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fionahofmann4

Dead Power Windows in Smart Forfour Need Expert Fix

My power windows stopped working completely and the fault memory shows a window regulator error. The window motor seems to get power but nothing moves. Last mechanic visit left me with doubts about their expertise. Has anyone dealt with similar window troubleshooting on a 2004 Smart Forfour diesel (157k km)? Looking for recommendations on likely causes and repair approach before taking it back to a shop.

Summary of the thread

The power windows in a Smart Forfour stopped working, with a fault memory indicating a window regulator error. Despite the motor receiving power, the windows remained non-functional. The issue was traced to worn components in the window regulator assembly, including bushings and a broken cable, requiring replacement. A specialist mechanic successfully repaired the problem by replacing the regulator, recalibrating the control module, and testing the system, resulting in smooth and responsive window operation.

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4 comment(s)

floriancrystal50

The window regulator failure you describe matches what I encountered on my 2007 Smart Fortwo CDI. The window controls stopped responding despite the motor receiving power, showing identical symptoms. The root cause was twofold: the window regulator mechanism had worn out plastic components, and the control module needed recalibration. Car electronics can get confused when the window position sensors lose their reference points. The repair required: Complete removal of door panel, Replacement of window regulator assembly, Electronic reset of window control module, Testing all positions multiple times This was not a quick fix job, the entire procedure took several hours due to the complex disassembly and calibration requirements. The plastic parts in these regulators commonly fail after about 150k km. Before going to a shop, verify if all windows are affected or just one. If its multiple windows, the issue might be in the main control module rather than individual regulators. The window reset procedure might help, hold the switch in the closed position for 10 seconds after the window is fully closed. A qualified shop should be able to properly diagnose between mechanical regulator failure and electronic control issues using diagnostic equipment.

fionahofmann4 (community.author)

Thanks for sharing your experience. I had the exact same problem on my Smart Forfour last year. The power window started acting up and eventually stopped working completely. The window regulator needed replacement along with some worn clips on the door panel. How much did your repair end up costing? Also curious if the window switch and other components have worked properly since the fix? In my case the repair was quite pricey and really hoping it lasts.

floriancrystal50

After replacing the vehicle battery and getting the window regulator initialization properly done, everything has worked flawlessly for the past months. The complete repair came to 290€, which included diagnosing the power window system and fixing the initialization issue. The window switch now responds instantly and the car window moves smoothly in both directions. The mechanic explained that sometimes these electrical issues stem from low battery voltage affecting the control modules. Once they restored proper power and reset the window positions, the system started working as intended. Unlike the previous repair you mentioned that required replacing mechanical parts, my issue was purely electrical. The window troubleshooting revealed no worn components in the regulator mechanism itself. If your repair involved mechanical parts, it should last much longer than my electrical fix, though it explains the higher cost. Keep monitoring how the windows operate, if you notice any sluggish movement or strange noises, address it early before complete failure occurs.

fionahofmann4 (community.author)

Thanks for the input. Finally got this sorted out. After checking several shops, I found a mechanic who specialized in car electronics and power window systems. The repair was straightforward but not cheap, 380€ total. The window motor itself was fine, but the regulator assembly had failed. Shop found worn bushings and a broken cable inside the mechanism. The window switch and control module needed recalibration after the new parts went in. Took about 3 hours total for them to: Remove door panel, Replace regulator, Install new clips, Reset window controls, Test everything multiple times Been working perfectly for 2 weeks now. Windows move smoothly and the controls respond instantly. Good to have it fixed properly even though it cost more than expected. Definitely worth finding a shop that knew exactly what they were doing instead of guessing. Just wanted to close the loop in case anyone else runs into similar window regulator problems. Thanks again for helping me understand what I was dealing with.

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SMART

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FORFOUR