check engine light OPEL FRONTERA 1998 Workshop Manual

6E–210
4JX1–TC ENGINE DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS)
Removal Procedure
CAUTION: The VSS is located on the right side of
the transfer case just ahead of the rear propeller
shaft and very close to the exhaust pipes. Be sure
that the exhaust pipes are cool enough to touch
before trying to remove the VSS. If the pipes are hot,
you could be burned.
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Disconnect the VSS electrical connector.
TS23748
3. Remove the bolt and the clamp securing the VSS in
place.
IMPORTANT:H a v e a c o n t a i n e r r e a d y t o c a t c h a n y f l u i d
that leaks out when the VSS is removed from the transfer
case.
TS23780
4. Remove the VSS from the transfer case by wiggling it
slightly and pulling it straight out.
Inspection Procedure
1. Inspect the electrical connector for signs of corrosion
or warping. Replace the VSS if the electrical
connector is corroded or warped.
2. Inspect the VSS driven gear for chips, breaks, or worn
condition. Replace the VSS if the driven gear is
chipped, broken or worn.
3. Inspect the O-ring for wear, nicks, tears, or
looseness. Replace the O-ring if necessary.
Installation Procedure
1. Install the VSS in the transfer case with the notch for
the connector facing the rear.
2. Secure the VSS in place with the clamp and the bolt.
Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 16 Nꞏm (12 lb ft.).
TS23780
3. Connect the VSS electrical connector.
TS23748
4. Check the transfer case oil level. Add fluid if
necessary.

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–TRANSPARENT
/ PINKBROWN
DRAIN
REQUIRED?NOYESYESYES
CONTAMINA–
TIONNONEVery small amount of
foreign material in
bottom of panContamination by
coolant or other sourceLarge pieces of metal
or other foreign
material 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 complaints 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 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.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (AW30-40LE) 7A–9
MAJOR INPUT/OUTPUT COMPONENTS
Component Function
Input
Vehicle speed sensor (Speedometer) Detects the vehicle speed (Back-up sensor of output
revolution sensor).
Output revolution sensor (Transmission) Detects the vehicle speed.
Input revolution sensor (Transmission) Detects the input revolution (O/D direct clutch drum
revolution).
Engine revolution sensor Detects the engine revolution.
Throttle position sensor Detects the throttle opening rate.
Neutral start switch Detects the select lever position.
Pattern select switch Detects whether the driver has selected "NORMAL",
"POWER", or "WINTER" mode.
Overdrive off switch Detects whether the driver has selected O/D.
Brake lamp switch Detects whether the driver has pressed the brake pedal or
not.
Oil temperature sensor Detects the oil temperature.
Diagnostic star t switch Star ts self-diagnosis and displays a code for faulty part if
any.
Input/Output
Data link connector When connected with Tech2 or tester, can communicate
the data for function check, etc.
Output
Shift solenoid S1, S2 Selects shift point and gear position suited to the vehicle
running condition on the basis of TCM output.
Lock-up control solenoid SL Control the lock-up clutch suited to the vehicle running
condition on the basis of TCM output.
Pressure control solenoid STH Adjusts throttle pressure by energizing current of linear
pressure control solenoid to prevent the shift shock and to
obtain shift smoothly.
"CHECK TRANS" lamp When trouble has occurred to throttle position sensor,
vehicle speed sensor, or solenoid, "CHECK TRANS" lamp
is blinked to warn the driver. If also displays the trouble
code.
A/T OIL TEMP warning lamp Lights when ATF oil temperature rises. (Turned on at
greater than 146
C . Turned off at less than 126C.
Power mode lamp Informs the driver whether the vehicle is in power mode or
not.
Winter mode lamp Informs the driver whether the vehicle is in winter mode or
not.
Computer
Transmission Control Module (TCM) Based on the signal from each switch and sensors, judges
necessary shift point and lock-up operation, and send
signal to each solenoid.

7A–20 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (AW30-40LE)
Once the test vehicle has been identified an “Application
(Power train) Menu" screen appears. Please select the
appropriate application.
The following table shows, which functions are used for
the available equipment versions.
Diagnostic Trouble Codes
The purpose of the “Diagnostic Trouble Codes" mode is
to display stored TCM trouble codes.
When “Diagnostic Trouble Codes" is selected an
“Application Menu" screen appears.
Clear DTC Information
The purpose of the “Clear DTC Information" mode is to
command the clearing of stored TCM trouble codes.
When “Clear DTC Information" is selected, a “Clear
DTC Information", warning screen appears. This screen
informs you that by cleaning DTC's, “all stored DTC
information in controller will be erased".
Do you want to clear DTC's (Yes/No).
Press either the Yes or No key when answering.
After clearing codes, confirm system operation by test
driving the vehicle.
Allow the vehicle to shift through all four forward gears in
a manner which attempts to repeat the failure condition.
NOTE: When the trouble has not been repaired and thetrouble code cannot be erased, check the vehicle again.
DTC Information
When “DTC Information" is selected, an “Application
Menu" appears with a list of DTC information function
keys addressing DTC specifics and their origins.
Function key selections may vary for particular vehicle
and/or system.
Data Display
The purpose of the “Data Display" mode is to
continuously monitor data parameters.
The current actual values of all impor tant sensors and
signals in the system are display through F1 mode.
When “Data Display" is selected an “Application Menu"
appears.
See “TRANSMISSION DATA" and “TCC DATA” on next
page.
Snapshot
When “Snapshot" is selected an “Application Menu"
appears.
When “Transmission Snapshot" application is selected
from the “Application Menu", a “Snapshot Menu"
appears, displaying several options. “Snapshot" options
may vary from one system to another.
“Snapshot" allows a recording of all vehicle parameters.
There parameters may then be replayed at a future
point in time.
This action allows you to focus on making the condition
occur, rather than trying to view all of the data in
anticipation of the fault. The snapshot will collect
parameter information around a trigger point that you
select.
When a snapshot is taken. It is recorded onto the
PCMCIA memory card. When the Tech2 is powered
down. Snapshots are not lost.
Actuator Tests
The purpose of “Actuator Tests" mode is to check for
correct operation of electronic system actuators.
Lamps
You can operate the lamps by pressing the ON and OFF
buttons.
Preconditions: P or N position
Solenoid
Solenoid S1(1-2/3-4), S2(2-3) and TCC Solenoid
(Torque Converter Clutch)
You can operate the solenoids by pressing the ON and
OFF buttons.
Preconditions: P or N position, no vehicle speed, no
engine speed
Pressure Control Solenoid (PCS)
You can operate the PC Solenoid by pressing the ON
and OFF buttons. ON will command a maximum current
of 1000 mA and OFF a minimum of 200 mA.
Preconditions: P or N position, no vehicle speed, engine
running F0: Diagnostic Trouble Codes
F0: Read DTC Info Ordered By Priority
F1: Clear DTC Information
F2: DTC Information
F0: History
F1: MIL SVS or Message Requested
F2: Last Test Failed
F3: Test Failed Since Code Cleared
F4: Not Ran Since Code Cleared
F5: Failed This Ignition
F1: Data Display
F0: Transmission Data
F1: TCC Data
F2: Snapshot
F3: Actuator Tests
F0: Lamps
F0: Check Light Test
F1: Power Lamp Test
F2: Winter Lamp Test
F3: AT Oil Temperature Lamp Test
F1: Solenoids
F0: Solenoid 2-3 Test
F1: Solenoid 1-2/3-4 Test
F2: TCC Solenoid Test
F3: Pressure Control Solenoid (PCS)

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (AW30-40LE) 7A–21
TRANSMISSION DATA
Item Unit Enigne running at idle
Current Gear1
Lock Up Inactive, Active Inactive
Selector PositionPar k
AT Output Speed (Automatic Transmission) RPM 0 RPM
Output Speed (Meter Signal Side) RPM 0 RPM
AT Input Speed (Automatic Transmission) RPM 0 RPM
Engine Speed RPM 695
745 RPM
Vehicle Speed (Output Side) km/h 0 km/h
Throttle Position % 0 %
Throttle Position Sensor V 0.25
0.45V
AT Oil Temperature (Automatic Transmission)
C, F70 80C (158 176F)
Shift Pattern
Desired PCS Pressure (Pressure Control Solenoid) kPa
PCS Desired Current (Pressure Control Solenoid) mA
PCS Actual Current (Pressure Control Solenoid) mA
Overdrive Off Switch Off, On
Brake Switch Open 0V, Closed 12V Closed 12V
Winter Switch Open, Closed 0V Open
Power Switch Open, Closed 0V Open
Diagnostic Request Open, Closed Open
Winter Lamp Inactive 12V, Active 0V Inactive 12V
Power Lamp Inactive 12V, Active 0V Inactive 12V
Check Light Inactive 12V, Active 0V Inactive 12V
AT Oil Temperature Lamp (Automatic Transmission) Inactive 12V, Active 0V Inactive 12V
Solenoid 2-3 Inactive 0V, Active 12V Inactive 0V
Solenoid 1-2/3-4 Inactive 0V, Active 12V Active 12V
TCC Solenoid (Torque Conver ter Clutch) Inactive 0V, Active 12V Inactive 0V