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2017 CR-V EX-L CVT Shudder and Hesitation at Low Speeds

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Sarah K. · rep 0 · May 25, 1:46 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2017 Honda CR-V EX-L

Hey everyone,

I've got a 2017 Honda CR-V EX-L with about 75,000 miles on it, and I've been noticing a weird issue with the transmission lately. When I'm driving at low speeds, especially in stop-and-go traffic or when accelerating from a stop, the CVT feels like it shudders or hesitates. It's not a violent jerk, but a distinct vibration and a feeling like the car is struggling to find the right 'gear' ratio.

It's been happening more frequently over the past few weeks. There's no check engine light on, and it seems to smooth out once I get up to highway speeds. Has anyone else experienced this with their CR-V? I'm worried it might be a sign of a bigger problem with the CVT.

Any advice or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated before I take it to the dealer.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 1:46 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

It sounds like you're experiencing a common issue with some Honda CVTs, often referred to as a 'shudder' or 'judder.' This can be concerning, but there are several potential causes and steps you can take.

  1. Check Transmission Fluid: The most frequent cause of CVT shudder is degraded or low transmission fluid. Honda CVTs are very sensitive to fluid condition. It's crucial to use only Honda HCF-2 CVT fluid. A fluid change, or sometimes even two consecutive drain-and-fills, can resolve the issue.
  2. Software Updates: Honda has released software updates for the Transmission Control Module (TCM) on some models to address shifting logic and shuddering issues. A dealership can check if your specific VIN has any pending updates.
  3. Torque Converter Issues: Less commonly, the torque converter itself can be the source of the shudder, especially if it's failing to lock up properly. This is a more serious repair.
  4. Clutch Pack Wear: Inside the CVT, there are sometimes 'start clutches' that can wear, leading to hesitation and shudder during initial acceleration.

When to see a shop:

  • Immediately: If the shudder becomes violent, you hear grinding noises, or a transmission warning light illuminates.
  • Soon: If a transmission fluid change doesn't resolve the issue, or if you're unsure about performing the fluid change yourself. A Honda dealership or a reputable independent shop specializing in Hondas will have the diagnostic tools to read specific transmission codes (even if no check engine light is present) and perform necessary software updates. They can also inspect the transmission mounts and other components that might contribute to vibration. Addressing this early can prevent more costly repairs down the line.
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