CVT Issues

[cnsmike]

First off let me say that i was against any transmission but the manual. When i drove the CVT I was surprised at how it performed. Now this is not a performance car, so my expectations were realistic. I drove most of the cars in the class, and in comparison, the Versa with the CVT was far superior.

I now have 1600 miles on my V and the CVT just keeps getting better. I commute 30 miles each way, sometimes at highway speeds, other days at stop and go traffic.

I have not had a problem one with my Versa. Has anyone had any problems with the CVT?

Everone that rides in my car is really impressed with how it drives and rides. What is everyone else experiencing with the CVT?

Mike

[benchthug]

i haven't had an issue with my cvt yet... i already put in 4734 miles on my Versa... i drove it form CA to IL last week... the question is after 100k mile how would the cvt perform...

Does anyone know a good maintenance for a cvt system to keep an optimum performance of the cvt...

[CodeRed]

The only problems ive heard about the CVT were if your brake heavily to stop fast i heard it acts up for a while afterwards.

[kc5f]

With 26,500 miles so far on my V, I couldn't be happier with the CVT. I've even had a few sudden braking incidents and it never had a hiccup.

[Martin Roy]

Even if my Versa doesn't have a lot of experience yet, I didn't notice any issues. Sure, the CVT doesn't "act" like a regular automatic transmission, but it needs to get used to.

For exemple, one thing I noticed (probably like CodeRed), is that when you break fast, and then let got the brake, the transmission doesn't "downshift" (go to a lower ratio) as fast, so you sometimes have more speed than with a regular transmission. As it still tries to get to a lower ratio, you accelerate. Causing the CVT to be confused for a moment, or "acts up", like CR said.

[Demonspawn]

another thing i noticed is if you are cruising at a low speed 35 mph and just feather the pedal you get the little jumpy feeling in the ride like you would say if your O2 sensor was acting up. and i have noticed the quick stop scenario also.

[Ever Victorious]

The panic braking issue usually causes the ratios to be screwed up for a few minutes after the braking. There has been one user here that reported his vehicle was completely disabled after a panic braking incident. I'm not sure if we ever found out the resolution to his situation...

[blackversaatl]

The only problems ive heard about the CVT were if your brake heavily to stop fast i heard it acts up for a while afterwards.

I've noticed that the transmission seems to lag just bit at times to get back up to speed because it doesn't downshift after hard braking. But once you get back up to speed, it doesn't show any problems unless you have to brake hard again I guess if I can remember.

[dl56zza]

Versa HB SL CVT purchased 4/19/07: I average 36-37mpg by keeping the rpms below 2000 when accelerating from a stop and never faster than 55 mph unless I have the wind at my back or going downhill. Tachometer reads 2000 at 55 mph on the flatland. I have driven this car 3300 miles and can not find fault with it.CVT issues? I have noticed that the transmission brakes significantly when coasting downhill, (O/D NOT locked out). If the hill is steep enough, I see 3000 on the tach. The transmission has a "whine" noise when accelerating which I do not hear at highway speeds. When coasting to a stop the noise stops at 16 mph. No noise when reving engine in neutral or when temp blue light is on.

[wacey12345]

With my car nearing 30000 mi i am very happy about the transmission. The car is great.

[scott@westcovinanissan]

Nissans CVT is one of the best on the market today, the only thing is that Nissan uses a specific trans fluid for the CVT and its a little $ then most other trans fluid from Nissan, just a heads up guys when its time for a major service on your V's do not get sold on a "trans service" the CVT is a drain and refill only, no additives, filters or things of the like.

scottwcn

[CodeRed]

Nissans CVT is one of the best on the market today, the only thing is that Nissan uses a specific trans fluid for the CVT and its a little $ then most other trans fluid from Nissan, just a heads up guys when its time for a major service on your V's do not get sold on a "trans service" the CVT is a drain and refill only, no additives, filters or things of the like.

scottwcn

I don't have a CVT but i heard (from idk where) that the transmission fluid on the Versa's dosent have to get changed for some time? is this true?

[scott@westcovinanissan]

I don't have a CVT but i heard (from idk where) that the transmission fluid on the Versa's dosent have to get changed for some time? is this true?

This is true (depending on how you drive) Nissan recommends you to change the fluid every 60,000 miles.

scottwcn

[ace rothstein 81]

I have noticed the funny feel of a sort of hesitation when coasting downhill, but aside from that, nothing at all. I've really been extremely happy with it.

[Althalus]

Well lets see.

I had the panic breaking thing...

It also takes a few seconds to downshift even if I'm not breaking hard.

But otherwise I love it.

As for the down hill thing, I've noticed the revving when going down hill. I assumed it's either the car trying to maintain the speed or something.

[01LTD]

the only issue that I have now is that the car doesn't want to start at first, however if I try starting it again, it starts right up. This has been going on for a couple months and is gradually getting worse. It sounds like the car isn't wanting to turn over, but on the second try it starts and turns over like nothing is wrong. I need to take it in and see what's up with it. BTW I have about 9K miles.

[jacksan1]

Nissan has issued a recall for the CVT installed in the Tiida, among others, effective June 7, 2007. The recalled item specifically is a CVT hub for forward movement that apparently lacks the necessary strength and can crack. Nissan says that the current recall covers the Tiidas assembled up until March 23, 2006, so it is doubtful that any Versas are going to be part of the recall. However, Nissan has also announced that they are looking into all Tiidas with CVT without right away recalling those manufactured after 3/23/06. Stay tuned. I will post more info if it is forthcoming.

[achr]

Overall, I am VERY impressed with the CVT and believe this WILL be the transmission of the future, particularly when equipped with a MANUAL ratio selector as in the Altima! Nissan has wisely calibrated the Versa’s electronics to place max revs right in the zone of peak horsepower and torque rather than letting the engine rev well beyond that point. By contrast, Chrysler, which uses the same "Japanese Automatic Transmission Company's" CVT in their Caliber hasn't figured out that letting it rev to redline is an absolute waste and just sets up a screaming cacophony within the interior. It will also shorten their engine life if purchased by a “lead foot” driver. A NASCAR engine running constantly flat out often can’t make it 500 miles.

However, as much as Nissan has tuned in the performance of the Versa’s CVT, I still feel there is room for improvement in their Electronic Controls. Personally, I believe Nissan would be wise to NOT let the Versa's 1.8 liter motor rev BELOW 1500 rpms when the vehicle is in motion. If I am cruising along on the level at about 35 mph, it revs down at about 1200 rpm and sets up a VERY LOW frequency vibration in the car (something akin to a constant note from a sub-woofer). I wouldn't say it is lugging per se, but the engine appears to be more comfortable at slightly higher rpms. By about 45 mph the revs are up to the 1500 rpm range and the engine really starts to smooth out. I also believe that Nissans decision to shift so quickly to a ratio, which causes these very low rpms under light throttle, accounts for the CVT's less than stellar city fuel economy because the vehicle is working too hard trying to get up to speed. Over the years, I’ve read that the best technique to achieve maximum fuel economy is to accelerate moderately quickly to speed which then allows you to back almost completely out of the throttle. Trying to accelerate REALLY slowly only keeps the throttle open longer with the added adverse affect of annoying drivers following you. I’ve discovered with my Versa that if I floor the accelerator, the revs immediately jump up to the 5,000 rpm range, irregardless of whether the transmission selector is in the “Low” ratio position, “Drive” position Normal, or “Drive” position with the “Overdrive” Cancel button depressed. HOWEVER, under very light throttle pressure, the vehicle accelerates MUCH more quickly if I select the “Low” position until revs hit about 3,500 rpms followed by a shift to Drive with an Immediate depression of the Overdrive Cancel Button, again until the revs hit about 3,500 rpms at which point I engage the Overdrive by pressing that Cancel Button again. By this point you will be traveling about 40 mph and the revs will drop back to cruise range. Think of it like trying to ride up a hill on a bicycle. YES, your legs are turning more slowly if you leave the bike in a high gear ratio but you will actually appear to be working harder trying to climb the hill. In your car, more energy = more gas. While it is TOO early to come up with definitive numbers, preliminary monitoring leads me to believe that my fuel economy has indeed picked up in the city by using this technique although I’ve yet to hit the City Mileage Rating. There is NO DOUBT that the Versa feels MUCH more spritely using this method with very light throttle pressures.

In spite of this criticism, I particularly LOVE the CVT's low highway revs, from such a small 4 cylinder, as it makes for a sublimely subdued audible experience, unheard of in this class of vehicle. I have found the sweet spot to be right about 70 mph where my Versa is revving 2400 rpms. No engine noise at all and zero vibration sensed through either the steering wheel or any other surface. It makes for a wonderful environment to really enjoy the higher end stereo available in the SL’s technology package. Usually wind and road noise tend to mask the available fidelity of the stereo but not in the Versa. I immediately disengaged the annoying speed sensitive “automatic volume adjustment” on the stereo because it is unnecessary in this car. Even at 75 mph, a CVT equipped Versa is only revving about 2,600 rpms and that puts it below the typical onset of 4 cylinder drone which usually creeps in up around 3,000 rpms. By contrast, the 6 speed manual in the Versa revs 3,000 rpms just above 60 mph and is up around 3,600 rpms at 75 mph. Since friction goes up as the square of the rpms, engine life should also be enhanced by the lower revs of the CVT. For every mile in the manual transmissioned Versa at 75 mph, the pistons of the engine travel 38% further to accomplish the same goal. While I can’t prove it, I'd be almost willing to wager that those who think the Versa's engine is noisy (and their have been some on these boards) have the higher revving manual transmission equipped version, or perhaps the 4 speed automatic found in the S Model.

Despite these minor shortcomings in the Electronic Control tuning, I’m SO glad that I chose the CVT equipped Versa. This arrangement makes for one of the quietest small cars on the road today. Smooth, quiet, and comfortable in an econo car. Now there's a switch! Not much wonder there have been some Buick and Cadillac owners opt for a Versa without feeling they're giving up much.

[CodeRed]

I understand your poitns and appreciate the information you presented here. I found it a little hard to follow, however. Could you please break it up into shorter paragraphs?

[bobloblaw]

...I average 36-37mpg by keeping the rpms below 2000 when accelerating from a stop and never faster than 55 mph unless I have the wind at my back or going downhil...

Grandma? Is that you?

Just playin'. Seriously, though, I tried really conservative driving for an entire tank, and still only got around 26mpg city. The CVT is one comfortable ride, though. I'm a little worried about the longevity of this relatively new technology, too, I must admit. Nissans have a great overall rep, from everything I've heard, so I guess I'm banking on that!

[n00bdude88]

achr's post about the CVT almost has me sold on it without even testing it for myself. I keep thinking I want a versa w/ manual transmission but that description makes the CVT very tempting.

[dl56zza]

CVT in N or D; cruise control ON or OFF? I have noticed similar problem, but only down hill with Cruise ON and SET.

[OKVersa]

I love mine; 8500 miles.

[wind]

a VERY LOW frequency vibration in the car (something akin to a constant note from a sub-woofer)

I have noticed the same noise when motor rev BELOW 1500 rpms. does anyone have similar issue? Should I go to the dealership to check it out? Is that normal for CVT?

Thanks

[kc5f]

Mine has no vibration or rumble at any rpm, so in my experience it's not normal for the CVT.

[wind]

Thanks. Actually it is hard to tell if it is from tire noise or not since I only drive 2 miles to work everyday , but I can not feel vibrations in the car. I will see if it will be gone or not

[Guillermo]

I have a 2007 Altima and it has an low, rumbling noise when driving at low speeds (30-60 kmh). One can feel it as well, and passengers notice it.

I have taken it to the dealer, and a mechanic told me it might be a harmonic.

I took it in a second time because it is annoying and I have never had a car do this before. I took the manager for a drive and he at once felt and heard it.

We then took out another new car. It also had a rumble, even though it was less than the one my car has. At higher speeds it the CVT works very well, but had I felt this in the first car I test drove, I would not have bought this Nissan Altima.

[highmiler]

I have a 2007 Sentra S and I am very happy with the CVT. My average over the last 1500 miles is 34 MPG (US) and is improving steadily.

In the mornings, just after starting to drive the car uphill on a slight incline near my house, I can hear a slight knocking from the CVT, just when I lift my foot off the gas when cresting the hill (at about 25 to 30 MPH).

Other than that no issues. I can say I am very happy with the car so far.

As to driving downhill, it is very nice to have a CVT with grade logic (or whatever Nissan might call it). It tries to keep the car from gaining speed by changing the gear ratio. RPM's go up (not so the fuel consumption) and I do not need to brake.

Very nice!

I hope the CVT has a long life as I intend to keep the car for a minimum of 200k miles.

[BBISHOPPCM]

The low rumble is caused by the engine running at low RPMs, which is also where most of the usable torque is. Completely normal.

[PB]

I have auto ,But i dont even know if i have that transmission.Never had time to look into that,How do you know if you have it?.All i know is my trans seems pretty dam smooth.