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7. Gearbox Operation
7.1 Introduction
The EcoLife transmission is connected to the vehicle
electrics via the vehicle CAN; and via the ZF CAN with the
range selector, the optional E-module, and the diagnosis
tool. The ECU controls and monitors the EcoLife
transmission and features all standard diagnostic protocols.
Vehicle and transmission input variables available via CAN
are picked up and processed into signals for the control of
the hydraulic control elements of the transmission.
The driver can intervene actively in the EcoLife control
system using:
- Speed range selector (push-button range selector)
- Kickdown
- Accelerator pedal
- Brake pedal
- Switch for retarder actuation
•
The range selector can be used to preselect speed ranges.
Push-buttons will shine when depressed (permant
illumination).
•
The kickdown function can be used to move shift points
towards higher engine speeds, so the transmission remains
in each gear longer during acceleration and shifts out of
each gear sooner during deceleration.
7.2 Operation
(1) Pushbutton control with diagnostics connector
①
Variants: 3, 4, 5 or 6 push buttons for speed-range
selection, horizontally or vertically arranged:
R = Reverse
N = Neutral
D = automatic forward driving range (Drive)
optional: 1, 2, 3 = limited forward driving ranges
Push-button control with diagnostics connector, variant with
6 push buttons, horizontally arranged (details may be
different from illustration).
Cover for diagnostics connector open
Diagnostic cable connected
②
PushButton Illumination
Brightness levels 1(low) and 2(high) are available
for push-button illumination.
Turning the vehicle key into driving position
causes the system to perform an automatic
illumination test. All push buttons will be
illuminated for approx. 1.2s at level 2 before the
system changes to level 1 for easier location of the
push buttons.
After depression of a push button it will be
illuminated at level 2 as soon as it is accepted by
the electronic control system.
Display of errors:
•
Illumination level 1 is retained despite depressed
push button
Possible causes:
- Information needed for illumination is not
provided by the electronic control unit. In such a
case, normal driving is still possible.
- Hardware defect on push-button selector
•
Depressed push button flashes
Cause: Push button is not accepted by the
electronic control unit
•
All push buttons flash
Possible causes:
- Serious internal fault of push-button selector
- Malfunction of CAN communication
③
Push-Button Selector Position
NOTE
If several push buttons are selected at the same
time, the smallest gear locking button selected will
be activated.
Example: If push buttons 3 and D are accidentally
depressed at the same time, push button 3 will be
activated.
(2) Driving Ranges
Driving ranges are selected through depression of
the respective push buttons of the push-button
range selector. Consult the vehicle operating
instructions for precise information about the gears
engaged in each of the speed ranges. A defined
range of gears is assigned to each driving range.
