Opel Corsa B 1993–2000 Service and Repair Manual: Automatic transmission

Note: Due to the complexity of the automatic transmission, it is difficult for the home mechanic to properly diagnose and service this unit. For problems other than the following, the vehicle should be taken to a dealer service department or automatic transmission specialist.

Fluid leakage

• Automatic transmission fluid is usually deep red in colour. Fluid leaks should not be confused with engine oil, which can easily be blown onto the transmission by air flow.
• To determine the source of a leak, first remove all built-up dirt and grime from the transmission housing and surrounding areas, using a degreasing agent, or by steam-cleaning. Drive the vehicle at low speed, so air flow will not blow the leak far from its source. Raise and support the vehicle, and determine where the leak is coming from. The following are common areas of leakage.
  1. Oil pan.
  2. Dipstick tube.

Transmission fluid brown, or has burned smell

• Transmission fluid level low, or fluid in need of renewal.

General gear selection problems

• The following are common problems which may be caused by a poorly-adjusted cable.

1. Engine starting in gears other than Park or Neutral.
2. Indicator on gear selector lever pointing to a gear other than the one actually being used.
3. Vehicle moves when in Park or Neutral.
4. Poor gearshift quality or erratic gearchanges.

Transmission will not downshift (kickdown) with accelerator pedal fully depressed

• Low transmission fluid level.
• Incorrect selector cable adjustment.
• Incorrect kickdown cable adjustment.

Engine will not start in any gear, or starts in gears other than Park or Neutral

• Incorrect starter inhibitor switch adjustment.
• Incorrect selector cable adjustment .

Transmission slips, shifts roughly, is noisy, or has no drive in forward or reverse gears

• There are many probable causes for the above problems, but the home mechanic should be concerned with only one possibility - fluid level. Before taking the vehicle to a dealer or transmission specialist, check the fluid level and condition of the fluid .

  Correct the fluid level as necessary, or change the fluid and filter if needed. If the problem persists, professional help will be necessary.

Driveshafts

Clicking or knocking noise on turns (at slow speed on full-lock)

• Lack of constant velocity joint lubricant, possibly due to damaged gaiter.
• Worn outer constant velocity joint .

Vibration when accelerating or decelerating

• Worn inner constant velocity joint.
• Bent or distorted driveshaft.