Paddle Shift Override

[bigcritter]

Originally Posted by fortow

For the life of me I can't understand why people persist in using the simulated auto mode. It is a manual transmission and without having to push a clutch pedal in and out multiple times like other manual shifters, this manual transmission is a dream come true, particularly when using the paddle shifters.

All the complaints are related to using the auto mode - so stop using it. This is like telling ther doctor it only hurts when you laugh - so he says stop laughing. This situatin is humorous nontheless.

I remember when one of your fellow Canadians wanted to know if there was a way to turn off the air conditioning compressor in defrost mode, and a lot of people wanted to know "why would you want to do that?" Typically, most folks have a reason for doing what they're doing, and for wanting to make a change to something! To them, it's valid! To use the same "doctor" analogy, if I tell the doctor "it only hurts when I laugh" and he says "Why would you want it to stop hurting", then that's faulty logic, IMHO! Have a nice day! :>)

[fortow]

Originally Posted by bigcritter

Typically, most folks have a reason for doing what they're doing, and for wanting to make a change to something! To them, it's valid! To use the same "doctor" analogy, if I tell the doctor "it only hurts when I laugh" and he says "Why would you want it to stop hurting", then that's faulty logic, IMHO! Have a nice day! :>)

Yes I agree - to them the reason for doing what they're doing may be valid - but that still doesn't make it reasonable.
Also - I agree that if the doctor says "Why would you want it to stop hurting", then that is faulty logic and that's my point - people are doing things that are hurting yet they persist. My point was to stop doing the thing that makes their experience with the transmission a negative one and start operating it in a more enjoyable manner.

[Kenyatta]

From experienced users what is the best mileage you get from Auto or Manual?

I'm a new user just about a couple of weeks so would to like to know
Mainly city driving.

Thanks

[BB Benz]

I've found automode will almost always get me better mileage, but manual mode is smoother if I want it to be and more fun. This car is entertaining to drive and coax the best power out of the little engine by being gear savvy. I'm just a little smarter than the transmission that is blinder than I am, and therefore not as in the know as to what I'm going to need in the way of power in the next moment. Sometimes I am tired and I don't care to shift, so I let the BB get me home, and sometimes I want to play, so I use the paddles. Between the paddles and a little footwork, I can smooth out the ride.
Enjoy the drive!

[chieftmc]

Originally Posted by Kenyatta

From experienced users what is the best mileage you get from Auto or Manual?

I'm a new user just about a couple of weeks so would to like to know
Mainly city driving.

Thanks

I would have to agree with triple B

I seem to get the best mileage in auto....BUT... it IS FUN to drive it too !!!

[orngandblack]

I've tried both ways between fill-ups. Driving under the same circumstances and the same mileage, I actually got higher mpg's in manual.

[a2jack]

I have long advocated for a 5th gear lockout, in "D", for city driving. Our Smart will shift up to 5th as early as 33mph.

We paddle shift 80% of the time, but paddling in heavy city traffic is a PIA, especially if you make a lot of turns A2Jack.


..

[Kenyatta]

Originally Posted by a2jack

I have long advocated for a 5th gear lockout, in "D", for city driving. Our Smart will shift up to 5th as early as 33mph.

We paddle shift 80% of the time, but paddling in heavy city traffic is a PIA. A2Jack.


..

Thanks for input. But doesn't It ping at 33mpg and isn't that bad for the engine and transmission?

[jwight]

Another thread risen from the dead...

Opinions on this are like.... well, you know what they're like and everybody has one. The smart has an engine knock sensor which will result in the ECU doing what it needs to avoid "pinging" (or pinking, if you're in the UK), plus your smart will change gears as needed to avoid too low or high rpm.

As for mileage, there are so many variations in determining mpg that IMHO it's impossible to make blanket statements about which transmission mode or driving technique is "better." What we do know is the smart literature mentions that the "Auto" (D mode) is optimized for higher mileage. The choice is yours.

From a smart USA pdf on techniques for improving mileage:

Your smart fortwo is equipped
with an advanced 5-speed
automated manual transmission
designed to maximize fuel
economy.

>> Fuel Economy Tips
> Operate in D (drive mode). The
shift points are set for optimum
fuel economy.
> Keep your foot pressed firmly on
the brake pedal when stopped.
This prevents the clutch from
engaging when you have no
intention of moving.
> Shift up to the next gear as soon
as possible when accelerating.
> Avoid unnecessary downshifting.

[BB Benz]

As for variations in mpg reporting, I have a scangauge2 which is my basis for determining the better mileage in automode versus manual mode.
I do not hesitate to downshift with the paddles when I know desired acceleration would be so much more pleasing to me and the traffic around me in 2 or 3rd gear than fifth.
There can be so much more technique employed when driving a smart than most other cars. Part of it is that the efficient engine can provide fun performance when the proper gearing is selected, or there is auto-mode which is adequate for tolerable efficient transportation. It is still interesting even then and will shift based on your accelerator input. Truly what a load of fun!