2017 VAUXHALL ADAM Owner's Manual

Driving and operating127Starting the engine
Turn key to position 1 to release the
steering wheel lock.
Manual transmission: operate clutch
and brake pedal.
Manual transmission automated:
operate brake pedal.
Do not operate the accelerator pedal. Turn key briefly to position 3 and
release: an automatic procedure
operates the starter after a brief
delay, until the engine is running. See
'Automatic Starter Control'.
Before restarting or to switch off the
engine, turn the key back to position
0 .
During an Autostop, the engine can
be started by depressing the clutch
pedal.
Starting the vehicle at low
temperatures
The start of the engine without
additional heaters is possible down to -30 °C . Required is an engine oil with
the correct viscosity, the correct fuel,
performed services and a sufficiently
charged vehicle battery.
Automatic starter controlThis function controls the engine
starting procedure. The driver does
not need to hold the key in position 3.
Once applied, the system will go on
starting automatically until the engine
is running. Because of the checking
procedure, the engine starts running after a short delay.Possible reasons for a non-starting
engine:
● clutch pedal is not operated (manual transmission).
● brake pedal not operated (manual transmission
automated).
● timeout occurred.
Turbo engine warm-up
Upon start-up, engine available
torque may be limited for a short time,
especially when the engine
temperature is cold. The limitation is
to allow the lubrication system to fully
protect the engine.
Overrun cut-off
The fuel supply is automatically cut off
during overrun, i.e. when the vehicle
is driven with a gear engaged but accelerator is released.
Depending on driving conditions, the
overrun cut-off may be deactivated.

128Driving and operatingStop-start systemThe stop-start system helps to save
fuel and to reduce the exhaust
emissions. When conditions allow, it
switches off the engine as soon as the
vehicle is at a low speed or at a
standstill, e.g. at a traffic light or in a
traffic jam.
On vehicles with manual
transmission, the engine is started automatically as soon as the clutch is
depressed.
On vehicles with manual transmission
automated, the engine is started
automatically as soon as the brake
pedal is released.
A vehicle battery sensor ensures that
an Autostop is only performed if the
vehicle battery is sufficiently charged
for a restart.
Activation
The stop-start system is available as soon as the engine is started, the
vehicle starts-off and the conditions
as stated below in this section are
fulfilled.Deactivation
Deactivate the stop-start system
manually by pressing eco. The
deactivation is indicated when the
LED in the button extinguishes.
Autostop
Vehicles with manual transmission:
If the vehicle is at a low speed or at a
standstill, activate an Autostop as
follows:
● Depress the clutch pedal.
● Move the selector lever to neutral.
● Release the clutch pedal.The engine will be switched off while
the ignition stays on.Vehicles with manual transmission
automated:
If the vehicle is at a standstill with
depressed brake pedal, Autostop is
activated automatically.
The engine will be switched off while
the ignition stays on.
The stop-start system will be disabled
on inclines of 15% or more.
Indication
An Autostop is indicated by the
needle at the AUTOSTOP position in
the tachometer.

Driving and operating129During an Autostop, the heating and
brake performance will be
maintained.
Conditions for an Autostop
The stop-start system checks if each
of the following conditions is fulfilled:
● The stop-start system is not manually deactivated.
● The bonnet is fully closed.
● The driver's door is closed or the driver's seat belt is fastened.
● The vehicle battery is sufficiently charged and in good condition.
● The engine is warmed up.
● The engine coolant temperature is not too high.
● The engine exhaust temperature is not too high, e.g. after driving
with high engine load.
● The ambient temperature is above -5 °C.
● The climate control system allows an Autostop.● The brake vacuum is sufficient.
● The vehicle was driven at least at
walking speed since the last
Autostop.
Otherwise an Autostop will be
inhibited.
Certain settings of the climate control
system may inhibit an Autostop. See
'Climate control' chapter for more
details 3 118.
Immediately after motorway driving,
an Autostop may be inhibited.
New vehicle running-in 3 126.
Vehicle battery discharge protection
To ensure reliable engine restarts, several vehicle battery discharge
protection features are implemented
as part of the stop-start system.
Power saving measures
During an Autostop, several electrical
features, e.g. the rear window
heating, are disabled or switched into
a power saving mode. The fan speed of the climate control system is
reduced to save power.Restart of the engine by the driverVehicles with manual transmission:
Depress the clutch pedal to restart the
engine.
The engine start is indicated by the
needle at the idle speed position in
the tachometer.
If the selector lever is shifted out of
neutral before depressing the clutch
first, control indicator - illuminates
or is shown as a symbol in the Driver Information Centre.
Control indicator - 3 86.Vehicles with manual transmission
automated:
Release the brake pedal or move
selector lever out of D to restart the
engine.
The engine start is indicated by the
needle at the idle speed position in
the tachometer.
Restart of the engine by the stop-
start system
The selector lever must be in neutral
to enable an automatic restart.

130Driving and operatingIf one of the following conditions
occurs during an Autostop, the
engine will be restarted automatically by the stop-start system:
● The stop-start system is manually deactivated.
● The bonnet is opened.
● The driver's seat belt is unfastened and the driver's door
is opened.
● The engine temperature is too low.
● The charging level of the vehicle battery is below a defined level.
● The brake vacuum is not sufficient.
● The vehicle is driven at least at walking speed.
● The climate control system requests an engine start.
● The air conditioning is manually switched on.
If the bonnet is not fully closed, a
warning message is displayed in the
Driver Information Centre.If an electrical accessory, e.g. a
portable CD player, is connected to
the power outlet, a brief power drop
during restart might be noticeable.
Parking9 Warning
● Do not park the vehicle on an
easily ignitable surface. The
high temperature of the
exhaust system could ignite the
surface.
● Always apply the parking brake. Activate the parking
brake without pressing the
release button. Apply as firmly
as possible on a downhill slope
or uphill slope. Depress brake
pedal at the same time to
reduce operating force.
● Switch off the engine.
● If the vehicle is on a level surface or uphill slope, engage
first gear before removing the ignition key. On an uphill slope,
turn the front wheels away from
the kerb.
If the vehicle is on a downhill
slope, engage reverse gear
before removing the ignition
key. 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 manual
transmission automated, the key can only be removed from
the ignition switch when the
parking brake is applied.
● Lock the vehicle.
● Activate the anti-theft alarm system.
● The engine cooling fans may run
after the engine has been
switched off 3 164.

Driving and operating131Caution
After running at high enginespeeds 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.
Notice
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.
Catalytic converter
The catalytic converter reduces the
amount of harmful substances in the
exhaust gases.
Caution
Fuel grades other than those listed on page 3 155 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
can be continued for a short period,
keeping vehicle speed and engine
speed low.

132Driving and operatingManual transmission
To engage reverse, depress the
clutch pedal and 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.
Gear shift indication 3 87.
Stop-start system 3 128.
Manual transmission
automated
The automated manual transmission permits manual gearshifting (manual
mode) or automatic gearshifting
(automatic mode), both with
automatic clutch control.
Manual shifting is possible by tapping the selector lever in manual mode.
Notice
When unlocking or opening a
vehicle door, a sound may be
audible caused by the hydraulic
system.

Driving and operating133Transmission display
In automatic mode, the driving
programme is indicated by D in the
Driver Information Centre.
In manual mode, M and the number
of the selected gear is indicated.
R indicates reverse gear.
N indicates neutral.
Starting the engine
To start the engine, depress the brake
pedal, if transmission is not in N.
Transmission automatically shifts to
N upon starting. There may be a slight
delay.
Starting is not possible if all brake
lights fail.
Stop-start-system
Autostop
If the vehicle is at a standstill and
brake pedal is operated, Autostop is
activated automatically.
The engine will be switched off while
the ignition stays on.
An Autostop is indicated by the
needle at the AUTOSTOP position in
the tachometer.
Autostart
Release the brake pedal or move selector lever out of D to restart the
engine.
The engine restart is indicated by the needle at the idle speed position in
the tachometer.
The stop-start system will be disabled
on inclines of 15% or more.
Stop-start-system 3 128.
Selector lever

134Driving and operatingAlways move the selector lever in the
appropriate direction as far as it will
go. Upon release, it automatically
returns to the centre position.
Notice
Do not hold the selector lever in an
intermediate position. Not fully
engaging a gear may lead to
malfunction and the error code 81
may be displayed in the Driver
Information Centre.
Return the selector lever to the
centre position. After a short while N
will be displayed in the Driver
Information Centre and the system
will operate normally again.
Vehicle messages 3 96.N:neutral positionD/M:switch between automatic (D)
and manual (M) shift mode.
The transmission display
shows either D or M with the
selected gear<:upshifting in manual mode]:downshifting in manual modeR:reverse gear. Engage only
when vehicle is stationaryIf selector lever is moved from R to the
left, D is directly engaged.
If selector lever is moved from D to
< or ], the manual mode M is
selected and the transmission shifts.
Starting off Depress the brake pedal and movethe selector lever to D/M or R. If D is
selected, transmission is in automatic
mode and first gear is engaged. If R
is selected, reverse gear is engaged.
The vehicle starts to move when the
brake is released.
To start-off without depressing the
foot brake, accelerate immediately
after engaging a gear as long as D or
R flashes.
If neither the accelerator nor the
brake pedal are depressed, no gear
is engaged and D or R flashes for a
brief time in the display.
Stopping the vehicle In D, first gear is engaged and the
clutch is released when the vehicle is
stopped. In R, reverse gear remains
engaged.Engine braking
Automatic mode
When driving downhill, the manual
transmission automated does not
shift into higher gears until a fairly
high engine speed has been reached. It shifts down in good time when
braking.
Manual mode
To utilise the engine braking effect, select a lower gear in good time when
driving downhill. Changing into
manual mode is only possible while
the engine is running or during an
Autostop.
Rocking the vehicle Rocking the vehicle is only
permissible if the vehicle is stuck in
sand, mud or snow. Move the selector
lever between R and D in a repeat
pattern. Do not race the engine and
avoid sudden acceleration.