2009 OPEL ANTARA tow

Driving and operation131
Fuels, refuelling
Fuel consumption
Optional equipment (e.g. wide tyres,
towing equipment) increases the kerb
weight and, in some cases, also the
permissible Gross Vehicle Weight.
This in turn increases fuel consumption and
reduces the maximum speed of the vehicle.
When the vehicle is new, there is increased
friction between the engine and
transmission components lasting for
several thousand kilometres. This also
increases fuel consumption. Fuel for petrol engines
Commercially available high-quality fuels
are suitable (see page 217). Fuel quality
has a decisive influence on the power
output, driveability and life of the engine.
The additives contained in the fuel play an
important role in this
regard. You should
therefore use only high-quality fuels
containing additives.
Petrol with too low an octane number can
cause pinking. Opel cannot be held liable
for resulting damage.
Petrol with a higher octane number can
always be used.
A dispensing pump for leaded fuel cannot
be inserted in the fuel tank of a vehicle that
must be operated on unleaded fuel only.
Use of petrol with an octane rating of 95
will ensure economical driving Fuel for diesel engines
Diesel engines must be operated only on
commercially available diesel fuel meeting
the specifications of DIN EN 590.
Marine diesel fuel, fuel oils, diesel fuels,
which are entirely or partially plant based
such as rape seed oil or bio-diesel,
Aquazole and similar diesel-water
emulsions must not be used.
The flow and filterability of diesel fuels are
insufficient at low temperatures, as a result
of crystallized paraffins.
Diesel fuels with improved low-
temperature properties are therefore
available on the market during the winter
months. Make sure that you use winter fuel
before the start of the cold weather
season.
Use of diesel fuels with manufacturer-
guaranteed winter properties eliminates
the need for additives.

Driving and operation133
Catalytic converter, exhaust
emissions
Catalytic converter for petrol engines
Leaded fuel will damage the catalytic
converter and parts of the electronic
system, thereby rendering them
inoperative.
On vehicles with a catalytic converter, the
fuel tank filler neck is of a narrow design so
that a dispensing pump for leaded fuel
cannot be inserted. Damage to the catalytic converter or the
vehicle may result if the following points
are not observed:
z
If the engine misfires or runs roughly
after a cold start, the engine power has
reduced significantly or other unusual
operating problems occur that indicate
a fault in the ignition system, please
contact a workshop as quickly as
possible. Drive at a slower speed and
with less engine revs for a short time,
if necessary.
z If unburned fuel enters the catalytic
converter, this may re sult in overheating
and irreparable damage to the catalytic
converter.
You should therefore avoid frequent cold
starts, unnecessarily long use of the
starter when setting off, running the tank
dry (an irregular fuel supply leads to
overheating) and starting the engine by
pushing or towing.
z If the control indicator for exhaust
emissions Z flashes, lift your foot off the
accelerator until th e control indicator
stops flashing and is steadily lit. Contact
a workshop immediately.
Control indicator Z for exhaust
emissions - see pages 74, 134. Catalytic converter for diesel engines
Damage to the catalytic converter or the
vehicle may result if the following points
are not observed:
Consult a workshop as quickly as possible
in the event of irregular engine running, a
significant loss of engine power or other
unusual malfunctions. If necessary, driving
may be continued for a
short time at a low
speed and with a low engine speed.

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 operation138
Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
When the ESC function comes into action
and recognises any emergency situations
requiring hard braking, it automatically
delivers increased braking pressure to the
wheels.
Active Rollover Protection (ARP)
If the vehicle moves in an unstable manner,
this function helps the vehicle maintain
normal stability.
Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) 3
TSA monitors vehicle movements when
towing a caravan or trailer. If the system
detects lurching movements, engine power
is reduced and the vehicle/trailer
combination is selectiv ely braked until the
lurching ceases. DCS (Descent Control System)
The Descent Control System allows the
vehicle to travel at a low speed without
depressing the foot brake.
The vehicle will automatically decelerate to
a low speed and remain at that speed
when DCS button
5 is pressed.
Use only when descending steep grades
while driving off-road. Do not use when
driving on normal road surfaces.
Some noise or vibration from the brake
system may be apparent when DCS is
active. To activate
At speeds below approx. 50 km/h
(30 mph), press DCS button. The green DCS
control indicator
5 will flash in the
instrument panel, to show DCS is in
operation.
DCS will not activate at speeds above
50 km/h (30 mph), even if the button is
pressed.
Unnecessary usage of the DCS function,
such as while driving on normal roads, may
damage the brake system and the ESC
function.

Driving and operation143
Control indicator for park pilotControl indicator r illuminates while
driving if there is a fault in the system.
If the acoustic signal sounds 3 times
continuously when there are no obstacles
near the front or rear bumper, there is a
fault in the system.
Have the cause of the fault remedied by a
workshop. To ensure the safety of other road users
and people in the vicinity and to avoid
damage to the vehicle, remember:
z
The park pilot should only be considered
as a supplementary function. Normal
precautions should be maintained when
reversing. Check the rear view and use
the mirrors when reversing.
z Do not push, scratch or otherwise
damage the sensors.
z Do not use high-pressure jet cleaners to
clean the sensors. Clean only with a soft
sponge and clean water.
Automatic level control 3
Automatic level control makes it possible to
keep the height of the vehicle constant
when subjected to different loads in the
rear (e.g. when passengers are occupying
the rear seats or when towing a caravan/
trailer). This significantly improves driving
conditions.
The vehicle is automatically raised at the
rear to its previous unloaded level,
increasing spring travel and ground
clearance.
Headlamp range adjustment -
see page 97.
In the event of malfunctions, do not utilise
the vehicle’s full load capacity. Have the
cause of the fault remedied by a workshop
without delay.

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 operation164
Pull up license plate holder and fold down
into horizontal position.Open the tailgate.
Raise the release lever
and push the system
into the bumper until it engages.
Ensure release lever returns to original
position.
Towing equipment 3
If the vehicle is not equipped with a trailer
hitch, we recommend having this
retrofitted by a workshop, who will advise
you on any possible towed load increases.
The workshop has instructions on how to
install the trailer hitch and making any
changes to the vehicle that are needed
that affect the coolin g system, heat shields
or other equipment.
Mounting dimensions of towing equipment
- see page 227.
9 Warning
If the system cannot be correctly
engaged, please contact a workshop for
assistance.
9 Warning
The coupling ball bar is to be removed
when not towing.