The handbrake and ABS lights on and the speedometer stop working?

2001 SMART CAR
130,000 MILES • 3 CYL • TURBO • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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STEFA191
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After driving my vehicle listed above for two 450 2001 for 5 minutes, the handbrake light comes on and the speedometer stops working and goes to 0km/h. (ABS light is constantly on). The car can be driven normally, gears changing normally etc. But if I stop and from gear "1" go to "N" in order to move it to reverse, it writes "0" and trying to get to 1st gear, it is stuck to "0".

I took it to the mechanic, he told me he fixed it, but he fixed nothing. The problem persists so I'm not sure what to do. Faulty speed sensors? Reluctor rings? Rusted handbrake sensor cables? Not sure what else to think. The brake lights work as they should.

Thank you
Dec 21, 2023 at 7:11 AM
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STRAILER
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I would start by checking the fuses and running the codes to help us if any are stored, but to me it sounds like the instrument cluster is bad and needs replacement.

This guide can help you check the fuses:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

Please upload pictures or videos of the problem so we can see what's going on.


Dec 22, 2023 at 11:00 AM
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STEFA191
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Can't reply, check :
Jan 23, 2024 at 7:43 AM
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STRAILER
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I am not sure what you are saying here?
Jan 23, 2024 at 10:27 AM
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STEFA191
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It doesn't allow me to explain, aka can't write more than 1-2 lines of text.
Jan 24, 2024 at 5:22 AM
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STEFA191
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And it deleted my link where you can read the problem :
Jan 24, 2024 at 5:25 AM
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STEFA191
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Enlarge the image in the previous post to see the link if it auto-removes it again.
Jan 24, 2024 at 5:26 AM
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STRAILER
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Can you upload the file in your response? that would be better. It sounds like the VSS is bad which will cause the problem you are describing. I don't have the location for the sensor. were the fuses okay and did you run the codes?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Please go over this guide and get back to us.


Jan 24, 2024 at 10:25 AM
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STEFA191
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Thank you for the reply. The engine light never lights on. Do you mean to upload/attach the text file of the problem I posted above or you were able to see it ?
Jan 24, 2024 at 10:31 AM
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STRAILER
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I won't open the link, you need to unload it here to the site.
Jan 26, 2024 at 9:55 AM
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STEFA191
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It just won't allow me to write more than 2 lines of text. Both the image and all the text I wrote are gone; I can't rewrite it again. Thanks though for your willingness to help. Going to get it to car electrician and if it still can't be fixed, it goes for car recycling.
Jan 30, 2024 at 8:53 AM
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STEFA191
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Just a final question, can worn brake pads trigger the handbrake indicator in a 2001 smart for two? Or generally in some cars that don't have a warning light for worn pads?
Jan 30, 2024 at 8:55 AM
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STRAILER
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I don't understand, are you using a phone or computer? You write more than two lines of text in the responses above? Are you in the US? Sorry, we only handle one problem per thread, please post your new question here, you must be logged in.

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

Cheers, Ken
Jan 30, 2024 at 10:23 AM