As the engine turns, the transmission fluid pump starts to operate. Transmission fluid (HCF-2) is drawn through the transmission fluid strainer (filter) and discharged into the hydraulic circuit.

Line pressure from the transmission fluid pump is regulated by the PH regulator valve, and flows to the drive pulley regulator valve, the driven pulley regulator valve, and the CR valve. Line pressure becomes drive pulley pressure (DR) at the drive pulley regulator valve, and driven pulley pressure (DN) at the driven pulley regulator valve. Drive pulley pressure (DR) flows to the drive pulley, and driven pulley pressure (DN) flows to the driven pulley.

The CVT drive pulley pressure control solenoid valve regulates DR control pressure (DRC), and applies DRC pressure to the drive pulley regulator valve. The CVT driven pulley pressure control solenoid valve regulates the DN control pressure (DNC), and applies the DNC pressure to the driven pulley regulator valve. The PCM actuates the CVT drive pulley pressure control solenoid valve and the CVT driven pulley pressure control solenoid valve to control drive pulley and driven pulley pressures.

Line pressure becomes clutch reducing pressure (CR) at the CR valve, and flows to the CVT drive pulley pressure control solenoid valve, the CVT driven pulley pressure control solenoid valve, the CVT clutch pressure control solenoid valve, the CVT lock-up clutch control solenoid valve, the shift inhibitor valve, and the modulator valve. Clutch reducing pressure (CR) becomes DR control pressure (DRC) at the CVT drive pulley pressure control solenoid valve, DN control pressure (DNC) at the CVT driven pulley pressure control solenoid valve, CPC pressure (4) at the CVT clutch pressure control solenoid valve, and LC control pressure (LCC) at the CVT lock-up clutch control solenoid valve.

Line pressure becomes torque converter pressure (92) at the PH regulator valve, and torque converter pressure (92) enters the torque converter through the LC shift valve, and it is discharged from the torque converter. The TC check valve prevents torque converter pressure from rising.

The PCM controls the CVT drive pulley pressure control solenoid valve, the CVT driven pulley pressure control solenoid valve, the CVT clutch pressure control solenoid valve, the CVT lock-up clutch control solenoid valve, and shift solenoid valve B on and off.

The PCM actuates the CVT drive pulley pressure control solenoid valve and the CVT driven pulley pressure control solenoid valve to regulate DN control pressure (DNC) higher than DR control pressure (DRC). The driven pulley receives driven pulley pressure (DN) higher than drive pulley pressure (DR) applied to the drive pulley, so the pulley ratio is high. In N, the hydraulic pressure is intercepted at the manual valve, and not applied to the forward clutch.

The manual valve is moved to D, and uncovers the port of forward clutch pressure (FWD) to the forward clutch. Forward clutch pressure (FWD) flows to the forward clutch, and the forward clutch is engaged. The forward clutch drives the forward clutch hub/sun gear and the drive pulley shaft. The drive pulley shaft drives the final gears via the driven pulley shaft and the secondary gears. At low speed range; pulley ratio high, the drive pulley receives lower pressure than driven pulley received pressure, the drive pulley applies the small-pulley-diameter to the steel belt. As the speed of the vehicle reaches the prescribed value, the PCM controls the CVT drive pulley pressure control solenoid valve to regulate DR control pressure (DRC), and CVT driven pulley pressure control solenoid valve to regulate DN control pressure (DNC) to apply an optimum pressure to the pulleys. At middle speed range; pulley ratio middle, the drive pulley and the driven pulley receive almost same volume pressure, the drive pulley applies the mid-pulley-diameter to the steel belt. Vehicle speed is further increase, the drive pulley receives higher than driven pulley received pressure, and the drive pulley applies the large-pulley-diameter to the steel belt; pulley ratio stands at low.

If the shift lever is selected in R position/mode while the vehicle is moving forward, the PCM actuates the CVT clutch pressure control solenoid valve so that CPC pressure (4) releases at the CVT clutch pressure control solenoid valve. No power is transmitted to the reverse brake.

The manual valve is moved to R, and uncovers the port of reverse brake pressure (RVS) to the reverse brake. Reverse brake pressure (RVS) flows to the reverse brake, and the reverse brake is engaged so that the reverse brake locks the planetary carrier.

The manual valve is moved to P, and covers the port of forward clutch pressure (FWD) and reverse brake pressure (RVS). The manual valve intercepts CPC pressure (4), and hydraulic pressure is not applied to the forward clutch and the reverse brake.