2009 OPEL MERIVA System

150 Driving and operationUltrasonic parking sensors 3
Park pilot makes reverse parking easier by
measuring the distance between the back
of the vehicle and obstacles to the rear. It is
the driver, however, who maintains full
responsibility for parking.
The system records the distance using four
sensors in the rear bumper.
To activate The park pilot system activates
automatically when the ignition is switched
on and reverse gear is engaged.
Operational readiness is indicated by a
brief tone.
If the vehicle approaches an obstacle, a
series of acoustic signals sound. The interval
between the signals be comes shorter as the
vehicle gets closer to the obstacle. When the
distance is less than 30 cm, the signal is
continuous.
Picture no: 14779s.tif
To deactivate The system deactivates automatically
when reverse gear is disengaged. Towing equipment, caravan/trailer towing
If a towing device is subsequently fitted to
the vehicle, the system must be set to the
modified vehicle length by a workshop.
When operating without a trailer, the tow
bar must be removed else the system can
be damaged.
Fitting rear load racks
3
Rear carriers, e. g. bike carriers, could
cause system malfunction.
Fault
On system faults, a permanent tone
sounds at a distance of 1 metre from the
obstacle. Have the cause of the fault
eliminated by a workshop.
In order to avoid operational problems or
erroneous information, the sensors must be
undamaged and free of soiling, snow and
ice.
9 Warning
Under certain circumstances, various
reflective surfaces on objects or clothing
as well as external noise sources may
cause the system to fail to detect
obstacles.

151
Driving and operation
Picture no: 14722s.tif
Hydraulic brake system The brake system comprises two
independent brake circuits.
If a brake circuit fails, the vehicle can still be
braked using the other brake circuit.
However, the brake pedal must be
depressed a considerable way before any
braking effect occurs, and much more
force is required. The braking distance is
longer. Contact a workshop for assistance
before continuing to drive. To ensure that full
pedal travel can be
utilised, especially in case of a fault in one
of the brake circuits, there must be no mats
in the vicinity of the pedals 3136.
When the engine is not running, the
support of the brake servo unit disappears
once the brake pedal has been depressed
once or twice. Braking effect is not
reduced, but braking requires significantly
greater force. This is especially important
to bear in mind when towing.
The brake fluid level should be checked
regularly. If the brake fluid level is too low
and the hand brake is not applied, control
indicator R on the instrument panel
illuminates 385.
Picture no: 17894s.tif
Brake system control indicator R
The control indicator illuminates after the
ignition is turned on, when the hand brake
is applied or if the brake or clutch fluid level
is too low. Brake fluid 3214.
9 Warning
If the control indicator illuminates when
the hand brake is released, stop driving
immediately. Contact a workshop for
assistance.

152 Driving and operationFor vehicles with manual transmission
automated 3, the control indicator flashes
for a few seconds when the ignition is
turned off when the hand brake is not
applied. Anti-lock brake system (ABS
u)
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
ABS starts to regulate brake pressure as
soon as a wheel shows a tendency to lock.
The vehicle remains steerable, even during
hard braking.
ABS control is made apparent though a
pulse in the brake pedal and the noise of
the regulation process.
For optimum braking, keep the brake
pedal fully depresse d throughout the
braking process, despite the fact that the
pedal is pulsating. Do not reduce the
pressure on the pedal.
Picture no: 17895s.tif
Control indicator u for ABS
It illuminates for a few seconds when
ignition is switched on. Once the control
indicator goes out, the system is ready for
operation.
If the control indica tor does not go out
after a few seconds, or if it illuminates while
driving, there is a fault in the ABS. The
brake system remains operational without
ABS regulation.
Adaptive brake lamp 3
During full-on braking, all three brake
lamps flash for the duration of ABS control. Self testing
When the engine is started and the vehicle
starts off, the system performs a self-check,
which may be audible.
Fault
Have cause of fault remedied by a
workshop. The system’s integrated self
diagnostics allow faults to be quickly
remedied.
9 Warning
If there is a fault in the ABS, the wheels
may be liable to lock due to braking that
is heavier than normal. The advantages
of ABS are no longer available. During
hard braking, the vehicle can no longer
be steered and may swerve.

153
Driving and operation
Picture no: 14723s.tif
Hand brake Always apply hand brake firmly without
pressing the release button, and apply as
firmly as possible on steep slopes.
To release the hand brake pull lever up
slightly, press release button, and lower
lever all the way down.
To reduce the operating forces of the hand
brake, depress the foot brake at the same
time.
Brake assist If the brake pedal is operated quickly with
a powerful push, the vehicle is
automatically braked at full braking power
in order to achieve the shortest possible
braking distance when full-on braking
occurs (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. Hill Start Assist
3 (HSA)
The system helps pull away on inclines.
After releasing the footbrake, if the hand
brake is not applied the brakes are only
released after 2 seconds. As soon as the
acceleration is sufficient to prevent rolling
back, the brake is released.
Wheels, tyresSuitable tyres and restrictions 3 228.
Tyres fitted in the factory are adapted to
the chassis and provide optimum driving
comfort and safety.
Changing tyre/wheel type
If tyres of a different size than those fitted
at the factory are used, it may be
necessary to reprogram the electronic
speedometer and make other vehicle
modifications.
After converting to a different tyre size,
have the adhesive label with tyre pressures
replaced.
9 Warning
Use of unsuitable tyres or wheels may
lead to accidents and render the vehicle
unroadworthy.

158 Driving and operationRemove the wheel trims if using tyre chains
3174.
Tyre chains may only be used at speeds up
to 50 km/h. When travelling on roads that
are free of snow, they may only be used for
brief periods.
Tyre chains must not be used on the
temporary spare wheel. If you need to use
tyre chains after suffering a flat front tyre,
fit the temporary spare on the rear axle
and transfer one of the rear wheels to the
front axle.
Roof rack
3
For safety reasons and to avoid roof
damage we recommend using the Opel
roof rack system that is approved for your
vehicle.
Follow the usage instructions for the roof
rack.
Remove the roof rack when not in use.
Disengage covers concealing roof rack
mounts by pushing sliders in direction of
arrow (e.g. with coin) and remove. To close
roof rack mounts, insert covers at front and
engage sliders at rear.
Driving hints 3 135
Towing equipment
3
Only use towing equipment that has been
approved for your vehicle. Ask a workshop
to retrofit towing equipment. It may be
necessary to make changes that affect the
cooling system, heat shields or other
equipment.
Mounting dimensions of towing equipment
3232.
9 Warning
Damage may lead to tyre blowout.

165
Self-help, vehicle care
Self-help, vehicle care
Diesel fuel system, bleeding If the tank is allowed to run dry, the diesel
fuel system must be bled. Turn over the
ignition three times for 15 seconds at a
time. Then start the engine for a maximum
of 40 seconds
1). Repeat this process after
no less than 5 seconds. If the engine fails to
start, seek the assistance of a workshop.
Picture no: 16109s.tif
Bonnet Pull the release lever lo cated on the driver’s
side below the instru ment panel and push
it back to its original position.
Diesel fuel system, bleeding ............... 165
Bonnet .................................................. 165
Starting the engine with jump
leads 3............................................. 166
Towing .................................................. 168
Warning triangle ¨ 3,
First-aid kit +3................................. 171
Jack £ 3 and vehicle tools 3............ 171
Spare wheel 3...................................... 172
Changing wheels ................................. 174
Tyre repair kit 3................................... 178
Electrical system .................................. 181
Fuses and the most important circuits they protect ....................................... 182
Bulb replacement ................................ 185
Vehicle care.......................................... 196
1)For technical reasons, only 30 seconds are
possible on engines Y 17 DT and Z 17 DTH

181
Self-help, vehicle care
Important
The driving comfort of the repaired tyre is
severely affected, therefore have this tyre
replaced.
If the compressor makes abnormal noises
or heats up greatly, switch it off for at
least 30 minutes.
The integrated safety valve opens at a
pressure of 7 bar.
Protect the compressor from moisture and
rain.The sealant can only be stored for approx.
4 years. After this time, the sealing
properties can no longer be guaranteed.
Heed the expiration date on the sealant
bottle.
Replace the used sealant bottle. Dispose of
the bottle as prescribed by applicable
laws.
The compressor and sealant can be used
from approx. -30 C.
The adapter on the bottom of the
compressor can be used to pump up other
items such as balls,
air beds, inflatable
dinghies and so on. Unscrew the air hose
and pull the adapter out.
Electrical system Fuses
Data on the replacement fuse must match
the data on the defective fuse.
In the vehicle there are two fuse boxes: in
the vehicle interior to the left of the
instrument panel, and in the engine bay to
the left in front of the windscreen.

182 Self-help, vehicle care
Picture no: 14725s.tif
Keep spare fuses in the fuse box lid (shown
in yellow in the Fig.). Open lid 3182.
Before replacing a fuse, turn off the
respective switch and the ignition.
A blown fuse can be recognised by its
melted wire. Do not replace the fuse until
the cause of the fault has been remedied.
To help in replacing fuses, there is a special
fuse-gripping tool in the fuse box 3.
Picture no: 12892j.tif
Slot fuse-gripping tool onto fuse and
withdraw it.
Some functions are protected by several
fuses.
There may be fuses inserted with no
function.
Always use fuses with the correct current
value. This is shown on each fuse, and is
also indicated by the fuse colour and the
plug-in location in the fuse box.
Different versions of fuses are used.
Picture no: 14211s.tif
Fuses and the most important
circuits they protect Fuse box in passenger compartment
Disengage fuse box cover at bottom and
remove. No. Circuit
1 Central control unit
2 Immobiliser, hazard warning
lamps, exterior lighting
3 Headlamp washer system