450 Fortwo - Common Faults

[SuperStevie]

Hi Guys,

Want to get a list of common faults for the 450 Fortwo. If you do add one, can you show a link or explanation of fix as well

I will update this first post with as much of the info that is given below

Edit: Please stay on topic guys. All the off topic stuff is now in the random thread

[pinger]

Inoperative lock for fuel filler, Soln: Strip, clean and regrease the little gearbox that is between the motor and the locking rod.
Constantly blowing headlight bulbs. Soln: Try and console yourself with a ''lightbulb joke'' while the skin from your forearm is ripped apart while replacing bulb. The first time i changed one my girlfriend (at the time) accused me of self harming.
Squawking, juddering wipers. Soln: Unknown.
F.

[Nico76]

Leaking rear windows

Fix guide courtesy of Evilution

[Nico76]

Beeping when stationary and after putting car into gear.

Solution: Idiot proof, shut the drivers door better! (IIRC, this also happens in roadsters too)

[SuperStevie]

Squawking, juddering wipers. Soln: Unknown.
F.

Any one know the solution to this?

[TAIM]

Any one know the solution to this?

crap on the screen? or more of a mechanical noise: perhaps the links underneath on the way out (There are repair parts available)

[JakeMM]

Meshman, one of headlights has just blown and dreading replacing it, especially after reading that lol.

For me I've had a few problems

Engine being the main one - rebuild and new timing chain as the old one had snapped its mount and had worn halfway through the oil sprayer.

Clutch juddering like crazy - clean regrease and adjustment (alot cheaper than the new one I was quoted for)

Leaky side windows - Fix above

Wet carpets - No solution yet as when sitting in the rain I can't see where it's coming from although I think possibly the wingmirrors or door seals.

Brake light on - Turned out to be the ESP grabbing a front wheel as the steering wheel was broken and I was meant to be getting it repaired with the old one but broke that too.

[DJ-Power]

Any one know the solution to this?

In my experience it seems to be when products such as rainx are used that this has always happened to me and the solution has always been to deep clean the windscreen with a good quality glass cleaner and replace the wiper blades.

I know a lot of people swear by rainx and have no problems with it but this has always been my experience.

Regards
DJP

[pinger]

Meshman, one of headlights has just blown and dreading replacing it, especially after reading that lol.

For me I've had a few problems

Engine being the main one - rebuild and new timing chain as the old one had snapped its mount and had worn halfway through the oil sprayer.

Clutch juddering like crazy - clean regrease and adjustment (alot cheaper than the new one I was quoted for)

Leaky side windows - Fix above

Wet carpets - No solution yet as when sitting in the rain I can't see where it's coming from although I think possibly the wingmirrors or door seals.

Headlamp bulbs are pain. I just replaced dipped one and suspect I have dislocated reflector from height adjustment mechanism. Ho hum. P*ssing rain so its going to have to wait..
And if the rain is heavy enough, no doubt the carpet will be a little damp. I think it comes past the door seal and then into car at bottom of door - look for bead/trail mark. Dries quickly though. Always wondered if replacing seal would cure it.

It's time I gave the screen a good clean then - and replace (otherwise good) wipers. Done that before but improvement is short lived. The squawking racket is ridiculous. Over ear head phones and v.loud music best sol'n so far!
And on non air con Pure, the ventilation system is bollox in summertime. Coming via Mercedes, it could/should be a lot better.
An early mod I did was raise the front of the seat several inches. Much more comfortable but maybe just personal preference.
Mine doesn't rattle though - well not since the wishbones replaced.Although the warning triangle used to knock knock knock at idle till I jiggled with it.

[vinnytwin]

Windscreen Wiper Squawk!!! - Wipe the sharp rubber edge with a cloth soaked in white spirit. It cleans all the crap of the blade and works like new. Rainex is also good, makes the blades last alot longer.
Bulb replacement - Was dreading this....tried to reach thru hole as described in Evilution, however am blessed wtih forearms like tree trunks so stopped after cutting all my skin off and reaching bone! In the end I took the front end off.....only took about 25mins. I was really surprised how easy. But I still can't believe that a car manufacturer is allowed to sell a car that requires the front end to be removed to replace a £5 bulb!!!!