2010 OPEL COMBO Owners Manual

123
Driving and operation
Picture no: 6457u.tif
Tread depth
Check tread depth regularly.
For reasons of safety, tyres should be
replaced when their tread depth has worn
down to 2 to 3 mm (winter tyres: 4 mm).
The legally permissible minimum tread
depth (1.6 mm) has been reached when
the tread has worn down as far as one of
the wear indicators (TWI
1)). A number of
wear indicators are spaced at equal
intervals around the tyre within the tread.
Their position is indicated by markings on
the tyre sidewall.
Picture no: 6456u.tif
If wear in the front is greater than that in
the rear, switch the front wheels with the
rear ones.
Correct tyre pressure. General information
zThe danger of aquaplaning is greater if
the tyres are worn.
zTyres age, even if they are little used or
not used at all. We recommend tyre
replacement no later than every 6 years.
zNever fit used tyres the previous history
and use of which you do not know.
1)TWI
= Tread
Wear
Indicator.

124 Driving and operationTyre designations
Meanings:
e.g. 175/70 R 14 79 T
Speed code letters: Winter tyres 3
Instructions on fitting new tyres 3121.
Limitations 3191.
Winter tyres improve driving safety at
temperatures below 7 C.
The design of summer tyres means they
have limited qualities for winter driving.
In accordance with country-specific
regulations, affix the speed sticker 3 in the
driver’s field of view.
Use of a spare wheel fitted with a summer
tyre may affect the vehicle’s driveability,
especially on slippery road surfaces.
Obtain a replacement for the faulty tyre as
soon as possible, and have the wheel
balanced and fitted to the vehicle.
Wheel trims 3
The use of wheel trims and tyres that Opel
has approved for the vehicle and therefore
fulfill all requirements for the relevant
combination of wheels and tyres.
If the wheel trims and tyres used are not
Opel-approved, the tyres must not have a
beaded edge. Wheel trims must not impair brake cooling.
Remove the wheel trims if fitting tyre
chains3.
175= Tyre width in mm
70= Cross-section ratio (tyre height to
tyre width in %)
R= Belt type Radial
14= Rim diameter in inches
79= Load index e. g.: 79 corresponds
to 437 kg
T= Speed code letter
Q= up to 160 km/h
S= up to 180 km/h
T= up to 190 km/h
H= up to 210 km/h
V= up to 240 km/h
W= up to 270 km/h
9 Warning
Use of unsuitable tyres or wheel trims
could lead to sudden loss of air and
thereby accidents.

125
Driving and operation
Picture no: 6459u.tif
Tyre chains 3
Limitations 3191.
Tyre chains are only permitted on the
driven wheels (front axle). They must be
fitted to the tyres symmetrically in order to
achieve a concentric fit.
Always use fine mesh chains that add no
more than 10 mm to the tyre tread and the
inboard sides (including chain lock). Remove the wheel trims when using tyre
chains 3137.
T y r e c h a i n s m a y o n l y b e u s e d a t s p e e d s u p
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 racks
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.
Remove the covers from the roof rack
mounting apertures.
Driving hints 3106.
9 Warning
Damage may lead to tyre blowout.

126 Driving and operationTowing equipment
3
Only use towing equipment that has been
approved for your vehicle. Entrust
retrofitting of towing equipment to a
workshop. It may be necessary to make
changes that affect the cooling system,
heat shields or other equipment.
Installation dimensions of towing
equipment 3197.
Towing equipment with fixed coupling
ball bar3
In the case of trailers/caravans with brake,
attach break-away stopping cable to eye
to right of coupling ball bar. Caravan/trailer towingCaravan and trailer loads
1)
The permissible caravan/trailer loads are
vehicle and engine-dependent maximum
values which must not be exceeded. The
actual caravan/trailer load is the difference
between the actual gross weight of the
caravan/trailer and the actual coupling
socket load with the caravan/trailer
coupled.
The permissible caravan/trailer loads are
specified in the vehicle documents. In
general, they are valid for gradients up to
max. 12 %. The permitted caravan/trailer load applies
up to the specified incline and up to an
altitude of 1000 metres above sea level.
Since engine power decreases as altitude
increases because of the air becoming
thinner, therefore reducing climbing ability,
the permitted towing weight also
decreases by 10 % for every 1000 metres
of additional altitude. The towing weight
does not have to be reduced when driving
on roads with slight inclines (less than 8 %,
e. g. motorways).
The permissible gross train weight must not
be exceeded. This weight is specified on
the identification plate 3182. Coupling socket load
The coupling socket load is the load
exerted by the trailer/caravan on the
coupling ball. It can be varied by changing
the weight distribution when loading the
trailer/caravan.
The maximum permissible coupling socket
load (50 kg) is specified on the towing
equipment identification plate and in the
vehicle documents. Always aim for the
maximum load, especially in the case of
heavy caravans/trailers. The coupling
socket load should never fall below 25 kg.
When measuring the coupling socket load,
make sure that the drawbar of the loaded
trailer/caravan is at the same height as it
will be when the trailer/caravan is coupled
with the towing vehicle loaded. Particularly
important for trailers/caravans with
tandem axle.
Rear axle load during towing
The permissible axle loads must not be
exceeded. 1)Observe national regulations.

127
Driving and operation
Picture no: 13228s.tif
Driving characteristics, towing tips
In the case of trailers/caravans with brakes,
attach breakaway stopping cable to eye.
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/trailer lighting before
starting to drive. The fog tail lamps on the
vehicle are deactivated when towing a
caravan or trailer. Caravans/trailers with LED turn signals
require a provision that make bulb
replacement as with standard bulbs
possible.
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.
In the case of trailers with low driving
stability, do not exceed a speed of
80 km/h; the use of a friction-type
stabiliser is highly 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 3121, 3191.

128 Self-help, vehicle careSelf-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: 16121s.tif
Bonnet Pull the release lever located on the driver’s
side below the instrument panel. Return the
release lever to its original position. Diesel fuel system, bleeding ............... 128
Bonnet .................................................. 128
Starting the engine with jump leads3 129
Towing .................................................. 131
Warning triangle ¨ 3 and first-aid kit
(cushion) + 3.................................... 133
Spare wheel 3...................................... 134
Jack £ 3 and vehicle tools3............ 136
Changing wheels ................................. 137
Tyre repair kit 3................................... 142
Electrical system .................................. 145
Fuses and the most important circuits
they protect ....................................... 147
Bulb replacement ................................ 151
Vehicle care.......................................... 160
1)For technical reasons, only 30 seconds is
possible for engine Z 17 DTH. Sales
designation
3184.

129
Self-help, vehicle care
Picture no: 18097s.tif
Lift the safety catch and open the bonnet.
Dirt or snow on the bonnet may drop onto
the windscreen when the bonnet is opened
and block the air intake. Air intake 399.
Picture no: 15123s.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 start by quick charger or by pushing
or towing.
A vehicle with a discharged 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.

130 Self-help, vehicle care
Picture no: 15286a.tif
zNever expose the battery to naked
flames or sparks.
zA flat battery can freeze even at
temperatures around 0 C. Thaw out a
frozen battery before connecting jump
leads.
zDo 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.
zWear eye protection and protective
clothing when handling a battery. zUse a booster battery with the same
voltage (12 volts). Its capacity (Ah) must
not be much less than that of the
discharged battery.
zUse jump leads with insulated terminals
and a cross section of at least 16 mm
2
(25 mm
2 for diesel engines).
zDo not disconnect the discharged
battery from the vehicle.
zSwitch off all unnecessary electrical
consumers.
zDo not lean over the battery during jump
starting.
zDo not allow the terminals of one lead to
touch those of the other lead.
zDo not touch the vehicles while jump
starting.
zApply the hand brake and engage
neutral gear.
Picture no: 16492s.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
lead4 to a vehicle grounding point,
such as the engine block or a screw
connection in the engine suspension.
Connect the lead as far away from
the discharged battery as possible.