2015 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 3 144.
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 3 141.
Starting off
Check before starting off ■ Tyre pressure and condition 3 192,
3 232.
■ Engine oil level and fluid levels 3 169.
■ 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 3 220) 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 3 172.9 Warning
Stop. Do not continue your
journey. Consult a workshop.
Operate pedal
- illuminates or flashes yellow.
Illuminates
Brake pedal needs to be depressed
to release the electric parking brake
3 146.
Clutch pedal needs to be depressed
to start the engine in Autostop mode.
Stop-start system 3 137.
Flashes
Clutch pedal needs to be depressed
for a main start of the engine 3 16,
3 135.
Electric parking brake
m illuminates or flashes red.
Illuminates Electrical parking brake is applied3 146.
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 3 146.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 3 145.

106Instruments and controls
No.Vehicle message69Service suspension system70Service level control system71Service rear axle74Service AFL75Service air conditioning76Service side blind zone alert
system79Top up engine oil81Service transmission82Change engine oil soon83Service adaptive cruise control84Engine power is reduced89Service vehicle soon94Shift to park before exiting95Service airbag128Bonnet open134Park assist fault, clean bumperNo.Vehicle message136Service parking assist174Low vehicle battery258Park assist off
Vehicle messages on the
Uplevel-Display or Uplevel-Combi-Display
The vehicle messages are displayed
as text. Follow the instructions given
in the messages.
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 filter

Vehicle care167Vehicle careGeneral Information...................167
Vehicle checks ........................... 168
Bulb replacement .......................175
Electrical system ........................185
Vehicle tools .............................. 190
Wheels and tyres .......................192
Jump starting ............................. 209
Towing ....................................... 211
Appearance care .......................213General 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.

172Vehicle careCaution
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 fluid
9 Warning
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 3 217.
Vehicle battery
Vehicles without stop-start systemwill 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.

218Service and maintenance
Select the appropriate engine oil
based on its quality and on the
minimum ambient temperature
3 221.
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 3 221.
All of the recommended viscosity
grades are suitable for high ambient
temperatures.Coolant and antifreeze
Use only organic acid type-long life
coolant (LLC) antifreeze approved for
the vehicle. Consult a workshop.
The system is factory filled with
coolant designed for excellent
corrosion protection and frost
protection down to approx. -28 °C. In
northern countries with very low
temperatures the factory filled coolant
provides frost protection down to
approx. -37°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
Over time, brake fluid absorbs
moisture which will reduce braking
effectiveness. The brake fluid should
therefore be replaced at the specified
interval.

238IndexAAccessories and vehicle modifications .......................... 167
Active head restraints ..................35
Adaptive brake light ....................145
Adaptive forward lighting ..........
.................................. 98, 118, 177
Adjustable air vents ...................131
Airbag and belt tensioners ...........93
Airbag deactivation ................53, 94
Airbag label................................... 48 Airbag system .............................. 48
Air conditioning regular operation ................................ 132
Air conditioning system .............. 125
Air intake .................................... 132
Air vents...................................... 131
Alert ............................................ 107
Antifreeze ................................... 170
Antilock brake system ................ 145
Antilock brake system (ABS) .......95
Anti-theft alarm system ................27
Anti-theft locking system .............. 26 Appearance care ........................213
Armrest ................................... 39, 42
Armrest storage ........................... 63
Ashtrays ....................................... 88
Automatic anti-dazzle ..................30
Automatic light control ...............116Automatic locking ..................24, 98
Automatic transmission .............141
Auxiliary heater .......................... 131
B Battery discharge protection ......123
Battery voltage ........................... 107
Belts.............................................. 44 Bicycle rack .................................. 64
Bonnet ....................................... 169
Brake and clutch fluid .................217
Brake and clutch system .............95
Brake assist ............................... 147
Brake fluid .................................. 172
Brakes ............................... 145, 172
Breakdown.................................. 211
Bulb replacement ....................... 175
C Capacities .................................. 231
Car Pass ...................................... 19
Catalytic converter .....................141
Central locking system ................21
Centre console lighting ..............122
Changing tyre and wheel size ...197
Charging system .......................... 94
Child locks ................................... 24
Child restraint installation locations ................................... 57
Child restraints.............................. 54