Smart Fortwo's Electrical Nightmare Needs Expert Fix

Had the same onboard diagnostics errors in my 2016 Smart Forfour with the 1.0L gasoline engine. The control module was giving unusual electrical faults and the infotainment system would freeze or shut down completely. After multiple diagnostic sessions, it turned out the main control unit had a software malfunction causing communication errors between different modules. The fix required a complete software update and recalibration of several systems including: Main control module reprogramming, Gateway module reset, Infotainment system reconfiguration, Full system diagnostic scan This was not a quick fix, the car stayed at the workshop for 3 days while they worked through multiple software bugs in the system. They needed specialized diagnostic equipment to properly reprogram all affected modules. The issue was serious since the electrical problems could potentially affect critical systems. Would strongly recommend having this checked at a shop with experience in Smart vehicle electronics and proper diagnostic equipment. Make sure they document all software versions before and after the update. A basic reset or quick software update likely will not resolve these symptoms based on the multiple system warnings showing up.

Thanks for sharing those details about your Forfour issues. Your electrical problems sound exactly like what I experienced with my Smart. The control module and ECU problems were a real headache until the shop did a complete software update. Did you remember how much you ended up paying for the full fix? Also curious if any other electrical issues have popped up since the vehicle software was updated. I want to make sure the same repair will be a permanent solution and not just a temporary fix.

Great news, since having the vehicle software issue fixed at the shop, my Smart has been running perfectly with zero electrical problems. The complete overhaul of the control unit software was absolutely worth the 240€ repair cost. The onboard diagnostics now show everything working as intended, and the communication between modules is completely stable. The shop did a thorough job reprogramming the control unit, which resolved all those unusual system errors and warning messages. They explained that without addressing the root software bug in the main module, these electrical issues tend to keep returning. Based on the 6 months since my repair, I can confirm it was a permanent solution rather than just a quick fix. The navigation, infotainment, and all electrical systems have remained fully functional with no glitches or error messages reappearing. A proper software update done by qualified technicians really does make all the difference.

After getting the electrical issues and warnings in my Smart, I finally took it to the shop last week. The technician immediately identified the control unit software as the culprit. They performed a complete recalibration and system reset that took about 4 hours. The total cost came to 280€ which included the full diagnostic scan and software update. While not cheap, watching them work through each module systematically gave me confidence in the repair. The vehicle software upgrade fixed all the warning lights and restored full functionality to the navigation system. Been driving for a week now with zero electrical problems. The control unit is working perfectly and all systems are communicating properly. Really glad I got it sorted before any major issues developed. Based on your experience with the same fix holding up well, feeling optimistic this will be a long-term solution. Thanks again for helping point me in the right direction with the software diagnosis. Saved me from potentially wasting time and money on simpler fixes that wouldn't have addressed the core problem.