Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Pulley Pressure Control/Shift Control
To reduce belt slippage and increase belt life, the PCM calculates signals from the sensors and switches, and actuates the pulley pressure control solenoid valves to maintain optimum pulley pressure. When the pulley ratio is low (low vehicle speed), high hydraulic pressure works on the movable face of the driven pulley and reduces the effective diameter of the drive pulley, and a lower hydraulic pressure works on the movable face of the drive pulley to eliminate the steel belt slippage. When the pulley ratio is high (high vehicle speed), high hydraulic pressure works on the movable face of the drive pulley and reduces the effective diameter of the drive pulley, and a lower hydraulic pressure works on the movable face of the driven pulley to eliminate the steel belt slippage.
The PCM compares actual driving conditions with programmed driving conditions to control shifting, and it instantly determines a drive pulley ratio from various signals sent from sensors and switches. The PCM activates the CVT drive pulley pressure control solenoid valve to control pulley pressure to the pulleys. The drive pulley drives the driven pulley via a steel belt at varying ratios ranging from 2.526 to 0.421 in D.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.