Vauxhall Astravan (2007 year). Manual - part 14

210

Driving and operation

Electronic Stability Programme 

(

ESP®

Plus

) 3 

ESP®

Plus

 improves driving stability as 

necessary in any driving situation 

regardless of the type of road surface or 

tyre grip. It also prevents the drive wheels 

from spinning irrespective of road surface 

and tyre grip.
The system monitors vehicle movements. 

As soon as the vehicle starts to swerve 

(understeers/oversteers) engine output is 

reduced (the sound of the engine changes) 

and individual wheels are specifically 

braked. This considerably improves the 

driving stability of the vehicle on snow and 

ice and on wet or slippery road surfaces. 

ESP®

Plus 

is ready for operation as soon as 

the ignition is switched on and control 

indicator v goes out. 
When ESP®

Plus 

comes into action, 

v

flashes. 

The vehicle is now in a critical situation; 

ESP®

Plus

 allows you to keep control of the 

vehicle and reminds you to match your 

speed to the road conditions. 

Control indicator v 

Illuminates for a few seconds when the 

ignition is switched on. The system is now 

ready for operation. 
Flashing during driving: 

This shows the system has come into 

action. The engine output may be reduced 

(the sound of the engine changes) and the 

vehicle may be braked automatically to a 

small degree. 

9

 Warning

Do not let this special safety feature 

tempt you into taking risks when driving.
Traffic safety can only be achieved by 

adopting a responsible driving style. 

211

Driving and operation

Illuminates while driving: 

The system is switched off or a fault is 

present. Continued driving is possible. The 

driving stability can however deteriorate 

depending on road surface conditions. 
Re-engage ESP®

Plus

 or have the cause of 

the fault eliminated by a workshop. The 

self-diagnosis integrated into the system 

facilitates rapid fault identification. 
Switching off 3 

With SPORT mode 3 engaged (LED in 

SPORT button illuminated), the ESP®

Plus 

can be disengaged for sports 

performance. 

Hold the SPORT button depressed for 

around 4 seconds. Control indicator v will 

illuminate. ESPoff will also appear in the 

service display, see page 120. 

ESP®

Plus 

is reactivated by pressing the 

SPORT button again or switching on the 

ignition. 
SPORT mode, see page 212. 

Continuous Damping Control 3 

(CDC) 

CDC adapts vehicle damping to the current 

driving situation and road conditions. 
The system continually monitors wheel and 

vehicle movements and immediately 

modifies the damping of each shock 

absorber. Chassis calibration is optimally 

adapted to the driving situation and road 

conditions.
When SPORT mode is enabled the 

damping control is adapted for a sportier 

driving style. This adaptation leads to 

"harder" chassis calibration.
SPORT mode - see right column.

9

 Warning

ESP®

Plus 

should not be deactivated if one 

of the run-flat tyres 3 has no pressure. 

212

Driving and operation

Control indicator IDS+ for 

Continuous Damping Control 

Illuminates for around 10 seconds after 

opening the driver’s door. Illumination 

during driving indicates a fault in the 

system. The system is not functioning. For 

safety reasons, switches to the harder 

chassis setting. Have the cause of the fault 

eliminated by a workshop. The self-

diagnosis integrated into the system 

facilitates rapid fault identification. 

SPORT mode 3 

SPORT mode is used to change damping 3, 

steering 3, throttle application 3 and the 

shift point for automatic transmission 3 

and Easytronic 3 while driving. 
Damping and steering become more direct 

and provide better contact with the road 

surface. The engine reacts more quickly to 

accelerator movements. 
For automatic transmission 3 and 

Easytronic 3, the shift times are reduced 

and gear changes occur at higher engine 

speeds (not when cruise control is on). 

To activate 

Press the SPORT button. The LED in the 

button illuminates. 
In vehicles with automatic transmission 3 

or Easytronic 3 the control indicator 1 

illuminates in the transmission display.
SPORT mode cannot be activated if the 

Winter programme 3 is running (vehicles 

with automatic transmission 3 or 

Easytronic 3). Winter programme - see 

pages 180, 186, 193.

213

Driving and operation

To deactivate

Briefly press the SPORT button again or 

switch off the ignition. The LED in the 

button goes out. 
Holding it pressed switches off ESP®

Plus

, 

see page 211. SPORT mode remains 

engaged. 
Switching the winter programme on 3 

(vehicles with automatic transmission 3 or 

Easytronic 3) switches SPORT mode off. 
For winter programme, see 

pages 180, 186, 193.

Control indicator IDS+ for SPORT mode

Illuminates for around 10 seconds after 

opening the driver’s door. Illumination 

during driving indicates a fault in the 

system. The system is not functioning. 

Have the cause of the fault eliminated by a 

workshop. The self-diagnosis integrated 

into the system facilitates rapid fault 

identification. 

Cruise control 3 

Cruise control can store and maintain 

speeds between 20 mph (30 km/h) and 

125 mph (200 km/h). Deviation from the 

stored speed may occur when driving up or 

downhill. 
For safety reasons the cruise control 

cannot be activated until the footbrake 

has been operated once. 
Cruise control is operated with 

buttons m, 

g

, and § on the turn 

signal stalk. 
Do not use the cruise control if it is not 

advisable to maintain a constant speed 

(e.g. in situations presenting a danger to 

yourself and other road users, in heavy 

traffic or on winding, slippery or greasy 

roads). 

214

Driving and operation

With automatic transmission 3, only use 

cruise control in D or in automatic mode 

with Easytronic 3. 
When the cruise control is active, reaction 

times may be increased due to the different 

position of the feet. 

Control indicator m 

When driving, control indicator m will 

illuminates as soon as the system is 

switched on. 

To activate 

Briefly press button m: the current speed is 

stored and maintained. The accelerator 

pedal can be released. 
Vehicle speed can be increased by 

depressing the accelerator pedal. When 

the accelerator pedal is released, the 

previously stored speed is resumed. 

9

 Warning

The driver is always responsible for 

ensuring that vehicle speed is 

appropriate for the speed limit and 

driving conditions - even if cruise control 

is engaged. Failure to follow the 

instructions could lead to injuries or 

endanger life. 

215

Driving and operation

Increase 

With cruise control active, hold down 

button m or briefly press it repeatedly: 

speed is increased continuously or in steps 

of 1.2 mph (2 km/h) without using the 

accelerator pedal. 
When button m is released the current 

speed is stored and maintained. 
Decelerate 

With cruise control active, hold down 

button 

g

 or briefly press it repeatedly: 

speed is reduced continuously or in steps of 

1.2 mph (2 km/h). 
When button 

g

 is released the current 

speed is stored and maintained. 

To deactivate 

Briefly press button §: Cruise control is 

switched off, control indicator m goes out 

and the vehicle slowly decelerates. To 

continue driving, depress the accelerator 

pedal in the usual manner. 
For reasons of safety, cruise control 

deactivates under certain driving 

conditions. 
For example: 

z the vehicle’s speed drops below approx. 

20 mph (30 km/h) or 

z the brake pedal is depressed or 
z the clutch pedal is depressed or 
z selector lever of automatic 

transmission 3 or Easytronic 3 in N. 

Resuming the stored speed 

Briefly press button 

g

 at a speed above 

20 mph (30 km/h): the speed selected 

before the cruise control was switched off is 

resumed. 
The value of the stored speed is deleted 

when the ignition is turned off. 

Parking distance sensor 3 

The parking distance sensor makes reverse 

parking easier by measuring the distance 

between the vehicle and an obstacle at the 

rear, and giving an acoustic signal in the 

passenger compartment. 
The system records the distance using four 

sensors in the rear bumper. 

216

Driving and operation

To activate

The parking distance sensor system 

activates automatically when the ignition is 

switched on and reverse gear is engaged. 
Its operational readiness is indicated by 

illumination of the LED in button 

r

.

If the vehicle approaches an obstacle when 

reversing, a series of signals can be heard 

in the vehicle interior. The interval between 

the signals becomes shorter as the 

distance is reduced. If the distance is less 

than 30 cm, the signal will be continuous. 

To deactivate

The system deactivates automatically 

when reverse gear is disengaged. 
To deactivate the system when reverse 

gear is engaged, press button 

r

. 

The LED in the button goes out. 
To reactivate, press button 

r

 again.

Control indicator 

r

Illuminates:

Fault in system. The system is not 

functioning.Have the cause of the fault 

eliminated by a workshop. The self-

diagnosis integrated into the system 

facilitates rapid fault identification. 

9

 Warning

Under certain circumstances, various 

reflective surfaces on objects or clothing 

as well as external noise sources may 

cause the system to fail to detect 

obstacles. For this reason, care must be 

taken when reversing even if the parking 

distance sensor is operational. This is of 

particular importance when in the vicinity 

of pedestrians. 

217

Driving and operation

Flashing:

The fault is due to sensors obstructed with 

snow or ice. The sensors must be 

undamaged and free of dirt, snow and ice. 
Interference due to external sources of 

ultra sound (e.g. pneumatic drills, rotary 

machines). Once the source of interference 

is removed, the system will operate 

normally. 

Caravan/trailer towing equipment 3, 

caravan/trailer towing 

The system automatically detects if a 

towbar is properly fitted to the vehicle. 
When towing, plugging the trailer cable 

into the socket automatically switches the 

parking distance sensor off 
Fitting rear load racks 3 

Rear load racks, e.g. bicycle racks, fitted 

near the sensors could disrupt the system. 
Observe the note on the Astra TwinTop on 

page 58. 

Automatic level control 3 

Automatic level control makes it possible to 

keep the height of the vehicle constant 

when subjected to different loads in the 

rear (e.g. when towing a caravan or trailer). 

This significantly improves driving 

conditions. 

218

Driving and operation

The vehicle is automatically raised at the 

rear, increasing the spring travel and 

ground clearance. 
The automatic level control system is 

activated after approx. 1.9 miles (3 km), 

depending on the vehicle loading and the 

nature of the road surface. 
Headlight range adjustment, see 

page 146. 
On function faults, do not utilise full load 

capacity. Have the cause of the fault 

eliminated immediately by a workshop. 

Deflation detection system 

(DDS = Deflation Detection System) 3 

The deflation detection system 

continuously monitors the speed of all 

wheels while driving. If a tyre loses 

pressure, it grows smaller and rotates more 

quickly than the other wheels. If the system 

detects a difference in speed, control 

indicator 

w 

illuminates red. 

Stop immediately and check tyre pressure. 

Mount the spare wheel if necessary, see 

pages 249, 252. 
The system is operational when the ignition 

is switched on and can detect pressure loss 

from a speed of 20 mph (30 km/h).

219

Driving and operation

Control indicator 

w

 

If control indicator 

w 

illuminates red while 

driving, there is a loss of pressure. Stop 

immediately and check tyre pressures. A 

maximum speed of 50 mph (80 km/h) is 

permitted for run-flat tyres 3. Observe the 

information on page 230. 
If the control indicator 

w 

illuminates yellow, 

there is a fault in the system. Have the 

cause of the fault eliminated by a 

workshop. The self-diagnosis integrated 

into the system facilitates rapid fault 

identification. 
The control indicator flashes three times 

when the system is initialising. 

Tyre pressure, see pages 227, 337. 

System initialisation

After correcting tyre pressure or changing 

a tyre/wheel, the system must be initialised: 

With the ignition switched on, press the 

DDS button for approx. 4 seconds. Control 

indicator 

w 

flashes 3 times. The system is 

operational after driving a certain 

distance. 
Only initialise the system if all tyres have 

the prescribed pressure. 

Tyre pressure monitoring system 3 

The tyre pressure monitoring system 

continually checks the pressure and speed 

of all four wheels while driving. 
A pressure sensor is integrated in each 

wheel. Once a minute, the pressure of each 

tyre is sent to a control unit, where it is 

compared. If the system detects one or 

more pressure differences, a message 

appears on the information display. 
The current tyre pressures are displayed in 

the Info display.
For the system to be operational, all wheels 

must be equipped with pressure sensors 

and all tyres must be filled to the 

prescribed pressure. The tyre pressure 

monitoring system automatically detects if 

the vehicle is being driven with a load of up 

to 3 persons or a full load.

9

 Warning

The deflation detection system does not 

replace manual checks with a suitable 

gauge. 
Check tyre pressures at least every 

14 days and prior to any long journey; 

the tyres should be checked when cold. 

Don’t forget to check the spare 3. 

220

Driving and operation

Once the ignition is switched on, the system 

is operational and will continuously 

monitor the tyre pressures at speeds of 

approx. 20 mph (30 km/h) and above. 

Tyre pressure, see pages 227, 337. 

Display of current tyre pressure

Select menu item Tyres from the Board 

Computer menu. 
The current pressure of each tyre is 

displayed. 
Warning messages

A message is given on the information 

display to warn of inconsistent tyre 

pressures. In some versions, the message is 

displayed in abbreviated form. 
For example, the following messages can 

be displayed: 

A graphic indicating the left rear tyre is 

shown together with the current tyre 

pressure: Slight pressure deviation, reduce 

speed. Check pressure at next opportunity 

with appropriate gauge and correct if 

necessary. 
On the colour information display this 

report will appear in yellow. 

9

 Warning

The tyre pressure monitoring system does 

not replace manual checks with a 

suitable gauge. 
Check tyre pressures at least every 

14 days and prior to any long journey; 

the tyres should be checked when cold. 

Don’t forget to check the spare 3. 

2

 Board Computer

BC 1

BC 2

Timer

Tyres

 Navi 

active

Tyre pressure

 

OK

check rear
left
(value in bar)

221

Driving and operation

A graphic indicating the front left tyre is 

shown together with the current tyre 

pressure: Significant pressure deviation or 

direct pressure loss! Steer out of flow of 

traffic as quickly as possible without 

endangering other drivers. Stop and check 

the tyres. 
Mount the spare wheel 3 if necessary - see 

pages 249, 252. A maximum speed of 

50 mph (80 km/h) is permitted for run-flat 

tyres 3. Observe the information on page 

230. 
On the colour information display this 

report will appear in red. 
Acknowledgement of warnings, see 

page 130. 

Control indicator 

w

 

If control indicator 

w 

illuminates up yellow 

while driving, there is a fault in the tyre 

pressure monitoring system. Fitting a wheel 

without pressure sensor (e.g. spare wheel 

3) will also generate a fault in the system. 

Have the cause of the fault remedied by a 

workshop. The integral self-diagnostic 

feature of the system allows faults to be 

quickly remedied. 

System initialisation

The system must be initialised after a 

wheel/tyre change: With the ignition 

switched on, press button DDS approx. 

4 seconds. Control indicator 

w 

flashes 

3 times. The system is operational after 

driving a certain distance.
Only initialise the system if all tyres have 

the prescribed pressure (check when tyres 

are cold).

 Navi 

active

Attention!

OK

Front left tyre
pressure loss
(value in bar)

222

Driving and operation

General information 

The tyre pressure monitoring system does 

not function when the emergency or a 

spare wheel not fitted with a pressure 

sensor is used, and the control indicator 

w

 

illuminates yellow. The tyre pressure 

display shows –.–. The tyre pressure is then 

monitored by the deflation detection 

system, see page 218. 
If a complete set of wheels without tyre 

pressure control system sensors is mounted 

(e.g. four winter tyres), no error message 

will be displayed. The tyre pressure 

monitoring system is not operational. The 

tyre pressure of a set of wheels without 

sensors is monitored by the deflation 

detection system, see page 218. 

Sensors for the tyre pressure monitoring 

system can be fitted on request by a 

workshop. 
When manually checking tyre pressure with 

a pressure gauge, screw the adapter onto 

the valve. Tyre pressure, see page 337. 
On each tyre change, the valve inserts and 

sealing rings for the tyre pressure 

monitoring system must be replaced by a 

workshop. 
The use of commercially available liquid 

filled run-flat systems or repair kits can 

impair the function of the system. 

Vauxhall-approved systems can be used. 
Radio transmitters (e.g. radio headphones, 

walkie-talkies) operated in the area could 

cause interference in the tyre pressure 

monitoring system. 

Brake system 

The brakes are an important factor for 

traffic safety. 
To improve effectiveness, do not brake 

unnecessarily hard for the first 

125 miles (200 km) after new brake pads 

have been fitted. 
Brake pad wear must not exceed a 

specified limit. Regular maintenance as 

detailed in the Service Booklet is therefore 

of the utmost importance for traffic safety. 
Have worn brake pads replaced by a 

workshop.
Tested and approved pads give optimum 

braking performance. 
Brake pads worn to the minimum level 

cause grinding noises. You may continue 

to drive but have the pads replaced as 

soon as possible. To change the pads, 

contact a workshop. 

223

Driving and operation

Brake assist 

If the brake pedal is operated with a rapid, 

powerful push, the vehicle is automatically 

braked at full braking power in order to 

achieve the shortest possible braking 

distance when full-on braking occurs 

(brake assist).
Maintain steady pressure on the brake 

pedal for as long as full-on braking is to 

continue. When the brake pedal is 

released, the maximum brake force 

amplification is taken away. 

Footbrake 

The footbrake comprises two independent 

brake circuits. 
If one brake circuit fails, the vehicle can still 

be braked with the other brake circuit. 

However the braking effect will occur at a 

lower pedal position and considerably 

more force is required. The braking 

distance is longer. Contact a workshop 

before continuing to drive. 
To ensure the full pedal travel can be 

utilized, especially in case of a fault in one 

of the brake circuits, there must be no mats 

in the vicinity of the pedals, see page 199. 
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. This is especially important 

to bear in mind when towing. 

Check the brake lights before starting out 

on a journey. On vehicles with check 

control 3 the brake lights are checked 

automatically, see page 138. 
Shortly after starting each journey the 

effectiveness of the brake system should 

be tested at low speed and without 

inconveniencing other traffic, especially if 

the brakes are wet, e.g. after the vehicle 

has been washed. 
The brake fluid level should be checked 

regularly. If the brake fluid level is too low 

and the handbrake is not applied, control 

indicator R in the instrument panel 

illuminates, see page 114. 
Hill Start Assist 3 (HSA) 

The system helps pull away on inclines. 

After releasing the footbrake, if the 

handbrake is not applied the brakes are 

only released after 2 seconds. As soon as 

the acceleration is sufficient to prevent 

rolling back, the brake is released. 

224

Driving and operation

Handbrake 

Always apply handbrake firmly without 

operating the release button, and apply as 

firmly as possible on a downhill or uphill 

slope. 
The mechanical handbrake acts on the 

brakes on the rear wheels. It engages 

automatically when applied. 
To release the handbrake pull the lever up 

slightly, press the ratchet knob, and fully 

lower the lever. 
To reduce the operating forces of the 

handbrake, depress the footbrake at the 

same time.

Brake system control indicator R 

The control indicator illuminates when the 

ignition is switched on if the handbrake is 

applied or if the brake or clutch fluid level is 

too low. Brake fluid - see page 302. 
For vehicles with Easytronic 3, the control 

indicator flashes for a few seconds when 

the ignition is turned off if the handbrake is 

not applied.

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS 

u

)

 

ABS continually monitors the brake system 

and prevents the wheels from locking 

regardless of the type of road surface or 

tyre grip. 
It starts to regulate the braking pressure as 

soon as a wheel shows a tendency to lock. 

The vehicle remains steerable, even in the 

event of very heavy braking, for instance 

on bends or when swerving to avoid an 

obstacle. Even in the case of full-on 

braking, the ABS makes it possible to drive 

round an obstacle without releasing the 

brakes.
ABS control is made apparent though a 

pulse in the brake pedal and the noise of 

the regulation process.

9

 Warning

If the control indicator comes on when 

the handbrake is released, stop driving 

immediately. Contact a workshop for 

assistance. 

9

 Warning

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. 
Do not let this special safety feature 

tempt you into taking risks when driving. 
Traffic safety can only be achieved by 

adopting a responsible driving style. 

225

Driving and operation

Control indicator u for ABS 

It comes on for a few seconds after the 

ignition is turned on. The system is ready 

for operation when the control indicator 

goes out.
If the control indicator does not go 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 turned on and the 

engine started, after moving away from a 

speed of around 1.9 mph (3 km/h) the 

system performs a self-check which may be 

audible.

Fault 

You can continue driving, provided you 

drive with care and anticipation.
Have the cause of the fault eliminated by a 

workshop. The self-diagnosis integrated 

into the system facilitates rapid fault 

identification.

Wheels, tyres 

See page 337 for suitable tyres and 

restrictions. 
Tyres fitted in the factory are adapted to 

the chassis and provide optimum driving 

comfort and safety. 
Changing tyre/wheel type 

Before conversion to other tyres or wheels, 

note the changes required. 
If tyres of a different size than those fitted 

at the factory are used, the electronic 

speedometer may require reprogramming 

to ensure that the correct speed is 

displayed. 

9

 Warning

If there is a fault in ABS, the wheels may 

be subject to locking due to braking that 

is heavier than normal. The advantages 

of ABS are no longer operational. The 

vehicle can no longer be steered and may 

swerve. 

9

 Warning

Use of unsuitable tyres or wheels may 

lead to accidents and render the vehicle 

unroadworthy.