Active Select is a manual shift function in automatic transmissions used in Opel -, Holden– and Vauxhall vehicles. This system came out in the early 2000s. Manual mode expands the vehicle's dynamic characteristics. This enables, for example, safer starting on slippery surfaces and improves manoeuvrability. It is essential for increasing speed as it allows for faster acceleration.
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How Active Select works
The Active Select system is available on standard transmissions equipped with a hydraulic torque converter, planetary gear sets and electronic controls. In automated mode, this transmission can adapt to different driving styles. For example, if a driver prefers a sporty style, the gears are shifted at a higher rpm. To engage manual mode, the driver moves the shift lever to the left from the “D” position, then momentarily shifts to the “+” or “-” position to shift up or down a gear. The selected mode and gear are displayed on the dashboard.
Popular Transmissions with Active Select
| <Index | Manufacturer | Number of gears | Max . Displacement, l | Max. Torque, Nm | Type of drive | Year of manufacture | Applicable models |
| AF17 (AW60-41SN ) | Aisin | 4 | 1.8 | 180 | Front wheel | 1998 | Opel Astra; Holden Astra; Opel Zafira |
| AF22 (AW50-40LE) | Aisin | 4 | 2.5 | 250 | Front wheel | 1995 | Opel Vectra; Opel astra; Vauxhall Zafira; Holden Zafira |
| AW55-50SN | Aisin | 5 | 3.5 | 330 | front wheel | 2000 | Opel Vectra; Holden Epica; Holden Equinox; Opel Signum |
| TF-80SC | Aisin | 6 | 2.5 | 450 | Front wheel, all-wheel | 2000 | Opel Astra; Vauxhall Vectra; Holden Zafira; Vauxhall Insignia; Opel Zafira |
| 5L40-E | GM | 5 | 3.6 | 360 | Rear, 4WD | 1999 | Holden Caprice WM; Holden Adventra; Holden Commodore; Holden Crewman; Opel GT |
Frequent defects of transmissions with Active Select
| Defects | Transmission |
| The solenoid valves clog due to contaminated fluid, causing judder when the clutch is applied. | AW55-50SN; TF-80SC; 5L40E; AF17 (AW60-41SN) |
| The planetary gear sets wear out due to lack of oil. | AF17 (AW60-41SN); AW55-50SN |
| The seal leaks after a while. | AF22 (AW50-40LE) |
| The clutch drum cracks. | AF22 (AW50-40LE) |
| The transmission slips due to wear of the torque converter friction plate. | TF-80SC |
| The transmission pump may fail due to continuous driving at high speeds. | 5L40E |
| The rubber molded pistons can be damaged by overheating. | 5L40E |