Installation of the Area451 cruise control requires that the battery be disconnected for a significant period of time. (Two or more hours seems to be the norm.) Now that the first 200 units have been sold and most installed, we have a decent size group to ask if disconnecting the battery causes the transmission to "unlearn" anything. Personally, I didn't notice any difference but in other threads there have been opinions to the contrary. What was your experience?
I'm not voting, not qualified since I have not disconnected my battery. But, it seems to me that if the transmission were, in fact, adaptive ... it would be REALLY sensible to have the data in some sort of non-volatile memory. Or at least have a button battery for backup power.
I'm not voting, not qualified since I have not disconnected my battery. But, it seems to me that if the transmission were, in fact, adaptive ... it would be REALLY sensible to have the data in some sort of non-volatile memory. Or at least have a button battery for backup power.
Yes, I agree that would make sense. I started this poll because I was intrigued by anecdotal reports in other threads of returning the transmission to its "virgin" state by disconnecting the battery. Then, supposedly you could re-educate it to your current driving preferences.
With the introduction of the popular Area451 cruise control and the need to disconnect the battery during its installation, it seemed like this would be the time to test that hypothesis whist any effect was fresh in our minds.
To paraphrase Yoda, the tranny does not unlearn what it has learned. My battery was disconnected for 3+ hours while I was installing the CC, and there's absolutely no difference in shifting.
I don't think the transmission is adaptive in the sense that it learns how you shift. I don't see how anyone can press the accelerator in exactly the same way every time one drives. But exact repetition is what the computer would need in order to distinguish one driver versus another (assuming that the mystery "eye" in the climate control dial isn't some sort of facial recognition system ).
So, instead of being adaptive, I think what the transmission does is it measures the pressure you are applying to the pedal (indicating the ultimate speed you want to reach) and how fast you pressed down (indicating need for fast acceleration vs. slow). It then adjusts the shift points to give you what it thinks you want. For instance, if you press down gradually and hold it at some spot, it will shift it at different points than if you press down hard and kept your foot down at a lower point. Try it.
If you think about it, there's really no way for the computer to tell it's you behind the wheel instead of your wife. It seems like the best it can do is adjust to the driver's particular driving style at any given moment in real time, which can change even for the same person in the same day.
After the Area 451 install, I noticed no change, but following the install of my navigation; it was like starting over for a few miles. I seemed to be a quick re-teach as I was back to buzzing around again in no time.
My battery was disconnected to 2.5 hours, not difference, none expected. As suggested, I think what people are noticing are two effects. First, it is commonly reported that the transmission (more likely the clutch) smooths out after initial break in, perhaps 2 - 3000 miles. Second, I belive WE learn to adapt our style and expectations which may take the same amount of time!
There are numerous folks here that have purchased second smarts. I wonder if they notice the new one being stiffer than the one with some wear. Also as Smart Enuf notes, where there are multiple drivers of the same smart, it would seem the car would behave oddly until it, somhow, realized it was you again that is driving..?
[...] There are numerous folks here that have purchased second smarts. I wonder if they notice the new one being stiffer than the one with some wear. [...]
Didn't someone who took delivery of a second smart with his/her father, did notice a big difference when driving the "newer" one home and almost turned back to the Dealership to return it, but realized that it was just because the car was new? Several attempts to locate the post(s) - a couple of months old - were inconclusive. The search function is not up to par...
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
tmater
smart - aka Smurf
). 
"the car", "la voiture"
Today
Linear Mode
