Car won't start - Thoughts?

[a2jack]

Originally Posted by jrfuisz

There are several different problems here that people are confusing -

1. The recall for the cars that get stuck in Park. From what I've found on the forum, there was a problem with certain cars on the line. They know the VIN numbers of the potential cars effected. There is a bulletin out on this. That problem was resolved at the factory and they tried to catch any cars coming in to fix the issue before the cars were delivered.

2. There is the normal tranny problem where occasionally the shift lever comes out of sync. That is where you get the 3 bars and re-teach the computer where the lever is. That is an easy fix - at page 132 of the manual. The only problem is the manual is wrong - you need to run the lever through the gears after waiting the 30 seconds. I'm guessing everyone is going to have to do this at some point as part wear - not a big deal at all.

3. It looks like there are engine light ECU issues, but I suspect that there will be a software update at some point to correct those issues.

4. My tranny ECU fried which means electrical short of some sort. I haven't found any other issues with the tranny ECU. I've found a few bad transmissions which were replaced. BUt nothing where the ECU fried.

MY $0.02 -

Problem 1 is unfortunate, but it is has been resolved and not it is just an issue of working out the problem with the cars that made it out to customers before the problem was known. 2 and 3 are teething issues. All new products have them to some extent.

My problem is a combination of getting parts (to be expected on some level) and the cause of the problem. I have no reason to believe that Penske will not get the parts. The question is can they find and find what fried the ECU. That is why I lemon lawed the car. If one ECU fries, just replacing it only buys me time until it fries itself again. Unless it was on on board short, there is a problem somewhere else in the system.

We understand your problem may be with the ECU. And I merely posted a heads up on the shifter fix as Smarty was stuck with her car out in a parking lot.

But since you brought it up, where did you find that Smart had issued a recall notice on the shifter? I have not seen recall notice ONE from any of the problems we have encountered in the field. Do you have some new info?

PM me as I don't wish to further dilute this thread. Thanks. A2Jack.

[jrfuisz]

Smart found the parts and had them in the car and ready for delivery last Friday. That is a quick turn around from not having any idea where the parts are to finding them and getting them in the car. Just picked it up and it runs as good as new. Dealer said my VIN was in the system as being part of the original gear selector batch - as soon as VIN went in the system told him the gear selector needed to be replaced.

So thumbs up to Smart. The exceeded my expectations.

my $0.02 - the problem right now is dealer knowledge. I check in with Smart Tysons (Virginia) on everything. They know the most since they are at the distributor. TJ and Lance have been top performers. One email to TJ about parts and Alexandria managed to find the part.

FYI - In Virginia you lemon law the car by giving written notice (or so I think) when you first drop the car off. Dealer gets 3 or 1 chances to fix or 30 days after notice so you need to be proactive about it. I have no idea about other states. I've had two cars bought back under VA lemon law - a Chevy and a Mercedes.

[jwight]

Well, a good ending to something that started off pretty bad. Glad they found the part and got you back on the road. I'm a little concerned about the seeming "backward" approach to the problem from smart: "as soon as VIN went in the system told him the gear selector needed to be replaced."

Seems like smart knows the VINs of the cars with problem shifters; why aren't they contacting the owners instead of waiting for the cars to be towed in?

[pattison]

Originally Posted by Smartfor2guy

BSI open the glass and the tailgate started and drove down the road to take some stuff to the neighbor...

me too! ........................

[mvukovich]

Originally Posted by Arizona Smarty

My car won't move either. Just tonight, I can't get it out of Park. We've disconnected the battery and rocked the car while in reverse (both suggestions we've read in the forum). Now, it's sitting in a parking lot by itself. Can't call a tow truck, because it's stuck in park. It won't even get into Neutral to push it. I will give the keys to my service advisor at the Smart Center tomorrow morning and let him have at it. Very disappointed. This is the first time it's stranded me. I'm at just over 4000 miles.

There is a lever left side rear near the gas tank, easy to reach . Start your car and push in on the lever which will put you in Neutral.

[SuperGeek]

Originally Posted by mvukovich

There is a lever left side rear near the gas tank, easy to reach . Start your car and push in on the lever which will put you in Neutral.

Say what? I can't picture that... any chance you can post a photo or diagram?

[mvukovich]

Have you look under you car? I see if I can take a photo. Don't let the tow truck personal drag your car up on his flatbed.

[jmartell311]

The car was bumped this morning and before I had a chance to turn off the alarm, the car died. It seems it deactivated. How do I reactivate it?

[JPaul]

Just one suggestion: try this:
http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/for...834-post5.html

It's located in the FAQs/DIY sticky on top of "Maintenance"

>>>FAQs/DIY: OPEN to see easy solutions to most common issues

Hope it helps! Any damage?
Keep us posted.

[Pee-wee German]

So the car won't start if the tailgate is open? What about if the hatch glass is still open?