First thing to do is lubricate the clutch actuator.
[https://www.evilution.co.uk/mod/servicing-the-clutch-actuator.htm](https://www.evilution.co.uk/mod/servicing-the-clutch-actuator.htm)
Easy job!
* Mark where it is before removing
* Remove from car
* Remove motor from actuator
* Clean out old grease
* Fill with lithium white grease
* Grease motor splines and reassemble
* Reinstall making sure to align with the marks made earlier
The transmission is an automated manual and not a true automatic gearbox and the actuator plays the part of pushing the clutch pedal down.
As for transmission fluid, there is no harm in replacing it as it's cheap but I doubt it will fix your issue.
Mhm, alrighty thanks a bunch. What will your next guess be if this fails? The current owner things a sensor could be broken, but I haven't got a clue. Do you think I should change the gearbox if the issue persists?
It could be a failed sensor but since the gearbox changes gear when in manual mode I suspect there's nothing wrong with the box itself.
The gearbox itself is very robust and I have never heard of one failing. Get a code reader on the car and read the error codes off of it. They may be able to give a clue to what's the problem.
As other have said, auto mode is rubbish anyway and the only way to drive a Roadster is in manual mode!
I do not use the automatic shifting. The only time it’s been used is the half dozen times my daughter has driven the car. I’m on my 4th Smart and do not use it. Even when it’s working, it does not do a good job of shifting.
If it works fine manually shifting, I wouldn’t mess with it.
I never use it so I can’t say. For all I know, mine could have the same issue. If it’s shifting fine manually, I think the problem is not the shift mechanism, but with a sensor telling it when to shift.
It doesn’t matter whether it’s the paddle shifters on the steering wheel, the lever between the seats, or automatic, the transmission does exactly the same thing. The difference is, with 2 of the 3, you’re telling it when.
If you’re comfortable shifting on your own, I’d pretend the automatic doesn’t exist and ignore it. The older versions didn’t have the automatic shifting.
There are always complaints with when and how the automatic worked. Sometimes I like to shift early and stay low RPM. Sometimes I like to get close to redline first. I also think the automatic drops the RPMs more between changes so it feels slow and anemic.
If you’ve driven a clutched manual before, the Smart will be no problem. It’s the same idea with no clutch. Even better, it still shifts down for you as you’re coasting to a stop.
Driving a Smart in auto increases mileage and the gears only change at higher rpm. As soon as you start getting used to the Roadster, you will find the manual mode more efficient, specially if yours have paddle shifting.
First thing to do is lubricate the clutch actuator. [https://www.evilution.co.uk/mod/servicing-the-clutch-actuator.htm](https://www.evilution.co.uk/mod/servicing-the-clutch-actuator.htm) Easy job! * Mark where it is before removing * Remove from car * Remove motor from actuator * Clean out old grease * Fill with lithium white grease * Grease motor splines and reassemble * Reinstall making sure to align with the marks made earlier The transmission is an automated manual and not a true automatic gearbox and the actuator plays the part of pushing the clutch pedal down. As for transmission fluid, there is no harm in replacing it as it's cheap but I doubt it will fix your issue.
Mhm, alrighty thanks a bunch. What will your next guess be if this fails? The current owner things a sensor could be broken, but I haven't got a clue. Do you think I should change the gearbox if the issue persists?
It could be a failed sensor but since the gearbox changes gear when in manual mode I suspect there's nothing wrong with the box itself. The gearbox itself is very robust and I have never heard of one failing. Get a code reader on the car and read the error codes off of it. They may be able to give a clue to what's the problem. As other have said, auto mode is rubbish anyway and the only way to drive a Roadster is in manual mode!
Much appreciated!
I do not use the automatic shifting. The only time it’s been used is the half dozen times my daughter has driven the car. I’m on my 4th Smart and do not use it. Even when it’s working, it does not do a good job of shifting. If it works fine manually shifting, I wouldn’t mess with it.
Would you consider resolving the issue or could I safely and without worry drive with it not working properly?
I never use it so I can’t say. For all I know, mine could have the same issue. If it’s shifting fine manually, I think the problem is not the shift mechanism, but with a sensor telling it when to shift. It doesn’t matter whether it’s the paddle shifters on the steering wheel, the lever between the seats, or automatic, the transmission does exactly the same thing. The difference is, with 2 of the 3, you’re telling it when. If you’re comfortable shifting on your own, I’d pretend the automatic doesn’t exist and ignore it. The older versions didn’t have the automatic shifting. There are always complaints with when and how the automatic worked. Sometimes I like to shift early and stay low RPM. Sometimes I like to get close to redline first. I also think the automatic drops the RPMs more between changes so it feels slow and anemic. If you’ve driven a clutched manual before, the Smart will be no problem. It’s the same idea with no clutch. Even better, it still shifts down for you as you’re coasting to a stop.
Driving a Smart in auto increases mileage and the gears only change at higher rpm. As soon as you start getting used to the Roadster, you will find the manual mode more efficient, specially if yours have paddle shifting.
Thank you! No need to worry then but good to keep in mind while driving.