Why idle neutral logic with a torque converter?

[MightyMirageMpg]

I had it in my '14 CVT Mirage and now in my '17 CVT. It works flawlessly every time. It could be that the CVT having a torque converter absorbs some of the delay during engagement.
Perhaps a more relaxed pace coupled with a judicial application of throttle will ease the transition.
If one cannot adjust their driving style to suit the vehicle they're in it's no fault of the vehicle itself.

This might sound silly but why does the cvt transmission have a torque converter and neutral idle logic?

[Eggman]

This might sound silly but why does the cvt transmission have a torque converter and neutral idle logic?

Just guessing:
1. To allow the engine to continue to run at a stop.
2. To save fuel while at idle.

The neutral idle logic was discussed. I'll try to find it.

[MightyMirageMpg]

Just guessing:
1. To allow the engine to continue to run at a stop.
2. To save fuel while at idle.

The neutral idle logic was discussed. I'll try to find it.

I like #1. It makes the most sense.

I guess i *presumed* the cvt went into neutral everytime you let off the throttle. The versa i drove (different software obviously) didn't feel like it engine braked at all.

I also thought the transmission would be capable of 1mph and utilize some kind of clutch for efficiency

[Eggman]

I like #1. It makes the most sense.

I guess i *presumed* the cvt went into neutral everytime you let off the throttle. The versa i drove (different software obviously) didn't feel like it engine braked at all.

I also thought the transmission would be capable of 1mph and utilize some kind of clutch for efficiency

Yeah it's crazy I think the CVT in the Mirage is also used in some Nissan models. I wonder if it's used in the Versa? I think it is.

I know what you mean about engine braking. Our Fusion does this. I think it doesn't do deceleration fuel cut-off - another thing I learned from this forum.

[MightyMirageMpg]

Yeah it's crazy I think the CVT in the Mirage is also used in some Nissan models. I wonder if it's used in the Versa? I think it is.

I know what you mean about engine braking. Our Fusion does this. I think it doesn't do deceleration fuel cut-off - another thing I learned from this forum.

I always preferred manual transmission so never really researched automatics in general. Now I'm getting older and think i should've got the cvt. Lol

[MetroMPG]

Yeah it's crazy I think the CVT in the Mirage is also used in some Nissan models. I wonder if it's used in the Versa? I think it is.

Yes - same CVT in the Versa sedan/Note and in the Chevy Spark.

Possibly different programming/features, though.

[inuvik]

I like #1. It makes the most sense.

I guess i *presumed* the cvt went into neutral everytime you let off the throttle. The versa i drove (different software obviously) didn't feel like it engine braked at all.

I also thought the transmission would be capable of 1mph and utilize some kind of clutch for efficiency

This is the primary reason I shift into neutral if I'm going to be idling for more than 10 seconds. This way I know for sure the CVT is disengaged. Once you get into the habit it's no different then idling in neutral at a stop with a manual transmission.

[Eggman]

Found some.

CVT owners... what is "Idle Neutral Logic"? And what is it like to drive?
An interesting article on our CVT transmission.

[IchabodCrane]

A typical CVT lets go of the belt at idle and must engage (grab) it again to start moving. During engagement the belt slips against the sheaves. This slipping causes wear. In a typical CVT with a rubbber composite belt that's easy to change when worn this is an acceptable feature. In automotive CVT's the belt is woven steel. Slippage in this system will cause excessive heat and wear to the point of failure very quickly. to circumvent this the belt is always kept in proper tension in full contact with the sheaves so a torque converter is required to handle the slippage required for idling in gear and progressive engagement (slippage) to get moving again. Without this the CVT is not feasible in automotive applications.
The neutral idle logic technically put the trans in neutral relieving engine load for economy at idle while relieving stress on the torque converter. The latter is necessary as the torque converter is very small for weight savings and can overheat quickly. As stated previously and in the owner's manual, it's a good idea to shift into neutral for prolonged stops at idle.

[MightyMirageMpg]

A typical CVT ... In a typical CVT with rubber .........

Do you mean another auto application or a different application all together?