This transmission design replaces traditional planetary gearsets with a steel push-belt or chain running between two adjustable conical pulleys. By changing the width of the pulleys, the system creates an infinite number of gear ratios. It keeps the engine in its most efficient powerband during acceleration and cruising, eliminating shift shock entirely.
Heard on the job
The customer is complaining about a rubberband feel when accelerating, but that's just how a continuously variable transmission behaves.
Insider tip
CVTs require highly specific friction-modified fluids. Pouring standard ATF into one will destroy the belt and pulleys in short order.
Also heard as
- CVT
Do not mix it up with
- Automated manual transmission: An AMT uses actual gears and a computer-controlled clutch, whereas a CVT uses belts and pulleys without fixed gears.