Features of driving cars equipped with the Easytronic robotic gearbox (Opel Astra H)

The automated Easytronic 5-speed manual transmission allows you to switch gears in manual or automatic mode, while in both modes automatic clutch control is provided.

Starting the engine

The engine can only be started when the brake pedal is depressed. The display of the selected transmission mode (see section 16) the "N" indicator lights up. When the brake pedal is not pressed, the indicator is activated in flashing mode. It is not necessary to shift the selector lever to neutral before starting the engine - the gearbox automatically switches to neutral.

Note: In this case, the engine starts after a short delay.

Controlling gear shifting with the gear shift lever

The Easytronic gearshift and mode diagram is shown in Illustration 24.1. The gearshift lever must always be moved in each direction to the stop. After each action, it automatically returns to the middle position, so it is necessary to constantly monitor the indication on the gearshift mode selection display (see section 16).



Moving the gear shift lever to the "N" position will engage neutral gear.



To move off, press the foot brake pedal, release the parking brake and move the gearshift lever to position "A", "+" or "-" - Easytronic will engage automatic mode, first gear (if winter mode is activated (see below) - second gear). The corresponding indicator will appear on the gearbox mode selection display (see section 16). After releasing the brake, the car begins to move slowly. If you need to reverse, engage the appropriate gear (see below).

You can also start moving without pressing the brake pedal if you press the gas pedal when you move the lever. If the gas or brake pedal is not pressed, the gear will not engage - the "A" indicator will start flashing on the display. After a few seconds, the "N" indicator will appear on the display again - repeat the starting procedure as described above.

Automatic gear shift mode

In automatic mode, gear shifting is performed automatically depending on road conditions and the degree of pressure on the gas pedal.

Automatic mode is activated by moving the gearshift lever to position "A". Each subsequent press of the lever to position "A" will switch between automatic and manual modes of the gearbox.

Manual gear shift mode

In manual mode, gears are shifted manually - briefly moving the lever in the "+" direction will engage a higher gear, and briefly moving it in the "-" direction will engage a lower gear - the "M" indicator and the engaged gear are displayed on the gear selection display.

Note: If the engine speed is too low, the Easytronic transmission will automatically downshift even in manual mode.

If a higher gear is selected when the speed is too low or a lower gear when the speed is too high, the shift will not occur. By repeatedly moving the gearshift lever at short intervals, it is possible to jump through gears.

When the automatic mode is on, moving the gearshift lever to the "+" or "-" position will switch to manual mode, which will result in a shift to a higher or, accordingly, lower gear - the "M" indicator and the currently engaged gear will appear on the display of the selected gearbox mode.

Engaging reverse gear (R)

Attention: Reverse gear can only be engaged after the vehicle has come to a complete stop!

To engage reverse gear, press the brake pedal (release the parking brake when starting off), press the gearshift lever to the "N" position and then, without releasing the lever, to the "R" position - the "R" indicator will appear on the gearbox mode selection display. After releasing the brake, the car begins to move slowly.

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You can also start moving in reverse without pressing the brake pedal if you press the gas pedal while moving the gearshift lever. If the gas or brake pedal is not pressed, the gear will not engage and the "R" indicator will start flashing on the display. After a few seconds, the "N" indicator will appear again on the display - repeat the starting procedure as described above.

Some techniques for driving a car with the Easytronic system

To accelerate the car sharply when the transmission is operating in automatic mode, press the gas pedal to the stop, overcoming the resistance point. In this case, if the engine was running in the range of revolutions close to the lower threshold value for the current gear, the gearbox will automatically switch to the adjacent lower gear, which will provide more power when picking up speed; if the engine speed was approaching the upper threshold value of the current gear, a higher gear will be automatically engaged. When pressing the gas pedal overcoming the resistance point, switching to a higher gear will occur automatically and in manual mode.

Note: When the accelerator pedal is fully depressed, manual gear shifting is not possible.

When starting off in SPORT mode (see below) with the gas pedal fully depressed, the drive wheels may slip slightly - this ensures maximum acceleration of the car.

When driving downhill in automatic mode, Easytronic will only shift up when the engine speed is increased by pressing the accelerator pedal, allowing engine braking with the pedal released. When braking, the Easytronic gearbox shifts down in the normal manner.

To use engine braking on downhill slopes when driving in manual control mode, shift into a lower gear in a timely manner.

The car is stopped using the brake pedal. In both automatic and manual modes, 1st gear (2nd gear when winter mode is activated (see below)) or reverse gear is automatically engaged (if there was a reverse movement before this) and the clutch is disengaged. If the driver's door is opened while the engine is running and the brake pedal is not pressed, a warning sound is emitted - the gearshift lever should be moved to the "N" position and the parking brake applied.

When stopping on an incline, it is essential to hold the vehicle using the parking brake or the main brake pedal.

Caution: Never hold the car in gear by increasing the engine speed, otherwise the clutch will automatically engage when overheating!

For longer stops, such as in a traffic jam or at a crossing, turn off the engine.

For precise maneuvering, for example, when parking, entering a garage, etc., you can use the "sliding" property. To do this, with the gear engaged, without pressing the gas pedal, control the movement of the car by releasing the brake pedal.

Note: To protect the Easytronic gearbox from damage if the clutch becomes excessively hot, the creep function is automatically switched off.

Caution: Never press the gas and brake pedals at the same time!

If the car gets stuck in sand, mud, snow or a ditch, it is necessary to move the selector lever back and forth between the "A" and "R" or "+" and "-" positions while slightly pressing the gas pedal. The engine speed should be kept as low as possible, and avoid pressing the gas pedal abruptly.

Attention: The method described above is permissible to use only in exceptional cases.

Before leaving the vehicle when parked, you must apply the parking brake and remove the key from the ignition or, if the Open system is available,&Start, remove the electronic key from the car - the last current gear remains engaged (see transmission mode selection display).

Note: If the lever was pressed to the "N" position before turning off the ignition, the gear is not engaged.

After the ignition is switched off, Easytronic stops responding to the gearshift lever. Be sure to lock the car, otherwise the battery may be discharged during prolonged parking.

If the parking brake is not engaged, the corresponding indicator lamp will flash for a few seconds after the ignition is switched off (see section 16), and if the driver's door is opened at the same time, a warning chime will also sound. It is necessary to turn on the ignition, engage the gear, turn off the ignition and apply the parking brake.

Easytronic emergency operation mode

If the Easytronic gearbox malfunctions, the corresponding indicator lamp in the instrument cluster lights up (see section 16) — you can continue driving, but manual switching becomes unavailable.



In case of serious malfunctions, the F indicator will also appear on the gearbox mode selection display — you cannot continue driving! To eliminate the causes of failures, contact Opel service station specialists.

Emergency clutch release

In the event of a power failure, if the gear was engaged, the clutch does not disengage - the car cannot be moved.

If it is necessary to remove the vehicle from the flow of moving traffic, the clutch can be disengaged as follows:

• Apply the parking brake and turn off the ignition;
• Open the hood (see section 4);
• Clean the Easytronic gearbox cover and adjacent surfaces (see illustration 24.2) from dust and dirt.
• Using a screwdriver, turn the cover and pull it up as shown in the illustration;
• Using a flat-head screwdriver, turn the set screw located under the cover to the right until you feel resistance - the clutch is disengaged.



Caution: To avoid damage to the gearbox, do not apply excessive force to overcome the resistance of the screw from turning!




• Replace the cleaned cover. Make sure that no dirt gets inside the box. The cover should fit completely against the body.

Attention: Towing the vehicle and starting the engine with the clutch disengaged in the manner specified is prohibited!

If the cause of the malfunction is a discharged battery, perform a jump start (see Introduction) and recharge the battery.



If the cause of the power failure is not a discharged battery, contact an Opel service station.