loss of power in 3rd gear

[anniefx]

Bare with me please,as this is my 1st crack at this posting stuff. My smart car has a loss of power or should I say total power when shifting into 3rd gear,this doesnt happen all the time as a matter of fact it only happened once.I noticed when I shifted into 3rd the display had 3bars come up and started flashing,whats up with that? Just curious........anyone please

[SuperGeek]

Considering your location, my first thought is a normal activation of the ESP (Electronic Stability Program). You may have hit black ice, which if the patch was big enough will cause the engine to scale back throttle until the wheels can grip again. That's to avoid spinning out - existing forward motion is safer than adding sideways spin if only one wheel were to grip.

The three bars, however, suggests the transmission got confused... if it happens again you'll need to get it looked at; the US models have a transmission teach-process outlined in the manual but it also says that should only be used as a last resort, and only once before calling for dealer service.

[jwight]

Assuming you have the 451 smart, the manual says:

Shifting system [3 bars displayed]:
• if there is a malfunction in the shifting
system.
• when the transmission is taught-in
(page 134)
> Have the system checked at an authorized smart center

as SuperGeek pointed out. Not sure it's the same if you have a 450 model.

[Old smart]

I may be in error, but I thought I read that during a shift sequence the ECU takes control of the throttle to prevent over-revving, and to match RPM to the gear/roadspeed combination at the end of the shift. If that is true, perhaps your transmission is beginning but not completing a shift and the ECU is keeping the throttle shut down.

[anniefx]

thanks for the quick reply.Beginning to love this site as much as my Smartcar....I will heed your advice and have it checked out by a qualified technician....Thanks Again...talk soon

[PROTECH]

Helo the 3 bars in the display, is a problem with the shifting sistem. Check the SE drive unit and the clutch actuator.