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Vauxhall Ampera (2013 year). Manual - part 9

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Vehicle care

141

Vehicle care

General Information

Lifting the vehicle

Accessories and vehicle

9 Warning

General Information

141

modifications

Lifting the vehicle improperly can

Vehicle checks

143

We recommend to use genuine parts

cause serious injuries and

and accessories and factory

damage to the vehicle.

Bulb replacement

150

approved parts specific for your

The vehicle should be lifted only

Electrical system

153

vehicle type. We cannot assess or

by well-trained staff at an

Vehicle tools

161

guarantee reliability of other products

authorised workshop.

- even if they have a regulatory or

Wheels and tyres

161

otherwise granted approval.

Jump starting

170

Jacking position for lifting

Do not make any modifications to the

Towing

173

platform

electrical system, e.g. changes of

Appearance care

175

electronic control units (chip tuning).

Caution

When transporting the vehicle on

a train or on a recovery vehicle, the

mud flaps might be damaged.

Rear arm position of the lifting

platform at the underbody.

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142

Vehicle care

Storage for four weeks up to 12

Reconnecting the 12-volt black

negative cable

months

With the 12-volt black negative (−)

■ Discharge the high voltage battery

cable disconnected, the tailgate

until two or three bars remain on the

cannot be opened by pressing

battery range indicator (Battery

tailgate release button. If the tailgate

symbol) on the instrument cluster.

is closed and latched:

■ Do not plug in the high voltage

1. Use the door key to open the

battery charge cord.

driver door.

■ Remove the black negative (−)

2. Manually unlock and open one of

cable from the 12-volt battery and

the rear doors.

attach a trickle charger to the

battery terminals or keep the 12-

3. Lower one of the rear seat

Front arm position of the lifting

volt battery cables connected and

backrests.

platform at the underbody.

trickle charge from the underhood

4. Pull the load floor cover forward to

Ramps may be needed under the

remote positive (+) and negative

access and reconnect the 12-volt

front tyres to provide the necessary

(−) terminals 3 170.

battery black negative (−) cable.

clearance for certain lifting platforms

Note

5. After the cable has been

in this location.

The vehicle is equipped with an

connected, open the hatch and

AGM/VRLA 12-volt battery, which

then tighten the cable.

Vehicle storage

can be damaged by using the

After the battery cable is

incorrect type of trickle charger. An

reconnected, it is possible that the

Storage for up to four weeks

AGM/VRLA-compatible charger

vehicle may not operate in electric

Plug in the high voltage battery

must be used, with the appropriate

mode. If this happens, the high

charge cord if temperatures will

setting selected. Follow the trickle

voltage battery may need to be

exceed 35°C and keep the 12-volt

charger manufacturer instructions.

charged.

battery cables connected.

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Vehicle care

143

Vehicle checks

and tools. Exposure to high

Bonnet

voltage may cause shock, burns,

Performing work

and even death. The high voltage

Opening

components in the vehicle can

1. Switch off the ignition before

only be serviced by technicians

opening the bonnet. If the ignition

with special training.

is switched on, the engine will

High voltage components are

start when the bonnet is opened.

identified by labels. Do not

Electric vehicle operation modes

remove, open, take apart, or

3 109.

modify these components. High

voltage cable or wiring has orange

covering. Do not probe, tamper

with, cut, or modify high voltage

cable or wiring.

9 Warning

9 Danger

Only perform engine compartment

Never try to do maintenance work

checks when the ignition is off.

on high voltage battery

The cooling fan may start

components yourself. You may be

operating even if the ignition is off.

injured and the vehicle may be

2. Pull the release handle and return

damaged. Service and repair of

Note

it to its original position.

these high voltage battery

Even small amounts of

components should only be

contamination can cause damage to

performed by a trained service

vehicle systems. Do not allow

technician with proper knowledge

contaminants to contact the fluids,

reservoir caps, or dipsticks.

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144

Vehicle care

4. Release the bonnet prop rod from

Check with the vehicle on a level

its retainer above the radiator

surface. The engine must be at

support and place it securely into

operating temperature and switched

the slotted retainer in the bonnet.

off for at least 5 minutes.

Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean,

Closing

insert it to the stop on the handle, pull

Before closing the bonnet, press the

out and read the engine oil level.

bonnet prop in its retainer.

Lower the bonnet and allow it to drop

9 Warning

into the catch. Check that the bonnet

is engaged.

The engine oil dipstick handle may

be hot.

3. Push the safety catch in the

Engine oil

engine compartment to the right

Insert dipstick to the stop on the

and open the bonnet.

Check the engine oil manually on a

handle and make half a turn.

regular basis to prevent damage to

the engine. Ensure that the correct

specification of oil is used.

Recommended fluids and lubricants

3 179.

Caution

It is the owner's responsibility to

maintain the proper level of an

appropriate quality oil in the

engine.

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145

Vehicle care

When the engine oil level has

Engine cooling system

Caution

dropped to the MIN mark, top up

The coolant reservoir is located on

engine oil.

the ride side of the engine

Overfilled engine oil must be

compartment.

drained or suctioned out.

Caution

Capacities 3 189, Engine oil quality/

Do not allow the engine oil level to

viscosity 3 179.

drop below the minimum level!

Fit the cap on straight and tighten it.

Cooling system

The vehicle has three different

cooling systems.

Regularly check the coolant level of

the respective cooling systems and

have the cause of a possible coolant

loss remedied by a workshop.

9 Warning

Caution

The electric fans in the engine

Make sure that you never run the

compartment can start up even

Recheck the level.

vehicle with insufficient coolant.

when the engine is not running.

We recommend the use of the same

Keep hands, clothing and tools

Too low a coolant level can cause

grade of engine oil that was used at

away from any underhood electric

damage to the vehicle.

last change.

fan.

The engine oil level must not exceed

the MAX mark on the dipstick.

The coolant provides freeze

protection down to approx. -28 °C.

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146

Vehicle care

High voltage battery cooling

Check to see if coolant is visible in the

Caution

high voltage battery coolant reservoir.

system

If coolant is visible but the coolant

Only use approved antifreeze.

level is below the cold fill line, there

9 Danger

could be a leak within the cooling

If the engine cooling system is cold,

system.

the coolant level should be above the

The high voltage battery coolant

may only be serviced by a

If the coolant level is too low, seek the

filling line mark. Top up if the level is

qualified technician.

assistance of a workshop.

low.

Improper handling could cause

Power electronics and charger

9 Warning

serious injuries or death.

modules cooling system

Allow the engine to cool before

The high voltage battery coolant

opening the cap. Carefully open

reservoir is located on the front side

9 Danger

the cap, relieving the pressure

of the engine compartment.

slowly.

The power electronics and

charger modules coolant may only

To top up use a 1:1 mixture of

be serviced by a qualified

approved coolant concentrate mixed

technician.

with tap water. Install the cap tightly.

Improper handling could cause

serious injuries or death.

The power electronics and charger

modules are cooled using the same

coolant loop.

The power electronics and charger

modules coolant reservoir is located

on the front side of the engine

compartment.

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Vehicle care

147

If the decision is made not to lift the

bonnet when this warning appears,

seek the assistance of a workshop

immediately.

If the decision is made to lift the

bonnet, make sure the vehicle is

parked on a level surface.

Then check to see if the engine

cooling fans are running. If the engine

is overheating, the fans should be

running. If they are not running, do not

continue to drive the vehicle and have

Check to see if coolant is visible in the

it serviced by a workshop.

When adding windshield washer fluid

power electronics and charger

to the vehicle, be sure to read the

modules coolant reservoir. If coolant

manufacturer's instructions before

Washer fluid

is visible but the coolant level is below

use. If operating the vehicle in an area

the cold fill line, there could be a leak

An error message will appear on the

where the temperature may fall below

in the cooling system.

Driver Information Centre (DIC) when

freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient

the fluid level is low.

protection against freezing.

If the coolant level is too low, seek the

assistance of a workshop.

Caution

Engine overheating

Only washer fluid with a sufficient

The vehicle has an indicator to warn

antifreeze concentration provides

of engine overheating.

protection at low temperatures or

a sudden drop in temperature.

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148

Vehicle care

■ When using concentrated washer

Once new brake linings are installed,

running, the fluid level should be in

fluid, follow the manufacturer

do not brake unnecessarily hard for

the proper operating range between

instructions for adding water.

the first few journeys.

the MIN and MAX marks. If it is not,

have the brake hydraulic system

■ Do not mix water with ready-to-use

checked to see if there is a leak.

washer fluid. Water can cause the

Brake fluid

solution to freeze and damage the

After work is done on the brake

washer fluid tank and other parts of

hydraulic system, make sure the oil

9 Warning

the washer system.

level is in the proper operating range

between the MIN and MAX marks

■ Fill the washer fluid tank only three-

Brake fluid is poisonous and

when the vehicle is running.

quarters full when it is very cold.

corrosive. Avoid contact with eyes,

This allows for fluid expansion if

skin, fabrics and painted surfaces.

Only use high-performance brake

freezing occurs, which could

fluid approved for the vehicle. Consult

damage the tank if it is completely

a workshop.

full.

Brake fluid 3 179.

■ Do not use engine coolant

(antifreeze) in the windshield

Battery

washer. It can damage the

windshield washer system and

9 Danger

paint.

Only a trained service technician

Brakes

with the proper knowledge and

In the event of minimum thickness of

tools may inspect, test or replace

the brake lining, a squealing noise

the high voltage battery.

sounds during braking.

Seek the assistance of a

When the vehicle has not been

Continued driving is possible but

workshop if the high voltage

running for at least 1 minute, the

have the brake lining replaced as

battery needs service.

maximum fluid level is at the top of the

soon as possible.

reservoir body. When the vehicle is

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Vehicle care

149

This vehicle has a high voltage

Refer to the replacement number

Vehicle storage

battery and a standard 12-volt

shown on the original battery label if

battery.

a new 12-volt battery is needed. The

9 Warning

vehicle has an Absorbed Glass Mat

If the vehicle is involved in a crash, the

sensing system may shut down the

(AGM) 12-volt battery. Installation of

Batteries have acid that can burn

high voltage system. If this occurs,

a standard 12-volt battery will result in

you and gas that can explode. You

the high voltage battery will be

reduced 12-volt battery life. When

can be badly hurt if you are not

disconnected and the vehicle will not

using a 12-volt battery charger on the

careful.

12-volt AGM battery, note that some

start. A service message will be

displayed in the Driver Information

chargers have an AGM battery

Remove the 12-volt battery black

Centre (DIC). Before the vehicle can

setting on the charger. If available,

negative (−) cable from the battery to

be operated again, it must be

use the AGM setting on the charger,

prevent the 12-volt battery from

serviced at a workshop.

to limit charge voltage to 14.8 volts.

running down, or use a battery trickle

charger. In addition, to avoid potential

If an airbag has inflated 3 191.

damage to the high voltage battery,

A vehicle cover, which can reduce

perform the following recommended

sun loading on the vehicle and

steps:

improve high voltage battery life, is

■ Store the high voltage battery with

available from your Vauxhall Ampera

1/2 charge or less.

Authorised Repairer.

■ Always store the vehicle in a place

The Vauxhall Ampera Authorised

Batteries do not belong in household

with temperatures between −10°C

Repairer has information on how to

waste. They must be disposed of at

and 30°C.

recycle the high voltage battery.

an appropriate recycling collection

point.

■ Vehicle storage at extreme

Keep the vehicle plugged in, even

temperatures may cause damage

when fully charged, to keep the high

to the high voltage battery.

voltage battery temperature ready for

the next drive. This is important when

Remember to reconnect the 12-volt

outside temperatures are extremely

battery when ready to drive the

hot or cold.

vehicle.

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150

Vehicle care

Wiper blade replacement

Headlight aiming

Bulb replacement

Headlight aim has been preset and

Wiper blades on the windscreen

should need no further adjustment.

Switch off the ignition and switch off

To replace the windscreen wiper

When driving in countries where the

the relevant switch or close the doors.

blade:

traffic drives on the opposite side of

Only hold a new bulb at the base! Do

1. Lift the wiper arm.

the road, it is not necessary to adjust

not touch the bulb glass with bare

the low beam.

hands.

If the vehicle is damaged in a crash,

Only use the same bulb type for

the headlight aim may be affected. If

replacement.

adjustment to the low beam is

Replace headlight bulbs from within

necessary, seek the assistance of a

the engine compartment.

workshop.

Halogen bulbs

9 Warning

Halogen bulbs have pressurised

gas inside and can burst if you

2. Press the button in the middle of

drop or scratch the bulb. You or

the wiper arm connector and pull

others could be injured. Be sure to

the wiper blade away from the arm

read and follow the instructions on

connector.

the bulb package.

3. Remove the wiper blade.

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Vehicle care

151

4. Install the new bulb in the socket.

Halogen headlights

5. Install the bulb socket by turning it

High/low beam

clockwise.

6. Install the cover in the back of the

headlight assembly by turning it

clockwise.

Tail lights

Have the lights replaced by a

workshop.

2. Remove the bulb socket from the

Side turn signal lights

headlight assembly by turning it

counterclockwise.

Have bulbs replaced by a workshop.

3. Remove the bulb from the socket.

1. Remove the cover from the back

Reversing light

of the headlight assembly by

turning it counterclockwise.

Have the bulbs replaced by a

workshop.

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152

Vehicle care

Number plate light

Rear fog light

Have the bulbs replaced by a

workshop.

4. Pull gently the clamp and pull the

bulb straight out of the bulb

1. Press the spring clip on the right

socket.

end of the light assembly to the left

5. Push the replacement bulb

to unlock the light assembly.

straight into the bulb socket and

2. Pull down on the light assembly to

turn the bulb socket clockwise to

remove it from the fascia.

install it into the light assembly.

3. Turn the bulb socket

6. Reinstall the light assembly into

counterclockwise to remove it

the fascia by inserting the left side

from the light assembly.

first.

7. Push the spring clip side into

place.

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154

Vehicle care

Fuses

Data on the replacement fuse must

match the data on the defective fuse.

There are four fuse boxes in the

vehicle:

■ in the front left of the engine

compartment,

■ on the right end side and the left

end side of the instrument panel,

■ behind a cover on the left side of the

load compartment.

Before replacing a fuse, turn off the

respective switch and the ignition.

A blown fuse can be recognised by its

melted wire. Do not replace the fuse

until the cause of the fault has been

remedied.

Some functions are protected by

several fuses.

Fuses may also be inserted without

existence of a function.

Fuse extractor

A fuse extractor may be located in the

fuse box in the engine compartment.

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Vehicle care

155

Engine compartment fuse

box

Place the fuse extractor on the

Mini fuses Usage

various types of fuse from the top or

1

Engine control module -

side, and withdraw fuse.

switched power

The fuse box is in the left front side of

the engine compartment.

2

Emissions

To open the fuse block cover, press

3

-

the clips at the front and at the back

and rotate the cover up to the side.

4

Ignition coils / Injectors

5

Column lock

6

-

7

-

8

-

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