2009 OPEL ANTARA clutch

Driving and operation126
Maintenance
Certain maintenance operations, e.g.
changes of engine oil, oil filter, air cleaner
element and brake pads, are required
more frequently for severe operating
conditions, e.g. driving on unsurfaced
roads, during thick dust or mud
accumulation, etc.
If the vehicle is driven off-road to a great
extent, the chassis will need regular
inspection.
Your Opel Partner will inform you which
additional service is required between the
normal service intervals, after
consideration of the specific operating
conditions of your vehicle.
Further information - see page 206.
Service checks after wading
After wading, check for the ingress of water
into the following:
zBrake fluid reservoir,
z Air cleaner element,
z Engine,
z Transmission,
z Axles,
z Interior of vehicle.
Renew any lubricating oil or hydraulic fluid
that has a milky appearance, indicating
contamination with water. All Wheel Drive summary
Do
z
Check fuel and tyres, water and oil levels
before venturing off-road.
z Survey on foot before driving off-road,
especially when traversing hillsides,
wading, driving in deep snow and over
ridges.
z Select the correct gear for the conditions.
z Use the engine’s power of acceleration
and deceleration with the correct gear,
to control the vehicle.
z Keep a firm grip on the outer rim of the
steering wheel - keep your thumbs away
from the spokes.
z Drive carefully and be prepared for
emergencies.
z Drive slower under crosswind conditions.
z Approach obstacles and conditions
off-road at the correct angles and with
sufficient momentum to negotiate the
obstacle, but do not put undue strain on
the vehicle.
z Use caution - if you are not sure, do not
do it. Don’tz
Do not venture off-road unless you are
certain that the conditions are capable
of being negotiated safely by you and
your vehicle.
z Do not take unnecessary risks.
z Do not use the brakes excessively, to
maintain steering control.
z Do not change gear on difficult terrain -
depressing the clutch may cause the
vehicle to stop because of drag on the
wheels - or accelerate backwards or
forwards when on a hill.
z Do not ride or slip the clutch.
z Do not spin the wheels if stuck in mud,
sand or snow - they will only dig in
deeper.
z Do not drive at an excessive speed,
especially into corners. Your All Wheel
Drive vehicle has a higher centre of
gravity than conventional vehicles.
Sudden changes of direction can lead to
loss of control.

Driving and operation128
Switching off the engine
If the engine temperature is very high, e.g.
after driving in mountainous terrain: allow
engine to idle for approx. 2 minutes, in
order to prevent heat accumulation.
When you switch off, fans in the engine
compartment may continue running for a
time, to cool the engine.
Vehicles with turbocharger 3
In order to protect the turbocharger, after
running at high engine speeds or high
engine loads, operate the engine briefly at
a low load or run in neutral for approx.
30 seconds before switching off.
Save energy – more kilometres/miles
Please observe the running-in hints on the
previous page and the tips for energy
saving on the following pages.
Good, technically correct and economical
driving ensures maximum durability and
performance for your vehicle.
Overrun
The fuel supply is automatically shut off
during overrun, e.g. when the vehicle is
being driven down long gradients or during
braking. To enable the overrun cut-off to
come into action, do not accelerate or
declutch during overrun. Engine rpm
Under all driving conditions, drive in a
favourable engine speed range.
Warming up
Allow engine to warm up while driving. Do
not warm it up by le
tting it run at idling
speed. Do not apply full throttle until
engine reaches operating temperature.
After a cold start, automatic
transmission 3 does not shift into higher
gears until higher engine speeds have been
reached. This allows the catalytic converter
to quickly reach the temperature required
for optimum pollutant reduction.
Correct gear selection
Do not race your engine whilst in neutral or
with a low gear selected. Driving too fast in
individual gears or drive ranges as well as
stop-and-go traffic in crease engine wear
and fuel consumption.
Change down
When decreasing speed, shift down into
the next lowest gear. Do not slip the clutch
with a high-revving engine. This is
especially important when hill climbing. Clutch operation
3
Always depress the clutch pedal hard to
the floor, to prevent shifting difficulties and
transmission damage. There must be no
mats in the area of the pedals.
When driving, do not use the clutch pedal
as a foot rest; this will cause substantial
clutch wear.
Pedals
Do not place any objects in the footwell
which could slip under the pedals and
inhibit the pedal travel.
To ensure the pedal travel is uninhibited,
there must be no mats in the area of the
pedals.
When driving, do not use the brake pedal
as a foot rest; this will cause substantial
wear to brake components and cause
overheating, resultin g in longer braking
distances.
Battery care whilst driving
When driving slowly or when the vehicle
is stationary, e.g. in slow urban traffic,
stop-and-go traffic or traffic jams, turn off
all unnecessary electrical loads where
possible (e.g. heated rear window,
auxiliary headlamps).
When starting the engine, depress the
clutch pedal so that transmission
resistance is elimin ated and the starter
motor and battery are relieved.

Driving and operation130
Overrun
zThe fuel supply is automatically shut off
during overrun, e.g. when the vehicle is
being driven down long gradients or
during braking - see page 128.
z To enable the overrun cut-off to take
effect and save fuel, do not accelerate or
declutch.
Correct gear selection
z High revs increase engine wear and fuel
consumption.
z Do not race your engine. Avoid driving at
high engine speeds.
Driving with an eye on the tachometer
saves fuel. If possible, drive at low revs in
each gear and at a constant speed.
Drive in top gear as much as possible,
shift up as soon as possible and do not
shift down prematurely.
High speed
z The faster the speed, the higher the fuel
consumption and noise level. Driving at
full throttle uses up a great deal of fuel
and generates excessive noise and high
emission levels.
z Slightly releasing the accelerator pedal
results in distinct fu el savings with no
major loss of speed.
Drive at no more than around three
quarters of maximum speed and you will
use up to 50% less fuel, without losing a
great deal of time. Tyre pressure
z
Inadequate tyre pressure, leading to
higher road resistance, costs money in
two ways; for more fuel and increased
tyre wear.
z Regular checks (every 14 days) pay off.
Electrical loads
z The power consumption of electrical
equipment increases fuel consumption.
z Switch off all additional consumers (e.g.
air conditioning, heated rear window)
when they are no longer required.
Roof racks 3
z Roof racks can increase fuel
consumption by approx. 1 l/100 km
(3.5 gal./1000 miles) due to air
resistance.
z Remove them if they are not being used. Repair and maintenance
z
Improper repairs or adjustment and
maintenance work can increase fuel
consumption. Do not carry out work on
the engine yourself.
You may, out of ignorance, infringe
environmental laws by not disposing of
materials properly.
Appropriate parts might not be recycled.
Contact with some of the materials
involved may pose a health hazard.
z We recommend that repairs and
maintenance be entrusted to an
Opel Partner.
Extreme driving conditions
z Driving up steep gradients, cornering,
driving on poor roads, and winter driving
all increase fuel consumption.
Fuel consumption increases dramatically
in urban traffic and at winter
temperatures, especially on short trips
when the engine operating temperature
is not reached.
z Follow the hints given above to keep fuel
consumption to a minimum under such
conditions.

Driving and operation141
To activatePress the e button to turn cruise control
on. Accelerate to the desired speed, press
the
d button and release it; the current
speed is stored and maintained. The
accelerator pedal can be released after
setting cruise control speed.
Vehicle speed can be increased
temporarily for overtaking purposes,
by depressing the accelerator pedal.
When the accelerator pe dal is released, the
previously stored speed is resumed. Increase speed
With cruise control active, press and hold
the c button and release it when the
desired vehicle speed is reached.
To increase the speed in steps of
2 km/h (1.2 mph), tap the
c button
and release it.
When the
c button is released, the
current speed is stored and maintained.
Alternatively, use the accelerator pedal to
increase vehicle speed, press the
d
button and release it, then release the
accelerator pedal.
When the
d button and the accelerator
pedal are released, the current speed is
stored and maintained.
Decrease speed
With cruise control active, press and hold
the d button and release it when the
desired vehicle speed is reached.
To decrease the speed in steps of
2 km/h (1.2 mph), tap the
d button
and release it.
When the
d button is released, the
current speed is stored and maintained. To deactivate
Switch off cruise control when not needed,
to avoid accidental activation.
Press
e button to turn cruise control off.
Control indicator m extinguishes and the
vehicle slowly decelerates. To continue
driving, depress the accelerator pedal in
the usual manner.
For safety reasons, cruise control
deactivates under certain driving
conditions.
For example:
z If the vehicle speed drops below 30 km/h
(20 mph), or
z If the brake pedal is depressed, or
z If the clutch pedal 3 is depressed, or
z If the automatic transmission 3 selector
lever is in N, or
z If the traction control aspect of the
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) comes
into action, to limit wheel spin.
Resuming the stored speed
Press the c button at speeds above
30 km/h (20 mph); the speed selected
before cruise control was switched off, is
resumed.
The value of the stored speed is deleted
when the ignition is switched off or the
ebutton is pressed.

Self-help, vehicle care197
The brake fluid level in the reservoir must
not be higher than the MAX mark or lower
than the MIN mark.
Do not overfill the brak e fluid reservoir, as
this may cause an engine fire due to fluid
burning; risk of injury and damage to the
vehicle.
Use of some brake fluids could cause
damage or impair br aking effectiveness.
Stay well informed. We recommend that
you use Opel-approve d high performance
brake fluid.
Extreme cleanliness is important, since
brake fluid contamination can lead to
brake system malfunctions.
If brake fluid level is too low, brake system
control indicator 4 illuminates in the
instrument panel - see page 70.
After correcting the brake fluid level, have
the cause of the loss remedied by a
workshop. Brake fluid change
As brake fluid is hygroscopic, it absorbs
water. Vapour bubbles which impair the
braking effect may occur during braking.
The fluid change intervals specified on
pages 206 to 212 must therefore be
observed.
Clutch fluid
3
The clutch fluid does not require any
additional maintenanc e than that detailed
on pages 206 to 212.
If the fluid in the reservoir falls below the
MIN mark, consult a workshop.
9 Warning
We recommend that you have brake fluid
changed by a workshop, who will be
familiar with the requ irements of the law
as regards disposal of brake fluid and
can thus help to protect the environment
and your health.

208 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 xxx
Corrosion protection: check and record in Service and Warranty Booklet Annually
Front and rear wheel br akes: check visually xxx
o
⊕Annual service check if annual mileage exceeds 20 000 km Annually
Engine, transmission, PTO, rear differential, A/C compressor: check for leaks xxx
Steering system boots, track rods , final drive: visual check xxx
Track rod end and supporting ball joint: check xxx
⊕Brake and clutch fluid: change Every 2 years
Wheel fastening: loosen and tighten to torque
Tyre condition and pressures: check, correct xxx
⊕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 x x x
Door hinges, door stop, lock cylinder, lock striker, bonnet catch, tailgate
hinges and check links: lubricate xxx
Test drive, final check
Service interval display and oil life monitor: reset - if applicable xxx

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

212 Service, maintenance
Service operations by month 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.
6
10
6.5 12
20
1318
30
2024
40
26.5 30
50
3336
60
40
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 xxx
Corrosion protection: check and record in Service and Warranty Booklet Annually
Front and rear wheel br akes: check visually x x x
Engine, transmission, PTO, rear differential, A/C compressor: check for leaks xxx
Steering system boots, track rods , final drive: visual check xxx
Track rod end and supporting ball joint: check xxx
⊕Brake and clutch fluid: change Every 2 years
Wheel fastening: loosen and tighten to torque
Tyre condition and pressures: check, correct xxx
First aid kit, tyre repair kit and lash ing eyes: visual check Every 2 years
Headlamp aiming: check, adjust xxx
Door hinges, door stop, lock cylinder, lock striker, bonnet catch, tailgate
hinges and check links: lubricate xxx
Test drive, final check
Service interval display and oil life monitor: reset - if applicable xxx