1998 OPEL FRONTERA automatic transmission

7A–9 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (4L30–E)
Preliminary Inspection Chart
F07RT039

7A–10
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (4L30–E)
Checking Transmission Fluid Level
and Condition
Checking fluid level and condition (color and odor) at
regular intervals will provide early diagnosis information
about the transmission. This information may be used to
correct a condition that, if not detected early, could result
in major transmission repairs.
IMPORTANT:When new, automatic transmission fluid
is red in color. As the vehicle is driven, the transmission
fluid will begin to look darker in color. The color may
eventually appear light brown.
A dark brown color with burnt odor may indicate
excessive fluid deterioration and signal a need for fluid
change.
Fluid Level
When adding or changing fluid, use only DEXRON –III.
Refer to Maintenance and Lubrication in General
Information section for maintenance information and
servicing interval.
CAUTION: DO NOT OVERFILL.
Overfilling will cause foaming, loss of fluid, abnor-
mal shifting and possible damage to the transmis-
sion.
1. Park the vehicle on level ground and apply the parking
brake firmly.
2. Check fluid level with engine running at idle.
NOTE: Be sure that transmission fluid temperature is
below 30
C (86F).
3. Move the selector lever through all gear ranges.
4. Move the selector lever to “Park”.
5. Let engine idle for 3 minutes and open the overfill
screw (1).
6. Add released transmission fluid until it flows out over
the overfill screw opening.
7. Let engine idle until a fluid temperature between 32
C
(90
F) and 57C (135F) is reached, then close the
overfill screw (1).
Torque: 38 N
m (3.9 kgꞏm/28 lb ft)
NOTE: To prevent fluid leaks, the overfill screw and oil
drain screws gasket must be replaced each time these
screws are removed.NOTE: Check transmission fluid temperature with scan
tool.
Minimum fluid level
57C (135F)
Maximum fluid level
32C (90F)
242RW003
CAUTION: Do not open overfill screw with engine
stopped.
CAUTION: DO NOT CHECK FLUID LEVEL UNDER
THESE CONDITIONS:
Immediately after driving at sustained highway
speeds.
In heavy city traffic during hot weather.
If vehicle is towing a trailer.
If the vehicle has been operated under these conditions,
shut the engine off and allow the vehicle to “cool” for thirty
(30) minutes. After the cool down period, restart the
vehicle and continue from step 2 above.

7A–11 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (4L30–E)
Fluid Condition
FLUID CONDITION
NORMAL*CONTAMINATED
COLORRED OR LIGHT
BROWNBROWNNON–TRANSPAR-
ENT / PINKBROWN
DRAIN RE-
QUIRED?NOYESYESYES
CONTAMINA–
TIONNONEVery small amount of
foreign material in bot-
tom of panContamination by cool-
ant or other sourceLarge pieces of metal
or other foreign materi-
al in bottom of pan
CORRECT
LEVEL AND
CONDITION
1. LOW LEVEL:
A. Add fluid to
obtain proper
level & check for
external leaks.
B. Correct cause of
leak.
2. HIGH LEVEL:
– Remove excess
fluid– Remove both pans
– Change filter
– Flush cooler
– Add new fluid
– Check level– Repair/replace
radiator cooler
–Transmission
overhaul required
– Check for:
Damaged plates
and seals
Contaminated
solenoids
– Flush cooler
– Add new fluid
– Check level
–Transmission
overhaul required
– Flush cooler and
cooler lines
– Add new fluid
– Check level
*Fluid should be changed according to maintenance
schedule.
Te s t D r i v i n g
Some 4L30–E automatic transmission complaint will
require a test drive as a part of the diagnostic procedure.
Some codes will not set unless the vehicle is moving. The
purpose of the test drive is to duplicate the customer’s
complaint condition and set a current Powertrain Control
Module (PCM) trouble code. Perform this procedure
before each 4L30–E automatic transmission repair, and
again after repairs are made.
IMPORTANT:
Duplicate the condition under which the customer’s
complaint was observed.
Depending on the complaint, the line pressure gauge
and the scan tool may be required during the test
drive.
During the test drive, it is important to record all
necessary data from the areas being monitored, for
use in diagnosis. Also listen for and note any unusual
noises.
The following procedure should be used to test drive
4L30–E automatic transmission complaint vehicles:
1. Turn the ignition ON without starting the engine.
Check that the “CHECK TRANS” lamp comes on for
approximately 2 to 3 seconds and then goes out and
remains out.
If the lamp is flashing, GOTO Check Trans Indicator
in Transmission Control System (4L30–E) section.
If no serial data is present, GOTO OBD System
Check. Refer to Driveability and Emissions in
Engine section.
If the lamp stays ON or stays OFF, GOTO “Check
Trans” Check in Transmission Control System
(4L30–E) section.
2. Drive the vehicle. During the test drive, be sure that
the transmission achieves normal operating
temperature (approx. 20 minutes).
Allow the transmission to go through all of its gear
ranges, checking shift timing and firmness. Duplicate
the owner’s complaint condition as closely as
possible during the test drive.
3. If, during the test drive, the “CHECK TRANS” lamp
comes on, use the scan tool to check for trouble
codes.
4. If, during the test drive, a problem is felt, but the
“CHECK TRANS” lamp does not come on and no
trouble codes are present, drive the vehicle with the
PCM disconnected (manually shifting the vehicle).
In Manual L, the vehicle operates in first gear.
In Manual 2, the vehicle operates in third gear.
In Manual 3 or “D”, the vehicle operates in fourth
gear.
If the problem still exists with the PCM disconnected,
refer to Mechanical/Hydraulic Diagnosis in this
section.
5. If no problem has been found at this point, check all
underhood connections that supply power to the PCM
and ignition fuses. Physically and visually inspect all
the PCM harness connectors for loose or corroded
terminals. Inspect the PCM ground points.

7A–12
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (4L30–E)
Mechanical / Hydraulic Diagnosis Check Trans Indicator Chart
Preform Preliminary Inspection First!
When the “CHECK TRANS” indicator is flashing, it
indicates that a problem related to the transmission, the
Powertrain Control Module (PCM), or the vehicle harness
has occurred.The system is now operating in a “BACKUP MODE”
where the risk of further damaging the transmission has
been reduced. The vehicle may be shifted manually.
If the initial problem is intermittent or seldom, switching
the engine OFF/ON might allow normal operation again
until the problem reoccurs.
F07RT013

7A–13 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (4L30–E)
Mechanical / Hydraulic Diagnosis Symptoms Index
Perform Preliminary Inspection First!
CHART
SYMPTOMS
1NO ENGINE START IN NEUTRAL OR PARK
2NO FORWARD GEARS IN ANY RANGE/NO REVERSE
3NO ENGINE BRAKE IN ANY RANGE
4POOR SHIFTING IN ALL GEARS (ALL HARSH OR ALL SOFT)
5aDELAYS IN DRIVE AND REVERSE
5bDELAYS IN REVERSE ONLY
6DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0730
7HARSH 1–2 SHIFT
8HARSH 3–4 SHIFT
9a3–2 DOWNSHIFT COMPLAINT
9bHARSH SHIFT WHEN SHIFTING INTO “D” OR ACCELERATING FROM STOP
9cCOASTDOWN HARSH SHIFT OR CLUNK AT 3–2 DOWNSHIFT
10INTERMITTENT 4TH TO 2ND GEAR DOWNSHIFT AT STEADY SPEED
11ENGINE FLARE AT SHIFTING DURING TURNING ONLY
12ENGINE FLARE DURING 1–2 OR 2–3 SHIFT
13SHUDDER ONLY DURING TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH (TCC) APPLYING
14POSSIBLE CAUSES OF TRANSMISSION NOISE
15aPOSSIBLE CAUSES OF LOW LINE PRESSURE
15bPOSSIBLE CAUSES OF HIGH LINE PRESSURE
16POSSIBLE CAUSES OF TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKS
NOTE: Numbers with parenthesis on the following charts
refer to Parts List at end of this section.
Chart 1: No Engine Start In Neutral Or Park
StepActionYe sNo
1Does engine start when shift lever moved from drive to neutral
mostly in hot condition?
Go to Step 2Go to Step 3
2Does engine start in park at any condition?Re–test vehicleGo to Step 4
3Does engine also not start in neutral when shift lever moved from
park to neutral?
Go to Step 4Go to Step 5
4Check mode switch (63) setting. Readjust if necessary.
Problems fixed?
Re–test vehicleGo to Step 5
5Check start circuit of mode switch (63) open in neutral.
Was open found?Locate and repair
open(s)Replace mode
switch (63)

7A–14
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (4L30–E)
Chart 2: No Forward Gears In Any Range/No Reverse
StepActionYe sNo
1Check line pressure. Refer to Line Pressure Test in this section.
Was line pressure normal?
Go to Step 2
Use Chart 15a:
Possible Causes
of Low Line
Pressure in this
section
21. Check internal linkage:
– Manual linkage (58) not moving manual valve (326).
2. Check for internal mechanical damage:
– Turbine shaft (506) broken loose.
– Overrun roller clutch (516) broken loose.
Was the problem found?
Repair or replace—
Chart 3: No Engine Brake In Any Range
StepActionYe sNo
1Check line pressure. Refer to Line Pressure Test in this section.
Was line pressure normal?
Go to Step 2
Use Chart 15a:
Possible Causes
of Low Line
Pressure in this
section
21. Check for overrun clutch leaks caused by:
– Damaged piston lip (513)
– Check ball defective (504)
2. Check for overrun lockout valve (705) stuck by foreign
material.
3. Check for leaks at turbine shaft (506) caused by:
– Teflon seal rings damaged (508)
– Excessive wear of turbine shaft bearing surfaces.
Was the problem found?
Repair or replace—

7A–15 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (4L30–E)
Chart 4: Poor Shifting In All Gears (All Harsh Or All Soft)
StepActionYe sNo
1Check line pressure. Refer to Line Pressure Test in this section.
Was line pressure normal?
Go to Step 2Go to Step 3
21. Check for these conditions which could affect clutch apply
time:
– Defective band apply solenoid (323).
– Defective servo or/and accumulator piston.
– Excessive clutch piston travel.
2. Check of possible causes of internal leaks:
– Cut or damaged sealing ring(s)
– Damaged sealing gasket(s)
– Check ball missing or out of location in 2nd and 3rd clutch
pistons.
3. Check for caused of burned clutch plates or band.
Was the problem found?
Repair or replace—
3Was the line pressure high?
Go to Step 4
Use Chart 15a:
Possible Causes
of Low Line
Pressure in this
section
4Were DTCs P0560 and P0705 set?
Diagnose those
DTC(s) first
Use Chart 15b:
Possible Causes
of High Line
Pressure in this
section
Chart 5a: Delays In Drive And Reverse
NOTE: A short delay (less than 3 seconds) when first
engaging drive or reverse after allowing vehicle to sit
overnight is normal.
Step
ActionYe sNo
1Check line pressure. Refer to Line Pressure Test in this section.
Was line pressure normal?More than 3
second delay in
drive and reverse
with engine off 1
hour or less.
Teflon seals (508)
on turbine shaft
damaged. Repair
Use Chart 15a:
Possible Causes
of Low Line
Pressure in this
section.
Chart 5b: Delays In Reverse Only
StepActionYe sNo
1Check line pressure. Refer to Line Pressure Test in this section.
Was line pressure normal?
Go to Step 2
Use Chart 15a:
Possible Causes
of Low Line
Pressure in this
section.
2Main case valve body gasket (88) damaged.
– Reverse check ball (85) in valve body (84) missing or out of
location.
– Check for restrictions at valve body transfer plate orifice.
Was the problem found?
Repair—

7A–16
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (4L30–E)
Chart 6: Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0730
StepActionYe sNo
1Check line pressure. Refer to Line Pressure Test in this section.
Was line pressure normal?
Go to Step 2
Use Chart 15b:
Possible Causes
of High Line
Pressure in this
section
21. 1st and 2nd gear missing or 3rd and 4th gear missing.
Check appropriate shift valve. If OK replace solenoid.
2. No engine brake in any range (All ranges in Drive and Reverse
are OK).
Check for suspected conditions modifying delays to clutch
apply:
– Overrun clutch seal damaged.
– Excessive overrun clutch piston travel.
– Defective 3–4 accumulator piston.
– Causes of internal leaks.
– Causes of burned clutch plates.
3. 1st and 4th gear missing or 2nd and 3rd gear missing.
Shift solenoid A stuck. Replace shift solenoid A.
4. DTC P0730 is set in D range 1st gear above 3500 rpm.
Go to Step 3.
5. DTC P0730 is set in D range 3rd gear between 55-80 mph.
NOTE: Perform this test within safe and legal limits.
Check for suspected conditions modifying delays to clutch
apply:
– 4th clutch seal damaged.
– Excessive 4th clutch piston travel.
– Defective 3–4 accumulator piston.
– Causes of internal leaks.
– Causes of burned clutch plates.
Was the problem found?
Repair or replace—
3Check 3rd gear in “D” in winter mode.
Does vehicle move?Shift solenoid A
stuck. Replace
shift solenoid A.
Go to Step 4
4Check for suspected conditions modifying delays to clutch apply:
– 2nd clutch seal damaged.
– Excessive 2nd clutch piston travel.
– Defective accumulator piston.
– Causes of internal leaks.
– Check ball missing or out of location in 2nd clutch.
– Seals cut, damaged or missing.
– Gaskets defective.
– Causes of burned clutch plates.
Was the problem found?
Repair or replace—