2014 OPEL ASTRA SALOON brake fluid

In brief17
Automatic transmissionP=parkR=reverseN=neutralD=drive
The selector lever can only be movedout of P or N when the ignition is on
and the foot brake is depressed
(selector lever lock). To engage P or
R , push button on selector lever.
The automatic transmission is
available in two versions 3 136.
Starting off
Check before starting off ■ Tyre pressure and condition 3 190,
3 225.
■ Engine oil level and fluid levels 3 161.
■ All windows, mirrors, exterior lighting and number plates are free
from dirt, snow and ice and are
operational.
■ Proper position of seats, seat belts and mirrors 3 49, 3 55, 3 33.
■ Brake function at low speed, particularly if the brakes are wet.Starting engine with ignition
switch
Turn key to position 1. Move the
steering wheel slightly to release the
steering wheel lock. Operate clutch
and brake, automatic transmission in
P or N, do not accelerate; for diesel
engines, turn the key to position 2 for
preheating and wait until control
indicator ! goes out; turn key to
position 3 and release key when
engine is running.

84StorageLoading information
■ Heavy objects in the loadcompartment should be placedagainst the seat backrests. Ensure
the backrests are securely
engaged. If objects can be stacked, the heavier objects should be
placed at the bottom.
■ Secure objects with lashing straps attached to lashing eyes 3 75.
■ Secure loose objects in load compartment to prevent sliding.
■ When transporting objects in theload 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 theinstrument 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.
■ Station wagon: fit safety net when objects are being transported in theload compartment. Close load
compartment cover.
■ Astra TwinTop: pay attention to maximum loading height with roof
open. Do not place objects on top
of or next to the load compartmentblind, on the cover of the
deployable anti-roll bars or behind
the rear head restraints.
■ The payload is the difference between the permitted gross
vehicle weight (see identification
plate 3 212) and the EC kerb
weight.
To calculate the EC kerb weight,
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

98Instruments and controls
Flashes with switched on
ignition
Fault in the immobiliser system. The
engine cannot be started 3 32.
Switch off the ignition and repeat the
start attempt.
If the control indicator continues
flashing, attempt to start the engine
using the spare key and seek the
assistance of a workshop.
Brake and clutch system R illuminates or flashes red.
Illuminated
Illuminates after the ignition is
switched on if the parking brake is
applied 3 147.
Illuminates when the parking brake is
released if the brake and clutch fluid
level is too low 3 164.9 Warning
Stop. Do not continue your
journey. Consult a workshop.
Flashes
On vehicle with automated manual
transmission, flashes for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
off if the parking brake is not applied.
On vehicles with automated manual
transmission, flashes when the
driver's door is opened if no gear is
engaged and the parking brake is not
applied.
Antilock brake system
(ABS) u illuminates red.
Illuminates for a few seconds after the ignition is turned on. The system is
ready for operation when the control indicator goes out.
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 3 146.Sport mode
1 illuminates yellow.
The symbol is illuminated when Sport
mode is on 3 139, 3 143.
Winter mode
T illuminates yellow.
The symbol is illuminated when
Winter mode is on 3 139, 3 143.
Ultrasonic parking assist
r illuminates or flashes yellow.
Illuminates
Fault in system. Have the cause of the fault remedied by a workshop.
Flashes Fault due to sensors that are dirty or
covered by ice or snow.
or
Interference due to external sources of ultrasound. Once the source of
interference is removed, the system
will operate normally.

110Instruments and controls
When operating the retractable
hardtop ■ Indicator buzzer upon completed opening or closing of the
convertible hardtop.
■ Indicator buzzer upon completed raising or lowering of the electricload compartment loading aid.
■ Gong tone if the tailgate is not closed during roof operation.
■ Gong tone if the tailgate is not fully open during operation of the load
compartment loading aid.
■ Gong tone during roof operation if vehicle speed exceeds 30 km/h.
■ Gong tone when vehicle speed exceeds 30 km/h if the roof is not
fully open or closed.
■ Three gong tones during roof or loading aid operation if the load
compartment blind is not attached.
■ Three gong tones during roof operation if outside temperature is
below -20 °C, vehicle battery
voltage is too low or the system is
overloaded.■ Continuous warning buzzer during roof operation if the anti-roll bars
have been triggered.
■ Continuous warning buzzer starting
one minute before the end of the
9-minute standby time with the roof
in an intermediate position or the loading aid in a raised position.
■ Persistent warning buzzer when closing the tailgate, if the lowering
process of the electric load aid is
not complete or has been
interrupted.
Battery voltage
Low battery voltage in radio remote
control or electronic key. On vehicles
without check control, the message
InSP3 appears in the instrument
panel display. Replace the battery
3 20, 3 22.
Brake light switch
Brake light does not come on during
braking. Have the cause of the fault
remedied immediately by a
workshop.Engine cooling level
Low fluid level in engine cooling
system. Check coolant immediately
3 162.
Drain diesel fuel filter
If there is water in the diesel fuel filter, the message InSP4 appears in the
instrument panel. Consult a
workshop.

Vehicle care159Vehicle careGeneral Information...................159
Vehicle checks ........................... 160
Bulb replacement .......................166
Electrical system ........................181
Vehicle tools .............................. 187
Wheels and tyres .......................188
Jump starting ............................. 200
Towing ....................................... 201
Appearance care .......................203General Information
Accessories and vehicle
modifications
We recommend using 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
The following must be done if the
vehicle should be stored for several months:
■ Wash and wax the vehicle.
■ Have the wax in the engine compartment and underbody
checked.
■ Clean and preserve rubber seals.
■ Fill up fuel tank completely.
■ Change engine oil.
■ Drain washer fluid reservoir.
■ Check coolant antifreeze.
■ Adjust tyre pressure to the value specified for full load.
■ Park vehicle in dry, well ventilated place. Engage first or reverse gear
or set selector lever to P. Prevent
the vehicle from rolling.
■ Do not apply parking brake.

Vehicle care163
Coolant levelCaution
Too low a coolant level can causeengine damage.
When the cooling system is cold, the
coolant level should be just above the
KALT/COLD 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.
Top up with antifreeze. If no
antifreeze is available, use clean tap
water or distilled water. Install the cap
tightly. Have the antifreeze
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 windscreen
washer fluid which contains
antifreeze.
Brakes A squealing noise indicates that the
brake lining is at its minimum
thickness. 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.

164Vehicle careBrake fluid9Warning
Brake fluid is poisonous and
corrosive. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, fabrics and painted surfaces.
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 3 164.
Vehicle 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.
Vehicle battery discharge protection
3 123.
Warning label
Meaning of symbols: ■ No sparks, naked flames or smoking.
■ Always shield eyes. Explosive gases can cause blindness or
injury.
■ Keep the vehicle battery out of the reach of children.

200Vehicle careJump startingDo not start with quick charger.
A vehicle with a discharged battery
can be started using jump leads and the battery of another vehicle.9 Warning
Be extremely careful when starting
with jump leads. Any deviation
from the following instructions can
lead to injuries or damage caused
by battery explosion or damage to the electrical systems of both
vehicles.
9 Warning
Avoid contact with eyes, skin,
fabrics, and painted surfaces. The fluid contains sulphuric acid which can cause injuries and damage in
the event of direct contact.
■ Never expose the battery to naked flames or sparks.
■ A discharged battery can already freeze at temperatures of 0 °C.Defrost the frozen battery before
connecting jump leads.
■ Wear eye protection and protective
clothing when handling a battery.
■ Use a booster battery with the same voltage (12 Volts). Its
capacity (Ah) must not be much
less than that of the discharged
battery.
■ Use jump leads with insulated terminals and a cross section of at
least 16 mm 2
(25 mm 2
for diesel
engines).
■ Do not disconnect the discharged battery from the vehicle.
■ Switch off all unnecessary electrical
consumers.
■ Do not lean over the battery during jump starting.
■ Do not allow the terminals of one lead to touch those of the other
lead.■ The vehicles must not come into contact with each other during the
jump starting process.
■ Apply the parking brake, transmission in neutral, automatic
transmission in P.
Lead connection order:
1. Connect the red lead to the positive terminal of the booster
battery.
2. Connect the other end of the red lead to the positive terminal of the
discharged battery.