Talk to me about the CVT judder.

[Wade.Moeller]

Reading this forum is like letting a hypochondriac onto WebMD.

While waiting to get some cash together for an IMA battery replacement, I've driven both with and without the benefit of the IMA motor. Without it, there is is a bit of a judder when starting from a stop, but nothing more then I would expect from trying to get moving without leaving an idle. But then again, the Insight is different then the other cars I've driven so maybe it's the judder issue.

My question is, how strong is the judder? Is it only noticeable if you pay close attention? Or is it like constantly riding with someone who doesn't know how to use a clutch to get moving?

[chrislynn nz]

All 4 of the CVT Insights I imported had the same problem.Just change the CVT gearbox oil and most of this will go away.I did one today and the shudder is gone.

[Need4Speed]

If you do not know when the CVT fluid was last changed then just change it. My car only has about 21K now, and it juddered noticibly, 3.5 quarts of the Honda CVT fluid and good as new. Also change the washer under the trans drain plug. I did not and there is a slow leak now. I will wait for spring and change the fluid again along with the washer. The insight CVT will not work well with anything but the Honda CVT fluid, not regular trans fluid, and after the fluid gets worn out it will judder. I would venture to say you should change the CVT fluid every couple of years, or maybe 50K miles.