Opel Insignia (2019 year). Instruction — part 12

182

Driving and operating

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 pedal is released.
Depending on driving conditions, the

overrun cut-off may be deactivated.

Stop-start system

The 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.

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

instructionly by pressing Ò. Deactivation

is indicated when the LED in the

button illuminates.

Autostop

Vehicles with instruction transmission

An Autostop can be activated at a

standstill or at a low speed up to

14 km/h.

Activate a conventional Autostop as

follows:

● Depress the clutch pedal.
● Set the lever to neutral.
● Release the clutch pedal.

The engine will be switched off while

the ignition stays on.

Indication

An Autostop is indicated by the

needle at the AUTOSTOP position in

the tachometer.
After restarting, the idle speed is

indicated.

Driving and operating

183

During 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

instructionly 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 self-cleaning function of the

exhaust filter is not active.

● The vehicle was driven at least at

walking speed since the last

Autostop.

Otherwise an Autostop will be

inhibited.
The stop-start system will be

deactivated on inclines of 12% or

more.
Certain settings of the climate control

system may inhibit an Autostop. See

Climate control chapter for more

details 3 165.
Immediately after motorway driving,

an Autostop may be inhibited.
New vehicle running-in 3 178.

Vehicle battery discharge protection

To ensure reliable engine restarts,

several battery discharge protection

features are implemented as part of

the stop-start system.

Power saving measures

During an Autostop, several electrical

features e.g. auxiliary electric heater

or heated rear window are disabled or

switched to a power saving mode.

The fan speed of the climate control

system is reduced to save power.

Restart of the engine by the driver

Vehicles with instruction transmission

All engines can be restarted in two

ways: with a conventional restart or a

late restart.
Conventional restart

Depress the clutch pedal without

depressing the brake pedal to restart

the engine.
Late restart

Late restart is only available on

inclines up to 5%.

● Depress the brake pedal.
● Depress the clutch pedal.
● Select first gear.
● Release the brake pedal to

restart the engine.

Vehicles with automatic transmission

Release the brake pedal or move

selector lever out of D into N or P to

restart the engine.

184

Driving and operating

Restart of the engine by the stop-

start system

The selector lever must be in neutral

to enable an automatic restart.
If 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

instructionly 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 instructionly

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 the restart might be noticeable.

Parking

9 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. Pull switch m for

approx. one second and check

if the control indicator m

illuminates.
The electric parking brake is

applied when control indicator

m

illuminates 3 107.

● Switch off the engine.

● If the vehicle is on a level

surface or uphill slope, engage

first gear or set the selector

lever to position P before

switching off ignition. On an

uphill slope, turn the front

wheels away from the kerb.
If the vehicle is on a downhill

slope, engage reverse gear or

set the selector lever to position

P before switching off ignition.

Turn the front wheels towards

the kerb.

● Close the windows and the

sunroof.

● Switch off ignition with power

button. Turn the steering wheel

until the steering wheel lock is

felt to engage.

● Lock the vehicle with button on

the door handle.

● Activate the anti-theft alarm

system.

● The engine cooling fans may run

after the engine has been

switched off 3 256.

Driving and operating

185

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 exhaust

9 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.

Exhaust filter

The exhaust filter is a particle filter for

diesel and gasoline engines.

Automatic cleaning process

The exhaust filter system filters 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 needs

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.

System requires cleaning

Under certain conditions, e.g. driving

short distances, the system cannot

clean itself automatically.
If cleaning of the filter is required and

if previous driving conditions did not

enable automatic cleaning, it will be

indicated by a warning message in

the Driver Information Centre.

186

Driving and operating

A warning message appears when

exhaust filter is full. Start cleaning

process as soon as possible.
A warning message also appears

when exhaust filter has reached the

maximum filling level. Start cleaning

process immediately to avoid

damage to the engine.

Activate self-cleaning process

To activate cleaning process,

continue driving, keep engine speed

above 2000 rpm. Shift down if

necessary. Exhaust filter cleaning is

then started.
Cleaning process is completed more

quickly at high engine speeds and

loads.
Keep on driving until self-cleaning

operation is complete and the display

message disappears.

Caution

If possible, do not interrupt

cleaning process. Drive until

cleaning is completed to avoid the

need for service or repair by a

workshop.

Cleaning process not possible

If cleaning is not possible for any

reason, control indicator Z

illuminates and a warning message

appears in the Driver Information

Centre. Engine power may be

reduced. Seek the assistance of a

workshop immediately.

Catalytic converter

The catalytic converter reduces the

amount of harmful substances in the

exhaust gases.

Caution

Fuel grades other than those listed

on pages 3 246, 3 309 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.

Driving and operating

187

AdBlue

General information

The selective catalytic reduction

(BlueInjection) is a method to

substantially reduce the nitrogen

oxides in the exhaust emission. This

is achieved by injecting a Diesel

Exhaust Fluid (DEF) into the exhaust

system. The ammonia released by

the fluid reacts with nitrous gases

(NO

x

) from the exhaust and turns it

into nitrogen and water.
The designation of this fluid is AdBlue

®

. It is a non-toxic, non-flammable,

colourless and odourless fluid which

consists of 32% urea and 68% water.

9 Warning

Avoid contact of your eyes or skin

with AdBlue.
In case of eye or skin contact,

rinse off with water.

Caution

Avoid contact of the paintwork with

AdBlue.
In case of contact, rinse off with

water.

AdBlue freezes at a temperature of

approx. -11 °C. As the vehicle is

equipped with an AdBlue pre-heater,

the emissions reduction at low

temperatures is ensured. The AdBlue

pre-heater works automatically.
The typical AdBlue consumption is

approx. two litres per 1000 km, but

can also be higher depending on

driving behaviour (e.g. high load or

towing).

AdBlue tank

The AdBlue tank level can be found in

the display menu.

Level warnings

Depending on the calculated range of

AdBlue, different messages are

displayed in the Driver Information

Centre. The messages and the

restrictions are a legal requirement.
The first possible warning is AdBlue

Range: 2400 km.
This warning will show up once briefly

with the calculated range. Driving is

possible without any restrictions.
The next warning level is entered with

a range below 1750 km. The

message with the current range will

always be displayed when ignition is

switched on and needs to be

confirmed 3 112. Refill AdBlue before

entering the next warning level.
At an AdBlue range below 900 km,

the following warning messages are

alternately displayed and cannot be

dismissed:

● AdBlue Low Refill Now
● Engine Restart Prevented in 900

km.

Additionally, control indicator Y

flashes continuously.

188

Driving and operating

Note

In case of high AdBlue consumption,

the Driver Information Centre may

display this warning without the

previous warning stages.

The last warning level is entered

when the AdBlue tank is empty.

Restart of the engine is not possible.

The following warning messages are

alternately displayed and cannot be

dismissed:

● AdBlue Empty Refill Now
● Engine Will Not Restart.

Additionally, control indicator Y

flashes continuously.
With active prevention of an engine

start, the following message will be

displayed:
Refill AdBlue To Start Vehicle.
The tank must be refilled completely

with AdBlue, otherwise restarting of

the engine is not possible.
3

318

High emission warnings

If the exhaust emission rises above a

certain value, warnings similar to the

range warnings will be displayed in

the Driver Information Centre.
Requests to have the exhaust system

checked and finally the

announcement of the prevention of

an engine restart are displayed.

These restrictions are a legal

requirement.
Consult a workshop for assistance.

Refilling AdBlue

Caution

Only use AdBlue that complies

with European standards

DIN 70 070 and ISO 22241-1.
Do not use additives.
Do not dilute AdBlue.
Otherwise the selective catalytic

reduction system could be

damaged.

Note

Whenever a filling pump with a

nozzle for passenger cars is not

available at a filling station, use only

AdBlue bottles or canisters with a

sealed refill adapter for refilling, to

prevent splashback and overspill,

and in order to ensure that the fumes

from the tank are captured and do

not emerge. AdBlue in bottles or

canisters is available in many filling

stations and can be purchased e.g.

at Opel dealers and other retail

outlets.
Since AdBlue has a limited

durability, check the date of expiry

before refilling.
Note

When unscrewing the protective cap

from the filler neck, ammonia fumes

may emerge. Do not inhale as the

fumes have a pungent smell. The

fumes are not harmful by inhalation.

The AdBlue tank should be filled

completely. This must be done if the

warning message regarding

prevention of an engine restart is

already displayed.

Driving and operating

189

The vehicle must be parked on a level

surface.
The filler neck for AdBlue is located

behind the fuel filler flap, which is

located at right rear side of the

vehicle.
The fuel filler flap can only be opened

if the vehicle is unlocked.

1. Remove key from ignition switch.
2. Close all doors to avoid ammonia

fumes entering the interior of the

vehicle.

3. Release the fuel filler flap by

pushing the flap 3 248.

4. Unscrew protective cap from the

filler neck.

5. Open AdBlue canister.
6. Mount one end of the hose on the

canister and screw the other end

on the filler neck.

7. Lift the canister until it is empty, or

until the flow from the canister has

stopped. This can take up to

five minutes.

8. Place the canister on the ground

to empty the hose, wait

15 seconds.

9. Unscrew the hose from the filler

neck.

10. Mount the protective cap and turn

clockwise until it engages.

Note

Dispose of AdBlue canister

according to environmental

requirements. To reuse the hose

flush it with clear water after usage.

Automatic transmission

The automatic transmission permits

automatic gear shifting (automatic

mode) or instruction gear shifting

(instruction mode).
Instruction shifting is possible in instruction

mode by tapping the selector lever to

+ or - or pulling the steering wheel

paddles.

Transmission display

Illustrations show different versions.

190

Driving and operating

The mode or selected gear is shown

in the Driver Information Centre.
In automatic mode, the driving

programme is indicated by D.
In instruction mode, M and the number

of the selected gear is indicated.
R indicates reverse gear.
N indicates neutral position.
P indicates park position.

Selector lever

P : park position, wheels are locked,

engage only when the vehicle is

stationary

R : reverse gear, engage only when

the vehicle is stationary

N : neutral

D : automatic mode

M : instruction mode

<

: upshift in instruction mode

]

: downshift in instruction mode

The selector lever is locked in P and

can only be moved when the ignition

is on, the release button on the

selector lever is pushed and the brake

pedal is applied.
Without brake pedal applied, control

indicator j illuminates.
If the selector lever is not in P when

the ignition is switched off, control

indicator j flashes.
To engage P or R, press the release

button.
The engine can only be started with

lever in position P or N. When position

N is selected, press brake pedal or

apply parking brake before starting.

Driving and operating

191

Do not accelerate while engaging a

gear. Never depress the accelerator

pedal and brake pedal at the same

time.
When a gear is engaged, the vehicle

begins to creep when the brake is

released.

Engine braking

To utilise the engine braking effect,

select a lower gear in good time when

driving downhill, see instruction mode.

Rocking the vehicle

Rocking the vehicle is only

permissible if the vehicle is stuck in

sand, mud or snow. Move the selector

lever between D and R in a repeat

pattern. Do not race the engine and

avoid sudden acceleration.

Parking

Apply the parking brake and engage

P.

Instruction mode

Selector lever

Move selector lever out of position D

towards the left in position M.
Instruction mode M can be activated

from position D in each driving

situation and speed.
Tap selector lever upwards + to shift

to a higher gear.
Tap the selector lever downwards - to

shift to a lower gear.
The selected gear is indicated in the

instrument cluster.

Steering wheel paddles

Move selector lever out of position D

towards the left in position M.
Instruction mode M can be activated

from position D in each driving

situation and speed.
Pull steering wheel paddles to select

gears instructionly.
Pull right paddle + to shift to a higher

gear.
Pull left paddle - to shift to a lower

gear.
Multiple pulls allow gears to be

skipped.

192

Driving and operating

The selected gear is indicated in the

instrument cluster.

Temporary instruction mode in drive

mode D

Instruction paddle shifting is also

possible in automatic mode D. Upon

completion of instruction shifting

operation, transmission changes to

automatic mode D after a defined

time.
To interrupt instruction mode and return

to D, do one of the following:

● Press + paddle for 1 second.
● Move selector lever towards the

left to instruction mode and back to

position D.

If the vehicle is at a standstill and

engine is idling, the transmission will

remain in temporary instruction mode. It

changes to automatic mode when

accelerator pedal is operated for a

defined time, and no paddle shifting

at the steering wheel is performed.

General

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 instruction mode, no automatic

shifting to a higher gear takes place

at high engine revolutions, except

activating the kickdown function.

Gear shift indication

The symbol R or S with a number

beside it is indicated when gear

shifting is recommended for fuel

saving reasons.
Shift indication appears only in

instruction mode.

Electronic driving programmes

● When SPORT mode is engaged,

the vehicle shifts at higher engine

speeds (unless cruise control is

on). SPORT mode 3 201.

● Special programmes

automatically adapt the shifting

points when driving up inclines or

down hills.

● In snowy or icy conditions or on

other slippery surfaces, the

electronic transmission control

enables the driver to instructionly

select first, second or third gear

for starting off.

Kickdown

Pressing down the accelerator pedal

beyond the kickdown detent will lead

to maximum acceleration even in

instruction mode. The transmission

shifts to a lower gear depending on

engine speed and shifts to a higher

gear at high engine revolutions.

Overheat protection

In the event of transmission-

overheating due to high outside

temperatures or sporty driving style,

the torque and the maximum speed of

the engine can be temporarily

reduced.

Fault

In the event of a fault a vehicle

message is displayed in the Driver

Information Centre. Vehicle

messages 3 123.
6-gear automatic transmission:

electronic transmission control

enables only fourth gear; 8-gear

automatic transmission: electronic

Driving and operating

193

transmission control enables only

third gear. The transmission no

longer shifts automatically.
Have the cause of the fault remedied

by a workshop.

Interruption of power supply

In the event of an interruption of

power supply, the selector lever

cannot be moved out of the P

position.
If the vehicle battery is discharged,

start the vehicle using jump leads

3

293.

If the vehicle battery is not the cause

of the fault, release the selector lever.

1. Apply parking brake.

2. Release the selector lever trim

from the centre console. Poke

with a finger into the leather

socket beside the selector lever

and pull the trim up carefully, there

is a cable attached to it. Slide trim

slightly forward as it is hinged on

its rear side. Tilt loose trim to the

left side to aviod tensioning the

cable.

3. Insert a small stick (e.g. a pen or

screwdriver) into the opening near

the selector lever. Push down the

stick vertically and move the

selector lever out of P. If this

position is engaged again, the

selector lever will be locked again.

Have the cause of the power

supply interruption remedied by a

workshop.

4. Mount the selector lever trim onto

the centre console and refit.

194

Driving and operating

Manual transmission

To engage reverse, depress the

clutch pedal and 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.
Do not slip the clutch unnecessarily.
When operating, depress the clutch

pedal completely. Do not use the

pedal as a foot rest.

When clutch slip is detected for a

specific time, the engine power will be

reduced. A warning is displayed in the

Driver Information Centre. Release

the clutch.

Caution

It is not advisable to drive with the

hand resting on the selector lever.

Gear shift indication 3 108.
Stop-start system 3 182.

Drive systems

All-wheel drive

The All-wheel drive system enhances

driving characteristics and stability,

and helps to achieve the best

possible driveability regardless of

ground surface. The system is always

active and cannot be deactivated.
The torque is distributed steplessly

between the wheels of the front and

rear axle up to a torque split of 50%

to 50%. Depending on the driving

conditions, i.e. steady state driving,

All wheel drive system transfers a

minimum amount of torque for fuel

efficiency. Additionally the torque

vectoring between the rear wheels is

distributed depending on the vehicle

dynamic and surface.
This is possible because the All wheel

drive system operates with two

clutches, one on each side.
For optimum system performance,

the vehicle's tyres should not have

varying degrees of wear.

Driving and operating

195

If a service message is displayed in

the Driver Information Centre, the

system may have limited functionality

(or be completely disabled in some

cases, i.e. the vehicle switches to

Front-wheel drive). Seek the

assistance of a workshop.
Towing the vehicle 3 295.

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 the 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 3 107.
Active emergency braking 3 220.

Antilock brake system

Antilock brake system (ABS)

prevents the wheels from locking.

ABS starts to regulate brake pressure

as soon as a wheel shows a tendency

to lock. The vehicle remains

steerable, even during hard braking.
ABS control is made apparent

through a pulse in the brake pedal

and the noise of the regulation

process.
For optimum braking, keep the brake

pedal fully depressed throughout the

braking process, despite the fact that

the pedal is pulsating. Do not reduce

the pressure on the pedal.
After starting off, the system performs

a self-test which may be audible.

Control indicator u 3 108.

Adaptive brake light

During full braking, all three brake

lights flash for the duration of ABS

control.

196

Driving and operating

Fault

9 Warning

If there is a fault in the ABS, the

wheels may be liable to lock due

to braking that is heavier than

normal. The advantages of ABS

are no longer available. During

hard braking, the vehicle can no

longer be steered and may

swerve.

Have the cause of the fault remedied

by a workshop.

Parking brake

9 Warning

Before leaving the vehicle, check

parking brake status. Control

indicator m must illuminate

constantly.

Electric parking brake

Applying when vehicle is stationary

9 Warning

Pull switch m for a minimum of

one second until control indicator

m

illuminates constantly and

electric parking brake is applied

3

107. The electric parking brake

operates automatically with

adequate force.
Before leaving the vehicle, check

the electric parking brake status.

Control indicator m 3 107.

The electric parking brake can always

be activated, even if the ignition is off.
Do not operate electric parking brake

system too often without engine

running as this will discharge the

vehicle battery.

Releasing

Switch on ignition. Keep foot brake

pedal depressed and then push

switch m.

Drive away function

Vehicles with manual transmission:

Depressing the clutch pedal and then

slightly releasing the clutch pedal and

slightly depressing the accelerator

pedal releases the electric parking

brake automatically. This is not

possible when switch m is pulled at

the same time.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:

Engaging D and then depressing the

accelerator pedal releases the

electric parking brake automatically.

This is not possible when switch m is

pulled at the same time.

Driving and operating

197

Dynamic braking when vehicle is

moving

When the vehicle is moving and the

switch m is kept pulled, the electric

parking brake system will decelerate

the vehicle, but will not apply

statically.
As soon as the switch m is released,

dynamic braking will be stopped.

Automatic applying

If the vehicle is equipped with

automatic transmission and adaptive

cruise control is active, electric

parking brake is applied automatically

when vehicle is stopped by the

system for more than two minutes.
Parking brake releases automatically

after moving off.

Functionality check

When the vehicle is not moving, the

electric parking brake might be

applied automatically. This is done to

check the system.

Fault

Failure mode of electric parking brake

is indicated by a control indicator j

and by a vehicle message which is

displayed in the Driver Information

Centre. Vehicle messages 3 123.
Apply electric parking brake: pull and

hold the switch m for more than

five seconds. If control indicator m

illuminates, electric parking brake is

applied.
Release electric parking brake: push

and hold the switch m for more than

two seconds. If control indicator m

extinguishes, electric parking brake is

released.
Control indicator m flashes: electric

parking brake is not fully applied or

released. When continuously

flashing, release electric parking

brake and retry applying.

Brake assist

If brake pedal is depressed quickly

and forcefully, maximum brake force

is automatically applied.

Operation of brake assist might

become apparent by a pulse in the

brake pedal and a greater resistance

when depressing the brake pedal.
Maintain steady pressure on the

brake pedal as long as full braking is

required. Maximum brake force is

automatically reduced when brake

pedal is released.

Hill start assist

The system helps preventing

unintended movement when driving

away on inclines.
When releasing the brake pedal after

stopping on an incline, brakes remain

on for further two seconds. The

brakes release automatically as soon

as the vehicle begins to accelerate.

The hill start assist will not activate if

one of the following conditions

occurs:

● forward gear is engaged when

facing downhill.

● reverse gear is engaged when

facing uphill.