Smart ForTwo Headlight Levels Malfunction Fix Guide

I had a very similar issue with my 2011 Smart Forfour diesel. As someone with moderate experience in car maintenance, I can share my troubleshooting journey. The auto-leveling headlight system started acting up similarly, inconsistent beam angles and warning lights. The adaptive headlights would out of nowhere adjust, creating unsafe driving conditions at night. After some basic checks of the headlight switch and wiring, I took it to my regular workshop. Their diagnostic revealed a faulty servomotor in the lighting system that controls the light intensity adjustment. The entire unit needed replacement since the servomotor is integrated into the headlight assembly. The total repair came to 1040€, including: New headlight unit with servomotor, Programming and calibration, Labor costs The fix completely resolved the erratic beam adjustment and warning lights. The auto-leveling now works perfectly. To better assist with your specific case, could you share: Have you noticed any unusual noises when the headlights adjust? Does the issue occur more frequently after driving over bumps? Are both headlights affected or just one side? Have you had any previous repairs to the lighting system? This information would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced or if it might be something different.

I did my last service at 78000 KM and the lighting system errors started showing up shortly after. After reading your detailed reply, I checked for noises and can confirm a clicking sound when the headlight adjustment tries to work. Its mainly the drivers side headlight showing the issue, while the passenger side seems fine. Based on the symptoms you described and the cost breakdown, I might be facing a similar headlight malfunction. Have you or others tried cleaning the range control sensors first? Just wondering if there might be a simpler fix before committing to the full headlight unit replacement. The beam adjustment problems seem identical to what you experienced, especially the unusual changes in height.

Thanks for those additional details. Before I went for the full headlight unit replacement on my Smart, I actually did try cleaning the sensors and checking connections, its worth a shot but didnt solve my issue. The clicking sound you describe matches exactly what I experienced, its typically the servomotor trying but failing to execute the beam adjustment commands from the control module. Since its mainly on the drivers side, thats a good indicator the issue is isolated like mine was. Quick troubleshooting steps I tried before the replacement: Cleaned all range control sensors with electrical contact cleaner, Checked and reseated electrical connectors, Had the light intensity calibration reset at a workshop None of these fixed the adaptive headlights issue. The clicking persisted and the auto-leveling remained erratic. The control module kept throwing errors because the servomotor wasnt responding properly. Given your car has similar mileage to when mine failed and shows identical symptoms, I strongly suspect youre dealing with the same servomotor failure. Unfortunately, the beam adjustment mechanism is integrated into the headlight unit on these models. Based on current parts prices, you might get it done slightly cheaper than my 1040€ repair since youre only replacing one side. Just make sure they properly calibrate the adaptive headlight system after installation.

The servomotor clicking noise definitely seems to point toward what you experienced. I can see why a full headlight unit replacement might be needed, even though thats not what I hoped to hear cost-wise. Im going to start with cleaning those range control sensors this weekend just to rule that out. If that doesnt help, Ill have my regular shop take a look at the control module and electrical connections first. But based on your experience with the same symptoms, especially that distinctive clicking and the erratic beam adjustment, Im preparing myself for potentially needing that headlight unit replacement. Really helpful to know about the integrated servomotor design and the importance of proper calibration of the adaptive headlights after installation. At least now I have a clearer picture of what Im likely dealing with and can better plan for the repair costs. The unusual height changes and warning lights are getting annoying, so I should probably address this sooner rather than later. Good to know the repair fully resolved your auto-leveling issues. That gives me more confidence about moving forward with a similar fix if the initial troubleshooting doesnt work out. Thanks for sharing your detailed experience with such a similar situation.