Causes of Malfunction in CVT Transmission and Its Signs

The causes of malfunctions in CVT transmissions are often unnoticed by their drivers, leading to damage to several components of the CVT transmission. This has also been reported by one Daihatsu owner who received a malfunction warning on their instrument panel.
To avoid making mistakes when using a CVT transmission car, it is advisable to read this article to the end.
Causes of Malfunction in CVT Transmissions
It turns out that the causes of malfunctions in CVT transmissions leave many owners confused. Some of you may feel that you have treated the CVT transmission correctly. However, there are several things that may also go unnoticed, namely:
1. Incorrect Lever Operation
The most common cause that goes unnoticed by CVT transmission drivers is the transmission lever being shifted improperly. For example, when you shift the lever to the D or N position, the ECU in the car detects that something is abnormal.
Therefore, always ensure to position the lever in the correct position, not between D or N. This usually happens if you hesitate to stop in traffic.
2. Broken Steel Belt
Unlike conventional automatic transmissions that use gear ratios, CVT transmissions use pulleys, namely the drive and driven pulleys connected by a steel belt.
If the steel belt breaks, it can cause problems with the CVT transmission. A broken steel belt prevents the drive pulley from transferring power to the driven pulley, resulting in no power being sent to the wheels.
3. Clogged Valve Body
The valve body is a crucial component that plays a role in directing oil pressure to several other components, such as the clutch plates, transmission cooler, and lubrication system.
If the valve body is clogged, it will prevent the oil from providing hydraulic pressure to the pulley and clutch in the CVT transmission.
4. Problematic Range Switch
The range switch is a component that functions to send signals for various positions of the car, such as forward, reverse, neutral, and park. A problematic range switch will automatically be unable to receive commands set by the driver, requiring repair.
5. Problematic Oil Pump
As is known, CVT transmissions rely on hydraulic pressure obtained from the transmission pump. Thus, the oil pump's task is to provide pressure to the fluid flow and transmission oil.
Read Also: Advantages and Disadvantages of CVT Transmissions That Every Driver Should Know
A common issue with this component is when the oil pump does not operate properly, preventing oil from being delivered to the clutch and transmission pulley.
Signs of CVT Transmission Problems
Here are some signs that you may experience while driving a CVT transmission vehicle:
1. Disturbing Noises
When you shift the transmission lever from P to R or from N to D, you will hear disturbing noises like “gluduk-gluduk,” indicating that there is a problem with the suspension.
2. Hard Jerk
Still related to the transmission lever, you will feel a hard jerk when shifting the lever to the D position. This is usually caused by damage to the mechanical system, so if it gets too severe, the lever positioned in D will respond slowly, or even fail to move.
3. Vibration Felt
One of the signs you may feel is when braking the car. There will be vibrations that make you uncomfortable while braking.
This condition is caused by brake pads not functioning optimally, where something is damaged, such as a burnt part or metal plate connected to the braking system.
These are some causes of malfunctions in CVT transmissions and their signs that you may not have known. If your Daihatsu car shows these signs, it is best to go directly to an authorized workshop. Please make a booking through our website!