CVT low speed squeak sound

Honda replaced my whole gearbox under warranty. The noise has now gone and the car feels better than ever. They couldn't work out what was causing the noise, nor could they tell me how it happened in the first place. Honda Australia said they are sending the old gearbox back to Japan for inspection :confused:


- Andrew

Incidentally, I got to drive a newer ('04) jazz around as a courtesy car while mine was being repaired. It was interesting to see how my engine has come on stronger since about 50,000km versus a brand new car. All you people with new engines have got better performance to look forward to after your engine is run in! Probably not much but my car just seems to breathe better at the top end and has more torque after 3000pm. Though, I noticed the air intake tuning seemed to be different on the newer car.

Seems strange to me that Honda would make an automatic gearbox for a car that is sold to over 70 countries (and is one of their best selling cars) and it would only last 70 - 100Ks. I'm sure they would have spent heaps on testing development. They have had the CVT on the top of the range Civics since 1995, I wonder how they are going?

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Originally Posted by icejazz

Seems strange to me that Honda would make an automatic gearbox for a car that is sold to over 70 countries (and is one of their best selling cars) and it would only last 70 - 100Ks. I'm sure they would have spent heaps on testing development. They have had the CVT on the top of the range Civics since 1995, I wonder how they are going?

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CVT is a really nice idea and I really wanted it to work.

I'm not so bothered with the fact that mine had a problem, because these things happen. But until they can tell me what caused the problem, I'm forever going to be driving around wondering if its going to happen again - not a nice feeling.

Incidentally, I noticed the recommended interval for gearbox fluid change is 80,000km, but that this should be more frequent if the car is driven in rough or difficult conditions.

I drive my car pretty damn hard, but I always let it warm up & cool down (and I've never taken it to a racetrack or anything like that.) Maybe mine just overheated and should have been replaced more frequently? I might have it changed at 40,000 next time... If I haven't sold the car by then..

- Andrew

have the 1.5 CVT (only 18,000Kms) and I asked my mechanic about it as he services a CVT Civic now and then. He suggested to change the oil in them more frequently (every 50Ks). The Civic he services has done well over 100Ks without any problem. Anyway I think I will heed his advice and change the oil a bit more regularly (it's only $40-$50 for a bottle).
When you say you drive it hard do you mean you like to be traffic light King or is that you occasionally tow a small trailer?

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Originally Posted by icejazz

have the 1.5 CVT (only 18,000Kms) and I asked my mechanic about it as he services a CVT Civic now and then. He suggested to change the oil in them more frequently (every 50Ks).

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Sounds like a good plan, probably would pay for itself in the long run..

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Originally Posted by icejazz

When you say you drive it hard do you mean you like to be traffic light King or is that you occasionally tow a small trailer?

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Never towed anything, but many long drives on hot days. Been up to Brisbane, down to Melbourne, and many country areas in between.

I drive to redline at least once every time I take the car out, but only after its well warmed up.. Used to drive to Sydney from Gosford for about 3 months every weekday, and it was during that period that the noise started happening - lots of stop start peak hour driving plus a long freeway drive.

- Andrew

How do you take it to the redline? Do you put it in 'L' or use the manual buttons on the steering wheel. I can never red line it in 'S' as it only goes to about 5,500rpm. Has that been your experience as well?

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Originally Posted by icejazz

How do you take it to the redline? Do you put it in 'L' or use the manual buttons on the steering wheel. I can never red line it in 'S' as it only goes to about 5,500rpm. Has that been your experience as well?

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Yeah, when I say I redlined it, I meant up near the auto changepoint in manual button mode. I never really hit the automatic changepoint because thats past the optimal change point.. I think 'S' mode tends to sit on 5500 rpm because thats the optimal torque/power for CVT mode..

I only ever use 'S' mode for beating up on commodores/falcons at traffic lights ;)

- Andrew

Is this a known issue for CVT ??? Or is it a 1 in 100 sort of the stuff??

Probably CVT does not like to be pushed reallt hard?? I don't know...

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Originally Posted by ahcash

Is this a known issue for CVT ??? Or is it a 1 in 100 sort of the stuff??

Probably CVT does not like to be pushed reallt hard?? I don't know...

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Not meant to be pushed hard? With 7 speed sequential? The newer jazz has paddle shifters ! I think Honda know the owner would at least have a bit of fun with the car.

- Andrew

I agree, I don't think Honda would design a 6300rpm red line with auto transmission if it wasn't going to last the distance. I think this is just a rare case (ie. 1 in 100).

great info to read.
what if u drive like grandma? would that make the car's tranny last longer? lol

I would say it probably would. You would think any car that you thrash around a lot more in will wear quicker but then again I'm not an expert on that.