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 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.
Driving and operation170
Block the wheels of both the caravan/trailer
and the vehicle when parking and always
apply the hand brake firmly. If possible, do
not park on slopes. Parking on inclines
If parking on an incline is unavoidable,
depress the foot brake, have someone
place wheel blocks under the caravan/
trailer wheels and release the foot brake
until the blocks have absorbed the load.
Depress foot brake again, apply
hand brake, engage first gear on uphill
gradients or reverse gear on downhill
gradients (automatic transmission 3 in P)
and finally, release foot brake. Starting on inclines
Depress the foot brake and hold it down,
start the engine, shift into gear and release
the hand brake.
Release foot brake and drive slowly until
the caravan/trailer is clear of the wheel
blocks. Stop the vehicle and have someone
pick up the blocks. If possible, the engine
speed should not drop during this
procedure.
For vehicles with automatic transmission
3
in automatic mode, apply sufficient
throttle.
Before starting-off under extreme
conditions (e.g. high combination weight,
mountainous terrain with steep inclines),
switch off all unnecessary electrical loads
(e.g. heated rear window, air conditioning
system, heated front seats 3).
9 Warning
Have someone provide assistance when
removing blocks. Always remove blocks
from wheels while standing to one side.
Do not remove blocks while standing
behind the caravan/trailer; risk of injury
and damage to both the vehicle and
caravan/trailer.
184 Self-help, vehicle care
Engine compartment fuse box
The fuse box is located next to the coolant
reservoir in the engine compartment.
To open, disengage cover and tilt upwards.
To help in replacing fuses, a fuse extractor
is located in the engine compartment fuse
box.
9 Warning
Switch off engine before opening the
engine compartment fuse box; risk of
injury.
Some circuits may be protected by several
fuses.
No. Circuit Rating
1 Engine 1 15 A
2 Engine 2 15 A
3 Engine Control Module 20 A
4 Engine 3 15 A
5 Air conditioning 10 A
6 Main 10 A
7 Starter 20 A
8 Cooling fan 30 A
9 Fuel pump 15 A
10 All Wheel Drive (AWD) 15 ANo. Circuit Rating
11 Cooling fan auxiliary 30 A
12 Stop 15 A
13 Seat heating 20 A
14 ABS module 20 A
15 ABS module 40 A
16 Horn 15 A
17 Wipers 25 A
18 Run 40 A
19 Accessory/Ignition 40 A
20 Sun roof 20 A
21 Anti-theft system 15 A
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.
Service, maintenance213
Additional servicing
Additional operations ⊕
Additional work is work that is not required
every service but can be performed in
conjunction with a regular service.
Time allowances for such work are not
included in the scope of regular services
and will be charged for additionally. It is
more economic if these operations are
performed as part of a scheduled service
than having them performed separately.
Severe operating conditions o
Operating conditions are classified as
severe when one or more of the following
occurs frequently:
z cold starts,
z stop and go,
z trailer/caravan towing,
z gradients and/or high altitudes,
z poor road surfaces,
z sand and dust,
z extreme temperature fluctuations.
Police vehicles, taxis and driving school
vehicles are also cla ssified as operating
under severe conditions.
Under severe operating conditions, it may
be necessary to have certain scheduled
service work done more frequently than the
scheduled intervals.
For example, if fuel is used that does not
comply with required standards, the fuel
filter may need more frequent draining or
replacement and it may also be necessary
to change other components more often
(e.g. spark plugs). It is recommended to seek technical advice
on the servicing requirements dependent
on the specific operating conditions of your
vehicle.
Recommended fluids and
lubricants
Only use products that have been tested
and approved. Damage resulting from the
use of non-approved materials will not be
covered by the warranty.
Checking and topping up fluids
see page 191.
Engine oil
Engine oil is identified by its quality and
also its viscosity. Quality is more important
than viscosity when selecting which engine
oil to use.
Engine oil quality
European specifications
Opel engine oil m
eets classifications
GM-LL-A-025 and GM-LL-B-025 and is
therefore suitable for both petrol and
diesel engines.
International specifications
The above specification is valid only if the
service interval is reduced to that shown for
the international service schedule -
see pages 209 to 212.
Topping up engine oil
Oils of different manufacturers and brands
can be mixed as long as you comply with
the specified engine oil criteria (quality and
viscosity).
9 Warning
Operating materials are hazardous and
must be handled with the appropriate
level of care. If consumed, seek medical
attention immediatel y. Do not inhale
fumes and avoid skin contact. Keep out
of reach of children. Do not allow
operating materials to contaminate the
sewage system, surface water, ground
water or soil. Dispose of empty containers
properly. Always bear in mind that
operating materials are hazardous to
your health.
GM-LL-A-025: Petrol engines
GM-LL-B-025: Diesel engines without DPF
ACEA-C3 Diesel engines with DPF
GM General Motors Europe
LL Longlife
A or B Engine oil quality specification
025 Validity index
ACEA-A3: Petrol engines
ACEA-B4: Diesel engines without DPF
ACEA-C3: Diesel engines with DPF
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