What are the warning signs of a CVT transmission failure?
2 Answers
CVT transmission failure warning signs mainly manifest as the engine speed increasing when the accelerator is pressed, but the vehicle's acceleration is weak; another manifestation is when the vehicle is driving normally, at speeds above 30 kilometers per hour, the entire vehicle will experience noticeable jerking. At this point, pressing the accelerator pedal will not increase the vehicle's speed, and it can only maintain around 4 kilometers per hour. More related details are as follows: 1. CVT transmission is also called a continuously variable transmission: The biggest difference between it and a regular transmission is that its gear ratio is not a fixed point but a continuously and linearly changing value. CVT transmissions can provide good fuel economy and smooth driving for the vehicle while effectively reducing emissions. However, its biggest issue is that when the load is too heavy, it may experience slippage. 2. The structural principle of a CVT transmission: In fact, the structural principle of a CVT transmission is simpler than that of a regular AT transmission. Its transmission mechanism mainly consists of two gear sets (the driving pulley set and the driven pulley set) and a metal belt. Each pulley set is composed of two conical discs forming a V-shaped groove, and the pulley sets move relative to each other (closer or further apart) under the action of a hydraulic system to control the size of the V-shaped groove. The steel belt is set within the V-shaped grooves of these two pulley sets to transmit power. Unlike regular transmissions, which transmit power through gear meshing, CVT transmissions transmit power only through a steel belt. Therefore, when the vehicle's load is too heavy, the steel belt is prone to slipping or even breaking.
When chatting with friends about cars, we often mention the early signs of CVT transmission failure. As someone who has driven for several years, I think the most obvious symptom is acceleration slippage—when you press the throttle, the RPM rises but the speed doesn’t catch up, as if sliding on ice. Another sign is unusual noises like buzzing or squeaking while driving, especially when going uphill, which suggests internal wear or insufficient oil pressure in the transmission. Check the dashboard for warning lights, such as transmission fault or overheating alerts. Also, inspect the ground for red oil stains when parked, as leaks can cause strange noises or jerking sensations. Ignoring these small signals may lead to major repairs, so it’s recommended to check fluid levels and sensor settings as soon as issues arise. Regular maintenance can save you a lot of money.
