Vauxhall Astravan (2007 year). Manual - part 13

194

Driving and operation

To deactivate

The winter program is switched off by: 
z pressing button T again, 

z changing to manual mode, 

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

program switches off automatically at high 

transmission oil temperatures. 

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. 
For safety reasons kickdown is available in 

both automatic and manual mode. 

Engine braking 

The automatic transmission automatically 

selects the driving programs with the best 

possible braking effect. 
If necessary, lower gears can also be 

selected in manual mode to increase the 

braking effect. 1st gear has the greatest 

braking effect. 

195

Driving and operation

"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. 

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. 

196

Driving and operation

The ignition key can only be removed when 

the selector lever is in position P. 
If the selector lever is not in position P when 

the ignition is switched off, control 

indicator 

j

 and P flash in the selector lever 

indicator strip, see Fig. S 12103 on 

page 191. Move the selector lever to 

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. 

2nd gear and the highest gear can be 

selected in manual mode. Depending on 

the nature of the problem, only the highest 

gear may be available. 
Only the highest gear is available in D in 

automatic mode. 

1)

Sales designation, see page 310 and 311. 

197

Driving and operation

Interruption of power supply 

If the vehicle battery is flat, the selector 

lever cannot be moved out of position P 

or N. 
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. Remove the ashtray insert 3 or the 

rubber covering on the bottom of the 

stowage compartment 3 - see page 108. 

3. To open, push the yellow catch down 

with a screwdriver and move the selector 

lever out of P or N. 

4. Refit the ashtray insert 3 or rubber 

covering on the bottom of the stowage 

compartment 3 - see page 108. 

Reselecting P or N causes locking again. 

Have a workshop eliminate the cause of 

the power loss. 

198

Driving and operation

Driving hints

The first 600 miles (1000 km) 

Drive your vehicle at various speeds. Do 

not use full throttle. Never allow the engine 

to labour at low revs. 
Make good use of all gears. Depress the 

accelerator pedal a maximum of around 

three quarters of the available pedal travel 

in all gears. 
Do not drive faster than three quarters of 

maximum speed. 
Do not brake unnecessarily hard for the 

first 125 miles (200 km). 
Never coast with engine not running 

Many units will not function in this situation 

(e.g. brake servo unit, electro-hydraulic 

power steering). Driving in this manner is a 

danger to yourself and others. 
Brake servo unit 

When the engine is not running, the brake 

servo unit is no longer effective once the 

brake pedal has been depressed once or 

twice. Braking effect is not reduced, but 

significantly greater force is required for 

braking. 

Electro-hydraulic power assisted steering 

If the power-assisted steering fails when 

being towed with the engine switched off, 

the vehicle can still be steered, but 

considerably more force is required. 
Driving in mountainous terrain or with a 

trailer/caravan 

The cooling fan is electrically operated. Its 

cooling power is therefore independent of 

the engine speed. 
Since a considerable amount of heat is 

generated at high engine speeds and less 

at slower speeds, do not shift down when 

climbing hills whilst the vehicle is still coping 

with the gradient in the higher gear. 
Driving with a roof load 

Do not exceed the permissible roof load - 

see pages 232, 325. For reasons of safety, 

distribute the load evenly and secure it 

properly with retaining straps. Adjust the 

tyre pressure to the load conditions. Do not 

drive faster than 75 mph (120 km/h). Check 

and retighten the straps frequently. 

Observe country-specific regulations. Roof 

loads are not permitted on the Astra 

TwinTop. 

Switching off the engine

When you switch off, fans in the engine 

compartment may continue running for a 

time to cool the engine. 
If the engine temperature is very high, e.g. 

after driving in mountainous terrain: allow 

the engine to idle for approximately two 

minutes in order to prevent heat 

accumulation. 
Vehicles with turbocharged engine 3

After running at high engine speeds or 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. 
Save energy – more miles 

Please observe the running-in hints on this 

page and the tips for saving energy on the 

following pages. 
Good, technically correct and economical 

driving ensures maximum durability and 

performance for your vehicle. 

199

Driving and operation

Overrun 

The fuel supply is automatically shut off 

during overrun, e.g. when the vehicle is 

being driven down long gradients or when 

braking. To enable the overrun cut-off to 

take effect, do not accelerate during 

overrun and, if in manual transmission 

mode, do not de-clutch. To prevent 

damage to the catalytic converter, overrun 

cut-off is temporarily deactivated when the 

catalytic converter temperature is high. 
Vehicles with turbocharged engine 3

Flow-generated noises may be audible if 

the accelerator is released quickly on 

account of air flow in the turbocharger. 
Engine speed 

Drive in a low engine speed range for each 

gear as much as possible. 
Warming up 

After a cold start, the automatic 

transmission 3 or Easytronic 3 in 

automatic mode shifts into higher gears at 

higher rpm. This allows the catalytic 

converter to quickly reach the temperature 

required for optimum pollutant reduction. 

Correct gear selection 

Engine in neutral and without revving in the 

lower gears. Stop-and-go traffic and 

driving at a speed too high for the selected 

gear or transmission ratio increases wear 

and fuel consumption. 
Change down 

When decreasing speed, shift down into 

the next lowest gear. Do not slip the clutch 

with a high-revving engine. This is 

especially important when hill climbing. 
Clutch operation 

Always depress the clutch pedal hard to 

the floor to prevent shifting difficulties and 

transmission damage. 
When driving do not use the pedal as a 

footrest; this will cause substantial clutch 

wear. 

Cooling fan 

The cooling fan is controlled via a 

thermoswitch and therefore only runs if 

necessary. 
The cooling fan automatically switches on 

when the diesel particle filter is being 

cleaned 3 depending on the engine. 
Pedals 

Do not place any objects in the footwell 

which could slip under the pedals and 

inhibit the pedal travel. 
To ensure the pedal travel is uninhibited, 

there must be no mats in the area of the 

pedals. 
Battery care 

When driving slowly or when the vehicle is 

stationary, e.g. in slow urban traffic, 

stop-and-go traffic or traffic jams, turn off 

all unnecessary electrical loads where 

possible (e.g. heated rear window, heated 

seats). 
De-clutch when starting in order to relieve 

the strain on the starter and the battery. 

200

Driving and operation

Saving fuel, protecting the 

environment 

Trend-setting technology

In the development and manufacture of 

your vehicle, environmentally-friendly and 

in the main recyclable materials were used. 

The production methods used to make 

your vehicle are likewise environmentally-

friendly. 
Recycling of production wastes keeps the 

circulation of material closed. Reduction of 

energy and water requirements also helps 

to conserve natural resources.
A highly advanced design means that your 

vehicle can be easily disassembled at the 

end of its working life, and the individual 

materials separated for subsequent re-use. 
Materials such as asbestos and cadmium 

are not used. The refrigerant in the air 

conditioning system 3 is CFC-free. 
New painting techniques employ water as 

a solvent. 

End-of-life vehicle recovery 

For detailed information on Vauxhall’ s 

ongoing commitment to achieving an 

environmentally sustainable future, 

including; design for recycling, take back of 

End-of-Life Vehicle (ELVs) and the 

recycling of ELVs, view 

www.Vauxhall.co.uk/recycling for details

. 

Energy and environment-conscious 

driving 

z High noise levels and exhaust emissions 

are often a result of driving without due 

attention to saving energy and 

protecting the environment. 

z You should therefore drive with energy in 

mind – "more miles with less fuel". 
Reduce the noise level and exhaust 

emissions by adopting an environment-

conscious driving style. This is extremely 

worthwhile and improves the quality of 

life. 
Fuel consumption depends to a great 

extent on your own personal driving 

style. The following hints are intended to 

help you consume fuel at a rate that is as 

close as possible to the specified levels, 

see page 316. 
Check your vehicle’s fuel consumption 

every time you refuel. This facilitates 

early detection of any irregularities 

causing increased fuel consumption. 

Warming up 

z Full throttle and warming up at idle 

speed increase wear, fuel consumption, 

exhaust emission, the amount of 

pollutant in the exhaust and the amount 

of noise. 

z Drive off as soon as possible after 

starting. 

Uniform speed 

z Hectic driving significantly increases fuel 

consumption, the exhaust emissions, the 

proportion of pollutant in the exhaust 

gas and the noise level. 

z Do not accelerate and brake 

unnecessarily. Drive at uniform speed, 

watching the road. 
Avoid frequent starting off and stopping 

e.g. at traffic lights, in short distance 

traffic and in queues of traffic by means 

of clever planning. Select roads with 

good traffic flow. 

Idling 

z The engine also consumes fuel when 

idling. 

z If you have to wait for more than one 

minute, it is worthwhile switching off the 

engine. Five minutes of idling 

corresponds to approximately 0.6 miles 

(1 km) of driving. 

201

Driving and operation

Overrun 

z The fuel supply is automatically shut off 

during overrun, e.g. when the vehicle is 

being driven down long gradients or 

when braking, see page 199. 

z To enable the overrun cut-off to come 

into action and save fuel, do not 

accelerate or de-clutch during overrun. 

Correct gear selection 

z High revs increase engine wear and fuel 

consumption. 

z Do not race your engine. Avoid driving at 

high engine speeds. 
Making use of the tachometer helps to 

save fuel. Drive in a low engine speed 

range for each gear as much as possible 

with uniform engine speeds. Drive as 

often as possible in top gear, select the 

next higher gear as soon as possible, 

and only change down when the engine 

is no longer running perfectly smoothly. 

High speed 

z The higher the speed, the higher the 

consumption and the noise level. At top 

speed, you consume a great deal of fuel 

and produce excessive noise and 

exhaust emissions. 

z Slightly releasing the accelerator pedal 

results in distinct fuel savings with no 

major loss of speed. 
Drive at no more than around three 

quarters of maximum speed and you will 

use up to 50% less fuel, without losing a 

great deal of time. 

Tyre pressure 

z Inadequate tyre pressure, leading to 

higher road resistance, costs money in 

two ways: for more fuel and increased 

tyre wear. 

z Regular checks (every 14 days) pay off. 
Electrical loads

z The power consumption of electrical 

equipment increases fuel consumption. 

z Switch off all auxiliary electrical loads 

(e.g. air conditioning 3, heated rear 

window) when not needed. 

Roof racks, ski-holders 

z Due to air resistance, a roof load can 

increase fuel consumption by approx. 

3.5 gal./1000 miles (1 l/100 km). 

z Remove them if they are not being used. 

Repair and maintenance 

z Improper repairs or adjustment and 

maintenance work can increase fuel 

consumption. Do not carry out work on 

the engine yourself. 
You may out of ignorance infringe 

environmental laws by not disposing of 

materials properly. 
Appropriate parts might not be recycled. 
Contact with some of the materials 

involved may pose a health hazard. 

z We recommend that repair and 

maintenance be entrusted to your 

Vauxhall Authorised Repairer.

Extreme driving conditions

z Going up steep slopes, cornering, driving 

on poor roads and winter driving all 

increase fuel consumption. 
Fuel consumption increases dramatically 

in urban traffic and at winter 

temperatures, especially on short trips 

when the engine operating temperature 

is not reached. 

z Follow the hints given above to keep 

consumption to a minimum under such 

conditions.

202

Driving and operation

Fuels, refuelling 

Fuel consumption

Fuel consumption is determined under 

specific driving conditions, see page 316. 
Special equipment increases the weight of 

the vehicle. As a result, they can increase 

fuel consumption and reduce the specified 

maximum speed. 
For the first few thousand miles, friction 

between the engine and transmission 

components is higher. This increases fuel 

consumption. 

Fuel for petrol engines 

Normal commercial high-quality fuels with 

a maximum ethanol content of 5% in 

accordance with DIN EN 228 are suitable 

(for catalytic converter see page 204, for 

octane numbers see pages 310, 311). The 

quality thereof has considerable effect on 

the performance, running and service life 

of the engine. The additives mixed with the 

fuel are extremely important. For this 

reason you must only refuel with high-

quality fuels containing additives. 
Fuels with ethanol content greater than 5% 

do not comply with DIN EN 228 and must 

not be used unless the vehicle has been 

specifically developed and approved for 

these fuels. 
Fuel with too low an octane number can 

cause pinking. No liability can be accepted 

for resulting damage. 
Petrol with a higher octane number can 

always be used. 
The ignition timing adjusts automatically 

to the grade of fuel used (octane number), 

see pages 310, 311. 
Use of petrol with an octane rating of 95 

will ensure economical driving. 
For vehicles with Z20 LEH

1)

 engine, use of 

95 RON fuel reduces performance and 

torque. 

Fuel for diesel engines 

Diesel engines must be operated only on 

commercially available diesel fuel meeting 

the specifications of DIN EN 590.
Since January 2004, some oil companies 

have mixed their diesel fuel with upto 5% 

Bio fuel (FAME = Fatty Acid Methyl Esters) 

like RME (Rape-Oil Methyl Ester). This is in 

accordance with the current DIN EN 590 

and does not harm the fuel/injection 

system. The characteristics of a diesel fuel 

mixed up with 5% Bio fuel (FAME) do not 

differ from conventional diesel fuel and do 

not influence the vehicle’s driveability.
Important: Diesel fuel mixed with 5% FAME 

according to DIN EN 590 must not be 

confused with 100% Bio Diesel, which is not 

to be used in Vauxhall engines. 
The flow and filterability of diesel fuel are 

temperature-dependent.
Diesel fuels with improved low temperature 

properties are therefore available on the 

market during the winter months. Make 

sure that you fill the tank with winter fuel 

before the start of the cold weather 

season.
Additives can be used with diesel fuels with 

winter properties that are guaranteed by 

the manufacturer and when using diesel 

fuel filters that are heated depending on 

the outside temperature.
Diesel fuels must not be diluted with fuels 

that are intended for petrol engines.

1)

Sales designation, see pages 310 and 311. 

203

Driving and operation

Fuel filler cap 

If replacing the fuel filler cap, be sure to use 

a genuine fuel filler cap for your model to 

ensure full functionality. Diesel-engined 

vehicles have special fuel filler caps. 

Refuelling 

Fuel filler neck at right rear side of vehicle. 
The tank flap is locked together with the 

doors, see page 40. 
Open the tank flap.
Unscrew the fuel filler cap, remove and 

suspend from the tank flap. 
The fuel tank has a limiting system which 

prevents overfilling of the tank. 

9

 Warning

Care must be taken when handling fuel. 
Before refuelling, switch off the engine 

and where applicable any auxiliary 

heating with combustion chambers 

(see sticker on fuel filler cap). Switch off 

mobile phones. 

204

Driving and operation

Correct filling depends to a large extent on 

proper operation of the fuel dispensing 

pump: 
1. Fully insert the pump nozzle and switch 

it on. 

2. After automatic switch off, the specified 

tank capacity is reached after continued, 

measured filling. Leave the filler nozzle in 

place until the stop. 

To close, position the fuel filler cap and 

rotate past the resistance until the cap 

audibly clicks over the retainer. 

Close fuel tank cover. 
Wipe off any overflowing fuel immediately. 

Catalytic converter, 

exhaust gases

Catalytic converter for petrol engines 

Leaded fuel will damage the catalytic 

converter and parts of the electronic 

system, rendering them inoperative.
High quality fuels other than those listed on 

pages 202, 310, 311 (e.g. LRP

1)

) could 

damage the catalytic converter. 

9

 Warning

Fuel is flammable and explosive. When 

handling fuel or in the immediate vicinity, 

avoid naked flames or sparks. Do not 

smoke. This also applies where the 

presence of fuel is revealed by its 

characteristic smell. If fuel odours occur in 

the car, have a workshop eliminate the 

fault immediately. 

1)

LRP

 = 

L

ead 

R

eplacement 

P

etrol. 

205

Driving and operation

Damage to the catalytic converter or the 

vehicle may result if the following points 

are not observed: 
z On ignition faults, uneven running after 

cold start, a clear drop-off in engine 

power or other unusual operating 

symptoms which could indicate a fault in 

the ignition system, contact a workshop 

as soon as possible. Continue driving if 

necessary for a short time at low speed 

and low revs. 
Irregular engine running and a loss of 

engine power when the Electronic 

Stability Program (ESP®

Plus

 3) comes 

into action are the result of operating 

conditions and are therefore of no 

significance - see page 210. 

z If unburned fuel enters the catalytic 

converter, this may result in overheating 

and irreparable damage to the catalytic 

converter.
You should therefore avoid 

unnecessarily long use of the starter 

when starting off, running the tank dry 

(an irregular fuel supply will lead to 

overheating) and starting the engine by 

pushing or towing. 

z If the control indicator Z flashes to 

indicate emissions, back off until the 

flashing stops and the control indicator 

illuminates. Contact a workshop 

immediately. Control indicator for 

emissions Z, see page 206. 

Catalytic converter for diesel engines 

Damage to the catalytic converter or the 

vehicle may result if the following points 

are not observed: 
z On uneven running, a clear drop-off in 

engine power or other unusual operating 

symptoms, contact a workshop as soon 

as possible. Continue driving if necessary 

for a short time at low speed and low 

revs. 
Irregular engine running and a loss of 

engine power when the Electronic 

Stability Program (ESP®

Plus

 3) comes 

into action are the result of operating 

conditions and are therefore of no 

significance - see page 210. 

206

Driving and operation

Controlling exhaust emission 

Some of the damaging substances 

in the exhaust such as carbon 

monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC) 

and nitrous oxides (NO

x

) are reduced 

to a minimum by making structural 

changes – mainly in the injection system 

and the ignition system in conjunction 

with the catalytic converter. 

Control indicator Z for exhaust 

Illuminates when the ignition is switched on 

and during the start attempt. Goes off 

shortly after the engine starts running. 
Illuminated with the engine running 

indicates a fault in the exhaust gas 

cleaning system. The permitted emissions 

may be exceeded. Contact a workshop 

immediately. 
Flashing with the engine running indicates 

a fault which could lead to catalytic 

converter damage. You may continue 

driving without damage if you back off 

until flashing stops and the control 

indicator comes on. Contact a workshop 

immediately. 

Control indicator A for engine electronics  

Illuminates for a few seconds after the 

ignition is switched on. 
If it illuminates when the engine is running, 

there is a fault in engine or transmission 

electronics. The electronic system switches 

to an emergency running programme. Fuel 

consumption may be increased and the 

driveability of the vehicle may be impaired. 
In some cases, faults can be eliminated by 

switching off the engine and restarting. If 

the control indicator comes on again when 

the engine is running, contact a workshop 

to eliminate the cause of the fault. 

207

Driving and operation

If it illuminates briefly, but does not recur, it 

is of no significance. 
Illumination of A can indicate water in the 

diesel fuel filter 3, at the same time a 

message appears in the service display, 

see page 120. Have a workshop check the 

fuel filter for possible water residue. 
If it flashes after the ignition is switched on, 

there is a fault in the immobiliser system. 

The engine cannot be started, see page 31. 

Exhaust gases

During the first drive smoke may develop 

because of wax and oil evaporating on the 

exhaust system. Park the vehicle in the 

open for a while after the first drive and 

avoid inhaling the fumes. 

Diesel particle filter 3 

The diesel particle filter system removes 

polluting soot particles out of the engine 

exhaust gases. The system includes a self-

cleaning function that operates 

automatically while driving. The filter is 

cleaned by burning the trapped soot 

particles at a high temperature. There may 

be an increase in fuel consumption, 

exhaust smell, and engine cooling fan 

operation 3 during the self-cleaning 

operation. 

9

 Warning

Engine exhaust gases contain poisonous 

carbon monoxide, which is colourless and 

odourless and could be fatal if inhaled. 
If exhaust gases penetrate the vehicle 

interior, open a window and contact a 

workshop. 
Avoid driving with an open luggage 

compartment. Otherwise, exhaust gases 

could penetrate the interior. 

208

Driving and operation

Picture no: 18537t.tif

The self-cleaning function can not operate 

automatically during certain driving 

situations where the engine does not reach 

its normal operating temperature. An 

example of this would be driving only short 

distances in cold weather. If the filter needs 

cleaning and recent driving situations did 

not allow the function to automatically 

operate, then the control indicator 

!

 will 

flash. If this occurs, then you may continue 

to drive the vehicle normally. The vehicle 

will not be damaged and does not require 

service. 

The self-cleaning function will 

automatically operate while driving after 

the engine has reached its normal 

operating temperature. The control 

indicator 

!

 will continue to flash until the 

self-cleaning operation is complete. This 

may take up to 20 minutes of driving. The 

time will be shorter at higher vehicle 

speeds. If the vehicle is not moving for 

more than a few minutes, then the self-

cleaning function will not operate. 

Operation will continue when driving 

resumes. 

We recommend that you do not turn the 

ignition off until the self-cleaning operation 

is complete. If you must turn the ignition off 

before the operation is complete, then the 

operation will automatically resume when 

driving the next time and after the engine 

has reached its normal operating 

temperature. 

209

Driving and operation

The control indicator 

!

 goes off as soon as 

the self-cleaning operation is complete.

Maintenance 

Have all maintenance work carried out at 

the intervals specified. We recommend 

that you entrust this work to your Vauxhall 

Authorised Repairer, who has proper 

equipment and trained personnel 

available. Electronic testing systems permit 

rapid diagnosis and remedy of faults. This 

way you can be certain that all 

components of the vehicle’s electrical, 

injection and ignition systems operate 

correctly, that your vehicle has a low level 

of pollutant emission and that the catalytic 

converter system will have a long service 

life. 
You are thereby making an important 

contribution towards keeping the air clean 

and compliance with emissions legislation.
Checking and adjustment of the fuel-

injection and ignition systems is part of the 

scope of inspection. For this reason you 

should have all maintenance work carried 

out at the intervals specified in your Service 

Booklet. 

Drive Control Systems

Interactive Driving System (= IDS+) 3 

IDS+ unites the sensors and control units of 

the Electronic Stability Program (ESP®

Plus

), 

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and 

Continuous Damping Control (CDC). This 

provides both excellent driving dynamics 

and greater safety.