Smart Fortwo Airbag Light: Rollover Sensor Fix Needed

A failing rollover sensor is a serious vehicle safety concern that needs immediate attention, as it affects the entire airbag system. Had similar issues with my 2009 Smart Fortwo CDI when the crash detection system started showing warnings. The rollover sensor in these Smart models is part of the main airbag control unit, located under the center console. My sensor failure required replacing the complete unit since individual components cannot be serviced separately. The repair took about 2 hours, including system recalibration and diagnostic confirmation. The symptoms match exactly, airbag warning light staying on and error codes pointing to the sensor. This is a known weak point in these models. After repair, the automotive sensor system needs proper initialization using specific diagnostic equipment. Given that airbags might not deploy correctly in an accident with a faulty sensor, driving with this issue is risky. Would suggest having it checked by a certified Smart technician who can properly diagnose and reset the crash detection system after repairs. The high mileage suggests this could be age-related deterioration of the sensor components, which is common in these units after about 150k km.

Thanks for the detailed explanation about the rollover sensor issue. I had a similar problem with my Fortwo last winter when the airbag warning light came on. The vehicle safety system was definitely compromised, and I was worried about driving it. Curious how much you ended up paying for the fix? My repair bill seemed high, and I wonder if prices vary much. Also, has everything worked perfectly since the repair, or have you noticed any other airbag sensor alerts? In my case, the crash detection system has been flawless since the fix, but it would be good to know if I should expect any related issues down the line.

Really glad I could help explain the Smart SRS sensor setup. After seeing the mechanic, the vehicle rollover system malfunction was completely resolved on my Fortwo. The repair cost came to 1000€ for replacing the affected control unit, which included reprogramming and calibration. The vehicle safety system has worked flawlessly since the fix, no warning lights or error codes in the 18 months since replacement. The new tilt sensor and integrated rollover detection components seem much more reliable than the original unit. The repair cost might seem high, but considering the critical safety function and specialized programming required, it was worth the investment. These units rarely fail again once properly replaced, so you should have worry-free operation going forward. Just keep monitoring the airbag warning light during regular startups, it should illuminate briefly then go out, indicating all crash sensors are functioning normally.

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses. Wanted to share how my repair experience turned out. Took it to a certified Smart specialist who really knew their stuff about SRS sensor systems. The diagnostic confirmed a faulty rollover sensor unit. Total repair came to 850€ including labor and programming. Pretty reasonable compared to what others paid, though still not cheap. The mechanic explained that over time these vehicle safety sensors can degrade, especially in older models with higher mileage. The crash detection system needed a full reset after installing the new unit. Really happy with the results, no more warning lights and everything working perfectly for the past 6 months. The peace of mind knowing the safety system is fully functional again was worth the cost. Appreciate all the advice that helped me understand the issue better and get it properly fixed. If anyone else runs into similar sensor failure problems, definitely get it checked right away rather than waiting.