check transmission fluid OPEL FRONTERA 1998 Repair Manual

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 (USUALLY WITH WARM ENGINE)
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–19 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (4L30–E)
Chart 13: Shudder Only During Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Applying
StepActionYe sNo
11. TCC shudder is one of the most commonly misdiagnosed
conditions in an automatic transmission. The key to
diagnosing TCC shudder is to note when it happens and under
what conditions. Once the TCC has been fully applied, it is
nearly impossible to make it shudder. TCC shudder (short
burst of noise normally less than 1 second) will only occur
during clutch applying. It is not a steady state condition.
2. Drive until whole drivetrain is at normal operating temperature.
– On 4WD vehicles, the test must be performed with transfer
case selector lever in “2H” position.
– Shudder is a short burst of noise normally less than 1 second
in duration, and can be induced by the following maneuver:
3. From coast condition at 50 mph in “D” range (Normal mode),
depress the throttle to 1/4-1/3 throttle. If present, shudder will
occur within 5 seconds together with TCC application.(The
scan tool may be used to determine the exact time of TCC
applying)
Was the problem found?
Replace
transmission fluid
and filter (remove
both pans) and
flush cooler lines.
Replace
converter
assembly and
O-ring on turbine
shaft
Perform
mechanical
inspection of
other drivetrain
components.
Chart 14: Possible Causes Of Transmission Noise
CAUTION: Before checking transmission for what
is believed to be transmission noise, ensure
presence and positioning of insulating plugs, pads
etc. Also make sure that noise does not come from
other drivetrain components.
Condition
Possible causeCorrection
Whine or BuzzOil level lowFill with ATF, check for external
leaks.
Plugged or restricted oil filterInspect oil filter.
Replace oil filter or ATF as necessary.
Damaged oil filter gasketReplace oil filter gasket.
Knocking noise from front of
transmission
Loose bolts (Converter to flex plate)Tighten to specifications.
transmission.Cracked or broken flex plateReplace flex plate.
Converter damagedReplace converter.
Knocking noise while driving, mostly
on acceleration.Transmission mount loose or brokenTighten mount bolts or replace
transmission mount.
Cooler line mounts loose or brokenTighten or replace cooler line
mounts.
Cooler lines touching body or frameRepair or replace as necessary.
Knocking noise when vehicle is
stationary
Loose flex plate mounting boltsTighten to specifications.
stationary.Cracked or broken flex plateReplace flex plate.
Damaged converterReplace converter.

7A–22
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (4L30–E)
Chart 16: Possible Causes Of
Transmission Fluid Leaks
Before attempting to correct an oil leak, the actual source
of the leak must be determined. In many cases, the
source of the leak may be difficult to determine due to
“wind flow” around the engine and transmission.
The suspected area should be wiped clean before in-
specting for the source of the leak.Oil leaks around the engine and transmission are gener-
ally carried toward the rear of the vehicle by the air
stream. In determining the source of an leak, the following
two checks should be made:
1. With the engine running, check for external line
pressure leaks.
2. With the engine off, check for oil leaks due to the
raised oil level caused by drainback of converter oil
into the transmission.
Possible Causes Of Fluid Leaks Due To Sealing Malfunction
240RX008
Legend
(1) Electrical Connector (Main Case) Seal
(2) Transmission Vent (Breather)
(3) Speed Sensor O–Ring
(4) Extension (Adapter) Lip Seal
(5) Extension (Adapter) to Main Case Gasket
(6) Overfill and Oil Drain Screws Gasket
(7) Oil Pan Gasket (Main Case)
(8) Selector Shaft Seal(9) Oil Cooler Connectors (2)
(10) Oil Pan Gasket (Adapter Case)
(11) Converter housing attaching bolts not correctly
torqued
(12) Converter Housing Lip Seal
(13) Line Pressure Tap Plug
(14) Electrical Connector (Adapter Case) Seal
(15) Adapter Case Seal Rings (2)

7A–23 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (4L30–E)
Stall Test
The stall test allows you to check the transmission for
internal abrasion and the one way clutch for slippage.
Torque converter performance can also be evaluated.
The stall test results together with the road test results will
identify transmission components requiring servicing or
adjustment.
Stall Test Procedure:
1. Check the level of the engine coolant, the engine oil,
and the automatic transmission fluid. Replenish if
necessary.
2. Block the wheels and set the parking brake.
3. Connect a tachometer to the engine.
4. Start the engine and allow it to idle until the engine
coolant temperature reaches 70 – 80
C (158 –
176
F).
5. Hold the brake pedal down as far as it will go.
6. Place the selector in the “D” range.
7. Gradually push the accelerator pedal to the floor.
The throttle valve will be fully open.
Note the engine speed at which the tachometer
needle stabilizes.
Stall Speed : 2,100
150 rpm
NOTE: Do not continuously run this test longer than 5
seconds.
8. Release the accelerator pedal.
9. Place the selector in the “N” range.
10. Run the engine at 1,200 rpm for one minute.
This will cool the transmission fluid.
11. Repeat Steps 7 – 10 for the “3”, “2”, “L” and “R”
ranges.
Line Pressure Test
The line pressure test checks oil pump and control valve
pressure regulator valve function. It will also detect oil
leakage.
Line Pressure Test Procedure:
1. Check the level of the engine coolant, the engine oil,
and the automatic transmission fluid.
Replenish if required.
2. Block the wheels and set the parking brake.
3. Remove the pressure detection plug at the left side of
the transmission case.
Set 5–8840–0004–0 pressure gauge and adapter to
the pressure detection plug hole.
241RS001
4. Start the engine and allow it to idle until the engine
coolant temperature reaches 70 – 80
C (158 –
176
F).
5. Hold the brake pedal down as far as it will go.
6. Place the selector in the “D” range.
7. Note the pressure gauge reading with the engine
idling.
8. Gradually push the accelerator pedal to the floor. The
throttle valve will be fully open.
Note the pressure gauge reading with the accelerator
pedal fully depressed.
NOTE: Do not continuously run this test longer than 5
seconds.
9. Release the accelerator pedal.
10. Place the selector in the “N” range.
11. Run the engine at 1,200 rpm for one minute.
This will cool the transmission fluid.
12. Repeat Steps 7 – 11 for the “3”, “2”, “L”, and “R”
ranges.
13. Install a pressure detection plug to the transmission
case, applying recommended thread locking agent
(LOCTITE 242) or its equivalent to thread of plug.
Make sure that thread is cleaned before applying
locking agents.
14. Tighten the pressure detection plug to the specified
torque.
Torque:9–14Nꞏm(0.9–1.4kgꞏm/7–10lbft)

7A–29 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).
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
service scan tool.
7. Reset “Oil Life Monitor” data by using Tech 2.
Refer to Tech 2 OBD II Connector in Transmission
Control System (4L30-E) Section.
242RW003
Selector Lever
Inspection
1. Make sure that when the selector 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 selector lever can be shifted as
shown in illustration.
C07RW009

7A–41 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (4L30–E)
Valve Body Assembly (Main Case)
Removal
1. Raise the vehicle and support it on jack stands.
2. Disconnect battery ground cable.
3. Remove transfer and exhaust protectors.
4. Drain fluid.
5. Remove exhaust pipe and disconnect oxygen sensor
connector.
6. Support transfer case with a jack and remove third
crossmember.
7. Remove sixteen 10 mm screws, main case oil pan,
magnet and gasket.
8. Remove three 13 mm oil filter fixing screws, then
remove oil filter.
9. Remove two 13 mm manual detent fixing screws,
then remove roller and spring assembly.
10. Disconnect wiring harness from band control
solenoid and shift solenoids. Pull only on connectors,
not on wiring harness.
11. Remove four 13 mm servo cover fixing screws, then
remove servo cover and gasket.
12. Remove seven 13 mm valve body fixing screws.
Disconnect the ground wire from the main case
valve body.
13. Remove main case valve body with manual valve link
and transfer plate. Note the position of the link (long
end into valve, short end into range selector lever).
14. Remove transfer plate gasket from main case.
15. Remove two check balls from main case.
Installation
1. Install two check balls to main case.
244RW002
2. Inspect electrical 4 pin connector and seal of main
case. Replace if necessary.3. Use two 5–8840–0022–0 (J–25025–B) guide pin to
install main case.
Install valve body assembly and manual valve link.
NOTE: Valve must be extended as the short end of
manual valve link is connected to the range selector lever.
Long end of link goes into valve.
4. Install seven 13 mm screws, and tighten them to the
specified torque.
To r q u e : 2 0 N
m (2.0 kgꞏm/15 lb ft)
243RS008
5. Install 8.5 mm connector of ground wire the head of
this valve body bolt and reinstall it. Tighten the bolt to
the specified torque.
To r q u e : 2 0 N
m (2.0 kgꞏm/15 lb ft)
244RW001
6. Remove two guide pins from main case.
7. Install servo cover gasket, cover, and four 13 mm
screws. Tighten the screws to the specified torque.
To r q u e : 2 5 N
m (2.6 kgꞏm/18 lb ft)

7A–47 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (4L30–E)
6. Remove seven 13mm adapter case valve body (6)
fixing screws, adapter case valve body assembly,
transfer plate, and two gaskets.
Remove wiring harness and 5 pin connector.
7. Remove sixteen 10mm main case oil pan (7) fixing
screws, main oil pan, magnet, and gasket.
8. Remove three 13mm oil filter (8) fixing screws and oil
filter.
9. Remove two 13mm manual detent (9) fixing screws,
roller and spring, and manual detent.
10. Disconnect wiring harness assembly (10) from band
apply solenoid, shift solenoids, and main case 4 pin
connector.
Pull on connectors only, not on wiring harness.11. Remove four 13mm servo cover (11) fixing screws,
servo cover, and gasket.
12. Remove seven 13mm valve body screws and ground
wire from main case.
Remove wiring harness assembly (5) from the
adapter case side.
Remove main valve body assembly (12) with
manual valve link and transfer plate. Note the
position of the link (long end into valve, short end
into range selector lever).
Remove 4 pin connector.
Remove gasket transfer plate from main case.
13. Remove two check balls (13) from main case.
240RW022
14. Turn transmission to vertical position to drain fluid.
Return back to horizontal position when drained.
Install 5–8840–0501–0 (J–23075) servo piston
spring compressor with offset to the rear of case.
Compress servo piston assembly.
Remove servo piston retaining ring (14).
Slowly release servo piston assembly (15).
Remove tool.

7A–58
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (4L30–E)
242RW008
46. Install two check balls (44).
244RW002
47. Inspect main case electrical connector and seal,
replace if necessary.
Install electrical 4 pin connector/main case and
wiring harness.
48. Install two 5–8840–0022–0 (J–25025–B) guide pins
into main case.
Install main case valve body complete assembly
(45) and manual valve link.NOTE: Valve must be extended as the short end of
manual valve link is connected to the range selector lever.
Long end of link goes into valve.
Install seven 13 mm screws.
To r q u e : 2 0 N
m (2.0 kgꞏm/15 lb ft)
Pass ground wire of adapter case wiring harness
assembly through the hole joining adapter fluid area
and main case fluid area.
Assemble 8.5 mm connector of ground wire under
the head of this valve body bolt and reinstall it.
Remove two guide pins.
244RW001
49. Install servo cover gasket, cover (46) and four 13 mm
screws.
To r q u e : 2 5 N
m (2.6 kgꞏm/18 lb ft)
50. Connect wiring harness (47) to band control, shift
solenoids, and main case 4 pin connector.
51. Install manual detent roller and spring assembly (48)
with clip.
Install two 13 mm screws.
To r q u e : 2 0 N
m (2.0 kgꞏm/15 lb ft)
52. Install oil filter (49), and three 13 mm screws.
To r q u e : 2 0 N
m (2.0 kgꞏm/15 lb ft)
53. Install oil pan gasket, magnet, main oil pan (50), and
sixteen 10 mm screws.
To r q u e : 11 N
m (1.1 kgꞏm/96 lb in)
54. Inspect adapter case electrical connector and seal.
Replace if necessary.
Install electrical five pin connector and harness
assembly (52) in bottom of adapter case.
55. Install gasket, transfer plate, and gasket.
Install adapter case valve body (51) and seven 13
mm screws.
Torque: 20 N
m (2.0 kgꞏm/15 lb ft)

7A–67 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (4L30–E)
Third Clutch
Disassembled View
248RS006
Legend
(1) Retaining Ring
(2) Spring Seat(3) Springs
(4) Piston Assembly
(5) Third Clutch Drum
Disassemble
1. Compress spring seat using the 5–8840–0501–0
(J–23075) spring compressor and 5–8840–2259–0
(J–23075–12) adapter tool.
NOTE: Do not over–stress the springs and seat. This will
cause damage to the spring seat.
Remove the tool.
Remove retaining ring (1).
248RW004
2. Release the spring seat (2).
NOTE: Do not let the spring seat catch in the ring groove.
Remove spring seat (2) and springs (3).
3. Remove piston assembly (4) from third clutch drum
(5).
Inspection And Repair
Visual check:
If any damage, deformation or wear is found, replace the
damaged part.
Operation check:
Shake the piston and listen for check ball movement
indicates proper check ball operation. Replace the piston
if the check ball is missing or falls out.
Reassembly
1. The lip of the piston seal must point toward the front of
the transmission. Lubricate the seal lip with
transmission fluid.
Install piston assembly (4) into the third clutch drum
(5). Use the 5–8840–2260–0 (J–23084) third clutch
piston installer to protect the outer seal during
installation.

7A–71 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (4L30–E)
Inspection And Repair
Visual Check:
If any damage, deformation or wear is found, replace the
damaged part.
Operation Check:
Shake the piston and listen for check ball movement.
Movement indicates proper check ball operation.
Replace the piston if the check ball is missing or falls out.
Reassembly
1. Install piston assembly (10) into the second clutch
drum (11).
Lubricate the lip seal with transmission fluid. Use
the 5–8840–2261–0 (J–23080–A) second clutch
piston installer to protect the outer piston lip seal.
NOTE: Lip of the seal should point toward front of
transmission.
Remove the installer.
247RS007
2. Install twenty–two piston springs (9) and spring seat
(8) on the second clutch piston (10). Place retaining
ring (7) onto spring seat.
Use the 5–8840–0195–0 (J–23327) compressor to
compress the piston springs.
NOTE: Do not let spring seat catch in ring groove.
Remove the compressor.
3. Install waved plate (6) and clutch plates (5). Start with
a steel plate and alternate with lined plates.
Align second clutch inner tangs.
4. Install spacer (4), with the fluted end toward clutch
plates.
5. Install retaining ring (3), ring gear (2) and retaining
ring (1).