transmission fluid OPEL FRONTERA 1998 Owners Manual

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).

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (AW30-40LE) 7A–1
SECTION 7A
CONTENTS
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (AW30-40LE)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–3
CONSTRUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–3
ELECTRONIC CONTROL COMPONENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–4
TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (TCM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–5
CONTROL SYSTEM DIAGRAM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–6
CONTROL AND FUNCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–7
MAJOR INPUT/OUTPUT COMPONENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–9
LOCATION OF CLUTCH, BRAKE ONE-WAY CLUTCH AND SOLENOID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–10
OPERATION OF CLUTCH, BRAKE AND ONE-WAY CLUTCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–11
SPEED CHANGE AND LOCK-UP PATTERN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–11
OVERDRIVE AND LOCK-UP OPERATING CONDITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–12
DIAGNOSIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–13
BASIC TROUBLESHOOTING
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–13
SELF-DIAGNOSIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–14
DIAGNOSIS WITH TECH2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–17
TECH2 CONNECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–18
TECH2 OPERATING FLOW CHART (START UP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–19
TRANSMISSION DATA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–21
TCC DATA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–22
INTERMITTENT CONDITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–23
IDENTIFICATION OF TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (TCM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–24
DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC) CHECK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–25
WIRING DIAGRAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–52
CONNECTOR LIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–54
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–56
MANUAL SHIFTING TEST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–62
STALL TEST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–63
TIME LAG TEST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–64
HYDRAULIC TEST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–65
ROAD TEST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–66
SHIFT POINT CHART AND LOCK-UP POINT CHART . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–69
TCM VOLTAGE CHECK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–71
TCM STANDARD VOLTAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–72
ON-VEHICLE SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–75
TRANSIMISSION FLUID LEVEL AND CONDITION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–75
ATF REPLACEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–75
NEUTRAL START SWITCH INSPECTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–76
BRAKE SIGNAL INSPECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–77
VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR INSPECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–77
INPUT AND OUTPUT REVOLUTION SENSOR INSPECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–77
PATTERN SELECT SWITCH INSPECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–78
OVERDRIVE OFF SWITCH INSPECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–78
SOLENOID INSPECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–78
THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR INSPECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–79
ATF TEMPERATURE SENSOR INSPECTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–79
SELECTOR LEVER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–80
TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (TCM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–81
SHIFT SOLENOID AND LOCK-UP SOLENOID. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A–83

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (AW30-40LE) 7A–63
F07RY00002
STALL TEST
The object of this test is to check the overall performance of the
transmission and engine by measuring the maximum engine
speeds at the "D" and "R" ranges.
NOTE:
(1) Perform the test at normal operation fluid temperature
(50 – 80
C or 122 – 176F).
(2) Do not continuously run this test longer than 5
seconds.
MEASURE STALL SPEED
1) Chock the four wheels.
2) Mount an engine tachometer.
3) Fully apply the parking brake.
4) Step down strongly on the brake pedal with your left foot.
5) Star t the engine.
6) Shift into the "D" range. Step all the way down on the
accelerator pedal with your right foot. Quickly read the
highest engine rpm.
7) Perform the same test in the "R" range.
EVALUATION
1) If the engine speed is the same for both ranges but lower
than the specified value:
• Engine output is insufficient.
• Stator one-way clutch is not operating properly.
NOTE:
If more than 600 rpm below the specified value, the torque
converter could be faulty.
2) If the stall speed in only "D" range is higher than specified:
• Line pressure too low
• Forward clutch slipping
• No. 2 one-way clutch not operating properly
3) If the stall speed in only "R" range is higher than specified:
• Line pressure too low
• Direct clutch slipping
• No. 3 brake slipping
4) If the stall speed in the "R" and "D" ranges are higher than
specified:
• Line pressure too low
• Improper fluid levelStall speed 2450
150rpm

7A–64 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (AW30-40LE)
F07RY00003
TIME LAG TEST
If the shift lever is shifted while the engine is idling, there will be
a cer tain time elapse or lag before the shock can be felt. This is
used for checking the condition of the forward clutch, direct
clutch, No. 3 brake, and No. 2 one-way clutch.
NOTE:
(1) Perform the test at normal operation fluid temperature
(50 – 80
C or 122 – 176F).
(2) Be sure to allow one minute interval between tests.
(3) Make three measurements and take the average value.
MEASURE TIME LAG
1) Fully apply the parking brake.
2) Start the engine.
Check idling speed (A/C OFF)
3) Shift the shift lever from "N" to "D" range. Using a stop
watch, measure the time it takes from shifting the lever until
the shock is felt.
4) In same manner, measure the time lag for "N"
"R".
EVALUATION
1) If "N" "D" time lag is longer than specified:
• Line pressure too low
• Forward clutch malfunction
• No. 2 one-way clutch not operating properly
2) If "N"
"R" time lag is longer than specified:
• Line pressure too low
• Direct clutch malfunction
• No. 3 brake malfunction
3) If both time lag is longer than specified:
• Line pressure too low"N" range 695 – 745 rpm
Time lag Less than 0.7 seconds
Time lag Less than 1.2 seconds

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (AW30-40LE) 7A–65
F07RY00004
HYDRAULIC TEST
PREPARATION
1) Warm up the transmission fluid.
2) Remove the transmission case test plug and mount the
hydraulic pressure gauge.
Oil pressure gauge: 5-8840-0093-0
NOTE:
Perform the test at normal operating fluid temperature (50
– 80
C or 122 – 176F).
MEASURE LINE PRESSURE
1) Fully apply the parking brake and chock the four wheels.
2) Start the engine and check idling rpm.
3) Shift into "D" range, step down strongly on the brake pedal
with your left foot and, while manipulating the accelerator
pedal with the right foot, measure the line pressures at the
engine speeds specified in the table.
4) In the same manner, perform the test in "R" range.
EVALUATION
1) If the measured values at all ranges are higher than
specified.
• Pressure control solenoid defective.
• Primary regulator valve defective.
2) If the measured values at all ranges are lower than
specified.
• Primary regulator valve defective.
• Oil pump defective.
• Pressure control solenoid defective.
3) If pressure is low in "D" range only:
• "D" range circuit fluid leakage.
4) If pressure is low in "R" range only:
• "R" range circuit fluid leakage. Engine
speedLine pressure kPa (kg/cm
2/psi)
"D" range "R" range
Idling 358 – 417
(3.6–4.3 / 51–61)588 – 686
(6.0–7.0 / 85–100)
Stall 1,176 – 1,323
(12.0–13.5 / 171–192)1,607 – 1,940
(16.4–19.8 / 233–282)

7A–66 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (AW30-40LE)
255RT004
F07RY00005
F07RY00006
ROAD TEST
NOTE:
Perform the test at normal operation fluid temperature (50
– 80
C or 122 – 176F).
"D" RANGE TEST IN "NORMAL", AND "POWER"
PATTERN RANGES
Shift into the "D" range and hold the accelerator pedal constant
at the 50% and 100% throttle valve opening positions.
Push in one of the pattern selector buttons and check the
fol lowing:
1) 1-2, 2-3, 3-OD and lock-up, up-shifts should take place,
and shift points should conform to those shown in the
automatic shift diagram.
NOTE:
Drive the vehicle on level ground so as not to change to up
and down hill control.
EVALUATION
(1) If there is no 1
2 up-shift:
• No. 2 solenoid is stuck
• 1-2 shift valve is stuck
(2) If there is no 2
3 up-shift:
• No. 1 solenoid is stuck
• 2-3 shift valve is stuck
(3) If there is no 3
OD up-shift (throttle valve opening 1/2):
• No. 2 solenoid is stuck
• 3-4 shift valve is stuck
(4) If the shift point is defective:
Refer to
"TROUBLESHOOTING CHART" in this section.
(5) If the lock-up is defective:
Refer to
"TROUBLESHOOTING CHART" in this section.
2) In the same manner, check the shock and slip at the 1 2,
2
3 and 3 OD up-shifts.
EVALUATION
If the shock is excessive:
Refer to
"TROUBLESHOOTING CHART" in this section.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (AW30-40LE) 7A–75
ON-VEHICLE SERVICE
242RX00001
TRANSIMISSION FLUID LEVEL AND
CONDITION
Park vehicle on level ground and set parking brake.
With the engine idling, move the shift lever through all
positions from "P" to "L", then return to position "P".
Check to see If the level of fluid comes to "HOT" range
of about 80
C (176F) on the dipstick gauge.
If the level of fluid is too low, replenish to bring it to
maximum level in "HOT" range.
Inspection of fluid condition
If the ATF is black or smells burnt, replace it.
ATF REPLACEMENT
NOTE:
Do not overfill.
1) Remove the drain plug from oil pan and drain the
fluid.
2) Reinstall the drain plug securely.
3) With the engine OFF, add new fluid through the filler
tube.
4) Star t the engine and shift the selector into all
position from "P" through "L", and then shift into "P".
5) With the engine idling, check the fluid level. Add fluid
up to the "COLD" level on the dipstick.
6) The ATF level must be checked again for correct
level with the "HOT" level.
NOTE:
To prevent fluid leaks, the drain plug gasket must be
replaced each time this plug is removed.
Tr a n s m i s s i o n
Drain and refill 5.2 L
Dry fill 8.7 L
Fluid BESCO ATF III

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (AW30-40LE) 7A–83
826RY00005
826RY00006
249RY00011
249RY00012
TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE
(TCM)
REMOVAL
Preparation:
Disconnect negative (–) battery cable.
1. Disconnect the TCM harness connectors.
2. Remove fixing nuts (3 pieces) and TCM from the bracket.
INSTALLATION
To install, follow the removal steps in reverse order.
SHIFT SOLENOID AND LOCK-UP
SOLENOID
REMOVAL
Preparation:
• Disconnect negative (–) battery cable.
• Remove the rear sound cover.
• Drain the fluid.
Refer to
"ATF REPLACEMENT" in this section.
1. Remove the nineteen bolts and oil pan.
2. Remove the oil strainer assembly.
3. Disconnect the solenoid wiring connectors from the shift
solenoid S1(1), S2(2) and lock-up solenoid (3).
4. Remove each retaining bolts and solenoids.
INSTALLATION
To install, follow the removal steps in reverse order noting the
following point;
Tprque Nꞏm (kgꞏcm/lbꞏin)
Solenoid S1, S2 bolt 7 (70/61)
Lock-up solenoid bolt 10 (100/87)

7A–84 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (AW30-40LE)
VALVE BODY ASSEMBLY AND PRESSERE CONTOROL SOLENOID
244RY00009
244RY00003
REMOVAL
Preparation:
• Disconnect negative (–) battery cable.
• Remove the rear sound cover.
• Drain the fluid.
Refer to
"ATF REPLACEMENT" in this section.
1. Remove the nineteen bolts and oil pan.
2. Remove the oil strainer assembly.
3. Disconnect the soleniod wiring connectors from the
solenoids.
4. Remove the twenty botls from the valve body.
5. Remove the valve body assembly and pressure
control solenoid.
• When removing valve body assembly from the
transmission case, loosen the solenoid clamp bolt
and remove the pressure control solenoid from
the upper valve body assembly.
Also disconnect the harness connector from the
pressure control solenoid.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (AW30-40LE) 7A–107
DISASSEMBLY, INSPECTION AND
REASSEMBLY OF MINOR COMPONENTS
The instructions here are organized so that you work on only
one component group at a time.
This will help avoid confusion from similar-looking parts of
different subassemblies being on your workbench at the same
time.
The component groups are inspected and repaired from the
converter housing side.
As much as possible, complete the inspection, repair and
reassembly before proceeding to the next component group. If
a component group cannot be reassembled because parts are
being ordered, be sure to keep all parts of that group in a
separate container while proceeding with disassembly,
inspection, repair and reassembly of other component groups.
Recommended ATF type BESCO ATF II or III.
GENERAL CLEANING NOTES:
1. All disassembled parts should be washed clean and any
fluid passages and holes blown through with compressed
air.
2. When using compressed air to dry parts, always aim away
from yourself to prevent accidentally spraying automatic
transmission fluid in your face.
3. The recommended automatic transmission fluid should be
used for cleaning.
PARTS ARRANGEMENT:
1. After cleaning, the par ts should be arranged in proper order
to allow performing inspection, repairs, and reassembly
with efficiency.
2. When disassembling a valve body, be sure to keep each
valve together with the corresponding spring.
3. New brakes and clutches that are to be used for
replacement must be soaked in transmission fluid for at
least thir ty before assembly.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY:
1. All oil seal rings, clutch discs, clutch plates, rotating parts,
and sliding surfaces should be coated with transmission
fluid prior to reassembly.
2. All gaskets and rubber O-rings should be replaced.
3. Make sure that ends of a snap ring are not aligned with one
of the cutouts and are installed in the groove correctly.
4. If a worn bushing is to be replaced, the subassembly
containing that bushing must be replaced.
5.Check thrust bearings and races for wear or damage.
Replace if necessary.
6. Use petroleum jelly or vaseline to keep par ts in place.