Oil changes and scheduled maintenance, check-engine-light diagnostics, gasoline and diesel engine repair, turbo systems, CDI diesel injection, automated-manual transmissions and clutch actuators, manual transmissions, Twinamic dual-clutch transmissions, clutches, cooling systems, brakes, suspension and steering, wheel bearings, electrical and electronic diagnostics, batteries and charging systems, air conditioning, exhaust, tires, alignments and much more.

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We can also diagnose many of the systems found in smart electric drive and EQ fortwo electric vehicles.

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Trust your VF Auto technician for all your smart maintenance and repair needs.

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We diagnose before we replace.

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On a smart, space is limited and many systems operate differently from those in a conventional vehicle. Accurate diagnosis can save considerable time and prevent unnecessary replacement of expensive components.

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VF AUTO: YOUR SMART SPECIALIST

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The smart fortwo is one of the most distinctive vehicles ever sold in Canada.

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Its engine is mounted in the rear, the vehicle uses an extremely compact architecture and certain generations use an automated manual transmission that operates very differently from a traditional automatic.

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Canada's earliest smart vehicles were even powered by a small three-cylinder CDI turbo-diesel, while later generations moved to gasoline and eventually electric power.

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At VF Auto, we understand these differences and tailor our diagnostic approach to the specific generation and powertrain in your smart.

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COMMON SMART PROBLEMS WE DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR

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Clutch, actuator and automated transmission – fortwo 450 and 451

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Earlier smart fortwo generations use a robotized manual transmission.

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Although there is no clutch pedal, the vehicle still uses a mechanical clutch operated by an electric actuator.

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With age and mileage, different faults can produce:

• Harsh shifting

• Hesitation when starting from a stop

• Difficulty selecting a gear

• Transmission remaining in neutral

• Jerking or surging

• Transmission warnings

• Clutch slipping

 

The problem can involve the clutch itself, clutch actuator, actuator adjustment, a sensor, wiring or the transmission-control system.

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Poor shift quality therefore does not automatically mean the complete transmission needs replacement.

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VF Auto can diagnose the system before recommending repairs.

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Clutch adaptation and learning

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Proper operation of smart's automated transmission also depends on correct adaptation between the clutch, actuator and transmission control system.

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Following certain repairs or as the clutch wears, incorrect adaptation can contribute to poor shifting.

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Our approach considers both the mechanical condition and the electronic commands and data before determining what requires repair.

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CDI turbo-diesel engine – early Canadian smart models

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The first smart fortwo vehicles sold in Canada used a 0.8L three-cylinder CDI turbo-diesel engine.

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These engines are extremely economical and many remain on the road today, but their age means certain systems deserve particular attention.

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We can diagnose concerns including:

• Hard starting

• Loss of power

• Abnormal smoke

• Injection problems

• Fuel injectors

• Fuel leaks

• EGR system concerns

• Intake deposits

• Turbocharger problems

• Oil leaks

• Glow-plug systems

 

On a diesel engine, reduced power does not automatically mean the turbocharger has failed. Intake, EGR, boost plumbing, sensors and fuel delivery also need to be considered.

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EGR and soot buildup – CDI models

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Like many small diesel engines, smart CDI engines can accumulate soot within the EGR and intake systems as mileage increases.

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Significant buildup can contribute to reduced power, rough operation or a check engine light.

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We test system operation before determining whether cleaning or repair is actually necessary.

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Turbocharger and loss-of-power concerns

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CDI models and certain later gasoline fortwo models use turbochargers.

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A lack-of-boost condition can involve the turbocharger, but it can also be caused by:

• Intake leakage

• Hoses

• Wastegate controls

• An actuator

• A sensor

• Exhaust restrictions

• Fuel-delivery problems

 

We test the complete system before replacing an expensive turbocharger.

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Cooling-system and overheating concerns

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The rear-mounted engine and unique cooling-system layout make smart cooling-system diagnosis different from that of a typical front-engine vehicle.

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The water pump, thermostat, radiator, cooling fan, hoses and fittings must all operate correctly.

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Coolant loss, inconsistent cabin heat, abnormal fan operation or elevated engine temperature should be investigated promptly.

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We can pressure-test the cooling system to locate leaks and verify proper coolant circulation.

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Engine-oil leaks

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As smart vehicles age, leaks can develop around the engine, turbocharger, oil pan and various seals or lines.

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Because the drivetrain is packaged so tightly, oil can travel across multiple components before becoming visible underneath the vehicle.

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We identify the actual source before recommending parts replacement.

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Spark plugs, ignition coils and misfires – gasoline models

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On gasoline-powered smart vehicles, rough running, loss of power or a check engine light may be related to spark plugs, ignition coils, injectors, intake problems, sensors or a mechanical condition.

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A misfire code does not automatically mean an ignition coil requires replacement.

Our technicians use engine operating data and appropriate testing to identify the actual cause.

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Twinamic transmission – 453 generation

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The 453-generation fortwo could be equipped with a 6-speed Twinamic dual-clutch transmission.

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This transmission is fundamentally different from the robotized manual transmission used in earlier smart vehicles.

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Hesitation, unusual shifting or a transmission warning can have mechanical, electronic or clutch-related causes.

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We first identify exactly which transmission is installed so the correct diagnostic strategy can be used.

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Suspension, steering and wheel bearings

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A smart may be small and light, but Quebec roads are still demanding on its suspension.

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Wheel bearings, springs, shocks, stabilizer links, bushings, ball joints and other components can develop noise or looseness.

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Clunking, humming, vibration or uneven tire wear should be inspected so the actual faulty component can be identified.

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Brake concerns

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Many smart vehicles spend most of their lives making short urban trips.

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Corrosion, sticking brake components, rotors and parking-brake components can therefore deserve particular attention, especially after many Quebec winters.

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We inspect the complete braking system before deciding what requires replacement.

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Electrical and electronic problems

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The vehicle's small size does not mean its electronics are simple.

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A smart contains multiple control modules, sensors and communication networks.

A weak 12-volt battery, poor ground, faulty connection or unstable power supply can create several symptoms at the same time.

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We can test:

• 12-volt battery

• Charging system

• Alternator on combustion-engine models

• Starter

• Power supplies and grounds

• Fuses and relays

• Electronic control modules

• Communication networks

• Parasitic current draw

 

smart electric drive and EQ fortwo

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smart was one of the early manufacturers to offer a small fully electric vehicle in Canada.

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The smart electric drive and EQ fortwo use a high-voltage battery, electric drive motor, onboard charger, DC/DC converter, 12-volt system and specialized power electronics.

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A charging problem or high-voltage warning does not automatically mean the main battery requires replacement.

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The concern can involve:

• 12-volt battery

• Charging equipment

• Onboard charger

• DC/DC converter

• Control modules

• High-voltage wiring

• Cooling system

• High-voltage battery itself

 

Proper diagnosis is especially important before expensive EV components are replaced.

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Slow charging in extreme cold

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smart documented that certain electric drive vehicles can significantly restrict high-voltage-battery charging when the cells are extremely cold in order to protect the battery.

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In Quebec's climate, it is therefore important to distinguish normal cold-temperature battery protection from an actual charging-system failure.

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SMART PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

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Because many smart vehicles on Canadian roads are now older, preventive maintenance is particularly important.

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VF Auto can take care of your smart's maintenance, including:

• Oil changes

• Filters

• Spark plugs

• CDI diesel-engine maintenance

• EGR-system inspections

• Turbo-system maintenance

• Brake fluid

• Coolant

• Clutch and actuator service

• Automated-manual transmissions

• Twinamic transmissions

• Manual transmissions

• Brakes

• Battery and charging system

• Tires and alignments

• Suspension and steering

• Air conditioning

• Electronic diagnostics

• High-voltage-system inspections

• Complete vehicle inspections

 

We can also inspect your smart and clearly explain what needs attention now, what should be planned for the near future and what can safely wait.

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On an older or specialized vehicle, this approach helps ensure your repair budget is spent where it actually makes sense.

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No surprises. No unnecessary repairs. Just what your smart actually needs.

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WHY CHOOSE VF AUTO FOR YOUR SMART?

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Experience with different generations of smart vehicles

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An early fortwo CDI, gasoline 451, turbocharged 453 and electric EQ are very different vehicles.

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Our approach considers the exact generation and powertrain being serviced.

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smart transmission diagnostics

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The automated transmissions used in earlier smart vehicles are often misunderstood by shops unfamiliar with their operation.

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We inspect the clutch, actuator, adaptation values, sensors and electronics before condemning the transmission.

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Diesel, gasoline and electric experience

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Very few brands sold essentially the same Canadian city car with such different powertrain technologies.

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VF Auto can help owners of diesel, gasoline and electric smart vehicles.

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Advanced electronic diagnostics

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smart vehicles share many electronic concepts and technologies with Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

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Our professional diagnostic equipment allows us to access multiple systems throughout the car and perform a much more complete diagnosis than simply reading a check engine light.

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Parts research and sourcing

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smart stopped selling new vehicles in Canada after the 2019 model year.

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Certain components can therefore require additional research.

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We can investigate genuine parts that remain available as well as quality replacement solutions to help keep your vehicle on the road.

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Competitive and transparent pricing

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A specialized vehicle doesn't automatically need to come with dealership-level repair costs.

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We explain recommended repairs and pricing before performing the work.

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Complete automotive service

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Diesel, gasoline, electric, engines, turbochargers, clutches, actuators, transmissions, electronic diagnostics, cooling systems, suspension, brakes, tires, alignments, air conditioning and much more are available under one roof.

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A true alternative to Mercedes-Benz/smart dealership service

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Although smart has left the Canadian new-car market, your vehicle still deserves a shop that understands how it works.

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At VF Auto, our goal is to help keep your smart on the road with a specialized, transparent and cost-effective approach.

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KEEP YOUR SMART ON THE ROAD

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Your smart may be small and it may be getting older, but that doesn't mean it needs to be replaced every time a problem appears.

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Whether you own a fortwo CDI, gasoline fortwo, BRABUS, electric drive or EQ fortwo, VF Auto is ready to help.

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Whether the concern involves the clutch, transmission actuator, diesel engine, turbocharger, cooling system, check engine light, electronics or high-voltage electric system, our philosophy remains the same:

Diagnose it properly.
Repair what is necessary.
Avoid unnecessary expenses.
Help you keep your smart on the road.

 

Contact VF Auto to schedule maintenance or repair for your smart.

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SMART MODELS SOLD IN CANADA

smart fortwo CDI, fortwo coupe, fortwo cabriolet, fortwo BRABUS, fortwo electric drive and EQ fortwo.

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VF AUTO MÉCANIQUE LONGUEUIL

1616 rue Verchères
Longueuil, QC J4K 2Z7

Parts & Service: 450-928-1011

 

We serve customers throughout Longueuil, Saint-Hubert, Brossard, Saint-Lambert, Boucherville, Greenfield Park and surrounding areas.

Monday to Friday: 8 AM–5 PM