2009 OPEL MERIVA battery

136 Driving and operationSave energy – more kilometres
Please observe the running-in hints on the
previous page and the tips for energy
saving on the following pages.
Good, technically correct and economical
driving ensures maximum durability and
performance for your vehicle.
Overrun cut-off
The fuel supply is automatically cut off
during overrun, e.g. when the vehicle is
driven with a gear engaged but no throttle
application. Overrun cut-off is deactivated
if catalytic converter temperature is high.
Vehicles with turbocharged engine
3
Flow-generated noises may be audible if
the accelerator is released quickly on
account of air flow in the turbocharger.
Engine speed
Drive in a low engine speed range for each
gear as much as possible. Warming up
Allow the engine to wa
rm up while driving.
Do not warm it up by letting it ru n at idling
speed. Do not apply full throttle until the
engine has reached operating
temperature.
After a cold start, the manual transmission
automated 3 does not switch to higher
gears until the speed increases when it is in
automatic mode. This allows the catalytic
converter to reach th e temperature quickly
which is required for optimum emission
reduction.
Correct gear selection
Do not race your engine whilst in neutral or
with a low gear selected. Driving too fast in
individual gears as well as stop-and-go
traffic increases engine wear and fuel
consumption.
Change down
When decreasing speed, shift down into
the next lowest gear. Do not slip the clutch
with a high-revving engine. This is
especially important when hill climbing. Cooling fan
The cooling fan is controlled via a
thermoswitch and therefore only runs if
necessary.
The cooling fan automatically switches on
when the diesel particle filter is being
cleaned
3 depending on the engine.
Pedals
Do not place any objects in the foot well
which could slip under the pedals and
inhibit the pedal travel.
To ensure the pedal travel is uninhibited,
there must be no mats in the area of the
pedals.
Battery care
When driving slowly or when the vehicle is
stationary, e.g. in slow urban traffic, stop-
and-go traffic or traffic jams, turn off all
unnecessary electrical loads where
possible (e.g. heated rear window, heated
front seats, etc.).
Declutch when starting in order to relieve
the strain on the starter and the battery.

147
Driving and operation
Control indicator
v
The warning light lights up for a few
seconds when ignition is switched on. Once
it goes out, the system is ready for
operation.
Flashing during driving:
This shows the system has come into
action. The engine output may be reduced
(the sound of the engine changes) and the
vehicle may be braked automatically to a
small degree.
Picture no: 17892s.tif
Illuminates while driving:
Fault in the system. Driving can be
continued. Poor road surface conditions
may however still cause vehicle stability to
be impaired.
Have the cause of the fault eliminated.
Self-diagnosis integrated into the system
allows rapid fault identification. Illuminates after interruption of power
supply e.g. after disconnecting battery.
After a power supply interruption the
steering angle sensor must be calibrated to
make the system operational:
z
Automatic calibration driving in straight
line at constant slow (20 to 40 km/h)
speed on level, dry road.
z Manual calibration by turning steering
wheel from limit position to limit position.
If the indicator lamp does not go off after
successful calibration , observe notes in
middle column.

166 Self-help, vehicle care
Picture no: 17883s.tif
Pull the safety catch and open the bonnet.
Any dirt or snow on the bonnet can slide
down toward the windscreen when the
bonnet is opened and block the air intake
3127.
Picture no: 14733s.tif
Secure the bonnet support. Before closing
the bonnet, press the support into the
holder.
Lower the bonnet and allow it to drop into
the catch. Check that the bonnet is
engaged.
Starting the engine with jump
leads
3
Do not use a rapid charger or push or two
the vehicle to get it started.
A vehicle with a discha rged battery can be
started using jump leads and the battery of
another vehicle.
9 Warning
Starting the engine with jump leads must
be carried out with the utmost caution.
Any deviation from the following
instruction may lead to injury or damage
due to the explosion of the batteries and
to damage of the electrics in both
vehicles.

167
Self-help, vehicle care
Picture no: 15286a.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 the handbrake. Gear lever in
neutral.
Picture no: 16485s.tif
Lead connection order:
1. Connect the red lead to the positive
terminal 1 of the booster battery.
2. Connect the other red lead to the positive terminal 2 of the discharged
battery.
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.
Connect as far away from the
discharged battery as possible.

199
Service and maintenance
Service and
maintenance
Scheduled maintenanceThese service intervals apply only under
normal driving conditions. If conditions are
more arduous 3206
Service interval display 3208.
European service intervals
Every 30 000 km or annually, whichever
occurs first.
International service intervals
Every 15 000 km or annually, whichever
occurs first.
Validation
Service is validated using the spaces
provided in the Service and Warranty
Booklet. The date of service and kilometre
reading are added, stamped and signed
by the service workshop.
Ensure that the Service and Warranty
Booklet is filled in correctly - an
uninterrupted service history is important
when making guarantee or goodwill
claims, and is also an advantage when
selling the vehicle on.
Service scheduleThe service schedule applies in the
following countries: Andorra, Austria,
Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,
Germany, Great Br itain, Greece,
Greenland, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy,
Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
Slovakia, Slovenia , Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland.
The international serv ice schedule applies
in all other countries.
Scheduled maintenance ..................... 199
Service schedule .................................. 199
Additional service work ....................... 206
Recommended fluids and lubricants .. 206
Inspection system ................................ 208
Genuine Opel Parts and Accessories .. 209
Performing work .................................. 209
Engine oil .............................................. 210
Diesel fuel filter .................................... 212
Coolant ................................................. 212
Brakes ................................................... 213
Brake fluid ............................................ 214
Windscreen wiper replacement .......... 215
Windscreen and headlamp washer
systems 3........................................... 215
Battery .................................................. 216
Protecting electronic components ..... 216
Laying the vehicle up for a long period of time .................................... 217
Putting the vehicle back into service ... 217

200 Service and maintenanceService schedule Europe⊕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
Carry out a visual check of all warning lamps, lighting and signalling devices,
check steering and ignition locks xxxxx
Remote control: replace batteries (check spare key) every 2 years
Check windscreen wipers, windscreen washer and headlamp washer systems, adjust if
necessary. xxxxx
Check coolant and antifreeze (bright orange) levels
2), adjust if necessary, note
antifreeze temperature in Service and Warranty Booklet (validation fields).
2)If the loss is too great or there are leaks, carry out remedial work in agr eement with the customer.
xxxxx
Check water-carrying hoses for leaks and make sure that they are secure. xxxxx
Check break fluid level
2), top up if necessary. xxx
Check that the battery terminals and lugs are secure xxxxx
Vehicle system check using TECH 2 xxxxx
Replace pollen filter or active charcoal filter xx
⊕o
If the air is particularly polluted, full of du st or sand or pollen, if the air conditioning
system smells Discussion between customer / Opel Partner
Replace air cleaner element every 4 years/60 000 km
⊕
Replace spark plugsevery 4 years/60 000 km
Make a visual check of the ribbed belt xx
⊕
Replace ribbed belt
Z 13 DT, Z 13 DTJ, Z 17 DTH, Z 17 DT, Z 17 DTR. every 10 years/150 000 km
⊕
Check valve clearance,
adjust if necessary
Z 16 LET, Z 16 XEP, Z 17 DTH, Z 17 DT, Z 17 DTR every 10 years/150 000 km

203
Service and maintenance
International service schedule⊕ additional work.
o The intervals are shorter where driving conditions are more arduous or country-specific.
Service work
after year
1)
km (x 1000)
1)
1)Depending on what occurs first.
1
15 2
30 3
45 4
60 5
75
Carry out a visual check of all warning lamps, lighting and signalling devices,
check steering and ignition locks xxxxx
Remote control: replace batteries (check spare key) every 2 years
Check windscreen wipers, windscreen washer and headlamp washer systems, adjust if
necessary. xxxxx
Check coolant and antifreeze (bright orange) levels
2), adjust if necessary, note
antifreeze temperature in Service and Warranty Booklet (validation fields).
2)If the loss is too great or there are leaks, carry out remedial work in agr eement with the customer.
xxxxx
Check water-carrying hoses for leaks and make sure that they are secure. xxxxx
Check break fluid level
2), top up if necessary. xxx
Check that the battery terminals and lugs are secure xxxxx
Vehicle system check using TECH 2 xxxxx
Replace pollen filter or active charcoal filter xx
⊕o
If the air is particularly polluted, full of du st or sand or pollen, if the air conditioning
system smells Discussion between customer / Opel Partner
Replace air cleaner element every 4 years/60 000 km
⊕
Replace spark plugsevery 4 years/60 000 km
Make a visual check of the ribbed belt xx
⊕
Replace ribbed belt
Z 13 DT, Z 13 DTJ, Z 17 DTH, Z 17 DT, Z 17 DTR. every 10 years/150 000 km
⊕
Check valve clearance,
adjust if necessary
Z16 LET, Z 16 XEP, Z 17 DTH, Z 17 DT, Z 17 DTR every 10 years/150 000 km

208 Service and maintenance
Picture no: 18602s.tif
Inspection system In order to guarantee economical and safe
vehicle operation and to maintain the
value of your vehicle, it is of vital
importance that all maintenance work is
carried out at the proper intervals.
Fixed service interval
When service is due, InSP appears in the
odometer display for
approximately 10 seconds when the
ignition is switched on. Have the next
service performed by a workshop within
one week or 500 km (whichever occurs
first). The service interval display takes account
of off-the-road periods during which the
battery is disconnected.
Flexible service interval
3
The length of the service intervals is based
on several parameters stemming from
usage. For this reason, various
engine-specific data is continually
gathered and is used to calculate the
remaining distance until the next service.
If the remaining distance is less
than 1500 km, InSP is displayed with a
remaining distance of 1000 km when the
ignition is switched on and off. If less
than 1000 km remains, InSP is displayed for
several seconds. Have the next service
performed by a workshop within one week
or 500 km (whichever occurs first).
Display of remaining distance:
1. Switch off ignition.
2. Briefly press the trip odometer reset button. The odometer reading is shown.
3. Press and hold the reset button for about 2 seconds. InSP and the remaining
distance are displayed. Further information
on maintenance and
the inspection system can be found in the
Service and Warranty Booklet, which is in
the glove compartment.
Have maintenance work – and repair work
on the body and the equipment – carried
out professionally by a workshop. We
recommend using your Opel partner, who
has excellent knowledge of Opel vehicles
and has the necessary special tools and
up-to-date service inst ructions from Opel.
It is particularly advisable to use an Opel
Partner during the warranty period in order
to prevent loss of warranty. Further
information can be found in the Service
and Warranty Booklet.
Separate anti-corrosion service
Have this work done at the intervals given
in the Service and Warranty Booklet.