What are the symptoms of water ingress in a CVT transmission?
3 Answers
Introduction to symptoms of water ingress in a CVT transmission: 1. Mild water ingress: Some screws in the transmission may rust. 2. Moderate water ingress: White deposits appear in the oil pan. When oil mixes with water, it forms a white emulsion that adheres to the oil pan. The presence of such deposits indicates moderate water ingress in the transmission. 3. Severe water ingress: Can be determined by the color and viscosity of the transmission fluid. Maintenance methods for automatic transmissions: 1. Use the specified transmission fluid for power transmission: Do not opt for cheaper or more convenient manual transmission fluid, as it can cause severe burning of clutches and brakes. 2. In addition to using the specified fluid: Ensure the correct type of gearbox oil is used, otherwise issues like clutch slippage and hot gear jumping may occur. 3. Strictly control the amount of automatic transmission fluid added: The ATF fluid level must be between the bottom of the planetary gears and the top of the control valve body. If the fluid level is too high, the planetary gears may churn the fluid, causing foaming and potential leakage during driving. If the fluid level is too low, clutches and brakes are prone to slipping.
After I drove through a puddle that time, my car started acting strange. The most obvious symptom of water entering a CVT transmission is rough shifting—it feels like the car hesitates when accelerating. There was also abnormal noise, like metal grinding, especially noticeable when parking or starting. The acceleration was weak; stepping on the gas pedal barely got any response, as if the car was being dragged. Soon, the transmission warning light on the dashboard came on, scaring me into stopping to check. I found the transmission fluid had turned milky white, a clear sign of water contamination. Water can cause internal parts to rust or get damaged, and if left untreated, the transmission might fail completely. Back then, I had to spend a significant amount on fluid replacement and cleaning at the repair shop. So, I advise fellow drivers to get their cars checked by professionals immediately if they notice such symptoms—don’t delay.
I've dealt with many similar issues before. Common symptoms of water ingress in a CVT transmission include delayed shifting, noticeable shaking, and sluggish acceleration. You may have observed unstable vehicle speed, especially struggling when going uphill. The hydraulic system is significantly affected because water dilutes the transmission fluid, leading to poor lubrication and causing abnormal noises or overheating. Checking isn't difficult; start by examining the dipstick. If the fluid is discolored, emulsified, or has water droplets, it's a clear sign of water ingress. Early repairs are relatively inexpensive, but prolonged neglect can damage the control module, causing repair costs to skyrocket. I personally recommend diagnosing it as soon as possible after parking and keeping the vehicle in a dry environment.
