Toyota Corolla CVT reviews: design and principle of operation, main types, pros and cons, operation

The CVT on the Toyota Corolla, according to reviews from owners, is a reliable unit only if the operating rules are followed. The transmission simplifies the process of driving a car and does not require manual gear shifting. By smoothly adjusting the gear ratio, fuel consumption is reduced regardless of the driving mode.

The Toyota Corolla CVT is a reliable unit.

The concept of a variator

The variator allows you to smoothly change the gear ratio, acceleration and deceleration occur without jerking. The design does not have a pedal-driven clutch; a hydraulic transformer is used to open the engine crankshaft and the primary axis of the box.

The Toyota Corolla uses units manufactured by Aisin, the model depends on the year of manufacture of the car.

Design and principle of operation

The design of the unit includes 2 conical surfaces located on the drive and driven shafts. Torque is transmitted by a metal plate belt, which is constantly lubricated with special oil. The electronic control unit automatically adjusts the position of the belt on the cones, smoothly changing the gear ratio. Wear products entering the oil are captured by a filter and a magnetic plug in the gearbox housing.

Technical features of Direct Shift-CVT

The new generation Toyota CVT K120 was presented in 2022. For the first time, a continuously variable transmission of this series was installed on the Toyota RAV4 50 and Corolla 210.

The main innovative solution was the introduction of launch gear.

As a result, the classic variator (moving pulleys connected by a metal belt) was supplemented with a gear mechanism. It comes into operation, directly cutting off the variator, when driving at low speed, in reverse and when starting from a standstill. This made it possible to transfer the most unfavorable operating modes for the V-belt continuously variable transmission to the starting gear . The fact is that when in the extreme position, the belt operates along a minimum radius with a maximum bend. There is also the smallest area of contact with the drive pulley, which is accompanied by slippage and tension movement.

Compared to the range of gear ratios of the Toyota K120 variator with previous generations, it has increased - 7.5 instead of 6-6.5. But in fact, the range of the continuously variable transmission itself has decreased to 5.0, which makes the belt's work easier.

There is also a decrease in the diameter of the pulleys and the camber angle between them (from 11 to 9 degrees). This made it possible to increase the speed of change of the gear ratio.

Main types of CVT

CVTs used on cars are divided into types depending on the method of torque transmission:

steel belt with a wedge-shaped profile or chain;
rollers (adjustment of the gear ratio is achieved by changing the angle of installation of the disks).

Clinomeric

The classic variator provides for the transmission of torque due to the friction force between the belt and conical surfaces. The design can be equipped with a planetary gear, which prevents the belt from reaching the end edges of the cones. The unit is compact in size and light in weight; manual shifting of fixed gears is possible.

The clinometer variator has compact dimensions.

Toroidal

The design has a driving and driven disks, between which there are rollers with the ability to change the axis angle.

Depending on the position, the gear ratio changes. Toyota cars do not use a toroidal variator.

Differences from CVT Jatco

You will find a review of Nissan (Jatco) CVTs in this material.

Many people believe that the Toyota K120 variator is based on the fundamental concept of the Jatco CVT7 continuously variable transmission. In fact, there is a significant difference. In the Aisin design, the gear train is mounted parallel to the variator. This ensures the simultaneous operation of only one of the power transmission branches. The design of Jatco involves the installation of an additional planetary gearbox in series with a constantly functioning V-belt variator.

CVT Nissan (Jatco)

The undoubted achievement of the Jatco device is the largest indicator (7.3 or 8.7) of a continuous range of changes in gear ratios. At the same time, the continuously variable transmission from Jatco, which is closest to Toyota’s, can only be combined with power units with a torque of no more than 150 N*m.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of the variator noted by owners:

smooth change in torque;
reduced fuel consumption due to the optimal ratio of load and crankshaft speed;
ease of driving.

Disadvantages indicated in reviews:

the need for regular maintenance with replacement of fluid and filters;
belt life does not exceed 150 thousand km;
labor-intensive and expensive repairs;
in case of breakdown, the car is immobilized;
The unit is not designed to work with a trailer and quickly breaks down when slipping in snow or mud.

The process of repairing a Toyota CVT transmission in Moscow

Toyota transmission repair:

First, we inspect and interview the car owner to understand the breakdown based on the symptoms. The computer diagnostics carried out will give a clearer picture, we will measure the indicators and compare them with the norm.
Since we work on professional equipment, we can give a high-quality analysis.
Afterwards we will repair the variators: dismantling, disassembling and troubleshooting, assessing depreciation and damage to parts.
We carry out the assembly on a stand to check our work and only then install it back and configure it.

If necessary we will make a replacement. You can buy spare parts in our service center, and the prices for repairing a Toyota CVT will pleasantly surprise you.

Toyota models with continuously variable transmission

The Toyota concern began using CVTs in 2000 on Opa cars, which were supplied to the Japanese domestic market. In Europe and North America, cars with CVT appeared only in 2009. The first were Avensis and Verso, equipped with a unified K311 unit with different control units. A year later, the experiment was extended to RAV4 crossovers with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Toyota Corolla began to be equipped with a CVT only in 2013. The type of transmission can be determined by the text on the identification sticker, which contains information about the transmission model.

Since 2000, Toyota models have been produced with a continuously variable transmission.

What cars is it used on?

The K120 variator is installed on the Toyota Camry XV70 from 2022 to the present. The following Toyota models are also still equipped with a continuously variable transmission:

from 2022 – Corolla E210 , C-HR AX10 , RAV4 XA50 ;
from 2022 – Yaris XP210 , Yaris Cross XP210 .

In addition to Toyota, the Lexus UX ZA10 , starting in 2022.

Features of operation and maintenance

During operation, it is necessary to monitor the level and condition of the working fluid. Steel chips in the oil will accelerate wear on the cones and metal belt. Prolonged movement at maximum speed, which leads to overheating of the transmission, is not allowed. The driver needs to smoothly pick up and slow down, avoiding slipping. Before starting to drive, the variator should be warmed up with the car standing and the engine running at idle speed. Do not tow trailers or other vehicles to a CVT-equipped Corolla.

The variator is serviced with fresh fluid refilled after 70-80 thousand km of travel. Some owners try to carry out the procedure 2 times more often, ensuring timely removal of wear products. When servicing, it is necessary to install a new filter (original parts are not supplied for all types of gearboxes), a pan gasket and a drain plug ring.

When draining the crankcase, no more than 80% of the liquid leaves, so you will have to fill and pump out the oil at least 2-3 times in a row.

Frequent malfunctions and repairs

When the working surfaces wear out, the friction coefficient decreases, the car accelerates jerkily, and when the speed is reduced, the engine may stall. In this case, it is necessary to assess the condition of the working fluid. Blackening of the oil and metal inclusions indicate damage to parts. To restore functionality, you will have to disassemble the unit.

Adding fresh fluid can delay repairs for several weeks or months. The burning smell emanating from the oil indicates the need to stop using the variator, which is in disrepair.

The most loaded parts are the rotor bearings. When damaged, a hum occurs, the tonality depends on the speed of movement. Some owners encounter this after 50-60 thousand kilometers. The problem occurs due to metal shavings getting under the rolling elements or due to unstable quality of components at the factory. Fans of sharp acceleration complain that scuff marks form on the cones. In this case, the functionality of the box can only be restored by installing new parts.

CVT potential in terms of resource

According to established tradition, Toyota specialists were developing this unit together with colleagues from Aisin. This CVT has already been equipped with the Toyota Corolla Hatchback in the fall of 2022; the car is intended for the American market. As for Russian buyers, anyone who wants to purchase a vehicle with Direct Shift-CVT today can count on purchasing a fifth-generation Toyota RAV4 XA50 with this transmission.

Since Direct Shift-CVT has not been in business for very long, we can draw the first cautious conclusions. The variator did not turn out to be ideal; there were several “childhood diseases” that the manufacturer had to promptly treat. It turned out that this unit has a rather weak and sensitive torque converter. Just a few months after the sale of the first Toyota copies, all cars with this variator were recalled to replace the unit with a similar one, but with a different gas turbine engine. Since the new gearbox is still in short supply, the car recall campaign is still ongoing.

Another problem area is solenoids. They are sensitive to the quality and purity of gear oil. This means that you will have to change the gear oil in Direct Shift-CVT as often as possible. But a positive point can be taken from all this - the technological transmission reached Russia after a thorough test in real conditions. That is, the end buyer will be able to purchase a car with a CVT variator that is already reliable and free of any shortcomings. Expected resource – 300 thousand km. But again, a lot depends on the service.

CVT Direct Shift-CVT

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Is the CVT reliable on Toyota Corolla?

The reliability of the variator directly depends on the management style and the frequency of maintenance. There have been cases where the box has withstood a mileage of more than 200 thousand km without replacing parts. When purchasing a new car, the transmission is covered by a manufacturer's warranty, which is obliged to correct all damage caused by defective parts. When choosing a used Corolla with a CVT, you should diagnose the transmission and evaluate the condition of the unit. On the spare parts market there are units removed from broken cars, so there will be no problems with repairs.

Video “Visual instructions for changing gearbox oil”

User Sanya Gontar published a video in which he described how the lubricant is replaced in Corolla CVT gearboxes.

Do you have any questions? Specialists and readers of the AUTODVIG website will help you ask a question

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Owner reviews

Owners of Toyota Corolla with a CVT leave different reviews about the service life and characteristics of the transmission. The opinion is influenced by the mode of operation, total mileage and frequency of maintenance of the box. If the owner likes sharp acceleration and driving at high speed, then the CVT will fail after 20-30 thousand km. Calm drivers can use their car for years without complaining about CVT breakdowns.

Positive

Oleg, 28 years old, Tver

I drive a Corolla with a 1.6-liter engine, released in 2022. The car has covered 82 thousand km, 70% of the mileage was on the highway. Speed up to 140 km/h, I rarely use sport mode. There were no jerks during operation; the control unit firmware was factory installed.

Nikolay, 55 years old, Omsk

I am the owner of a Corolla with a CVT and a 1.8 liter engine. I changed the oil in the gearbox for the first time when the mileage was 110 thousand km, the service was carried out at the dealer at a special stand. The drained liquid was clear and did not contain chips. I drive calmly, the speed on the highway is about 100-110 km/h. I warm up the box for 1-2 minutes in summer and 5-7 minutes in cold weather.

Negative

Mikhail, 31 years old, St. Petersburg

I bought a car with a 1.6-liter engine in 2015. At 50 thousand km, a whistling sound from the variator appeared; when switching modes, the tone of the noise changed. The dealer ran diagnostics and found no faults. I sold the car with 80 thousand km mileage, informing the buyer about the potential problem.

Cost of spare parts for repair of TOYOTA cvt variator:

economy use at the request of the car owner only used parts /guarantee is provided only for our work/	from 35,000 rub. up to 45,000 rub.
business, if expensive variator components fail, at the request of the car owner, they can be replaced with used ones /warranty from 3 to 6 months/	from 45,000 rub. up to 65,000 rub.
representative repairs exclusively using new parts and components /warranty from 3 to 24 months/	from 75,000 rub. up to 110,000 rub.

A range of repair services for TOYOTA cvt variator:

Consultation with a master /free by phone/
Delivery of the car for repair/within Moscow is free. From the Moscow region and other regions of the Russian Federation - by agreement/
Comprehensive diagnostics of car electronic circuits using professional equipment / determination of error codes for engine, variator, ABS, brake system faults; checking the vehicle's electrical circuits, checking kinematic damage, checking oil pressure, checking the functionality of the hydraulic system/ - free of charge during repair
Visual inspection, body integrity check
Checking the transmission oil level and content
Opening the pallet /if necessary/
Removing the gearbox from the car
Disassembly, washing of parts and assemblies
Troubleshooting /presence of the car owner is required/
Agreeing with the car owner on the cost of complete repairs and the completion date of the repairs
Receipt from the spare parts/repairs warehouse. kit, consumables, components/
Valve body maintenance
Repair of electronic control unit /ECU/
Assembly
Installation on a car
Refilling with transmission oil
Output diagnostics and test drive of the vehicle

Warranty from 3 to 24 months or 60,000 km. mileage

Phone number of the repairman:

Artem 8 /965/ 126 13 83

Vadim 8 /925/ 675 78 75

Tow truck assistance /24/7/, dispatcher:

8 /926/ 167 15 40 8 /985/ 888 68 14

Your own spare parts warehouse. Everything you need to repair the TOYOTA cvt variator is in stock. Housings, variator belt, cones (new and used), solenoids, friction and steel discs, gasket kits, filters.

We have a stock of restored TOYOTA CVT transmissions (see replacement article). If the car owner wishes, we can replace the faulty one with one taken from the exchange stock, which is often more economically feasible.

CVT variator circuit (example)

Photo report of Toyota CVT repair, see below the text...

Toyota CVT repair

Toyota Motor Corporation is the largest automobile manufacturing corporation in the world, which today already employs 350 thousand employees. The future automaker began operations in 1924, and over almost 100 years it has become one of the most successful industrial giants. Cars are supplied not only to Japan, but also to North America, Europe, Asia, and they are in high demand in Russia. The manufacturer produces cars of the Toyota and Lexus brands; the line officially includes about 70 models: these are city sedans, minivans, crossovers, and high-tech hybrid cars. The Lexus brand is focused on producing luxury cars.

Using CVTs on Toyota cars

Like many other Asian automakers, Toyota Motor uses CVT transmissions

, and only units from the manufacturer Aisin are installed on them. This is one of the subsidiaries of the concern, 42% of its shares belong to the Toyota company - it actually controls the production of gearboxes, which are subsequently installed on all cars.

A license for the production
cvt
variators was acquired from another Japanese manufacturer Jatco, and later the design was partially modified to suit the features of
gasoline
and
diesel
. However, some components of CVTs from these manufacturers continue to be interchangeable, which is very convenient when searching for spare parts. The first model with a CVT transmission was the Toyota Opa, but it was only supplied to the domestic market for Japanese buyers.

In 2013, several models with a CVT were supplied to the American and European markets at once: these are the Toyota Avensis and Verso with gasoline engines, the RAV4 crossover, as well as the Corolla, which is assembled in the USA and Canada. The following types of CVT models are presented on the modern automobile market:

Gearboxes of the “hundredth” series: K111, K112, K114, K115. For gearbox versions designed for all-wheel drive models, the letter F is added to the marking. Interestingly, there are differences in modifications for right-hand drive and left-hand drive cars.
Aisin K120 is a CVT model that has been used since 2022 on the latest modifications of Toyota Corolla. This gearbox is paired with a powerful two-liter gasoline engine.
K210 CVTs are installed on small cars used in the domestic Japanese market.
A special group includes planetary-type CVTs: they are designed specifically for cars with a hybrid engine. The new development is in demand as the popularity of machines equipped with an additional electric motor is growing.

Such gearboxes are installed on various modern models; conservative Japanese prefer to maintain the basic features and not introduce revolutionary changes. Aisin gearboxes are highly reliable and rarely require repairs.

Features of operating cars with a CVT

Continuously variable transmission has become popular among automakers around the world: it combines the control comfort of an automatic

and the efficiency of mechanics, an important advantage was the relatively low cost compared to a classic automatic transmission. Thanks to its design features, such a box has an infinite number of gear ratios: moving the drive belt along cones allows you to smoothly increase speed and ensure comfortable operation. At the same time, the driver does not need to be distracted by manual gear selection, he can enjoy driving. Some models provide manual control of the vehicle for maximum control.

Repair of the
CVT
in many cases is required due to improper operation of the vehicle. This gearbox design has a number of disadvantages that the driver must be prepared for. The service life is reduced under the influence of several factors:

Aggressive driving style. Sharp jerks, starts on a cold engine, rapid braking, constant high speeds - all this puts an increased load on the unit and leads to its premature wear.
Late maintenance. the variator oil
to a new one every 50-60 thousand kilometers traveled - this avoids contamination of the solenoids with metal shavings and associated malfunctions.
Slipping on difficult roads: in snowdrifts, mud, puddles. Most cars with a CVT transmission are designed for city use only.
Overheating as a result of increased loads.

In difficult cases, it is more profitable
cvt
variator and replace it completely, rather than repair a worn-out gearbox. This allows you to solve many problems and ensure long-term operation of the car without repeated repairs.

Typical malfunctions of Toyota CVTs

The Japanese manufacturer treats CVT gearboxes with caution and strictly controls the build quality. The average duration of use of the most popular K311 variator is 150-200 thousand km; with good maintenance, it can last longer. However, we can highlight several of the most common faults with which drivers most often turn to the workshop:

Problems with electronics caused by the combustion of clutches and the release of their breakdown products into the transmission oil. To prevent premature wear of the valve body, the transmission fluid must be changed in a timely manner.
Drive belt wear – This problem is especially common on all-wheel drive RAV4 models. The variator experiences increased load, which shortens its service life.
Problems with shaft bearings. Despite the quality of the parts, they constantly experience high loads and are among the first to wear out. Problems with bearings can be identified by a characteristic humming noise that becomes increasingly stronger. Damaged bearings need to be replaced.
Electronics malfunctions. The operation of the variator is controlled by sensitive sensors, which often fail due to overheating or exposure to other negative factors.

These are just the most common problems that most drivers face. Nevertheless, Toyota CVTs are characterized by fairly high reliability compared to equipment from other popular manufacturers. So far, the Japanese corporation is just beginning to develop this market segment and is gradually expanding the range of models and trim levels offered.

Any CVT models require professional maintenance and diagnostics if problems are suspected. Our workshop offers a free full inspection before carrying out repairs of any complexity - this will allow us to determine the exact causes of any failures.

Repair services for Japanese CVTs

Take advantage of the help of qualified specialists: our workshop employees have been working with Japanese cars for a long time, which allows them to quickly diagnose and repair breakdowns of any complexity. Offers a full range of services at competitive prices

Maintenance. It includes changing the oil with filling in new transmission fluid, installing a new oil filter, checking consumables and replacing them if necessary. A full range of service operations is carried out, thanks to which it will be possible to avoid costly breakdowns and extend the life of the unit.
Qualified repairs. It is proposed to order the elimination of any faults; for this purpose, high-quality new and used
parts are used.
The work of specialists will not take much time and will not cost much
.
Replacement of the variator
assembly. It is proposed to install a new or rebuilt gearbox - this will make it possible to solve all problems with the operation of the transmission for a long time.

To reduce costs, you can purchase at a favorable price

refurbished used gearbox after major overhaul. It is guaranteed to last for a long time.

Main advantages of treatment

To our workshop in Moscow

We offer inexpensive
sales of the variator
for
exchange
and a full range of repair and maintenance services. Use the help of professionals to get your car back up and running quickly and affordably. Input and output diagnostics will be performed free of charge, the test will make it possible to accurately determine the causes of problems, and then make sure that they are completely eliminated.

Customers are encouraged to take advantage of free tow truck services. In case of sudden automatic transmission breakdowns, you can call special transport to transport the car to a service center for repairs and avoid additional damage. The evacuation service operates 24 hours a day and takes calls seven days a week, so you can get help at any time.

You can make an appointment for diagnostics in advance: call the numbers provided to choose a suitable time for a complete check and troubleshooting. The workshop offers a wide range of services on favorable terms: check out our price list and see for yourself. A long-term warranty is provided; according to the coupon, any repeated problems will be corrected free of charge.

Photo report of TOYOTA CVT disassembly

The car was delivered to the workshop by tow truck (car forward movement failure). There is evidence of transmission oil burnt due to overheating of the unit. Friction and steel discs are damaged. The oil pump valve must be replaced. The variator belt is strongly pulled up.

For a photo report of the troubleshooting and assembly of the TOYOTA variator, see below on the page

Photo report of the TOYOTA CVT assembly

During troubleshooting, the following damage was revealed in the kinematics of the TOYOTA variator box: oil pump (fuse valve), variator belt pulled up, cones broken. The reason is the incorrect operation of the variator valve body. In addition to the above-mentioned units of the unit that must be replaced with new ones, work will be carried out to restore and adjust the valve body.