auto gearbox conversion

[Evilution]

Re: auto gearbox conversion

An SE Drive is the gear stick assembly with the auto gearbox wiring in it.

[justrules]

Re: auto gearbox conversion

Exactly what Evilution said,

To fit you will need to remove the standard gear knob, remove the screw under the cover below the hand brake.

Remove both seats to access the bolts to the side of the gear selector (SE Drive) these are 5 sided security bolts. Remove the bolts and disconnect the unit, swap with the new one and re-assemble.

[justrules]

Re: auto gearbox conversion

This is the part in question and its avalible on Ebay as we speak:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Smart-Car-Sedr...QQcmdZViewItem

I hope this helps.

[Robert Terwilliger]

Re: auto gearbox conversion

That’s great you guys, thanks. I’ll start a search for the bits – at those prices it’s worth having a go, without too much loss if I bol***ks it up.

Am I right in assuming that as the bits don’t need any kind of programming, I could use second hand? [if I can find the right year]

BTW, Evilution – great site, why not add this conversion to your guides?

Once again, the official dealers are a definition of ineptitude.

[Robert Terwilliger]

Re: auto gearbox conversion

justrules -- thanks for ebay listing. I just spent half an hour trawling ebay but missed that !

Any other advice [from anyone] much appreciated, otherwise I'll let you know as and when I have a go at the job

[justrules]

Re: auto gearbox conversion

My advise is to try and find a security screwdriver, 5 sided torx style, with a hole in the middle.

If you have side airbags then disconnect the battery before your take the seats out, If you have side airbags or heated seats then unplug them under the seat before trying to remove them.

Watch your door seals when putting the seats in and out as they have a habbit of catching the rails on the paintwork.

Also what your head when you remove your gear knob :blackeye: Your find out what I mean.

Other than that just take your time and don't rush anything, the part is a direct replacement so no paying with wiring etc is required, just unplug and plug the new one in.

[Robert Terwilliger]

Re: auto gearbox conversion

Thanks for the advice justrules.

Security screwdriver? I’ve got a full set of torx bits, will I be able to use these?

No side bags or heated seats so no problem there, but I have had an email from another reader [who wants to remain anonymous] suggesting that wiring may be different e.g. extra wires for the ‘fully auto’ facility. I would suspect that cost saving at manufacture would mean the same loom would be used for all cars, fully auto or not?

And yes I will watch my head?

Thanks for all tips, Smart mechanicals are new to me … now if you want to know about mark 1 MR2s, that is a different matter

[justrules]

Re: auto gearbox conversion

There are two extra wires connecting the auto switch to the PCB on sedrive, If you by the replacement sedrive then they will already be there so you won't need to worry.

Good luck matey

[Steev]

Re: auto gearbox conversion

Hi justrules

Are you sure that you just add the sedrive and the gearknob and it will all work? I always thought there was some software to pay for......

I have a 2001 Mk5.

Thannks

[justrules]

Re: auto gearbox conversion

I'm not 100% sure as mine can as standard.

They way I look at it, Fit the kit and if it don't work then you have still saved your self parts and labor.

I'm pretty sure that the Pre G2's need no activation though.

[Steev]

Re: auto gearbox conversion

Thanks m8.......

[munk]

Re: auto gearbox conversion

MY advise is to not bother doing it your self- get smart to provide an itemised bill- make sure you tell them that if they were doing a job that was fairly cheap- you'd be willing to invest in more parts from them- thats a sure fire way to get any garage to knock a couple of quid off.

All the models will need activation though- so that has to be done with a specialist- not sure who could do it- try phoning companies up and asking them if they could do it for x price.

hope that helps.

[Smart-Suits]

Re: auto gearbox conversion

G1 cars do not need activation. Just the SE Drive and Gearknob. Later cars will need the activation and sometimes a new accelerator pedal too as the later cars have a kickdown pedal for softouch.

[munk]

Re: auto gearbox conversion

ok i stand corrected. sorry.

[Steev]

Re: auto gearbox conversion

Robert,

Did you fit the sedrive? Did it work?

Feedback would be appreciated.