Transmission - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

Terrafin · 08-27-2009, 10:10 AM

I have had my Smart into the dealership 4 times because my Smart would not go into reverse. Anyone having problems with their transmission, specifically reverse? I’d like to understand what is wrong and how you got Smart to deal with the problem.

forestacademy · 08-27-2009, 10:16 AM

If its an 08, you need a new Clutch plate

Transmission stuck in Park

fortow · 08-27-2009, 11:17 PM

What exactly is the relationship between being unable to change gears and the "clutch plate"? They are seemingly unrelated. Perhaps you could explain?

ex300SRT8 · 08-29-2009, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fortow

What exactly is the relationship between being unable to change gears and the "clutch plate"? They are seemingly unrelated. Perhaps you could explain?

I personally can't tell you, but I had the problem (stuck in drive) and that's what fixed it (courtesy of Forestacademy's advice). The smart dealership wasn't surprised by it either - clearly I wasn't the first one they fixed - nor will it be the last

.

tvengineer · 08-29-2009, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fortow

What exactly is the relationship between being unable to change gears and the "clutch plate"? They are seemingly unrelated. Perhaps you could explain?

I don't know the EXACT problem here.. but it has been reported by several people that the clutch plate replacement fixed the "wont go in reverse" problem.

As far as being "seemingly unrelated," nothing could be further from the truth...

the clutch has to fully disengage in order for the transmission to change gears.. what I imagine could be happening is that somehow the clutch is not disengaging properly and the computer that controls the gear change will not allow the switch if the internal parts of the drive are still moving.

in a normal MANUAL.. this would be noticed as a slight gear grinding sound when you try to select reverse (not all that unusual)... but with our computer controlled cars.. the computer will not do something unless all the input conditions are exactly correct.

fortow · 08-30-2009, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tvengineer

the clutch has to fully disengage in order for the transmission to change gears.. what I imagine could be happening is that somehow the clutch is not disengaging properly and the computer that controls the gear change will not allow the switch if the internal parts of the drive are still moving.

Yes, but changing the clutch plate itself will not address that problem - If it doesn't fully release then there are other components that are at fault. I suspect that the term "clutch plate" is being used for a more inclusive change of components that do address the problem.

forestacademy · 08-30-2009, 11:45 AM

The new clutch plate has a different material on the center hub and some new grease smeared all over it.

When I mentioned to my service tech that we had the issue a couple of times where we started the car, and tried to put in to R and no go. We would restart the car and all was good. To us it felt like the computer wasn't keeping up with our request.

I expected the Lube the shifter or some computer clutch, but he ordered me a new clutch plate over the phone. They have changed the plate design and changed some of the materials between the 08's and 09's.

Once he had the plate in it was about 1/2 a day in the shop getting it fixed. The drooped the drivers side of the engine transmission to do the work.
Looked like the hardest part was reconnecting the air intake around the filter.

Basically, it wouldn't slide to the correct position to align everything each and every time

fortow · 08-30-2009, 07:44 PM

Yes, that is a more logical answer to the question I asked, thanks. The repair involves more than just replacing a "clutch plate".

randyzimmer · 09-23-2009, 07:01 AM

I'm about ready to call my dealer too.
serial# 8K106901
13729 miles
It has been so random before now but...
Recently, I can almost predict that on the first trip of the day, it stays in neutral a long time between 1st and second. It can do it randomly on other shifts too but usually between 1st and 2nd.
I quit counting the times it has done it since five but I'm guessing its up to 15 times by now.
Reverse has caused a problem now and then but it stuck one time until I put it in forward, moved and then reversed.
Yesterday, I had an abrupt engagement, no clutch slip, that was different!
I'll report what I find out.

BillInEscondido · 09-23-2009, 07:06 AM

I had reverse problems too. Seemed to happen more when the transmission was hot. The display would be blank, sometimes it would show 'N'.

Took it in and they replaced the clutch plate (under warranty). The service rep was aware of the problem (San Diego smartcenter) and had the part(s) available. It's been fine since then.