Driving and operation115
Driving and operationAutomatic transmission 3
The automatic transmission permits
manual gearshifting (manual mode) or
automatic gearshifting ( automatic mode)
with fully automatic clutch control.
The engine can only be started when the
selector lever is in position P or N. When
starting in P, turn key in ignition switch to
ACC or ON, depress foot brake and press
selector lever button before selecting a
gear.
Do not accelerate whilst gearshifting. If a
gear has been selected and the foot brake
is released without accelerating, the
vehicle will "creep".
Never operate the brake pedal and
accelerator simultaneously. Selecting
D puts the transmission in
automatic mode.
If the selector lever is moved to the left from
position D, manual mode is activated.
Forward gear changes only can then be
made manually by tipping the selector
lever towards + or -.
Automatic transmission
3................. 115
All Wheel Drive.................................... 121
Driving hints ........................................ 127
Save fuel, protect the environment ... 129
Fuels, refuelling ................................... 131
Catalytic converter, exhaust emissions........................................... 133
Drive control systems ......................... 136
Brake system ....................................... 145
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) u....... 148
Wheels, tyres ....................................... 149
Roof racks 3........................................ 153
Flex-Fix system 3................................ 154
Towing equipment 3 .......................... 164
Towing ................................................. 1679 Warning
Disregard of these instructions may
cause damage to the vehicle and lead to
injuries or endanger life.
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 operation153
Always use fine-linked chains that add no
more than 15 mm to the tyre tread and the
inboard sides (including chain lock).
Tyre chains may only be used at speeds of
up to 50 km/h (30 mph)
1) or up to the tyre
chain manufacturer’s recommended
maximum speed, whichever is lower.
When travelling on road s that are free of
snow, they may only be used for brief
periods since they are subject to rapid wear
on a hard road and may snap.
Avoid sharp turns, bumps and holes and
do not lock the wheels when braking, to
avoid damaging the tyre chains.
Retighten the chains after driving for
approx. 1 km (0.6 miles). If, at any time,
you hear or suspect that the chains are
contacting the vehicle, stop and retighten
the chains.
Always read the instructions supplied with
the tyre chains. Temporary spare wheel
The temporary spare wheel is designed for
use on your vehicle only.
Do not attempt to use the spare tyre on a
different wheel, or use a different tyre on
the spare wheel, as they will not fit.
For notes on the temporary spare wheel -
see page 178.
Ensure the temporary spare wheel is
inflated to the correct tyre pressure -
see page 224.
Wheel changing - see page 178.
Roof racks 3
For reasons of safety and to avoid
damaging the roof, we recommend that
you use the Opel roof rack system
approved for your vehicle.
Fasten the roof rack to the roof rails
following the instructions that accompany
the system, ensuring that the roof load is
evenly distributed over the side or cross
rails. Loads must not be placed on the roof
surface.
To prevent damage or loss, check
frequently that roof loads are securely
fastened.
Driving with a roof load affects the
vehicle’s centre of gravity; drive carefully in
crosswinds and do not drive at high
speeds.
Driving hints - see page 127.
1)Varies from country to country on account of
national regulations.
9 Warning
Disregard of the instructions may lead to
injuries or endanger life. Vehicle
passengers must be informed
accordingly.
Technical data221
Weights, payload and roof load
The payload is the difference between the
permissible Gross Vehicle Weight (see
vehicle identification plate on page 215)
and the EC kerb weight.
To calculate the EC kerb weight, enter the
data from your vehicle below:
is the EC kerb weight.
Optional equipmen t and accessories
increase the kerb weight and in some cases
also the permissible Gross Vehicle Weight,
which means that the payload will also
change slightly.
Note the weights given on the vehicle
identification plate. The combined total of front and rear axle
loads must not exceed the permissible
Gross Vehicle Weight. For example, if the
front axle load is being fully utilized, the
rear axle can only bear a load that is equal
to the Gross Vehicle Weight minus the front
axle load.
See the vehicle identi
fication plate on
page 215 or the vehicle documents for
permissible axle loads. Roof load
The maximum permissible roof load
is 100 kg.
The roof load is the combined weight of the
roof rack and the load.
Driving hints – page 127.
Roof racks, caravan and trailer towing -
see page 153, 167.
z
Kerb weight from
page 222 + ............. kg
z Weight of heavy
accessories + ............. kg
The total = ............. kg
226 Technical data
Dimensions
Overall length (mm)4576
Width (mm) 1850
Overall height with roof rails (mm) 1747
Wheelbase (mm) 2707
Track width (mm): Front
Rear 1562
1572
Turning circle diameter, wall to wall (m) 12.78
Maximum wading depth (mm)
(at 5 km/h (3 mph)) 450
Approach angle 24°
Ramp angle 17.6°
Departure angle 23°
Index233
Power steering ................................. 73, 127
Fluid
.................................................... 198
Preheating
......................................... 19, 73
Pushing, towing
..................................... 172
R
Radio ...................................................... 101
Radio equipment (CB)
.......................... 102
Radio frequency remote control Central locking system
.............. 6, 23, 25
Fault
..................................................... 24
Radio reception
..................................... 101
Rain sensor
................................15, 93, 198
Rear interior lamps Bulb replacement
.............................. 190
Rear lamp cluster
.................................... 96
Bulb replacement
.............................. 188
Rear seat armrest
.................................... 42
Rear seats
................................................ 41
Folding backrests
................................ 41
Restoring backrests
............................. 42
Rear window washer system
....16, 93, 199
Rear window wipers
.......................... 16, 93
Refuelling
............................................... 132
Fuel filler cap
..................................... 132
Remote control Central locking system
.............. 6, 23, 25
Fault
..................................................... 24
Replacement keys
................................... 21
Reversing lamps
...................................... 96
Bulb replacement
.............................. 188
Roof load
.................. 35, 64, 127, 153, 221
Roof racks
...................................... 130, 153 Running-in
............................................. 127
Brakes
................................................. 145
S
Safeguard against
unauthorised use
........................ 13, 20, 21
Safety
..................................................... 191
Safety accessories
..................... 47, 68, 177
Safety net
................................................. 60
Saving energy
........................................ 129
Saving fuel
............................................. 129
Seat adjustment
.................................. 7, 36
Seat belts
............................... 8, 42, 43, 204
Driver’s seat belt reminder
................. 72
Front passenger’s seat belt reminder
46
Height adjustment
.............................. 47
Removing
............................................. 47
Seat height adjustment
...................... 8, 37
Seat position
............................................ 38
Seats
..................................................... 7, 36
Adjustment
.................................. 7, 8, 36
Electric seat adjustment
..................... 37
Folding passenger’s seat
.................... 40
Heated seats
..................................... 105
Selector lever
................................... 18, 116
Selector lever lock
........................... 18, 116
Self-diagnosis
.......................................... 45
Self-help
................................................. 171
Automatic transmission
.................... 120
Information display
....................... 80, 86
Remote control
.................................... 24
Service
.................................................... 206
Service intervals
............................. 206, 207
Side airbags
............................................. 54 Side repeater lamps
Bulb replacement
.............................. 188
Slide/tilt sun roof
..................................... 34
Spare keys
............................................... 21
Spare wheel
................................... 153, 177
Speed
............................................. 129, 130
Fuel consumption
.............................. 129
Speedometer
........................................... 75
Starting on inclines
............................... 170
Starting the engine
........................... 13, 19
Self-help
............................................. 172
Steam-jet cleaners
........143, 167, 202, 204
Steering column lock
.............................. 13
Steering wheel adjustment
..................... 13
Steering wheel remote control
............. 101
Storage
.................................................... 59
Stowage compartments
......................... 64
Sun roof
................................................... 34
Sun visors
................................................. 34
Illumination
........................................ 100
Sunglass holder
....................................... 65
System settings
................................. 79, 85
T
Tachometer ............................................. 75
Tail and brake lamps Bulb replacement
.............................. 188
Tailgate
............................................... 6, 26
Tailgate washer system
............ 16, 93, 199
Antifreeze protection
........................ 199
Capacities
.......................................... 225
Washer fluid reservoir
....................... 199
Tailgate wiper
................................... 16, 93