2017 OPEL ASTRA J tow

Driving and operating145key. Turn the front wheels
towards the kerb.
● Close the windows and the sunroof.
● Remove the ignition key from the ignition switch. Turn the
steering wheel until the
steering wheel lock is felt to
engage.
For vehicles with automatic
transmission, the key can only
be removed when the selector
lever is in position P.
● Lock the vehicle.
● Activate the anti-theft alarm system.
● The engine cooling fans may run
after the engine has been
switched off 3 202.
Caution
After running at high engine
speeds or with high engine loads,
operate the engine briefly at a low load or run in neutral for
approx. 30 seconds before
switching off, in order to protect
the turbocharger.
Note
In the event of an accident with
airbag deployment, the engine is
turned off automatically if the vehicle
comes to a standstill within a certain time.
Engine exhaust9 Danger
Engine exhaust gases contain
poisonous carbon monoxide,
which is colourless and odourless and could be fatal if inhaled.
If exhaust gases enter the interior
of the vehicle, open the windows.
Have the cause of the fault
rectified by a workshop.
Avoid driving with an open load
compartment, otherwise exhaust
gases could enter the vehicle.
Diesel particle filter
The diesel particle filter system filters
harmful soot particles out of the
exhaust gases. The system includes
a self-cleaning function that runs
automatically during driving without
any notification. The filter is cleaned
by periodically burning off the soot
particles at high temperature. This
process takes place automatically
under set driving conditions and may
take up to 25 minutes. Typically it

146Driving and operatingneeds between seven and twelve
minutes. Autostop is not available
and fuel consumption may be higher
during this period. The emission of
smells and smoke during this process is normal.
Under certain driving conditions, e.g.
short distances, the system cannot
clean itself automatically.
If the cleaning of the filter is required
and if previous driving conditions did
not enable automatic cleaning, it will
be indicated by control indicator %.
Simultaneously Diesel partic. filter is
full continue driving or warning
code 55 appears in the Driver
Information Centre.
% illuminates when diesel particle
filter is full. Start cleaning process as
soon as possible.
% flashes when diesel particle filter
has reached the maximum filling
level. Start cleaning process
immediately to avoid damage to the
engine.
Cleaning process To activate cleaning process,
continue driving, keep engine speed
above 2000 revolutions per minute.
Shift down if necessary. Diesel
particle filter cleaning is then started.
If control indicator g illuminates
additionally, cleaning is not possible,
seek the assistance of a workshop.Caution
If the cleaning process is
interrupted, there is a risk of
provoking severe engine damage.
Cleaning takes place quickest at high engine speeds and loads.
The control indicator % extinguishes
as soon as the self-cleaning
operation is complete.
Catalytic converter
The catalytic converter reduces the
amount of harmful substances in the
exhaust gases.Caution
Fuel grades other than those listed on pages 3 188, 3 262 could
damage the catalytic converter or
electronic components.
Unburnt petrol will overheat and
damage the catalytic converter.
Therefore avoid excessive use of the starter, running the fuel tank
dry and starting the engine by
pushing or towing.
In the event of misfiring, uneven
engine running, a reduction in engine
performance or other unusual
problems, have the cause of the fault
rectified by a workshop as soon as
possible. In an emergency, driving

Driving and operating149ParkingApply the parking brake and engage
P .
The ignition key can only be removed
when the selector lever is in position
P .
Manual mode
Move selector lever out of position D
towards the left to select manual
mode M.
Tap selector lever
forwards <:shift to a higher gearbackwards ]:shift to a lower gearThe selected gear is indicated in the
instrument cluster.
If a higher gear is selected when
vehicle speed is too low, or a lower
gear when vehicle speed is too high,
the shift is not executed. This can
cause a message in the Driver
Information Centre.
In manual mode, no automatic
shifting to a higher gear takes place
at high engine revolutions.
Electronic driving programmes
● Following a cold start, the operating temperature
programme increases engine
speed to quickly bring the
catalytic converter to the required
temperature.
● The automatic neutral shift function automatically shifts to
idling when the vehicle is stopped with a forward gear engaged andthe brake pedal is pressed.● When SPORT mode is engaged,
the vehicle shifts at higher engine
speeds (unless cruise control is
on). SPORT mode 3 156.
● Special programmes automatically adapt the shifting
points when driving up inclines or
down hills.
● When starting off in snowy or icy conditions or on other slippery
surfaces, the electronic
transmission control selects a
higher gear automatically.
Kickdown
If the accelerator pedal is pressed down completely in automatic mode, the transmission shifts to a lower gear
depending on engine speed.
Fault
In the event of a fault, control indicator g illuminates. Additionally, a code
number or a vehicle message is
displayed in the Driver Information
Centre. Vehicle messages 3 99.

Driving and operating151Manual transmission
To engage reverse, with the vehicle
stationary, depress clutch pedal,
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.
Do not slip the clutch unnecessarily.
When operating, depress the clutch
pedal completely. Do not use the
pedal as a foot rest.
Caution
It is not advisable to drive with the hand resting on the selector lever.
Upshift indication 3 89.
Brakes
The brake system comprises two independent brake circuits.
If a brake circuit fails, the vehicle can
still be braked using the other brake
circuit. However, braking effect is
achieved only when the brake pedal
is depressed firmly. Considerably
more force is needed for this. The
braking distance is extended. Seek
the assistance of a workshop before
continuing your journey.
When the engine is not running, the
support of the brake servo unit
disappears once the brake pedal has
been depressed once or twice.
Braking effect is not reduced, but
braking requires significantly greater
force. It is especially important to bear this in mind when being towed.
Control indicator R 3 88.
Antilock brake system
Antilock brake system (ABS)
prevents the wheels from locking.

168Driving and operatingHill and trailer considerations
System performance on hills and
when towing a trailer depends on your
vehicle speed, vehicle load, traffic
conditions and the road gradient. It
may not detect a vehicle in your path
while driving on hills. On steep hills,
you may have to use the accelerator
pedal to maintain your vehicle speed. When going downhill, especially
when towing a trailer, you may have
to brake to maintain or reduce your
speed.
Note that applying the brake
deactivates the system. It is not
recommended to use adaptive cruise
control on steep hills especially when towing a trailer.
Radar unit
The radar unit is mounted behind the
radiator grille below the brand
emblem.
9 Warning
The radar unit was aligned
carefully during manufacture.
Therefore, after a frontal accident, do not use the system. The front
bumper may appear to be intact,
however the sensor behind can be
out of position and react
incorrectly. After an accident,
consult a workshop to verify and
correct the adaptive cruise control
sensor position.
Settings
Settings can be changed in the Auto
collision preparation menu in the
vehicle personalisation, 3 105.
Fault
If the adaptive cruise control does not
work due to temporary conditions
(e.g. blockage by ice) or if there is a
permanent system error, then a
message is displayed in the Driver
Information Centre.

182Driving and operatingNote
The parking assist system
automatically detects factory-fitted
towing equipment. It is deactivated
when the connector is plugged in.
It is possible that the sensor detects a non-existing object (echo
disturbance) caused by external
acoustical or mechanic
disturbances.
Advanced parking assist system
may not respond to changes in the
parking space after initiating a
parallel parking manoeuvre.
Note
After use the advanced parking
assist requires a calibration. For
optimal parking guidance, a driving
distance of at least 35 km, including
a number of bends, is required.
Side blind spot alert
The Side blind spot alert system
detects and reports objects on either
side of the vehicle, within a specified
"blind spot" zone. The system alerts visually in each exterior mirror, whendetecting objects that may not be
visible in the interior and exterior
mirrors.
The system's sensors are located in
the bumper on the left and right side
of the vehicle.9 Warning
Side blind spot alert does not
replace driver vision.
The system does not detect:
● vehicles outside the side blind zones which may be rapidly
approaching
● pedestrians, cyclists or animals
Before changing a lane, always
check all mirrors, look over the
shoulder and use the turn signal.
When the system detects a vehicle in the side blind zone while driving
forward, either while passing a
vehicle or being passed, an amber
warning symbol B will illuminate in
the relevant exterior mirror. If the
driver then activates the turn signal,
the warning symbol B starts flashing
amber as a warning not to change
lanes.
Note
If the overtaking vehicle is at least
10 km/h faster than the vehicle being
overtaken, the warning symbol B in
the relevant exterior mirror may not
illuminate.
Side blind spot alert is active from
speeds of 10 km/h up to 140 km/h.
Driving faster than 140 km/h
deactivates the system, indicated by
low lighting warning symbols B in
both exterior mirrors. Reducing the speed again will extinguish the

Driving and operating183warning symbols. If a vehicle is then
detected in the blind zone, the
warning symbol B will illuminate as
normal on the relevant side.
When the vehicle is started, both
exterior mirror displays will briefly
come on to indicate that the system is
operating.
The system can be activated or
deactivated in the menu Settings in
the Info-Display. Vehicle
personalisation 3 105.
Deactivation is indicated by a
message in the Driver Information
Centre.
Detection zones
The system sensor covers a zone of
approx. three metres on both sides of
the vehicle. This zone starts at each
exterior mirror and extends rearwards by approx. three metres. The height
of the zone is approx. between
0.5 metres and two metres off the
ground.
The system is deactivated if the
vehicle is towing a trailer.Side blind spot alert is designed to
ignore stationary objects such as
guardrails, posts, curbs, walls and
beams. Parked vehicles or oncoming
vehicles are not detected.
Fault
Occasional missed alerts can occur under normal circumstances.
Side blind spot alert does not operate when the left or right corners of the
rear bumper are covered with mud,
dirt, snow, ice or slush. Cleaning
instructions 3 250.
In the event of a fault in the system or if the system does not work due to
temporary conditions, a message is
displayed in the Driver Information
Centre. Seek the assistance of a
workshop in case of a permanent fault.Traffic sign assistant
Functionality
The traffic sign assistant system
detects designated traffic signs via a
front camera and displays them in the Driver Information Centre.
Traffic signs which will be detected
are:
Limit and no passing signs ● speed limit
● no passing
● end of speed limit
● end of no passing

184Driving and operatingRoad signs
Beginning and end of:
● motorways
● A-roads
● play streetsAdd-on signs ● additional hints to traffic signs
● restriction of trailer towing
● tractor constraints
● wet warning
● ice warning
● direction arrows
Speed limit signs are displayed in the
Driver Information Centre until the
next speed limit sign or end of speed
limit is detected or up to a defined sign timeout.
Indication of multiple signs on the
display is possible.
An exclamation mark in a frame
indicates that there is an add-on sign detected which cannot be recognised
by the system.
The system is active up to a speed of 200 km/h depending on the lighting
conditions. At night the system is
active up to a speed of 160 km/h.
As soon as vehicle speed becomes
slower than 55 km/h the display will
be reset and the content of the traffic
sign page will be cleared. The next
recognized speed indication will be
displayed.
Display indication
Traffic signs are displayed on the Traffic sign detection page in the
Driver Information Centre.