General information
Attention: Automatic transmission is a very complex system in its technical execution - independent attempts to interfere in its operation and adjustment are unacceptable! If you have any questions about the operation of the AT or if its functioning deviates from the one described below, please contact only the Opel workshop!
AT allows you to control the car without the constant intervention of the driver in the process of shifting gears. The vehicles covered in this manual can be fitted with a 4-speed AT. The AT selector lever is located on the floor and is placed on the center console (see illustrations 23.1).
23.1. AT selector lever
The indication of the current AT mode is displayed on the instrument cluster in the field of the corresponding display of the instrument cluster (see Section 16).
Note: When shifting the selector lever while parking/stopping, it is recommended to always hold the vehicle from possible movement using the parking or service brake system.
AT mode switch control
Gear shifting while the vehicle is moving is performed automatically depending on the selected position of the AT selector lever, the degree of depressing the gas pedal and the current speed.
The transmission range selector lever can be in one of seven fixed positions «R», «R», «N», «D», «3», «2» or «1». The engine can only be started in positions «R» or «N» lever. To switch AT, move the lever along the guide slot.
A panel is mounted to the left of the selector lever on the center console (see illustration 23.1) with the designation of AT modes.
The selector lever is equipped with a release button. The lock release button must be pressed when the lever is moved to the positions «R» And «R», when switching to positions «3» or «1», as well as when removing the lever from the position «R». The lever can be moved to other positions without pressing a button.
The procedure for starting the engine is described in the above (see Section 21). When starting off, depress the foot brake pedal to disengage the AT selector lever lock. Press the lock release button and move the lever to the position «D», «3», «2» or «1» to move forward or «R» for reversing.
Release the parking brake, - brake system warning lamp on the instrument cluster (see Section 16) should go out.
Release the foot brake pedal and gently depress the gas.
Warning: Under no circumstances should you press the gas pedal with the brake pedal depressed!
Take your foot off the gas pedal when shifting gears.
Attention: When the gear is engaged and the brake pedal is released, the car starts to move slowly, even if the gas pedal is released! In no case do not press the gas and brake pedal at the same time - otherwise it may lead to failure of the AT!
Standard selector lever positions
Position «R». In this position, when the key is removed from the ignition lock, the transmission is locked, providing additional protection for the parked car. In this case, the withdrawal of the lever from the position «R» impossible even when depressing the brake pedal. A description of the lever lock emergency disengagement procedure is given below.
Note: The key can only be removed from the ignition switch after the selector lever has been moved to the «R» and releasing the foot brake pedal. To avoid damage to the AT, move the lever to the position «R» only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
Position «I». Setting the selector lever to this position allows the vehicle to move in reverse. Switching the lever to position «R» out of position «N» (neutral) do it only after the car has come to a complete stop, - if the attempt fails, depress the foot brake pedal and slowly move the lever first back to the position «N», then to position «R». Don't forget to press the unlock button.
Position «N». In this position, none of the AT gears will be engaged. Position «N» (neutral) used to start a stalled engine while driving or when stopping a car with a running engine. If for any reason you need to move away from the vehicle, first move the range selector lever to the position «R». When pulling the lever out of position «N» depress the foot brake pedal.
Attention: Putting the transmission into position «N» while driving, there is a risk of serious internal damage to the gearbox!
Position «D». The range selector lever must be in this position at all times when the vehicle is moving under normal road conditions, this ensures that the AT automatically shifts between forward gears in accordance with changes in speed and the degree of depressing the gas pedal from first gear to the highest. The corresponding display will show «D» and the currently enabled transmission.
Selector lever positions for driving in special conditions
AT modes «3», «2» or «1» are designed to limit automatic gear shifting above the specified step and are used when driving in special conditions.
Position «3». In this position, the transmission shift stroke is limited to third gear. The mode can be used to implement engine braking. Turning on the range «3» also useful for avoiding unnecessary automatic transmission cycling between third and fourth gears - such cyclic transmission shifts can occur, for example, when driving in heavy traffic with frequent slowdowns and stops.
Position «2». When the range is turned on «2» the automatic transmission will always operate in second gear. It is recommended to use this limitation when towing a trailer, when driving on hilly terrain, or when applying engine braking on a steep downhill. Position «2» can also be used when starting off on slippery road surfaces, or when driving on snow, helping to prevent severe slipping of the vehicle's drive wheels.
Note: If the mode «2» switched on at too high a speed, the transmission will continue to operate in the previous gear until the shift point to 2nd gear is reached.
Position «1». When the range is turned on «1» automatic transmission will constantly work on the first (inferior) transmission. The mode can be used when driving with a trailer on particularly steep descents and long passes, when driving in deep snow, sand and mud.
Note: If the mode «1» switched on at too high a speed, the transmission will continue to function in 2nd gear until the shift point to 1st gear is reached - for example by braking.
Emergency operation mode AT
A malfunction of the AT is warned by the corresponding control lamp on the instrument cluster (see Section 16). If the lamp does not go out after starting the engine or lights up while driving, the automatic transmission mode is disabled. To continue driving, you can change gears manually using the selector lever. The possibility of engaging the 2nd gear is completely blocked and the switching is carried out according to the scheme «1-3-4». In this case, the following scheme of the ratio of the positions of the lever takes place:
- 1 - 1st gear
- 2 - 3rd gear
- 3 - 4th gear
- D - 4th gear
- N - Neutral gear
- R - Reverse
- P - Parking position
To eliminate the causes of AT failures, contact the service station specialists.
Emergency disengagement of the selector lever lock in position «R»
The need for emergency disengagement of the AT selector lever lock in position «R» occurs in the event of a breakdown of the locking mechanism, as well as when it is required to tow a faulty vehicle. In addition, the selector lever may not move out of the locked position if the battery has an insufficient charge level.
If the cause of the malfunction is a discharged battery, start the engine from an auxiliary source (see chapter «Introduction»),
If you refuse to disable the lock for other reasons, perform the following operations:
- Engage the parking brake;
- Unclip the back of the panel (see illustration 23.2) selector lever on the center console;
- Move the panel up and to the side, use a screwdriver to push the yellow stopper forward (see illustration 23.3) and remove the lever from position P;
- Return the selector cover to its original position and make sure it is securely fixed.
23.2. Removing the AT selector lever panel | 23.3. Emergency disengagement of the selector lever lock in position «R» |
The next time the selector lever is moved to the position «R» blocking occurs again.
At the first opportunity, contact a service station to eliminate the cause of the malfunction, or / and recharge the battery.
Electronic control of some AT functions
The AT electronics system provides automatic control of some functions.
Adaptive shift program. This function allows you to automatically adjust the gearshift mode depending on driving conditions, making appropriate adjustments, for example, when driving uphill and downhill, when driving with a trailer or with a large load.
Automatic switching to neutral during a short stop. To reduce fuel consumption while stopping (e.g. at a traffic light) AT automatically shifts to neutral when the following conditions are met:
The selector lever is set to positions D, 3, 2 or 1;
- The brake pedal is depressed;
- The car is stationary;
- The gas pedal is released;
- Transmission oil temperature (ATF) above 0°C.
When you release the brake pedal and press the gas pedal, the car starts off as usual.
The temperature control program after a cold start allows the catalytic converter to (see Section 28) quickly reach the operating temperature required for its optimal operation by delaying upshifts (maintaining high engine speeds).
Some driving techniques with AT
For a sharp acceleration of the car when the transmission is operating in the range «D» squeeze the gas pedal to the stop. The transmission will then automatically shift to the next lower gear (kickdown mode), which will provide more power when accelerating. When the pedal is released, the transmission returns to the original, higher gear that meets the characteristics of the current speed mode.
When stopped with the engine running, the gear can be left in, but the vehicle must be held from shifting by the parking brake or by using the foot brake pedal. When stopping on inclines, be sure to apply the parking brake or depress the brake pedal.
Attention: Do not keep the car in gear by increasing the engine speed, in order to avoid overheating of the gearbox!
For longer stops, such as in a traffic jam or at a crossing, it is recommended to turn off the engine.
For precise maneuvering, for example, when installing in a parking lot, driving into a garage, etc., you can use the property «sliding». To do this, with the gear engaged, without depressing the gas pedal, control the movement of the car by releasing the brake pedal.
If the car gets stuck in sand, mud, snow or in a ditch, with the gas pedal lightly pressed, alternately move the selector lever back and forth between positions «D» And «R» (see illustration 23.4). Keep the engine speed as low as possible, avoid pressing the gas pedal sharply.
23.4. «Pulling» car when stuck
Attention: The method described above can only be used in exceptional cases.
Before leaving the vehicle in a parking position, first apply the parking brake, then set the gear lever to P and remove the key from the ignition. Be sure to lock the car, otherwise the battery may be discharged during a long period of parking.
Visitor comments