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[mattybrock]

Help , got a problem with my smartie , went out this morning and went to turn the car on and start it , and it started by itself , didn't have the ignition lights , ie; turned key for ignition and the car just started without having to turn key past ignition point  , when running it sounds like something is rattling eg; starter motor still could be engaged (just idea) .

any ideas guys , any help much appreciated ,

thanks

[Problemchild]

That's strange

Your ignition barrel is the switch that activates the stater motor so possibly a short there.

I would call rac or aa as it sounds like it's still engaging the starter motor and grinding

JJ

[Brabs]

If the starter motor is continuing to engage whist the engine is running there is every risk that the motor will burn out and possibly cause a fire!!

 

[djames108]

You will know if its the starter motor as it will be loud and a very unpleasant grinding noise.

If its not very loud it may be something else....

[mattybrock]

thanks for the replys guys , having a mechanic take a look tomorrow and a diagnostic done , been told by smart that it could be the ignition switch (£46 + vat) so will let you know.
any other ideas welcome

[mattybrock]

Update for you guys , the switch is the whole steering lock , you have to put your barrel into it , however mine turned out to be a loose connection on one of the plugs , pushed it back in , now seems ok .
It was obviously shorting out as the plug was half in/out , all ok now 

Thanks for your help
Might be worth checking your plugs/wires first if you ever get this problem on your forfours 

[Brabs]

Hi there. Can you please be more specific about which one of the 'plugs' you are referring to?

 

[Problemchild]

presumably one on the back of the ignition barrel which was then making the connection that the ignition key would make when turning.

JJ

[mattybrock]

Hi , yep it's the white (large) plug that goes into the end of the steering lock  http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2005-SMART-FORFOUR-1-3-PETROL-IGNITION-SWITCH-/130890620089?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item1e79b05cb9

If you look at this pic it would be the white plug from car that plugs into this.

Also take a look here at the whole lock itself
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Smart-ForFour-Steering-Lock-/171212286951?hash=item27dd0c2be7
Hope this helps

[mattybrock]

here is a pic of the socket that the white plug from car goes into
http://

excuse the way the pic has been taken but the wife did this for an auction site and thought that will do