Smart Fortwo Power Windows Fail, DIY Fix Guide

As someone with moderate experience working on cars, I had a similar issue with my Smart Forfour from 2007. The power windows completely stopped working on both sides, showing similar symptoms to what you describe. After taking it to the workshop, they diagnosed a faulty window control module in the main switch panel. The window regulator motor and window track were actually fine, it was purely an electrical issue with the switches themselves. The repair involved replacing the entire switch assembly, which cost 200€ including labor. The fix solved the problem completely and the windows have worked perfectly since then. The mechanic explained that water damage or general wear can cause these switches to fail over time. To better assist you, could you share: Have you noticed any other electrical issues? Do you hear any clicking sound when pressing the switches? Has the car been exposed to water damage or heavy rain recently? Are there any other warning lights on the dashboard? This information would help determine if you are dealing with the same root cause or if your window motor might actually be the problem.

Thank you for sharing your experience. In my case with 124578 KM on the odometer, I can confirm the electrical issues are similar but slightly different. When pressing the window control switches, I hear a faint clicking sound, and there is no warning light on the dashboard. The door panel appears intact with no visible water damage. No other electrical problems have occurred since the last service 3 months ago. The window mechanism completely failed after a heavy rainstorm last week. I will check the switch assembly first based on your suggestion before replacing the entire window regulator. If anyone else has encountered similar symptoms after rain exposure, please share your repair experience.

Following up on your latest update, your symptoms sound extremely familiar to what I experienced, especially the clicking sound and the timing with the rainstorm. In my Smart Forfour case, water had actually seeped through a small crack in the door seal and affected the window control module. The clicking noise you hear is typically the relay attempting to activate the window motor, but failing to complete the circuit properly. What worked for me beyond just replacing the switch assembly was: Checking and resealing the door weatherstripping, Cleaning the electrical connections in the window mechanism, Applying electrical contact cleaner to the window regulator motor connections Total repair cost including new weatherstripping was 280€. The window track and regulator motor ended up being completely fine, just needed proper cleaning and protection from future water exposure. One quick test you can try: disconnect the battery for about 10 minutes, then reconnect. If the windows work briefly before failing again, this typically confirms an electrical control issue rather than a mechanical problem with the window regulator or track. Would recommend checking those door seals carefully before proceeding with any parts replacement. Water damage tends to follow the same path in these models.

Thanks for the detailed suggestions. I checked the door seals as recommended and found a small tear in the weatherstripping near the window track. After your feedback about potential water damage and electrical issues, I had a local mechanic inspect it today. The window control module was indeed affected by water intrusion, matching your experience exactly. The clicking sound from the window mechanism turned out to be a clear indicator of the electrical problem rather than a mechanical failure. We ended up replacing both the weatherstripping and the switch assembly, costing 295€ total. The automotive repair shop also applied protective coating to prevent future water damage to the window controls. My car windows are now working perfectly. Really glad I asked here before replacing the entire window regulator motor. Will definitely keep an eye on those door seals going forward to avoid similar issues. Would recommend others check their weatherstripping first if experiencing similar window control problems, especially after exposure to rain.