Gear selector switch with selector lever
The gear selector switch (GWS) consists of the control electronics circuit and the selector lever. The sensors for recording the gearshift lever position and for inhibiting inadvertent gearshifts are integrated in the control electronics.
Example of a gear selector switch (AT motor vehicles)
| Item | Explanation |
|---|---|
| 1 | Gear lever switch |
| 2 | P button (parking) |
| 3 | Release button |
| 4 | Function display with shift pattern |
| 5 | Selector lever |
| 6 | Control electronics |
The drive position engaged is shown on the function display regardless of the selector lever position.
The following positions can be selected with the selector lever:
- P:
for Park
The function "P" is to be set by operating a separate button on the gear selector switch.
- R: for reverse gear
- N: for Neutral
- D: for Drive = automatic mode
- M/S:M for Manual mode = Steptronic; S for Sport program = automatic mode with sport characteristic curve
In this shift pattern diagram, the drive position engaged is shown by LEDs. The shift pattern is only displayed if the transmission control unit has implemented the driver's choice and has reported this state to the gear selector switch via the bus. The gear selector switch only displays what it has received from the transmission control unit.
The selector lever position of the gear selector switch is detected by means of hall effect sensors without contact and forwarded via PT-CAN to the transmission control unit (EGS). For availability reasons, these signals are also forwarded via the PT-CAN2 to the EGS.
The following locks are discontinued for 09/2009:
- Selector lever interlock, transmission position R
- Selector lever interlock, transmission position D
A lock prevents inadvertent shifts to position "R". To cancel the inhibitor, the brake pedal must be depressed and the release button on the selector lever must be pressed. In the gear selector switch (GWS), a total of 3 actuators are used for the 3 locks. An electric motor with downstream transmission is used for the automatic return from the manual gate into the automatic gutter as well as for locking the manual gutter. A bidirectional, spring-centered double magnet (solenoid) is used for the lock towards selector lever position "R". A single magnet (solenoid) with spring is used for the lock towards selector lever position "D". The locks are only supplied with current after terminal 15 On. This ensures that in automatic mode no shift travel is inhibited by the actuators in the event of a fault developing.
Example of a gear selector switch in M motor vehicles
| Item | Explanation |
|---|---|
| 1 | Gear selector switch (GWS) |
| 2 | Controller (CON) |
| 3 | Button, parking brake |
| 4 | Center console operating facility |