shifting problem and question

[Trena]

Anyone have any trouble with their smart downshifting (in manual mode) from 2nd to 1st gear unexpectantly? It has done it several times to me in just the last week or so. It seems to be mostly when I'm letting off the gas to shift into third, which is after the arrow has been displayed telling me to shift up, so I can't imagine that the rpm is too low for 2nd gear??? (I don't have a tach) I'm getting worried that it's maybe not my driving technique but a problem with the tranny, as it seems to be getting worse. Am I crazy?

My other question, and maybe this is a stupid one, is do I actually HAVE to let up on the gas to shift up? It seems to shift as smooth as glass if I barely tap the gear shift and barely let up off the gas, instead of the larger movements I would use on a normal manual transmission.

[Dunerunner]

Trena - Don't let up on the throttle, the ECU will interrupt the fuel, shift and reapply the fuel for you.

[Neonspinnazz]

True indeed, that will make the shifts smoother.

[danag]

Originally Posted by Dunerunner

Trena - Don't let up on the throttle, the ECU will interrupt the fuel, shift and reapply the fuel for you.

So in laymen terms (aka someone who knows nothing about cars) you are saying don't let up on the gas while it shifts in either manual or automatic?

[NuBiker]

I simply press down on the accelerator 1/2 - 3/4 the way down and keep it there until I am up to speed, the car shifts great that way.

[Suze]

Trena -

Your smart down shifts to first in manual mode? That doesn't sound right.
When I drive in manual, mine will only UP shift and then only if I neglect to do it myself and run the rpms up pretty high. It has never down shifted to first while the car was moving.

I would say that in manual your smart should not shift unexpectedly UP or DOWN.

Suze

[bumblebee]

Originally Posted by Suze

Trena -

Your smart down shifts to first in manual mode? That doesn't sound right.
When I drive in manual, mine will only UP shift and then only if I neglect to do it myself and run the rpms up pretty high. It has never down shifted to first while the car was moving.

I would say that in manual your smart should not shift unexpectedly UP or DOWN.

Suze

It'll downshift to first if you are driving very slowly or coasting in manual mode. It usually happens at less than 10 mph. I guess the ecu is figuring you're coming to a stop or something.

[headless]

hey Trena, you are getting good advice here, just keep your foot on the gas and blip the paddle or gearstick for up in manual or just keep your foot steady in auto and the changes will be smoother as everyone has said.
Even in manual though the car will downshift if it feels you are going too slow for the gear you are in, so that the engine won't stall, so the car overrides you sometimes, so don't worry it is not you.
eg, if I am coasting along in 6th gear, yes my roadster has six gears, and the speedo needle drops to 40mph the car changes to 5th itself, it does it in all the other gears but this is the change that happens most on it's own as I am almost ready to downchange myself but the car does it first.
Hope this helps, and happy motoring.
Ellis

[forestacademy]

Originally Posted by bumblebee

It'll downshift to first if you are driving very slowly or coasting in manual mode. It usually happens at less than 10 mph. I guess the ecu is figuring you're coming to a stop or something.

THis is true and quite handy, but it definatly should not be downshifting it you are accelerating. Call your service center. this should be a waranty issue.

[Port Dog]

Good info all. When I test drove the Smart last spring the dealer told my to let up on the gas between shifts and that would make it smooth, because it seemed to jerk when shifting. But they were very stingy on the test drive, could only go around the block and only get up to 3rd gear. I thought that was odd. I drove a MB Semi with an auto shifter and it was just like the Smart but very smooth. So the dealer was wrong apparently.