What Are CVT Transmissions and How Do You Repair Them?

August 5, 2019 | By Mister Transmission

transmission technicians

Pretty much everybody has heard of manual and automatic transmissions. And most of us understand the basic differences between the two. But have you heard of CVT transmissions? Do you know what they are? Do you know how to repair a CVT transmission? Or, more to the point, do you know how transmission technicians repair CVT transmissions?

CVT Transmissions

“CVT” stands for “Continuously Variable Transmission”. So, before we go any further, let us admit that “CVT transmission” is redundant; just like “ATM machine”. But it is how people often refer to CVTs. CVTs are a newer type of transmission, though the concept is old. In the name of fuel efficiency, CVTs are becoming ever more popular, so if you own or are looking at purchasing a newer vehicle, you have a higher chance of getting a CVT.

A CVT is a type of automatic transmission, but it’s different than traditional automatic transmissions. CVTs provide a smoother driving experience because they have optimized the shifting process. When driving a CVT, you might well notice that the transition between gears becomes near seamless. But there are other advantages to CVTs, too. CVTs can provide better fuel economy and more efficient power usage because they permit the engine to operate at optimum power, regardless of how fast the vehicle is traveling. This all boils down to CVTs being “continuously variable”. It means that instead of actual gear “stages”, the CVT allows for a continuous variation within the engine so that you can’t even notice the transition between gears.

Different Types Of Cvt Transmissions

There are several types of CVTs, many of which are now available from major auto manufacturers. These different types include:

  • Pulley-Based – The most common type of CVT. Pulley-based CVTs use a complex pulley system, as opposed to gears, in order to provide seamless gear transitions.
  • Toroidal CVT – This type of CVT system utilizes rotating discs and power rollers to achieve the function of the pulley system from a pulley-based CVT.

Cvt Transmission Repair

CVTs represent a general improvement on the traditional automatic transmission. CVTs generally feel smoother than other transmissions. However, CVTs will idle in any gear and, because the sounds of regulation are often similar to that of a slipping or clunking transmission, people can get confused. Sometimes CVT transmission repair consists of simply reassuring new drivers of CVT vehicles that their transmission doesn’t need to be repaired at all. Though, at Mister Transmission, we always conduct our Multi-Check Inspection, just to make sure.

At Mister Transmission, we expect to see more and more CVTs in the future, both near and far. The benefits are simply too great to prevent wider adoption of CVTs. And we are prepared for all the increasing CVT transmission repairs with which we will be tasked. CVT repair can be tricky because of the pulleys, but it’s nothing the technicians at Mister Transmission can’t handle.

Contact Us

Whether you need an automatic, manual, or CVT transmission repaired, please contact Mister Transmission to get the job done right.

 

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Customer Reviews
Gus was very professional and...
Mike Long
Gus was very professional and took the time to patiently review a number of documents that were provided by the dealership so that I fully understood all the codes being displayed with respect to recalls from Dodge. He was very approachable and forthcoming in answering all my questions.
Date: April 21, 2025
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Absolutely GREAT service. Honest and...
Paula Cziranka
Absolutely GREAT service. Honest and efficient- communicates exactly what is happening and your options. I can’t say enough about how much I appreciate their service.
Date: April 20, 2025
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While on vacation our transmission...
David Janiszewski
While on vacation our transmission failed as soon as we arrived from Ohio. Ken and team sourced a transmission, stayed after hours and Ken himself came in on a holiday morning so we could drive our car home rather than me having to drive back 6 hours one way the following week.Communication throughout the process was excellent and the customer service was second to none. Highly recommend this shop. Excellent experience over all.
Date: April 20, 2025
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Brought my 06 mitsu lancer...
Isaiah Presingular
Brought my 06 mitsu lancer in with a 4th gear popout and slipping clutch, a mechanic took the car out for a test drive and diagnostic free of charge and the gentleman at the front desk went above and beyond to take care of me with part sourcing and extremely good pricing. Five business days (realistically just 3 as they had to wait for some parts to arrive), a swapped transmission and new clutch later, and now she goes through all the gears perfectly, absolutely no issuesHighly recommend, you can't beat the price to workmanship you get here, mechanics we're super chill and very qualified, everyone there takes pride in their work and they should, very impressed 👍
Date: April 18, 2025
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I was in the area...
Dupuis Family
I was in the area and had an issue with my Hyundai Tucson shifting. I called and the Manager - Jason offered to squeeze me in. Jason listened to my complaints and with his expert trained staff were able to diagnose and fix the problem immediately. They had me on my happily way in no time. Thanks guys!
Date: April 16, 2025
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Very awesome customer service!!! Very...
Kelsey Larsen
Very awesome customer service!!! Very quick and easy to get in and out for services. Was supposed to have a refurbished tranny put in my car but it was a brand new one they replaced with in the end!! Thankyou soooooooo much. I will forever send any and all that need their tranny or driveline diagnosed to you guys.
Date: April 16, 2025
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After talking with Kris on...
Chris Richards
After talking with Kris on the phone, I felt comfortable that he knew the particular issues related to a 24-year old (2001) 4R100 Ford transmission, coupled with a 7.3 diesel, and gained my trust that they had the knowledge and expertise to overhaul it. I questioned him in advance about the parts they would use and the staff member that would do the work. Was a good experience. He knew that I used the truck for trailer-towing and recommended some specific parts/upgrades for hauling. I'll be towing across Canada this year, and if you don't see any further comments or a rating less than 5-star, assume that the transmission is tugging away nicely without issues. Thanks Kris and Dawn.
Date: April 15, 2025
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Great guys, never had an...
Ashley Wilson
Great guys, never had an issue here, friendly staff that know what they are doing 👍
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This is a fantastic team...
Volodymyr Brykanov
This is a fantastic team of true professionals! Ken is not only a great person but also an incredibly knowledgeable mechanic. Highly recommend their services!
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Thanks to Raman and his...
G W
Thanks to Raman and his team for taking care of fixing our van. Would highly recommend this shop. They are trustworthy, honest and do great work.
Date: April 15, 2025
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