Opel Agila (2011 year). Instruction — part 6

86

Driving and operating

Automatic transmission

The automatic transmission permits

automatic gearshifting.

Transmission display

The mode or selected gear is shown

in the transmission display.

Selector lever

P = park position, wheels are

locked, engage only when the

vehicle is stationary and the

parking brake is applied

R = reverse gear, engage only

when vehicle is stationary

N = neutral

D = automatic mode with all gears
The selector lever is locked in P and

can only be moved when the ignition

is on and the brake pedal is applied.
To engage P or R, push the release

button on selector lever.

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.
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

slowly begins to creep when the

brake is released.

Gears 3, 2, L

3, 2, L = Transmission does not

shift above the selected

gear.

Press button on selector lever to

engage 3 or L.
Only select 3, 2 or L to prevent

automatic upshifting or as an aid in

engine braking.

Engine braking

To utilise the engine braking effect,

select a lower gear in good time when

driving downhill.

Driving and operating

87

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.
The ignition key can only be removed

when the selector lever is in position

P.

Electronic driving

programmes

■ Following a cold start, the operating

temperature programme may

increase engine speed to quickly

bring the catalytic converter to the

required temperature.

■ Under extreme cold conditions, the

transmission may not automatically

upshift to 4th gear for a short period

to allow operating temperature to

increase.

Kickdown

If the accelerator pedal is pressed

past the pressure point, the

transmission shifts to a lower gear

depending on engine speed.

Fault

In the event of a fault 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 battery is discharged, start the

vehicle using jump leads 3 115.
If the battery is not the cause of the

fault, release selector lever:

1. Apply parking brake.

2. Remove cap concealing release

button.

88

Driving and operating

3. Push the button with

a screwdriver and move the

selector lever out of P. If P is

engaged again, the selector lever

will be locked in position again.
On variants with SHIFT LOCK

button, push button and move

selector lever.
Have the cause of the power

supply interruption remedied by

a workshop.

4. Refit release button cap.

Instruction transmission

Reverse: with the vehicle stationary,

wait 3 seconds after depressing the

clutch before engaging gear.
If the gear does not engage, set the

lever in neutral, release the clutch

pedal and depress again; then repeat

gear selection.
Do not grind the clutch unnecessarily.
When operating, depress the clutch

pedal completely. Do not use the

pedal as a foot rest.

Caution

It is inadvisable to drive with hand

resting on the selector lever.

Driving and operating

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 you depress the

brake pedal firmly. You need to use

considerably more force 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 59.

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.
Control indicator u 3 59.

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

Always apply parking brake firmly

without operating the release button,

and apply as firmly as possible on

a downhill or uphill slope.
To release the parking brake, pull the

lever up slightly, press the release

button and fully lower the lever.
To reduce the operating forces of the

parking brake, depress the foot brake

at the same time.
Control indicator R 3 59.

90

Driving and operating

Brake assist

If the brake pedal is depressed

quickly and forcefully, maximum

brake force is automatically applied

(full braking).
Maintain steady pressure on the

brake pedal for as long as full braking

is required. Maximum brake force is

automatically reduced when the

brake pedal is released.

Ride control systems

Traction Control system

Traction Control system (TC) is

a component part of the Electronic

Stability Program (ESP®) which

improves driving stability when

necessary, regardless of the type of

road surface or tyre grip, by

preventing the drive wheels from

spinning.
As soon as the drive wheels starts to

spin, engine output is reduced and

the wheel spinning the most is braked

individually. This considerably

improves the driving stability of the

vehicle on slippery road surfaces.
TC is operational as soon as the

control indicator b extinguishes.
When TC is active b flashes.

9 Warning

Do not let this special safety

feature tempt you into taking risks

when driving.
Adapt speed to the road

conditions.

Control indicator b 3 60.

Deactivation

TC can be switched off when spinning

of drive wheels is required: press

button TCSS OFF.

Driving and operating

91

Control indicator TCSS OFF

illuminates.
TC is reactivated by pressing the

TCSS OFF button again.
Control indicator TCSS OFF 3 60.

Electronic stability

program

Electronic Stability Program (ESP®)

improves driving stability when

necessary, regardless of the type of

road surface or tyre grip. It also

prevents the drive wheels from

spinning.
As soon as the vehicle starts to

swerve (understeer/oversteer),

engine output is reduced and the

wheels are braked individually. This

considerably improves the driving

stability of the vehicle on slippery road

surfaces.
ESP® is operational as soon as

control indicators b ESP and TCSS

OFF extinguish.
When ESP® comes into action b

flashes.

9 Warning

Do not let this special safety

feature tempt you into taking risks

when driving.
Adapt speed to the road

conditions.

Control indicator b 3 60.

Fuel

Fuel for petrol engines

Only use unleaded fuel that complies

with DIN EN 228.
Fuels with ethanol content greater

than 5% may only be used if the

vehicle has been specifically

developed and approved for these

fuels.
Use fuel with the recommended

octane rating 3 126. Use of fuel with

too low an octane rating can reduce

engine power and torque and slightly

increases fuel consumption.
If the RON 95 label is attached to the

tank flap, unleaded fuel with an

octane rating of 95 or higher must be

used.

Caution

Use of fuel with too low an octane

rating could lead to uncontrolled

combustion and engine damage.

92

Driving and operating

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

a workshop.

The fuel filler flap is opened by pulling

up the release lever located on the

outboard side of the driver’s seat.

To open fuel filler cap: turn it

anticlockwise.

Caution

Wipe off any overflowing fuel

immediately.

Fuel filler cap

Only a genuine fuel filler cap provides

full functionality.

Fuel consumption - CO

2

-

Emissions

The determination of fuel

consumption is regulated by

European directive 80/1268/EEC

(latest edition 2004/3/EC).
The directive is oriented to actual

driving practices: Urban driving is

rated at approx.

1

/

3

and extra urban

driving with approx.

2

/

3

. Cold starts

and acceleration phases are also

taken into consideration.
The specification of CO

2

emission is

also a constituent of the directive.

Driving and operating

93

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 account of the vehicle’s kerb

weight, ascertained in accordance

with the regulations. Optional

equipment may result in slightly

higher fuel consumption and CO

2

emission levels and a lower maximum

speed.
Fuel consumption, CO

2

emissions

3

127.

94

Vehicle care

Vehicle care

General Information . . . . . . 94
Vehicle checks . . . . . . . . 95
Bulb replacement . . . . . . . 99
Electrical system . . . . . . 103
Vehicle tools . . . . . . . .. 107
Wheels and tyres . . . . . ... 107
Jump starting . . . . . . . . 115
Towing . . . . . . . . . ... 117
Appearance care . . . . . ... 118

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 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).

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 rubber seals.
■ Change engine oil.

■ Drain washer fluid reservoir.
■ Check coolant antifreeze and

corrosion protection.

■ Adjust tyre pressure to the value

specified for full load.

■ Park vehicle in a 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.
■ Open 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.

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.

Vehicle care

95

■ 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.

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.

9 Danger

The ignition system uses

extremely high voltage. Do not

touch.

Bonnet

Opening

Pull the release lever and return it to

its original position.

96

Vehicle care

Locate the safety catch on the

underside of the bonnet, push the

catch to the left and lift the bonnet.
Air intake 3 80.

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

It is advisable to check the engine oil

level instructionly before embarking on

a long journey.
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

out and read the engine oil level.

Caution

It is the owner's responsibility to

maintain the proper level of an

appropriate quality oil in the

engine.

Insert dipstick to the stop on the

handle.

When the engine oil level has

dropped to the MIN mark, top up

engine oil.

Vehicle care

97

We recommend the use of the same

type of engine oil that was used at the

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 3 129.
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.

Coolant level

Caution

Too low a coolant level can cause

engine damage.

If the cooling system is cold, the

coolant level should be between the

FULL/LOW marks. 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.

98

Vehicle care

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.

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 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 your vehicle.
Brake and clutch fluid 3 122.

Battery

The vehicle battery is maintenance-

free.
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.
Control indicator Z illuminates in the

instrument cluster then extinguishes

after the engine is started when the

electric throttle body system has been

correctly calibrated.

Vehicle care

99

Wiper blade replacement

Wiper blades on the windscreen

Lift wiper arm, press retaining clip

towards wiper arm and detach wiper

blade.

Wiper blade on the rear window

Lift wiper arm. Disengage wiper blade

as shown in illustration and remove.

Bulb replacement

Switch off the ignition and turn off the

relevant switch or close the doors.
Only hold a new bulb at the base! Do

not touch the bulb glass with bare

hands.
Use only the same bulb type for

replacement.

100

Vehicle care

Halogen headlights

Low beam and high beam

1. Remove headlight protective

cover.

2. Detach plug connector from bulb.
3. Push retaining spring wire clip

forward and unhook it.

4. Remove bulb from reflector

housing and pull bulb straight out

of socket.

5. Insert new bulb by pushing in and

install in reflector housing.

6. Engage spring wire clip, and

reattach plug connector to bulb.

7. Replace headlight protective

cover.

Sidelights

1. Remove headlight protective

cover.

2. Withdraw sidelight bulb holder

from reflector.

3. Remove bulb from socket and

renew bulb.

4. Insert new bulb by pushing in.
5. Insert holder in reflector. Replace

headlight protective cover.

Fog lights

Have bulbs replaced by a workshop.

Front turn signal lights

1. Rotate bulb holder anti-clockwise

to disengage.

Vehicle care

101

2. Push bulb into socket slightly,

rotate anti-clockwise, remove and

renew bulb.

3. Insert bulb holder in reflector,

rotate clockwise to engage.

Tail lights

1. Open tailgate.
2. Remove both screws on rear light

assembly.

3. Pull light assembly away from

vehicle, towards the rear.

4. Push bulb into socket slightly,

rotate anti-clockwise and remove.

5. Insert new bulb.

6. Replace light assembly in original

position, ensuring the upper and

lower lugs are seated correctly.

7. Replace both screws on rear

combination light assembly and

close tailgate.

Side turn signal lights

Have bulbs replaced by a workshop.

Centre high-mounted

brake light

1. Open tailgate and remove both

bolts on underside of tailgate.