1998 OPEL FRONTERA oil change

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)
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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–27 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (4L30–E)
Changing Transmission Fluid
There is no need to change the transmission fluid unless
the transmission is used under one or more of the
following heavy duty conditions.
A. Repeated short trips
B. Driving on rough roads
C. Driving on dusty roads
D. Towing a trailer
If the vehicle is used under these conditions, change the
fluid every 20,000 miles (32,000 km.)
More over, the remaining life percentage of ATF can be
estimated by using Tech 2 as an auxiliary tool to judge the
right time for ATF replacement.
The remaining life percentage is calculated from ATF’S
heat history. When it is close to 0%, ATF replacement is
recommended.
1. Place a large drain pan under the oil pan.
2. Remove the transmission oil drain screw (2) and drain
fluid.
3. Tighten drain screw (2).
Torque: 38 N
m (3.9 kgꞏm/28 lb ft)
4. Remove the transmission overfill screw (1) and fill
transmission through overfill screw opening, using
DEXRON
–III ATF.
NOTE: Add transmission fluid until it flows out over the
overfill screw opening.
5. Let engine idle until a fluid temperature between 32
C
(90
F) and 57C (135F) is reached.6. Add transmission fluid until it flows out over the overfill
screw opening, then close the overfill screw (1).
To r q u e : 3 8 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
service scan tool.
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Selector Lever
Inspection
1. Make sure that when the shifter control lever is shifted
from “P” to “L”, a “clicking” can be felt at each shift
position. Make sure that the gear corresponds to that
of the position plate indicator.
2. Check to see if the shifter lever can be shifted as
shown in illustration.
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7A–31 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (4L30–E)
Transmission (With Transfer Case)
Transmission And Associated Parts
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Legend
(1) Transfer Control Lever Knob
(2) Front Console
(3) Selector Lever Assembly
(4) Transfer Control Lever
(5) Transfer and Exhaust Protector
(6) Rear Propeller Shaft
(7) Front Propeller Shaft
(8) Harness Protector
(9) Rear Mount Nut(10) Third Crossmember
(11) Exhaust Pipe
(12) Transmission Oil Cooler Pipe
(13) Starter
(14) Transmission Harness Connector
(15) Under Cover
(16) Torque Converter Bolt
(17) Engine Transmission Bolt
(18) Transmission Assembly
Removal
NOTE: Before remove transmission and transfer
assembly from vehicle, change the tansfer mode to 2WD
using push button on dash panel.1. Remove engine hood.
2. Disconnect battery ground cable.
3. Remove transfer control lever knob (1) and
disconnect wiring harness connectors, then remove
front console (2).

7A1–6
TRANSMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM (4L30–E)
Shift Control
The transmission gear is shifted according to the shift
pattern selected by the driver. In shifting gears, the gear
ratio is controlled by the ON/ OFF signal using the shift
solenoid A and the shift solenoid B.
Band Apply Control
The band apply is controlled when in the 3–2 downshift
(engine overrun prevention) and the garage shift (shock
control).
The band apply solenoid is controlled by the signal from
the Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) to regulate the flow of
the oil.
Torque Converter Clutch Control
The clutch ON/OFF is controlled by moving the converter
clutch valve through shifting Torque Converter Clutch
(TCC) solenoid using the ON/OFF signal.
Line Pressure Control
The throttle signal allows the current signal to be sent to
the force motor. After receiving the current signal, the
force motor activates the pressure regulator valve to
regulate the line pressure.
On–Board Diagnostic System
Several malfunction displays can be stored in the
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) memory, and read out
of it afterward.The serial data lines, which are required for the testing of
the final assembly and the coupling to other electronic
modules, can be regulated by this function.
Fail Safe Mechanism
If there is a problem in the transmission system, the PCM
will go into a “backup” mode.
The vehicle can still be driven, but the driver must use the
select lever to shift gears.
Torque Management Control
The transmission control side sends the absolute spark
advance signal to the engine control side while the
transmission is being shifted. This controls the engine
spark timing in compliance with the vehicle running
condition to reduce the shocks caused by the change of
speed.
ATF Warning Control
The oil temperature sensor detects the ATF oil
temperature to control the oil temperature warning, TCC,
and the winter mode.
ABS Control (If equipped)
When the select lever is at “L” or “R” range, a signal is sent
to the ABS controller as one of the ABS control
conditions.

TRANSMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM (4L30–E)7A1–37
Resistance Chart
CFResistance (k)
–40–40672
03265
206825
801762.5
1202480.78
1503040.37
DTC P0712 Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) Sensor Circuit Low Input
StepActionYe sNo
1Perform the transmission fluid checking procedure. Refer to
Checking Transmission Fluid Level and Condition in Automatic
Transmission (4L30–E) section.
Was the fluid checking procedure performed?
Go to Step 2
Refer to
Checking
Transmission
Fluid Level and
Condition in
Automatic
Transmission
(4L30–E) section
21. Install the scan tool.
2. With the engine “off”, turn the ignition switch “on”.
NOTE: Before clearing DTC(s), use the scan tool to record “Freeze
Frame” and “Failure Records” for reference, as data will be lost
when the “Clear Info” function is used.
3. Record the DTC “Freeze Frame” and “Failure Records”.
Does the scan tool display a TFT sensor signal voltage less than
0.4 volts?
Go to Step 3
Go to Diagnostic
Aids
31. Turn the ignition “off”.
2. Disconnect the transmission 16–way connector H–53.
3. Turn the ignition “on”.
Does the TFT signal voltage change to match the voltage 4.92
volts?
Go to Step 4Go to Step 9
4Using the J39200 DVOM, measure the resistance between
terminals 3(C) and 5 (D).
Is the resistance within specifications? (See Resistance Chart.)
Go to Diagnostic
Aids
Go to Step 5
51. Disconnect the transmission 5–way connector M–6.
2. Using the J39200 DVOM, measure the resistance between
terminals 3(C) and 5(D).
Is the resistance within specifications? (See Resistance Chart.)
Go to Diagnostic
Aids
Go to Step 6
61. Remove the transmission oil pan. Refer to Transmission Oil
Temperature Sensor (Adapter Case) in Automatic
Transmission (4L30–E) section.
2. Check the internal wiring harness for a short to ground.
Was a problem found?
Go to Step 8Go to Step 7
71. Disconnect the internal wiring harness at the TFT sensor.
2. Measure the resistance of the TFT sensor.
Is the resistance within specifications? (See Resistance Chart.)
Go to Diagnostic
Aids
Go to Step 8
8Replace the TFT Sensor.
Is the replacement complete?
Go to Step 12—

TRANSMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM (4L30–E)7A1–67
DTC P1850 Brake Band Apply Solenoid Malfunction
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Circuit Description
The brake band apply solenoid is a normally open
solenoid which controls the flow of fluid for brake band
application. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
uses Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) and changes
the duty cycle to control the solenoid. The PCM turns
the solenoid on (energized) and off (deenergized) at a
constant frequency. The length of time the solenoid is
energized during each on/off cycle is called the pulse
width. By varying or “modulating” the pulse width, the
solenoid output pressure is changed. Since the
solenoid is normally open, increasing the pulse width
increases the duty cycle and decreases the output
pressure. PWM control provides smooth band
application without an accumulator. The band is only
applied in first and second gears.
In the event of an electrical failure (open), the
solenoid regulates at the maximum oil flow (0% duty
cycle).
The solenoid is activated by current. This current is
produced by applying a voltage to one side (the High
side) and a ground to the other side (Low side).
The High Side Driver (HSD) is a circuit of the PCM
that acts as a switch between the solenoids and the
supply voltage. The High side of the solenoid is
permanently supplied with voltage. When the ignition
is off, the HSD is turned off.This DTC detects a continuous open or short to ground in
the brake band apply solenoid circuit or the brake band
apply solenoid. This is a type “D” DTC.
Conditions For Setting The DTC
Battery voltage is between 10 and 16 volts.
Ignition is “on”, Engine “run”.
The PCM commands the solenoid “on” and the
voltage remains high (B+) or the PCM commands the
solenoid “off” and the voltage remains low (zero
volts).
All conditions met in 1.3 seconds.
Action Taken When The DTC Sets
Inhibit brake band apply solenoid.
The PCM will not illuminate the CHECK TRANS
Lamp.
Conditions For Clearing The DTC
The DTC can be cleared from the PCM history by
using a scan tool.
The DTC will be cleared from history when the vehicle
has achieved 40 warmup cycles without a failure
reported.
The PCM will cancel the DTC default actions when
the fault no longer exists and the ignition is cycled “off”
long enough to power down the PCM.

TRANSMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM (4L30–E)7A1–71
DTC P1860 TCC Solenoid Electrical
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Circuit Description
The PCM allows current to flow through the solenoid coil
according to the duty cycle (percentage of “on” and “off”
time). This current flow through the solenoid coil creates
a magnetic field that magnetizes the solid core. The
magnetized core attracts the check ball to seat against
spring pressure. This blocks the exhaust for the TCC
signal fluid and allows 2–3 drive fluid to feed to TCC signal
circuit. The TCC signal fluid pressure acts on the TCC
regulator valve to regulate line pressure and to apply fluid
pressure to the torque converter clutch shift valve. When
the TCC shift valve is in the apply position, regulated
apply fluid pressure is directed through the TCC valve to
apply the torque converter clutch. The TCC solenoid is
used in conjunction with the TCC solenoid to regulate fluid
to the torque converter. The TCC solenoid is attached to
the valve body within the transmission.
This DTC detects a continuous open or short to ground or
ignition in the TCC circuit or the TCC solenoid. This is a
type “D” DTC.
Conditions For Setting The DTC
Battery voltage is between 10 and 16 volts.
No shift solenoid A DTC P0753.
No shift solenoid B DTC P0758.
Ignition is “on”, Engine “run”.
The PCM commands the solenoid “on” and the
voltage remains low (zero volts).
The PCM commands the solenoid “off” and the
voltage remains high (B+).
All conditions met for 0.25 seconds.
Action Taken When The DTC Sets
Inhibit TCC engagement.
The PCM will not illuminate the CHECK TRANS
Lamp.
Conditions For Clearing The MIL/DTC
The DTC can be cleared from the PCM history by
using a scan tool.
The DTC will be cleared from history when the vehicle
has achieved 40 warmup cycles without a failure
reported.
The PCM will cancel the DTC default actions when
the fault no longer exists and the ignition is cycled “off”
long enough to power down the PCM.
Diagnostic Aids
Inspect the wiring for poor electrical connections at
the PCM and at the transmission 16–way connector.
Look for possible bent, backed out, deformed or
damaged terminals. Check for weak terminal tension
as we ll. A lso ch eck fo r a ch af e d w ire th at cou l d s ho r t
to bare metal or other wiring. Inspect for a broken wire
inside the insulation.
When diagnosing for a possible intermittent short or
open condition, move the wiring harness while
observing test equipment for a change.
Test Description
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the
diagnostic chart:
3. This test checks for voltage to the solenoid.
4. This test checks the ability of the PCM and wiring to
control the ignition circuit.
9. This test checks the resistance of the TCC solenoid
and the internal wiring harness.

7B–4MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Diagnosis
ConditionPossible causeCorrection
Abnormal noiseFlywheel pilot bearing wornReplace
Bearings worn or broken (Mainshaft,
counter shaft, and transfer shaft)Replace
Gear tooth contact surfaces worn or
scuffed (Mainshaft, counter shaft,
reverse idler gear and transfer gears)Replace
Splines worn (Mainshaft,
synchronizer clutch hub)Replace
Gear or bearing thrust face seizedReplace
Lack of backlash between meshing
gearsReplace
Hard ShiftingImproper clutch pedal free playReadjust
Change lever sliding portions wornRepair or replace
Regrease
Shift block, shift rod and/or control
box sliding faces wornReplace
Shift arm and synchronizer sleeve
groove wornReplace worn parts
Thrust washer, collar, and/or gear
thrust faces worn (Mainshaft and
counter shaft thrust play)Replace worn parts
Synchronizer parts wornReplace
Walking or Jumping out of gearDetent ball wornReplace
Detent spring weakened or brokenReplace
Shift rod and/or control box sliding
faces wornReplace
Shift arm and synchronizer sleeve
groove wornReplace worn parts
Thrust washer, collar, and/or gear
thrust faces worn (Mainshaft and
counter shaft thrust play)Replace worn parts
Bearings worn or brokenReplace
Splines worn (Mainshaft,
synchronizer hub)Replace
Synchronizer spring weakened or
brokenReplace
Oil leakageLoose drain plug(s) and/or filler
plug(s)Tighten
Replenish oil
Defective or improperly installed
gasket(s)Replace
Oil seal worn or scratchedReplace