Subaru Outback Forums banner

Is there a way to see real time CVT gear ratio?

18K views 62 replies 22 participants last post by  lxrotb  
Wow that is complex.
It's simple junior high algebra:

CVT ratio = (engine rpm) / (tire revs per mile) / (final drive ratio) / (speed in mph) x 60

(This assumes that the torque converter is locked ... i.e. that the TC lockup clutch is engaged ... and that there is no slippage in the drive line.)

The "final drive ratio" for all Gen 5 Outbacks is 4.111, and the "tire revs per mile" specs for the OEM Outback tires, per their respective manufacturers, are:
  • 225/65R17 = 733 revs/mile
  • 225/60R18 = 727 revs/mile
 
Why don't you let the computer do it's thing?
Yep. That's the whole point of a CVT. It allows the ECM and TCM to select the optimum (i.e. most efficient) combination of throttle opening and engine rpm for any given road speed and power demand.
 
Wow... those are more than 3% larger than what https://tiresize.com reported for generic tire sizes.
Curious. The same source you cite specs the Bridgestone Dueler H/P Sport AS 225/65R17 (OE on our 2016 Outback) at 729 revs per mile.
 
I can't say for certain exactly when the cruise uses the brakes but it does at times use the brakes. When the brake lights on the little animated car on the dash display come on the brakes are being used.
X2. ACC will apply the brakes to limit vehicle speed when descending a long, steep grade. Both my 2015 Legacy and 2016 Outback exhibit this behavior when transiting high mountain passes out west (CO, NM, AZ, UT, WY).
 
ACC is bad in cities ...
ACC is not intended for use in cities. RTFM.

As for Subaru Engineers they are not that great.
With such insight, you really need to start your own car company.

Also for Ferrari and Lamborghini tap both paddles together it goes to neutral gear Subaru does not(I think CVT is to blame here).
Why would you want to do that while driving? The Subaru CVT is not "to blame." It's just designed with a standard manual selector (PRND); the paddle shifters are only an added "feature."
 
Makes me wonder if the CVT chain could wear a groove on the cones if it sits in one position for so long.
Not likely, assuming the CVT fluid is doing its job. One of the essential functions of the CVT fluid is to prevent any metal-to-metal contact between the chain feet and the cone surfaces ... at interface pressures as high as 145,000 psi. (Source: Subaru tech training materials.)
 
  • Like
Reactions: AvidHiker