What is the method to reset the maintenance light on the new 2016 smart?
3 Answers
The method to reset the maintenance light on the new 2016 smart is: 1. Turn on the ignition key and press the reset button at the bottom left corner twice consecutively; 2. Turn off the ignition key while holding down the reset button; 3. Turn on the power, and the car's maintenance light will reset. The maintenance light serves as a reminder for the owner to perform proper maintenance. During daily driving, it is necessary to inspect various components of the car to avoid malfunctions while driving. The dimensions of the 2016 new smart are 2695mm in length, 1663mm in width, and 1555mm in height. The car is equipped with the following engines: 1. The 1.0L version engine has a maximum power of 52Kw, maximum torque of 91Nm, maximum horsepower of 71Ps, and uses multi-point fuel injection; 2. The 0.9T turbocharged engine has a maximum power of 66Kw, maximum torque of 135Nm, maximum horsepower of 90Ps, and also uses multi-point fuel injection.
Recently, I encountered this issue: my 2016 Smart needed the maintenance light reset, and the method is actually quite simple. First, you need to turn off the engine, remove the key, and wait for the system to go into sleep mode. Then, press and hold the trip meter reset button on the right side of the dashboard—that small round button. Insert the key and turn it to the ON position, but do not start the engine. Continue holding the button for about 10 seconds until you see the maintenance indicator light start flashing, then release the button—that’s it. The entire process must be done in one go; getting the sequence wrong can easily lead to failure. I recommend checking the user manual before proceeding, as details may vary slightly for different model years of Smart. Online owner forums also have video guides for reference. Doing the reset yourself can save some maintenance costs and avoid the nuisance of false alerts while driving. Developing a habit of regular maintenance ensures driving safety, and checking the oil and filters is equally important.
Resetting the maintenance light might be a bit confusing for beginners, so I'll share some practical experience. Last year when I handled my 2016 Smart, I found the core lies in button operations: turn off the car, press and hold the trip reset button on the dashboard, turn the key to the pre-ignition position, then count to about 15 seconds before releasing. The light should go off. The steps are simple, but don't rush to start the engine—wait a few seconds to see if the reset was successful. The reason is that the electronic system sets maintenance interval counts, and resetting ensures more accurate reminders. If the light remains on, it might be a button or circuit issue—time to check the manual or visit a professional shop. Always keep track of maintenance records and don't wait for the light to come on before taking action. This task isn't difficult; doing it yourself saves time and money while boosting your minor mechanical skills.
