The quick answer is: if the Smart you’re driving has an internal combustion engine, it uses a starter motor to crank the engine. If your Smart is electric, there is no traditional starter motor—the electric drive motor starts automatically when you go to drive. This article explains how starting systems differ between Smart’s gasoline-powered models and its electric vehicles, and what to watch for if you’re troubleshooting.
ICE Smart Cars: How starting works
For Smart models that still rely on an internal combustion engine, the starting process hinges on a conventional starter motor. Here are the essential details you should know.
Key components and typical symptoms
- Function: The starter motor cranks the engine to begin the combustion cycle, after which the engine runs on its own.
- Power source: It draws current from the 12-volt battery via a solenoid when you turn the key or press the start button.
- Location: The starter is mounted on or near the engine, connected to the flywheel/flexplate.
- Common failures: Slow cranking, a clicking noise, or no response at all when attempting to start can indicate a failing starter, weak battery connections, or a drained 12V battery.
- Maintenance and replacement: Check battery health, clean and tighten terminals, inspect wiring and fuses; if the starter motor fails, replacement is possible but may require engine access depending on the model.
In short, gasoline-powered Smart Fortwo and Smart Forfour models share the same basic starter-motor concept found in many small cars.
Electric Smart Cars: No traditional starter motor
Smart’s current all-electric lineup—including models like the Smart EQ Fortwo and the more recent electric Smart vehicles—operates without a conventional engine starter. Instead, the propulsion motor is energized electronically when you start the car. The 12-volt system still powers accessories, but there is no separate crank motor to turn the engine over.
Starting an electric Smart and related considerations
- No crank mechanism: The electric traction motor spins up directly when the start command is issued, so there is no starter motor as such.
- Start process: Pressing the Start/Stop button or selector begins the readiness sequence; propulsion is provided by the high-voltage battery through the electric motor.
- Role of the 12V system: Powers lights, infotainment, sensors, and control electronics via a DC-DC converter, while the main propulsion relies on the high-voltage pack.
- Common issues: If the vehicle won’t respond, causes may include a depleted 12V battery, a fault in the DC-DC converter, or a low state of charge in the high-voltage battery; diagnostic codes may point to EV-specific modules rather than a starter.
- Maintenance tips: Keep the 12V battery healthy, use proper charging equipment for the high-voltage system as recommended by the manufacturer, and follow service guidance for EV powertrain components.
In practice, electric Smart models do not have a traditional starter motor; they rely on the electric drivetrain to begin propulsion when commanded, with electronic systems handling the start sequence.
Summary
The presence of a starter motor in a Smart car depends on the drivetrain. ICE Smart models (gasoline/diesel) use a starter motor to crank the engine, the same basic concept found in many small cars. All-electric Smart models (EQ Fortwo, EQ ForTwo, and newer BEVs) do not use a conventional starter motor; starting is managed by the electric drive system and associated electronics. When diagnosing starting issues, identify the drivetrain type and follow model-specific guidance for either the 12V system and starter (ICE) or EV powertrain and electronics (BEV).