2009 OPEL MERIVA engine

140 Driving and operationFuel filler cap
Only a Opel Genuine fuel filler cap provides
full functionality. Diesel-engined vehicles
have special fuel filler caps.
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Refuelling
9 Warning
Before refuelling, switch off engine and
any external heaters with combustion
chambers 3 (identified by sticker on
tank flap). Switch off any mobile
phones.
Follow the operating and safety
instructions of the filling station when
refueling.
9 Warning
Fuel is flammable and explosive. No
smoking. No naked flames or sparks.
If you can smell fuel in your vehicle, have
the cause of this rectified immediately
by a workshop.

142 Driving and operation
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Catalytic converter, exhaust
gassesCatalytic converter
The catalytic converter reduces the
amount of harmful substances in the
exhaust gas, such as carbon monoxide
(CO), hydrocarbons, (CH) and nitrous
oxide (NO
x). Fuel grades other than those listed on
pages 139, 220 (e. g. LRP = Lead
Replacement Petrol or leaded fuel) could
damage the catalytic converter or
electronic components.
z
In the event of misfiring, uneven engine
running, a clear reduction in engine
performance or other unusual problems,
have the cause of the fault rectified by a
workshop as soon as possible. In an
emergency, driving can be continued for
a short period, keeping vehicle speed
and engine speed low.
This does not apply when the Electronic
Stability Program (ESP®
Plus
3) kicks in
3 146.
z If unburnt fuel enters the catalytic
converter of a petrol engine, this may
result in overheating and irreparable
damage to the catalytic converter.
You should therefore avoid
unnecessarily long use of the starter
when starting off, running the tank dry
and starting the engine by pushing or
towing.
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Controlling exhaust emission
Design measures, primarily in the fuel
injection system and ignition system zones
in combination with the catalytic converter,
the amount of hazardous substances in the
exhaust emissions, such as carbon
monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (CH) and
nitrogen oxides (NO
x), are reduced to a
minimum.
Caution
Damage to the catalytic converter or the
vehicle may result if the following points
are not observed.

143
Driving and operation
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Control indicator
Z for exhaust
Illuminates when the ignition is switched on
and during the start attempt. Goes off
shortly after the engine starts running.
Illumination whilst the engine is running
indicates a fault in the emission control
system. The permissible emission limits
may be exceeded. Contact a workshop for
assistance immediately.
Illumination with the engine running
indicates a fault that can cause damage to
the catalytic converter. It is possible to
continue driving without causing damage
by slowing down until the flashing stops
and the control indicator illuminates.
Contact a workshop for assistance
immediately.
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Control indicator
A
for engine electronics
Illuminates for a few seconds after the
ignition is switched on.
If it illuminates when the engine is running,
there is a fault in engine or transmission
electronics. The electr onic system switches
to an emergency runni ng programme. Fuel
consumption may be increased and the
driveability of the vehicle may be impaired.
In some cases the fault can be remedied by
switching the engine off and starting it
again. If the control indicator continues to
illuminate whilst the en gine is running,
contact a workshop for assistance in
remedying the cause of the fault. If it illuminates briefly, but does not recur, it
is of no significance.
Lighting of
A may indicate water in the
diesel fuel filter 3. Have the fuel filter
checked for water residue 3212.
If it flashes after the ignition is switched on,
there is a fault in the immobiliser system.
The engine cannot be started 327.

144 Driving and operationEngine exhaust
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Diesel particle filter 3
The diesel particle filter system filters
harmful soot particles out of the exhaust
gases. The system includes a self-cleaning
function that run automatically during
driving. The filter is cleaned by burning off
the soot particles at hi gh temperature. This
process takes place automatically under
set driving conditions and may take up
to 25 minutes. Fuel consumption may be
higher during this period. The emission of
smells and smoke during this process is
normal. Under certain driving conditions, e.g. short
journeys, the system may not clean itself
automatically.
If the filter requires cleaning and previous
driving conditions did not enable
automatic cleaning, control indicator
!
flashes. Continue driving, keeping engine
speed above 2000 rpm
-1. Shift down if
necessary. Diesel partic le filter cleaning is
then initiated.
9 Warning
Engine exhaust gases contain poisonous
carbon monoxide, which is colourless
and odourless and could be fatal if
inhaled.
If exhaust gases penetrate the vehicle,
open windows and contact a workshop
for assistance.
Avoid driving with the tailgate open,
since exhaust gas can enter the interior
of the vehicle.

145
Driving and operation
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We recommend not stopping driving
during cleaning, and not switching off the
ignition. Cleaning is fa stest at high engine
revs and high loads.
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The control indicator
! goes off as soon as
the self-cleaning operation is complete. Maintenance
Have all maintenance work carried out at
the specified intervals. We recommend
that you entrust this work to your Opel
Partner, who has proper equipment and
trained personnel available. Electronic
testing systems permit 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 vehicle 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 included in
the inspection. For this reason, you should
have all maintenance work carried out at
the intervals specified in your Service and
Warranty Booklet.

146 Driving and operationDrive Control SystemsElectronic Stability Program (ESP®
Plus
) 3
ESP®
Plus
improves driving stability when
necessary in any driving situation
regardless of the type of road surface or
tyre grip. It also prevents the drive wheels
from spinning. As soon as the vehicle starts to swerve
(understeer/oversteer), engine output is
reduced and the wheels are braked
individually. This considerably improves
the driving stability of the vehicle on
slippery road surfaces.
ESP®
Plus
is ready for operation as soon as
the ignition is switched on and control
indicator v goes out.
When ESP®
Plus
comes into action, v
flashes. The vehicle is now in a critical situation;
ESP®
Plus
allows you to keep control of the
vehicle and reminds you to match your
speed to the road conditions.
9 Warning
Do not let this special safety feature
tempt you into taking risks when driving.
ESP®
Plus
does not negate the laws of
physics.
Adapt speed to the road conditions.

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.
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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.

151
Driving and operation
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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.
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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.