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Post by empire on Sept 12, 2004 21:35:28 GMT -5
I've got a 1989 Justy front wheel drive with ECVT that remains in high gear... doesn't seem to have a low gear. Any ideas? It does have reverse.
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Post by justyfanatic2 on Sept 15, 2004 13:54:28 GMT -5
The ECVT doesn't have individual gearing.
The tranny is really a pulley system with a metal band running over them. The car does not change gears like a regular transmission. The pulleys expand and contract to change gear ratios.
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Post by empire on Sept 15, 2004 16:51:21 GMT -5
I understand that. Irregardless, the ECVT acts like it is stuck in a high gear. No low end torque, as if you were starting out in 3rd or 4th gear (on a conventional transmission).
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Post by bill on Sept 24, 2004 18:19:45 GMT -5
It sounds as though the car does move. Does it get up to speed, just slowly? Does the ECVT light come on? (pump pressure) It may be debris in the galleys in the shafts or wear. But one or both are not resizing to the "low" gear ratios. Either way, repair parts will be hard to find. And check the clutch brushes. Worn brushes do strange things to these cars.
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Post by empire on Sept 26, 2004 21:07:08 GMT -5
Thanks for reply. ECVT light does not come on, but is functional. Vehicle does get up to speed, but very slowly at first. Seems to have extremely low torque... a real slug. I should check the brushes. I suppose it could be engine related, but seems to rev up ok in neutral (park). Car does not idle very well.
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Post by subaruandybc on Jun 28, 2006 14:33:08 GMT -5
I seem to be having the EXACT same problems as Empire (I realise that these posts are 2 years old now, but does anyone have any advice for me? If my brushes are fine, would there be a problem with the powder clutch?
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Post by subaruandybc on Jun 28, 2006 14:38:33 GMT -5
I'll give a bit more info on my problem...
My wife drives the car for work, mostly highway driving. When we bought the car, it seemed to have great pick up, but seemed at times that it would rev up without picking up...
Then, I, wanting to test how good the justy was for offroading, and going on fishing trips, took it on some steep (really steep) logging roads. where I think I really aggravated the problem. Then trying to get up these hills the engine would rev up, but would not get enough torque to go, then on the way back home on the highways, it seemed to lose all its guts and pick up, but would gain speed gradually.
So thats where it is today, I tried to look at the brushes yesterday, but the screws of the holder were too dirty and hot to get off without stripping them.
Any help or advice would be great. Has anyone solved problems like these??
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Post by SUBIEJIM on Jun 28, 2006 20:01:06 GMT -5
Does the ECVT Clutch light in the dash come on and stay on while the car is running? If so, You can try to pull any ECVT codes that are stored in memory. That may help to diagnose the problem. I have a 90 4WD 5 door Justy w/ECVT trans, mine has a code 35 (Line pressure solenoid)..MY trans is a bit slippy and will not engage 4WD. This Sucks but, I'm gonna keep on working on mine till its fixed! If the light is not on, you may have just overheated the fluid. I would drop the pan and change the filter then, refill with Dexron Mercon III (Dexron II is the same as the Subaru ECVT fluid but, is no longer available). If memory serves me right ,I think it takes 3.5-4 Qts for a drain and fill (I can check on that.) Unfortunately, The 4WD ECVT was built for better traction in rain and snow...Deep sand and Steep logging trails will send one of these "FRAGILE" lumps to trans heaven in the blink of an eye. So..Why have one?? Well, Even when sick, my 90 2000 lb FI 4WD ECVT 5 Door Justy will out accelerate my 88 1800 lb carbed 4WD 5speed 2 door Justy. The ECVT has lots of potential...Just check out the new Ford Five Hundred and the new Dodge Caliber...Both have ECVTs...As usual Justys were ahead of their time. ;D Good Luck Jim
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Post by subaruandybc on Jun 29, 2006 0:55:13 GMT -5
Where is the filter located on the transmission?
Thanks a lot for your help Jim!
Andy
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Post by SUBIEJIM on Jun 29, 2006 9:39:12 GMT -5
The "strainer" is located at the bottom of the transaxle under the stamped steel transmission oil pan, the pan is black in color. Remove the pan bolts and trans pan, the filter/strainer is right there. Remove the one bolt that secures it, then remove it with a twisting and pulling motion. The sealing o-ring on the pick-up should come off with the filter if not..use a pick to remove it from the trans. A new o-ring will come with the new filter..Lube it with trans fluid and install it on the pick-up on the filter. Install the filter and secure with the bolt. Reinstall the trans pan (It may use either a cork-rubber pan gasket or RTV sealer). My factory Justy manual says 4.4 US qts for a refill on a 4WD ECVT BUT.......I would put in a little less than 4 qts and add as the engine reaches operating temp. Use the trans dip stick to get the correct level..Fluid must be hot to get an accurate reading. NOTE: Have a LARGE catch pan under the trans when you remove the trans pan....I usually remove all the pan bolts but, leave 2 bolts backed halfway out at the front then I "Break the Seal" at the rear of the pan gasket and let the fluid drain into the catch pan...This avoids a BIG mess. Check to see if your fluid smells burnt...Dark is OK but burnt is bad. Good Luck!! Jim
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Post by Scoobaru on Jun 30, 2006 9:22:56 GMT -5
So Jim, do you think your 90 outruns your 88 because of the ecvt vs 5 speed or because of the FI vs carb (+10%hp for FI)?
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Post by SUBIEJIM on Jun 30, 2006 20:09:03 GMT -5
So Jim, do you think your 90 outruns your 88 because of the ecvt vs 5 speed or because of the FI vs carb (+10%hp for FI)? It's probably a combination of both! ;D The EFI does have the 10 extra ponies but, more importantly.. A much better torque curve...This, along with the much "crisper" throttle response associated with EFI blows the carbed engines away!!...Especially from a dead stop. The great thing about the ECVT is it is not a "Step" type automatic trans, shifting up from 1st-2nd-3rd-OD and then down again whenever the engine encounters a load. The ECVT's changing pulley diameters allow the transmission to constantly maintain the best "output ratio" based on info from the vehicle input sensors (VSS,TPS,MAP,CK, P/N, etc).. The pulleys can provide a full reduction ratio all the way up through maximum overdrive, thus keeping the engine RPM within the camshafts usable power band at all times. This makes for better fuel economy and fantastic acceleration. Unfortunately, at the time...Great idea------Poor execution! I guess I really need to drive an 89 Justy with the carbed engine and 4WD ECVT to give a more honest assessment on which component yields the best gains. I'll use any excuse to drive a Justy!!!! Jim
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Post by subaruandybc on Jul 4, 2006 17:53:55 GMT -5
Thanks for the help again Jim. I changed the trans fluid before I read your post, so I'll have to change the filter at a later date. I'm just a work in progress when it somes to working on the justy. Learning lots, and the help here is awesome.
The car seems to be smoother in it's driving now, but still doesn't have the guts it used to. Would not changing the filter alter this? Also, the ECVT light came on when I was going up a hill. It didn't want to go faster than 50 and that steepness.
Andy
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Post by subaruandybc on Aug 3, 2006 20:15:18 GMT -5
OK, So i just checked my brushes and tey have plenty of meat left on em. So, and ideas what I can now check? I would rather learn myself than take it to the dealer.
Also, my buddies Justy died and it is a manual transmission. He says I can hhave it. How difficult would it be to swap the transmission over to mine. both are 2wd, his is just 5-speed, mine ecvt.
Would I need a lift for the tranny? or any special tools?
thanks,
Andy
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Post by subaruandybc on Aug 3, 2006 20:51:48 GMT -5
Jim, How do I pull error codes out of memory?
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Post by Scoobaru on Aug 5, 2006 8:56:18 GMT -5
You will need a lift to pull out the tranny, I actually find it easier to pull the whole engine/tranny as a unit, but you can pull the tranny separate. If you have access to a whole parts car, then it probably would be too bad a job. Best to swap out tranny, wiring harness, probably whole dash.
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Post by SUBIEJIM on Aug 5, 2006 10:10:51 GMT -5
Andy, You can pull codes for the ECVT in this way: The ECVT computer is located under the dash just to the left of the steering column. You will see a bundle of wires coming from the ECVT computer. Look for the 2 green connectors (I have also seen them in blue). One is a male single wire connector and the other is a single wire female. Plug them together than shift the trans into N and turn the key to the on position. The ECVT light will come on. Next..Press the gas pedal to the floor and hold it there...Then shift the trans from N-R-N-D-N in that order. The light should then flash codes. Example: 3 flashes..a pause and 5 flashes = code 35. Good Luck!! Jim Jim, How do I pull error codes out of memory?
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Post by SUBIEJIM on Aug 5, 2006 10:30:40 GMT -5
Scoobaru is dead on......You are much better off pulling the engine and trans as a unit. I do NOT recommend pulling the trans out separately. The ECVT has a small oil pump shaft that is about 10" long that runs through the hollow input shaft to the oil pump. The other end is splined into the back of the flywheel. The problem is... The shaft splines rust in the back of the flywheel and will not allow the trans to come out. This happens often. Now, if you really don't want to pull the engine. If by chance the shaft sticks, you can pull the trans back and get a saws all between the trans and flywheel and saw off the shaft. (I Know! but, they do it that way at the dealer) As to the 5 speed swap...If you have a parts car the swap is simple but, a bit time consuming again...scoobaru is dead on about the parts needed. Good Luck! Jim simple You will need a lift to pull out the tranny, I actually find it easier to pull the whole engine/tranny as a unit, but you can pull the tranny separate. If you have access to a whole parts car, then it probably would be too bad a job. Best to swap out tranny, wiring harness, probably whole dash.
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Post by Scoobaru on Aug 6, 2006 8:56:53 GMT -5
On a side note, there is a engine support bar that is sold by Princess Auto (Canadian outfit eh!) that works great for supporting the engine if you wish to remove the tranny alone. It sits on the lip of the fenders (where the hood sits) and has a center support that can be raised or lowered to change the height of the engine. A good solid device, and works well. And I think it may be on sale right now for $75.
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Post by subaruandybc on Aug 9, 2006 17:44:55 GMT -5
Awesome Info Guys! I'll let you know how things go. It might be some time before I can get to it.
Andy
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