Clubjazz - Honda Jazz & HR-V Forums

Honda Jazz Forums => Honda Jazz Mk2 2008-2015 => Topic started by: cvtjazz on July 01, 2020, 08:52:39 AM

Title: How to identify CVT Gearbox?
Post by: cvtjazz on July 01, 2020, 08:52:39 AM
Hi,  this is further to my earlier post about an ominous noise from my daughter's Mk2 Jazz CVT gearbox.

I took it to my local Blade Honda dealer, and they said they had never heard this rubbing sound before, but thought it might be a drive shaft bearing failure.  So I'm now trying to source a used cvt gearbox, but obviously need the right one. 

Can anyone help - the only identifier on the gearbox appears to be a white stick-on label at the front right showing SE5A-3036595, is this the code or part number I need?  Also, the car is a 2011 I-VTEC ES CVT, is it the case that only gearboxes for the Jazz range built 2009-15 will fit?
Title: Re: How to identify CVT Gearbox?
Post by: Jocko on July 01, 2020, 09:36:11 AM
Contact a Transmission Specialist. When my manual gearbox needed a rebuild I Googled Transmission Specialist and got several local. I emailed them and picked one who replaced all the bearings and seals, with the gearbox in the car, for £324 all-inclusive. This was a quarter of the price that garages were quoting. It may be cheaper and easier to have bearing replaced than to replace with an unknown CVT transmission.
Title: Re: How to identify CVT Gearbox?
Post by: 123Drive! on July 01, 2020, 02:05:07 PM
Hi,  this is further to my earlier post about an ominous noise from my daughter's Mk2 Jazz CVT gearbox.

I took it to my local Blade Honda dealer, and they said they had never heard this rubbing sound before, but thought it might be a drive shaft bearing failure.  So I'm now trying to source a used cvt gearbox, but obviously need the right one. 

Can anyone help - the only identifier on the gearbox appears to be a white stick-on label at the front right showing SE5A-3036595, is this the code or part number I need?  Also, the car is a 2011 I-VTEC ES CVT, is it the case that only gearboxes for the Jazz range built 2009-15 will fit?
No, 2008-2010 is a I-shift gear box. Why can't Honda dealer give you the part number? Definitely get a few quotes like Jocko suggest.
Title: Re: How to identify CVT Gearbox?
Post by: cvtjazz on July 04, 2020, 10:19:00 AM
I'm still unable to identify the gearbox I need.  Honda (Blade) can't give me a part number for the assembly.  A transmission specialist will refurbish existing cvt box for £2950, or fit a s/h unit I supply for £620.

There are several units available on ebay, but descriptions vary.    My earlier question still stands; aside from the I-Shift box, obviously completely different, does anyone know if any cvt box fitted to the 2008-15 Jazz will fit my Mar 2011 Jazz (1339cc 73Kw) I-VTEC ES CVT, or alternatively what reference or code on the box confirms it's the one I need?

Incidently, I assume the Jazz Hybrid cvt gearbox is different?

Title: Re: How to identify CVT Gearbox?
Post by: sparky Paul on July 04, 2020, 11:03:25 AM
Can anyone help - the only identifier on the gearbox appears to be a white stick-on label at the front right showing SE5A-3036595, is this the code or part number I need?  Also, the car is a 2011 I-VTEC ES CVT, is it the case that only gearboxes for the Jazz range built 2009-15 will fit?

I believe the 'SE5A' is the relevant bit, I suspect the rest is the gearbox serial number. Not sure if the SE7A gearbox will fit, they seem much easier to get hold of, there's one currently on ebay for £216 delivered. The difference in prices and relative scarcity of the SE5A would make me think they are possibly not interchangeable? Worth exploring though.


I took it to my local Blade Honda dealer, and they said they had never heard this rubbing sound before, but thought it might be a drive shaft bearing failure.  So I'm now trying to source a used cvt gearbox, but obviously need the right one.

Main dealers have very limited experience with gearbox problems, they will replace gearboxes under warranty, but will refer any repair work on to a specialist.

You need to take the car to someone who knows these gearboxes, to make sure that it is actually the gearbox at fault, and if it is, what the problem is likely to be. If it's only a differential bearing for example, you are not going to need a full gearbox recon.


A transmission specialist will refurbish existing cvt box for £2950, or fit a s/h unit I supply for £620.

That sounds like an awful lot of money for a box refurb, and £620 to fit a customer supply box doesn't sound cheap either. It's not going to be a cheap outing, but I'm absolutely 100% with the posters above - if you are going for a full recon, get as many quotes as you can, prices for this sort of work varies wildly. Personally, I would be going for a proper diagnosis by someone who knows what they are doing.

As for the hybrid box, you would think they would be a different set up. However, I've seen some for sale with the code SE7A, so maybe worth exploring too?
Title: Re: How to identify CVT Gearbox?
Post by: olduser1 on July 04, 2020, 02:53:50 PM
What makes you think replacing a gbox will stop the noise?
Never heard of a cvt giving a problem with normal use, dont spend any £ on the Jazz, search for local Honda independent garage and ask them to take a look.
I would have the fiuld changed corretley drain fill then drive 20 miles change again with fsh CVT fluid.
Noises happen in older vehicles, then enjoy the Jazz happy motoring
Title: Re: How to identify CVT Gearbox?
Post by: VicW on July 04, 2020, 04:11:43 PM
The CVT box was fitted up to Nov58, this box had a starter clutch so called, when it was replaced by the i-shift box. For the update in early 2011 the CVT box was re-introduced this time with a torque converter clutch. I doubt that these two boxes are interchangeable.

Vic.
Title: Re: How to identify CVT Gearbox?
Post by: Jocko on July 04, 2020, 04:57:01 PM
Noises happen in older vehicles, then enjoy the Jazz happy motoring
I find as long as the music goes louder than the noise, I'm happy.
Title: Re: How to identify CVT Gearbox?
Post by: Derkie54 on July 04, 2020, 06:54:57 PM
I would find an independant Honda specialist and get their opinion.

Some time ago I had a noise on my VW which was still under warranty. I shared this with forum members and took it back to a main dealer with their suggestions.
They saw the problem as something else and spent over two hours curing it, on driving home after collection it still made the same noise.
I went back and they had another go, it turned out to be exactly what the forum members said so it's worth getting others to look before you spend your hard earned money.

I always join a forum when I buy a car there is so much knowledge out there with people willing to share it.
Title: Re: How to identify CVT Gearbox?
Post by: cvtjazz on July 04, 2020, 07:00:27 PM
Thanks for all your replies, I'm pretty much in agreement with you!

Sparky,  I also have noted the SE7A box appears more readily available, but I now think it's for the Hybrid Jazz, so won't buy it. The car is currently with an auto transmission specialist who (says he) is very familiar with the cvt, and has quoted the prices I mentioned. This is after his £90 'diagnosis' already carried out.  Those are his prices; he says he would replace all the bearings in the box, not sure how many that is, about 8-10?  It's take it or leave it, I just have to decide whether to take it . . . There aren't any other specialists, Honda or otherwise, in my area, and I'n not keen to drive 80 odd miles to the next nearest.

VicW, my car must be just post I-shift (March 2011), and therefore with the torque convertor - thanks.

OldUser,  there's no doubt the gearbox is the problem.  The noise is serious, the Honda main dealer said he wouldn't drive the car one mile!

 I think I'm stuck with the current specialist, can't find a s/h replacement, and have run out of options, Thanks all of you.
Title: Re: How to identify CVT Gearbox?
Post by: sparky Paul on July 04, 2020, 10:04:34 PM
Sparky,  I also have noted the SE7A box appears more readily available, but I now think it's for the Hybrid Jazz, so won't buy it. The car is currently with an auto transmission specialist who (says he) is very familiar with the cvt, and has quoted the prices I mentioned. This is after his £90 'diagnosis' already carried out.  Those are his prices; he says he would replace all the bearings in the box, not sure how many that is, about 8-10?  It's take it or leave it, I just have to decide whether to take it . . . There aren't any other specialists, Honda or otherwise, in my area, and I'n not keen to drive 80 odd miles to the next nearest.

I think you are right about the SE7A.

I would still seek out some other opinions and costs, you could always get the car transported if you find a better recon estimate further afield. It still sounds an awful lot of money to spend on a 9 year old car, you really need to consider the car's trade value and if it's worth carrying on.

You could also spend a few hours hunting round for a used box. A quick google revealed this low mileage one - it's sold, but it shows they are out there. I would still want to pay a bit less though...

https://www.b-parts.com/en/store/products/214636/automatic-gearbox-honda-jazz-iii-ge_-gg_-gp_-za_-14-se5a-3125380-2007/

The number of mangled Jazzes that you see going through auction for breaking, there must be some out there somewhere. What area of the country are you in? There's a few specialist Honda breakers dotted around. You could also try some of the breaker's 'partsfinder' type websites, see if you get any offers.


edit: this thread might be worth a read.

https://clubjazz.org/forum/index.php?topic=8767.0
Title: Re: How to identify CVT Gearbox?
Post by: Jocko on July 04, 2020, 11:03:20 PM
I'n not keen to drive 80 odd miles to the next nearest.
I took my Jazz 60 miles to the specialist I used. I bused it home then back the next day to pick it up.
When I Googled transmission specialist, Central Scotland, I got about a dozen. Half of which were closer than the one I chose but dearer.
The place I used for any Scottish forum members were "Top Gear" in Rutherglen.
https://www.topgear.uk.net/ (https://www.topgear.uk.net/)
It would be worthwhile phoning them. You can transport a car a long way for £2.5K.
Title: Re: How to identify CVT Gearbox?
Post by: cvtjazz on July 05, 2020, 12:18:47 PM
Sparky, thanks for your thoughts - yes, I'd seen that link you sent.  Further searches have turned up one box which I'm pretty sure is the one I need, see link: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HONDA-JAZZ-Gearbox-Mk3-Ivtec-CVT-Automatic-2009-2014/283878476996?hash=item421879ccc4:g:vJEAAOSwQXxevcOE

The information is very sketchy, the seller has sent me some mediocre photos and also the Reg, from which I've determined that it's 2012, a year newer than mine, and about 30k miles when scrapped in Feb this year.  It seems to have been left unprotected and the case has surface corrosion, dirt, etc but I assume the internals wouldn't be affected.  BTW, you'd expect the torque converter to be part of the box?

I'm going to offer £250 and collect it myself (Cheltenham to Brentwood  :(), but 8 years old and 30k miles doesn't sound too bad.  Description is 'Used'  meaning it functions normally  ::)

There's an independent Honda specialist in B'ham I might ask for an installation price, hmm.

Title: Re: How to identify CVT Gearbox?
Post by: Jocko on July 05, 2020, 12:25:25 PM
The gearbox hangs under the car so unless it has been pressure washed after removal you would expect it to be dirty, with normal surface corrosion. 30k sounds good.
Title: Re: How to identify CVT Gearbox?
Post by: sparky Paul on July 05, 2020, 01:05:43 PM
The information is very sketchy, the seller has sent me some mediocre photos and also the Reg, from which I've determined that it's 2012, a year newer than mine, and about 30k miles when scrapped in Feb this year.  It seems to have been left unprotected and the case has surface corrosion, dirt, etc but I assume the internals wouldn't be affected.  BTW, you'd expect the torque converter to be part of the box?

I'm going to offer £250 and collect it myself (Cheltenham to Brentwood  :(), but 8 years old and 30k miles doesn't sound too bad.  Description is 'Used'  meaning it functions normally  ::)

I agree with Jocko, the gearbox looks absolutely normal for a box of that age taken straight off the car, and 30K sounds promising.

It looks a good option to me, if you actually go with the cash, it's a lot easier to haggle on condition. You may also be able to see the donor car - ask the seller what it died of. In my experience, these cars are generally only scrapped for cat B crash damage, water damage, or gearbox failure.

it looks like a complete gearbox, the torque converter is within the casing. It looks correct, with the valve bank on the top.

I would get down there before it sells to somebody else. Sometimes, you have to take a bit of a punt, especially if the alternative is 3 grand for a rebuild... and those sorts of adventures are not without risk either, I speak from sad experience.

The actual mechanical work involved in swapping the gearbox could be performed by any decent independent garage, I would certainly trust my local MOT to do the job. I'm not sure if any ECU programming would be required, where you may well need a Honda specialist, I would have to look into that. You can sometimes get round these issues by transferring ECU modules from the old part to the replacement, if they are accessible.


edit: The ebay listing picture of the car looks suspiciously like a Copart photo - probably the UK's biggest salvage auctioneers. I think you have a good chance it's a crash damaged car it's off.
Title: Re: How to identify CVT Gearbox?
Post by: olduser1 on July 05, 2020, 03:02:01 PM
Ask the seller for the full reg then check its history on govt site, MOT for mileage then is my car taxed
Title: Re: How to identify CVT Gearbox?
Post by: sparky Paul on July 05, 2020, 04:23:36 PM
Ask the seller for the full reg then check its history on govt site, MOT for mileage then is my car taxed

Beat in mind that if it's a cat B write off, it might not be on the system any more. The reg might even have been reassigned to another vehicle.
Title: Re: How to identify CVT Gearbox?
Post by: cvtjazz on September 21, 2020, 03:07:39 PM
Hi, this is just to bring the topic up to date.

I bought the s/h CVT box inc torque converter for £250, and had it fitted by an auto transmission specialist in Gloucestershire.  All seemed OK, and £650 later we collected the car and it ran well, no noise, very smooth.  Couple of weeks later we noticed a transmission fluid leak, not much, just a few drops on the drive overnight.

The car went back, and we were told that the leak was from the fluid cooler fitting (where cooling pipes connect), so for 2 hours work they swapped it over for the one off the original cvt box (which wasn't leaking!).  A little later, still leaking, back to garage, this time the proprietor said it was just fluid that had collected in the under tray, which they cleaned off.  I had my doubts (eg surely they would have noticed when work was done . . .), but I accepted the explanation - no charge this time.

You've guessed it, still leaking!!  Took the car back again, garage not happy.  They said they were not responsible for second hand parts, even though they had willingly agreed to do the gearbox swap in the first place.  I pointed out that I didn't expect them to take responsibility for the s/h unit, but would have expected them to check for leaks after the work was done (3 times!).  I just have to wait and see, hmmm. From what I've read a cvt fluid leak can be a number of possibilities, most likely the transmission pan gasket, or the cooler lines/connections to the cvt radiator, or the torque converter, or the internal seals.  Not sure how an external leak would be apparent from the last two, though.
Title: Re: How to identify CVT Gearbox?
Post by: chrisv on September 21, 2020, 06:41:46 PM
Hi,
I am in the same position, my 2011 cvt gearbox is making noises, honda garage says new gearbox for £14,400, unable to locate a correct gearbox anywhere. My car is now with VMTP transmission speecialists at Norton canes. You can google them for details. They seem to be knowledgeable and specialise in automatic transmission, they gave me a free loan car which is a great help. Unfortunately the mechanic working on my car has had to go for a covid test today so let's hope he's  OK. I intend to sell it when I  get it back, honda's attitude to it's  customers has really upset me, totally unhelpful which is not what I expected,
Chris
Title: Re: How to identify CVT Gearbox?
Post by: sparky Paul on September 21, 2020, 09:10:50 PM
Hi, this is just to bring the topic up to date.

I bought the s/h CVT box inc torque converter for £250, and had it fitted by an auto transmission specialist in Gloucestershire.  All seemed OK, and £650 later we collected the car and it ran well, no noise, very smooth.  Couple of weeks later we noticed a transmission fluid leak, not much, just a few drops on the drive overnight.

That's a shame, it could have been a reasonably good outcome if that hadn't happened. Also a shame the garage took that attitude, are they not wanting to have anything to do with it? I would expect to have to take it on the chin if it was the replacement gearbox at fault anyway.

You could do with a bit of diagnosis by someone who has worked with these CVTs, and hope that it's something that can be accessed externally.
Title: Re: How to identify CVT Gearbox?
Post by: cvtjazz on September 27, 2020, 07:30:02 AM
Well, it seems the problem is solved.  The CVT gearbox has a 2-part casing, held together with a ring of bolts and a gasket between the halves - it's pretty obvious looking from underneath.  The transmission fluid leak was right at the bottom of the casing and it seems the gasket was not doing its job.

The only way to do a permanent fix would be to remove the box and completely strip it down, new gasket, then rebuild :'(  So the garage have applied a little more torque to the bolts that are accessible from underneath, and a smear of an oil leak stopper paste.

4 days later, no leak!  So I'm going to settle for that  :)
Title: Re: How to identify CVT Gearbox?
Post by: neveen on August 04, 2021, 03:06:40 PM
Hi,  this is further to my earlier post about an ominous noise from my daughter's Mk2 Jazz CVT gearbox.

I took it to my local Blade Honda dealer, and they said they had never heard this rubbing sound before, but thought it might be a drive shaft bearing failure.  So I'm now trying to source a used cvt gearbox, but obviously need the right one. 

Can anyone help - the only identifier on the gearbox appears to be a white stick-on label at the front right showing SE5A-3036595, is this the code or part number I need?  Also, the car is a 2011 I-VTEC ES CVT, is it the case that only gearboxes for the Jazz range built 2009-15 will fit?


May I ask if you were able to fix this noise problem as I have the same problem and don't know what to do. please advise?  thanks