General information
Attention! An automatic transmission is a very technically complex system - 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 changing gears.
The cars covered in this manual can be equipped with a 5-speed AT with Active Select, which allows you to control gear shifting, both in automatic and manual modes, or a 6-speed AT with a CVTronic system with three control modes:
- Automatic smooth switching mode;
- Automatic step switching mode;
- Manual mode.
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.
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.
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 «R». 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! Translation of 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.
AT mode switching control in automatic mode
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, and additionally.
The transmission range selector lever can be in one of four fixed positions when operating in automatic mode «R», «R», «N» or «D». 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 procedure for starting the engine is described in the above (see Section 21). The selector lever is locked in positions «R» And «N» - when the lock is activated on the panel of the selector lever, the built-in between positions lights up «R» And «R» control lamp (see illustration 23.1).
Remark: In position «N» the lever lock is activated with some delay and only when the vehicle is stationary.
To move the selector lever from position «R» And «N», as well as when installing it in the position «R» And «R» it is necessary to press the release button located on the lever. In addition, when moving the selector lever, you must depress the brake pedal.
Move the lever to the forward position to move forward «D», for reversing - to the position «R».
Attention! Do not increase the engine speed with the selected forward or reverse driving mode and the brake pedal depressed! Transmission shift from position «N» / «R» to working positions should be carried out at idle speed of the engine - keep the foot brake pedal depressed!
Release the parking brake - the brake warning light on the instrument cluster should go out.
Release the foot brake pedal and gently depress the gas. 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!
AT mode switching control in manual mode
If necessary or at the request of the driver, you can switch to manual gear shifting mode, for which move the selector lever to the left from position D - gears can be switched manually by briefly depressing the lever (see illustration 23.2) to the side «+» to switch to a higher or «-» to a lower gear.
23.2 Shifting gears in manual mode (Active Select system)
Note: Gear shifting will not occur if upshifting at too low a speed or downshifting at too high a speed for that gear - keep an eye on the AT Mode Select Display and the current vehicle speed.
The selected number of the current stage is highlighted on the corresponding display of the instrument cluster.
In manual control mode, when the speed drops to a certain value due to a decrease in engine speed, the gearbox automatically switches to a lower gear, - when speed increases / engine speed increases, automatic switching to a higher gear does not occur. Downshifting also occurs when the speed is reduced by pressing the brake pedal. If, when the vehicle is parked, the selector lever is not in the «R» The selector lever lock indicator lamp on the selector lever panel is activated in flashing mode. Set the gear lever to the position «R».
Emergency operation mode AT
A malfunction of the AT is warned by the corresponding control lamp on the instrument cluster.
Note: On diesel models, the lamp may also come on as a warning to remove water from the fuel filter.
If the lamp does not go out after starting the engine or lights up while driving, automatic gear shifting is not possible. To continue driving in manual mode, you can use 2nd and higher gears.
Note: For some faults, only the highest gear is available. In automatic mode (position «D») only top gear is available.
To eliminate the causes of AT failures, contact an Opel workshop.
Emergency disengagement of selector lever lock
The need for emergency disengagement of the AT selector lever lock in position «R» or «N» 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.
If you refuse to disable the lock for other reasons, perform the following operations:
- Engage the parking brake;
- Open the corresponding cover and remove the ashtray;
- Using a screwdriver, push down the stopper (see illustration 23.3) and remove the lever from position P or N;
23.3 Emergency disengagement of selector lever lock
Return the ashtray to its original position.
When switching the selector lever back to the position «R» or «N» 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 the individual driving style of the car owner. Over time, the electronic unit accumulates information about the driving style of a particular driver. If the driver prefers a sporty style, gear changes are made at higher speeds. When driving economically, the gears shift at lower revs. In addition, appropriate adjustments are made when driving in special conditions, such as 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 in position D or manual mode is on;
- 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.
Temperature control program after cold engine start allows the catalytic converter to 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». Keep the engine speed as low as possible, avoid pressing the gas pedal sharply.
Attention! The method described above can only be used in exceptional cases.
Before leaving the car in the parking lot, you must first apply the parking brake, then set the gear lever to position P and remove the key from the ignition. Be sure to remove the key, otherwise the battery may be discharged during prolonged parking.
Note: If the selector lever was not set to the position before parking «R», when the ignition is turned off, the selector lever lock indicator lamp will flash on the selector lever panel (see illustration 23.1).
Visitor comments