Opel Astra Saloon (2014 year). Instruction — part 10

150

Driving and operating

With automatic transmission or

instruction transmission automated, only

activate cruise control in automatic

mode.
Control indicator m 3 102.

Activation

Briefly press the m button: the current

speed is stored and maintained.
Vehicle speed can be increased by

depressing the accelerator pedal.

When the accelerator pedal is

released, the previously stored speed

is resumed.
The speed is saved until the ignition

is switched off.
To resume the saved speed, briefly

press the g button at a speed above

30 km/h.

Increase speed

With cruise control active, hold down

button m or briefly press it repeatedly:

speed is increased continuously or in

small increments.
When button m is released the

current speed is stored and

maintained.

Reduce speed

With cruise control active, hold down

button g or briefly press it repeatedly:

speed is reduced continuously or in

small increments.
When button g is released the current

speed is stored and maintained.

Deactivation

Briefly press the § button: cruise

control is deactivated.
Automatic deactivation:

■ Vehicle speed below approx.

30 km/h

■ The brake pedal is depressed
■ The clutch pedal is depressed
■ Selector lever in N.

Object detection

systems

Parking assist

The parking assist makes parking

easier by measuring the distance

between the vehicle and obstacles. It

is the driver, however, who bears full

responsibility for parking.
The system consists of four ultrasonic

parking sensors in each of the front

and rear bumpers.
Control indicator r 3 98.

Driving and operating

151

Note

Attached parts in the detection area

cause system malfunction.

Activation

When reverse gear is engaged, the

system switches itself on

automatically.
The system can also be activated at

low speed by pressing the r button.
An obstacle is indicated by buzzers.

The interval between the buzzers

becomes shorter as the vehicle gets

closer to the obstacle. When the

distance is less than 30 cm, the

buzzer is continuous.

9 Warning

Under certain circumstances,

various reflective surfaces on

objects or clothing as well as

external noise sources may cause

the system to fail to detect

obstacles.

Deactivation

Deactivate the system by pressing

the r button.
The system deactivates automatically

when reverse gear is disengaged.

Towing equipment

The system automatically detects

factory-fitted towing equipment.
When towing, plugging the trailer

cable into the socket automatically

switches the parking assist off.

Fuel

Fuel for petrol engines

Only use unleaded fuel that complies

with European standard EN 228 or

E DIN 51626-1 or equivalent.
Your engine is capable to run with

E10 fuel that fulfills these standards.

E10 fuel contains up to 10 %

bioethanol.
Use fuel with the recommended

octane rating 3 216. Use of fuel with

too low an octane rating can reduce

engine power and torque and slightly

increases fuel consumption.

Caution

Do not use fuel or fuel additives

that contain metallic compounds

such as manganese-based

additives. This may cause engine

damage.

152

Driving and operating

Caution

Use of fuel that does not comply to

EN 228 or E DIN 51626-1 or

equivalent can lead to deposits or

engine damage and may affect

your warranty.

Caution

Use of fuel with too low an octane

rating could lead to uncontrolled

combustion and engine damage.

Fuel for diesel engines

Only use diesel fuel that complies

with EN 590.
In countries outside the European

Union use Euro-Diesel fuel with a

sulfur concentration below 50 ppm.

Caution

Use of fuel that does not comply to

EN 590 or similar can lead to

engine powerloss, increased wear

or engine damage and may affect

your warranty.

Do not use marine diesel oils, heating

oils, Aquazole and similar diesel-

water emulsions. Diesel fuels must

not be diluted with fuels for petrol

engines.

Refuelling

9 Danger

Before refuelling, switch off engine

and any external heaters with

combustion chambers (identified

by sticker on fuel filler flap). Switch

off any mobile phones.
Follow the operating and safety

instructions of the filling station

when refuelling.

9 Danger

Fuel is flammable and explosive.

No smoking. No naked flames or

sparks.
If you can smell fuel in your

vehicle, have the cause of this

remedied immediately by an

authorized dealer.

Caution

In case of misfuelling, do not

switch on ignition.

Driving and operating

153

Fuel filler flap is located at right rear

side of vehicle.
The fuel filler flap can only be opened

if the vehicle is unlocked. Pull flap at

the recess and open.
To open, turn the cap slowly to the left

The fuel filler cap can be retained in

the bracket on the fuel filler flap.
For refuelling, fully insert the pump

nozzle and switch it on.
After automatic cut-off, it can be

topped up with max. two doses of fuel.

Caution

Wipe off any overflowing fuel

immediately.

To close, turn the fuel filler cap to the

right until it clicks.
Close the flap and let engage.

Fuel filler cap

Only a genuine fuel filler cap provides

full functionality. Diesel-engined

vehicles have special fuel filler caps.

Fuel consumption - CO

2

-

Emissions

The fuel consumption (combined) of

the model Opel Astra is within a range

of 7.3 to 5.0 l/100 km.
The CO

2

emission is within a range of

172 to 132 g/km.

General information

For the values specific to your

vehicle, refer to the EEC Certificate of

Conformity provided with your vehicle

or other national registration

documents.
The determination of fuel

consumption is regulated by directive

R (EC) No. 715/2007 (in the latest

applicable version).
The specification of CO

2

emission is

also a constituent of the directive.
The figures given must not be taken

as a guarantee for the actual fuel

consumption of a particular vehicle.

Furthermore, fuel consumption is

dependent on personal driving style

as well as road and traffic conditions.
All values are based on the EU base

model with standard equipment.
The calculation of fuel consumption

takes into account the vehicle's kerb

weight, ascertained in accordance

with the regulations. Optional

equipment may result in slightly

154

Driving and operating

higher fuel consumption and

CO

2

emission levels and a lower

maximum speed.

Trailer hitch

General information

Only use towing equipment that has

been approved for your vehicle.

Entrust retrofitting of towing

equipment to a workshop. It may be

necessary to make changes that

affect the cooling system, heat

shields or other equipment.
Do not mount towing equipment to

vehicles with Z 20 LEH engine.
Fitting of towing equipment could

cover the opening of the towing eye.

If this is the case, use the coupling ball

bar for towing. Always keep the

coupling ball bar in the vehicle.
Installation dimensions of factory-

fitted towing equipment 3 232.

Driving characteristics and

towing tips

Before attaching a trailer, lubricate

the coupling ball. However, do not do

so if a stabiliser, which acts on the

coupling ball, is being used to reduce

snaking movements.
For trailers with low driving stability

and trailers with a permitted gross

vehicle weight of more than 1300 kg

(Saloon) /1200 kg (Station wagon) a

speed of 80 km/h must not be

exceeded; the use of a stabiliser is

recommended.
If the trailer starts snaking, drive more

slowly, do not attempt to correct the

steering and brake sharply if

necessary.
When driving downhill, drive in the

same gear as if driving uphill and

drive at a similar speed.
Adjust tyre pressure to the value

specified for full load 3 225.

Driving and operating

155

Trailer towing

Trailer loads

The permissible trailer loads are

vehicle and engine-dependent

maximum values which must not be

exceeded. The actual trailer load is

the difference between the actual

gross weight of the trailer and the

actual coupling socket load with the

trailer coupled.
The permissible trailer loads are

specified in the vehicle documents. In

general, they are valid for gradients

up to max. 12 %.
The permitted trailer load applies up

to the specified incline and up to an

altitude of 1000 metres above sea

level. Since engine power decreases

as altitude increases due to the air

becoming thinner, therefore reducing

climbing ability, the permissible gross

train weight also decreases by 10 %

for every 1000 metres of additional

altitude. The gross train weight does

not have to be reduced when driving

on roads with slight inclines (less than

8 %, e. g. motorways).

The permissible gross train weight

must not be exceeded. This weight is

specified on the identification plate

3

212.

Vertical coupling load

The vertical coupling load is the load

exerted by the trailer on the coupling

ball. It can be varied by changing the

weight distribution when loading the

trailer.
The maximum permissible vertical

coupling load (75 kg) is specified on

the towing equipment identification

plate and in the vehicle documents.

Always aim for the maximum load,

especially in the case of heavy

trailers. The vertical coupling load

should never fall below 25 kg.

Rear axle load

When the trailer is coupled and the

towing vehicle fully loaded, the

permissible rear axle load (see

identification plate or vehicle

documents) may be exceeded by

65 kg and the permissible gross

vehicle weight by 45 kg for the

Saloon. For the Station wagon, the

permissible rear axle load may be

exceeded by 60 kg and the

permissible gross vehicle weight by

30 kg. If the permissible rear axle load

is exceeded, a maximum speed of

100 km/h applies.

Towing equipment

Caution

When operating without a trailer,

remove the coupling ball bar.

156

Driving and operating

Stowage of coupling ball bar

In Saloons, the coupling ball bar is in

a pouch, fastened in the load

compartment cargo box with a strap.

In Station wagons, the coupling ball

bar is fastened with a strap in a

compartment in the spare wheel well

of the load compartment.

Fitting the coupling ball bar

Fold down the socket. Remove the

sealing plug from the hole for the

coupling ball bar and stow it in the

load compartment.

Checking the tensioning of the

coupling ball bar

■ Red marking on rotary knob must

point towards white marking on

coupling ball bar.

■ The gap between the rotary knob

and the coupling ball bar must be

approx. 4 millimetres.

■ Key must be at position c (1).

Otherwise, the coupling ball bar must

be tensioned before being inserted:

■ Unlock coupling ball bar by turning

key to position c (1)

Driving and operating

157

■ Pull out rotary knob and turn

clockwise as far as it will go.

Inserting the coupling ball bar

Insert the tensioned coupling ball bar

in the opening and push firmly

upwards until it audibly engages.
The rotary handle snaps back into its

original position resting against the

coupling ball bar without a gap.

9 Warning

Do not touch rotary handle during

insertion.

Lock the coupling ball bar by turning

the key to position e (2). Remove the

key and close the protective flap.

Eye for break-away stopping cable

Attach break-away stopping cable to

eye.

Check that the coupling ball bar is

correctly installed

■ Green marking on rotary knob must

point towards white marking on

coupling ball bar.

■ There must be no gap between the

rotary handle and the coupling ball

bar.

■ The coupling ball bar must be firmly

engaged in the opening.

■ The coupling ball bar must be

locked and the key removed.

9 Warning

Towing a trailer is permitted only

when a coupling ball bar is fitted

correctly. If the coupling ball bar

does not engage correctly, seek

the assistance of a workshop.

158

Driving and operating

Dismounting the coupling ball

bar

Open the protective flap and turn the

key to position c (1) to unlock the

coupling ball bar.
Pull out rotary handle and turn

clockwise as far as it will go. Pull out

coupling ball bar downwards.
Insert sealing plug in opening. Fold

away socket.

Trailer stability assist

If the system detects snaking

movements, engine power is reduced

and the vehicle/trailer combination is

selectively braked until the snaking

ceases.
Trailer stability assistant (TSA) is a

function of the Electronic Stability

Program (ESP®

Plus

) 3 147.

Vehicle care

159

Vehicle care

General 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 . . . . . ... 203

General 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.

160

Vehicle care

■ Open bonnet, close all doors and

lock the vehicle.

■ Disconnect the clamp from the

negative terminal of the vehicle

battery. Be aware that all systems

are non-operational, e.g. the anti-

theft alarm system.

Putting back into operation

The following must be done if the

vehicle is 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 about 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.

Vehicle checks

Performing work

9 Warning

Only perform engine compartment

checks when the ignition is off.
The cooling fan may start

operating even if the ignition is off.

Vehicle care

161

9 Danger

The ignition system and Xenon

headlights use extremely high

voltage. Do not touch.

The caps for topping up the engine oil,

the coolant, the washing fluid and the

oil dipstick handle are yellow for ease

of identification.

Bonnet

Opening

Pull the release lever and return it to

its original position.

Lift the safety catch upwards and

open the bonnet.
Air intake 3 131.
Secure the bonnet support.

Closing

Before closing the bonnet, press the

support into the holder.
Lower the bonnet and allow it to drop

into the catch. Check that the bonnet

is engaged.

Engine oil

Check the engine oil level instructionly

on a regular basis to prevent damage

to the engine. Ensure that the correct

specification of oil is used.

Recommended fluids and lubricants

3

208.

Check with the vehicle on a level

surface. The engine must be at

operating temperature and switched

off for at least 5 minutes.
Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean,

insert it to the stop on the handle, pull

it out and read the engine oil level.
Insert the dipstick to the stop on the

handle and make half a turn.

162

Vehicle care

Different dipsticks are used

depending on engine variant.

When the engine oil level has

dropped to the MIN mark, top up

engine oil.

We recommend the use of the same

grade of engine oil that was used at

last change.
The engine oil level must not exceed

the MAX mark on the dipstick.

Caution

Overfilled engine oil must be

drained or suctioned out.

Capacities 3 224.
Fit the cap on straight and tighten it.

Engine coolant

The coolant provides freeze

protection down to approx. -28 °C.

Caution

Only use approved antifreeze.

Vehicle care

163

Coolant level

Caution

Too low a coolant level can cause

engine 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.

164

Vehicle care

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 between

the 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.

Vehicle care

165

■ The vehicle battery contains

sulphuric acid which could cause

blindness or serious burn injuries.

■ See the Owner's Manual for further

information.

■ Explosive gas may be present in

the vicinity of the vehicle battery.

Diesel fuel system

bleeding

If the tank has been run dry, the diesel

fuel system must be bled. Switch on

the ignition three times for

15 seconds at a time. Then crank the

engine for a maximum of

40 seconds. Repeat this process after

no less than 5 seconds. If the engine

fails to start, seek the assistance of a

workshop.

Wiper blade replacement

Service setting for front

windscreen wipers

Switch off the ignition but do not

remove ignition key or open driver's

door.
Within 4 seconds, push the wiper

lever down and release as soon as

the wipers are vertical.

Wiper blades on the windscreen

Lift the wiper arm, tilt wiper blade at a

90° to the wiper arm and remove to

the side.