CVT Tranny/80k miles/05 cooper
OK, so for the past week, I have been noticing that when it should be dropping the RPM's down when it hits around 50mph, it is running high and not doing it.. When I slow down to a speed of between 50 and 65 it will occasionally surge from under 3rpms to 3 or just a TAD bit over 3RPMS.. Anyone have an idea???

 

I hate to say it, but it sounds like your CVT is on its way out. From what I understand, the common problem with them is many owners don't vary their RPMs while driving. This causes the belt to wear a groove pattern into the pulleys. The jump in RPM could be the belt "crossing" these grooved patterns. Or, it could simply be a stretched belt between the pulleys.

If you have not done so, at a minimum, get the CVT fluid changed. Read this thread if you want to DIY: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...id-change.html.

 

[quote=JumpingJackFlash;3138578]I hate to say it, but it sounds like your CVT is on its way out. From what I understand, the common problem with them is many owners don't vary their RPMs while driving. This causes the belt to wear a groove pattern into the pulleys. The jump in RPM could be the belt "crossing" these grooved patterns. Or, it could simply be a stretched belt between the pulleys.


I've tried to read and learn things about the CVT but I'm not familiar with the term, "vary their RPMs while driving." Does that mean to back off the gas pedal at certain RPM's or speeds, as if preparing to shift on a manual at the appropriate speed?
Thanks

 

Yes, that's about what it means. If you do alot of highway driving, you tend to go the same speed at the same RPM. The faster you go, the further the pulley halves "spring out" from each other. The belt travels closer to the center, which increases your overall gear ratio and speed. It's probably a combination of this and not changing the transmission fluid enough or at all. If there is a buildup of metal particles in the fluid, the belt is "grinding" them into the pulleys.

 

JumpingJackFlash,

Thanks so much for the info. After reading about the potential problems with the CTV, shortly after getting mine, I became worried about the transmission going bonkers.

If I understand correctly the feel of the car and the RPMs should be as big a priority in a CVT as in a manual? Luckily, never worrying quite like I have since owning a CVT or loving a car as much, I've backed off at certain RPM levels and resumed till the next "feel"-interval. From what I feel, it is operating
fine.
I'm more resolved than ever to only let persons with that same insight drive my car.

With some investigation I learned that the transmission fluid was changed at inspection 1, at 30,000 miles. I have an appointment to get it changed at 70,000 which will be soon.

 

If the fluid has been changed once, that's a good sign. Here's a thread that can shed additional light on that: https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/stock-problems-issues/189527-worried-cvt.html. So, it may not be a wear pattern; it's possible the belt is just stretched. The overall cost of replacing that would be much lower. When you take your MINI in, make sure to describe the problem you're having.

 

The link you posted doesn't work and I'm not the one who first posted a problem with the CVT RPM's.
Perhaps I'm not clear as to what it is I was asking. I'm not good at communicating via computor and especially about transmissions, which I know very little about.
But,,while I'm here I'll ask another question about the CTV. Which mode is it that is being discussed? I drive in "D" because I'm hesitant to operate in the other modes. I know no one who knows or is willing to take the time to show me how the other modes operate and am slightly afraid of being stranded in an out the way spot, if I mess up something I know nothing about.
Will forever driving in "D' be of harm to the transmission?
Thanks, Kathy

 

Some folks that drive their CVT Mini's "normally" have long CVT lives, with no problems....Just keep the fluid changed, and drive sanely, and enjoy the ride. Lets face it, MANY MINI'S get ridden HARD, and get put away wet as the saying goes....So is it luck, or due to driving style???
Since you are aware of the CVT issues....don't obsess, but keep educated so IF you have an issue or MIGHT have an issues, you can do something ASAP....for some, it means trading in the car....or saving up the $$$ to fix it!!
I know at some point there was a software issue where the CVT had to be up or down shifted manually cause the rpms's would get stuck at too high an rpm...had to do with the computers.....but the cars SHOULD have been updated by now....so just keep the fluid changed, and do everything the dealer tells you....and when/if the time comes, and you keep the car, maybe you get lucky, and get a discount!!

 

Thanks so much Zippy,
Yes,,I'm a worrier.
But,,,I'm still wanting to know if always driving in "D" mode is harmful to the transmissiom.