seems to be a big no-no wherever I look! So yesterday I had an A-frame fitted and followed your instructions to the letter and towed my Smart car home about 90 miles (top speed of 60mph) All seemed well until I pulled up outside my house, unhooked the car and started the engine. Oil began to drip from the underside. I'm gutted! I watched your video over and over prior to having this fitted and I am meticulous at following instructions and caring for my vehicles. The laws in the UK differs to the US in that if the towed vehicle is over 750kg, they must have a braking system connected, which must work. This is connected mechanically. The battery is totally disconnected - I have even used the same two battery disconnects that you have used in your video. I would be so grateful if you, or anyone else on here, has experienced similar problems and could answer the question of what may have gone wrong, how this can be rectified and how can I flat tow my car without any futures problems. I bought this car purley to tow, so as you can imagine, I am totally gutted by this. Any help or tips at all would be gratefully received.
Thanks, Tony
Sorry for delay, could it be the rear crankshaft seal? If so, I have seen this happen, this will also “normally” coat the clutch with oil.
Hi, I too am from the UK and wondered if you got to bottom of the cause of your oil leak? Thanks, Dave
Blind finding Smart tow instruction..Great Job Chip!!
Thank you very much for this. I am looking at getting a smart car to tow. Now I know which one to get and how to tow it.
Great video, thanks. When doing the setup, you mention move the gearshift to the left of drive and pushing down to initiate the process
This was a GREAT Video! I destroyed my first transmission by having bad information. You're right, the book is totally wrong! Car Still in Repair Shop Thank goodness for Warranties! Great Job...Thanks!
Lee Washington, that is the exact reason I made the video. Sorry to hear you had that problem. Certainly not a cheap fix.
You can add a wire from the radio to the batter to keep time and stations. (you have to remove the fuse so it dont back feed when its off. not a big deal)
Lankster Price, interesting.... where was this information gleaned?
Thanks for the info, not much info on towing the new smart car, trying to find out if there is any problems with the new transmission.
Bob Mitchell, the 453 trans is much better than the previous model (451). That said the clutch wear will be like the 451 I’m sure. The largest problem is towing! EVERY owners manual is wrong! Please follow the instructions I show in this vid and contact smart USA (MBUSA) and have them send you the updated instructions. I’ve put 3 transmissions in from people not following the directions, none of them deemed as warranty. That pushed me to make this video. I’m certainly not a pro but I hope I convey the instructions in a easy to understand format.
Thanks for the comment.
Chip, could explain how you installed the battery disconnect switch using the parts listed? I just purchased a 2016 Smart car for 2 Prime and am trying to understand the process of installing the disconnect switch.
Hi Chip,
I was towing our 2016 smart car last summer and at first everything seemed ok. I tried the battery disconnect, and clearly something was wrong so reconnected the battery. I didn't really care if the car counted mileage or not.
One of our travel days was quite long, and when we arrived at our destination the battery was dead. I couldn't even get it out of the tow gear. Boosted it and everything seemed fine.
A number of days later we had a message come up on the dash indicating a concern with the transmission. I took it to a Mercedes dealership where I was told the transmission was damaged and needed complete replacement.
I returned home to have a used transmission installed.
Now I'm afraid to tow again as the repair bill was quite a bit and I don't want a repeat experience.
Can the battery be completely disconnected during towing I.e. cables disconnected from the battery?
Will there be damage to the transmission and/or transfer case?
Now imagine if the highly touted German engineers had come up with a tow mode button that does all that for you with a simple push.
I love mine..... do you need to use a brake ?
I have not seen anyone use a brake buddy on a Smart
On the off chance that you are still monitoring this thread, I have a 2016 that I have setup for towing and had some trips that were successful using the method you demonstrated. However, during my last tow (about 20 miles) something happened that destroyed the tranny (according to Mercedes tech). I suspect that somehow the gear shifted, during transit, into Drive ... is that possible? While it is possible that I made a mistake setting up for tow, my confidence is pretty high that I followed the steps properly. I am working on getting the transmission replaced (MBenz quoted $14K) using a local transmission shop and a salvaged tranny ... but my only use of this car is as a toad and I my confidence is shot. No accidents. 23K miles. I have driven less than 1K miles since getting in 2019 (pandemic). Sob :-(
In short, if it went into gear and it was fine for a while the most likely cause is the battery reconnected. I have seen this, this is the reason I show the type of cut off switch I do in the video. Not sure I can help however I do have a few contacts. Not sure where you are but I'm in Tampa, Florida. I work at the Smart dealer (Mercedes-Benz). Please reach out and lets see if we can help.
You "should" be able to find me by using a google search "mercedes benz of tampa staff"
Can you demonstrate on installing the cut off switch on the battery and do we need both cut off switches.
James Kirchner, sorry, don’t work at that dealer anymore and while I do see Smart cars I have yet to see one for an RV tow car. As far as needing both cut off switches, for this application I use 2. My reason for this is the screw together type can reconnect while you drive (seen this happen) the other is a more positive on/off switch. Remember I’m doing this for owners unable to do it for themselves. There was a previous comment on here about disconnecting the battery, that will work also however you need to insulate the cable to INSURE it can’t reconnect!
any idea if the manual transmission we can leave neutral and is still safe to flat tow?
I know on the 451 it was a common practice. For the 453 (body shown in this video) the manual was available in 2016 only as I recall. If you have one of these bodies in a manual I would contact Smart USA (which is MBUSA) before flat towing. With a tad bit of looking the 451.431 body had engine 132.910 engine and 717.4 manual transmission. The 453.353 had the 281.910 engine and a 700.41 transmission. While I think you would be fine flat towing. I would not do so until MBUSA gives you the 👍. Or….. get an HDT to haul it around.
So as I understand, the process in my owners manual for the 2015 is correct? I don't have to do the shifting procedure as demonstrated in your video.
Thanks again for your patience and help.
Rick Kennedy, first question, do you have a 451 or 453? If you don’t know the chassis numbers, does your vehicle resemble the one pictured of is it the older body style
I have a 2017 (453) and towed it like the manufacturer said (in neutral) and the transmission was destroyed … I saw your video to put it in 6th. I am a little nervous that it will happen again ?… are you still in the Tampa area?
Currently in Tampa, yes. I look forward to inspecting your vehicle. The instructions in this video are accurate to what MBUSA would provide you in writing. You can receive a copy of the instructions be contacting MBUSA.
Do you attach any brake or directionals for the smart car and if not did that create any problems for Tickets in any states
Yes, there is turn/ standing/ brake lights on the smart car.
Is there a way to lock the doors so people can’t mess with the key or the gearshift? I’m always paranoid someone will take it out of neutral and I wouldn’t know until the transmission fried.
That’s a really good question! Next time I have a 453 in the shop I will check. I will also make a reply to your comment so you are notified.
What could be the cause if the transmission does not want to go back to PARK? I turn the battery disconnect back on and was not able to shift the transmission back to park.
Aurelio, I feel there a few details you left out of this question you asked. I have seen this before yes. Please provide the following, the year, the last 8 digits of your VIN number and the odometer reading. Also, what work has been done on the transmission? Does the car start in neutral? What does the display in the dash say when you hold the key to the “start” position? Let me know please.
@@22howards Chip this is a 2016 Smart Car with only a little over 17,000 miles.
@@aureliomaldonado6574 you did not provide the remainder of the information I requested, can’t help you.
The last 8 digits of the vin are GK052648 and the vehicle has no history of any transmission work. The vehicle does not start at all and the only thing that shows up in the display is the mileage. The last position of the transmission gear lever is in the manual position after I waited for the 6S. I know the vehicle is in fact in 6S as the vehicle moves when pushed. I was told that it could be a vehicle theft feature that has locked the steering wheel and does not allow for the vehicle t start.
I am having a tow truck take the vehicle the Mercedes dealer
Great Video! Thank You!
Sorry, sent by mistake. When initiating the process, could you say push down or back? Also would it be wise to use a bungee to hold gearshift in the plus minus position?
I said down but you are pulling in the direction of the rear of the car. And bungee is not needed.
Well explained. I'm in the process of doing this with a 2017 Passion, where did you source such a nice battery terminal switch ?
NAPA, the numbers changed. Someone commented earlier and I haven’t been to the store to verify. However... I saw them at Harbor freight also (just 2 weeks ago)
What parts are moving during the towing process and how are they lubricated? Must I stop every 4-500 miles to run the car and lubricate the transmission?
aoksales, this transmission is like any other “manual” transmission, when in neutral you can flat tow the vehicle. The reason for the other steps is to assist in keeping the electric “control” portion of the transmission in check while towing.
I have a 2015 Smart car model. Does this procedure also apply for the 2015!
Thanks for the tip on the NAPA battery shut off part #.
Rick Kennedy, 2015 is not this body style. That is a 451 body. this video demonstrates the process on a 453 body. Please review your owners manual because the process is correct.
Only the 2016 and 2017 Smart for Two (453 Body) with Dual Clutch Automatic Transmissions can be flat towed. Flat towing does NOT apply to the Smart Electric or manual transmission models.
Great vid. Can this be done with an 08 smart car?
smoknjoe73 , Yep, sure can. The owners manual is correct on that vehicle. Just follow the instructions. Please do not apply the 453 (new body smart) to the 451 (previous body smart).
Hi Chip, thanks for the video. I've tried looking up the NAPA part numbers for the battery disconnect and can't find them anywhere. What am I missing ? Sure need to find one. Thanks.
I will look these up later and see what has changed. I’m certain they are available. They may have changed numbers. Let me check.
@@22howards Hi Chip, did you ever find a part number for the battery disconnect or another source for the type you have in the video? Thanks
Hi Chip, I looked a little closer at the video and it appears that you used part of the brass screw type to connect the napa battery disconnect to but I can't see how you connected the other end to the left side. Can you please help with that as I don't want to use just the screw on type. Thanks
@@Moultrie31768, I used the screw on type and the switch type. I had mentioned that Napa no longer has those part numbers however I did see both components at Harbor freight. I do not have another smart car to show you how I did this. Where are you located?
@@22howards Hi Chip, I'm in SW Georgia. I didn't see the switch on Harbor Freight's web site but I did order one from EBay. I had only the screw on type today and while going down the road my power went out and back on. Got a few messages about the transmission including one about the clutch so I let things cool down and I hooked the battery back up right and it appears to be OK. I believe I can figure out the switch when it arrives BUT I'll never go back to the screw on type disconnect, just not reliable. Thanks for all your help !!!
What is the NAPA part number for the battery shut off used in the video?
Rick Kennedy, please see the the text in the video description. Both switches are listed there
Thanks for the info.
Downloading to keep in folder.
Good video. I’ve been trying to get answers about towing a Smartcar and have been getting all sorts of contrasting responses. So, if I understand you correctly, the car is actually being towed in 6th gear not neutral. Is this correct? Thanks for the video it’s the best info I’ve seen so far.
Vehicle is in neutral. If it’s in on any gear and towed with the rear wheels on the ground damage will occur.
So in other words when it indicates the number 6, that represents neutral, or do you have to physically move the shift lever to N?
@@snowydog1955 The vehicle displays 6th gear, it’s not in gear. Verify the vehicle is in neutral while on flat ground.
It says sixth but what is it actually in. Can it move into gear with anything extranious without you knowing? how can you lock it when the key is in it.? and is it really free running without the output shaft revolving.? I have heard of the gearboxes self destructing, and leaving bit all over the road. Here in the UK MB say it is FORBIDDEN TO TOW and there is nothing to tell you how to.
Graham Dawes, Sad to say but the Smart car never had large sale numbers within this country (USA). The owners manual was incorrect so the information was obtained from MBUSA. During the time this was becoming an issue we were told the resolution was available in Europe however it was being approved for the US market. Now we only have the electric model available and the gas/petrol version is no longer available (in the USA). To respond to your questions, what gear is it in? We were told neutral. Leaving the key in, yes it is a pain however that’s what you have a spare key for. And lastly, I would relate this to having the car in neutral while rolling down a hill and shut the engine off. The output shaft is turning and so is the ring gear.
The vehicles I HAVE seen with transmission issues have not followed the proper instructions (above). And, when asking the owner to demonstrate on a known good vehicle they are unable to do so.
I hope this helps a bit. I do work at a dealer and while the information is on the web my literature is provided by Daimler.
Hope this helps a bit.
Thanks for that, I heard of a smart being towed and the whole unit ended up ripped out when it seized at 60mph because it was runnig at twice the rpm for that speed because the gearbox was engaged.. I have now got a 2011 diesel and that is a freewheeling model without trouble in proper neutral so I am happy now. A pity about the safe mode it has got stuck in though. I will fix it..
Graham Dawes, sorry for the delay in responding. In 2011 (in the USA) the 451 was sold in here. The model mentioned in the video is a 453 which was brought over in mid 2015 as a 2016 model.
Diesel....... sadly that is a negative word in this country it seems. A diesel Smart was never approved for the US market. Our colleagues to the north had this vehicle. Every once in a while I see one. That was a good engine from what I was told.
@@22howards I have a 2007 Diesel. I am getting ready to switch from a dolly towed Nissan to this (flat towed) Smart due to weight. The car, as old is it is a load of fun.
Excellent. Thank you!
So if I don’t care about the miles can I just leave the battery connected?
Alex Smith, In short, no!
The “correct “ way is to do what I outlined. This is what the factory recommends. I think everyone who has a 453 smart automatic who watches this video can try it and see it’s not hard.
The problem is there is a possibility of the vehicle going into gear while being towed. This will cause failure of the transmission and clutch assembly. I have seen this failure happen, it’s not warranty and delays the owners on their trip.
Nicely done. TUVM Rlikis
Was the car a automatic? Didn’t think smart car with automatic be towed . Also are certain years preferred for towing?
Kens utube, Sir, had you watched the video you would see this is being demonstrated on an automatic vehicle. They did make manual 453 body vehicles however only electric Vehicles are now available, no gas vehicles for the USA.
@@22howardsnless the 2016-17 is much different than all the other smart cars I know about they are ALL manual trans. They have a computer controlled clutch. You can put them in D for drive and the computer will shift the car for you just as a manual. Or you can shift it like you would any 5 speed car. I understand that the 2018 and later are going to be all electric and are listed in RV mags as being unfit for flat towing.
Thank you for posting this. Have you had any problems with this technique since you've been using it? Would this same technique work if we were to use a tow dolly?
Rick Loe, to be honest I kind of suck at making videos. I get the general point across but somehow I leave some details out. If you or someone you know owns one of these cars and you read the owners manual you will see it differs from my approach. The reason for this? They didn’t update the owners manual to properly reflect the correct process. The process I am trying to convey in this video is from the updated process provided by Smart USA. Process works fine, no problems. Should you put the front wheels of the Smart on a tow dolly this process would still apply. That said, these cars are so light you don’t need a brake buddy or other such devices.
Another comment was to disconnect the battery. That will work, however, should the battery reconnect on its own there will be problems.
So, in short, models 450,451,453 (gas engines which is all that was offered for USA) can all be towed behind an RV. The process is similar for the 450 and 451. The 453 (2016 and up) with automatic gearbox needs to follow the instructions shown in the video. I have been witness to not following the process 3 times and it all ended up needing a new transmission assembly which was NOT COVERED by warranty!
I just wanted to get this out there and share so others don’t make the same mistake.
Chip Saunders is
Brian Haw, is?
Hi Chip I am located in livermore CA do you know who can install my tow kit to rear tow 4 down my 2016 smart car?
@@22howards
@@22howards I know this is a year later. We are getting ready to tow our 451 (2012) behind our RV. The manual says that these cars should never be towed with the front wheels off the ground on a dolly as it will cause damage to the vehicle.
Thanks for the video. I have a 2016 453 that I am about to tow for the first time. This video is a little clearer than the MB instructions. Did you find you had to use a bungee to manage the steering wheel any? I know in the previous generation people did that, but I'm not sure in the 453.
To answer my own question.....my 453 tows fine without any steering assistance or stabilization. So no bungee needed on the 453 series. even super-sharp cornering does not affect it...everything tracks perfectly so far (350 miles towing).
Jack Mayer, it’s funny I have watched so many of your videos concerning The NH product and I see you chime in on the SC and NH groups. Thanks for all the wisdom you have conveyed thru UA-cam. I just work on Smarts. The 450 diesel is my favorite. I like the 453 (newest Smart) but I also appreciate the simplicity of the 451. See you in the NH groups and maybe at your HDT facility.
@@22howards I've now towed that smart for thousands of miles with no issue. It tows great. Thanks for your commments....you are welcome to stop by the shop any time if in the area.
Jack Mayer, September, we take delivery of our NH, if we have time I’ll stop buy. My current setup will work but an HDT is so safe.
Great video.
I have a 451, older style.
My suggestion, contact Mercedes Benz and see if they will send you the owners manual and look on page 202. This describes the procedure for towing.
Not sure why you need to tow however this is a popular toad for RV coaches. In this case there are many tow bars available for this vehicle. They will normally wire in a 5 pin connector in the front to control the rear taillights. A MB dealer can also help you with this provided they are willing.
That is NOT how you do it on older smart cars however.
Well, CLEARLY did not watch the video. I mention how this doesn’t apply to the 450 and 451 in the video. If you own a 453... better pay attention, just sayin.
@@22howards We are not all as smart as you and don't realize that the 450 and 51 are older. Just trying to help no need to get your panties in a knot.
@@larryandjackieoz5275, My panties as you call them do not have a problem. You sir capitalized the word “not”. Therefore I felt the need to point this out. Please keep in mind
the 453 is different than previous models as it uses Renault for the power plant. The previous 451 uses Mitsubishi and I have not had a 450 apart as they were imported to Canada.
I am NOT a professional video maker nor the best spokesperson. I DID provide accurate information to the RV community which is where these vehicles are mostly used as “toads”. I am NOT smarter than anyone, what was doing was pointing out the owners manual was/is incorrect and I personally saw more than the average of ruined transmissions due to an incorrect process being followed. Therefore sir, with all due respect, you are the one who had had his panties in a wad and posted/commented incorrectly.