Does the CVT have a torque converter?

[CTScott]

This is a simple explanation of it from the service manual:

The continuously variable transaxle (CVT) assembly mainly consists of the following: a pulley and belt unit as a shift mechanism, a planetary gear unit as a forward/reverse switching mechanism, a torque converter, a differential, a CVT fluid warmer to keep the CVT fluid temperature optimal, an oil pump and a valve body unit for hydraulic control.



Text in Illustration
*1 Pulley and Belt Unit
*2 Planetary Gear Unit
*3 Oil Pump
*4 Torque Converter
*5 Differential
*6 Reduction Drive Gear
*7 Reduction Driven Gear
*8 Differential Drive Pinion
*9 Differential Ring Gear
*10 Differential Pinion

Pulley and Belt Unit (Shift Mechanism)
1. The pulley and belt unit consists of a primary pulley, a secondary pulley and a metal belt applied to the pulleys.
2. In the primary and secondary pulleys integrated with the piston, the pulley groove width can be changed by each chamber's hydraulic control.
3. The metal belt consists of elements and 2 multi-layered rings which hold the elements in a belt-shaped form.