The content of the article:
- What is X Tronic CVT
- How to properly operate this variator
- How long will it last and what can break
- Advantages and disadvantages
- What machines are used
The X Tronic transmission is a Nissan innovation. In principle, such boxes are V-belt variators with certain changes made to them.
Now the light has seen such developments as the X Tronic JF016 and JF017. This is a completely new generation of gearboxes, adapted to work under heavy loads. In their transmissions, belt drives began to be used, the service life of which became much longer.
What is X Tronic CVT
This is a modern variator, gradually replacing the automatic transmission, from which it is distinguished by a much higher degree of reliability, efficiency and durability. It is possible to call it KP only with a certain degree of convention, because there is actually no transmission as such in it. It was replaced here by a continuously variable transmission, so called because of the ability to smoothly change the gear ratio during operation.
The first versions of such checkpoints were not reliable and quickly failed if the drivers did not limit themselves too much in extreme driving. But the improved types of X Tronic no longer have such disadvantages.
At the moment, options are used that meet increased technological requirements. The dimensions of these boxes have been reduced, and the pump for supplying oil has begun to work more efficiently. Cars with such gearboxes consume fuel much more economically and move more smoothly. The service life of this unit has become significantly longer due to the fact that now it is not subjected to increased loads. Large turns of such a box are no longer scary.
The improvements did not end there, they also affected the firmware. The following modes have been added:
- for use on dirt roads;
- sports;
- for driving in urban environments.
Now these boxes can be used even on engines with high power. After making changes to the design, the gear ratio range also underwent changes, which was the reason for the increase in the smoothness of the car. After making all the changes, the X Tronic became the most reliable transmission ever. By the way, now it is installed not only on Nissan, but also on Renault.
How to properly operate this variator
In winter, immediately after starting the engine, do not expose the transmission to excessive loads. The gearbox must be properly warmed up. To do this, she will need at least 15 minutes.
Be sure to keep in mind that the engine warms up earlier than the variator. Therefore, for some time after starting the engine in winter, it is highly discouraged to turn on higher revs. And just before you start, you need to turn on all modes one by one, lingering at each of the positions for up to 15 seconds.
From time to time it is necessary to check the condition of the transmission oil, and also need to monitor its level. If the volume of oil has greatly decreased or it is completely absent, it is necessary to urgently take measures to establish the cause of this unpleasant phenomenon. In a complete absence of oil, the car must never be operated, as this can cause engine damage. The transmission fluid will have to be completely replaced if it starts to smell like fumes.
If your car is equipped with a variator box, then you should forget about the abrupt start. This prohibition applies to both winter and summer time. It is also highly undesirable to slip.
To remove the car from the snowdrift, it is not recommended to swing it by moving the selector from position D to mode R and vice versa - this way you can simply “kill” the gears, spline connections can also be significantly damaged. And if your car is stuck in a snowdrift or in mud, then you can pull it out with the help of another car, after setting the gearbox to neutral.
But towing vehicles yourself is highly discouraged. It is also better to do without the use of trailers. The latter statement does not apply to the X Tronic JF016 and JF017.
All kinds of sensors, as well as controllers, must always be in a satisfactory condition. The design of the variator is characterized by the presence of a large number of electronics. This, of course, is very good, but there is also a negative side - if one of the sensors breaks down, the entire system may stop working or it will go into emergency operation.
The variator is a rather complex mechanism, and not everyone can understand the operation of which, so it is better to entrust its repair to professionals.
How long will it last and what can break
The X Tronic will operate normally for approximately 150,000 km. After such a run, its resource begins to run out. As a rule, this time the mechanism works properly, which is guaranteed by the manufacturer. Of course, its lifespan will depend on the vehicle on which it is installed and on the operating conditions. But after the specified mileage, the variator may break.
This gearbox is characterized by a number of malfunctions. One of the main ones is the twitching of the car when dropping gas. If the gearbox is faulty, then the car will go jerkily when the speed mode is dropped to 20 km / h.
If you do not follow the rules for operating the vehicle, then after a while the box installed on it will begin to emit sounds reminiscent of the noise of a moving trolleybus. It is impossible to indicate any one reason for this malfunction - there can be a lot of them, and diagnostics need to be made to accurately determine.
The belt drive can also get some damage. The belt simply breaks if the rules for operating the machine were not followed, and no one monitored the condition of the belt drive. Belt breakage is fraught with other damage, as its particles can damage other elements of the unit.
Another common CVT malfunction is bearing failure. The reason for this defect is also, as a rule, improper operation of the power unit. When this happens, a strong, uncharacteristic noise will be heard from the box.
Advantages and disadvantages
Undoubtedly, CVT transmissions in general and Ixtronic in particular have certain advantages over a conventional automatic transmission. Among them, the following should be noted:
- Better dynamics of movement of the car - it goes smoother.
- There is no noise during the operation of the variator (only faulty devices are the exception).
- According to manufacturers, the X Tronic is more fuel efficient. This becomes possible due to the fact that the motor does not stall during a stop.
- Thanks to the latest improvements, this type of variator has become longer. The unit has become noticeably more reliable.
- Less harmful substances are emitted into the air.
- Switching the speed mode is not required. There is also no clutch pedal, which makes driving much easier.
- The car accelerates faster.
If we talk about the disadvantages of this unit, then, first of all, it is reduced dynamics compared to mechanics. Its distinctive feature can be called "thinking" of the box during overclocking.
Sensitivity to heat is another significant drawback. If the constant operation of the car at an increased speed is meant, then it is better to refrain from using such a box.However, craftsmen recommend in this case to install an additional cooling radiator on the gearbox.
In general, CVTs are very sensitive to driving without following the rules of their use. If you do not care about them, then you need to be prepared for the fact that expensive repairs will soon be needed.
What machines are used
Until recently, CVTs were installed on cars with 2.0 and 3.5 liter engines, but now they are also available on 1.6 liter engines. For example, such a box is installed on Renault Kaptur.
The manufacturers claim that thanks to the X Tronic installation, they have achieved significant fuel savings - up to 12%, and the friction rate has been reduced by 40%. In the future, this CVT is planned to be installed on the Nissan Qashqai. But already now it has a place to be on many models of Nissan and Renault.
Outcome
Design differences are the main differences between Ixtronic and conventional gearboxes. The device is constantly being modernized, and these improvements lead to an increase in the life of various parts of the car - for example, the transmission. You can read negative reviews on the use of these units on the Internet, but, as a rule, they are written by motorists who are not burdened with the obligatory observance of the rules for operating their car. Before buying a car with a CVT, you need to think carefully about your driving style. Remember that aggressive driving can quickly "kill" the transmission if the machine is equipped with X Tronic.
