Vauxhall Ampera (2013 year). Manual

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106

Driving and operating

ignition is on. When the ignition is

Starting and stopping the vehicle

attempting to start the vehicle. If this

switched off, the m button light will

3 107.

does not work, seek the assistance of

also turn off¹⁾.

a workshop.

Ignition off

The radio remote control has to be

If the vehicle must be shut-off in an

To switch the ignition off, push button

within the vehicle for the system to

emergency:

m with the vehicle in P. Retained

operate. If the vehicle does not start,

1. Brake, applying a firm and steady

place the mechanical key of the radio

power off will remain active until the

pressure. Do not pump the brakes

remote control inside the transmitter

driver's door is opened. If switching

repeatedly. This may deplete

slot located in the instrument panel

off the ignition while the vehicle is not

power assist, requiring increased

storage compartment.

in P, the vehicle will not be ready to

brake pedal force.

be driven. However, some of the

Starting and stopping the vehicle

electrical features of the vehicle can

2. Shift the vehicle into N. This can

3 107.

be used. A message will appear in the

be done while the vehicle is

Driver Information Centre (DIC).

moving. After shifting to N, firmly

Switch on ignition

apply the brakes and steer the

Retained power off 3 106.

With the ignition off and the brake

vehicle to a safe location.

pedal applied, press m once to switch

Electric drive unit 3 113.

3. Come to a complete stop, shift to

on the ignition. TheR light

The vehicle may have an electric

P and switch the ignition off by

will be illuminated in the instrument

steering column lock. The lock is

pushing button m.

cluster, if the vehicle is ready to be

activated when the ignition is

4. Set the parking brake 3 115.

driven. This can take up to

switched off and one of the front doors

15 seconds at extremely cold

is opened. A sound may be heard as

temperatures. The engine will only

the lock actuates or releases. The

Retained power off

start if necessary. If the vehicle does

steering column lock may not release

The following electronic systems can

not start, the instrument cluster will

if the wheels are not turned to the

work until the driver's door is opened

display a screen with inactive fuel and

centre. If this happens, the vehicle

or up to 10 minutes after the ignition

battery gauges.

may not start. Move the steering

is switched off:

Vehicle ready light 3 72.

wheel from left to right while

¹⁾ Please consider that "ignition on/off" refers to the operating condition of the vehicle.

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Driving and operating

107

■ Audio system

Radio remote control 3 20.

Starting the vehicle with a low radio

remote control battery

■ Power outlets

If the vehicle does not start due to a

Power windows will operate for up to

low radio remote control battery, a

10 minutes or until any door is

message will be displayed in the DIC.

opened.

To still drive the vehicle proceed as

follows:

Starting and stopping the

1. Open the instrument panel

vehicle

storage and remove the rubber

mat.

Starting

Move the shift lever into P or N. The

propulsion system does not start in

any other position.

A welcome, ready, and goodbye

Note

audio message is given out in the

Do not try into shift to P if the vehicle

vehicle and animated on the

is moving as the electric drive unit

instrument cluster when opening the

could be damaged. Shift into P only

driver's door upon entry, when the

if the vehicle is stopped.

vehicle is ready to be driven and when

the ignition is switched off. The

The radio remote control must be

instrument cluster will display an

within the vehicle. Press the brake

active fuel or battery gauge, along

pedal and press button m. If the radio

with an audio start-up cue, if the

2. Extend the key blade and place

remote control is not within the

vehicle is ready to be driven.

the blade into the slot.

vehicle or something interferes with

the transmitter, a message will be

3. With the vehicle in P or N, apply

displayed in the Driver Information

the brake pedal and press m on

Centre (DIC).

the instrument panel.

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108

Driving and operating

Replace the radio remote control

Computers determine when the

■ Switch off the ignition. Turn the

battery as soon as possible.

engine needs to run. The engine may

steering wheel until the steering

start, if required, when the propulsion

wheel lock engages.

Battery replacement 3 20.

system is on.

■ If the vehicle is on a level surface or

Starting the vehicle at low

Electric mode 3 109.

uphill slope, apply the parking

temperatures

brake and then shift the selector

A chime will sound if the driver's door

It is recommended to switch on the

lever to P before switching off the

is opened while the ignition is

ignition while the vehicle is plugged in

ignition. On an uphill slope, turn the

switched on. Always press m to

when exterior temperatures are

front wheels away from the kerb.

switch the ignition off before exiting.

below 0° C.

If the vehicle is on a downhill slope,

Should the exterior temperatures be

Stopping

apply the parking brake and then

lower than -32° C, the vehicle has to

Power button 3 105.

shift the selector lever to P before

be plugged in when the ignition is

switching off the ignition. Turn the

switched on.

front wheels towards the kerb.

Parking

■ Lock the vehicle and activate the

Restarting

Note

anti-theft alarm system.

Do not allow the vehicle to remain in

Caution

extreme temperatures for long

periods without being driven or

If the vehicle must be restarted

being plugged in.

while it is still moving, move the

■ Do not park the vehicle on an easily

shift lever to N and press m twice

ignitable surface. Flammable

without pressing the brake pedal.

materials could get in touch with hot

The propulsion system will not

exhaust parts under the vehicle and

restart in any other way.

ignite.

■ Always apply the parking brake.

Pull switch m for approximately

one second.

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Driving and operating

109

Electric vehicle

Electric mode

Extended range mode

operation modes

In electric mode the vehicle does not

When the vehicle reaches the end of

use fuel and does not produce

its electric range, it switches to

emissions. In this primary mode, the

extended range mode. In this

Operation

vehicle is powered by electrical

secondary mode, electricity is

This vehicle is an extended range

energy stored in the high voltage

produced by the fuel-powered

electric vehicle. It always uses an

battery. The vehicle operates in this

engine. This secondary source of

electric propulsion system to drive the

mode until the battery has reached a

electric power extends the vehicle

vehicle. Electricity is the vehicle's

low charge level.

range. Operation will continue in

primary source of energy, while petrol

extended range mode until the

There are some conditions when the

is the secondary source.

vehicle can be plugged in to recharge

battery charge level is high enough to

The vehicle has two modes of

the high voltage battery and restore

provide electric mode operation, but

operation: Electric and extended

electric mode.

the engine still runs. These are:

range. In both modes, the vehicle is

The high voltage battery will continue

■ Cold ambient temperatures.

propelled by its electric drive unit. It

to provide some power and work

converts electrical energy into

■ Hot or cold high voltage battery

together with the engine to provide

mechanical energy to drive the

temperatures.

peak performance if required, such as

wheels. The vehicle's performance is

■ The bonnet being open or not

driving up a steep incline or

the same in either mode.

completely closed and latched.

performing high acceleration

Depending on the selected operation

manoeuvres. The battery is not

■ Certain high voltage battery fault

mode, a battery or a fuel gauge is

charged nor is the electric vehicle

conditions.

shown mainly in the instrument

range restored by the engine.

■ Engine maintenance mode or fuel

cluster.

maintenance mode being run.

In electric mode as well as in

Battery gauge 3 64.

extended range mode, if there is a

high voltage battery fault, the engine

Fuel gauge 3 63.

may run without turning off to

generate the required electricity. The

malfunction indicator light will turn on.

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110

Driving and operating

Malfunction indicator light 3 68.

Sport mode

Sport mode provides more

responsive acceleration than Normal

Drive modes

mode, but can reduce efficiency. Use

While driving in electric or extended

Normal mode whenever possible.

range mode, additional operating

Control indicator Sport 3 70.

modes can be selected.

Mountain mode

Mountain mode should be selected at

the beginning of a trip before climbing

steep, uphill grades and when

After 3 seconds, the new drive mode

expecting to drive in very hilly or

will become active.

mountainous terrain. This mode

At the next start, the vehicle will be set

maintains a reserve of electrical

back to Normal mode.

charge from the high voltage battery

Under certain conditions, some drive

to provide better grade climbing

modes may be unavailable. The

performance. While driving in

unavailable mode is greyed out in the

Mountain mode, the vehicle has less

DIC menu and cannot be selected.

responsive acceleration. Mountain

mode does not change normal

Press DRIVE MODE repeatedly until

If in Sport, Mountain or Hold mode,

vehicle braking performance for steep

the desired drive mode is highlighted

the mode may become unavailable

downhill grades.

in the Driver Information Centre

and the vehicle returns to Normal

(DIC).

mode. The indicator light goes off and

If steep hill driving is expected, it is

a DIC message displays.

recommended to select Mountain

mode at least 20 minutes before

Driver Information Centre (DIC) 3 73.

driving on steep grades. This allows

the vehicle to build a sufficient battery

charge reserve.

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Driving and operating

111

If Mountain mode is not selected

will force the engine to run, even if

the next time. The engine

under these conditions, propulsion

there is a charge to power the vehicle.

maintenance mode request can be

power may be reduced and the

When engine maintenance mode is

delayed for only one day.

engine speed may increase.

required, a request screen appears

If the engine maintenance mode

on the Colour-Info-Display at vehicle

Control indicator Mountain 3 70.

request has been delayed for one

start.

day, the engine will automatically

Hold mode

start at the next vehicle start. An

Hold mode is only available if the

engine maintenance mode

vehicle is in electric mode. This mode

notification screen will appear in the

places the remaining battery charge

Colour-Info-Display.

into a reserve for the driver to use as

desired. If this mode is selected the

vehicle runs in extended range mode

maintaining the battery charge

reserve.

Hold mode will not change normal

If Yes is selected, engine

vehicle acceleration or braking

maintenance mode will start. The

performance.

engine will run for a set amount of

Control indicator Hold 3 70.

time without turning off. During

engine maintenance mode, a DIC

If the vehicle is shut off during engine

message is displayed to show the

maintenance mode, it will restart the

Maintenance modes

engine maintenance mode

next time the vehicle is driven. A

percentage complete.

message displays to indicate that

Engine maintenance mode

If No is selected, the engine

engine maintenance mode is active.

Engine maintenance mode runs the

maintenance mode request screen

If engine maintenance mode is

engine to keep it in good working

will appear when the vehicle is started

required and the fuel level is low,

condition after approximately

engine maintenance mode may

six weeks of no or very limited engine

eventually empty the fuel tank. This

operation. Engine maintenance mode

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112

Driving and operating

results in reduced, or no power. An

larger amount of fresh fuel will

If the fuel maintenance mode request

adequate fuel level must be

maximise the length of time before

has been delayed for one day, it will

maintained in the vehicle to keep it

another fuel maintenance mode is

start at the next vehicle start and

operational.

needed. During fuel maintenance

display the fuel maintenance mode

mode the engine may turn on and off.

notification screen on the Colour-Info-

Display.

If fuel maintenance mode is needed,

a request screen appears on the

If fuel maintenance mode is required

Colour-Info-Display at vehicle start.

and the fuel level is low, fuel

maintenance mode may eventually

empty the fuel tank. This results in

reduced, or no power. An adequate

fuel level must be maintained in the

vehicle to keep it operational.

Driver Information Centre (DIC) 3 73.

Fuel maintenance mode

Fuel maintenance mode tracks

average fuel age. Old fuel can cause

If Yes is selected, fuel maintenance

engine problems. If low engine usage

mode will start. Fuel maintenance

causes average fuel age to exceed

mode is automatically activated at

approximately one year, fuel

each vehicle start until fresh fuel is

maintenance mode will run the

added.

engine to use up the old fuel. The

If No is selected, the fuel

engine will run until enough fresh fuel

maintenance mode request screen

is added to bring the average fuel age

will appear when the vehicle is started

into an acceptable range. Allowing

the next time. The fuel maintenance

more old fuel to be used up by fuel

mode request can be delayed for only

maintenance mode and adding a

one day.

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Driving and operating

113

Engine exhaust

Electric drive unit

9 Warning

Operation

It is dangerous to get out of the

9 Danger

The vehicle uses an electric drive

vehicle if the shift lever is not fully

unit. The shift lever is located on the

in P with the parking brake firmly

Engine exhaust gases contain

console between the seats.

applied. The vehicle can roll.

poisonous carbon monoxide,

Do not leave the vehicle when the

which is colourless and odourless

propulsion system is running, the

and could be fatal if inhaled.

vehicle may move suddenly. You

If exhaust gases enter the interior

or others can be injured. To be

of the vehicle, open the windows.

sure the vehicle will not move,

Have the cause of the fault

even if you are on even ground,

rectified by a workshop.

always apply the parking brake

Avoid driving with an open load

and move the shift lever to P.

compartment, otherwise exhaust

gases could enter the vehicle.

Make sure the shift lever is fully in P

before starting the propulsion system.

The vehicle has an electric drive unit

shift lock control system. The brake

P (Park): This position locks the front

pedal must be fully applied first and

wheels. It is the recommended

then the shift lever button pressed

position when starting the propulsion

before shifting from P when the

system because the vehicle cannot

ignition is on. If you cannot shift out of

move easily.

P, ease the pressure on the shift

lever, then push the shift lever all the

way into P maintaining brake pedal

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114

Driving and operating

application. Then press the shift lever

D (Drive): This position is for normal

Note

button and move the shift lever into

driving. It provides the best fuel

Spinning the tyres or holding the

another gear.

economy. If more power is needed for

vehicle in one place on a hill using

passing, and the vehicle is:

only the accelerator pedal may

Note

damage the electric drive unit. If you

If you have continuous problems to

■ Going less than 35 mph, push the

are stuck, do not spin the tyres.

move the shift lever from P as

accelerator pedal approx. halfway

When stopping on a hill, use the

mentioned, seek the assistance of a

down.

brakes to hold the vehicle in place.

workshop.

■ Going approx. 35 mph or more,

push the accelerator all the way

Note

down.

The shift lock is always functional

except in the case of an uncharged

Note

or low charged 12-volt battery.

If the vehicle seems to accelerate

Try charging or jump starting the

slowly or not to respond when trying

12-volt battery.

to go faster, do not continue driving

since the electric drive unit could be

Jump starting 3 170.

damaged.

R (Reverse): Use this gear to back up.

Seek the assistance of a workshop.

Note

L (Low): This position reduces vehicle

Shifting to R while the vehicle is

speed without using the brakes. You

moving forward could damage the

can use L on hills. It can help control

electric drive unit. Shift to R only

vehicle speed going down steep

after the vehicle is stopped.

mountain roads along with using the

N (Neutral): In this position, the

brakes off and on. You can use L on

propulsion system does not connect

very steep hills, in deep snow or in

with the wheels.

mud.

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Driving and operating

115

ABS starts to regulate brake pressure

Brakes

hard braking, the vehicle can no

as soon as a wheel shows a tendency

longer be steered and may

to lock. The vehicle remains

The brake system comprises two

swerve.

steerable, even during hard braking.

independent brake circuits.

ABS control is made apparent

Have the cause of the fault remedied

If a brake circuit fails, the vehicle can

through a pulse in the brake pedal

by a workshop.

still be braked using the other brake

and the noise of the regulation

circuit. However, braking effect is

process.

achieved only when the brake pedal

Parking brake

is depressed firmly. Considerably

For optimum braking, keep the brake

more force is needed for this. The

pedal fully depressed throughout the

Electrical parking brake

braking distance is extended. Seek

braking process, despite the fact that

the assistance of a workshop before

the pedal is pulsating. Do not reduce

continuing your journey.

the pressure on the pedal.

When the vehicle is off, the support of

After starting off, the system performs

the brake servo unit disappears once

a self-test which may be audible.

the brake pedal has been depressed

Control indicator u 3 69.

once or twice. Braking effect is not

reduced, but braking requires

Fault

significantly greater force. It is

especially important to bear this in

9 Warning

mind when being towed.

Control indicator R 3 69.

If there is a fault in the ABS, the

wheels may be liable to lock due

to braking that is heavier than

The electrical parking brake can be

Antilock brake system

normal. The advantages of ABS

activated, even if the ignition is off. To

Antilock brake system (ABS)

are no longer available. During

prevent the 12-volt battery from

prevents the wheels from locking.

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116

Driving and operating

draining, avoid repeated cycles of the

display in the Driver Information

lift up the m switch and hold it until the

electrical parking brake system when

Centre (DIC). The vehicle will

control indicator m remains on. If the

the ignition is off.

decelerate as long as the switch is

electrical parking brake fault indicator

held up.

p is on, seek the assistance of a

In case of insufficient electrical

power, the electrical parking brake

Releasing the m switch during the

workshop.

cannot be applied or released.

deceleration process will release the

If the electrical parking brake fails to

parking brake. If the m switch is held

apply, the rear wheels should be

Before leaving the vehicle, check the

control indicator m to ensure the

up until the vehicle stops moving, the

blocked to prevent vehicle

parking brake is applied.

electrical parking brake will remain

movement.

applied.

For maximum electrical parking brake

Electrical parking brake application

When the control indicator m flashes

force when parking on a hill, pull the

The electrical parking brake can be

continuously, the electrical parking

electrical parking brake switch twice.

applied anytime the vehicle is

brake is only partially applied or

stopped. Pull switch m for

released or there is a problem with the

Electrical parking brake release

approximately one second. Once fully

electrical parking brake. If so, a

To release the electrical parking

applied, the control indicator m will be

message will be displayed in the

brake, switch the ignition on, apply

on.

Driver Information Centre (DIC). If

and hold the brake pedal and

m flashes continuously, release the

momentarily push down on the m

During the application process, the

electrical parking brake and attempt

switch. If attempting to release the

control indicator m will flash until full

to apply it again. If m continues to

electrical parking brake without the

application has been reached. If the

light does not come on, or remains

flash, do not drive the vehicle. Seek

brake pedal being applied, a chime

flashing, seek the assistance of a

the assistance of a workshop.

will sound and a message will be

displayed in the DIC. The electrical

workshop.

When the electrical parking brake

parking brake is released when m is

Do not drive the vehicle if the control

fault indicator p is on, the electrical

off.

indicator m is flashing.

parking brake has detected a system

problem and is operating with

If p is on, the electrical parking brake

If the electrical parking brake is

reduced functionality. To apply the

has detected a system problem, and

applied while the vehicle is in motion,

electrical parking brake when p is on,

is operating with reduced

a chime will sound and a message will

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Driving and operating

117

functionality. To release the electrical

Driver Information Centre (DIC) 3 73.

may occasionally hear the motor-

parking brake when p is on, push

driven pump when the system is

down the m switch and hold it down

recharged.

Regenerative braking

until the control indicator m goes off.

In the event of a controller problem,

If the light remains on, seek the

Regenerative braking takes some of

the brake pedal may be harder to

assistance of a workshop.

the energy of the moving vehicle and

push and the stopping distance may

turns it back into electrical energy.

be longer.

Note

This energy is then stored back into

Driving with the parking brake on

Driver Information Centre (DIC) 3 73.

the high voltage battery system,

can overheat the brake system and

contributing to increased energy

cause premature wear or damage to

efficiency.

brake system parts. Make sure that

the parking brake is fully released

The hydraulic disc brakes work with

and the control indicator m is off

the regenerative braking to ensure

before driving.

effective braking, in the event a high

braking demand is requested, for

Automatic release of the electrical

example.

parking brake

The braking system is computer-

The electrical parking brake is

controlled and combines the

automatically released when the

regenerative braking with the

vehicle is running, placed into gear

conventional hydraulic disc brakes to

and an attempt is made to drive away.

meet any deceleration requirement.

Avoid rapid acceleration when the

The controller interprets the braking

electrical parking brake is applied, to

request and applies regenerative

reduce wear of parking brake lining.

braking, conventional hydraulic

Electrical parking brake m control

braking or a combination of both, as

indicator 3 69.

necessary. Because the controller

Electrical parking brake fault p

applies the hydraulic brakes through

control indicator 3 69.

its high pressure accumulator, you

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118

Driving and operating

Control indicator k illuminates and a

Ride control systems

9 Warning

message in the Driver Information

Centre (DIC) is displayed.

Traction Control system

Do not let this special safety

TC is reactivated by pressing the b

The Traction Control system (TC) is a

feature tempt you into taking risks

when driving.

button again.

component of the Electronic Stability

Control.

Adapt speed to the road

TC is also reactivated the next time

conditions.

the ignition is switched on.

TC improves driving stability when

necessary, regardless of the type of

Fault

road surface or tyre grip, by

Control indicator b 3 70.

If there is a problem detected with TC,

preventing the drive wheels from

Deactivation

a message is displayed on the DIC.

spinning.

When this message is displayed and

As soon as the drive wheels starts to

b illuminates, the vehicle is safe to

spin, electric drive unit output is

drive but the system is not

reduced and the wheel spinning the

operational. Driving should be

most is braked individually. This

adjusted accordingly.

considerably improves the driving

stability of the vehicle on slippery road

Resetting

surfaces.

If b comes on and stays on, reset the

TC is operational as soon as the

system as follows:

control indicator b extinguishes.

1. Stop the vehicle.

When TC is active b flashes.

2. Switch off the ignition and wait for

15 seconds.

3. Switch on the ignition.

TC can be switched off when spinning

of drive wheels is required: Press b

If b still comes on and stays on, seek

button on the overhead console.

the assistance of a workshop.

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Driving and operating

119

illuminate and a message in the

Caution

9 Warning

Driver Information Centre (DIC) is

displayed.

Do not repeatedly brake or

Do not let this special safety

ESC is reactivated by pressing the

accelerate heavily if TC is off. The

feature tempt you into taking risks

b button again.

vehicle's driveline could be

when driving.

damaged.

If cruise control is being used when

Adapt speed to the road

ESC is activated, cruise control will

conditions.

automatically disengage. Press the

Electronic Stability Control

cruise control button to re-engage if

Control indicator b 3 70.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

road conditions allow.

improves driving stability when

Deactivation

Cruise control 3 120.

necessary, regardless of the type of

road surface or tyre grip. It also

Driver Information Centre (DIC) 3 73.

prevents the drive wheels from

spinning.

Fault

If there is a problem detected with

As soon as the vehicle starts to

ESC, a message will be displayed on

swerve (understeer/oversteer),

the DIC. When this message is

electric drive unit output is reduced

displayed and b illuminates, the

and the wheels are braked

individually. This considerably

vehicle is safe to drive but the system

improves the driving stability of the

is not operational. Driving should be

vehicle on slippery road surfaces.

adjusted accordingly.

ESC is operational as soon as the

control indicator b extinguishes.

When ESC is active, b flashes.

For very high-performance driving,

ESC can be deactivated: Press and

hold b button on the overhead

console depressed until k and n

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120

Driving and operating

Resetting

Driver assistance

If b comes on and stays on, reset the

systems

system as follows:

1. Stop the vehicle.

Cruise control

2. Switch off the ignition and wait for

The cruise control allows the vehicle

15 seconds.

to maintain a speed of approx.

3. Switch on the ignition .

20 mph or more without keeping your

foot on the accelerator. Cruise control

If b still comes on and stays on, seek

does not work at speeds below

the assistance of a workshop.

20 mph.

Do not use the cruise control if it is not

advisable to maintain a constant

The cruise control buttons are on the

speed.

steering wheel.

With the Traction Control system or

m : Press to turn the cruise control

Electronic Stability Control, the

system on and off. An indicator light

system may limit wheel spin while

will turn on or off in the instrument

using cruise control. If this happens,

cluster.

the cruise control will automatically

y : Press to disengage cruise control

disengage.

without erasing the set speed from

Traction Control system 3 118.

memory.

Electronic Stability Control 3 119.

RES/+: Move the thumbwheel up to

resume to a previously set speed or

to accelerate.

SET/-: Move the thumbwheel down to

set a speed and activate cruise

control, or to slow down the vehicle.

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Driving and operating

121

Setting cruise control

Increasing speed

Passing another vehicle

To set a speed:

If the cruise control system is already

Use the accelerator pedal to increase

activated:

vehicle speed. If taking the foot off the

1. Press m to turn cruise control on.

pedal, the vehicle will slow down to

■ Move the thumbwheel up toward

2. Accelerate to the desired speed.

the previously set cruise control

RES/+ and hold it, until the vehicle

3. Move the thumbwheel down

speed.

accelerates to the desired speed,

toward SET/− and release it. The

then release it.

desired set speed briefly appears

Using cruise control on hills

■ To increase the speed in small

in the instrument cluster.

How well the cruise control works on

amounts, briefly move the

4. Take foot off the accelerator

hills depends upon the vehicle speed,

thumbwheel up toward RES/+ and

pedal.

load and the steepness of the hills.

then release it. Each time this is

When going up steep hills, you might

When the brakes are applied, the

done, the vehicle goes approx.

have to step on the accelerator pedal

system deactivates the cruise control.

1 mph faster.

to maintain the vehicle speed. When

going downhill, you might have to

Resuming a set speed

Reducing speed

brake or shift to L to maintain the

If the cruise control is set at a desired

If the cruise control system is already

vehicle speed. When the brakes are

speed and then the brakes are

activated:

applied the cruise control is

applied, the cruise control is

■ Move the thumbwheel toward SET/

disengaged.

disengaged without erasing the set

− and hold until the desired lower

speed from memory. Once the

speed is reached, then release it.

Deactivate cruise control

vehicle speed is approx. 20 mph or

■ To slow down in very small

Press button y, control indicator m

higher, briefly move the thumbwheel

amounts, briefly move the

illuminates white in instrument

up toward RES/+ and then release it.

thumbwheel toward SET/− . Each

cluster. Cruise control is deactivated.

The vehicle returns to the previously

time this is done, the vehicle goes

The most recently set speed is stored

set speed.

approx. 1 mph slower.

and can be resumed later.

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122

Driving and operating

Automatic deactivation:

The forward-looking camera sensor is

appear, the forward collision alert will

on the windshield ahead of the

not respond. The indicator may

■ vehicle speed below approx.

rearview mirror. The forward collision

disappear on curves, motorway exit

20 mph,

alert detects vehicles within a

ramps, or hills, or due to poor visibility.

■ the brake pedal is depressed,

distance of approx. 60 m and

The forward collision alert system will

■ selector lever in N,

operates at speeds above 25 mph.

not detect another vehicle ahead until

■ the Traction Control system or

it is completely in the driving lane.

Electronic Stability Control is

9 Warning

operating.

9 Warning

The forward collision alert is just a

Deleting speed memory

warning system and does not

The forward collision alert does

The cruise control set speed will be

apply the brakes. When

not provide a warning, unless it

deleted from memory if pressing m or

approaching a vehicle ahead too

detects a vehicle. The forward

if the ignition is switched off.

rapidly, or when following a

collision alert may not detect a

vehicle too closely, it may not

vehicle ahead if the sensor is

provide a warning with enough

blocked by dirt, snow or ice or if the

Forward collision alert

time to help avoid a collision.

windscreen is damaged. It may

The forward collision alert can help to

also not detect a vehicle on

The forward collision alert does

avoid or reduce damage caused by

winding or hilly roads, in

not warn of pedestrians, animals,

front-end crashes. The forward

conditions with limited visibility or

signs, guardrails, bridges,

collision alert provides a flashing

if the headlights or windscreen are

construction barrels, or other

visual alert and beeps when

not cleaned or in proper condition.

objects. Be ready to take action

approaching a vehicle directly ahead

Keep the windscreen, headlights

and apply the brakes.

too quickly. The forward collision alert

and sensors clean and in good

also provides a visual alert if following

condition.

Detecting a vehicle ahead

another vehicle much too closely.

The green illuminated vehicle ahead

The forward collision alert symbol is

indicator A will appear when the

on top of the instrument panel, to the

system has detected a vehicle ahead.

right of the steering wheel.

Whenever this indicator does not

Vauxhall Ampera (2013 year). Manual - part 7