Transmission Fluid; Af22 Transmission; Af40 Transmission; Transmission Fluid Drain Plug - Opel Zafira B MPV 2006 Owners Workshop Manual

78•2 Automatic transmission
A four- or six-speed, electronically-
controlled automatic transmission was
optionally available on certain models covered
by this manual. The transmission consists of
a torque converter, an epicyclic geartrain, and
hydraulically-operated clutches and brakes.
The unit is controlled by the electronic control
unit (ECU) via electrically-operated solenoid
valves. On six-speed transmissions, in
addition to the fully-automatic operation, the
transmission can also be operated manually
with six-speed sequential gear selection.
Both transmission types have three driving
modes; economy, sport and winter modes. The
economy mode is the standard mode for driving
in which the transmission shifts up at relatively
low engine speeds to combine reasonable
performance with economy. If the transmission
unit is switched into sport mode, using the
button on the facia, the transmission shifts up
only at high engine speeds, giving improved
acceleration and overtaking performance. When
the transmission is in sport mode, the indicator
light in the instrument panel is illuminated. If
the transmission is switched into winter mode,
using the button on the selector lever indicator
panel, the transmission will select second or
third gear (depending on transmission type) as
the vehicle pulls away from a standing start;
this helps to maintain traction on very slippery
surfaces.
The torque converter provides a fluid
coupling between engine and transmission,
which acts as an automatic clutch, and also
provides a degree of torque multiplication
when accelerating. The torque converter
incorporates a lock-up function whereby
the engine and transmission can be directly
coupled by means of a clutch unit inside the
torque converter. The lock-up function is
controlled by the ECU according to operating
conditions.
The epicyclic geartrain provides either of
the four or six forward, or one reverse gear
ratios, according to which of its component
parts are held stationary or allowed to turn.
The components of the geartrain are held or
released by hydraulically actuated brakes and
clutches. A fluid pump within the transmission
provides the necessary hydraulic pressure to
operate the brakes and clutches.
In automatic mode, the transmission is
fully-adaptive, whereby the shift points are
dependant on driver input, roadspeed, engine
speed and vehicle operating conditions. The
ECU receives inputs from various engine and
drive train related sensors, and determines the
appropriate shift point for each gear.
Driver control of the transmission is by
a floor-mounted selector lever. The drive D
position, allows automatic changing throughout
the range of forward gear ratios. An automatic
kickdown facility shifts the transmission
2.2 Transmission fluid drain plug (1) -
AF22 transmission
down a gear if the accelerator pedal is fully
depressed. On six-speed transmissions, if
the selector lever is moved to the left from the
D position, the transmission enters manual
mode. In manual mode the gear selector lever
can be used to shift the transmission up or
down each gear sequentially.
Due to the complexity of the automatic
transmission, any repair or overhaul work
must be left to a Vauxhall/Opel dealer or
transmission specialist with the necessary
special equipment for fault diagnosis and
repair. The contents of the following Sections
are therefore confined to supplying general
information, and any service information and
instructions that can be used by the owner.
AF22 transmission
Draining
1 Firmly apply the handbrake, then jack up
2.1 O Transmission fluid level checking
plug (1) and drain plug (2)-
AF40 transmission
the front of the car and support it securely on
axle stands (see Jacking and vehicle support).
2 Withdraw the transmission dipstick, then
position a container under the drain plug at
the rear right-hand side of the transmission,
below the driveshaft. Unscrew the plug and
remove it along with its sealing washer
(see
illustration).
3 Allow the fluid to drain completely into the
container.
4 When the fluid has finished draining, clean
the drain plug threads and those of the
transmission casing, fit a new sealing washer
and refit the drain plug, tightening it to the
specified torque. Lower the vehicle to the
ground.
Refilling
5 Refilling the transmission is an awkward
operation, adding the specified type and
amount of fluid to the transmission a little
at a time via the dipstick tube. Use a funnel
with a fine mesh gauze to avoid spillage, and
to ensure that no foreign matter enters the
transmission. Allow plenty of time for the fluid
level to settle properly.
6 Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth and
insert it fully into the transmission. Withdraw
the dipstick and check the fluid level which
must be between the MAX and MIN mark
on the side of the dipstick marked +20°C.
If necessary, add further fluid until the level
is between the two marks, then refit the
dipstick.
7 Start the engine, and allow it to idle for a
few minutes whilst moving the selector lever
through its various positions. Take the car
on a moderate run to fully distribute the new
fluid around the transmission, and to bring
the transmission up to normal operating
temperature (70° to 80°C). On returning, park
the car on level ground and leave the engine
idling.
8 Withdraw the dipstick, wipe it with a clean
cloth and insert it fully into the transmission
once more. Withdraw the dipstick and check
the fluid level which must be between the
MAX and MIN mark on the side of the dipstick
marked +80°C. If necessary, add further fluid
until the level is between the two marks, then
refit the dipstick.
AF40 transmission
Draining
9 Position the vehicle over an inspection pit,
on vehicle ramps, or jack it up and support
it securely on axle stands (see Jacking and
vehicle support), but make sure that it is level.
Remove the bolts and clips and remove the
undertray from beneath the engine.
10 Position a container under the combined
drain plug/level checking plug at the base of
the transmission. Note that the drain plug and
level checking plug are incorporated into one
unit - the drain plug is the larger of the two
plugs, with the level checking plug screwed
into the centre of it (see illustration).
11
Unscrew the level checking plug and