Reverse gear on steep hill

[columbus]

I tried parking on a steep hill and couldn't get the car to go into reverse. The gear was in reverse but the car wouldn't back up without making a loud clunking sound. I didn't force it and put it back into drive. I am able to back up on a flat level surface. Does anyone know if this is a problem with the car that I should have checked out, or is there a trick to backing up on a steep hill.

[a1tiguy]

Originally Posted by columbus

I tried parking on a steep hill and couldn't get the car to go into reverse. The gear was in reverse but the car wouldn't back up without making a loud clunking sound. I didn't force it and put it back into drive. I am able to back up on a flat level surface. Does anyone know if this is a problem with the car that I should have checked out, or is there a trick to backing up on a steep hill.

Columbus, I had a similar problem...I have a store in my area, that I frequent, where i turn left into an uphill area, then put the car in reverse to just "coast" backwards, as I turn around to then proceed back down that incline...anyway, when I put the car in reverse to coast backwards, I get that horrible "clunk"...I haven't been to the dealer yet, but wish someone else would post on this thread...Terry

[Okie Boy]

You must not put the car in "R" while the car is in motion, reverse does not have a synchronizer. Reverse can make an awful noise if you engauge while the car is in motion.

[jimvw57]

When I pull into the alley to turn around, it has a steep incline, If I do not come to a complete stop before I shift into reverse, I get the terrible clunking like it missed the gears. As long as I make sure I stop all the way, it works fine. My 08 didn't do that as I can recall.

[Two Butts]

I was advised by a Smart technician that the clunking noise, which I have also experienced in that same circumstance (backing down an incline) is an early indication of clutch failure.

Although I have not done so yet, he recommended that I bring the car in for a clutch replacement which I plan to do soon.

[headless]

The trick to backing up on a steep hill is this.
put your left foot on the brake and engage reverse,
keep your left foot on brake and put your right foot on accelerator,
you have to accelerate harder than going on the flat and when the car starts to bite and go backwards, take your left foot off the brake.
The car might judder slightly if it is a particularly steep hill and I think this is the trouble you guys are having, but it is normal and is just another quirk of the smart
The first time I tried to reverse on a steep hill, I had a right job doing it, the car juddered and sounded awful, more accelerator helps, but it takes practice.
Ellis

[jimvw57]

Originally Posted by Two Butts

I was advised by a Smart technician that the clunking noise, which I have also experienced in that same circumstance (backing down an incline) is an early indication of clutch failure.

Although I have not done so yet, he recommended that I bring the car in for a clutch replacement which I plan to do soon.

First time I heard it was with less than 100 miles on my car, now at 4,700 it only happens when I don't stop all the way before backing up.