Attention! On later models, if the drive mode selection lever was in the P position when the wires were disconnected from the battery terminals, the lever will be locked. To release the lever manually, gently pry the lever protective cover from the center console, then press the yellow lever to the left of the lever with a screwdriver (see illustrations).
1. Most of the models described in this manual are equipped with an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. The unit consists of a torque converter, an assembly of epicyclic gears and hydraulically driven clutches and brakes. The unit is controlled by an electronic device (ECU) through solenoid valves. The transmission has three driving modes: normal (economical), sports and winter.
2. Normal mode is the standard mode, in which the engine runs at a relatively low speed, which allows you to get enough power and save fuel. In sports mode (the switch button is located on the driving mode selection lever), the engine runs at high frequencies, giving faster acceleration and more power. When switching to this mode, the corresponding control lamp lights up on the instrument panel. If the transmission is switched to winter mode (using the button on the central console), it will only work in 1st, 2nd and 3rd gears.
3. The torque converter provides engine-transmission traction, as well as changing gear ratios during acceleration.
4. Engagement of reverse gear or one of the four forward gears is carried out depending on which of the components of the epicyclic gear assembly is held stationary (with brakes and clutches) or rotates. The operation of the brakes and clutches is controlled by an electronic device, the necessary hydraulic pressure is generated by the transmission pump.
5. The transmission is controlled by the driving mode selection lever, which has seven operating positions. Position selection «D» provides automatic gear shifting over the entire speed range. Automatic downshift device (kickdown) shifts the transmission one gear down when the accelerator pedal is fully depressed. Selecting one of the blocking positions (1, 2 or 3) limits the number of available gears - that is, when the drive mode selector is in the «2», only the first and second gears are engaged, in the position «1» only first gear works, etc. This allows for engine braking on steep slopes.
6. If the ECU detects a malfunction in the transmission, a special control lamp will light up on the instrument panel and a fault code will be entered into the ECU memory. In this case, you should contact your Opel dealer, where the car will undergo a complete transmission diagnosis on a special electronic stand, which is simply connected to the ECU diagnostic connector. This connector is located behind the fuse box cover panel on the dashboard on the driver's side.
7. Due to the complexity of the automatic transmission, repair and overhaul should be entrusted to the dealer.
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