CVT Best Practices

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moojin
Posts: 19
Joined: Thu Mar 20, 2014 5:32 pm

Dear Kizashi Brain Trust,

I've recently become aware that many former and some current Kizashi owners have encountered issues with their CVT transmissions. Are there any best practices in driving techniques and maintenance that increase the longevity of the CVT?

My Kizashi just passed 97K miles. I generally do not push my car with rapid acceleration. On local roads, usually between 1.5K and 3K RPMs and on highways, usually between 2K and 2.5K RPM unless accelerating past a car or merging onto the highway.

I don't use the manual shifter unless the roads near my home are snowy and need to maintain a certain speed while going down a hill. However, I only do this maybe once or twice a year for a very short period of time.

On the maintenance side, my mechanic did replace the CVT oil at 45K miles. I did read the technical service bulletin and will have him change my CVT oil again the next time I visit him. I have seen some posts that say to drain and fill and not drain, flush and fill as it could damage the filter.

So my question is, are there any driving or maintenance practices to increase the longevity of the CVT.

Thank you,

Andrew
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Ronzuki
Posts: 2382
Joined: Wed Nov 17, 2010 5:33 pm
Location: Lancaster County, PA

Change the fluid out asap per the latest TSB. Unfortunately, you're way over due. Change filters, most notably the small pleated cooler return cartridge Suzuki doesn't recognize, or even sell. Drop the pan inspect/replace the metal screen filter, and clean the magnets. There are several threads on here with how-to details calling out filter p/n's etc.

Driving...IMHO, if you're driving this car like a grandma, you're missing out. Sure, in theory, taking it easier on it will extend the trans/fluid life, however, and unfortunately, the damage has been done by the old spent fluid at this point no matter how you drove it. Turns out the fluid should have been changed several times by now with your (and my) mileage.
Ron

2010 Kizashi GTS, CVT, iAWD (3/10 build date)
2011 SX4 Premium Hatch, CVT, iAWD (12/10 build date)
2018 Mazda CX-5 iAWD Touring
2014 Wrangler JKUW (GONE, traded :D :D )
1991 Samurai, 5-Speed, EFI, Soft-Top ( :| sold)
moojin
Posts: 19
Joined: Thu Mar 20, 2014 5:32 pm

Thanks for the advice. I scheduled an appointment. Hopefully, the Kizashi will be ok. I read the TSB and it appears that I should have the CVT fluid checked every 15K miles and drained (not flushed) and replaced every 30K.
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