Had this exact problem with a 451, the next generation Smart. It needed a software update from a Smart dealer which cured the problem. It seems the actuator tries for a certain length of time to select reverse gear but if it cannot change within the specified time it gives up. The software update simply increases the length of time it tries to select so if it's getting a bit old it will try for longer.
@Sam Rizvi no, the software fix is the official Smart fix for no reverse problems, especially on the 451, check out this on Evilution's website, he is the guru for Smarts. The Smart box does not use solenoids it uses a type of stepper motor as it is basically a standard manual box worked electrically, it in no way resembles a standard auto box. The selection problem on 450's can often be a faulty brake light switch as this ties in with the gearbox to ensure the car had the brakes on before selecting reverse. The Smart box is a mad little thing and has it's own set of quirks. Chaps, Check the brake light switch if the oil change doesn't solve it, it is cheap to replace and a quick fix.
Great Video, just quick tip....make sure you can undo the filler before undoing the drain plug!!. (I'm sure you've mentioned this before on another video)
first the car should be streat to have good oil level indecator, second thing as all mentioned in the commints before : try to remove the fill plug first to make sure you can fill the oil without problems !
I’m not sure about putting ATF in there, though in fairness it will lubricate better than the dirty stuff you took out. It’s supposed to be gear oil I think. If this does not fix the problem it’s maybe best to look at a gear motor and position sensor.. and this may sound like I’m being silly but check the Earth strap, all sorts of odd problems on a 450 can be cured by changing an earth strap, and even if it does not fix that issue it’s worth doing. I was a bit lazy to remove my old one so I added a second one instead, it may be my imagination but I’m sure it runs sweeter. Issues on a smart often are caused by seemingly unrelated things, once I changed my rear brake light bulb and then it would not go into gear, It really was caused by the wrong resistance rear light bulb.. and it’s a known thing.. how mad is that!
Hello Andrew, ours cuts out when coming up to roundabouts, battery light and oil light come on. Have too wait about 20 mins then it will start again. tried changing trans oil, nothing (as ours was not going into reverse too) any ideas? 2003 passion cab 450 - cheers Andrew
@@andydellow9795 I'd suspect the SAM unit, they suffer from the soldered connections failing due to the poor quality of the lead free solder used at the time. Also the connections to the SAM can become oxidised. It sounds daunting to remove the SAM and re solder the connections, but its not as hard as it may seem. Next time it fails try wiggling the connectors around the SAM unit, or even the connections from the SAM to the dashboard. Smart cars tend to suffer a range of stock faults, its very unusual for one to suffer unique problems.. hope that helps, that is just my opinion on where I would start. Of course, before that ensure that earth strap is good and battery connections are clean and secure.
Have you guys changed the grill to the black one on the red Sport you guys are working on yet? Please post a photo at least. I have the same colors and am doing the lettering next. Love your products thanks!
hi, what I must do after change transmission oil ? any upgrade with PC diagnostic or any other activity ? I have smart fortwo 450 city coupe 2001 with automatic transmission .....thanks
You have used the wrong oil my friend, this takes 75W-90 Manual Semi Synthetic Oil. Note that this is a manual transmission with an auto clutch actuator.
Any synthetic manual transmission fluid that is 70W90 and GL-4 is fine to use. Synthetic oil is always better than conventional unless the car is old and has high mileage.
@@TheNpcNoob Thanks for the info, wife's car has 82k and this is what I use, funny enough it's a common mistake loads of people fill it with atf, even when I bought the car I found atf in it.
So much fail, do not do what these guys did. Always remove, or at least loosen, the fill plug before draining. Don't do this with the rear of the car raised like they did, they left a lot of the old fluid behind and overfilled it. Use the right fluid, they did not.
Always wise to crack the fill one first; if you drain it and then find the fill plug is seized or stripped you're in a world of pain
You get 10 extra points being the first to point this out... i had not thought of this...
Had this exact problem with a 451, the next generation Smart. It needed a software update from a Smart dealer which cured the problem. It seems the actuator tries for a certain length of time to select reverse gear but if it cannot change within the specified time it gives up. The software update simply increases the length of time it tries to select so if it's getting a bit old it will try for longer.
@Sam Rizvi no, the software fix is the official Smart fix for no reverse problems, especially on the 451, check out this on Evilution's website, he is the guru for Smarts. The Smart box does not use solenoids it uses a type of stepper motor as it is basically a standard manual box worked electrically, it in no way resembles a standard auto box. The selection problem on 450's can often be a faulty brake light switch as this ties in with the gearbox to ensure the car had the brakes on before selecting reverse. The Smart box is a mad little thing and has it's own set of quirks.
Chaps, Check the brake light switch if the oil change doesn't solve it, it is cheap to replace and a quick fix.
You should have removed fill plug first,, it would have stopped surge of oil whilst draining,
Great Video, just quick tip....make sure you can undo the filler before undoing the drain plug!!. (I'm sure you've mentioned this before on another video)
You beat Sam to it !
Have you adjusted the selector for the gears 👍
Nice ramps, ive got the same ones. I dare to drive onto them, always a bit of a scare when they pivot to level but makes for great access.
first the car should be streat to have good oil level indecator, second thing as all mentioned in the commints before : try to remove the fill plug first to make sure you can fill the oil without problems !
Seriously??? You put ATF in a regular hypoid gearbox???
My smart car has a leak and yet the trans and oil level remain full. Wth is leaking? The oil and trans fluid look and smell the same.
I’m not sure about putting ATF in there, though in fairness it will lubricate better than the dirty stuff you took out. It’s supposed to be gear oil I think. If this does not fix the problem it’s maybe best to look at a gear motor and position sensor.. and this may sound like I’m being silly but check the Earth strap, all sorts of odd problems on a 450 can be cured by changing an earth strap, and even if it does not fix that issue it’s worth doing. I was a bit lazy to remove my old one so I added a second one instead, it may be my imagination but I’m sure it runs sweeter. Issues on a smart often are caused by seemingly unrelated things, once I changed my rear brake light bulb and then it would not go into gear, It really was caused by the wrong resistance rear light bulb.. and it’s a known thing.. how mad is that!
Hello Andrew, ours cuts out when coming up to roundabouts, battery light and oil light come on. Have too wait about 20 mins then it will start again. tried changing trans oil, nothing (as ours was not going into reverse too) any ideas? 2003 passion cab 450 - cheers Andrew
@@andydellow9795 I'd suspect the SAM unit, they suffer from the soldered connections failing due to the poor quality of the lead free solder used at the time. Also the connections to the SAM can become oxidised. It sounds daunting to remove the SAM and re solder the connections, but its not as hard as it may seem. Next time it fails try wiggling the connectors around the SAM unit, or even the connections from the SAM to the dashboard. Smart cars tend to suffer a range of stock faults, its very unusual for one to suffer unique problems.. hope that helps, that is just my opinion on where I would start. Of course, before that ensure that earth strap is good and battery connections are clean and secure.
@@andrewstones2921 Thanks for that Andrew. It is with a garage at moment, will let them know. Would it come up on diagnostics? cheers Andy
Hello Andrew, it was the crankshaft sensor (happy days) yours ok? cheers Andrew
What have you done to the bodywork??? It’s polycarbonate and yet it looks like a pile of rust well done!!😮😂
Have you guys changed the grill to the black one on the red Sport you guys are working on yet? Please post a photo at least. I have the same colors and am doing the lettering next. Love your products thanks!
Hi has the smart 450 set of videos finished now I was hoping you might of done one on changing the alternator and the turbo ,
Regards
Alan.
We still have the car... just got too busy with the new Defender toy...
Better to undo filler plug first ,if that don’t undo ,you now have a empty gear case that you can’t fill .
Damn. Is it not the brakelightswitch?
Best to change all oils to Amsoil synthetic. This will really improve lifespan and increase drain cycles.
I need to get the Smart car out again - so much fun !
Is there a certain brand to use for transmission fluid for the smart car or. Can you use any transmission fluid as long as it says atf
Redline MT90 is what you want. It must be GL4 to be safe for your transmission. Do NOT use a GL5. It wil damage the brass synchronizes.
You can use ANY 75W90 GL-4 transmission fluid
How did you get the rusty body look on plastic?
Good question - watch my other video
ruclips.net/video/dEC9979EXf4/видео.html
hi, what I must do after change transmission oil ? any upgrade with PC diagnostic or any other activity ? I have smart fortwo 450 city coupe 2001 with automatic transmission .....thanks
I dont think so... just drive and enjoy !
@@L663 thanks, did you ever change transmission filter or its not possible do it at home ? :)
Mi Smart lleva 1.7 ml aceite gear 75 w90 sintetico
That's why you FIRST get that upper bolt out! 😂
And please put the car at a leveled surfice. 😢
90 wt oil, not atf. 2litres capacity,
They r insane, u right buddy Smart Fortwo uses gear lube not atf
Level?
How many times do you need to say the guys name
lol
U R kracy men adding atf to a manual transmission, good look with ur mechanic shop
You have used the wrong oil my friend, this takes 75W-90 Manual Semi Synthetic Oil. Note that this is a manual transmission with an auto clutch actuator.
Any synthetic manual transmission fluid that is 70W90 and GL-4 is fine to use.
Synthetic oil is always better than conventional unless the car is old and has high mileage.
@@TheNpcNoob Thanks for the info, wife's car has 82k and this is what I use, funny enough it's a common mistake loads of people fill it with atf, even when I bought the car I found atf in it.
So much fail, do not do what these guys did. Always remove, or at least loosen, the fill plug before draining. Don't do this with the rear of the car raised like they did, they left a lot of the old fluid behind and overfilled it. Use the right fluid, they did not.
who knew !
🤦♂️
wd40