1996 HONDA CIVIC Cvt

Description
The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is an electronically controlled automatic transmission with drive and driv
en Oullevs, and a steel belt. The CVT provides non stage speeds forward and one reverse. The entire unit is positioned in
line with the engine.
Transmission
Around the outside of the flywheel is a ring gear which meshes with the starter pinion when the engine is being staned.
The transmission has four parallel shafts: the input shaft, the drive pulley shaft. the driven pulley shaft, and the secondary
gear shaft. The input shaft is in line with the engine crankshaft. The drive pulley shaft and the driven pulley shaft consist of
movable and fixed face pulleys. Both pulleys are linked by the steel belt.
The input shaft includes the sun gear. The drive pulley shaft includes the forward clutch which mounts the carrier assem-
bly on the forward clutch drum. The carrier assembly includes the pinion gears which mesh with the sun gear and the ring
gear. The ring gear has a hub-mounted reverse brake disc.
The driven pulley shaft includes the start clutch and the secondary drive gear which is integral with the park gear' The sec-
ondary gear shaft is positioned between the secondary drive gear and the final driven gear. The secondary gear shaft
includes the secondary driven gear which serves to change the rotation direction. because the drive pulley shaft and the
driven oullev shaft rotate the same direction. When certain combinations of planetary gears in the transmission are
engaged by the clutches and the reverse brake, power is transmitted from the drive pulley shaft to the driven pulley shaft
to provide E, E, E, and El.
Electronic Control'96 - 98 Models:
The electronic control system consists of the Transmission Control Module (TCM), sensors, three linear solenoids, and a
inhibitor solenoid. Shifting is electronically controlled under all conditions'
The TCM is located below the dashboard, behind the kick panel on the driver's side.'99 - 00 Models:
The electronic control svstem consists of a Powertrain Control Module (PCM), sensors, three linear solenoids and an
inhibitor solenoid. Shifting is electronically controlled under all conditions. A Grade Logic Control System to control shift-
ing in E position while the vehicle is ascending or descending a slope.
The PCM is located below the dashboard, under the kick panel on the passenger's side.
Hydraulic Control
The lower valve body assembly includes the main valve body, the Pressure Low (PL) reguiator valve body, the shift valve
body, the start clutch control valve body, and the secondary valve body. They are positioned on the lower part of the
transmission housing.
The main valve body contains the Pressure High (PH) control valve, the lubrication valve, and the pitot regulator valve.
The secondary valve body contains the PH regulator valve, the clutch reducing valve, the start clutch valve accumulator,
and the shift inhibitor valve. The PL regulator valve body contains the PL regulator valve and the PH-PL control valve
which is ioined to the PH,PL control linear solenoid. The inhibitor solenoid valve is bolted on the PL regulator valve body.
The shift valve body contains the shift valve and the shift control valve. which is joined to the shift control linear solenoid.
The start clutch control valve body contains the start clutch control valve, which is joined to the start clutch control linear
solenoid. The linear solenoids and the inhibitor solenoid are controlled by the TCM or PCM. The manual valve body which
contains the manual valve and the reverse inhibitor valve, is bolted on the intermediate housing.
The ATF pump assembly is located on the transmission housing, and is linked with the input shaft by the sprockets and
the sprocket chain. The pulleys and the clutch receive fluid from their respective feed pipes, and the reverse brake receives
fluid from internal hydraulic circuit.
Shift Control Mechanism
Input from various sensors located throughout the vehicle determines which linear solenoid the TCM or PCM will activate.
Activating the shift control linear solenoid changes the shift control valve pressure, causing the shift valve to move. This
pressurizes the drive pulley pressure to the drive pulley and the driven pulley pressure to the driven pulley and changes
their effective pulley ratio. Activating the start clutch control linear solenoid moves the start clutch control valve. The start
clutch control valve uncovers the port, providing pressure to the start clutch to engage it(cont'd)
14-195
,!

Description
Clutches/Reverse Brake/Planetary Gear/Pulleys
Clulches/Reverse Brake
The CVT uses the hydraulically-actuated clutches and brake to engage or disengage the transmission gears. When
hydraulic pressure is introduced into the clutch drum and the reverse brake piston cavity, the clutch piston and the reverse
brake piston move. This presses the friction djscs and the steel plates together, locking them so they don't slip. Power is
then transmitted through the engaged clutch pack to its hub-mounted gear. and through engaged ring gear to pinion
gears.
Likewise, when the hydraulic pressure is bled from the clutch pack and the reverse brake piston cavity, the piston releases
the friction discs and the steel plates, and they are free to slide past each. This allows the gear to spin independently on its
shaft, transmitting no power.
Start Clutch
The start clutch, which is located at the end of the driven pulley shaft, engages/disengages the secondary drive gear.
The start clutch is supplied hydraulic pressure by its ATF feed pipes within the driven pulley shaft.
Forward Clutch
The forward clutch, which is located at the end of the drive pulley shaft, engages/disengages the sun gear.
The forward clutch is supplied hydraulic pressure by its ATF feed pipe within the drive pulley shaft.
Reverse Brake
The reverse brake, which is located inside the inte.mediate housing around the ring gear, locks the ring gear in E posi-
tion. The reverse brake discs are mounted to the ring gear and the reverse brake plates are mounted to the intermediate
housing. The reverse brake is supplied hydraulic pressure by a circuit connected to the internal hydraulic circuit.
Planetary Gear
The planetary gear consists of a sun gear, a carrier assembly, and a ring gear. The sun gear is connected to the input shaft
with splines. The pinion gears are mounted to the carrier which is mounted to the fo.ward clutch drum. The sun gear
inputs the engine power via the input shaft to the planetary gear, and the carrier outputs the engine power. The ring gear
is only used for switching the rotation direction of the pullev shafts,
In E. E, and E positions (forward range), the pinion gears don't rotate and revolve with the sun gear, so the carrier
rotates. In E] positjon {reverse range), the reverse brake locks the ring gear and the sun gear drives the pinion gears to
rotate. The pinion gears rotate and revolve in the opposite direction from the rotation direction of the sun gear, and the
carrier rotates with pinion gear revolution.
Pulleys
Each pulley consists of a movable face and a fixed face, and the effective pulley .atio changes with engine speed. The
drive pulley and the driven pulley are linked by the steel belt.
To achieve a low pulley ratio, high hydraulic pressure works on the movable face of the driven pulley and reduces the
effective diameter of the drive pulley. and a lower hydraulic pressure works on the movable face of the drive pulley to
eliminate the steel belt slippage. To achieve a high pulley ratio, high hydraulic pressure works on the movable face of the
drive pulley and reduces the eifective diameter of the driven pulley, and a lower hydraulic pressure works on the movable
face of the driven pulley to eliminate the steel belt slippage.
b
14-198

Start Clutch Control@
T
Start Clutch Calibration Procedure
NOTE: When the following parts are replaced, the TCM
must memorize the feedback signal for the start clutch
control.
. TCM
. Transmissionassembly
. Stan clutch assembly
. Lower valve bodv assembly
. Engine assembly or overhaul
'96 Model Only
CAUTION: Do not uso this procsdure on'97 - (X) mod-
els or you will damage the transmission. On '97 - 00
models, the TCM or PCM memorizes ths loodback sig'
nals when you drive the vehicle.
1. Engage the parking brake, and block the front
wheels securely.
2. Connect the SCS service connector to the Service
Check Connector as shown. (The Service Check
connector (2P) is located under the dash on the
passenger's side of the vehicle.)
CONNECTOR07PAZ - lDl01(xt
Start the engine, and warm it up to normal operat-
ing temperature (the radiator fan comes on twice).
Fully depress the brake pedal and accelerator for 20
seconds in the E] position.
rl ,
CONNECTOR I2PI
14-293
7.
Shift into E o|. E position. To store the engine
negative pressure in memory. Iet the engine idle in
E or E position for one minute under the follow-
ing conditions:
. With the brake pedal depressed,
. with the y'\/c switch oFF.
. With the combination light switch OFF.
. With the heater fan switch OFF.
. Turn OFF all other electrical systems
NOTE: Start step 5 within 60 seconds after the radi-
ator fan goes off.
Shift into E position, and let the engine idle for two
minutes to store the feedback signal in memory
under the same conditions as in step 5.
Connect the Honda PGM Tester. Check that the TCM
has completed the start clutch calibration.
NOTE:
. The TCM will not store the feedback signal when
the CVT fluid temperature is below 40"C (104'F)
even if the engine coolant temperature reaches
the normal operating temperature.
. Repeat these procedures until the start clutch
calibration is completed-
Disconnect the SCS service connector from the
Service Check Connector.
'97 - 00 Models
The TCM ('97 - 98 models) and PCM ('99 - 00 models)
memorize the feedback signal when you drive the
vehicle as follows:
. After warming up the engine (the radiator fan
comes onl.
. Shift into E position.
. Turn OFF all electrical systems,
. Drive the vehicle up to the speed 37 mph (60
km/h).
. After the speed reaches 37 mph (60 km/h),
release the accelerator for 5 seconds.

t.
rl,
fl,
PROBABLE CAUSE LIST
Low CVT fluid level
ATF pump worn. AT gears worn or damaged. Foreign material in ATF pump.
ATF pump chain/ATF pump sprocket worn or damaged.
Input shaft worn or damaged.
Sun gear worn or damaged.
Final driven oear worn or damaqed,
Secondary drive gear/secondary driven gear worn or damaged-
5
6
1
8Flywheel/drive plate worn or damaged.
Intermediate housing assembly worn or damaged.9
'10Forward clutch defective.
Shift cable broken/out of adiustment.
M"nu"t t"uffi
ATF feed pipe (pulley pressure) worn or damaged.
Vchiclc speed sensor defective.
TCM or PCM defective.
Reverse brake detective.
1'r
't2
13
14
16
'11
'18
1qPlanetary gear worn or damaged.
Sta rt clutch defective.
ATF feed pipe (start clutch pressure) worn or damaged
20
t't
Clutch clearance/reverse brake clearance incorrect.
23Reverse brake return spring/retainer worn or damaged
24Needle bearing on input shaft worn or damaged.
25Thrust needle bearing on carrier worn or damaged.
Thrust washer on carrier worn or damaged.
Enoine outout low.------------------------
Flvwhcel assemblv defective.
Control lever worn or damaged.
Park pawl/park pawl shaft worn or damaged
Detent lever/park brake rod assembly worn or damaged
27
29
30
32Park gear worn or damaged.
Park pawl spring worn or damaged.
ATF strainer/ATF filter clogged.
Lower valve body assembly defective.
Lower valve bodv assemblv defective (PL regulator valve body assembly defective)'
33
34
50
Lower valve bodv assembly defective (shift valve body assembly defective).
Lower valve bodv assemblv defective (start clutch control valve body assembly defective)'
39Lower valve bodv assemblv defective {inhibitor solenoid defective}
40Solenoid harness worn or damaged.
Manual valve body worn or damaged.
PB feedback system defective.
CVT fluid deteriorated.
41
43
14-295

Fluid Level
l.Checking/Changing
CAUTION: while chscking and changing, be sure not to
allow dust and other toreign particles to ent€l inlo the
transmission.
Checking
NOTE: Check the fluid level with the engine at normal
operating temperature (the radiator fan comes on).
'1. Park the vehicle on the level ground. Turn oft the
engrne.
2. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop) from the trans-
mission, and wipe lt with a clean cloth.
NOTE: Check the transmission fluid 50 to 90 sec-
onds after shutting off the engine.
3. Insert the diDstick into the transmission.
DIPSTICK (YELLOW LOOPI
Remove the dipstick and check the fluid level.
should be between the uDDer and lower mark.DIPSTICK
5. lf the level is below the lower mark, add fluid into
the filler hole to bring it to the upper mark. Use
Genuine Honda CW Fluid only.
6. Insert the dipstick into the transmission.
14-299
Changing
1. Bring the transmission up to normal operating tem-
perature (the radiator fan comes on) by driving the
vehicle. Park the vehicle on the level ground, and
turn off the engine.
2. Bemove the drain plug, and drain the CVT fluid.
NOTE| lf a cooler flusher is to be used, see page 14-
352 and 14-353.
Reinstall the drain plug with a new sealing washer,
then refill the transmission with Genuine Honda
CVT Fluid to the upper mark on the dipstick.
Automatic Transmission Fluid CaPacity:
3.9 i (4.r US qt. 3.4 lmp qt) 8t chlnging
6.4 I (6.8 US qt, 5.6 lmp qt) 8t ov€lhaul
Rscommended Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Genuine Honda CVT Fluid-
Use Genuine Honda CW fluid only. Using other flu-
ids can affect transmission operation and may
reduce transmission liJe.
Change Interval:
Normal Condition: 30, 000 miles 148,000 km)
Severe Condition: 30,000 miles (48,000 km), but it
you drive at high sPeeds in high
t90"F (32'C) and abovol temper-
atures, the ttansmission fluid
should be changed evsrY 15,000
miles 124,000 km).
{-]lr
ORAIN PLUG18 x 1.5 mma9 N.7n (5.0 kgl.m, 36 lb{'ftl
SEALING WASHERReplace.

Lower Valve Body Assembly
Replacement
@ Make sure lifts, iacks, and saf€ty stands
are placsd prop€rly {sea section 1).
CAUTION: While removing and installing th6 lower
valve body asssmbly, b€ sule not to allow dust and
other for€ign particles to entsr inio the transmksion.
1. Raise the front of the vehicle, and support it with
safetv stands (see section 1).
2. Set the parking brake, and block both rear wheels
securetv.
4.
6.
Remove the drain plug, and drain the CVT fluid.
Reinstall the drain plug with a new sealing washer(see page 1+299).
CAUTION: Keop all of other toreign parliclos out of
the transmission.
Disconnect the 8P connector from the solenoid har-
ness connector.
Remove the ATF cooler hoses at the ATF cooler
lines. Turn the ends of the ATF cooler hoses up to
prevent ATF from flowing out, then plug the ATF
cooler noses.
CAUTION: Keep all of other foroign particlo3 out of
tho transmission.
Remove the right front mounvbracket.
10 x 1.25 mmila N.m (,1.5 kgf.m, 33 lbtft)
RIGHT FRONTMOUNT/BRACKET
ATF COOLER LINE
10 x 1.25 mmsil N.m 15.5 kgf.m,40 rbr.ft)
ATF COOLER HOSE
14-302
14.
7. Remove the ATF cooler outlet line.
8. Remove the ATF cooler line bracket bolt.
9. Remove the ATF pan (fourteen bolts).
10. Remove the ATF strainer (two bolts).
1 l. Remove the one bolt securing the solenoid harness
connector,
12. Remove the
bolts).
lower valve body assembly (eight
LINE BOLT28 N.m (2.9 kgtm,21 lbtft)SEALINGReplace.
ATF COOI.-EROUTLET
OOWEL PIN
O.RINGFeplace.
SOLENOIO HARNESSCONNECTOR
5x1.0mm12 N.m 11.2 kgt.m,8.7 tbt.ftlO.RINGReplace.ATFSTNAINER
6x1.0mm12 N.m 11.2 kgt m,E.7 tbt'ft)
OOWEL NN
BODY ASSEMBLY
6x1.0mm12 N.m 11.2 kgf.m,8.7 rbf.ft)
ATF PAN GASKETReplace.
VALVE
ATF COOLER INLETUNE BRACKET BOLT8 x 1,25 mm26 N.m {2.7 kgf.m,20 tbf.frl
13.
ATF PANx 1.0 mm12 N.m 11.2 kgf.m, E.7 lbf.ftl
Install the new lower valve bodv in the reverse
ordgr of the removal orocedure.
CAUTION: Koep all ot other fo.oign particles out of
ths transmission.
NOTE:
. Replace the following parts:
- O-rings on the solenoid harness connector
and the ATF strainer- ATF pan gasket- Sealing washers
. lf the ATF cooler inlet line bracket is bent or
warped, put it back to the original position.
Perform the start clutch calibration orocedure on
page 14-293.

ATF Filter
l.Removal/lnstallation
!@ Make sure lifts, lEcks, snd safoty stands
ara pl8ced properly {sae section 1).
CAUTION: While removing and installing the ATF tilier,
be sure not to allow dust or other for6ign particle3 to
enter thg transmission.
1. Raise the front of the vehicle, and support it with
safety stands (see section 1).
2. Set the parking brake, and block both rear wheels
securely.
3. Remove the drain plug, and drain the CVT fluid.
Reinstall the drain plug with a new sealing washer
{see page 14-299).
fl,
5.
CAUTION: Keep all toreign particles out ot the
transmission.
Remove the ATF cooler hoses at the ATF cooler
lines. Turn the ends of the ATF cooler hoses up to
prevent ATF from flowing out, then plug the ATF
cooler noses.
CAUTION: Keep all foreign particles out of the
transmission.
Remove the right front mounvbracket.
10 x 1.25 mm4{ N.m {i1.5 kgf.m,33 lbf ft)
ATF COOLER LINE
10 x 1.25 mm54 N.m {5.5 kgt'm,
40 rbl.ft)
ATF COOLER HOSE(|'t
14-303
6. Remove the ATF cooler outlet line.
7. Remove the ATF cooler line bracket bolt.
8. Remove the ATF pan (fourteen bolts)
9. Remove the ATF cooler inlet line from the ATF pan
(three bolts).
10. Remove the ATF filter, and clean it.
11. Check that the ATF filter is in good condition.
12. Replace the ATF filter if it is clogged.
LINE BOLT28 N.m {2.9 kgf.m,21 lbt.ft)
ATF COO1TR OUTIET
6x1.0mm
ATF COOLER INI-ETLINE ERACKET BOLT8 x 1.25 mm26 N.m (2.7 kgt.m,20 rbtftt
O.RINGReplace.
ATF
ATF FILTER
ATF PAN
6x1.0mm12 N.m (1.2 kgt'm,8.7 lbl'ft)
lnstall the ATF filter in the reverse order of the
removal procedure.
GAUTION: Keep all foreign particles out ot the
transmission,
NOTE:
Replace the O-rings, the ATF pan gasket and
sealing washers.
lf the ATF cooler inlet line bracket is bent or
warped. put it back to the original position
GASKETReplace.
'13.
12 N m (1.2 kgf m,

I
6. Disconnect the vehicle speed sensor (VSS) connec-
tor, the driven pulley speed sensor connector, and
the secondary gear shaft speed sensor connector.
SECONDARY GEARSHAFT SPEEDORIVEN PULLEY
SPEED SENSORCONNECTORSENSOR
7. Remove the transmission housing mounting bolts.
14-305
8. Remove the drain plug, and drain th€ CVT fluid
Reinstall the drain plug with a new sealing washer.
CAUTION: While installing the drain plug' bo 3ur.
nol io allow du3l 8nd other toreign particles to
enter into th€ trsnsmi$ion.
DRAIN PLUG18 x 1.5 rnm(, N.m (5.0 kgfm, 36 lbf'ft|
9. Remove the splash shield.
SEALING WASHERReplaco.