It all started by not going into Reverse or Park...

[BeSmart]

Originally Posted by CruisingAZ

I test drove one yesterday and when I tried to put it in reverse the shifter kept going from park to "N". The sale girls and I tried a half dozen times before it finally found "R"

Smartie will not go into gear from Park unless your foot is on the brake! He goes into neutral waiting for a foot to massage his brake pedal. Like I say, owner break-in can be lengthy.

[CruisingAZ]

Originally Posted by BeSmart

Smartie will not go into gear from Park unless your foot is on the brake! He goes into neutral waiting for a foot to massage his brake pedal. Like I say, owner break-in can be lengthy.

I think I had my foot on the break, but I do not recall. Thanks for the info.

[dougdawirs]

I had the same problem. Started with difficulty shifting from drive into reverse or park. Followed soon after with total failure (key can't be removed). Dealer initially suggested that cable adjustment was all that was needed. Ended up ordering new shifter from overseas. Still waiting.

[Smartdavis]

This is something worth watching and tracking how many others have this problem.

[Alustiza]

I have a dune buggy with a CVT trans that has this kind of problem quite frequently. In order to get it to work, I have to some times get out and roll the buggy a little, and that permits the CVT to engage into a direction. Luckily with the buggy, the middle position is neutral, as there is not park. This is one of the reasons why they should have just gone with a regular manual transmission, as ther are no issues, except for the people who don't have the smarts to learn how to drive a manual.

[Karl Roth]

800,000 cars sold world wide all with the same type of transmission, the shift mechanism is unique to us to make the lawyers happy. humm
karl

[ludlowlou]

When I read threads like this one , regarding a NEW car that needs replacement of the shift linkage already , well , it reassures me that I did the Smart thing in cancelling my order ...... I really would like to see this little car succeed , I just don't want to be the guinea pig. Guess I will have to stick with my old Mazda for a while longer , 156k and not a bit of a problem !

[mikie]

You're right. If you're looking for the rock solid (ho-hum) ride, I wouldn't buy the Smart either. I'd buy a Honda or a Toyota. However, if you looking for a ride that will be an adventure - Smart is well, a smart choice.

[august8pm]

Originally Posted by mikie

Again I can't say enough about the top notch service that SCP is providing.

I am tremendously impressed with the contribution the staff at smart center Portland have made to the forums - consequently, to all of us.

Thanks to all of you.

[ludlowlou]

Originally Posted by mikie

You're right. If you're looking for the rock solid (ho-hum) ride, I wouldn't buy the Smart either. I'd buy a Honda or a Toyota. However, if you looking for a ride that will be an adventure - Smart is well, a smart choice.

My nearest dealer is in Bellevue , I live near Port Townsend , that is probably at least a 100 mile plus two ferry rides away from the dealer , I can live without that kind of adventure. If I can talk the local /Olympic peninsula auto conglomerate into becoming a Smart dealer then I will jump back on the wagon. If there are any other Smart enthusiasts on the Olympic peninsula maybe we could bombard Rick Willer / Heartland Toyota(formerly Hazelwood) with pleas to get on board .