1988 OPEL VECTRA belt

Inspection
17Examine the distributor cap and rotor arm,
as described in paragraphs 6 and 7. Examine
the O-rings at the rear of the distributor body,
and on the rear of the shaft, and renew if
necessary.
Reassembly
18Reassembly is a reversal of dismantling,
ensuring that the thrustwashers are correctly
located. Note that the drive collar should be
refitted so that the drive peg on the collar is
aligned with the groove in the top of the
distributor shaft (it is possible to fit the drive
collar 180°out of position).
19Refit the distributor as described in
Section 18, and then check and if necessary
adjust the ignition timing, as described in
Section 21.
DOHC models (where
applicable)
20The distributor cap and rotor arm can be
examined as described in paragraphs 6 and 7.
21Ignition timing -checking and
adjustment
4
Note: Refer to Section 3 before proceeding. A
tachometer and a timing light will be required
during this procedure. For details of ignition
timing adjustment required to operate vehicles
on unleaded petrol, refer to Section 22.
14 NV and 16 SV models
Checking
1Start the engine and run it until it reaches
normal operating temperature, then switch
off.
2On 14 NV models, disconnect the vacuum
pipe from the distributor vacuum diaphragm
unit.
3On all models use a spanner applied to the
crankshaft pulley bolt to rotate the crankshaft
clockwise until the notch in the pulley’s
inboard rim aligns with the pointer protruding
from the oil pump housing. On 14 NV models,
where two notches (indicating 10°and 5°
BTDC respectively) are found, rotate the
crankshaft until the second notch (in thedirection of rotation -i.e. 5°BTDC) aligns. Use
white paint or similar to emphasise the pointer
and notch, to make them easier to see.
4Connect a timing light to No 1 cylinder
(nearest the timing belt end of the engine) HT
lead, also a tachometer; follow the equipment
manufacturer’s instructions for connection.
5Start the engine and allow it to idle -the
speed should be between 700 and 1000 rpm.
6On 14 NV models, aim the timing light at the
pointer and check that it is aligned with the
crankshaft pulley notch.
7On early 16 SV models, disconnect the
ignition timing basic adjustment coding plug.
This can be identified by a length of Black
wire joining Brown/Red and Brown/Yellow
wires in a connector plug clipped to the wiring
or heater/cooling system hoses beneath the
battery/ignition coil (see illustration, 16.1). This
causes the MSTS-i module to adopt its basic
adjustment mode, sending a constant firing
signal corresponding to 10°BTDC and
eliminating any advance below 2000 rpm. Aim
the timing light at the pointer and check that it
is aligned with the crankshaft pulley notch.
8On later 16 SV, C 16 NZ and C 16 NZ2
models, the coding plugs are no longer fitted.
For accurate checking, special Vauxhall test
equipment must be used which causes the
MSTS module to adopt its basic adjustment
mode.
9Without access to such equipment, it is
possible to check and adjust the ignition
timing, accurate results cannot be
guaranteed. Owners are therefore advised to
have this work carried out by a suitably
equipped Vauxhall dealer; at the very least,
make the initial setting yourself and then have
it checked as soon as possible.
10If you do attempt to check the ignition
timing yourself, note that the fixed reference
mark is now an extended line embossed on
the timing belt lower outer cover.
Adjustment
11If the notch and pointer are not aligned,
loosen the distributor clamp nut and turn the
distributor body slightly in the required
direction to align.
12Tighten the distributor clamp nut, and
check that the notch and pointer are still
aligned. 13Stop the engine, and disconnect the
timing light and tachometer.
14On 16 SV models, reconnect the basic
adjustment coding plug. On 14 NV models,
reconnect the vacuum pipe to the distributor
vacuum diaphragm unit.
Other models
15No adjustment of the ignition timing is
possible on 1.8 and 2.0 litre models, as the
adjustment is carried out automatically by the
electronic control module.
16The ignition timing can be checked by a
Vauxhall dealer using specialist dedicated test
equipment, if a fault is suspected.
22Ignition timing -adjustment
for use with unleaded petrol
3
14 NV models
1All models with the 14 NV engine have the
ignition timing adjusted for use with 95 RON
unleaded petrol before they leave the factory,
and no further adjustment is required.
2Leaded petrol (98 RON) can be used if
desired, with no adverse effects.
1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 SOHC models
Note: Models equipped with a catalytic
converter must be operated on 95 R0N
unleaded petrol at all times, and although an
octane coding plug may be fitted, it should
not be tampered with
3Models, other than 14 NV, are equipped
with an octane coding plug, which is located
Engine electrical systems 5•13
20.16B . . .and withdraw the sensor plate -
1.6 litre (Bosch distributor)
20.16C Sensor plate screw (arrowed) -
1.6 litre (Lucas distributor)
20.16A Remove the securing screws . . .20.15B . . .and disconnecting the small
wiring plug - 1.6 litre (Lucas distributor)
5

3Lift up the edge of the windscreen cowl
panel for access to the sensor.
4Disconnect the sensor wiring plug, and the
vacuum pipe.
5Pull the pressure sensor upwards to release
it from its bracket, and withdraw it from the
vehicle.
Refitting
6Refitting is a reversal of removal. However,
on Multec models no fuel vapour trap is fitted.
It is therefore essential that the sensor
vacuum hose is routed so that it falls steadily
from the sensor to the throttle body. This
precaution prevents any fuel droplets being
trapped in the sensor or hose, and allows
them to drain into the inlet port.
Oil temperature sensor
Removal
7The sensor is screwed into the inlet
manifold side of the cylinder block, next to the
starter motor’s right-hand end.
8The sensor can be reached quite easily
from above, but if it is to be removed from
beneath, ensure that the handbrake is
applied, and that the vehicle is securely
supported on axle stands (see “Jacking and
Vehicle Support”).
9Disconnect the battery negative lead.
10Disconnect the sensor wiring plug.
11Using a spanner, unscrew the sensor and
remove it (see illustration). Be prepared for
oil spillage, and plug the hole in the cylinder
block to prevent dirt ingress and further oil
loss.
Refitting
12Refitting is a reversal of removal.
Crankshaft speed/position
sensor (1.8 litre models)
Removal
13The sensor is located on the exhaust
manifold side of the engine, in the lower
cylinder block behind the oil pump.
14Disconnect the battery negative lead.
15Release the relevant outer timing belt
cover securing clips, and unclip the sensor
wiring from the timing belt cover.
16Disconnect the sensor wiring connector,
noting its location.
17Unscrew the securing bolt, and withdraw
the sensor from the cylinder block (see
illustration).
18Examine the sensor sealing ring, and
renew if necessary (see illustration).
Refitting
19Refitting is a reversal of removal, ensuring
that the sensor wiring is correctly located on
the timing belt cover, and that the wiring
connector is correctly located.
25Motronic system
components - removal and
refitting
3
Note: Refer to Section 3 before proceeding.
Procedures for removal and refitting of the
ignition system components and electronic
module are given elsewhere in the relevant
Sections of this Chapter. Removal and
refitting procedures for all fuel injection
system components are given in Chapter 4B
Coolant temperature sensor
Removal
1On all except 20 XEJ models, the sensor is
located in the end of the thermostat housing,
on the inlet manifold side of the engine.
2On 20 XEJ models, the sensor is located in
the thermostat housing, on the exhaust
manifold side of the engine.
3Disconnect the battery negative lead.
4Partially drain the cooling system, as
described in Chapter 3. 5Disconnect the sensor wiring plug (see
illustration).
6Using a spanner, unscrew the sensor and
withdraw it from the thermostat housing.
Refitting
7Refitting is a reversal of removal.
8On completion, top-up the cooling system,
as described in Chapter 3.
Knock sensor (DOHC models)
Removal
9The sensor is located at the lower inlet
manifold side of the cylinder block, below the
idle speed adjuster, and is only accessible
from below the vehicle.
10Disconnect the battery negative lead.
11Apply the handbrake, then jack up the
front of the vehicle, and support securely on
axle stands (see “Jacking and Vehicle
Support”) placed under the body side
members.
12Remove the engine undershield, as
described in Chapter 11.
13Disconnect the sensor wiring plug.
14Unscrew the securing bolt, and withdraw
the sensor from the cylinder block.
Refitting
15Refitting is a reversal of removal, but note
that the mating faces of the sensor and
cylinder block must be cleaned thoroughly
before fitting the sensor.
Engine electrical systems 5•15
24.17 Unscrewing the crankshaft
speed/position sensor securing bolt -
1.8 litre model
25.5 Disconnecting the coolant
temperature sensor wiring plug - 2.0 litre
model (alternator removed)24.18 Examine the crankshaft
speed/position sensor sealing ring -
1.8 litre model
24.11 Unscrewing the MSTS-i oil
temperature sensor - 1.6 litre model
(engine removed)24.1 MSTS-i manifold pressure sensor -
1.6 litre model
5

11
Torque wrench settingNm lbf ft
Front seat rails to floor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 15
Seat belt fixings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 26
1 General description
The bodyshell and floorpan are of pressed
steel, and form an integral part of the vehicle’s
structure, without the need for a separate
chassis.
Various areas are strengthened, to provide
for suspension, steering and engine mounting
points, and load distribution.
Extensive corrosion protection is applied to
all new vehicles. Various anti-corrosion
preparations are used, including galvanising
and PVC under-sealing. Protective wax is
injected into the box sections and other
hollow cavities.
Extensive use is made of plastic for
peripheral components, such as the radiator
grille, bumpers and wheel trims, and for much
of the interior trim.Interior fittings are to a high standard on all
models, and a wide range of optional
equipment is available throughout the range.
Except for the rear quarter windows, all
fixed glass is bonded in position, using a
special adhesive. Any work in this area should
be entrusted to a Vauxhall dealer or glass
replacement specialist.
2 Bodywork and underframe -
maintenance
1
The general condition of a vehicle’s
bodywork is the one thing that significantly
affects its value. Maintenance is easy but
needs to be regular. Neglect, particularly after
minor damage, can lead quickly to further
deterioration and costly repair bills. It is
important also to keep watch on those partsof the vehicle not immediately visible, for
instance the underside, inside all the wheel
arches and the lower part of the engine
compartment.
The basic maintenance routine for the
bodywork is washing preferably with a lot of
water, from a hose. This will remove all the
loose solids that may have stuck to the
vehicle. It is important to flush these off in
such a way as to prevent grit from scratching
the finish. The wheel arches and underframe
need washing in the same way to remove any
accumulated mud that will retain moisture and
tend to encourage rust. Oddly enough, the
best time to clean the underframe and wheel
arches is in wet weather when the mud is
thoroughly wet and soft. In very wet weather
the underframe is usually cleaned of large
accumulations automatically and this is a
good time for inspection.
Periodically, except on vehicles with a
Chapter 11
Bodywork and fittings
Bodywork and underframe - maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Bonnet - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Bonnet lock components - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Bonnet lock release cable - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Boot lid (Saloon models) - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Boot lid lock (Saloon models) - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Boot lid lock cylinder (Saloon models) - removal and refitting . . . . . .11
Bumpers - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Centre console - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Door - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Door check arm - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Door exterior handle - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Door inner trim panel - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Door interior handle - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Door lock - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Door lock barrel - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Door mirror - removal, overhaul and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Door window - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Door window regulator - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Engine undershield (DOHC models) - removal and refitting . . . . . . . .32
Facia panels - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Fuel filler flap - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33General description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Headlining - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Interior trim panels - general . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Interior trim panels - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Major body damage - repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Minor body damage - repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Radiator grille panel - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Rear quarter windows - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Seat belts - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Seat belt tensioners - general . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Seats (without tensioners) - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Seats, front (with seat belt tensioners) - removal and refitting . . . . . .43
Sunroof - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Tailgate (Hatchback models) - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Tailgate lock (Hatchback models) - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . .13
Tailgate lock cylinder (Hatchback models) - removal and refitting . .14
Tailgate strut (Hatchback models) - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . .15
Upholstery and carpets - maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Wheel arch liners - general . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Windscreen and rear window - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Windscreen cowl panel - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
11•1
Specifications Contents
Easy,suitable for
novice with little
experienceFairly easy,suitable
for beginner with
some experienceFairly difficult,
suitable for competent
DIY mechanic
Difficult,suitable for
experienced DIY
mechanicVery difficult,
suitable for expert DIY
or professional
Degrees of difficulty
54321

2The sill trim panel can be removed by
simply prising it upwards to release the
securing clips from the floor (see illustration).
Refitting
3Refitting is a reversal of removal, but ensure
that the panel is correctly seated with its top
edge located under the sill weatherstrip.
Footwell side trim panel
Removal
4Release the front end of the sill trim panel
from the floor, as described previously.
5Prise the footwell side trim panel from the
footwell (see illustration). If necessary, pull
the weatherstrip from the edge of the door
aperture.
Refitting
6Refitting is a reversal of removal, but ensure
that the trim panels are correctly seated under
the weatherstrip.
Front body pillar trim panel
Removal
7Prise the trim panel from the body pillar to
release the six retaining clips. If necessary, pull
the weatherstrip from the edge of the pillar.
Refitting
8Refitting is a reversal of removal, but ensure
that the trim panel is correctly seated under
the weatherstrip.
Centre body pillar trim panels
Removal
9Remove the sill trim panel, as described
previously in this Section.
10Prise the weatherstrips from the sides of
the body pillar (see illustration).
11Pull the lower trim panel from the pillar to
release the retaining clips (see illustration).
12With the lower trim panel removed, the
upper trim panel can be withdrawn in the
same way after unbolting the upper seat belt
mounting. Prise off the trim to expose the
upper seat belt mounting bolt, then unscrew
the bolt and recover the spacer.
Refitting
13Refitting is a reversal of removal, but
ensure that the trim panels are seated
correctly under the weatherstrips.
Rear quarter trim panels
14Prise off the trim and unbolt the seat belt
upper mounting from the body pillar. Recover
the spacer.
15Pull back the weatherstrip from the rear
edge of the rear door aperture. On Hatchback
models, remove the parcel shelf.16Remove the screws securing the upper rear
quarter trim panel to the body. Note that all the
screws are of the Torx type. When working on
the right-hand side of Hatchback models, it will
be necessary to open the first-aid kit/warning
triangle cover flap in the luggage compartment
for access to some of the screws.
17Withdraw the upper seat quarter trim
panel carefully, taking care not to damage
surrounding panels (see illustration). Where
applicable, disconnect the wiring from the
loudspeaker.
18With the upper rear quarter trim panel
removed, the lower trim panel can be
removed.
19The lower rear quarter trim panel is
secured by a variety of screws, nuts and clips,
depending upon model. Removal and refitting
of the panel is self-explanatory, remembering
the points made in Section 35. Note that the
rubber stop must be removed from the seat
catch before the trim panel can be withdrawn
(see illustrations).
Luggage compartment rear trim
panel
20Prise the trim panel from the rear of the
luggage compartment to release the securing
clips.
21Refitting is a reversal of removal.
Tailgate trim panels (Hatchback
models)
22The tailgate trim panels are secured by
screws, and removal and refitting are
self-explanatory. Note that the lower side
panel securing screws also secure the rear
panel.
Bodywork and fittings 11•15
36.10 Pull the weatherstrip from the sides
of the body pillar . . .
36.19B Withdrawing the lower rear quarter
trim panel - Hatchback model36.19A Removing the rubber stop from the
seat catch36.17 Withdrawing the upper rear quarter
trim panel - Hatchback model
36.11 . . . then pull the lower trim panel
from the pillar
36.5 Removing the driver’s footwell side
trim panel36.2 Sill trim panel removed to expose
securing clips
11

Refitting
10Refitting is a reversal of removal, but
where applicable, refit the sunroof crank drive,
as described in Section 34.
40Seats (without tensioners) -
removal and refitting
3
Front seats
Removal
1Remove the single securing screw from the
front edge of the outer seat rail trim, then
withdraw the trim (see illustration).2Unclip the trim from the rear edge of the
inner seat rail (see illustration).
3Remove the four bolts that secure the seat
rails to the floor, then withdraw the seat,
complete with rails. Recover the washers and
backplates (see illustration).
4If desired, the seat can be separated from
the rails for attention to the adjustment
mechanism.
Refitting
5Refitting is a reversal of removal. Note that
the manufacturers recommend the use of new
bolts to secure the seat rails to the floor.
Rear seat cushion (all SOHC
models)
Removal
6Fold the seat cushion forwards, to expose
the hinge pins at the front edge of the cushion.
7To remove a hinge pin, extract the circlip
from the end of the pin, and withdraw the pin
from the hinge (see illustration).
8With the hinge pins removed, the seat
cushion can be withdrawn from the vehicle.
Refitting
9Refitting is a reversal of removal.
Rear seat cushion (DOHC
models)
Removal
10Reach under the seat cushion, and pull
the grab handles at either end to release the
cushion from the catches on the vehicle floor.
11Withdraw the complete cushion from the
vehicle, through one of the rear doors.
Refitting
12Refitting is a reversal of removal. Push the
seat cushion into position until the securing
catches lock.
Rear seat back (one-piece type)
Removal
13Fold forwards or remove the rear seat
cushion, as applicable, then fold down the
seat back.
14Where applicable, bend up the lugs on the
body panel, and disconnect the two rubber
straps securing the ends of the seat back to
the body panel.
15Carefully remove the securing clips, and
pull back the trim covering the hinges on the
seat back.
16Extract the screws securing the hinges to
the seat back, then withdraw the seat back
from the vehicle.
Refitting
17Refitting is a reversal of removal, but
ensure that, where applicable, the rubber
strap securing lugs are bent back against the
body panel, to avoid fouling the seat cushion.
Rear seat back (split type)
Removal
18Fold forwards or remove the rear seat
cushion, as applicable.
19Where applicable, bend up the lug on the
body panel, and disconnect the rubber strap
securing the relevant section of the seat back
to the body panel (see illustration).
20Carefully remove the securing clips, and
pull back the trim covering the hinge on the
seat back.
21Extract the screws securing the hinge to
the seat back (see illustration).
22Working at the central pivot of the two
seat back sections, prise back the seat
cushions from the centre bracket, to expose
the securing nut and bolt. Note that the bolt
passes through both seat back sections (see
illustration).
23Unscrew and remove the nut and bolt,
then carefully withdraw the seat back.
Refitting
24Refitting is a reversal of removal, but
ensure that, where applicable, the rubber
strap securing lugs are bent back against the
body panel, to avoid fouling the seat cushion.
11•20Bodywork and fittings
40.1 Withdrawing the outer seat rail trim40.3 Removing a front seat rail securing
bolt, washer and backplate
40.7 Removing a rear seat cushion hinge
pin - SOHC models
40.21 Extracting a hinge-to-seat back
securing screw40.19 Seat back-to-body panel securing
strap and lug (arrowed)
40.2 Remove the trim from the rear edge
of the inner seat rail
Warning: Refer to Section 43, if
seat belt tensioners are fitted.

41Seat belts - removal and
refitting
3
Note: For details on mechanical seat belt
tensioners, refer to Section 42.
Front seat belt
Removal
1Open both front and rear doors, and prise
the weatherstrips from the edge of the centre
body pillar.
2Prise off the pillar lower trim panel to
expose the inertia reel unit.
3Unscrew the securing bolt, and tilt the
inertia reel unit from the body pillar (see
illustration).
4Prise off the trim and unbolt the seat belt
upper mounting from the body pillar. Recover
the spacer.
5Similarly, unbolt the seat belt lower
mounting, then withdraw the seat belt
assembly from the vehicle.
6If desired, the seat belt stalk can be
unbolted from the seat frame, and the upper
mounting height adjuster (where applicable)
can be unbolted from the body pillar (Torx
bolts), after prising off the pillar upper trim
panel.
Refitting
7Refitting is a reversal of removal, but note
that, when refitting the height adjuster, the
arrows should be uppermost, pointingtowards the vehicle roof. Ensure that the belt
is fitted untwisted.
Rear seat belt
Removal
8Fold the rear seat cushion forwards, or
remove it, as applicable, for access to the
seat belt lower mountings. Prise up the carpet
to expose the mounting bolts, and unscrew
the relevant bolt(s) from the floor (see
illustrations).
9Prise off the trim, and unbolt the seat belt
upper mounting from the body pillar. Recover
the spacer (see illustration).
10Open the relevant rear door, and pull back
the weatherstrip from the rear of the door
aperture.
11On Hatchback models, remove the
screws securing the upper rear quarter trim
panel to the body. Note that all the screws are
of the Torx type, and when working on the
right-hand side, it will be necessary to open
the first-aid kit/warning triangle cover flap in
the luggage compartment for access to some
of the screws. Withdraw the trim panel
carefully, taking care not to damage
surrounding panels.
12Detach the front edge of the lower rear
quarter trim panel from the body. The panel is
secured by clips on Saloon models, and by
screws on Hatchback models.
13Pull the lower rear quarter trim panel away
from the body sufficiently to gain access to
the seat belt inertia reel unit (see illustration).14Unscrew the securing bolt, and lift the
inertia reel unit from the body panel, then
withdraw the seat belt assembly from the
vehicle.
15If desired, the upper seat belt mounting
height adjuster can be unbolted from the body
pillar (Torx bolts), after removing the upper
rear quarter trim panel (see illustration).
Refitting
16Refitting is a reversal of removal, but note
that, when refitting the height adjuster (where
applicable), the arrows should be uppermost,
pointing towards the vehicle roof. Ensure that
the belt is fitted untwisted.
42Seat belt tensioners - general
5
1All 1993-onwards Cavalier models are
equipped with mechanical front seat belt
tensioners which automatically tighten the
front seat belts in the event of a head-on
collision. The mechanically operated device
ensures that the seat belt remains close to the
body, thus preventing the wearer from sliding
out, under the belt, during impact (see
illustration).
2The tensioner system consists of a powerful
preloaded spring, contained in a cylinder,
which is released in the event of severe
impact. The spring pulls back the seat belt by
means of a bowden cable and fulcrum
mechanism attached to the belt stalk,
mounted on the seat frame.
Bodywork and fittings 11•21
41.8 Rear seat belt lower side mounting -
Hatchback model
41.15 Upper rear quarter trim panel
removed, to expose upper seat belt
mounting height adjuster41.13 Rear seat belt inertia reel unit
location - Hatchback model41.9 Removing a rear seat belt upper
mounting from the body pillar - Hatchback
model
41.3 Unscrewing a front seat belt inertia
reel securing bolt40.22 Rear seat cushion pulled back to
expose seat back hinge nut and bolt - split
type rear seat back
11

3The tensioner assembly, fitted to the
underside of the front seat, is maintenance
free and, once triggered, must be replaced as
a complete unit.
4Due to the specialist safety related nature
of the seat belt tensioner system, replacement
must be entrusted to a suitably equipped
Vauxhall dealer.
43Front seats (with seat belt
tensioners) -removal and
refitting
3
Removal
1Remove the single securing screw from the
front edge of the outer seat rail trim, release
the rear retaining lug and remove the trim
rearwards.
2Unclip the trim from the rear edge of the
inner seat rail.3Locate the plastic safety fork for the seat
belt tensioner, which is usually taped to the
outside of the tensioner spring cylinder.
4Insert the fork into the aperture provided at
the rear of the spring cylinder, ensuring that
the fork engages securely (see illustration).
5Remove the four bolts which secure the
seat rails to the floor, then withdraw the seat
complete with rails (see illustration). Recover
the washers and backplates.
6Seek the advice of a Vauxhall dealer if there
is any doubt about the condition of the seat
belt tensioner assembly.
Refitting
7Refitting is a reversal of removal. Note that
the manufacturers recommend the use of new
bolts to secure the seat rails to the floor.
Tighten the bolts to the specified torque
wrench settings (see Specifications) in the
order - rear inner, front inner, rear outer, front
outer.
11•22Bodywork and fittings
42.1 Mechanical seat belt tensioner system
1 Spring2 Bowden cable3 Fulcrum mechanism
43.5 Front outer seat rail fixings
1 Securing bolt
2 Seat belt tensioner safety fork (inserted
in the spring cylinder)43.4 Inserting the safety fork into the
aperture in the seat belt tensioner spring
cylinder
Warning: The seat belt
tensioners fitted to the front
seat assemblies may cause
injury if triggered inadvertently.
Before carrying out any work on the front
seats, a safety fork must be inserted into
the seat belt tensioner cylinder, to prevent
the possibility of the tensioner being
triggered (see paragraphs 7 and 8 below).
Seats should always be transported and
installed with the safety fork in place. If a
seat is to be disposed of, the tensioner
must be triggered before the seat is
removed from the vehicle, by inserting the
safety fork, and striking the tensioner
cylinder sharply with a hammer. If the
tensioner has been triggered due to a
sudden impact or accident, the unit must
be renewed, as it cannot be reset. Due to
safety considerations, tensioner renewal
should be entrusted to a Vauxhall dealer.

1
Chapter 1
Routine maintenance and servicing
Air cleaner element - renewal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Air inlet temperature control check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Alternator V-belt check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Automatic transmission check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Automatic transmission fluid level check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Automatic transmission fluid renewal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Bodywork check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Brake fluid renewal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Brake pad check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Brake shoe check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Clutch cable check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Coolant renewal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Distributor and HT lead check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Door lock key battery - replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Driveshaft gaiter check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Engine oil and filter - renewal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Exhaust system check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Fuel filter renewal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Handbrake linkage check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16Headlamp alignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Hose and fluid leak check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Idle speed and mixture - adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Ignition timing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Intensive maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Lock and hinge check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Manual transmission fluid check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Power steering fluid check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Power steering pump drivebelt check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Radiator inspection and cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Rear suspension level control system check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Road test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Spark plug renewal (SOHC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Spark plug renewal (DOHC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Steering and suspension check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Throttle linkage maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Timing belt renewal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Wiring check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
1•1
Contents
Easy,suitable for
novice with little
experienceFairly easy,suitable
for beginner with
some experienceFairly difficult,
suitable for competent
DIY mechanic
Difficult,suitable for
experienced DIY
mechanicVery difficult,
suitable for expert DIY
or professional
Degrees of difficulty
54321