1. Drive Selector: In a CVT, there is a drive selector that serves as the primary control for selecting different driving modes or gears. This selector typically consists of positions such as "Park (P)," "Reverse (R)," "Neutral (N)," and "Drive (D)."
2. Electronic Control: Instead of directly controlling the transmission, the drive selector in a CVT sends electrical signals to the vehicle's electronic control unit (ECU).
3. Variable Gear Ratio Adjustment: The ECU receives the selection from the drive selector and adjusts the gear ratio accordingly. In a CVT, there is a set of pulleys and a belt or chain that transmits power between the engine and the wheels. The pulleys vary their diameters to achieve different gear ratios.
4. Simulating Gears: Some CVTs are designed to mimic the feel of traditional gears, even though they don't physically have them. This is achieved through programming and software to provide a stepped or simulated gear-shifting experience.
5. Manual Mode (if available): Certain CVTs may also offer a manual mode or "paddle shifters" that allow the driver to manually select specific ratios or have more control over the gear changes.
In summary, while there is a shifter or drive selector in a CVT vehicle, it is not directly connected to the transmission in the traditional sense. Instead, it electronically communicates the driver's selection to the ECU, which adjusts the variable gear ratio to provide seamless and efficient power delivery.
