Smart Car Clutch Actuator + Gear Actuator Repairs
The SMART car transmission is unlike any ordinary 5 or 6-speed automatic. It is an automated manual gearbox. Which means the vehicle can be driven as a manual or automatic at the flick of a button. The vehicle does not have a clutch pedal and instead operates on sensors and ECU’s.
The system consists of a clutch actuator assembly, a gear shift actuator assembly, and a gearbox ECU. Each of the actuators will also have position sensors. Which sends signals back to the gearbox ECU to determine which gear the vehicle is in or what position the clutch is in. This information along with vehicle speed and other parameters will be used by the gearbox ECU. To calculate the required gear, when the next gear change should take place and when to engage/disengage the clutch.
As many SMART car owners are already aware, this design has many faults and can render the vehicle completely un-drivable.
Common Clutch + Gear Actuator Problems
When the clutch and gear actuators fail on the Mercedes Smart car. It doesn’t always give the same symptom. Below we’ve listed the most common fault symptoms we are aware of so far:
- 3 Bars / Lines Appearing on Gear Change Box
- Slipping Out of Gears
- Getting Stuck in Neutral
- Failing to Select Gears
If your clutch or gear actuator has failed, then you may already be aware of exactly how much it can cost to replace the unit. Each actuator is coded to the vehicle and can cost upwards of £700+Vat each to replace with coding. Furthermore, the replacement unit will only come with a standard 12-month warranty and being that it is such a common failing part, it doesn’t give much confidence that the problem won’t re-occur.
We receive clutch & gear actuators for repair on a daily basis for the following vehicles:
- Smart City
- Smart ForTwo
- Smart ForFour
- Smart Roadster
We have also compiled a short list of part numbers associated to the failing clutch & gear actuator units. Note: this is not a complete list of part numbers, only the most common part numbers we frequently see in our workshops are listed.
| Model | Model |
|---|---|
| Peugeot 2007 | Peugeot 3008 |
| Peugeot 5008 | Peugeot Expert |
My Mercedes Smart Car Actuator is Faulty – How Can SINSPEED Help Me?
We specialise in the testing and repair of clutch + gear actuator units, not just for Smart cars but for all vehicle makes and models where the vehicles gearbox is controlled by electronic actuators. We’re able to fully bench test and repair the Smart car clutch actuator and gear actuator units. We use new genuine OEM parts when repairing the actuators to ensure each and every repaired clutch/gear actuator meets and exceeds OE specifications.
The repaired actuators will be returned to you with a Lifetime warranty for complete peace of mind and will not require re-coding when fitting back to the vehicle – simply plug & play!
If you have a Mercedes Smart Car with a clutch or gear actuator fault then give us a call today on 0203 815 9441.
I Have a 2015 Smart Forfour manual which intermittently has problems selecting gears due to the clutch pedal not returning – any ideas?
Hello, my 2009 Smart Car reg-KM09HFT does not start anymore. It was jerking violently hence i switched the car off however it no longer turns on.
I have a smart 4 four Passion
66 plate and there is something wrong, the AA had Advised I need a new clutch, however, not sure that is Necessary and I have been quoted £1981!
No warning lights and the AA siad they could see any other issues
Hi wondered if you can help I have a smart fortwo 451 09 plate and we have 3 lines on the dashboard and have no gears and won’t start can you advise
Me again.
Sorry, in my last message it should read, service indicator can NOT be reset. Thanks.
my foster daughter has a 2006 smart twofor city when driving it some times pops out of gear it had a problem where it would not recognise neutral but a reset seems to have solved that any ideas?
regards stan
Hi My Smart for two got stuck on N and won’t drive. I had a quote from a garage to replace the actuator and clutch. Can you please quote for the works?
I have just bought my self a smart car passion and I can’t get it to drive it starts but died it need a actervate it’s starts but will not go in to hear can you please let me know what is happening with it
Hi
I have a customer with a twofour that wont select gears
It’s says its In neutral and doesnt change when you put it in gear and sounds like it is trying to select gear but wont
Assuming its An actuator fault can you give an idea of cost please
Hi there,
On my 2011 Smart for Two 451 (1.0 turbo, 84bhp) I have a p0900 code reading clutch motor Operational Fault , stating permanent fault.
Having checked harness and sensors, it seems it may be the sensors within motor unit of actuation showing open circuit.
Please confirm if you can service unit?
Car runs okay until driven a bit quicker when drive Disengages and *N* Symbol flashes and no drive. Reset only possible via battery Disconnect and gear selectormotor and actuator reset..
here i have the same problem, but with my 2013 smart 1.0 L. thx
Hello, i have a smart for two 2013 1.0 turbo, has been habingo Gear transmition problems, some months ago, the car Work perfect, just some times i had issues when i acelerate, the car moves viontly feels like hard pulls, the the car just work perfect.
Now the car whe You dirive a while, then it starts doing that, but more hard and violently, if i tutn off and wait sone minutes, the car works fine.
I Did the service for the clutch actutator, it was in good shape, i have never done any actualizarion software to the car.
What you guys can tell me about this issue, i thank you so much.
My 2009 Fourtwo Passion will not start because I cannot achieve the Neutral indication in the speedometer.
Also, this form insists on starting each word with an Upper Case letter!
My smart car will not engage gear, started when trying to engage reverse then suck in first seems to be intermittent.
Hello, i have a smartfortwo and the problem i have is the car jerks violently when putting It into gear When applying gas to push off…, it has since died and has the two spanners flashing when I turn on the ignition… can you help?
Good morning
I have a 2010 smart car ,
Reg number MF02 ***.
The problem I have is the car drives ok most of the time. Sometimes it jerks so bad When put into gear It becomes undrivable. The gear Indicator on the dash board flashes all the time and The service indicator light can be reset.
Can you help please?
Hi, I have a ’57 plate smart two cabrio. It has just started to not find reverse gear, drives well in all forwards gears. The AA have been out and diagnosed a transmission increment sensor error. is this something you guys can help with?
thanks
Drew
2008 451 84bhp fortwo. Wife got car stuck and kept revving it and after some smell of burning car will not engage any gear. Suspect it Is actuator, how much to fix, can you advise.
I have 3 horizontal line on my 2007 smart car fortwo model dash board and won’t select gear or start,have you any ideas what is wrong.
thanks
seumas
Hi.
I Have 2009 0.8 cdi diesel that starts but will not select any gears
Hi how much to repair my smart 451 clutch actuator please
I have a Smart for Two, 799 diesel CDi 2009. Symptoms: autobox lost reverse selection but retained neutral and auto/ first (when manually selected) i.e. soft control, then stuck in auto/ first gear, ie. lost autotip. would like to understand whether symptoms indicate gear or clutch actuator failure or transmission ECU failure.
My smart diesel wont select and sticking in neutral
Hi, great to gave found ur site, please could you advise on cost of repair to clutch auctator on 2002 smart fortwo 450 600cc
Thank you
I drive a 2008 Toyota corolla professional steptronic.. It flashes N even when engaged in drive or steptronic…. Even if it engage R it flashes N. Sometimes it does engage D but while on motion it will flash N.. Please help
SMART CAR 2 – 2006 MODEL, THREE LINES APPEAR, DOES NOT WANT TO GO IN GEAR AT ALL.
Hi there , had a problem with my 07 smart car , when using the manual side if the gearbox it didn’t go down the gears and causes 3linrs on dash , and I hear trying to find the gear but nothing switch on and off and lets me gears again, just wondering if you can assign? Thanks in advance
I have a smart for two passion on 2003 and this is the third time it will not start three lines on dash it has been reset on dienostic but at 50 pounds a time it is getting to point that i am going to sell car for bits could you give me price on refurbished actuator and delete coding thanks much appreciated
I have a smart fortwo coupe 0.7 2006 lost all drive going forward and rever switched off engine all working again should i clean the actuator grease it up inside what do you suggest
Hi i have 2004 smart roadster
Intermittently no drive Forward and backwards.
Sometimes slams in Reverse and then cuts out.
Majority of time it drive through gears fine
My 18 yr old daughter has a 2 seater Smart 2009 diesel Auto/Manual. On way back from uni on fri night auto got stuck in 3 so she switched to manual & drove home perfectly OK on manual. drives ok on manual
I just changed my smart passion for two 2008 battery and all of a sudden it wont work on automatic! It works fine with gears manually….
What is the problem? It never gave me Trouble berore changing my battery…im baffled.
Hi there.
My car details are as follows: :-
Smart Car City Passion 61 Auto Coupe (ForTwo). Petrol.
Car Reg = LA56***
Engine capacity = 698cc
Engine Power = 45 Kw (61hp)
First Reg date = 31/01/2007 (450 model)
current clutch actuator part I have states = 01 3981 007 101
Q1). Not sure where I can locate the Gear Actuator – what can i locate this please?
Problem – basically whilst driving for the past few months, i now and again get the three bars of death. Sometimes i can turn engine off and on again, and it resets itself again. Has been getting worse, over time. When it has happened recently, to reset ti, I now have to discount the battery, wait 10 mins, and reconnect. 80% this sorts it out, temporary.
Lately though, got worse.
My mechanic mate then popped round, and attached computer reader to car. Read fault codes, cleared them, lubricated clutch actuator (as was making squeaking noise), and then reset gear settings (electronically). Car then worked ok for a bit. Now though, car seems ok, when i go from gear 1-6 (upwards). Though when i slow down in manual mode (where gears should drop down automatically when i slow), it seems the gears stick, and the gears do not drop down properly (very slow delay, causing three bars of death to come up again). Also, if i try to manually drop down gears, again not very reactive (slow to react).
Grr hee.
Q2). Does this look like a Clutch actuator problem, Gear Actuator problem, or both?
q3). Instead could it be a gear position sensor fault instead?
Your suggestions, price details would be much appreciated.
Regards
KEVIN.
i have a brabus 451 year 2010 mileage 47000
Reverse gear randomly refuses to select ( dash shows”N”
I have updated software from Mercedes and also new clutch fitted and this has failed to permanently resolve issue
Can you please advise
Many thanks
Anthony
got a smart roadster ,sometimes if i revers it start to jump the cluth disengage to fast and the enjin stalls
Hi
I have a smart for two. pulse with elec roof. semi auto
it has suddenly stopped engaging gears when the engine is running.
you can feel the car trying, then I get the 3 black lines on the dash.
the car will select when the engine is turned off.???
IAN
My Smart fortwo Passion on 04 plate drives nicely for around a week and then it slips out of the gear and Three lines appear on the dash Board almost every time. Car can’t move or start unless I wait for 15min or Disconnect the Battery. Then it drives nicely again. I’d like to solved this problem so the three bars will not appear again. Could you please help?
2008 Smart fortwo pure
-intermittent NO start
-Starts and you can select a gear but it won’t move.
-Drives but then just revs like it’s in Neutral but maybe in any gear.
Is this a clutch gear actuator problem? I was told a low battery may cause the same problems but the battery is at 13V
Hello, I have a smart fortwo 451, from 2008, the car sometimes when I turned on doesn’t engage rear gear, first gear is OK, but not rear gear, so I try a few times and is all fine, for a while.. But next time a stop the car can happen Again,! Do you think the problem is in Actuator?
Regards
I have a 2009 Smart 451, and it’s had all software updated due to not going into reverse, but just lately this problems has reared its ugly head again.
It will go into reverse sometimes..but if it’s been sitting for a couple of days it needs driving forward first.
I am guessing the actuator is sticking, and would appreciate any information you can give me as regards repairing the unit.
my ’58 reg Smart Passion makes a Klonk when going into reverse. Still drives OK is there a potential problem about to happen?
Hi,
I have a 2011 Smart fortwo. How much to repair my clutch actuator?
Hi i have a 2009 smart fourtwo soft top iit whent into neutral amd now the n flashes and will not start if i unplug the clutch achuator it starts dose this mean the achuator is at fault and if so could send me a price for repar thanks les
My mum’s smart car failed her last night on a busy road. It was in 5th gear, everything lit up, the 5th & 4th gear had an arrow pointing to go down the gearing. It seems like it went into limp mode. She started it up after 10 minutes, and it worked fine. Please, could you explain the problem?
Thank you.
Kind regards, Jan Gorman
Hi,
My smart car 2003 450, will not go from neutral into gear with the 3 bars showing on dashboard. Is this the clutch actuator? Could you please ley me know price.
Thanks
Hi there my 2003 450 snart was all fine untill i dissconnected the battery now ut wont start and has the three bars ?? Could thus be the sensor?? Any gelp be great thanks aswell as costs thanks
Hi there
wounding if you can help.broke down today in my smart car (451) 2008 it done 67000 miles and the car was driving sounded like it over Revved and then i stop the car but it was stuck in 3rd gear and Wouldn’t pull away. also Wouldn’t go in Neutral but got it tow on a flat bed and now it showing the 3 lines where the gears are shown. what could be the Problem and how much to fix.
Kind Regards
maz
today 2-21-2018 my wife said she herd a loud bang car stop’d will not start will not disenguage the transmission when we rooled it on flat bed trans was engaged engine no start so we pushed against compression to move it WHAT do you think it’s a 2008 passion 68 thou miles
Looking for Gear Acuator for Nissan Atlas OE no
01 3981 000 047
Got the 3 bars of death on the wife’s 08 plate Smart.(BG08***)
Thoughts please on causes and repair costs.
Kind regards
Steve.
Hi Jason, The wifes Smart fourtwo Brabus broke down today. She said last night it made a loud bang and today did the same before calling it quits. Called the RAC out, three bars showing in the gearbox indicator on the dash and cannot engage any gears – no clutch. RAC man plugged in a diagnostic that advised “failed clutch”. Had it recovered to a repairer I use, sounds like it could be the clutch actuator? The car has done 53k miles. I know you can park a double decker bus in the middle of the gear changes but I always thought that on occasions it struggles to pull away, almost like the handbrake is still on. Any thoughts? If I need one, how much do your reconditioned actuators come out at and do you need the old one for exchange?
Thanks,
chris
Hello,i got smart fort two, I got promlem Whit gearbox , need to repair, how much it will cost. Thank you.
my clutch actuator on my 2002 smart car 0.6 passion has stopped working 3 lines how much to repair please
Dear sir
i have 2004 smart 454 (Gas/1.5L) and would like to know the price for repairing my Actuator…?
thank you very much~!
BR
Paul
Hello.
I would be greatful too, for pricing of renewal. Thank you.
Mark
Having problems with my gearbox on my smart For two sometimes wont start in neutral until and 3 lines appearing on dash ,,Think it could be the actuator could you give me the cost to repair please. Regards Richard Walker
Could you advise me where The unit is located and how to remove it so i can send it To you for repair
Hi, I have this problem,
When taking off from stationary and going into reverse sometimes the screen will flash N and not got into reverse. After moving for a while this is Generally not a problem. I have been told it is a problem with the gear actuator. Please can you advise and quote?
Thanks
Hi sinspeed, i have sent my actuator with a Discription on the problems I’m experiencing.
Hope to hear from you soon.
MY CAR DO NOT WANT TO GO IN GEAR , THE 3 LINES WAS COMMING UP THE sMART FOUR FOUR CAR, WHERE IN Johannesburg CAN YOU HELP TO REPAIR IT AND THE PRICE?
rEGARDS
eLSJE
Hi there i have a smart car into the workshop its quite jumpy when driving it the fault codes are p1710, p1835, p1830, on the lift you can see the clutch actuator jumping in and out when its in gear how much to fix it.
Regards jason
Hi Jason,
I have an intermittant fault. When I start the car and select reverse with my foot on the brake, it sometimes indicates a flashing ‘N’ on the dash and wont select reverse. If I then switch the car off and then put the ignition on only and select reverse it shows ‘R’ on the dash. I have checked my brakelights and reverse lights and they work fine. can you give me a price for this fix please. (Smart fortwo 1000cc passion 2008)
Regards
Stuart
I also have transmission problem with 2006 forfour I think it is the actuator can I get a repair kit I’m in Australia and can u adjust them looking forward to hear from u thanks john
Hi, my car starts but when you select a Gear, it stays in neutral. It won’t Go into auto or 1st gear or reverse, how much will it cost to Repair?
Hi. I have smart for four 2005 1.3 petrol semi automatic. I noticed problems with selecting reverse gear. When the engine is cold and car not moving its difficult put on reverse. Only shows 0 on display. After short distance drive the reverse since to be go ok. Any ideas what the problem is?
When shifting from Auto to nuteral to reverse and then back again my car sticks in nuteral and I can’t change it, it flashes N so I have to turn Ignition off and back on again then it’s OK. How much to fix? Smart pulse 2010 dsi. Thanks.
I have 2010 Smart fortwo cdi.
My gear box does not change from N to A or R any more.
How much will it cost and how long will it take to fix the problem?
Hi there,
I wonder if you can provide me with a quote for my Smart ForTwo 55 plate? The car struggles to switch between the low gears and often gets stuck in first.
Many thanks
Hi i have a smart car 57 plate pure 71 and it doesnt go into reverse the N just flashes, ive trying playing around with the gears and only when i drive around i Can Get it reverse but more often struggling to get it into reverse. Please help!
Hi, my disabled wife has a Fourtwo (42) passion (YA57***). Occasionally she cannot engage reverse. Moving the gear stick between 1st gear and reverse does nothing but eventually 1st gear will not engage either. When the gears do not engage the panal just shows N.
Odd part is that the problem is much worse when on a slope…..that is drivers side is lower than the passenger side. I am hoping you can help. As my wife is disabled this is a big problem for her.
Thanks.
Mike (Lincoln area)
(Local Smart dealership have been most unhelpful)
2004 Smart roadster x2 actuators
Price please
Thanks 🙏🏽
Hi jason i have a smart car fortwo 2006 grandstyle .engine runs and revs up but i have 3 bars on the read out on dash clock flashing .can you tell me if its the clutch actuator fault as i can feel a pulsating when put into gear but still no drive look forward to your reply Trevor
Hello,
I have a smart car 2004 and have the common problem with the clutch actuator, stopped on a traffic light and then When was to drive again 3 bars on the dasboard. .Would you be able to let me know how much it will cost to repair it?
Kind regrads,
Martin
2008 SMART FORTWO PURE 71 AUTO CLUTCH Actuator signal going in but no signal coming out can it be repaired Thanks chris
Hi i have an smart cdi 2009
It’s seems to be fine changing gears town driving but as soon as you hit Over 50 it says in the last gear and u have to shift down with the paddles but then ur in 2 gear and it wont go past 25 mph can you help please
hello.my 2057 smart 451wil not turn over on key. three bars on screen. garage says its a clutch accuator problem.hav u experianced this problem. an can u sort it. an a ruff estimate. thanks
My smart car would not engage left it for a while and it started and got me home car only Done 18.000 miles please help and advise
Hi, my garage has told me that the clutch module on my smart fortwo needs looking at by smart. The 3 bars also appeared on the gear box before the car cut out. How much roughly do you think this will cost to replace? Thanks
Hi i want to buy a smart forfour that has a problem with its automatic gearbox and wanted to know how much it might Cost have it fixed if i were to buy it.
Thanks,
Tolu
Hi, I have been told that it is likely that my clutch actuator has gone in my smart fortwo. It’s a 2010 model.
Please could you tell me how much it would be to repair this?
I live in southern California, USA. I am having a big problem finding reliable service here, dealer wants to charge $2500, for repair.
Thanks
my 2008 smartcar for two has 145,000 miles and sometimes doest not go into gear
do i need this unit repairs done
My 08 smart fortwo will not go into gear. Had the 3 lines show up on dash and now when i try to select a gear the n just flashes do u think it could be an electrical fault or something more serious like the gearbox malfunctioning?
i have also noticed that if the car is started and u shut down it does not turn of the engine, meaning i can take the key out of the ignition lock the car and walk away and the engine will still run.
help in this regard would be much appreciated
My 451 fortwo will not go into 5th gear is this an actuator issue
my smart car broke down on the m1 on Tuesday.had to get it recovered home.coming up to the slip road the gears started to jump and jurk .i stopped the engine and tried to restart but it was dead.i was told it was a clutch actuator problem but not really sure.any ideas please. thanks john.
Hi i have a smart forfour that suddenly stoped changing gear have had the clutch atuator replaced but not coded?? Don’t know it that would make a difference and how much to repair the gear actuator please many thanks
Hi
I have a 59 plate smart diesel, car wont select gear get stuck in neutral and judders like mad and selects reverse gear very hash. Help me please. Thanks
Hi
Has the 3 line bar and car cut out whilst driving.
Green Flag seem to think gearbox but sounds like actuator.
Could you email me some prices if possible please
Many Thanks
Jay
My 58 smart fortwo will not go into gear. Had the 3 lines show up on dash and now when i try to select a gear the n just flashes do u think it could be an electrical fault or something more serious like the gearbox malfunctioning?
Good Day. My son’s 55 plate FourFor has stopped selecting gears, with just a blank display. From what I have read, this is likely to be the acuator. Could you please let me have prices for testing and replacement of said actuator.
Many thanks
Phil Bowman
hello. i have a clutch actuaror foulty on my smart forfour how much it will cost me to changed or repair if is possible? thank you
dropped my car smart forfour at garage today,wont go into gear,and before hand would jerk uncontrolably? AA gave me these codes p1831 p1862 p1710 p1830 p1941 and p1842 though did say any one could prompt the rest to light up, if you think my actuator is at fault would you please quote me a price. thanks.
Hi suspect faulty Actuator clutch, is there any test i can do with it in situ to confirm its faulty? I have the dreaded 3 bars on dash showing also please confirm Price for repair?
A 451 250 00 62. My mechanic says the worm drive is broken and of course the new part is over the top expensive. In Australia the Consumer laws are very generous and mean a manufacturers warranty does not end. Mine broke at only 52,000 kms so I am going to attempt to have Mercedes replace it under warranty. Can I ask a can I ask a favour please that is can you offer an opinion as to whether this part has failed prematurely thank You.
Hi, could you get me a price actuator on reg lt58***.
Thanks
Hi I need your help to repair my forfour actuator can I talk to you through skype