2018 OPEL KARL brake fluid

18In briefManual transmission automatedR:reverse, engage only when
vehicle is stationaryN:neutralD:automatic modeM:manual mode<:upshift in manual mode]:downshift in manual mode
Manual transmission automated
3 116.
Starting off
Check before starting off ● Tyre pressure and condition 3 156,
3 188.
● Engine oil level and fluid levels 3 140.
● 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 29, 3 36,
3 40.
● Brake function at low speed, particularly if the brakes are wet.Starting the engine
● Turn key to position 1.
● Move the steering wheel slightly to release the steering wheel
lock.
● Manual transmission: operate clutch and brake pedal.
Manual transmission automated:
operate brake pedal.
Automatic transmission: operate
brake pedal and move selector
lever to P or N.
● Do not operate accelerator pedal.
● Turn key to position 3 and
release.

Storage59Loading information● Heavy objects in the load compartment should be placed
against the seat backrests.
Ensure that the backrests are
securely engaged. If objects can
be stacked, heavier objects
should be placed at the bottom.
● Secure loose objects in the load compartment to prevent themfrom sliding.
● When transporting objects in the load compartment, the backrestsof 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, 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 lever, orhinder the freedom of movement of the driver. Do not place any
unsecured objects in the interior.
● Do not drive with an open load compartment.9Warning
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 3 180) 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 (fuel
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.
The permissible roof load for
vehicles with roof railing is 50 kg.
The roof load is the combined
weight of the roof rack and the
load.

Instruments and controls73The front passenger airbag is
deactivated 3 46.9 Danger
Risk of fatal injury for a child using
a child restraint system together
with activated front passenger
airbag.
Risk of fatal injury for an adult
person with deactivated front
passenger airbag.
Charging system
p illuminates red.
Illuminates when the ignition is
switched on and extinguishes shortly
after the engine starts.
Illuminates when the engine is
running
Stop, switch off engine. Vehicle
battery is not charging. Engine
cooling may be interrupted. The
brake servo unit may cease to be
effective. Seek the assistance of a
workshop.
Malfunction indicator light
Z illuminates or flashes yellow.
Illuminates when the ignition is
switched on and extinguishes shortly
after the engine starts.
Illuminates when the engine is
running
Fault in the emission control system. The permitted emission limits may be exceeded. Seek the assistance of a
workshop immediately.
Flashes when the engine is
running
Fault that could lead to catalytic converter damage. Ease up on the
accelerator until the flashing stops.
Seek the assistance of a workshop
immediately.
Service vehicle soon
g illuminates yellow.
Additionally, a warning code is
displayed in the Driver Information
Centre.
The vehicle requires a service.Seek the assistance of a workshop. Vehicle messages 3 83.
Brake and clutch system
R illuminates red.
The brake and clutch fluid level is too low, when manual parking brake is
not applied 3 142.9 Warning
Stop. Do not continue your
journey. Consult a workshop.
Illuminates when the manual parking
brake is applied and ignition is
switched on 3 120.
Operate pedal - illuminates or flashes yellow.
Illuminates
Clutch pedal must be depressed to
start the engine in Autostop mode.
Stop-start system 3 111.

Instruments and controls85No.Vehicle message77Service lane departure warning79Top up engine oil81Service transmission / trans‐
mission malfunction
Manual transmission auto‐
mated 3 11782Change engine oil soon84Engine power reduced89Service vehicle soon90Service brake assist95Service airbag145Check washer fluid level151Press clutch to start174Low vehicle battery258Parking assist offVehicle messages on
Colour-Info-Display
Some important messages appear
additionally in the
Colour-Info-Display. Some
messages only pop-up for a few
seconds.
Warning chimes
When starting the engine or whilst driving
Only one warning chime will sound at a time.
The warning chime regarding
unfastened seat belts has priority
over any other warning chime.
● 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 appears in the Driver Information Centre orInfo-Display.● If the parking assist detects an object.
● If unintended lane change occurs.
● If a fault in the automatic locking system is detected.
When the vehicle is parked and/or the driver's door is opened
● With exterior lights on.
During an Autostop ● If the driver's door is opened.
Battery voltage
When the vehicle battery voltage is
running low, the warning code 174 will
appear in the Driver Information
Centre.
1. Switch off immediately any electrical consumers which are
not required for a safe drive, e.g.

Vehicle care137Vehicle careGeneral Information...................137
Accessories and vehicle modifications .......................... 137
Vehicle storage ........................138
End-of-life vehicle recovery .....138
Vehicle checks ........................... 139
Performing work ......................139
Bonnet ..................................... 139
Engine oil ................................. 140
Engine coolant ......................... 141
Washer fluid ............................ 141
Brakes ..................................... 142
Brake fluid ............................... 142
Vehicle battery ......................... 142
Wiper blade replacement ........144
Bulb replacement .......................144
Halogen headlights ..................145
Fog lights ................................. 146
Front turn signal lights .............147
Tail lights ................................. 147
Side turn signal lights ..............148
Centre high-mounted brake light ......................................... 149
Number plate light ...................149Interior lights ............................ 150
Instrument panel illumination ...150
Electrical system ........................150
Fuses ....................................... 150
Engine compartment fuse box . 152
Instrument panel fuse box .......153
Vehicle tools .............................. 155
Tools ........................................ 155
Wheels and tyres .......................156
Winter tyres ............................. 156
Tyre designations ....................156
Tyre pressure .......................... 156
Tyre pressure monitoring
system .................................... 157
Tread depth ............................. 161
Changing tyre and wheel size . 161 Wheel covers ........................... 161
Tyre chains .............................. 162
Tyre repair kit .......................... 162
Wheel changing .......................165
Spare wheel ............................ 167
Jump starting ............................. 169
Towing ....................................... 171
Towing the vehicle ...................171
Appearance care .......................172
Exterior care ............................ 172
Interior care ............................. 174General Information
Accessories and vehiclemodifications
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.
Any modification, conversion or other changes made to standard vehicle
specifications (including, without
limitation, software modifications,
modifications of the electronic control
units) may invalidate the warranty
offered by Opel. Furthermore, such
changes may affect driver assistance
systems, fuel consumption, CO 2
emissions and other emissions of the
vehicle. They may also invalidate the
vehicle operating permit.

138Vehicle careCaution
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, wellventilated place. Engage first or
reverse gear. Prevent the vehicle from rolling.
● Do not apply the parking brake.
● Open the bonnet, close all doors and lock the vehicle.
● Disconnect the clamp from the negative terminal of the vehicle
battery. Beware that all systems are not functional, e.g. anti-theft
alarm system.
Putting back into operation When the vehicle is to be put back into
operation:
● Connect the clamp to the negative terminal of the vehicle
battery. Activate the electronics
of the power windows.
● Check tyre pressure.
● Fill up the washer fluid reservoir.
● Check the engine oil level.
● Check the coolant level.
● Fit the number plate if necessary.End-of-life vehicle recovery
Information on end-of-life vehicle
recovery centres and the recycling of
end-of-life vehicles is available on our
website. Only entrust this work to an
authorised recycling centre.
Gas vehicles must be recycled by a
service centre authorised for gas
vehicles.

142Vehicle careCaution
Only washer fluid with a sufficient
antifreeze concentration provides
protection at low temperatures or
a sudden drop in temperature.
Washer fluid 3 176.
Brakes In the event of minimum thickness of
the 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 MAX marks.
If fluid level is below MIN seek the
assistance of a workshop.
Brake and clutch fluid 3 176.
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 vehicle 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
four weeks can lead to vehicle 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.
Battery discharge protection 3 98.
Disconnecting the battery
If the vehicle's battery is to be
disconnected (e.g. for maintenance
work), the alarm siren must be
deactivated as follows: Switch the
ignition on then off, then disconnect
the vehicle's battery within
15 seconds.

178Service and maintenanceBrake 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.