More transmission problems

[Broken Kid]

One week and 300 miles. That's it. Before I picked up the car last Tuesday, they told me the problem with the shifter and transmission has been fixed. Today, I get three bars on my instrument panel, and I can't start the car. They're towing it to Buffalo.

After all the hassle I went through with the dealer, now this problem. I'm not a happy owner anymore...

[jonnysan]

Originally Posted by Broken Kid

One week and 300 miles. That's it. Before I picked up the car last Tuesday, they told me the problem with the shifter and transmission has been fixed. Today, I get three bars on my instrument panel, and I can't start the car. They're towing it to Buffalo.

After all the hassle I went through with the dealer, now this problem. I'm not a happy owner anymore...

however much time you don't have your car.

Within these posts is the fix for your ailment ...in all likelihood. This has happened to a few on here already.....

I believe it goes like this....
1) Insert key and turn to ON
2) Step on brake pedal
3) Move shifter from P slowly thru D and then back to park
4) Turn key to off and wait 10 secs
5) Turn key to on....a "P" should appear where the 3 lines were.
6) Start car.

I've done this from memory so if anyone (Like Jwight) can find the thread on this to verify my correctness, I'd appreciate it. Can't remember the thread name....3 lines thru P??


John

[a2jack]

Kid. Are you having Trans problems ? Or just the shifter box? A2Jack.

[jwight]

Found it:

http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/for...es-thru-p.html

[Broken Kid]

Yeah, they had me try the re-teach procedure. The shifter isn't stuck, and I was able to try each of the different gears, but no luck. The car still wouldn't start. The guy at Smart USA said it's probably related to the problems they've been having, but it doesn't sound like lubrication will help.

[bottlerocket]

Originally Posted by Broken Kid

Yeah, they had me try the re-teach procedure. The shifter isn't stuck, and I was able to try each of the different gears, but no luck. The car still wouldn't start. The guy at Smart USA said it's probably related to the problems they've been having, but it doesn't sound like lubrication will help.

Really sorry to hear that, I know you're one of the biggest supporters of this little car.

Well hang in there, it shouldn't be a major problem.
I'm close to 1,200 miles and no problems so hopefully this was a one-time issue.

[Broken Kid]

Originally Posted by bottlerocket

Really sorry to hear that, I know you're one of the biggest supporters of this little car.

Well hang in there, it shouldn't be a major problem.
I'm close to 1,200 miles and no problems so hopefully this was a one-time issue.

Thanks... I've been reading this forum for months and seeing all the problem threads. But I kept telling myself that's just a small percentage of owners. And that they'd work out problems. Mine would be fine... Guess not. It makes me see all the other problems in a different light too.

However, I'm very lucky in that I was home when it was unable to start. I was able to push it out of the driveway and take my truck so I could get back to work. Could have been worse, I guess.

[SuperGeek]

Broken - sorry to hear of your troubles. I'm of the opinion that problems are very rare (< 1% having significant problems), and more noticeable on the forums because this is where people come to find a solution and/or vent their frustrations. For me, I've gone about 950 miles without a problem so far.

It's possible your car was assembled by a crew having a bad day (didn't a union go on strike early in the production cycle) or with a component in a bad batch, and hopefully that will be resolved by the service department. They should have the resources to also track who else got parts that may be high-risk, and recall those cars for service. I trust that the company would be proactive enough to save their very important reputation by doing so. *hint, anyone from Smart/Daimler reading?*