My smart transmission as dumb as a brick and won't learn

Dave777 · 08-01-2008, 07:31 PM

I generally agree with virtually every reviewer of the smart, that the transmission is the worst feature of the car. In this post I'm really not looking to have a debate about that.

Quite a few people here, on this forum, have talked about how the smart transmission's computer "learns" the driver's behavior, and adapts in such a way as to make it smoother over time.

Mine hasn't learned a damn thing.

My question:

Where, exactly, is this bit of technical information coming from?

I'm not interested in drivers' personal experiences or beliefs that their transmission is getting better.

What I'm looking for is the written, technical information from smart that I must have missed and am truly hoping to learn. It's not in my manual. Did someone read this somewhere else, in smart's literature?

SunDiego · 08-01-2008, 07:36 PM

I've heard people claim the "computer learns" - but others have said that you (the driver) get's used to the shifting. I havent read anything about the computer adjusting. I'm not really sure. Personally though, I always use manual.

sharonlee · 08-01-2008, 07:39 PM

Dave, This isn't the written word. Just thought I would mention that I was at dealers last week with a minor problem and mechanic did say that the car would act better if driven by only one person. He was under the impression that my husband also drove the smart...he does not...but I didn't go into it. Just kinda thought he was referring to the learning thing.

NCC1701 · 08-01-2008, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave777

What I'm looking for is the written, technical information from smart that I must have missed and am truly hoping to learn. It's not in my manual. Did someone read this somewhere else, in smart's literature?

I'm with you, in that, I don't believe the documentation exists. I don't believe the car learns. I've expressed this disbelief in forums and found the true believers have a near religious certainty that the smart adapts to its driver. They may also believe the Apollo landings were faked. I maintain if the car's computer WERE adaptive, then smart would boldly state this both in the manual, and on their web site(s) and where ever else they describe the car. Not a whisper, nada, zilch.

I've learned to drive it a little better. More importantly, in my view, I've gotten accustomed to the way the car behaves. It has not learned a damned thing from me though. The transmission was one of my initial concerns. But, it has grown on me. Doesn't bother me too often any more.

P.S. -- always keep an open mind. Maybe someone will point us to the documentation. But, I doubt it. And, if it IS true then it is subtle to the point of being imperceptible.

vwW12 · 08-01-2008, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NCC1701

I maintain if the car's computer WERE adaptive, then smart would boldly state this both in the manual, and on their web site(s) and where ever else they describe the car.

I agree. I used to own an Australian car with adaptive/learning auto transmission, and this feature was played up in brochures, the manual, and other marketing materials.

If the smart had it, why wouldn't they exploit it?

johnssc · 08-01-2008, 08:09 PM

Be patient. One, it is an owners manual, not a shop manual so there will be little in there about the adaptive feature of the tranny. Two, my experience is that my car shifts waaaaay better now in Drive at 1400 miles than it did at 18 miles. Three, I had the benefit of driving one before I bought it that had several thousand on the clock so I could "feel" the difference between new and broken in.

I have driven it from the start in manual mode and intend to keep doing so.

NCC1701 · 08-01-2008, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnssc

Be patient. One, it is an owners manual, not a shop manual so there will be little in there about the adaptive feature of the tranny. Two, my experience is that my car shifts waaaaay better now in Drive at 1400 miles than it did at 18 miles. Three, I had the benefit of driving one before I bought it that had several thousand on the clock so I could "feel" the difference between new and broken in.

I have driven it from the start in manual mode and intend to keep doing so.

Show us the documentation. Where does smart claim this feature?

I've got over 1,000 miles on my car. It drives the same today as it did on delivery. Stay away from the Kool Aide.

**jwight** · 08-01-2008, 08:50 PM

Dave,

I have to agree with your take on things. Initially I was in the "adaptive trans" camp but now feel that, without something from smart to the contrary, the tranny doesn't learn, we do. Lots of seat time in varying traffic conditions seems to let the driver's adaptive brain pick up on the smart's quirks and either mitigate them or exploit them as needed. So, until we see the official smart adaptive transmission statement, I'm a convert. Thanks for bringing the subject up.

Karl Roth · 08-01-2008, 08:50 PM

But the steel alloy used in the tridion cell is painstakingly described in the owners manual and on the web site. 99% of the powertrain computers on the road are of an adaptive nature this is not a smart exclusive what is different is the manumatic in a car in this price range. I also belive the space program is real and worthwhile but alas no 10 gallon hat or fuel tank.
karl

RLove · 08-01-2008, 08:53 PM

I love everything about this car EXCEPT the transmission, and it's become THE deal breaker. The transmission doesn't learn, doesn't adapt, and for my two cents of commentary - frequently puts the occupants at risk while it "thinks' about what gear to go to - even when manually shifting. All it's going to take is some idiot that's driving a little too fast and a little too close while yapping on their cellphone to eat the back of the car while it's in one of it's learning periods.

I have to believe that representatives from smart peruse this forum to get unbiased opinions, and I'd like one of them to explain that this transmission that's supposedly, "programmed for efficiency" can save fuel when it drops 1,000 rpm on every shift. How can you be efficient when you're constantly recovering your momentum?

Actually, the first to second shift is just awful - the rest are okay. But, when you round a corner, or slow down, and then need to resume your speed, and the stupid transmission goes into a confused state and leaves you coasting - waiting for power to come back - THAT"S when I start fuming.

My car is going to be gone soon, and I will only consider another IF it has either a lightning fast shift or a manual...how hard would either be?

This is very disappointing for me. My family loved seeing the smarts in Europe, and I always commented that if they ever brought them to the States, I'd be first in line to buy one. But now I'm just looking for it's replacement...and waiting for the Toyota IQ - same idea, but hopefully better executed.