2009 OPEL CORSA manual transmission

189
Driving and operation
Driving characteristics, towing tips
Before attaching the trailer/caravan,
lubricate the ball of the trailer/caravan
towing device. However, do not lubricate
the ball if a stabiliser, which acts on the
coupling ball, is being used to damp
hunting.
Check caravan/traile r lighting before
starting to drive. The fog tail lamps on the
vehicle are deactivated when towing a
caravan or trailer.
Trailers with LED turn signals must have a
provision enables lamp monitoring for
commercial bulbs.
Ultrasonic parking sensors 3 are
deactivated in towing mode.
Handling is greatly influenced by the
loading of the trailer/caravan. Loads
should therefore be secured so that they
cannot slip and be placed in the centre of
the trailer/caravan if possible, i.e. above
the axle.
For trailers with low directional control and
for caravans with a permissible gross
vehicle weight of more than 1000 kg, a
speed of 80 km/h must not be exceeded;
use of a roll damper in accordance with the
friction principle is urgently recommended. If the trailer/caravan 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.
Remember that the braking distance for
vehicles towing caravans/trailers with and
without brake is always greater than that
for vehicles not towing a caravan/trailer.
When driving downhill, drive in the same
gear as if driving uphill and drive at a
similar speed.
Adjust tyre pressure to the value specified
for full load
3264. Starting on inclines
For vehicles with manual transmission, the
most favourable engine speed when
starting off on an incline is between
2500 and 3000 rpm for petrol engines and
between 2000 and 2200 rpm for diesel
engines. Hold engine speed constant,
engage clutch gradually (let slip), release
hand brake and open throttle. If possible,
the engine speed should not drop during
this procedure.
In vehicles with automatic transmission
3
and manual transmission automated 3 it is
sufficient to give full throttle in D or
(in automatic mode) 3.
Before starting off under extreme
operating conditions, switch off
unnecessary consumers.
Back to overview

192 Self-help, vehicle care
Picture no: 17229t.tif
zNever expose the battery to naked
flames or sparks.
z A flat battery can fr eeze at temperatures
around 0 C. Defrost the battery before
connecting up jump leads.
z Do not allow battery fluid to come into
contact with eyes, skin, fabrics or
painted surfaces. The fluid contains
sulphuric acid which can cause injuries
and damage in the event of direct
contact.
z Wear eye protection and protective
clothing when handling a battery. z
Use a booster battery with the same
voltage (12 volts). Its capacity (Ah) must
not be much less than that of the
discharged battery.
z Use jump leads with insulated terminals
and a cross section of at least 16 mm
2
(25 mm
2 for diesel engines).
z Do not disconnect the discharged
battery from the vehicle.
z Switch off all unnecessary electrical
consumers.
z Do not lean over the battery during jump
starting.
z Do not allow the terminals of one lead to
touch those of the other lead.
z The vehicles must not come into contact
with each other during the jump starting
process.
z Apply hand brake. Manual transmission
or manual transmission automated 3 in
neutral, automati c transmission 3 in P.
Picture no: 18270s.tif
Lead connection order:
1. Connect the red lead to the positive
terminal 1 of the booster battery.
2. Connect the other end of the red cable to the positive terminal 2 on the flat
battery. The positive terminal has a
cover cap on it Undo the cap to access
the positive terminal.
3. Connect the black lead to the negative terminal 3 of the booster battery.
4. Connect the other end of the black lead 4
to a vehicle grounding point, such as the
engine block or a screw connection in the
engine suspension. Co nnect as far away
from the discharged battery as possible.
Back to overview

194 Self-help, vehicle care
Picture no: 18586s.tif
The towing eye is located in a recess.
Picture no: 18142s.tif
Screw in the towing eye anticlockwise as far
as it will go until it stops in a horizontal
position.
Attach a tow rope 3 – or better still a tow
rod 3 – to the eye.
The towing eye may only be used for
towing and not for recovery of the vehicle.
Switch on ignition to release steering
column lock and to permit operation of
brake lamps, horn an d windscreen wipers. Manual transmission or manual
transmission automated
3 in neutral,
automatic transmission 3 in N.
When the engine is not running,
considerably more force is needed to brake
and steer.
To prevent the entry of exhaust fumes from
the towing vehicle, switch on the air
recirculation 3 and close the windows.
Contact a workshop for assistance.
Caution
Drive slowly. Do not drive jerkily. Exces-
sive tractive force can damage the
vehicle.
Back to overview

195
Self-help, vehicle care
Vehicles with automatic transmission 3
should be towed facing forward only and
must not be towed faster than 80 km/h or
further than 100 km. If the transmission is
defective, or if the above speed or distance
is to be exceeded, the front axle must be
raised off the ground.
Contact a workshop for assistance.
If the automatic clutch has been manually
disengaged in vehicles with manual
automated transmission 3 towing is not
permitted 3143. In this case, contact a
workshop for assistance immediately.
After towing, unscrew towing eye by
rotating clockwise and insert and close the
cap.
Picture no: 18143s.tif
Towing another vehicle
Disengage cap at bottom and remove
downwards.
The towing eye is in the luggage
compartment, on the right beneath the
cover 3198.
Picture no: 18144s.tif
Screw in the towing eye anticlockwise as far
as it will go until it stops in a horizontal
position.
Attach a tow rope 3 – or better still a tow
rod 3 – to the eye.
The towing eye may only be used for
towing and not for recovery of the vehicle.
After towing, unscrew the towing eye
clockwise and refit the cover.
Caution
Drive slowly. Do not drive jerkily. Exces-
sive tractive force can damage the
vehicle.
Back to overview

200 Self-help, vehicle careChanging wheels There may be a tyre repair kit instead of a
spare wheel 3204.
Make the following preparations and
observe the following information:
z Park the vehicle on a level, firm and non-
skid surface. The front wheels must be in
the straight-ahead position.
z Switch on hazard warning lights, apply
hand brake, automa tic transmission 3 -
selector lever in P , manual transmission
or manual automatic transmission 3 -
engage 1st or reverse gear.
z Erect warning triangle 3 as specified.
Warning triangle 3196.
z Remove spare wheel from luggage
compartment 3196. z
Never change more than one wheel at
once.
z Use the jack 3 only to change wheels.
z If the ground on which the vehicle is
standing is soft, a solid board (max. 1 cm
thick) should be placed under the jack 3.
z Block the wheel diagonally opposite the
wheel to be changed by placing wedge
blocks or equivalent in front and behind
the wheel. z
No people or animals may be in the
vehicle when it is jacked up.
z Never crawl under a jacked-up vehicle.
z Do not start the vehicle when it is raised
on the jack.
z Before screwing in the wheel bolts, clean
them and lightly coat the taper of each
wheel bolt with comm ercially available
grease.
Back to overview

209
Self-help, vehicle care
Picture no: 18588s.tif
Fuses and the most important
circuits they protectFuse box in engine compartment
The fuse box is at the front left side of the
engine compartment.
To open, disengage the cover, fold cover
up and remove.
Picture no: 18589s.tif Picture no:
No. Circuit
1 Starter
2 Air conditioning system
3 Diesel fuel filter heater
4 Horn
5 Manual transmission automated,
automatic transmission
6 Engine control unit
7 Fog lamps
8 Engine cooling
9 Engine cooling
No. Circuit
10 Automated manual transmission
11 Glow plugs, ignition system
12 Headlamp range adjustment,
Adaptive Forward Lighting
13 Air conditioning system
14 Automated manual transmission
15 Main beam (right)
16 Main beam (left)
17 Main relay
18 Engine control unit
Back to overview

234 Opel Service, maintenance⊕Additional work.
o The intervals are shorter where driving conditions are more arduous or country-specific.
Service work
after year
1)
km (x1000)
1)
1)Depending on what occurs first.
1
30 2
60 3
90 4
120 5
150
⊕o
Remove brake drum, clean, carry out visual check every 4 years/60 000 km
Visually inspect steering system boots, track rods, final drive xxxxx
Check track rod end and supporting ball joint xxxxx
⊕
Change brake and clutch fluids (manual transmission automated) every 2 years
Loosen wheel mounting and tighten to 110 Nm
xx
Grease or apply oil to
bolt taper when fitting.
Check tyre condition and pressure (inclu ding spare wheel), correct if necessary.
If there is a tyre inflation system, check that the set is complete and the use-by date is
still valid. Replace sealant bottle every four years.
⊕
Annual service check if the annual distance travelled is greater than 20000 km.
Visually check the first aid kit (that it is wher e it should be, that it is undamaged and that
the use by date is still valid), lashing eyes and warning triangle every 2 years
Check headlamp settings (including auxi liary headlamps), adjust if necessary x x
⊕o
Lubricate door hinges, check arms, cylinder lo ck, door latch, bonnet catch, rear panel
hinge xx
OPC: check function of central locking system
clean door lock from outside and grease xxxxx
Test run, final check (check steering and ig nition lock, instrument and warning lamps,
entire brake system, steering, air conditioni ng system, engine, bodywork and chassis,
reset service/interval display with TECH 2. xxxxx
⊕
Germany only: carry out emissions check, main inspection
First time after three years, then every 2 years
If used commercially to transport passengers, taxis, ambulances, hire cars etc. annually
Back to overview

237
Opel Service, maintenance
⊕ Additional work.
o The intervals are shorter where driving conditions are more arduous or country-specific.
Service work
after year
1)
km (x1000)
1)
1)Depending on what occurs first.
1
15 2
30 3
45 4
60 5
75
⊕o
Remove brake drum, clean, carry out visual check every 4 years/60000 km
Visually inspect steering system boots, track rods, final drive xxxxx
Check track rod end and supporting ball joint xxxxx
⊕
Change brake and clutch fluids (manual transmission automated) every 2 years
Loosen wheel mountings and tighten to 110 Nm
xx
Grease or apply oil to
bolt taper when fitting.
Check tyre condition and pressure (inclu ding spare wheel), correct if necessary.
If there is a tyre inflation system, check that the set is complete and the use-by date is
still valid. Replace sealant bottle every four years.
⊕
Annual service check if the annual distance travelled is greater than 20000 km.
Visually check the first aid kit (that it is wher e it should be, that it is undamaged and that
the use by date is still valid), lashing eyes and warning triangle every 2 years
Check headlamp settings (including auxi liary headlamps), adjust if necessary x x
⊕o
Lubricate door hinges, check arms, cylinder lo ck, door latch, bonnet catch, rear panel
hinge xx
OPC: check function of central locking system
clean door lock from outside and grease xxxxx
Test run, final check (check steering and ig nition lock, instrument and warning lamps,
entire brake system, steering, air conditioni ng system, engine, bodywork and chassis,
reset service/interval display with TECH 2. xxxxx
Back to overview