Page 125 of 212

119
Driving and operation
Picture no: 12482s.tif
Brake system control indicator R
The control indicator illuminates when the
ignition is switched on if the hand brake is
applied or if the brake or clutch fluid level is
too low. Brake fluid 3179. For vehicles with manual transmission
automated 3, the control indicator flashes
for a few seconds when the ignition is
turned off if the hand brake is not applied.
Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS
u)3
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 depressed throughout the
braking process, despite the fact that the
pedal is pulsating. Do not reduce the
pressure on the pedal.
Picture no: 12147s.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 indicator 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.
9 Warning
If the control indicator illuminates when
the handbrake is released, stop driving
immediately. Contact a workshop for
assistance.
Page 126 of 212

120 Driving and operationSelf 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.
Picture no: 12481s.tif
Hand brake Always apply handbrake firmly without
operating the release button, and apply as
firmly as possible on a downhill or uphill
slope.
To release the hand brake pull the lever up
slightly, press the ratchet knob, and fully
lower the lever.
In order to reduce the hand brake
operational forces, depress the foot brake
at the same time.
Brake assist When the brake pedal is rapidly and
forcefully depressed, the vehicle is
automatically braked with maximum brake
force amplification in order to obtain the
shortest possible braking distance during
full-on braking (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.
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.
Page 127 of 212

121
Driving and operation
Wheels, tyres Suitable tyres or limitations 3191.
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. Fitting new tyres
Fit tyres in pairs or in sets, which is even
better. Ensure that tyres on one axle are
zthe same size,
zthe same design,
zthe same make,
zand have the same tread pattern.
Fit directional tyres such that they roll in the
direction of travel. The rolling direction is
indicated by a symbol (e.g. an arrow) on
the sidewall.
Tyres fitted opposing the rolling direction
(such as when changing a tyre) should be
refitted as soon as possible. This is the only
way to benefit fully from the design
properties of the tyre.
Pay attention to legal requirements when
disposing of tyres.
Picture no: 12117s.tif
Tyre pressure
Check tyre pressure at least every 14 days
and prior to any long journey; the tyres
should be checked when cold. Don’t forget
to check the spare 3.
Remove the valve cap key from the tank
flap and use it to unscrew the valve cap.
Tyre pressure 3191, 3192 and on the
adhesive label on the inside of the tank
flap.
The tyre pressure data is for cold tyres. It
applies to both summer and winter tyres.
9 Warning
Use of unsuitable tyres or wheels may
lead to accidents and render the vehicle
unroadworthy.
Page 128 of 212
122 Driving and operationAlways inflate the spare wheel 3 to the
pressure specified for full load.
Do not reduce tyre pressure when the tyres
are warm. Otherwise the pressure may
drop below the permissible minimum when
the tyres cool down.
After having checked the tyre pressure,
tighten the valve caps using the valve cap
key.
Incorrect inflation pressures will impair
safety, vehicle handling, comfort and fuel
economy and will increase tyre wear.
Picture no: 9358t.tif Picture no: 15941s.tif
Tyre condition, wheel condition
Drive over edges slowly and at right angles
if possible. Driving over sharp edges can
cause tyre and wheel damage. Do not trap
tyres on the kerb when parking.
Regularly check the wheels for damage.
Seek the assistance of a workshop in the
event of damage or unusual wear.
9 Warning
If the pressure is too low, this can result
in considerable tyre warm-up and
internal damage, leading to tread
separation and even to tyre blow-out at
high speeds.
Page 130 of 212

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.
Page 131 of 212

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.
Page 134 of 212

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.
Page 135 of 212
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.