2014.5 VAUXHALL MERIVA brake fluid

16In briefTransmission
Manual transmission
Reverse: with the vehicle stationary,
wait 3 seconds after depressing
clutch pedal then press the release button on the selector lever and
engage the gear.
If the gear does not engage, set the
lever to neutral, release the clutch
pedal and depress again; then repeat
gear selection.
Manual transmission 3 142.
Automatic transmissionP=parkR=reverseN=neutralD=drive
Manual mode: move selector lever
from D to the left.
<=higher gear]=lower gear
The selector lever can only be moved
out of P when the ignition is on and
the brake pedal is applied. To engage
P or R, press the release button.
Automatic transmission 3 139.
Starting off
Check before starting off ■ Tyre pressure and condition 3 189,
3 224.
■ Engine oil level and fluid levels 3 166.
■ All windows, mirrors, exterior lighting and number plates are free
from dirt, snow and ice and are
operational.
■ Proper position of mirrors, seats, and seat belts 3 28, 3 36,
3 45.
■ Brake function at low speed, particularly if the brakes are wet.

80Storage
■ Use the hook at the left sidewall ofthe load compartment for hanging
up carrier bags. Pull out the hook.
Maximum load: 3 kg.
■ Secure loose objects in the load compartment to prevent them from
sliding.
■ When transporting objects in the load compartment, the backrests of
the rear seats must not be angled
forward.
■ Do not allow the load to protrude above the upper edge of the
backrests.
■ Do not place any objects on the load compartment cover or the
instrument panel, and do not cover
the sensor on top of the instrument panel.
■ The load must not obstruct the operation of the pedals, parking
brake and gear selector, or hinder
the freedom of movement of the
driver. Do not place any unsecured objects in the interior.
■ Do not drive with an open load compartment.9 Warning
Always make sure that the load in
the vehicle is securely stowed.
Otherwise objects can be thrown
around inside the vehicle and
cause personal injury or damage
to the load or vehicle.
■ The payload is the difference between the permitted gross
vehicle weight (see identification
plate 3 211) and the EC kerb
weight.
To calculate the payload, enter the
data for your vehicle in the Weights
table at the front of this manual.
The EC kerb weight includes
weights for the driver (68 kg),
luggage (7 kg) and all fluids (tank
90 % full).
Optional equipment and
accessories increase the kerb
weight.
■ Driving with a roof load increases the sensitivity of the vehicle to
cross-winds and has a detrimental
effect on vehicle handling due to
the vehicle's higher centre of
gravity. Distribute the load evenly
and secure it properly with retaining
straps. Adjust the tyre pressure and vehicle speed according to the load
conditions. Check and retighten the straps frequently.
Do not drive faster than 75 mph.
The permissible roof load is 60 kg. The roof load is the combined
weight of the roof rack and the load.

Instruments and controls95Brake and clutch system
Brake and clutch fluid level R illuminates red.
The brake and clutch fluid level is too low 3 168.9 Warning
Stop. Do not continue your
journey. Consult a workshop.
Operate pedal
- illuminates or flashes yellow.
Illuminates
Brake pedal needs to be operated to
release the electrical parking brake
3 144.
Clutch pedal needs to be operated to start the engine. Stop-start system3 135.
Flashes
Clutch pedal needs to be operated to start the engine 3 133.
Electric parking brake
m illuminates or flashes red.
Illuminates Electrical parking brake is applied3 144.
Flashes Electrical parking brake is not fully
applied or released. Switch on
ignition, depress brake pedal and attempt to reset the system by first
releasing and then applying the
electrical parking brake. If m remains
flashing, do not drive and seek the
assistance of a workshop.
Electric parking brake fault
j illuminates or flashes yellow.
Illuminates
Electrical parking brake is operating
with degraded performance 3 144.Flashes
Electrical parking brake is in service
mode. Stop vehicle, apply and
release the electrical parking brake to
reset.9 Warning
Have the cause of the fault
remedied immediately by a
workshop.
Antilock brake system
(ABS) u illuminates yellow.
Illuminates for a few seconds after the ignition is switched on. The system is
ready for operation when the control
indicator extinguishes.
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 but without ABS
regulation.
Antilock brake system 3 143.

106Instruments and controls
The system displays messages
regarding the following topics:
■ Fluid levels
■ Anti-theft alarm system
■ Brakes
■ Drive systems
■ Ride control systems
■ Cruise control
■ Object detection systems
■ Lighting, bulb replacement
■ Wiper/washer system
■ Doors, windows
■ Radio remote control
■ Seat belts
■ Airbag systems
■ Engine and transmission
■ Tyre pressure
■ Diesel particle filterVehicle messages on the Colour-Info-Display Some important messages appear
additionally in the
Colour-Info-Display. Press the
multifunction knob to confirm a
message. Some messages only pop
up for a few seconds.
Warning chimes
Only one warning chime will sound at
a time.
The warning chime regarding not
fastened seat belts has priority over
any other warning chime.
When starting the engine or
whilst driving ■ If seat belt is not fastened.
■ If a door or the tailgate is not fully closed when starting-off.
■ If a certain speed is exceeded with parking brake applied.
■ If a programmed speed is exceeded.■ If a warning message or a warningcode appears in the Driver
Information Centre.
■ If the parking assist detects an object.
■ If reverse gear is engaged and the rear end carrier is extended.
■ If a fault in the automatic locking system is detected.
■ If the diesel particle filter has reached the maximum filling level.
When the vehicle is parked and/ or the driver's door is opened ■ When the key is in the ignition switch.
■ With exterior lights on.
During an Autostop ■ If the driver's door is opened.
Battery voltage When the vehicle battery voltage is
running low, a warning message or
warning code 174 will appear in the
Driver Information Centre.

164Vehicle careVehicle careGeneral Information...................164
Vehicle checks ........................... 165
Bulb replacement .......................172
Electrical system ........................182
Vehicle tools .............................. 188
Wheels and tyres .......................189
Jump starting ............................. 200
Towing ....................................... 202
Appearance care .......................204General Information
Accessories and vehicle
modifications
We recommend the use of genuine parts and accessories and factory
approved parts specific for your
vehicle type. We cannot assess or
guarantee reliability of other products
- even if they have a regulatory or
otherwise granted approval.
Do not make any modifications to the electrical system, e.g. changes of
electronic control units (chip tuning).Caution
When transporting the vehicle on
a train or on a recovery vehicle, the
mud flaps might be damaged.
Vehicle storage
Storage for a long period of time
If the vehicle is to be stored for several months:
■ Wash and wax the vehicle.
■ Have the wax in the engine compartment and underbody
checked.
■ Clean and preserve the rubber seals.
■ Fill up fuel tank completely.
■ Change the engine oil.
■ Drain the washer fluid reservoir.
■ Check the coolant antifreeze and corrosion protection.
■ Adjust tyre pressure to the value specified for full load.
■ Park the vehicle in a dry, well ventilated place. Engage first orreverse gear or set selector lever to P . Prevent the vehicle from rolling.
■ Do not apply the parking brake.

168Vehicle care
If the cooling system is cold, the
coolant level should be above the
filling line mark. Top up if the level is
low.
9 Warning
Allow the engine to cool before
opening the cap. Carefully open
the cap, relieving the pressure
slowly.
To top up use a 1:1 mixture of
approved coolant concentrate mixed
with clean tap water. If no coolant
concentrate is available, use clean
tap water. Install the cap tightly. Have
the coolant concentration checked
and have the cause of the coolant
loss remedied by a workshop.
Washer fluid
Fill with clean water mixed with a
suitable quantity of washer fluid which
contains antifreeze.
Caution
Only washer fluid with a sufficient
antifreeze concentration provides
protection at low temperatures or
a sudden drop in temperature.
Brakes
In the event of minimum thickness ofthe brake lining, a squealing noise
sounds during braking.
Continued driving is possible but
have the brake lining replaced as
soon as possible.
Once new brake linings are installed,
do not brake unnecessarily hard for
the first few journeys.
Brake fluid9 Warning
Brake fluid is poisonous and
corrosive. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, fabrics and painted surfaces.

Vehicle care169
The brake fluid level must be betweenthe MIN and the MAX marks.
When topping up, ensure maximum cleanliness as contamination of the
brake fluid can lead to brake system
malfunctions. Have the cause of the
loss of brake fluid remedied by a
workshop.
Only use high-performance brake
fluid approved for the vehicle.
Brake and clutch fluid 3 208.
Vehicle battery
Vehicles without stop-start system
will be equipped with a lead acid
battery. Vehicles with stop-start
system will be equipped with an
AGM battery which is not a lead acid
battery.
The vehicle battery is maintenance-
free provided that the driving profile
allows sufficient charging of the
battery. Short-distance-driving and
frequent engine starts can discharge
the battery. Avoid the use of
unnecessary electrical consumers.
Batteries do not belong in household
waste. They must be disposed of at
an appropriate recycling collection
point.
Laying up the vehicle for more than
4 weeks can lead to battery
discharge. Disconnect the clamp from the negative terminal of the vehicle
battery.
Ensure the ignition is switched off
before connecting or disconnecting
the vehicle battery.
The anti-theft alarm siren must be
deactivated as follows: Switch the ignition on then off, disconnect the
vehicle's battery within 15 seconds.
Vehicle battery discharge protection
3 121.
Replacing the vehicle battery Notice
Any deviation from the instructions
given in this paragraph may lead to
a temporary deactivation of the stop-
start system.
When the vehicle battery is being
replaced, please ensure that there
are no open ventilation holes in the
vicinity of the positive terminal. If a
ventilation hole is open in this area, it

Service and maintenance209
Select the appropriate engine oil
based on its quality and on the
minimum ambient temperature
3 212.
Additional engine oil additives
The use of additional engine oil
additives could cause damage and
invalidate the warranty.
Engine oil viscosity grades
The SAE viscosity grade gives
information of the thickness of the oil.
Multigrade oil is indicated by two
figures, e.g. SAE 5W-30. The first
figure, followed by a W, indicates the
low temperature viscosity and the
second figure the high temperature viscosity.
Select the appropriate viscosity grade depending on the minimum ambient
temperature 3 212.
All of the recommended viscosity
grades are suitable for high ambient
temperatures.
Coolant and antifreeze
Use only silicate-free long life coolant (LLC) antifreeze.The system is factory filled with
coolant designed for excellent
corrosion protection and frost
protection down to approx. -28 °C.
This concentration should be
maintained all year round. The use of
additional coolant additives that
intend to give additional corrosion
protection or seal against minor leaks can cause function problems. Liability
for consequences resulting from the
use of additional coolant additives will be rejected.
Brake and clutch fluid Only use high-performance brake
fluid approved for the vehicle, consult a workshop.
Over time, brake fluid absorbs
moisture which will reduce braking
effectiveness. The brake fluid should
therefore be replaced at the specified
interval.
Brake fluid should be stored in a
sealed container to avoid water
absorption.
Ensure brake fluid does not become
contaminated.