Opel GT (2012 year). Instruction — part 8

118

Driving and operation

Maintena nc e
Hav e all maintenance work carried out

at the intervals specified by Opel. We
recom mend that you entrust this work

to your Opel Service Partner, who ha s
proper equipment and trained personnel

ava ilab le. Elec tronic testing systems
permit rapid dia gnosis and rem edy of

faults. This way you can b e certain that
all comp onents of the vehicle’s electric al,

injection and ignition systems operate
correctly, that your vehicle has a low level

of pollutant emission and that the c atalytic
converter system will hav e a long service

life.
You are thereby m aking an imp ortant

contrib ution towards keeping the air clean
and com plia nc e with emissions legislation.
The Service work includes testing and
adjusting the fuel injection system and the

ignition system . For this reason, hav e a ll
Service work carried out at the interv als

specified by Opel (see chapter "Serv ic e,
Maintenance" on page 165).

Drive control systems

Electronic Stab ility Program (ESP),

Electronic Stab ility Control (ESC)
Elec tronic Stability Control (ESC) is a

component part of the Electronic Stability
Program (ESP).
ESP im proves driving stability w hen
necessary in any driving situation,

regardless of the type of road surface or
tyre g rip . It also prevents the d riv e wheels

from spinning.
The system m onitors vehicle movements.

As soon as the vehicle starts to swerve
(understeers/oversteers) engine output is

reduced (the sound of the engine cha ng es)
and individual wheels are specifically

braked . This considerab ly improves the
driving stability of the vehicle on snow and

ice and on wet or slippery road surfa ces.

ESP is ready for operation as soon a s the
ignition is switched on and control

indicator v goes out.
The ESP control process is disp la yed b y the

flashing of v.
The vehicle is now in a critical situa tion;

ESP allows you to keep control of the
vehicle a nd reminds you to m atch your

speed to the road conditions.

9

Warning

Do not let this special safety feature

tempt you into ta king risk s w hen driving.
Tra ffic safety can only b e ac hieved by

adopting a responsible d riv ing style.

119

Driving and operation

Control indica tor v

Illuminates for a few seconds when the
ignition is switched on. The system is ready

for operation when the control indica tor
goes out.
Flashing during driving:
This shows the system has com e into

action. The engine output may be reduced
(the sound of the engine cha nges) a nd the

vehic le ma y be braked automatically to a
small degree.
The d riv er information centre also shows
"ESC ACTIVE" and/or "LOW TR ACTION "

when the system has come into action.
See page 69.
"ESC" appears in som e wa rning messages.
ESC is a component part of the Electronic

Stab ility Prog ra m (ESP), improving driving
stability.

Illum inates while driving:
The system is switched off or a fault is

present. Continued driving is possible.
The driving stability ca n however

deteriorate depending on road surface
conditions.
The driver informa tion centre show s
"ESC OFF", "SERVICE ESC" or

"SERVICE TR ACTION " if a system fault
oc curs. See pages 69, 70.
The driver informa tion centre show s
"TRACTION OFF" a nd /or "ESC OFF" if the

system has been switched off. See pages
69, 70.
Reactiva te ESP or have the c ause of the
fa ult remedied by a work shop. The

system’s integrated self-diagnostics allow
fa ults to be quickly remedied.

Sw itching off:

The tra ction control aspect of ESP ca n be
switched off by pressing button R once.
ESP can also b e switched off altogether by
pressing and holding the button for more

than 10 second s.
When traction control and /or ESP have

been deactivated, c ontrol indicator v
illuminates in the instrum ent panel.
The driver information centre shows
"TRACTION OFF" if the button is pressed

once, and also "ESC OFF" if the system has
been switched off a ltogether.

See pages 69, 70.
Traction control and ESP are switched on

aga in by pressing b utton R a gain (control
indicator g oes out imm ediately) or the next

time the ig nition is switched on.

120

Driving and operation

Comp etitive m od e

Competitiv e mode allows the driver to have
full control of the rear wheels while ESP

continues to assist in maintaining the
driving sta bility of the v ehicle by brak ing

the front wheels as necessary.
To activate:

Press button R twice within 5 seconds.
Control indica tor v illuminates in the

instrument panel. The trac tion control
aspect of ESP is dea ctivated for high

performance driving.
The driver informa tion centre show s

"COMPETITIVE MODE". See pa ge 69.
Ad just your driving a ccording ly.

To deactivate:
Briefly press button R again or switch off

the ignition.

9

Warning

When the traction control aspect of ESP is
switched off, it is possible to lose traction.
Do not a ttempt to shift gears while the
rear wheels are spinning, to prevent

damage to the transmission. Failure to
follow these instructions can c ause

injuries or put lives at risk .

9

Warning

When competitive mode is engaged, it is

possible to lose traction.
Do not attempt to shift while the rear

wheels are spinning, to prevent dama ge
to the transm ission. Fa ilure to follow

these instructions can cause injuries or
put lives at risk.

121

Driving and operation

Cruise control
The c ruise c ontrol can store and maintain

speeds above approx. 30 k m/h (20 mph).
Dev iations from the stored sp eeds m ay

occur when d riv ing uphill or d ow nhill.
For safety reasons, cruise control cannot

be activated until the brak e pedal has
been operated once.
Cruise control is operated with buttons m,

8

, and

9

on the left side of the steering

wheel.
Do not use cruise control if it is

not advisable to maintain a constant
speed (e.g. in situa tions presenting a

danger to yourself and other road users,
in heav y traffic or on winding, slippery or

greasy roads).
When cruise control is a ctive, reaction

times may be increased due to the different
position of the feet.

To activate:

Press button m to turn c ruise c ontrol on.
The control indica tor in the button will

illuminate.

Accelerate to the desired speed, press the

9

button and release it: the current

speed is stored and maintained.
The accelerator ped al can be released
after setting cruise control speed.
Vehicle speed can be increased
temporarily for overta king purposes, by

depressing the accelerator pedal.
When the accelerator ped al is released,

the previously stored speed is resumed.
"CRUISE ENGAGED" appears in the driver

inform ation centre with cruise control
active.
Check c ontrol warning messages -
see page 68.

9

Warning

The driver is always responsible for
maintaining a n appropriate speed if

cruise control is on. Failure to follow
instruc tions c an ca use injuries or put liv es

at risk.

122

Driving and operation

Incr ease speed :
With cruise control activ e, hold down

button

8

or briefly press it repeatedly:

speed is increased continuously or in steps

of 1.6 km/h (1 m ph) without using the
accelerator pedal.
When button

8

is released, the current

speed is stored and m aintained.
Alternatively, use the accelerator pedal to
increase vehicle speed, press button

9

and release it, then release the accelerator
pedal.
When button

9

and the accelerator

pedal are released, the current speed is

stored and m ainta ined.

Decrease speed:
With cruise control activ e, hold down

button

9

or briefly press it rep eatedly:

speed is reduced continuously or in steps

of 1.6 km/h (1 m ph).
When button

9

is released, the current

speed is stored and m aintained.

To dea ctivate:
Switch off cruise control when not needed,

to avoid accid ental activa tion.
Press button m: cruise control is switched

off, the control indicator in the button goes
out a nd the vehicle slowly d ecelerates.

To continue driv ing , depress the
accelerator ped al in the usua l manner.
For reasons of safety, c ruise control
deactiv ates under certain driving

conditions. For exa mple:
z if the vehicle’s speed drops below

approx. 30 km/h (20 mph) or

z if the brake peda l is depressed or
z if the clutch p edal is depressed or
z if the Elec tronic Stability Program (ESP)

comes into a ction, to improve driving
stability and lim it wheel spin.

Deactivating cruise control does not switch
off the system.

Resuming the stored speed:

Briefly press button

8

at a speed above

30 km /h (20 mph): speed selected before

cruise c ontrol was deactivated is resumed.
The value of the stored speed is deleted

when cruise control ha s b een switched off
by pressing button m, and when the

ignition is turned off.

Brake system

The effectiveness of the brakes is an

important factor for traffic sa fety.
To improve effectiveness, d o not brake

unnecessarily hard for the first 200 k m
(120 miles) a fter new brake pads have

been fitted .
Brake pad wea r must not exceed a

spec ified limit. R egular ma intena nce as
detailed in the chapter "Service,

Maintenance" on pag e 165 is therefore of
the utm ost importance for traffic safety.
Hav e w orn b ra ke p ads replaced by a
workshop. Pads which have been tested

and a pproved ensure optimum b ra ke
performa nc e.
Brake pad s that hav e worn to their
minimum thickness generate a grinding

noise. Continued driving is possible.
Hav e the brake pads replaced as soon

as possible by a workshop.

9

Warning

Disregard of these instruc tions may lead

to injuries or endanger lives.

123

Driving and operation

Brake assist

Powerful application of the brake peda l
automatically applies maximum brak ing

force a mplification to a chieve the shortest
possible braking d istance under full

braking (brak e a ssist).
Maintain steady pressure on the brak e

pedal for as long as full-on brak ing is
to continue. When the brake ped al is

released, the maximum brak e force
amp lification is taken away.

Foot b rake
The foot brake comp rises two independent

brake circuits.
If a brake circuit fails, the vehicle can still be

braked using the other brake circuit. If this
oc curs, however, the brak e pedal m ust be

depressed quite far using considerable
force before braking effect occurs. The

distance required for braking will b e
greater. Consult a workshop before

continuing your journey.
To ensure the full pedal travel can be

utilized, esp ecially in c ase of a fault in one
of the brake circuits, there must b e no

unrestrained mats in the vic inity of the
pedals – see page 111.
When the engine is not running, the
assista nce of the brake servo unit ends

once the brake peda l has b een depressed
once or twice. Braking effect is not

reduced, but braking requires significantly
greater force.

Check the brake lamps before starting
out on a journey.
Just before starting any journey, check
effectiveness of brak e system at low

speeds and without obstructing moving
traffic, pa rticularly if brakes are wet, e.g.

after washing the vehicle.
The brake/clutch fluid level should b e

checked regularly. If the b ra ke/clutc h fluid
level is too low and the hand brak e is not

app lied, c ontrol indicator R illumina tes in
the instrument panel – see pa ge 56.

124

Driving and operation

Hand brake

Always apply ha nd brake firmly. On slopes,
apply the hand brake as firmly as possible.
The m echanical hand b ra ke a ffects the
rea r wheel brakes. They a utomatica lly

enga ge w hen the lever is p ulled.
To release the hand brake, lift handle

slig htly, press release button and lower
handle all the way down.
To reduce the opera ting forces of the hand
brake, depress the foot brake at the sa me

time.

Control ind icator R for brake system

Illum inates when the ignition is switched on
if the hand brake is applied or if the brake/

clutch fluid level is too low.
Flashes at speeds over 8 km/h (5 m ph) if

ha nd brak e is applied. Release hand brake
before continuing journey, to av oid

ov erheating and damag ing the brake
system. See also page 70.
Brake and clutch fluid – see page 156.

ABS

u

The AB S (Anti-lock Brake System )

continuously monitors the brake system
and p revents the wheels from lock ing,

independently of the typ e of road surface
and the tyre grip.
It starts to regulate the braking pressure as
soon a s a wheel shows a tendency to lock.

The vehicle rema ins steerable, even in the
event of v ery heavy braking, for insta nce

on bends or when swerving to a void an
obstacle. Ev en in the c ase of full-on

brak ing, the ABS mak es it possible to drive
round an obstacle w ithout releasing the

brak es.
ABS control is mad e ap parent throug h a

pulse in the brake pedal and the noise of
the regulation process.

9

Warning

If the control indicator illuminates when

the hand brake is not ap plied: Stop.
Interrupt your journey immediately.

Consult a workshop.

9

Warning

For optimum braking, keep the brak e
peda l fully dep ressed throughout the

braking process, despite the fact that
the pedal is pulsa ting. Do not reduce

the pressure on the peda l.
Do not let this special safety feature

tempt you into ta king risk s w hen driving.
Tra ffic safety can only b e ac hieved by

adopting a responsible d riv ing style.

125

Driving and operation

Control indica tor u for ABS

Illuminates for a few seconds after the
ignition is switched on. The system is ready

for operation when the control indica tor
goes out.
If the control indicator does not g o out
after a few seconds, or if it illuminates while

driving, there is a fault in the ABS. The
brake system remains operational without

ABS regulation.

Self-check
Each time the ignition is switc hed on and

the engine is started, after setting off at a
speed of about 3 km /h (2 mph), the system

performs a self-check which may be
audible.

Fault

You can continue driving, prov ided you
drive with care a nd antic ipation.
Have the cause of the fa ult remed ied by a
work shop. The system’s integrated

self-d ia gnostics allows fa ults to be quickly
remedied.

Wheels, tyres

See page 179 for suitable tyres and

restrictions.
Factory-fitted tyres are matched to the

chassis and offer optimum driving comfort
and safety.

Cha nging tyre/w heel type

Before changing to tyres or wheels of a
different size, seek a dvice as regards

technical possibilities. Seek the assistance
of a w ork shop.
If tyres of a different size than those fitted
at the factory are used, the electronic

speedometer may req uire reprogramm ing
to ensure that the correct speed is

displayed.

9

Warning

If there is a fault in ABS, the wheels may
be subject to loc king due to braking that

is heav ier than norm al. This may cause
the vehicle to sw erve. The adva ntag es of

ABS are no longer op erational.

9

Warning

Use of unsuitable tyres or wheels may

lead to accidents and render the vehicle
unroadworthy.

126

Driving and operation

Fitting new tyres
Please fit tyres in pairs. Sets would be even

better. Replace tyres w ith:
z the same size,

z the same design,
z the same make,

z the same tread pattern on one axle.
Fit direc tional tyres such that they roll in the

direc tion of travel. The rolling d irection is
indicated by a symbol (e.g. a n arrow) on

the sidewall.
Tyres fitted opposing the rolling direction

(e.g. when a tyre is chang ed) should be
refitted a s soon as possible. This is the only

way to obtain full benefit from the design
properties of the tyre.
Observe legal requirements w hen
disposing of tyres.

Some brands of tyres have a b eaded
edge for alloy wheels to protect against

damage. If a wheel trim is used on steel
wheels with beaded-edg e tyres, the

following procedure must be followed:
z Wheel trims and tyres that are a pproved

for the respective vehicle and c om ply
with all of the relevant wheel and tyre

combination requirements must b e used.

z If the wheel trims and tyres used are not

approved, the tyres must not have a
beaded ed ge.

Tyre pressure
Check tyre pressures w hen cold, a t least

every 14 days and prior to any long
journey.

Tyre pressures – see p age 180 and the tyre

and load ing information label on the
B-pillar, v isible with the driver’s d oor open.

Hav e tyre and loa ding information label
replaced after changing to a different tyre

size.
Do not reduce tyre pressure w hen the tyres

are warm. Otherw ise the pressure m ay
drop below the permissible minimum when

the tyres cool down.

9

Warning

Use of unsuitab le tyres or wheel trim s
could lead to sudden pressure loss and

thereby a ccidents.

127

Driving and operation

After having checked the tyre p ressures,

tighten the valve caps.
Incorrect tyre pressures will imp air safety,

vehic le handling, com fort and fuel
economy and will increase tyre wear.
If the pressure is too low, this ca n result
in considerable tyre warm-up and internal

dam age, leading to tread sep aration a nd
even to tyre blow-out at high speeds.
Hidden tyre damag e is not eliminated by
adjusting tyre p ressure.

Tyre condition, wheel condition

Driv e over edges slowly and at right angles
if possible. Driving over sharp edges can

cause concealed da mage to tyres and
wheels that only becomes noticeable later.
Do not trap tyres when parking.
Check tyres regularly for dama ge (foreign

bodies, punctures, cuts, crack s, bulg es in
sidewalls). Chec k wheels for damage. In

the event of dam age or abnorm al wear,
consult a workshop.

Tread d ep th

Check tread depth at regula r intervals.
If there is more wea r at the front than the

rear, swap round front wheels and rear
wheels.
Correct the tyre pressure.
Tyres should be replac ed for safety

reasons if tread depth drops b elow 2-3 mm
(4 mm for w inter tyres).

9

Warning

Inc orrect tyre pressure can lead to tyre
rupture.

9

Warning

Dama ge m ay lead to tyre blow-out.

128

Driving and operation

The legally permissible minimum tread

depth (1.6 m m) has been reached when
the tread has worn down as far as one of

the w ear indicators (TWI

1)

). A number of

wear indicators a re spaced at equal

intervals around the tyre within the tread.
Their position is indicated by markings on

the tyre sidewall.

General information
z The danger of aq uap laning is greater if

the tyres are worn.

z Tyres age, even if they a re used only very

little or not at all.

z Never fit used tyres the prev ious history

and use of w hich you do not know.

z So as not to im pair brake cooling , use

only wheel trims app rov ed for use on
your vehicle.

Tyre d esigna tions
Meaning s:
e.g. 245/45 R 18 100 W

Speed code letters:

1)

TWI

=

T

read

W

ear

I

ndicator.

245

=

Tyre width in mm

45

=

Aspect ratio
(tyre height to tyre width) in %

R

=

Belt type: Rad ial

18

=

Rim diameter in inches

100

=

Load index
e.g.: 100 corresponds to 800 kg

W

=

Speed code

Q

Up to 160 km/h (100 mph)

S

Up to 180 km/h (112 mph)

T

Up to 190 km/h (118 mph)

H

Up to 210 km/h (130 mph)

V

Up to 240 km/h (150 mph)

W

Up to 270 km/h (168 mph)

129

Driving and operation

Winter tyres 3
For notes on fitting new tyres –

see page 126.
See page 179 for restric tions.
Winter tyres im prove safety at
tem peratures below 7 °C and should

therefore be fitted on all the wheels.
The d esign of summ er tyres mea ns they

have limited qualities for winter driving.
If the maxim um perm issible speed for the

winter tyres is less than that of the vehicle,
a notice ind icating the ma ximum

permissible speed for the tyres must be
affixed within the driver’s field of v ision

1)

.

Wheel trims

If the wheel trims and tyres used are not
approved, m ake sure that the tyres do not

have a beaded edge – see page 126.

Tyre chains 3

Restric tions and further inform ation -
see p age 179.
Tyre c hains are only perm itted on the
driven wheels (rear axle). They m ust be

fitted to the tyres symmetrically in order
to achieve a c oncentric fit.
Alw ays use fine-linked chains that ad d no
more than 11 m m to the tyre tread and the

inboard sides (including chain lock).

Wheel trim on steel wheels could come into
contact with parts of the cha in and be

dam aged . Remove the wheel trim.
Tyre cha ins may only be used at sp eeds up

to 50 km/h (30 mph) or up to the tyre chain
ma nufacturer’s recommended m aximum

speed, whichever is lower.
When travelling on roa ds that are free of

snow , they may be used for brief periods
only since they are subject to rap id wear on

a hard road and m ay snap.
Avoid sharp turns, bumps and holes and

do not lock the wheels when brak ing, to
av oid damaging the tyre chains.
Re-tighten the chains after d riv ing for
app rox. 1 km (0.6 miles). If, at any time you

hea r or suspect that the chains are
contacting the vehicle, stop and re-tighten

the chains.
Always read the instructions supplied with

the tyre cha ins.
Correct the tyre pressure b efore starting-

off. See page 180.

1)

Varies fro m country to country o n account of

national regulations .

130

Self-help, vehicle care

Self-help, vehicle care

Bonnet release

To open the bonnet, pull the release
lever located on the driver’s side below

the instrument panel.
The b onnet will then be unlatched and will

open partially. R eturn relea se lev er to its
original position.
Do not pull release lever while the vehicle is
mov ing.

Bonnet release . . . . . . . . . 130
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Starting the engine with

jum p lea ds 3 . . . . . . . . .

132

Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
First-aid k it + 3 ,

warning tria ngle ¨ 3 . . . . . .. 135

Vehicle tools . . . . . . . . . . 135
Punc ture . . . . . . . . . . . .. 135
Tyre repair kit. . . . . . . . . .. 136
Electrical system . . . . . . . . . 141
Fuses and the most important c ircuits

they p rotect . . . . . . . . . .. 143

Bulb replacem ent . . . . . . . ... 146
Inspection system . . . . . . . ... 151
Opel genuine parts and acc essories . 152
A note on safety . . . . . . . . . 152
Checking and topping up fluids . . 152
Wind screen wipers. . . . . . . .. 157
Wind screen washer system . . . . 158
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Protection of electronic com ponents 159
Vehicle decomm issioning. . . . ... 160
Vehicle recommissioning. . . . . 160
Vehicle care. . . . . . . . . . . 161

9

Warning

Disregard of these instructions m ay
lead to injuries or endanger life.

Vehicle passeng ers should be inform ed
accordingly.

131

Self-help, vehicle care

To open com pletely, lift bonnet upw ards

from the edge nearest the windscreen. Air
pressurised support rods will hold the

bonnet open.
When the bonnet is opened, leaves, dirt or

snow can obstruct the air intake. Remove
any leaves, dirt or snow. Air inta ke –

see page 109.
Never drive with bonnet open.

To close bonnet, lower it gradually before
pushing it firmly into its catch.
Check that the b onnet is latched in position
before driving, by pulling a t its rear edge. If

it is not engaged , rep eat closing
proc edure.

Starting

Do not sta rt with quick charger

This prevents d amage to electronic
components.

Do not sta rt by pushing or tow ing
Because your vehicle is fitted with a

catalytic converter, it must not be started
by pushing or towing – see page 116.
The v ehicle can only be started using jum p
leads – see follow ing page.

9

Warning

To avoid causing da mage to the doors
and the bonnet, ensure the driver’s door

and the p assenger’s door are both closed
correctly before closing the bonnet.

9

Warning

If the v ehicle battery requires charging
while still in the vehicle, ensure there is

adeq uate ventila tion in and around the
battery compartment to prevent risk of

exp losion.

132

Self-help, vehicle care

Starting the engine with

jump leads

3

A vehicle with a discharged battery can be

started using jum p leads, the ba ttery of
another vehicle and your vehicle’s jum p

start terminals - see pa ge 133. Attemp ts to
start the vehicle should be made at

intervals of 1 minute a nd should not last
longer than 15 seconds.

z Never expose the b attery to nak ed

flames or spark s.

z A discharged battery can freeze at

temperatures of 0 °C. Defrost the frozen

battery in a warm room before
connecting jump leads.

z Do not allow battery fluid to come

into contact with eyes, skin, fabrics

or painted surfaces. The fluid contains
sulp huric ac id which can cause injuries

and d amage in the event of d irect
contact.

z Wear eye protec tion and protective

clothing when handling a b attery.

z Use auxiliary battery with same voltage

(12 v olts). Its cap acity (Ah) must not b e

consid erably less than that of the
discharged battery. Voltag e and

capa city inform ation c an be found on
the batteries.

z Use jump leads with insulated terminals

and a cross section of at least 16 mm

2

.

z Do not disconnect the discharged

battery from the vehicle.

z Switch off all unnecessary electrical

consumers.

z Do not lean over the ba ttery during jump

starting.

z Do not allow the terminals of one lead to

touch those of the other lead .

z The vehicles should not touc h while jump

starting.

z Apply hand b ra ke. Transmission in

neutral.

9

Warning

This must be d one with extreme care. Any
deviation from the following instructions

could lead to personal injury or d amage
resulting from ba ttery explosion, as well

as to dam age to the electrical systems in
both v ehicles.

133

Self-help, vehicle care

Jum p start terminals

In the event of a discharged battery, the
jump start term inals located in the engine

compartment enable the vehicle to be
started without the need to access the

battery.
The p ositive jum p start terminal is

identified by a “+” sign on the red
insulating cov er, located next to the engine

compartment fuse box.
Open the red insulating cov er to access the

positiv e “+” termina l c onnector. Ensure the
red insulating cover is latched ba ck into

position when not in use.

The nega tiv e jump start terminal is

identified by a “GND (-)” sign on a ground
bracket, located below the engine beauty

cover.

Connect the leads in the order shown in the

illustration:
1. Connect one end of the first jump lead

to the positive terminal 1 of the ba ttery
providing the jump start (identified by

"+" sign on battery case or terminal).

2. Connect the other end of this lea d to

the positiv e jump start terminal 2 of the
vehicle with the d ischarged battery

("+" sign).

3. Connect the first end of the other jump

lead to the neg ativ e terminal 3 of the
battery providing the jump start

("–" sign).

4. Connect the other end of the second

jum p lea d 4 to the negative jum p sta rt
terminal ground brack et, id entified by

“GND (-)”.