CVT transmission

We had a 2010 Nissan cube with the CVT. They came out and extended the warranty to 100,000 miles on it but you had to have the oil changed at 60,000. We paid to have that done and the very next week it went bad ! I expected a fight to get it paid for , but they handled it well no muss or fuss put in a NEW one and didn't cost us anything. Got rid of it around 100,000 miles. Then got a 2016 Honda HRV with one in it. Have had the Honda CVT fluid changed a few times and so far still good ( knock on wood ) it has maybe 110,000 or so on it now. Still have it. Cars with them in it seem to do better gas mileage wise and I like the way they seem to drive. They just go no gear hunting going on. How long do you plan to own it ? Check on the warranty of it and buy an extended plan. We got one on the HRV for peace of mind and it will soon be expired. Did use it on a front axle that went bad and the push button start button that went bad too.
 
I have two Pruis C with CVT trans. I've heard the Honda has a good one. Would hesitate to get any other unit. Both my Toyotas have 140k miles on them. No trouble so far.
 
Don't own one because of the Nissan/Acura stories I've read. But, I'd consider one IF (big if) the plan was to now own it beyond the warranty (extended or base) period.

Both Nissan and Toyota have an excellent reputation for honoring warranties.



Just not a high level of confidence yet.t
 
Same here. Last spring we went shopping for a new car and liked the Malibu. The 2019 had a CVT (first year) and I decided against it. See how they work out in another 4 or 5 years. Bought a leftover 2018 with a 6 speed auto trans.
 
Can't say as I blame you. When Ford introduced them years ago they bombed bad. Nissan didn't do much better. While they have improved they are still a poor choice.
 
Daughter has a 2015 corolla with cvt. No problems works good. It just acts a little different than a regular transmission. I am still not 100% used to "Fly by wire". Must be an old guy problem.
 
I looked at those when I got my Honda Fit. I did not think I could get used to the dash being in the middle of the car ! lol.
 
Passing ? what is that ! lol. I drive a small 4 cyl. car with a 1.5 liter. Only passing I can do is pass gas stations and Amish buggies. lol.
 
Sort of. Mash on it and off you go. It downshifts, though you may not notice.

Wife is on her second Nissan with a cvt. No problems so far, but not intending to keep one long enough to have problems. Drives like any other toaster on the road.
 
I'm sure they're probably different than the ones that bombed for Chevy in the early 1960's.
 
My wife's 2012 Subaru Legacy has the CVT transmission.
Works very smoothly......it works real nice with cruise control even in fairly hilly terrain....no sudden downshifts.
Has the "paddle shifters" and I even have her shifting down a couple of notches going down hills....it goes back to normal drive automatically.
We got a notice that the warranty on the trans has been extended.
Maybe that means they've had some problems?
We've had no problems but, in this day and age 68,000 miles isn't very much.
 
(quoted from post at 16:16:38 02/18/20) I wonder if it works like my NH haybine; a variable pitch pulley and big ol' belt.
ery similar, but metal belt instead of rubber and of course electronics added!
 
(quoted from post at 21:16:38 02/18/20) I wonder if it works like my NH haybine; a variable pitch pulley and big ol' belt.

Funny....Subaru first came out with the CVT on their tiny little "Justy"......Rubber belt and pulleys almost like your snowmobile.
 
The design is called a "Salsbury torque converter". One can Google it for some more info.

Believer it or not, there was a motorcross motorcycle that had a fully auto trans. I had one back in the day, and riding it was pretty cool. Rokon RT340.


http://www.yeoldecycleshoppe.com/roadtestlibrary/2016/11/29/1976-rokon-rt-340-2-road-test
 
I heard Ford CVT's did fail often, almost purchased a Freestyle with one. I have had a 2009 Saturn Vue and 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan that have those and they ran fine. For the Dodge, the CVT works if you are going slow, climbing steep hills and for snow. Saturn was similar. Both perform quite well overall. Also drove a Camry years back with CVT and it did fine too. I'm old school with wanting a clutch pedal and all, yet I dont think any car maker makes a straight manual trans vehicle anymore.
 
We have a 16 Subaru Legacy with 117K on it, no issues with the transmission. It has "fake" built in shift points that show up if you drive it hard or use the flappy paddles. If you drive it easy it feels like there is a rubberband for a driveshaft. Takes a few days to get used to it, but overall very happy with it.
 
Don't know of any Chevrolet CVT transmissions in the early 1960s?

Are you speaking of the Turbo Glide made 57-61?

Dean
 
High HP tractor CVT transmissions are made nothing like automotive CVT transmissions.

Dean
 
The CVT will adjust its ratio to allow the engine to run at the speed necessary to make the required amount of power in the most efficient way for the given circumstance. Punching the accelerator would result in the engine revving up to make more power by lowering (numerically raising) the drive ratio, just like a regular automatic transmission. As you accelerate the engine will stay at a fixed speed while the transmission gradually raises (numerically lowers) the drive ratio. The fuel efficiency advantage is gained over a regular transmission in that there doesn't need to be compromises made when the combination of vehicle speed and required engine power can't be ideally met with fixed ratios. This is also the reason that the number of gears in regular automatic transmissions has gone from 4 to 6 or more in the last decade.
 
(quoted from post at 13:50:37 02/18/20) I heard Ford CVT's did fail often, almost purchased a Freestyle with one. I have had a 2009 Saturn Vue and 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan that have those and they ran fine. For the Dodge, the CVT works if you are going slow, climbing steep hills and for snow. Saturn was similar. Both perform quite well overall. Also drove a Camry years back with CVT and it did fine too. I'm old school with wanting a clutch pedal and all, yet I dont think any car maker makes a straight manual trans vehicle anymore.

You can get a stick on the "compact" size easy, i.e. Civic, Corolla, Sentra, Impreza, Focus, Cruze.

More of a challenge on mid size, I think Honda Accord is the last one that size. Think the rest stopped in that category. I had a manual transmission Ford Fusion. Nice size car with a clutch.

Anything bigger, was thinking there was a real expensive Cadillac that used a Vette powertrain with a 6-speed manual.....
 
My daughter has a 2014 Chevy Spark, oddly enough a letter from General Motors came for her today. Said her car is in the range of serial numbers that could have the CVT pulleys and belt come apart. They said don't take it to a dealer unless it starts acting up, then the warranty is extended to ten years/120,000 miles.
 
I bought a 2017 Chevy Spark, new, in 2018. Dealer made me a very good deal (maybe he new something I didn't?) I must admmit that I was aprehensive about the CVT.
Anyway, 6 months after I bought it I gave it to my granddaughter to drive to school. She was driving a shuttle van on campus and sometimes not getting off work until 3am. NO WAY would I allow her to walk, even across campus, home.
She drove it all last year, last summer to work at Home Depot, and back to school this year. I told her dad that I would give her the car but he would have to insure it.
It now has over 16,000 miles and seems to run strong. It does get great mileage (if she keeps it under 70mph). I told her it can get 45mpg at 65.
It is peppy for a small car and has many bells and whistles. I said I would pay for the Serius radio and Onstar until she graduates this spring.
I monitor the Onstar to remind her when it needs service.
 
They must be good. I think Fendt had the first one that I saw. Then two years later CIH and Deer back engineered them. I am sure there would have been the patent slipping change. Ford Genius Funk transmission shifted excellent but my 8400 with the throw you through the windshield version was not definitely smooth like Funk. I haven't driven a CVT, so I don't know which is the best. I know that Fendt had a setting that would set the speed set to keep the PTO run a constant 1000 RPM.
 
Here is my story: my wife has a 2012 Subaru with the CVT transmission. One of the cooling line fittings at the radiator rusted off and transmission fluid started coming out while she was driving. Car has about 112 k miles. 5 of 12 total quarts came out before she limped it into the driveway. By then the transmission became fairly trashed. Once I refilled the fluid, reverse was gone and it drove in neutral. We had a used transmission put in. So, these things are fragile and expensive to fix. Period.
 
World of difference between a tractor CVT and one for a car. The car CVT is a glorified snowmobile belt drive. The tractor CVT is gear drive that is biased by a hydrostat through a planetary gear set. Tractor CVT also weighs as much as a common car.
 
Sister had a Subaru Forester with a manual transmission. Do to engine burning oil issues she ended up trading it in for a newer one with the CVT trans. She actually gets better gas mileage with the CVT just like the EPA sticker says you will.
 
(quoted from post at 09:06:21 02/19/20)
(quoted from post at 17:12:21 02/18/20) I'm sure they're probably different than the ones that bombed for Chevy in the early 1960's.

Educate me on this please. If you can.
would say that "IF" is a big hill that will not be climbed!
 
(quoted from post at 04:19:58 02/19/20) Here is my story: my wife has a 2012 Subaru with the CVT transmission. One of the cooling line fittings at the radiator rusted off and transmission fluid started coming out while she was driving. Car has about 112 k miles. 5 of 12 total quarts came out before she limped it into the driveway. By then the transmission became fairly trashed. Once I refilled the fluid, reverse was gone and it drove in neutral. We had a used transmission put in. So, these things are fragile and expensive to fix. Period.

____________________________________________________

I wonder.......would a "geared" AT have fared any better?[/u]
 
(quoted from post at 06:27:57 02/19/20)
(quoted from post at 09:06:21 02/19/20)
(quoted from post at 17:12:21 02/18/20) I'm sure they're probably different than the ones that bombed for Chevy in the early 1960's.

Educate me on this please. If you can.
would say that "IF" is a big hill that will not be climbed!

Chevy produced a "Turboglide" trans in the early/mid 60s which had a basically CVT type. I'm not expert but there was a set of 3 turbine wheel fluid driven gears that were all 'meshed' at the same time, and the valve body regulated the desired ratio by torque applied.

Someone with more knowledge may correct that, but it was a CVT in that the gears were all meshed at once, and the ratios were infinitely variable based on torque, just like the modern ones. Sorry, best I can offer.
 
CVT's are very nice in stop and go traffic. They also have the potential for better efficiency and acceleration due to being able to keep the engine at the correct RPM for whatever you are trying to maximize, power/efficiency. My wife and I have two Subaru's with CVT's in addition to the farm truck. The only issue is that they are in their infancy compared the normal gear drive automatic that has been refined for the last 70 years. I worked for Honda for 3 years. Their first generation CVT's sucked. The next generation '16+ were much improved. Same thing for Subaru's, improving greatly as the manufacturers get real world feedback. I wouldn't be afraid to buy one. If you are, just get a manual.
 
In this regard, one could also call the Buick Dynaflow a CVT as transmission ratio was controlled hydraulically by the five element torque converter and the transmission did not mechanically shift ranges.

Yes, a L range was provided on the quadrant, but it was manually selected and not engaged during normal D operation.

Dean
 
(quoted from post at 12:00:08 02/19/20) In this regard, one could also call the Buick Dynaflow a CVT as transmission ratio was controlled hydraulically by the five element torque converter and the transmission did not mechanically shift ranges.

Yes, a L range was provided on the quadrant, but it was manually selected and not engaged during normal D operation.

Dean
es, there are many ways to achieve variable ratio power transmission, BUT the term CVT is more that widely used to identify the variable width pulley/belt arrangement, whether rubber or metal belt. That is the meaning for virtually all the cars & most tractors people have mentioned here. Use of the term for other adaptations muddies the water.
 
(quoted from post at 13:49:58 02/19/20)
(quoted from post at 12:00:08 02/19/20) In this regard, one could also call the Buick Dynaflow a CVT as transmission ratio was controlled hydraulically by the five element torque converter and the transmission did not mechanically shift ranges.

Yes, a L range was provided on the quadrant, but it was manually selected and not engaged during normal D operation.

Dean
es, there are many ways to achieve variable ratio power transmission, BUT the term CVT is more that widely used to identify the variable width pulley/belt arrangement, whether rubber or metal belt. That is the meaning for virtually all the cars & most tractors people have mentioned here. Use of the term for other adaptations muddies the water.


Exactly. Those early transmissions and what are called CVT are night and day difference.
 
(quoted from post at 21:56:52 02/18/20) They must be good. I think Fendt had the first one that I saw. Then two years later CIH and Deer back engineered them. I am sure there would have been the patent slipping change. Ford Genius Funk transmission shifted excellent but my 8400 with the throw you through the windshield version was not definitely smooth like Funk. I haven't driven a CVT, so I don't know which is the best. I know that Fendt had a setting that would set the speed set to keep the PTO run a constant 1000 RPM.

Are you aware that John Deere made your Genesis transmission, they have owned FUNK in full since 1989.
 
(quoted from post at 00:19:58 02/19/20) Here is my story: my wife has a 2012 Subaru with the CVT transmission. One of the cooling line fittings at the radiator rusted off and transmission fluid started coming out while she was driving. Car has about 112 k miles. 5 of 12 total quarts came out before she limped it into the driveway. By then the transmission became fairly trashed. Once I refilled the fluid, reverse was gone and it drove in neutral. We had a used transmission put in. So, these things are fragile and expensive to fix. Period.

I don't think a traditional auto tranny would have done any better! She overheated the tranny, bad. That's not really an indictment of the tranny so much an a warning not to do that!
 
(quoted from post at 13:53:42 02/19/20)
(quoted from post at 00:19:58 02/19/20) Here is my story: my wife has a 2012 Subaru with the CVT transmission. One of the cooling line fittings at the radiator rusted off and transmission fluid started coming out while she was driving. Car has about 112 k miles. 5 of 12 total quarts came out before she limped it into the driveway. By then the transmission became fairly trashed. Once I refilled the fluid, reverse was gone and it drove in neutral. We had a used transmission put in. So, these things are fragile and expensive to fix. Period.

I don't think a traditional auto tranny would have done any better! She overheated the tranny, bad. That's not really an indictment of the tranny so much an a warning not to do that!

Exactly. That transmission was severely abused. A traditional transmission most likely would have failed also.
 
(quoted from post at 09:23:04 02/19/20)
(quoted from post at 13:49:58 02/19/20)
(quoted from post at 12:00:08 02/19/20) In this regard, one could also call the Buick Dynaflow a CVT as transmission ratio was controlled hydraulically by the five element torque converter and the transmission did not mechanically shift ranges.

Yes, a L range was provided on the quadrant, but it was manually selected and not engaged during normal D operation.

Dean
es, there are many ways to achieve variable ratio power transmission, BUT the term CVT is more that widely used to identify the variable width pulley/belt arrangement, whether rubber or metal belt. That is the meaning for virtually all the cars & most tractors people have mentioned here. Use of the term for other adaptations muddies the water.


Exactly. Those early transmissions and what are called CVT are night and day difference.

Unless one has drive a Dynaflow, or Torqueglide vehicle(I have driven both), one cannot appreciate that they drive exactly the same as a modern Salsbury pulley and belt arrangement by Subara, Honda, or Toyota. The operation of clutching and ratio generation is significantly different, but the term "continuously variable" is perfectly accurate. The hydraulic pressures in the turbines decides which planetary gear ratios are combined to create the final drive ratio. It is exactly 'continuously variable'.

A challenge was issued to present the comparison to the early design of CVT, and I provided it, and it is CV by use of hydraulic pressure. If was not called a CVT, but if the naming convention is what's the rub, then I guess I'll bow out and let the 'experts' discuss without my input.
 
We've got an 09 Nissan Altima Coupe with one of the 'horror story' CVT transmissions, and I really like it. Its smooth, quiet and very responsive compared to a regular auto. It's never been a problem. Maybe its on borrowed time, I don't know. There are lots of used Altima's around with 200K - 300K. They can't have all been through three or four transmissions surely?
 
(quoted from post at 14:23:20 02/19/20)
(quoted from post at 09:23:04 02/19/20)
(quoted from post at 13:49:58 02/19/20)
(quoted from post at 12:00:08 02/19/20) In this regard, one could also call the Buick Dynaflow a CVT as transmission ratio was controlled hydraulically by the five element torque converter and the transmission did not mechanically shift ranges.

Yes, a L range was provided on the quadrant, but it was manually selected and not engaged during normal D operation.

Dean
es, there are many ways to achieve variable ratio power transmission, BUT the term CVT is more that widely used to identify the variable width pulley/belt arrangement, whether rubber or metal belt. That is the meaning for virtually all the cars & most tractors people have mentioned here. Use of the term for other adaptations muddies the water.


Exactly. Those early transmissions and what are called CVT are night and day difference.

Unless one has drive a Dynaflow, or Torqueglide vehicle(I have driven both), one cannot appreciate that they drive exactly the same as a modern Salsbury pulley and belt arrangement by Subara, Honda, or Toyota. The operation of clutching and ratio generation is significantly different, but the term "continuously variable" is perfectly accurate. The hydraulic pressures in the turbines decides which planetary gear ratios are combined to create the final drive ratio. It is exactly 'continuously variable'.

A challenge was issued to present the comparison to the early design of CVT, and I provided it, and it is CV by use of hydraulic pressure. If was not called a CVT, but if the naming convention is what's the rub, then I guess I'll bow out and let the 'experts' discuss without my input.

No, no, you're right in principle but how many people are going to know or think about those transmissions when they see or hear CVT?
 
No, no, you're right in principle but how many people are going to know or think about those transmissions when they see or hear CVT?

Few. But you asked:

Goose wrote:
(quoted from post at 17:12:21 02/18/20) I'm sure they're probably different than the ones that bombed for Chevy in the early 1960's.


[i:fd096e0197]Educate me on this please. If you can.[/i:fd096e0197]
 
Agreed, Docmirror.

Both Turboglide and Dynaflow transmissions are CVTs by definition, as are hydrostats and many (most, all?) electric transmissions, e.g., VFAC, etc.

There are many ways to achieve variable speed, some well suited to some applications, others to other applications.

FWIW, I, too, have driven both Turboglide and Dynaflow equipped cars. Indeed, I worked on the Turboglide in my brothers 1960 Impala convertible. I was rather sad to see Chevrolet drop the Turboglide. It was well ahead of it's time in the late 1950s.

Dean
 
(quoted from post at 17:17:07 02/19/20)
No, no, you're right in principle but how many people are going to know or think about those transmissions when they see or hear CVT?

Few. But you asked:

Goose wrote:
(quoted from post at 17:12:21 02/18/20) I'm sure they're probably different than the ones that bombed for Chevy in the early 1960's.


[i:9fcc6fcb81]Educate me on this please. If you can.[/i:9fcc6fcb81]

Yes I did. However, Goose was not clear on what he was referencing, i.e. belt driven CVT or variable vane torque converters.

Clarity is important.
 
(quoted from post at 08:41:56 02/19/20) CVT's are very nice in stop and go traffic. They also have the potential for better efficiency and acceleration due to being able to keep the engine at the correct RPM for whatever you are trying to maximize, power/efficiency. My wife and I have two Subaru's with CVT's in addition to the farm truck. The only issue is that they are in their infancy compared the normal gear drive automatic that has been refined for the last 70 years. I worked for Honda for 3 years. Their first generation CVT's sucked. The next generation '16+ were much improved. Same thing for Subaru's, improving greatly as the manufacturers get real world feedback. I wouldn't be afraid to buy one. If you are, just get a manual.

My wife has a 2017 Honda CRV and likes it. I towed a trailer with it and it was very smooth in the mountains. Engine braking is a bit to be desired. The dealer we bought it from gives a lifetime warranty on the transmission.....but probably have a lot of disclaimers.
 
(quoted from post at 16:08:28 02/19/20) Agreed, Docmirror.

Both Turboglide and Dynaflow transmissions are CVTs by definition, as are hydrostats and many (most, all?) electric transmissions, e.g., VFAC, etc.

There are many ways to achieve variable speed, some well suited to some applications, others to other applications.

FWIW, I, too, have driven both Turboglide and Dynaflow equipped cars. Indeed, I worked on the Turboglide in my brothers 1960 Impala convertible. I was rather sad to see Chevrolet drop the Turboglide. It was well ahead of it's time in the late 1950s.

Dean
hy was it dropped after such a short run?
 
The torque tube drive and rear coil springs of the Buick design would have knocked your eye teeth out with each shift of the Hydramatic transmission used in Olds and Cadillac. Thus the need for development of a much smoother transfer of power. We laughed at the big Buicks trying to get off the starting blocks on a -40F degree day in Wisconsin. AWHOOOOOO+10 and they would just barely move forward.
 

My 2019 Subaru Outback has a CVT. I like it, no problems, it works well and without the issues that some have said they have. I actually prefer it to the gear transmissions in my Foresters.
 
I retired last June from a career in the transmission parts business. The very early CVT's did have some troubles, notably the very first one in the Subaru Justy. Other manufacturers were slow to come around to the idea, however now nearly all of them have some form of one. All seem to be quite reliable. As of my retirement, there were still very few parts available for any of them outside the dealer networks, but I can't recall ever being asked for any parts. That being said, those cars are just now becoming old enough to enter the mainstream repair markets.
I bought a new Subaru Outback with the CVT in the fall of 2015. So far it has 65,000 miles on it with no problems. Owners manual states that it has a lifetime fill of oil, therefore no service is needed. It takes some getting used to the way it works. Step on it a bit and there are programmed ratios that the belt jumps to that feel exactly like a shift. They also use lockup torque converters, so there is another "shift" one can feel. Take off easy, though, and they're smooth as silk. The tach will come up to 2000 rpm and just stay there as the car continues to gain speed. I like the paddle shifters, and use the downshift one quite often. Easy to get used to, and so far I'm impressed. I don't plan on buying any more cars, so I hope it lasts.
I do believe that the CVT technology has improved to the point that I wouldn't be scared to have another one.
 

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