Vauxhall Astravan (2007 year). Manual - part 12

178

Driving and operation

Starting off

Depress the footbrake, release the 

handbrake and move the selector lever 

to A, 

+

or

-

. Easytronic is in automatic 

mode and first gear is engaged (second 

gear if the Winter programme is active). 

"A1" appears in the transmission display 

("A2" if the Winter programme is active). 
The vehicle begins to "creep" when the 

footbrake is released. 

It is also possible to start off without 

depressing the footbrake if the accelerator 

pedal is operated directly after movement 

of the selector lever. If there is no 

immediate acceleration or the footbrake is 

not depressed, no gear is engaged and "A" 

flashes. After a few seconds, the display 

resumes showing "N". Start off by 

repeating the previously described 

procedure. 
In Automatic mode, selection of other 

gears is automatic irrespective of driving 

conditions. 
Move selector lever toward A

Switch between Automatic and Manual 

mode.
Manual gear shifting is possible in manual 

mode. "M" and the currently engaged gear 

appear in the transmission display. 
If the engine speed is too low the Easytronic 

will automatically shift to a lower gear even 

in Manual mode. This prevents the engine 

from stalling. 

Move selector lever toward + or - 

If a higher gear is selected when the 

running speed is too low, or a lower gear 

when the speed is too high, no shift is 

effected. This prevents the engine from 

running at too low or too high revs. 
Gears can be skipped by moving the 

selector lever repeatedly at short intervals. 

+

Shift to a higher gear

-

Shift to a lower gear

179

Driving and operation

If the vehicle is in automatic mode, on 

movement of the selector lever to 

+ 

or 

-

 

Easytronic shifts to manual mode and 

changes up or down. "M" and the currently 

engaged gear appear in the transmission 

display. 
Move selector lever toward R

Reverse gear. Engage only when vehicle is 

stationary. 
Depress the footbrake, release the 

handbrake and move the selector lever to 

R. Reverse gear is engaged. "R" appears in 

the transmission display. 
The vehicle begins to "creep" when the 

footbrake is released. 
It is also possible to start off in reverse 

without depressing the footbrake if the 

accelerator pedal is operated directly after 

movement of the selector lever. If there is 

no immediate acceleration or the 

footbrake is not depressed, no gear is 

engaged and "R" flashes. After a few 

seconds, the display resumes showing "N". 

Start off by repeating the previously 

described procedure. 

Electronically controlled driving 

programmes

z By means of delayed gear changing 

(higher engine speeds) following a cold 

start, the operating temperature 

programme in automatic mode quickly 

and automatically brings the catalytic 

converter to the temperature required 

for optimum pollutant reduction. 

z Adaptive programmes automatically 

adapt gear shifting in automatic mode 

to suit the driving conditions, such as if 

the vehicle is towing a caravan/trailer, 

has a high payload, or is being driven on 

inclines. 

z When SPORT mode is engaged, shift 

times are reduced and the transmission 

shifts at higher engine speeds (unless 

cruise control is on). SPORT mode, see 

page 212. 

z Winter programme: Press button T, see 

next page. 

180

Driving and operation

Winter programme T 

In the event of difficulties starting off 

on slippery roads, press button T 

("A", currently engaged gear and T 

appear in the transmission display). 

Easytronic switches to automatic mode 

and the vehicle sets off in second gear.
The winter program is switched off by: 

z pressing button T again, 

z turning off the ignition.
In order to protect the Easytronic the winter 

programme automatically switches itself 

off at extremely high clutch temperatures. 

If the Winter programme is activated, 

SPORT mode is deactivated. 
If the vehicle is switched to manual mode 

while the winter programme is active, the 

winter programme is interrupted. The 

winter programme resumes upon return to 

automatic mode. 

Kickdown 

Accelerator pedal pressed past the 

pressure point: below certain speeds, the 

transmission shifts down into a lower gear. 

Full engine power is available for 

acceleration. 
During kickdown no manual gear shifting is 

possible. 

181

Driving and operation

When the engine speed approaches its 

upper limit, the transmission shifts to a 

higher gear during kickdown even in 

Manual mode. 
Without kickdown this automatic shift is 

not effected in Manual mode. 
If SPORT mode is engaged, the drive 

wheels may spin slightly when starting off 

with kickdown. This allows for maximum 

acceleration of the vehicle.
Engine braking 

Automatic mode:

When driving downhill, Easytronic does not 

shift into higher gears until a fairly high 

engine speed has been reached. When 

braking, Easytronic shifts down in good 

time.
Manual mode:

To utilise the engine braking effect, select a 

lower gear in good time when driving 

downhill. 

"Rocking the car" 

If it becomes necessary to rock the vehicle 

to free it from sand, mud, snow or a hole, 

move the selector lever between R and A 

(or + or -) in a repeat pattern while applying 

light pressure to the accelerator pedal. Do 

not race the engine and avoid sudden 

acceleration. 
This applies only to the exceptional 

circumstances mentioned above. 

Manoeuvring the vehicle 

To manoeuvre the vehicle back and forth 

during attempts to park or in garage 

entrances the creeping movement can be 

utilised by releasing the footbrake. 
Never actuate accelerator and brake 

pedals simultaneously. 
To prevent damage, Easytronic 

disengages the "creep function" when the 

temperature of the automatic clutch is 

high. 

182

Driving and operation

Stopping the vehicle 

In Automatic or Manual mode, when the 

vehicle has stopped first gear (with Winter 

mode engaged, second gear) is engaged 

automatically and the clutch released. In R 

reverse remains engaged.
A warning buzzer sounds when the driver’s 

door is opened if the engine is running, a 

gear is engaged and the footbrake is not 

depressed. The vehicle creeps if the 

handbrake is not engaged. Move the 

selector lever to N and apply the 

handbrake. 
When stopping on gradients, engage the 

handbrake or depress the brake pedal. To 

prevent overheating of the clutch, do not 

increase engine speed to ensure smooth 

idling when in gear. 
To prevent damage to the Easytronic, the 

clutch is closed automatically at high 

clutch temperatures. 
Switch off engine if stopping for a lengthy 

period, e.g. in traffic jams or at level 

crossings. 

Vehicle storage

Before leaving the vehicle: 

z Engage handbrake.

z Remove the ignition key or, with the 

Open&Start system 3, remove the 

electronic key from the vehicle. 

The most recently engaged gear (indicator 

in transmission display) remains engaged. 

With N, no gear is engaged.
When the ignition is switched off the 

Easytronic no longer responds to 

movement of the selector lever.
Lock the vehicle. Otherwise the battery 

may become discharged if the vehicle is 

parked for long periods. 
If the handbrake has not been applied, the 

control indicator R flashes for a few 

seconds after the ignition is switched off. 
With the engine off and the handbrake not 

applied, when the driver’s door is opened a 

warning buzzer sounds and the control 

indicator R flashes; switch on ignition, 

engage gear, switch off ignition and apply 

handbrake. 

Fault 

Control indicator A illuminates in the 

event of a fault in the Easytronic system. In 

the event of serious faults, "F" also appears 

in the transmission display.
It is possible to continue driving if only 

control indicator A illuminates. Manual 

mode can then no longer be selected.
If "F" appears in the transmission display, 

continued driving is not possible.
Have the cause of the fault eliminated by a 

workshop. The self-diagnosis integrated 

into the system facilitates rapid fault 

identification. 

183

Driving and operation

Interruption of power supply 

The clutch is not disengaged if the vehicle 

battery is discharged and a gear has been 

selected. The vehicle cannot move. 
If the battery is flat, start the vehicle using 

jump leads, see page 243. 

If the cause of the power failure is not a 

discharged battery, contact a workshop. If 

the vehicle must be removed from flowing 

traffic, release the clutch on vehicles with 

5-speed Easytronic. On vehicles with 

6-speed Easytronic, the clutch cannot be 

released 3; if the vehicle must be moved, 

raise vehicle at the front to tow. 
To disengage the clutch (only on vehicles 

with 5-speed Easytronic)

1. Apply handbrake and switch off ignition.
2. Prop bonnet open, see page 241.

3. Clean Easytronic around the cap (see 

figure) so that no dirt can get into the 

opening when the cap is removed.

4. Rotate cap to slacken and remove by 

lifting upwards, see figure.

5. Turn the adjusting screw clockwise using 

a flat-head screwdriver (vehicle tools 3, 

see page 251) until clear resistance can 

be felt. The clutch has now been 

disengaged. 
Do not turn beyond the resistance, since 

this can damage the Easytronic. 

6. Fit cleaned cap again. The cap must be 

in full contact with the housing. 

Towing the vehicle and starting the engine 

is not permitted when the clutch has been 

released in this way, although the vehicle 

can be moved a short distance. 
Contact a workshop immediately for 

assistance. 

184

Driving and operation

Automatic transmission 

3

 

The automatic transmission 3 allows 

automatic selection. 
The engine can only be started when the 

gear selector is in position P or N. When 

starting in position N, depress the 

footbrake or apply the handbrake. After 

starting the engine, depress the brake 

before selecting a gear. Do not accelerate 

whilst selecting a gear. If a gear has been 

selected and the brake is released, the 

vehicle will "creep". Never operate the 

accelerator and the brake pedal 

simultaneously. The selected gear is 

displayed in the transmission display. 

Only select 3, 2 or 1 to prevent automatic 

upshifting or as an aid in engine braking. 

Transmission display 

Display of mode or selected gear in left 

position of transmission display. The gear 

that has been selected by the transmission 

appears in the right position of the 

transmission display. 

Selector lever positions P, R, N and D 

9

 Warning

Disregard of these instructions may lead 

to injuries or endanger life. 

P

Park position

R

Reverse gear

N

Neutral

D

Drive position

3, 2, 1

Selected gear 3

P

Park position. Front wheels locked. 

Only engage when the vehicle is 

stationary and the handbrake is 

applied. "P" appears on the 

transmission display.

R

Reverse gear. Only engage when the 

vehicle is stationary. "R" appears on 

the transmission display.

N

Neutral or idle. "N" appears on the 

transmission display.

D

Drive position for normal driving in 

1st gear to highest gear. "D" and the 

current gear appear in the 

transmission display. 

185

Driving and operation

The selector lever can only be moved from 

P when the ignition is switched on and the 

footbrake depressed (selector lever lock). 
To engage P or R, push button on selector 

lever.
The engine can only be started with lever in 

position P or N. When position N is selected, 

press footbrake or engage handbrake 

before starting. 
Do not accelerate during the selection 

procedure. 

Gears 3, 2, 1 

Press button on selector lever to engage 3 

or 1.
The current gear is displayed in the 

transmission display. 

Electronically controlled driving 

programmes 

z When SPORT mode is engaged, the 

transmission shifts at higher engine revs 

(unless cruise control is on). Control 

indicator 1 illuminates in the 

transmission display, see page 184. 
SPORT mode, see page 212.

z Winter programme: Press button T, see 

next page. 

3, 2, 1 Transmission does not shift above 

the selected gear

186

Driving and operation

z Automatic neutral shift function 

automatically sets the transmission to N 

to reduce fuel consumption, e.g. at 

traffic lights.
Automatic neutral is activated when the 

following occur simultaneously: 

As soon as the brake is released and the 

accelerator pedal is depressed, the 

vehicle starts off in the usual manner. 

z The operating temperature programme 

automatically brings the catalytic 

converter to the temperature that is 

required for optimum emission reduction 

after a cold start by selecting an 

appropriate gear (increased engine 

revs). 

z The adaptive programme automatically 

tailors gearshifting to the driving 

conditions, e.g. greater load or 

gradients. 

Winter programme T 

Press button T if you are having problems 

starting off on a slippery road surface. 
To activate 

The winter programme can be activated in 

P, R, N, D and 3 (T illuminates in the 

transmission display). The vehicle starts off 

in 2nd gear. 
To deactivate 

The winter program is switched off by: 

z pressing button T again, 

z shifting to 2 or 1 manually, 

z turning off the ignition.
In order to prevent damage, the winter 

program switches off automatically at high 

transmission oil temperatures. 

– The selector lever is in automatic 

mode 3,

– The selector lever is in position 3, 2 

or 1

– The footbrake is depressed
– The vehicle is stationary
– The accelerator pedal is not 

actuated

– The transmission fluid temperature 

is greater than 0 °C 

187

Driving and operation

Kickdown 

Depressing the accelerator pedal past the 

pressure point: depending on the engine 

speed the transmission shifts to a lower 

gear. Full engine power is available for 

accelerating. 

Engine braking 

In order to utilise the engine braking 

effect when driving downhill, select drive 

range 3, 2 or, if necessary, 1 in good time. 
Gear 1 has the greatest braking effect. If 

gear 1 is selected at too high a speed, the 

transmission remains in second gear until 

the shift point for first gear is reached, 

e.g. as a result of deceleration. 

"Rocking the car" 

If it becomes necessary to rock the vehicle 

to free it from sand, mud, snow or a hole, 

move the selector lever from D to R in a 

repeat pattern while simultaneously 

applying light pressure to the accelerator 

pedal. Do not race the engine and avoid 

sudden acceleration. 
This applies only to the exceptional 

circumstances mentioned above. 

188

Driving and operation

Manoeuvring the vehicle 

To manoeuvre the vehicle back and forth 

during attempts to park or in garage 

entrances, the vehicle’s creeping 

movement can be utilised by releasing the 

brake pedal. 
Never actuate accelerator and brake 

pedals simultaneously. 

Stopping the vehicle 

The selector lever can be left in the chosen 

gear with the engine running. 
When stopping on gradients engage 

handbrake or depress brake pedal. To 

prevent overheating of the transmission, 

do not increase engine revolutions to 

ensure smooth idling while standing if a 

gear has been selected.
Switch off engine if stopping for a lengthy 

period, e.g. in traffic jams or at level 

crossings. 
Before leaving the vehicle, first apply the 

handbrake. Then select P. Remove the 

ignition key or, with Open&Start system, 

remove the electronic key 3 from the 

vehicle. Lock the vehicle. Otherwise the 

battery may become discharged if the 

vehicle is parked up for long periods. 
The ignition key can only be removed when 

the selector lever is in position P. 
With the Open&Start system 3, "P" flashes 

in the transmission display for 10 seconds 

when the ignition is switched off if P has not 

been engaged or the handbrake has not 

been applied. 

Fault 

If there is a problem with the automatic 

transmission, control indicator A 

illuminates. The transmission no longer 

shifts automatically. The vehicle can 

continue to be driven. 
Illumination of control indicator A may 

also indicate a problem with the engine 

electronics, see page 206. 
For diesel engines

1)

 Z 19 DT and Z 19 DTH, 

illumination of control indicator A could 

also indicate that the diesel fuel filter must 

be drained of water - see page 300. 
Have the cause of the fault eliminated by a 

workshop. 

1)

Sales designation, see page 310 and 311. 

189

Driving and operation

The transmission no longer shifts 

automatically. Vehicle can continue to be 

driven. Second gear is not available. 

Forward gears 1, 3 and 4 must be shifted 

manually using selector lever:

Interruption of power supply 

If the vehicle battery is flat, the selector 

lever cannot be moved out of position P. 
If the battery is flat, start the vehicle using 

jump leads, see page 243. 
If the battery is not the cause of the fault, 

release selector lever: 
1. Apply handbrake.
2. Release selector lever trim from centre 

console at rear, fold upwards and rotate 

to the left. 

3. Push the yellow catch forward with a 

screwdriver and move the selector lever 

out of P. 

4. Mount selector lever trim on centre 

console and refit. 

Reselecting P causes locking again. Have a 

workshop eliminate the cause of the power 

loss. 

1

= 1st gear

2

= 3rd  gear

3, D = 4th  gear

190

Driving and operation

Automatic transmission with 

ActiveSelect 

3

 

This automatic transmission 3 allows 

both automatic gearchanges (automatic 

mode) and manual gearchanges (manual 

mode) 3. 
The engine can only be started when the 

selector lever is in position P or N. When 

starting in position N, depress the 

footbrake or apply the handbrake. After 

the engine has started, depress the brake 

before selecting a gear. Do not accelerate 

whilst selecting a gear. If a gear has been 

selected and the brake is released, the 

vehicle will "creep". Never operate the 

accelerator and the brake pedal 

simultaneously. The selected gear is 

displayed in the transmission display, 

see page 184.

Selecting D puts the transmission in 

automatic mode. 
If the selector lever is moved to the left from 

the D position, manual mode is activated. 

Gearchanges can then be made manually 

by tipping the selector lever toward + or -. 

Transmission display 

Display of mode or selected gear in left 

position of transmission display. The gear 

that has been selected by the transmission 

appears in the right position of the 

transmission display. 

9

 Warning

Disregard of these instructions may lead 

to injuries or endanger life. 

P

Park position

R

Reverse gear

N

Neutral

D

Automatic mode

M

Manual mode with display of 

selected gear

191

Driving and operation

Selector lever settings P, R, N and D 

(automatic mode) 

The selector lever can only be moved out of 

position P or N with the ignition switched on 

and the footbrake applied (selector lever 

lock). In selector lever position N the 

selector lever lock is activated after a delay 

and only if the vehicle is stationary. 

In position P or N, control indicator 

j

 

illuminates red in the selector lever 

indicator strip if the selector lever is 

blocked. 
To engage P or R, push button on selector 

lever.
The engine can only be started with lever in 

position P or N. When position N is selected, 

press footbrake or engage handbrake 

before starting. 
Do not accelerate during the selection 

procedure. 

P

Park position. Front wheels locked. 

Only engage when the vehicle is 

stationary and the handbrake is 

applied. "P" appears on the 

transmission display.

R

Reverse gear. Only engage when the 

vehicle is stationary. "R" appears on 

the transmission display.

N

Neutral or idle. "N" appears on the 

transmission display.

D

Drive position for normal driving in 1st 

gear to highest gear. "D" and the 

current gear appear in the 

transmission display. 

192

Driving and operation

ActiveSelect (manual mode) 

Move selector lever out of position D and 

then forwards or backwards. 

If a higher gear is selected at a speed that 

is too slow or a lower gear is selected at a 

speed that is too high, the gear will not be 

changed. This prevents the revs from being 

too low or too high. 

If the engine speed is too slow, the 

transmission automatically shifts down, 

but not if the gear was selected below a 

certain speed. 
If a higher gear is selected below a certain 

speed, the transmission does not shift 

back. 
No automatic shifting to a higher gear 

takes place at high engine revs. 
For safety reasons, kickdown is also 

available in manual mode, see page 194. 
The selected gear is displayed in the 

transmission display, see page 184. 

Electronically controlled driving 

programmes 

z When SPORT mode is engaged, the 

transmission shifts at higher engine revs 

(unless cruise control is on). Control 

indicator 1 illuminates in the 

transmission display, see page 190. 
SPORT mode, see page 212.

z Winter programme: Press button T, 

see next page. 

+

Shift to a higher gear

-

Shift to a lower gear

193

Driving and operation

z Automatic neutral shift function 

automatically sets the transmission to N 

to reduce fuel consumption, e.g. at 

traffic lights. 
Automatic neutral is activated when the 

following occur simultaneously: 

As soon as the brake is released and the 

accelerator pedal is depressed, the 

vehicle starts off in the usual manner. 

z The operating temperature programme 

automatically brings the catalytic 

converter to the temperature that is 

required for optimum emission reduction 

after a cold start by selecting an 

appropriate gear (increased engine 

revs). 

z The adaptive programme automatically 

tailors gearshifting to the driving 

conditions, e.g. greater load or 

gradients. 

Winter programme T 

Press button T if you are having problems 

starting off on a slippery road surface. 
To activate 

The winter programme can be operated in 

automatic mode (T illuminates in 

transmission display, see page 190). The 

vehicle starts off in 2nd or 3rd gear 

depending on the nature of the road 

surface. 

– The selector lever is in automatic or 

manual mode

– The footbrake is depressed
– The vehicle is stationary
– The accelerator pedal is not 

actuated

– The transmission fluid temperature 

is greater than 0 °C