2009 OPEL ANTARA check engine

Driving and operation167
Dismounting the coupling ball bar
Unlock coupling ball bar and remove key.
Push lever to the left, towards the coupling
ball bar and turn it downwards. Pull
coupling ball bar out of coupling housing.
Remove any rust or dirt from area around
the coupling housing and coupling ball bar
connection before inserting sealing plug in
the hole.
Place the coupling ball bar in the bag
supplied, fasten it wi th the strap and stow
it below the floor cover in the luggage
compartment.
Do not use steam-jet cleaners or other
high-pressure cleaners to clean the
coupling ball bar.
Towing
Caravan/trailer loads1)
The permissible caravan/trailer loads are
vehicle-dependent and engine-dependent
maximum values which must not be
exceeded.
The actual caravan/trailer load is the
difference between the actual gross weight
of the caravan/trailer and the actual
coupling socket load with the caravan/
trailer coupled.
When the caravan/trailer load is being
checked, therefore, on ly the caravan/trailer
wheels - and not the jockey wheel - must be
standing on the weighing apparatus.
The permissible caravan/trailer loads for
your vehicle are given in the vehicle papers.
Unless otherwise stated , they are valid for
gradients up to max. 12%.
The permissible caravan/trailer load should
be fully utilized only by drivers who are
adequately experienced in towing large
caravans/trailers.
The permitted caravan/trailer load applies
up to the specified incline and up to an
altitude of 1000 metres above sea level. Since engine power decreases as altitude
increases because of the air becoming
thinner, therefore reducing climbing ability,
it may not be possible for permissible trailer
loads to be fully utilized in mountainous
territory.
The permitted towing weight decreases by
10% for every 1000 metres of additional
altitude.
The towing weight does not have to be
reduced when driving on roads with slight
inclines (less than 8%, e.g. on motorways).
The actual caravan/trailer load plus the
actual Gross Vehicle Weight must not
exceed the maximum permitted towing
weight. For example, if the permitted Gross
Vehicle Weight is utilised, the caravan/
trailer load must only
be used until the
maximum permitted towing weight is
reached.
The maximum permitted towing weight is
shown on the vehicle id entification plate -
see page 215.
1)Observe national regulations.

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 care171
Self-help, vehicle care
Diesel fuel system, bleeding
Never let the fuel tank run dry. If control
indicator Y illuminates, refuel as soon as
possible.
It is possible to restart the engine if the tank
has been run dry. A delayed start can be
expected. Switch on the ignition three times
for approx. 15 seconds. Then try to start
the engine for no more than 40 seconds. If
the engine will not start, wait at least
10 seconds before trying again. If the
engine will still not start, consult a
workshop.
Bonnet
To open the bonnet, pull release lever /
located on the left-hand side below the
instrument panel.
The bonnet will then be unlocked and will
partially open. Return release lever to its
original position.
Do not pull release lever while the vehicle is
moving.
Diesel fuel system, bleeding .............. 171
Bonnet ................................................. 171
Starting ................................................ 172
Starting the engine with jump leads
3 172
Towing ................................................. 174
Jack and vehicle tools ........................ 176
Warning triangle ¨ 3 ,
First aid kit +3................................ 177
Temporary spare wheel ..................... 177
Wheel changing .................................. 178
Electrical system ................................. 181
Fuses and the most important circuits they protect ...................................... 182
Bulb replacement ............................... 185
Opel genuine parts and accessories . 191
A note on safety ................................. 191
Checking and topping up fluids ........ 191
Windscreen wipers .............................. 198
Windscreen washer system ................ 199
Battery ................................................. 200
Protection of electr onic components 201
Vehicle storage ................................... 201
Vehicle care......................................... 201
9 Warning
Disregard of the instructions may lead to
injuries or endanger life. Vehicle
passengers must be informed
accordingly.

Self-help, vehicle care172
To open completely, locate the safety
catch, found slightly left of centre on the
underside of the bonnet, push the catch
upwards and lift the bonnet gently. The
bonnet is held open automatically.
When the bonnet is opened, leaves, dirt or
snow on the bonnet can slide down and
obstruct the air intake. Remove any leaves,
dirt or snow. Air intake - see page 114.
Never drive with bonnet open.
To close bonnet, lower it gradually,
allowing it to drop from a height of approx.
30 cm.
Check that the bonnet is locked in position
before driving, by pulling at its front edge.
If it is not engaged, repeat closing
procedure.
Starting
Do not start with quick charger
This prevents damage to electronic
components.
Do not start by pushing or towing
Because your vehicle is fitted with a
catalytic converter, it must not be started
by pushing or towing - see page 133.
The vehicle can only be started using jump
leads - see following pages.
Starting the engine with jump
leads 3
A vehicle with a discha rged battery can be
started using jump leads and the battery of
another vehicle.
Start attempts should be made at intervals
of 1 minute and should not last longer than
15 seconds.
9 Warning
If the vehicle battery requires charging
whilst still in the vehicle, ensure there is
adequate ventilation in and around the
battery compartment, to prevent risk of
explosion.
9 Warning
This must be done with extreme care. Any
deviation from the following instructions
could lead to personal injury or damage
resulting from battery explosion, as well
as to damage to the electrical systems in
both vehicles.

Self-help, vehicle care181
Electrical system
Fuses
There are two fuse boxes in the vehicle:
the instrument panel fu se box is located on
the left-hand side of the front passenger’s
footwell, the engine compartment fuse box
is located next to the coolant reservoir.
It is advisable to carry a full set of fuses.
Spare fuses are kept in the engine
compartment fuse box.
7. Change the wheel.
Notes on spare wheel - see page 178.
8. Screw on wheel nuts and tighten slightly by hand until wheel is held
against the hub.
9. Rotate wrench anti-clockwise and lower vehicle to the ground.
10. Tighten wheel nuts in a cross wise sequence, putting the wrench on as far
as possible.
11. Stow replaced wheel in luggage compartment.
12. Stow the jacking equipment and warning triangle 3 - see pages 176,
177.
13. Check the tyre pressure of the newly fitted wheel - see page 224. Adjust as
necessary.
14. Have the new wheel balanced on the vehicle and have the tightening torque
of the wheel nuts checked as soon as
possible, and if necessary, corrected.
Tightening torque - see page 223.
15. Replace defective tyre on the wheel that was removed.
16. Replace temporary spare wheel with a full specification wheel without delay.
9 Warning
Electronic ignition systems generate very
high voltages. Do not touch the ignition
system; high voltage can be fatal.

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 care192
Engine oil
Information on engine oils - see page 213.
Engine oil level and consumption
It is normal for every engine to consume
some oil, and it is sometimes necessary to
check and top up the engine oil level
between oil changes.
For this reason, the engine oil level should
be checked every 500 km (300 miles) or
before starting a long trip. The illustrations show checking and
replenishing the engine oil in the Z 24, Z 32
petrol engines and the
Z 20 diesel engines
respectively.
To check the level, remove dipstick from
the dipstick tube, wipe it clean and re-insert
it as far as it will go. After pulling the
dipstick out again, check the oil level,
ensuring it is between the lower and upper
(or MIN and MAX) marks. Engine oil level check and topping up
The engine oil level must be checked with
the vehicle horizontal and with the engine
(which must be at operating temperature)
switched off. Wait a few minutes before
checking the level to allow the normal oil
accumulation in the engine to drain back
into the oil pan.
9 Warning
Do not allow the engine oil level to drop
below the minimum level.

Self-help, vehicle care195
Check diesel fuel filter at shorter intervals if
the vehicle is subjected to extreme
operating conditions such as high humidity
(primarily in coastal areas), extremely high
or low outside temperatures and
substantially varying daytime and night-
time temperatures.
If there is water in the diesel fuel filter,
control indicator
N illuminates in the
instrument panel - see page 73. Drain the
water immediately.
Coolant
During operation, the system is
pressurized. The temperature may
therefore rise to over 100 °C.
The antifreeze provides excellent corrosion
protection for the cooling and heating
system, as well as freeze protection down
to -28 °C.
Certain types of antifreeze can lead to
engine damage. We therefore strongly
recommend the use of antifreeze that has
been approved by Opel.
Antifreeze and corrosion protection
Before the start of the cold weather season,
have the coolant checked for correct
concentration by a workshop. The amount
of antifreeze must provide protection down
to approx. –28 °C. If the antifreeze
concentration is too low, this reduces
protection from fr eezing and corrosion.
Top up antifreeze if necessary.
If coolant loss is topped up with
demineralised water, have antifreeze
concentration checked and more
antifreeze added as necessary. Coolant level
Hardly any losses occur since the cooling
system is sealed and it is thus rarely
necessary to top up the coolant.
The coolant level in the expansion tank
should be between the
MIN and MAX
marks when the system is cold.
9 Warning
Antifreeze is a danger to health: it must
therefore be kept in the original container
and out of the reach of children.