Hey guys,

I figured I'd post this here and get some feedback on Honda's Continual Variable Transmission. I absolutely love this style of transmission because it doesn't have a torque converter and you can really get some great power out of the engine. Since it also has an "infinite" amount of "gears" it will give you better gas mileage than a standard 5 speed automatic. Though, a manual will steal beat it out.

Despite this, I've found that should you have transmission problems there are very few mechanics who have ever touched a CVT. My '97 Civic HX started having "shifting" problems around 150k miles. It tends to have a tough time getting the led out, almost like there's something preventing the mechanisms from tightening up. It also tends to rev a bit around 35-45 mph.

I've decided that the best thing to do, since I haven't been able to find another CVT (besides one in NJ, and Honda wants $900 to install it for me, and $2,200 for a brand new one) is to simply sell it in it's current condition. Thankfully, it's never been in an accident so if I find a racer who's going to rip out the engine I might be able to get $2k for it.

Anyone have any thoughts as to what went wrong in the transmission? Has anyone else had similar issues?

Thanks

 

There are two reasons why mechanics don't work on CVT.

1. American Honda does not allow dealers to "fix" internal tranny components, so knowledge is very limited.
2. There are two fundamental reasons for a CVT to fail; both of which cost about as much as a new CVT. There are no rebuilt CVT's available from Honda for this reason alone. The cost of rebuilding outweighs new parts.

As for what's wrong with your CVT, it sounds like the tensioner assembly is wearing out - but that's just my hunch. The start clutch is another component that frequently fails on the CVT and is very expensive to fix.

If you're able to get ahold of a new CVT, it may very well be financially advisable to get it installed rather than sell your car.