Unstable engine speed

Probable cause(s)

PCM defective
Low transmission fluid (HCF-2) level
Transmission fluid (HCF-2) deteriorated
Transmission fluid strainer or transmission fluid filter clogged
Drive pulley, driven pulley, pulley shaft, pulley belt, and pulley related parts worn or damaged
Transmission fluid feed pipe worn, damaged, or out of round
Forward clutch assembly defective
Reverse brake defective
CVT drive pulley pressure control solenoid valve defective
CVT driven pulley pressure control solenoid valve defective
CVT clutch pressure control solenoid valve defective
CVT lock-up clutch control solenoid valve defective
Shift solenoid valve B defective
Shift solenoid valve O/P defective
Transmission fluid pump worn, binding, or foreign material in transmission fluid pump
Main valve body defective
Secondary valve body defective
Linear solenoid valve body defective
Clutch reducing valve body defective
Torque converter assembly defective
Torque converter ring gear worn or damaged
Transmission assembly and drive plate installation defective

Notes

Check for a stored DTC - Refer to: How to Troubleshoot the Fuel and Emissions Systems How to Troubleshoot the CVT System(CVT System) , and check for loose connectors.
Check the transmission fluid (HCF-2) level .
Check the transmission fluid (HCF-2) condition. If necessary, replace the transmission fluid (HCF-2) .
Check the transmission fluid strainer and the transmission fluid filter for debris. If the transmission fluid strainer or the transmission fluid filter is clogged, find the damaged components that caused debris.
Check the drive pulley, the driven pulley, the pulley shafts, the steel belt, and pulley related parts for wear and damage. If there are worn or damaged, replace the transmission housing assembly .
Check the transmission fluid feed pipe for wear, damage, and out of round.
Inspect the clearance between the forward clutch end-plate and the top disc . If the clearance is out of tolerance, replace the forward clutch assembly.
Inspect the reverse brake piston and the O-rings. Check the spring retainer for wear and damage. Inspect the clearance between the brake end-plate and the top disc. If the clearance is out of tolerance, inspect the brake discs and plates for wear and damage. If the discs and plates are worn or damaged, replace them as a set. If they are OK, adjust the clearance with the brake end-plate.
Inspect the CVT drive pulley pressure control solenoid valve .
Inspect the CVT driven pulley pressure control solenoid valve .
Inspect the CVT clutch pressure control solenoid valve defective .
Inspect the CVT lock-up clutch control solenoid valve .
Inspect the shift solenoid valve B - Refer to: Shift Solenoid Valve O/P Test Shift Solenoid Valve B Test .
Inspect the shift solenoid valve O/P - Refer to: Shift Solenoid Valve O/P Test Shift Solenoid Valve B Test .
Check the transmission fluid pump assembly for wear and damage. If the transmission fluid pump assembly is worn or damaged, replace it as an assembly.
Check the main valve body for wear and damage.
Check the secondary valve body for wear and damage.
Check the linear solenoid valve body for wear and damage.
Check the clutch reducing valve body for wear and damage.
Inspect the torque converter assembly for wear and damage. If the torque converter assembly is worn or damaged, replace it as an assembly .