Jerky transmission

[blackbeagle]

Hi there-

I'm wondering if people prefer using the paddle shifters or do you prefer the automatic mode. I tried driving today (for the first time since we picked up the car) and it seems really jerky using the auto mode. I would literally move an inch forward when it shifts. I'm wondering if you guys have felt this as well. Now I know this transmission is not the best. I read that the biggest gripe of this car on Auto Trend's recent article was the transmission and that the reviewer wouldn't recommend this vehicle until that issue was addressed.

I have a Nissan Maxima that has the CVT transmission so it's super smooth. I can't compare the two but I want to get everyones opinion what methods they use to shift the car.

[Steven79]

there is a method to driving in auto mode.

"Shift & Lift"

Thats what the dealer told me on the test drive. No jerkiness at all.

[JRyan]

Try lifting off the gas during shifts, it helps a little. The smart engine computer does not perform rev matching and throttle bliping as in other high performance SMG cars.

Thus it is always smoother to do the manual shift, as you know when the shift is coming. In full auto mode, when you get that pause preceding up shift, ease up on the throttle a little and the shift should be a little smoother.

But no matter what you do, it will never match the gearless CVT when it comes to smooth power delivery.

[CruzinSusan]

That is, as you learn to anticipate the auto shift, you begin to lift off the gas a tad simultaneously, and as you and your new smartie get to know each other, shifts become smooth as silk. Ok, maybe not silk. 400 thread count.

And, likewise, as you paddle, your smart remembers...

................................... ...........................automatically

[Learn2relax]

stupid question, what happen if you accidently up shift or down shift ?

or shift too soon or too late ? or on the wrong gear completely.. ?

How does the Smart react to that ?

[SmartShanna]

Neither paddles nor auto mode. I love driving with the stick! It's got a sporty little short throw and it is very intuitive (for me). Oh, and for the record, i haven't owned a manual transmission for years so it's not a matter of what I have been used to.

And I do concur about the shift and lift method when in auto. The paddle shifters I so wanted to love but when you make anything more than a simple turn the shifters go with the wheel and that's frustrating. Just when you need to downshift the paddles are at the bottom of the wheel, not where your hands (often) are.

[burtandnancy]

Agree w/ Smartshanna. We've begun to love the trans. Nancy & I both drive with a little more throttle (we move the shift point up somewhat.) My opinion is the the car is a little high geared, so don't like 5th under about 50 mph. In stop and go traffic, we manually shift to keep the rpms in a happy place...

[xcrew229x]

I just crossed 1000 miles, and I swear it's like the computer threw a switch. Engine got happier, trans got a LOT happier. Seems like a bit of throttle makes it all work better.

[jaxbchSmart]

paddles only. you don't even have to lift off the gas, just maintain pressure on the gas pedal to shift.

[a2jack]

As I have not liked this trans from the first test drive to now at 3.300 miles.

But I do agree with Smart Shanna, the stick is a kick. Fun little car.

Some rule of thumb tips. Drive with the stick in town, auto on the Highway.

The first number of the speed limit signs will give you a clue as what gear to run in. 20=2nd, 30=3rd, 40=4th so on. These numbers are not exact but will help you get started. Listen to the engine and watch the tach from time to time.

Remember. you are in break in, don't let the RPMs run past 3,000-3,500 for the first few hundred miles. Have fun.

A2jack.