Smart Fortwo transmission not engaging in reverse despite gearshift indication on Smart Fortwo

Some Smart Fortwo owners report experiencing issues with their transmission not engaging in reverse, even when the gearshift indicates otherwise. These issues include the gear indicator showing 'N' or remaining blank when attempting to shift into reverse, which suggests that reverse is not engaged. Some drivers have difficulty engaging reverse, requiring multiple attempts of turning the car off and on before it responds. Additionally, after driving, some users find that there is no response from the transmission when shifting to reverse, with the gear indicator showing no gear selected and a beeping noise occurring after a period of time. In certain cases, particularly when the vehicle is warmed up, attempting to go into reverse may result in the car shifting into neutral instead of engaging the intended gears, which can sometimes be resolved by hard shifting or turning off the engine. A potential cause of these issues could be friction on the clutch shaft, which may lead to aborting clutch operation; while initially replacing the clutch was a solution, software updates have since been introduced to improve the situation. Interestingly, some owners note that when the engine is cold, the car can shift into reverse without issues, although proper shifting routines are essential. Lastly, a common recommendation for addressing these transmission problems is to perform a software update, which can enhance shifting smoothness and mitigate certain feature impacts. It is advisable for owners experiencing these issues to consult a professional mechanic for proper diagnosis and resolution.