What causes a CVT transmission to fail to engage gears?
2 Answers
The reasons why a CVT transmission fails to engage gears are as follows: 1. Positioning parts malfunction: The gear lever rotates freely around its own axis, making it impossible to accurately control the gear position; it could also be that the spherical working surface at the lower end of the gear lever is worn out, preventing the gear lever from controlling the fork or the slot of the shift head, making both gear engagement and disengagement impossible. 2. Pressure plate failure: Prolonged wear of the pressure plate or aging of the separation fingers can cause failure to engage gears, necessitating replacement of the pressure plate. 3. Issues with the gear selection or shift cables: Manual transmission cars require two cables for gear shifting during operation. If either of these cables breaks, it can lead to gear engagement problems. 4. New transmission components not properly broken in: Some gear components may be stiff, making it difficult for the car to engage gears. 5. Lack of oil in transmission components: If the transmission components lack oil or the oil quality is poor, the transmission may fail to engage gears. Transmission oil is similar to engine oil and needs to be checked regularly and topped up in a timely manner.
I've been into cars for years and have dealt with many transmission issues. CVT not engaging gears is quite common, and there could be several mechanical reasons. CVTs are driven by chains or belts, and if the chain slips or the pulley set wears out, it can get stuck. The hydraulic system is also crucial—low or dirty fluid can cause unstable pressure, leading to sensor misreadings. The electronic control unit is key too; for example, when the TCU fails, gear signals might not be transmitted. I once checked the fluid level and color myself—if it's black, it needs replacement. I also tried scanning for error codes with an OBD scanner. But the safest bet is to get a professional diagnosis; CVTs are delicate and shouldn't be tampered with, and towing is safer. Don't skimp on regular maintenance—follow the manual's advice for periodic fluid changes to prevent unexpected failures.
