Just picked up my Cabrio orphan... problem?

[doogster]

Everything seems fine... has 80 miles on it now... when I put it into reverse (3 times total) it seemed to me like it almost "popped" out of reverse once and made a CLANG sounds the others... is something wrong?

[jwight]

Sounds like it - not normal behavior going into or out of any gear.

[SMARTnTiny]

1070 miles in and my cabrio does not "clang" when I put her in reverse.

[SuperGeek]

Doesn't sound normal to me, but try this... turn off the A/C and see if that makes a difference. For me, sometimes when the A/C compressor kicks on for the first time in a day it makes a noticeable clunk/clang. Mostly on especially hot days.

Maybe the time coincides with your reverse gear timing.

[doogster]

I was hoping it was more in the line of a transmission break-in period... like it might get better with time?

[Amethyste]

Mine DID actually sound and feel rough. make sure your foot is well on the brakes before performing this. Go slow too. .. mine is pretty seamless now.

[bottlerocket]

Mine seemed to have a little trouble finding reverse the first 200 miles or so. Went away so I thought it was user error...

[BeSmart]

Mine was very jumpy, lurching, going into and out of reverse initially. Was patient with him, anticipating the lurches. At 700 miles, he is very smooth. No more lurches. Just took us getting used to each other. Love just gets deeper and deeper.

[a2jack]

The reverse detent on our NA451 has always been a bit Iffy. At times we must look to see if the "R" light is on rather than just feel it in, as in other cars.

Going in for 10k service today and I will put it on my "Ask the Service Manager " List. I will post. A2Jack.

[kannonvaggon]

Ours shifts in/out of all gears just fine. BUT, I'm thinkin one maybe oughta see the R on the gear indicator before getting off the brake and on the throttle. Like almost everything in the computer-controlled vehicle, there is a slight lag whilst the control system "thinks" and then acts on stuff. The mechanical feel and instantaneous gratification is not much of a strong suit with the Smart shifter system. It does function just peachy, but it's " different" .
I can't ever recall getting a "clank" or anything like that.

I'd take a deep breath, check out the shifter operation and note how the control system has a bit of lag... if it indicates yer in reverse and THEN you get some sort of clanking then I'm thinkin you have a slight hangup with one or more of the brakes which makes a noise when you bust it loose. If that's the case I'd talk it over with your friendly, experienced and skillful local dealer type dood.

just a thunk