2009 OPEL ANTARA brakes

Driving and operation146
Brake assist
Rapid powerful application of the brake
pedal automatically applies maximum
brake force amplification to achieve the
shortest possible braking distance under
full braking (brake assist).
Maintain steady pressure on the brake
pedal for as long as full-on braking is to
continue. When the brake pedal is
released, the maximum brake force
amplification is taken away.Foot brake
The brake system comprises two separate
brake circuits.
If one brake circuit should fail, the vehicle
can still be braked with the second
remaining circuit.
If this happens, the brake pedal must be
fully depressed with greater pedal
pressure. The distance required for braking
will be greater.
If, at any time during driving, the brake
pedal can be depressed further than
normal, the vehicle repeatedly pulls to one
side under braking or brake noise is heard,
consult a workshop.
In order to utilise the full pedal travel,
particularly in the event of a brake circuit
fault, there must be no mats in the area of
the pedals - see page 128.
With the engine stopped, the brake servo
assistance is discontinued after the brake
pedal has been depressed once or twice.
The braking effect is not reduced, but
increased foot pressure will be necessary.
Take extra care when the vehicle is being
towed.
Check the brake lamps before starting out
on a journey. Shortly after the start of each
journey, the brake system should be tested
for its effectiveness at low speed and
without inconveniencing other road users,
especially if the brakes are wet, e.g. after
washing your vehicle.
Excessive braking when going downhill can
cause brakes to temporarily overheat. Shift
to a lower gear rather than continuously
applying brakes.
The brake fluid level should be checked
regularly - see page 196.

Driving and operation147
Hand brake
Always apply hand brake firmly. On slopes,
apply the hand brake as firmly as possible.
The mechanical hand brake acts on the
brakes on the rear wheels. It engages
automatically when applied.
To release the hand brake, press and hold
the button, pull the lever up slightly and
lower lever while holding the button in.
To reduce the operating forces of the
hand brake, depress the foot brake at the
same time. Control indicator
4 for brake system
Illuminates when ignition is switched on.
Extinguishes after engine is started.
Illuminates if hand brake is applied and/or
fluid level for brake hydraulics is too low.
Brake fluid level - see page 196. If the control indicator stays lit, the brakes
do not operate as normal or leaks are
found in the brake system, do not attempt
to drive the vehicle. Have the vehicle towed
to a workshop for inspection and repair.
If the control indicator does not illuminate
when the ignition is switched on or when
the hand brake is applied (with ignition
on), stop and consult a workshop.
9 Warning
If it illuminates when the hand brake is
not applied: stop vehi
cle, interrupt your
journey immediately.
Check brake fluid level and top-up if
necessary before consulting a workshop.
Have cause of brake fluid loss remedied.

Driving and operation148
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
u
The ABS continually monitors the vehicle's
brake system and prevents the wheels from
locking, irrespective of the road condition
and tyre grip.
It starts to regulate the braking pressure as
soon as a wheel shows a tendency to lock.
The vehicle remains steerable, even in the
event of very heavy braking, e.g. on bends
or when swerving to avoid an obstacle.
Even in the case of full-on braking, the ABS
makes it possible to drive round an
obstacle without releasing the brakes.
ABS control is made apparent through a
pulse in the brake pedal and the noise of
the regulation process. Control indicator
u for ABS
Illuminates in yellow for approx. 4 seconds
when the ignition is switched on.
At the same time, the system performs a
self-check. When the control indicator
extinguishes, the system is ready for
operation.
If the control indicato r does not illuminate
when the ignition is switched on, does not
extinguish after approx. 4 seconds, or if it
illuminates during driving, there is a fault in
the ABS. The vehicle's brake system may
remain operational without ABS
regulation. If control indicator
u illuminates during
driving along with brake system control
indicator 4, there is a serious fault in the
brake system. Have the system checked
immediately by a workshop.
Fault
You can continue driving, provided you
drive with care and anticipation.
Have the cause of the fault remedied by a
workshop. The system's integrated self-
diagnostics allows faults to be quickly
remedied.
9 Warning
For optimum braking, keep the brake
pedal fully depresse d throughout the
braking process, despite the fact that the
pedal is pulsating. Do not reduce the
pressure on the pedal.
Do not let this special safety feature
tempt you into taking risks when driving.
Traffic safety can only be achieved by
adopting a responsible driving style.
9 Warning
If there is a fault in the ABS, the wheels
may tend to lock in the event of unusually
heavy braking. This may cause the
vehicle to swerve. The benefits of the ABS
are lost.

Driving and operation166
Inserting the coupling ball barInsert the coupling ball bar into the
coupling housing and push firmly
downwards until the coupling ball bar
audibly engages.
If it does not engage, repeat fitting
procedure.
Do not swing the coupling ball bar to the
left or right, or upwards and downwards, to
avoid disrupting correct fitting. Lock coupling ball bar by turning the
supplied key in the lock cylinder of the
coupling ball bar.
Remove key.Important
Check that the coupling ball bar is correctly
attached:
z
Green marking must be visible on lever.
z Coupling ball bar must be seated firmly
in coupling housing.
Coupling ball bar must be locked and key
must be removed.
Eye for breakaway stopping cable 3
In the case of caravans/trailers with
brakes 3, attach the breakaway stopping
cable to the eye - not the coupling ball bar.
9 Warning
Towing a caravan/trailer is only
permitted with a properly attached
coupling ball bar. If the coupling ball bar
cannot be properly attached, consult a
workshop.

Driving and operation169
Driving characteristics, towing tips
In the case of caravans/trailers with
brakes3, attach the breakaway stopping
cable to the eye 3 or loop around coupling
ball bar if no eye is available.
Ensure cable is crossed under the coupling
socket to ensure the caravan/trailer nose
cannot drop to the ground if it becomes
separated from the trailer hitch.
Do not allow the cable to drag along the
ground and always allow enough slack to
permit full turning. Fo llow the instructions
supplied with the towing equipment.
Before coupling the caravan/trailer,
lubricate the ball of the caravan/trailer
towing device. However, do not do so if a
stabilizer which acts on the coupling ball is
being used to damp rolling motions.
Handling is greatly influenced by the
loading of the caravan/trailer. Loads
should therefore be secured so that they
cannot slip and should be placed in the
centre of the caravan/trailer if possible,
i.e. above the axle.
Opel genuine parts an d accessories which
can be subsequently fitted aid trailer
operation, e.g. larg e mirrors for wide
caravans/trailers. In the case of caravans/trailers with low
directional stability, it is advisable to use a
friction-type stabilizer to damp rolling
motions.
Do not drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mph),
even in countries where higher speeds are
permitted.
When driving uphill, do not drive faster
than 30 km/h (20 mph) in 1st gear, or
50 km/h (30 mph) in 2nd gear.
Make sure that you have enough room
when cornering and avoid sudden
manoeuvres.
If the caravan/trailer starts to sway, drive
more slowly, do not attempt to correct the
steering and brake sharply if necessary.
If it is necessary to apply the brakes fully,
depress the brake pedal as hard as
possible.
The cooling fan is electrically operated.
The fan cooling capacity is not, therefore,
dependent on engine speed. It is not
necessary, when drivin
g uphill, to shift
down into a lower gear if the vehicle can
climb in a higher gear. When coupled to a caravan/trailer, the
vehicle requires more
braking effort when
driving down long grad ients, so select the
same gear as you would when driving
uphill and drive at roughly the same speed.
Automatic transmission in automatic mode
will select the drivin g program with the
optimum engine braking effect.
Remember that brak ing distances for
vehicles towing carava ns/trailers with and
without brakes is always greater than for
vehicles not towing a caravan/trailer. For
caravans/trailers with brakes, follow the
instructions carefully. Do not make any
modifications to the brake system.
Always check lamps on caravans/trailers
before towing. Ensure national regulations
are observed.
The fog tail lamp on the vehicle is
deactivated when towing a caravan/
trailer.
When reversing, if possible, have someone
provide assistance.
Drive slowly and shift down into a lower
gear when descending steep gradients
rather than holding the foot brake
depressed, to avoid overheating and
reduced brake efficiency.

Self-help, vehicle care175
Keep tow rope 3 clear of front bumper,
and ensure it is secure ly fixed to the towing
eye at both ends. Pull on the tow rope 3 to
check.
To prevent entry of exhaust fumes from
towing vehicle, switch on air recirculation
mode (see page 109) and close the
windows.
Never let passengers ride in a vehicle that
is being towed.
Never tow a vehicle with damaged parts
that are not secured to the vehicle or if
wheels, brakes or steering are damaged.
Do not tow the vehicle with a tow rope 3 or
tow rod 3 for extended periods, to avoid
damage to the vehicle. Only tow in this
manner on hard-surfaced roads.
For vehicles with automatic transmission 3:
use flatbed or wheel lift equipment only.
Towing can cause severe damage to the
transmission.
Seek the assistance of a workshop. Towing service
Entrust your vehicle only to the towing
service of your choice and obtain an
estimate on towing costs before employing
any towing service. This will prevent
unnecessary expense and possible
insurance problems during claim
processing.
Use flatbed equipment whenever possible.
If vehicle is to be towed using a wheel lift,
tow with all wheels off the road, using a
towing dolly.
Never use sling-type equipment to tow the
vehicle or tow the vehicle with the front or
rear wheels on the road, to avoid causing
serious damage to the vehicle.
Place the gearshift lever in neutral
(automatic transmission 3
in N), switch on
hazard warning lamps, turn key to ignition
switch position ACC and release the
hand brake before towing the vehicle. Towing another vehicle
In emergency situations only, attach a tow
rope
3 - or better still a tow rod 3 - to the
rear towing eye.
The rear towing eye attachment 3 is stored
below the floor cover in the luggage
compartment.
Remove the cover located on the rear
bumper by pressing the lower part of the
cover.

210 Service, maintenance
Service operations by year 1)
km ( x 1000)1)
miles ( x 1000)1)
1)Whichever occurs first.
⊕ Additional operations.
o Under extreme operating conditions and if required by country-specific conditions, the intervals are reduced.
15
10 1
30
20 45
30 2
60
40 75
50 3
90
60
⊕o Diesel fuel filter: drain water
(If relative humidity is high an
d/or fuel is of lower quality) Annually
Fuel filter: replace and drain water - diesel (g rade EN 590) Every 2 years/60 000 km/40 000 miles
Parking brake: check and adjust
Wheel mounting and suspension front an d rear, brake lines, brake pressure
hoses, fuel lines and exhaust system: visual check Every 2 years/60 000 km/40 000 miles
Corrosion protection: check and record in Service and Warranty Booklet Annually
Front and rear wheel brakes: check visually Every 2 years/60 000 km/40 000 miles
o
⊕Annual service check if annual mileage exceeds 20 000 km Annually
o
⊕Automatic transmission oil: change Every 4 years/60 000 km/40 000 miles
Engine, transmission, A/C compressor: check for leaks Annually
Steering system boots, track rods, final drive: visual check Annually
Track rod end and supporting ball joint: check Annually
⊕Brake and clutch fluid: change Every 2 years
Wheel fastening: loosen and tighten to torque
Tyre condition and pressures: check, correct Every 2 years/60 000 km/40 000 miles
⊕Annual service check if annual
mileage exceeds 20 000 km Annually
First aid kit, tyre repair kit and lash ing eyes: visual check Every 2 years
Headlamp aiming: check, adjust Every 2 years/60 000 km/40 000 miles
Door hinges, door stop, lock cylinder, lock striker, bonnet catch, tailgate
hinges and check links: lubricate Every 2 years/60 000 km/40 000 miles
Test drive, final check
Service interval display and oil life monitor: reset - if applicable xxxxxx

Index229
Brakes ..................................................... 145
ABS
..................................................... 148
Brake assist
........................................ 146
Brake fluid
.......................................... 196
Brake lamps
....................................... 188
Brake servo unit
................................. 127
Foot brake
.......................................... 146
Hand brake
........................................ 147
Bulb replacement
.................................. 185
Bulbs
....................................................... 185
C
Capacities .............................................. 225
Car Pass
................................................... 21
Caravan/trailer towing
.................. 127, 167
Card holder
.............................................. 67
Care
........................................................ 201
Catalytic converter
............... 133, 135, 172
Central locking switch
............................. 25
Central locking system
............................ 25
Centre high-mounted stop lamp Bulb replacement
.............................. 191
Changing the battery Remote control
.................................... 24
Changing tyre/wheel type
.................... 149
Changing wheels
................................... 178
Chassis number, see Vehicle
Identification Number
................... 215, 216
Check control
........................................... 91
Child restraint system
....................... 47, 58
Child safety locks
.................................... 30
Cigarette lighter
...................................... 68
Cleaning
................................................. 201
Climate control
...................................... 103 Clock
......................................................... 76
Clutch fluid
............................................. 197
Clutch operation
................................... 128
CO
2 emissions ........................................ 219
Coin storage
............................................ 67
Cold starts
...................................... 128, 133
Colour information display
............... 77, 83
Console box
............................................. 65
Console net
.............................................. 66
Contrast
................................................... 87
Control indicators
.............................. 12, 70
ABS
............................................... 70, 148
Airbags
........................................... 56, 72
All Wheel Drive
............................ 71, 121
Alternator
............................................. 74
Anti-theft alarm system
.......... 28, 29, 74
Automatic headlamp
range adjustment
.......................... 71, 97
Automatic transmission
.................... 120
Belt tensioners
............................... 45, 72
Brake system
....................... 70, 147, 197
Change engine oil
....................... 73, 194
Coolant temperature
.................. 71, 196
Cruise control
............................... 73, 140
Descent Control System
...... 71, 138, 139
Diesel particle filter
..................... 73, 135
Doors
.................................................... 72
Driver’s seat belt reminder
................. 72
Electronic immobiliser
................... 22, 72
Electronic Stability Control
......... 71, 136
Engine electronics
....................... 72, 134
Engine oil level
..................................... 73
Engine oil pressure
.............................. 74
Exhaust
........................................ 74, 134 Fog tail lamp
................................. 73, 96
Front fog lamps
............................. 73, 96
Front passenger’s seat belt reminder
46
Fuel level
........................................ 72, 76
Headlamp main beam
................. 73, 95
Park pilot
...................................... 71, 143
Power steering
..................................... 73
Preheating
........................................... 73
Tailgate
................................................ 72
Trailer
................................................... 70
Transmission electronics
..................... 72
Turn signal lamps
................................ 72
Water in diesel fuel
..................... 73, 195
Windscreen washer fluid
............ 73, 199
Winter program
........................... 74, 117
Coolant
.................................. 195, 214, 216
Coolant level
......................................... 195
Coolant temperature
...................... 71, 195
Cooled glove compartment
................. 105
Cooling
........................................... 110, 111
Correcting time
....................................... 86
Corrosion protection
............................. 214
Coupling socket load
............................ 168
Courtesy lamps
....................................... 98
Bulb replacement
.............................. 189
Switching off
........................................ 99
Cruise control
........................................ 140
Curtain airbags
....................................... 55