Car stalls in First gear, please help

[BlueDan]

Hey everyone. I am new to the smart car scene, just bought a 2006 diesel passion fortwo and loving the fuel economy. Although it seems to slip a little in the snow, I guess I need to get used to how light it is.

My main question is ever since having it for the past few months it seems to stall every once in awhile when accelerating in first gear. When my wife drives it she stalls it all the time. Being a manual driver in the past I can feel when it is potentially going to stall and let off the gas right away. This can't be how the car is supposed to drive though. Shouldn't I be able to just pound the gas and take off, not slowly and carefully ease my foot on the pedal to make sure it doesn't stall? My wife drives the car mainly and she doesn't really like driving it in the snow already, but she also hates everytime she has to make a left turn in front of traffic from a stop and hoping everytime that the car doesn't stall.

Can anyone help?

Thanks
Dan

[Padawan]

When was the last time the car was fully serviced? Have you tried running some diesel fuel additive through it? Changing the transmission fluid won't hurt either.

Any Check Engine Light?

[BlueDan]

just had an oil change and I do add a capful of additive everytime the car is filled. Didn't check the transmission fluid, but I am sure they would have tried to get some money out of me if it was anywhere close to needing changing.

[Padawan]

How many kilometers on the car?

[Dunerunner]

What RPM does your engine idle at in 'N'?

[jetfuel]

+ did it stalled in the summer time, fuel filter time, what's your OAT(sorry, outside air temperature)...just to start troubleshooting....

jetfuel

[lebikerboy]

Mercedes or smart will tell you that the transmission fluid is good for the lifetime of the car. This is a load of crap and the fluid needs to be changed. I use Mobil 1 synthetic ATF fluid 1.4 liters. Also the clutch actuator should be lubed with a synthetic or white lithium spray grease. Once you've done these two items you won't believe how much smoother the 6 speed Getrag transmission shifts.

[BlueDan]

Ok, trying to add some more info.

59,000km on the car approx

I think we got the car at the end of september so it has definitely been driven in temperatures between 20-30 C and was stalling then as well

RPM's I can't remember off the top of my head, but seemed low to me, I think it was right around 1000rpm, maybe slightly under or over, really can't remember and don't have the car with me to check at the moment. What should it be at, I feel like it should be more like 1500rpm but I could be wrong.

I have no problem trying to lube the clutch actuator, where would I find this? hah. Should I think about dumping the transmission fluid for some new stuff? And is that something I can do easily enough by myself?

Haven't really had a good chance to search all over the car, ie engine. Can you get to engine without raising the car up?

Thanks for all the help, I feel like we are getting somewhere, hopefully this added info helps people figure this out!

[lebikerboy]

Go to this site for info on transmission fluid change and lubing clutch actuator...
FQ101 : Smart Car Modifications

The RPM at idle should be at 800.

[jetfuel]

with the car at idle and engine cover removed listen for air leaks.....intake air and vacuum....my 1c

jetfuel