2009 OPEL ANTARA maintenance

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 operation135
Exhaust gases
Do not run engine in enclosed spaces, e.g.
in a garage, or sit in a parked vehicle for an
extended period with the engine running.
Do not drive with tailgate open. If driving
with the tailgate open is necessary, set fan
to highest speed, close windows and
ensure air recirculation mode is off, to allow
entry of outside air.
If the underbody or rear of vehicle is
damaged or corroded, you notice a
change in the sound of the exhaust system,
or whenever you suspect exhaust gases are
penetrating the vehicle interior, consult a
workshop immediately.
When the vehicle is driven for the first time,
wax and oil on the exhaust system may
evaporate, producing smoke-like emissions
which should not be inhaled. Allow wax
and oil to evaporate while the vehicle is in
the open air. Diesel particle filter (DPF) 3
The diesel particle filter removes polluting
soot particles out of the exhaust.
The system contains a self-cleaning
function at certain intervals. The filter is
cleaned by burning the soot particles at
high temperature. This procedure runs
automatically under certain vehicle
conditions and can take up to 15 minutes,
during which time fuel consumption may
increase. The smell and the noise that
occur are normal.
The system cannot automatically clean
itself under certain vehicle conditions, such
as driving short distances.
If control indicator
I illuminates, you
should continue driving, and as soon as the
road and traffic situation permits it,
increase speed to more than 50 km/h
(30 mph) and diesel particle filter cleaning
will start.
Cleaning is quicker at faster speeds and
under load. The engine speed should not
drop below 2000 rpm. The control indicator
extinguishes as soon as cleaning is
complete.
We recommend that you do not turn the
ignition off during cleaning. Maintenance
Have all maintenance work carried out at
the intervals specified by Opel. We
recommend that you entrust this work to
your Opel Partner, who has proper
equipment and trained personnel
available. Electronic testing of systems
permits rapid diagnosis and remedy of
faults. This way, you can be certain that all
components of the vehicle’s electrical,
injection and ignition systems operate
correctly, that your ve
hicle has a low level
of pollutant emission and that the catalytic
converter system will have a long service
life.
You are thereby making an important
contribution towards keeping the air clean
and compliance with emissions legislation.
Checking and adjustment of the fuel-
injection and ignition systems is part of the
scope of a Service. For this reason, you
should have all maintenance work carried
out at the intervals specified in the chapter
"Service, Maintanance" on page 206.
9 Warning
Engine exhaust gases contain poisonous
carbon monoxide, which has no colour or
odour and can be lethal if inhaled.
If exhaust fumes penetrate the vehicle
interior, open the windows and consult a
workshop immediately.

Driving and operation145
A graphic indicating the left rear tyre is
shown together with the current tyre
pressure; slight pressure deviation. Reduce
speed. Check pressure at next opportunity
with appropriate gauge and correct if
necessary.
On the colour information display 3,
this report will appear in yellow. A graphic indicating the front left tyre is
shown together with the current tyre
pressure; significant pressure deviation or
direct pressure loss. Steer out of flow of
traffic as quickly as possible without
endangering other drivers. Stop and check
the tyres.
Mount the spare wheel if necessary –
see page 177.
On the colour information display
3,
this report will appear in red.
Acknowledgement of warnings –
see page 84.
Brake system
The effectiveness of the brakes is an
important factor for traffic safety.
In the interest of effectiveness, do not
brake unnecessarily hard during the first
200 km (125 miles) after new disc brake
pads have been fitted.
Wear of the brake linings must not exceed
a specified limit. Regular maintenance, as
detailed on pages 206 to 212, is therefore
of the utmost importance for traffic safety.
Have worn brake pads replaced by a
workshop. Pads which have been tested
and passed ensure optimum brake
performance.
Brake pads worn to their minimum
thickness may generate a grinding noise.
It is possible to continue driving. Have your
brake pads replaced as soon as possible.
Seek the assistance of a workshop for
replacing the brake pads.
Ü Board Computer
Tyre pressure
OK
check rear
left
(value in bar)
Ü Board Computer
Attention!
OK
Front left tyre
pressure loss
(value in bar)
9 Warning
Disregard of these instructions may lead
to injuries or endanger life.

Self-help, vehicle care191
Centre high-mounted stop lamp,
instrument panel and glove compartment
illumination
We recommend having bulb replacements
carried out by a workshop.
Opel genuine parts and
accessories
We recommend the use of “Opel genuine
parts and accessories” and conversion
parts released expressly for your vehicle
type. These parts have undergone special
tests to establish their reliability, safety and
specific suitability for your vehicle. Despite
continuous market monitoring, we cannot
assess or guarantee these attributes for
other products, even if they have been
granted approval by the relevant
authorities or in some other form.
“Opel genuine parts and accessories” and
conversion parts approved by Opel can be
obtained from your Op el Partner, who can
provide comprehensive advice about
permitted technical changes and ensure
that the part is installed correctly.
A note on safety
To avoid the possibility of injury, only carry
out engine compartment checks (e.g.
checking the brake fluid level or the engine
oil level) when the igni tion is switched off. Never carry out any re
pairs or adjustment
and maintenance work on the vehicle
yourself. This especially applies to the
engine, chassis and safety parts. You may,
out of ignorance, infringe the provisions of
the law and, by not performing the work
properly, you may endanger yourself and
other road users.
Checking and topping up fluids
To aid identification, the engine oil filler
cap, the coolant filler cap, the lid of the
fluid container for the windscreen washer
system and the handle of the engine oil
gauge (dipstick) may be coloured yellow.
9 Warning
The cooling fan may be operated by a
thermoswitch and can therefore start to
operate unexpectedly, even when the
ignition is switched off; risk of injury.
Electronic ignition systems generate very
high voltages. Do not touch the ignition
system; high voltage can be fatal.

Self-help, vehicle care198
Power steering fluid
The power steering fluid does not require
any additional maintenance than that
detailed on pages 206 to 212.
If the fluid in the reservoir falls below the
MIN mark, consult a workshop.
Windscreen wipers
Clear vision is essential for safe driving.
Perform regular checks on the wipers to
ensure they are oper ating correctly. We
recommend wiper blade replacement at
least once a year.
If the windscreen is dirty, operate the
windscreen washer system before
switching on the wipers or setting the
wipers to automatic operation with the rain
sensor 3. This will avoid wiper blade wear.
Do not switch on the windscreen wipers if
the windscreen is dry or obstructed (e.g.
with snow or ice), as this could damage the
glass, the wiper blades, or the wiper
system.
If the wipers become frozen on to the glass,
we recommend that they be released with
the aid of Opel De-icer Spray.
Smearing wiper blades can be cleaned with
a soft cloth and Opel Cleaning Solvent and
Antifreeze.
Wiper blades whose lips have become
hardened, cracked or covered with silicone
must be replaced. This may be necessary
as a result of the effect s of ice, thawing salt
or heat, or the incorrect use of cleaning
agents.
Switch off the wipers in car washes –
see pages 92 and 202.
Wiper care
– see page 205. To ensure proper operation of the rain
sensor
3, the sensor area must be free from
dust, dirt and ice, which is why the
windscreen washer system must be
operated at regular intervals and the
sensor area de-iced. Vehicles with rain
sensor can be identified by the sensor area
near the top of the windscreen.

Self-help, vehicle care200
Battery
The battery is maintenance-free.
Retrofitted electrical or electronic
accessories can place an additional load
on the battery or discharge the battery.
Consult a workshop regarding technical
possibilities, such as fitting a more powerful
battery.Laying up the vehicle for more than
6 weeks can lead to battery discharge,
which may reduce the service life of the
battery. Disconnect battery from on-board
power supply by detaching negative
terminal (anti-theft alarm system
3 is then
disabled).
Ensure that ignition is switched off before
connecting the battery. Then perform the
following actions:
z Set date and time in the information
display - see pages 80, 86.
z If necessary, activate the electric
windows and sun roof 3 - see pages
32, 34.
In order to prevent the battery from
discharging, some consumers such as the
courtesy lamps automatically switch off
after a delay. Charge a disconnected battery every
6 weeks.
9 Warning
We recommend that you have battery
changes carried out by a workshop who
knows the laws concerning the disposal
of used batteries, therefore protecting
the environment and your health.
9 Warning
Ensure there is adequate ventilation
when charging the batt
ery. There is a risk
of explosion if gases generated during
charging are allowed to accumulate.
Battery acid is poisonous and corrosive.
Do not allow it to contact eyes, skin,
fabrics or painted surfaces; direct
contact may cause injuries and damage.
Avoid dealing with the battery near
naked flames and anything that would
generate sparks. No smoking!

Self-help, vehicle care205
Windscreen wiper blades
Wax, such as that used in car washes, can
cause streaks to form on the windscreen
when the wipers are used.
Smearing wiper blades can be cleaned with
a soft cloth and Opel Cleaning Solvent and
Antifreeze, and replaced if necessary –
see page 198. Do not use abrasive
cleaners.
Locks
The locks are lubricated with a high-grade
lock cylinder grease at the factory. Opel
Lock Cylinder Grease prevents the locks
from freezing up.
Only use de-icing agents in emergencies,
as they have a degreasing effect and will
impair the function of the locks. After using
a de-icing agent, have the locks re-greased
by a workshop. Engine compartment
Areas of the engine compartment that are
painted in the same colour as the vehicle
must be looked after
like any other painted
surface.
It is advisable to wash the engine
compartment before and after winter and
preserve it with wax. Cover alternator and
fluid reservoirs with plastic sheets before
washing the engine.
When washing the engine with a steam-jet
cleaner, do not direct the steam-jet at
components of the Anti-lock Brake System
(ABS), the air conditioning system or the
belt drive and its components.
Protective wax that has been applied is
also removed during the engine wash. For
this reason, have the engine, brake system
components in the engine compartment,
axle components with steering, body parts
and cavities thoroughly preserved with
protective wax after the wash.
An engine wash can be performed in the
spring in order to remove dirt that has
adhered to the engine compartment,
which may also have a high salt content.
Check protective wax layer and make good
if necessary. Underbody
Your vehicle has a factory-applied PVC
undercoating in the wheel arches
(including the longitudinal members) which
provides permanent protection and needs
no special maintenance. The surfaces of
the vehicle underbody not covered by PVC
are provided with a durable protective wax
coating in critical areas.
On vehicles which are washed frequently
in automatic car wash
es with underbody
washing facility, the protective wax
coating may be impaire d by dirt-dissolving
additives. Check the underbody after
washing and have it waxed if necessary.
Before the start of the cold weather season,
check the PVC coating and protective wax
coating and, if necessary, have them
restored to perfect condition.
Caution
– commercially available bitumen/
rubber materials can damage the PVC
coating. We recommend that you have
underbody work carried out by a
workshop, who knows the prescribed
materials and has experience in the use
thereof.
The underbody should be washed
following the end of the cold weather
season to remove any dirt adhering to the
underbody since this may also contain salt.
Check protective wax coating and, if
necessary, have it restored to perfect
condition.

Service, maintenance206
Service, maintenanceEuropean service intervals
Engine oil change - Z 24 XE only
Due every 15,000 km (10,000 miles).
Main Service
Due every 30,000 km (20,000 miles) or
1 year, whichever occurs first.
International service intervals
Interim Service - except Z 24 XE
Due every 15,000 km (10,000 miles).
Main Service - except Z 24 XE
Due every 30,000 km (20,000 miles) or
1 year, whichever occurs first.
Interim Service - Z 24 XE only
Due every 10,000 km (6,500 miles) or
6 months, whichever occurs first.
Main Service - Z 24 XE only
Due every 20,000 km (13,000 miles) or
1 year, whichever occurs first.
Confirmations
Confirmation of Service is recorded in the
spaces provided in the Service and
Warranty Booklet. The date and kilometre/
mileage reading is completed with the
stamp and signature of the Servicing
Workshop.
Make sure that the Service and Warranty
Booklet is completed correctly as
continuous proof of service is essential if
any warranty or goodwill claims are to be
met, and is also a benefit when you come
to sell the vehicle.
Service plan
The European service schedule is valid for
the following countries:
Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Cyprus,
Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Greenland, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy,
Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,
The Netherlands, Norway, Poland,
Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom.
For all remaining countries the
International service schedule applies.
European service schedule ................ 207
International service schedule ........... 209
Additional servicing............................ 213
Recommended fluids and lubricants 213