No reverse

[nightrave]

Hi guys!

Sometimes I have the issue, that smart doesn't go into reverse and displays, that it is still in neutral and I get the three dashes blinking. I read tons of posts about possible causes. I even cleaned and greased the clutch actuator but it didn't help. Brake lights are functioning.

I was able to find out a pattern though - if my smart stops going into reverse, I have to accelerate and brake suddenly - and then the reverse is back. Could it be a wiring issue, rather that a clutch issue?

[10:45PM]

Two possibles:
1: You brake pedal switch (there are two switches inside it so don't assume all is well if your brake lights work
2: Your gearbox software needs an update (to specifically combat the problem where the original software gives up too soon when trying to get the hardware to select reverse) - on a 451 it's way more likely to be this


Until you get your software updated: A simple power off/on usually cures it.

[nightrave]

Two possibles:
1: You brake pedal switch (there are two switches inside it so don't assume all is well if your brake lights work
2: Your gearbox software needs an update (to specifically combat the problem where the original software gives up too soon when trying to get the hardware to select reverse) - on a 451 it's way more likely to be this


Until you get your software updated: A simple power off/on usually cures it.

1. Might be
2. I have visited a smart dealer and they checked and said there is no update available for my smart.

Power on/off doesn't help at all. As I mentioned, I have to break suddenly to make reverse work again.

[EmilysDad]

..... As I mentioned, I have to break suddenly to make reverse work again.

I'd suggest the break/brake light switch then. As above, there's two switches inside ... normally open & normally closed .... they do different things as well as operate brake lights

Is it the same switch as a Roadster's? I've the set up details somewhere that came with a new one.

[ossy]

Go to a dealer or smart Indy .
They need to do a reteach of gearbox and clutch..
If you have the first gen. 451.
Than there is a gearbox software update.
If you have a 2e gen. 451 , than You have the latest gearbox software

[10:45PM]

You could also have a problem with gear pos. sensor.

[nightrave]

Go to a dealer or smart Indy .
They need to do a reteach of gearbox and clutch..
If you have the first gen. 451.
Than there is a gearbox software update.
If you have a 2e gen. 451 , than You have the latest gearbox software

Done a quick check at a dealer (where they were not able to locate the cause) and they said I have the latest firmware already

[ossy]

Do a search for a dealer in your region.

http://www.evilution.co.uk/index.php?menu=info&mod=505

[10:45PM]

Dealers aren't always renowned for their intelligence .... this update is specifically for the gearbox, not the main car.

Try another dealer ... or smartstuff in somerset http://www.smart-stuff.co.uk/

They definitely know about this gearbox controller update, not sure if they can ID if yours needs it from the chassis number (or need to interrogate the car)

[Evilution]

1. There is a gearbox update.
2. The brake light switches aren't nearly as problematic in the 451 and are very rarely the issue.
3. The gear position sensor is only used when setting the gear position with MB Star. The gearbox motors have their own rotation sensors so they know where they are.

Check under the carpet on the passenger side for any water ingress. This is where the gearbox controller is and it's becoming more common for the connections or PCB to get affected with water.

[daze]

I have a similar problem, but I don't have the 3 dashes I just get the "N" flashing ? and it will only move in manual, if I put it in reverse with the engine off I get the "R" and I go back into "N" and start it will then reverse.
I've checked the passenger footwell and its as dry as a bone ?? i'm now stumped
By the way its a 2009 cdi passion

[Stealth451]

This happens to my 451 brabus every now and then.

I just put it into 1st and then quickly into R, solves the problem everytime.

[10:45PM]

I have a similar problem, but I don't have the 3 dashes I just get the "N" flashing ? and it will only move in manual, if I put it in reverse with the engine off I get the "R" and I go back into "N" and start it will then reverse.
I've checked the passenger footwell and its as dry as a bone ?? i'm now stumped
By the way its a 2009 cdi passion

Software !

This happens to my 451 brabus every now and then.

I just put it into 1st and then quickly into R, solves the problem everytime.

software !

[tolsen]

Perhaps without reverse you can drive your Smart on a motorbike licence like a Reliant Regal.

[bob-in-dav]

Perhaps without reverse you can drive your Smart on a motorbike licence like a Reliant Regal.

Oops! One wheel too many and about 40 years out of date! Sensibly, they dropped that regulation because it was more dangerous to get out and push than to allow people to use reverse. Drove a couple on my motorbike license back in the 70's.