smart in the shop: Gear shift lever stuck in N or D

motten · 07-07-2008, 04:03 AM

I KNEW that I was being too lucky with the smart (other than not breaking 40 mpg yet). Over the last couple days, it seemed like the shifter lever (in automatic mode) was getting slightly tougher to move back into Park or even Reverse from Drive or Neutral. Then yesterday, after detailing my Saabaru, I thought that I would wash the smart, so I pulled it out of the garage, then, because it's so cool, took it for a short ride around the block... then could not back it up the driveway, or even get the car into Park. So I called smart of Smithtown and they told me to call the 800 smartusa number, and they told me that Smithtown was open until 4p (Sunday...). They were going to send a flat bed to tow it but knowing that I could at least drive it forward, I drove it up to Smithtown and dropped it off... I hope to hear back from them this morning. I believe it's an issue that others have had so I am cautiously optimistic that it will be ready by the time I get home from work and that it will be a free fix under the warranty...

I shall keep you all posted as to Smithtown's efficiency and customer service...

motten

Old smart · 07-07-2008, 04:14 AM

This problem, while not as common as the secondary air valve failures, is known to all the smart centers. It is a very quick fix requiring no replacement parts; just a little gub of grease (my dealer uses wheel bearing grease). Yet the smart centers have not been given direction from smartUSA HQ to routinely lubricate the cam and plunger as part of the PDI. ?!?!?!

motten · 07-07-2008, 06:16 AM

I believe that to be true because they left a message for me at 8:30 this am asking me to call, so I called around 9am and learned that it was already done, they did indeed lube it up, and then they washed the car so they took care of what I was going to do whent he problem developed. So, as for a review of Smithtown smart.... so far, very good. Polite, friendly, prompt, efficient... we'll what happens with the first oil change in a few months... 8)motten

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old smart

This problem, while not as common as the secondary air valve failures, is known to all the smart centers. It is a very quick fix requiring no replacement parts; just a little gub of grease (my dealer uses wheel bearing grease). !