slugish acceleration - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

david B · 07-26-2009, 06:25 PM

Since I just got my smart on Sat, I am still learning about this wonderful car. I have noticed when starting off from a dead stop, it seams like it might fie, until it hits about 10 mph. then it feels like it hits a power band. Is this normal? Also it seams to take a huge nose dive when you shift gears. Is this normal also?

I am very happy with the car. It's amazing the places i can fit it. Also after it hits that power band, it haula ASS!

David

OCMike · 07-26-2009, 06:42 PM

Congrats on the new smart. It's a totally different kind of driving experience in my opinion. You'll soon learn to adjust your driving habits so not to get that nose dive between gears. You could also drop down a few bills for a tighter suspension.

BigWarpGuy · 07-26-2009, 06:43 PM

Once you adjust to it, it will accelerate faster; or it seems to me. I have had my Smart Fortwo since March 2008. It did not take me long to learn the automated manual transmission. I really enjoy it.

JohnnyM · 07-26-2009, 06:43 PM

Yeah David, sounds about right. Real low first gear and the lag on the shift. These drive a little different with this gear box than other cars. Once you get used to it you learn to feather the throttle a little to manage the dive on the gear changes.

John_H · 07-26-2009, 07:39 PM

david - are you using premium unleaded currently?

If so and your lack of acceleration doesn't feel smooth, try one (nearly complete) tank of mid-grade unleaded.

If the lower combustibility of the premium fuel isn't working properly with your engine, this might be an issue. Low-grade gas stations can also make your get up and go get up and leave. I just keep revisiting the mid-grade issue because it cured my BMW roadster's hesitations thanks to Pacific Northwest gas oddities.

**jwight** · 07-26-2009, 07:43 PM

The car isn't broken in yet so is not doing it's best (remember the bit in the owners manual about the initial break in period?) Once that's passed you can really hammer on it if you want to. In the interim, try a quick push of the accelerator pedal to about 1/2 way on initial start and don't lift as the car works through the gears. The faster you push the pedal, the quicker the car accelerates.

Big Panda · 07-26-2009, 07:45 PM

Like John said, are you using just 'regular' unleaded or a higher octane as required....91 or above?

Second, you say you just got your smart but you don't say if it's new or a used one. Is it an '09 or an '08? If you have an '08 model, you might want to make sure it's had the trans update done to it. That should make it shift somewhat smoother, from what I understand.

Also, are you using the paddles or leaving it in 'auto' mode? With the paddles, if you run your RPM's up too high, you might find it 'nose diving' when you shift. Just all depends on your driving habits and many other factors.

Good luck with your smart!

david B · 07-26-2009, 09:23 PM

I only have about 50 miles on my smart, so I am still using the tank to dealership put in it. I would assume it is premium.

David

jetfuel · 07-26-2009, 09:45 PM

...he he he he he he he...he "assumed"...

be gentle with the little guy...it will come to you...and don't lift the pedal..

jetfuel...not lifting

wiltjk · 07-26-2009, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by david B

I only have about 50 miles on my smart, so I am still using the tank to dealership put in it. I would assume it is premium.

David

Every 50 miles over the next 1000 miles, you will see continuous improvement in your smart's performance. I was amazed at how much better it got in just the first 250 miles!