I apologize in advance for my lack of knowledge in this area. I did read through many threads but was unable to find my answer.

I have a 2004 MC CVT with 55000 miles on it. I started to look things up because I thought the RPMs were acting different (although I am not sure if they are different from when I got my car new in 04, maybe I didn't pay attention). After much reading I realized that I may be at risk for a transmission failure. It is important to note also that I just drive in D, no fancy stuff.

Here is the scenerio: My car drives smooth at 3000 RPMs always. When I am getting on the highway and need to pick up speed the RPMs go from 3500 to 4500 (and stay there) as I am hitting 50 mph until I reach 70 mph. At that point the RPMs then drop down to 3000 and my car feels smooth again. Also when I decelerate (from going 70mph+ at 3000 RPMs) it shoots back up to the 3500-4500 range again until my speed is below 50 mph. (I guess I believe that typically when the speed decreases the RPMs should with it?) When the RPMs are that high I sometimes I think there is a loud noise, sometimes I think its supercharge power other times I think it sounds like a loud exhaust system. Is this normal? Am I on the verge of a tranny problem? Do I not know how to properly drive a CVT? I am very nervous. I have my Inspection II next Friday and plan to bring it up there. I am worried about the expense too should I have a problem.

Another potential concern: Recently my steering seems to jolt or get stuck when I am turning. This happens when I first start my car and drive, after a few about 10 minutes and some turns later it seems fine. The wheel turns and my car turns with it, it just has points of resistance as I am turning. This is a very new problem and it did just get really cold here in Philadelphia. Could the weather affect this or is it more serious?

I thank you in advance for any explanations or advice. I am getting really anxious over all of this. Also, please be kind and use non technical wording.

Thanks,

Christy

 

Hello Christy, well for the CVT; I guess what you are describing is normal. I have exactly the same situation. The car sounds loud when accelerating because you push the acceleration pedal a little harder waiting for it to accelerate, when you do so (pressing the pedal hard) the car senses that and keeps on the same gear (no shifting up) in order to give you the power, and more power to reach the needed speed. When you reach the desired speed, you would go easier on the pedal so the car would shift up (over drive) to maintain the same speed with less fuel consumption.

When deaccelerating, the car shifts one gear down, this uses the engine power to help reducing the car speed. Deaccelerating with engine power gives:
less braking distance
more stability
longer brakes life
longer tyres life

I hope this helps.

P.S. A hint? When you are accelerating and feel that the engine is loud or RPM is high, just go easier on the pedal, the car will shift up immediately, try it and let me know.

 

First off, I don't have a CVT, so can't specifically answer some of your questions. But the CVT failures are a snapped drive belt, and that will go from working to not working in an instant, with no warning. Operation of your unit sounds fine to me. Bring up the questions to your dealer with your next service. Also, since these failures aren't predictible, or universal, just keep driving it like you always do, sounds like you aren't driving it as hard as many. And there are some hard driving CVT owners with no tranny problems at all.

now the steering is more problematic. The symptoms you're describing shouldn't happen at all. This sounds like your starting to have problems in the steering rack. The good news is it's a much cheaper part than the CVT tranny! But you should call up the dealer (if it's still under warranty) or your local Mini shop (if it's not) and let them know about this to schedule a visit. Check the fluid level of the steering system (there's a resevoir you can open under the hood). Check your owners manual for details. Leaks have been known to occure in the racks, and if it's low, who knows how it will feel. One guy near me was quoted a lot for an out of warranty repair, and used some stop leak/seal rejuvinator to fix his problem! Normally I look down on that kind of stuff as junk, but if you're out of warranty, and it's leaking, and topping it up makes your sypmtoms go away, you may want to try that before you replace the rack.

Good luck and post what you find out!

Matt

 

Marwan-so I drove today and tried to ease up on the pedal when the RPMs were high, if I was in the 50-70mph range the RPMs shot up to about 4500-4800, then started to go down on their own. I have a question- would my RPMs go that high even if I was accelerating slowly. I never have floored it or and really never push down quickly on the pedal?

Matt-I also noticed I have a small leak that is not oil, I am not sure what it is. It seems thin and colorless- could I have a power steering fluid leak?

Thanks for all the help. I'll give an update after my inspection next week.

Christy

 

So the MINI dealer said the CVT seems normal. He stated that it adjusts to how you drive, so if one was driving in the city for a few years then began to drive more highways it may not adjust to that so smoothly. It sounded interesting as if the MINI driver teaches the transmission and it has a memory. It sounded like training a pet!

As for the steering, I did have a failed power steering pump that needed replacing. I couldn't do the $900 they were asking. I thought I would have to leave my car there and move in MiniMainline is always great to me. They called MINI and gave me the part for free for "Good Will". I just paid $250 for labor.

 

That's a great end to the story... Not all have been as fortunate as you have.

Matt