Car displays "1" When I turn the key.

[Tritium45]

My 08 Smart Car with 38k miles displays the # 1 when I try to start it, and won't start, sometimes it flashed between "1" and "N". I can put my foot on the brake and shift it to neutral then it starts every time. Any ideas or suggestions? I am from central NH and my dealer is @100 miles away...

[Padawan]

Since you're presumably outside of warranty and your dealer is rather far away, I'd try the following:

First, I'd try this:

http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/for...834-post5.html

Second, I'd do a transmission fluid change. It's very easy and rather inexpensive. You'll just need 3 quarts of a good synthetic 75W-90 GL-4 gear oil and about 30 minutes of time.

If may or may not help, but it's easy and inexpensive. Worst case would be that you need the new updated 2009-spec clutch plate, but definitely try the above two procedures first.

[forestacademy]

Call your dealer.

You may need a new Clutch plate. With those Miles you may be out of luck for warantee service. Don't mention it at first. Some waranty work like this has been handled outside the warantee period and some has not.
But if it is the clutch plate it is a know problem that was changed in the 09's and they should change it out for you. At the least they should cover the part if not the labor.

[Tritium45]

I tried the shift P-R-N-D thing, when this first came up with no change, the oil change is an easy one that I will get to, I guess I will call the dealer on Monday, how can the clutch plates be associated with this seeing the car starts fine in neutral, then shift and drives normal after it starts.