Just a few years ago it was impossible to imagine the presence of a non-manual gearbox on Lada cars. Now a four-speed automatic transmission, a CVT and an AMT robot are being installed, which will be discussed further.
Menu
- Device
- Principle of operation
- Advantages
- Flaws
- Application
- Results
The AMT robot appeared in 2014. This version is called AMT-1 or VAZ-21826. In 2022, the firmware was rewritten and the name AMT-2 or VAZ-21827 was changed.
Device
Structurally, the AMT is a conventional five-speed manual transmission VAZ-2180, equipped with actuators from ZF for clutch release and gear shifting.
A - clutch actuator; B — gear shift actuator; B — clutch fork; G - speed sensor on the input shaft.
Clutch actuator
1 - drive gear; 2 — clutch fork rod; 3 — wear compensator; 4 - compensation spring; 5 - electric motor.
Gear shift actuator
1 — gear selection rod; 2 — gear shift drive; 3 — gear selection drive; 4 - electric motors.
5 AMT transmission service
According to the manufacturer, the 5 AMT transmission does not require maintenance, its elements are protected from dust and moisture, which in turn has secured the transmission’s reputation as a simple, reliable, trouble-free mechanism.
However, it is recommended to adhere to the following rules:
- Monitor the oil level; mechanical damage to the box may cause it to leak;
- Adapt the robotic gearbox clutch in a timely manner.
The box is a set of gears controlled by a ZF actuator. The clutch of the box wears out over time and needs to be adjusted to the actuator, this process is called adaptation, it is designed to eliminate jerks and shocks when moving.
Adaptation is carried out:
- Every 15,000 km of vehicle mileage;
- In case of clutch replacement;
- When updating the on-board computer settings.
The process is simple and takes a few minutes: the car is connected to the AvtoVAZ computer through a special diagnostic connector, the electrician turns on the program and directly communicates with the manufacturer’s server. The data is downloaded to the server, after which the engine starts and adaptation occurs within a few seconds.
It is advisable to have the box diagnosed by an official representative, since the work will require special equipment and trained personnel.
Principle of operation
In automatic mode, the actuators themselves change gears and depress the clutch depending on engine speed.
There is also a manual mode, where the driver himself will change gear when he needs it, and the actuator is responsible for squeezing the clutch. In this mode, the automatic system still monitors the engine and, when it reaches very high speeds, will change gear itself in order to avoid damage to the gearbox.
What cars can it be installed on?
The first car under the Lada Priora brand, equipped with AMT, was released in 2014; the installed gearbox was modified AMT-2182. After running in and finalizing the mechanisms and program elements, automatic manual transmissions began to be equipped with the Lada Granta, this happened in March 2015, and the Lada Vesta, in 2016. The Lada Kalina and Lada Xray cars were equipped with the same gearbox.
Later modifications of the gearboxes are structurally similar to the first gearbox released by the company. The difference lies in the improved program of the latest version, which was developed by the German company ZF Friedrichshafen AG. The principle is based on the use of a new transmission switching algorithm and improved functional logic. AMT has a number of operational features and is characterized as a simple, reliable, economical unit.
Advantages
- Cheapness. AMT is more profitable to produce than an automatic or CVT, so the end buyer gets cars with a robot at a lower markup.
- Efficiency The efficiency of the AMT robot is comparable to that of a manual transmission. The power loss from gear operation is about 2%.
- Unlike the driver, the robot's actuators try to extend the life of the box, and changes gears more slowly and smoothly than a human could. Therefore, switching to higher gear occurs with some delay, which increases fuel consumption.
- There is an imitation of a creeping mode, like on an automatic transmission (VAZ-21827).
Lada Vesta and new firmware 2.0 of the AMT box
This year, a new robotic transmission . The unit is old, the firmware has been updated. I suggest you familiarize yourself with the innovations using the example of Vesta with the robot:
- The emergence of the “creeping” mode
- Winter mode. You can start in second gear
- Increased switching speed
And now more details.
Crawling on Vesta with a robot
With the firmware update, the AMT box received a “creeping” mode . This allows its owners to maneuver in confined spaces, in parking lots, in traffic jams, and over speed bumps without pedals.
You can use it by simply releasing the brake pedal and not touching the accelerator. This was not available in previous firmware versions. The Lada does not start quickly, with the engine jerking. At first glance, it seems that a novice is starting off, who does not know how to handle the clutch pedal on a manual transmission.
It is impossible to say that such behavior will pass without a trace for all components of the car. Therefore, it is better not to abuse this mode. The movement begins after 1-2 seconds, during which time the control unit thinks what they want from it, and then we crawl.
You can move at this pace both forward and backward. The speed of such movement depends on the gear engaged: 1 – 7-8 km/h, 2 – 14-15 km/h, reverse – 5-6 km/h. The system provides protection; it will disengage the clutch if you put the car on the handbrake or open the driver's door.
In firmware 2.0, driver assistance is programmed when starting up a hill . The AMT gearbox holds Vesta for a few seconds in order to have time to put its foot on the gas, and then lets the car float freely, and it doesn’t matter what is behind: a fence or an abyss. You will roll, the system will not stop you, it will not turn on again.
In addition, it does not recognize all climbs, perhaps depending on the steepness. Therefore, you should not blindly trust her. This is especially true in urban conditions; the car can roll back and “say hello” to its rear neighbor.
It is recommended to push it with the gas pedal the old fashioned way.
Winter mode or start from second gear
Yes, this mode has been implemented in the new firmware. But there is no separate button to turn it on; we manually shift the automatic transmission lever to manual mode and select second speed. We press on the throttle and get moving.
After the creeping mode, which was discussed above, we expected engine jerks and complete discomfort in the cabin. But the expectations were not met. The Lada Vesta drove smoothly in second gear. This means you can move freely in winter on ice and packed snow, the wheels will not slip.
This feature was not available in previous versions of AMT on VAZ. In winter it was difficult to start driving on a slippery surface; this required certain skill from the driver. During these times, many regretted that they did not have simple mechanics.
Switching faster
One of the main shortcomings of previous firmware versions is slow switching. Pressing the pedal to the floor, she thought for several seconds what to do and where to jump. This made drivers nervous. You want to overtake and suddenly try to accelerate, but instead of the expected result you get delays and a car in the oncoming lane.
In the AMT 2.0 box, VAZ achieved a 30% increase in speed. For example: from first to second – 2.6 seconds in the old version, 1.8 – in the new one. “Slipper to the floor” - 1.3 seconds versus 2. This applies not only to “clicking” up, but also down.
This process is accompanied by cheerful throttling of the engine. But don't delude yourself. The robot loses to classic automatic transmissions and CVTs, but there are positive changes. Lada Vesta on a robot can be a pleasure to drive.
The upgraded AMTs are planned to be installed on Vestas with a 1.8 engine and X-Ray with a 1.6 engine and higher. In the future, the turn will come for other Lada models. The changes affected only the software; a reasonable question arises: “Is it possible to reflash old units for new software”? The engineers said - No!
The reason lies in the fact that it supplies units with new software, and when changing the old one, you need to change the internal combustion engine controller, which works in conjunction with the control unit. Financial costs may exceed expectations from the effect obtained, so this procedure is not effective.
The video will visually demonstrate the capabilities of the AMT 2.0 box on Vesta , with all its positive and negative factors. We’ll test drive it on an uphill slope and test the “creeping” mode so that you can form your own opinion about the updated VAZ transmission.
Application
- Lada Vesta (2180)
- Lada Vesta (2181)
- Lada Vesta Cross
- Lada Vesta Cross (2181)
- Lada Granta (2190)
- Lada Granta (219059) Drive Active
- Lada Granta (2191)
- Lada Granta (2192)
- Lada Granta (2194)
- Lada Granta Cross (2194)
- Lada Kalina (2192)
- Lada Kalina (2194)
- Lada Kalina Cross (2194)
- Lada Priora (2170)
- Lada Priora (2171)
- Lada Priora (2172)
- Lada X-Ray
Features of the “behavior” of the robot after running in
As a rule, after running-in, the robot and the driver adapt to each other. The driver already automatically starts the engine from the neutral position of the lever and simultaneously presses the brakes. Gear changes have returned to normal and become shifts without interruption in the power flow or without "jerking".
Some reviews regarding the “behavior” of the robot after running-in recommend not to “fall” on the gas pedal when starting to move, trying to quickly gain speed to switch from the initial speed to the next one. This manipulation does not give the desired effect, however, the transition from second gear to third and subsequent transitions will be carried out much faster, unless, of course, you reduce engine speed by releasing the gas pedal.
Review of VAZ Granta 1.6 (year)
July 23 mileage: 2000 km.
Review: Granta 1.6 16v AMT (robot)
I wish you all good health! Reading reviews is of course pleasant and useful, now you also need to make your contribution, so don’t judge harshly, especially for mistakes (I was in a hurry, and I want to write more + no, the beech is stiff and the buttons are small).
Lada Granta (luxury equipment)
ICE: 1.6 16 cl. 106 l/s, gearbox: 5st. robotic.
Equipment: ABS 2PB 4ESP Climate Heated front seats Rain sensor Two rear parking sensors Fogs Wheels R15 Radio with touch control Standard alarm.
Over the 11 years of driving experience, I personally owned: the first was my grandfather’s Moskvich 412 (whatever this car couldn’t stand from me), then the VAZ 2105 1.3 1985. on gas (after Moskvich, a comfortable and stable car), VAZ 2106 2006. (drove for about 2 years), then an almost new 2105 (injection 5-speed, also drove for about 2 years), Toyota Platz 2001. (I got the car in excellent condition, drove it for 3 years, didn’t know any problems, but I wanted more and lost it), Nissan Cefiro 1998. 2.5 210 hp Neo-Di engine which does not run on gasoline below 95, the car is cool but already old and it eats gasoline normally + expensive insurance, taxes (drove for 2 months and sold it), Honda Civic 2000. 1.5 (8 valve automatic - I was shocked myself) right-handed sedan made for the Emirates, no ABS, no airbags, terrible heater. but there is a leather interior and climate control (the car was received in poor technical condition. I thought I’d do it little by little, but it didn’t work out due to financial difficulties, I thought it was about to break down BUT! the car was almost unchanged in technical parts, traveled 3 -and years... low bow to her, the car is really very reliable and durable, although it is designed for good roads and active driving, so the chassis is quite harsh). All cars are worthy of special attention, but we are not talking about them now. And now. TA-DAM! New Lada Granta))
