Opel Tigra (2009 year). Manual - part 9

130

Driving and operating

Manual mode

Move selector lever out of position D

towards the left and then forwards or

backwards.
<

= Shift to a higher gear.

]

= Shift to a lower gear.

If a higher gear is selected when

vehicle speed is too low, or a lower

gear when vehicle speed is too high,

the shift is not executed. This can

cause a message in the Driver

Information Center.

In manual mode no automatic shifting

to a higher gear takes place at high

engine revolutions.

Electronic driving

programmes

■ Following a cold start, the operating

temperature programme increases

engine speed to quickly bring the

catalytic converter to the required

temperature.

■ The automatic neutral shift function

automatically shifts to idling when

the vehicle is stopped with

a forward gear engaged and the

brake pedal is pressed.

■ Special programmes automatically

adapt the shifting points when

driving up inclines or down hills.

Kickdown

If the accelerator pedal is pressed

down completely in automatic mode,

the transmission shifts to a lower gear

depending on engine speed.

Fault

In the event of a fault, g illuminates.

Additionally a code number or

a vehicle message is displayed in the

Driver Information Center. Vehicle

messages 3 98.
The transmission no longer shifts

automatically. Continued travel is

possible with manual shifting.
Only the highest gear is available.

Depending on the fault, second gear

may also be available in manual

mode. Shift only when vehicle is at

a standstill.
Have the cause of the fault remedied

by a workshop.

Interruption of power

supply

In the event of an interruption of

power supply, the selector lever

cannot be moved out of the P

position. The ignition key cannot be

removed from the ignition switch.
If the battery is discharged, start the

vehicle using jump leads 3 178.

Driving and operating

131

If the battery is not the cause of the

fault, release the selector lever.

1. Apply the parking brake.

2. Grasp the selector lever trim at the

marked position and pull to

unlatch at the back.

3. Fold the selector lever trim

upwards. Pull to unlatch at the

front.

4. Move the selector lever trim to the

left. Take care that the plug and

the wiring harness at the bottom

are not damaged

5. Insert a screwdriver into the

opening as far as it will go and

move the selector lever out of P or

N. If P or N is engaged again, the

selector lever will be locked in

position again. Have the cause of

the power supply interruption

remedied by a workshop.

6. Mount the selector lever trim onto

the centre console and refit.

Manual transmission

To engage reverse, with the vehicle

stationary press the release button on

the selector lever and engage the

gear.
If the gear does not engage, set the

lever to neutral, release the clutch

pedal and depress again; then repeat

gear selection.
Do not grind the clutch unnecessarily.
When operating, depress the clutch

pedal completely. Do not use the

pedal as a foot rest.

132

Driving and operating

Caution

It is not advisable to drive with the

hand resting on the selector lever.

Brakes

The brake system comprises two

independent brake circuits.
If a brake circuit fails, the vehicle can

still be braked using the other brake

circuit. However, braking effect is

achieved only when the brake pedal

is depressed firmly. Considerably

more force is needed for this. The

braking distance is extended. Seek

the assistance of a workshop before

continuing your journey.
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. It is especially important to bear

this in mind when being towed.
Control indicator R 3 89.

Antilock brake system

Antilock brake system (ABS)

prevents the wheels from locking.

ABS starts to regulate brake pressure

as soon as a wheel shows a tendency

to lock. The vehicle remains

steerable, even during hard braking.
ABS control is made apparent

through a pulse in the brake pedal

and the noise of the regulation

process.
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.
After starting off, the system performs

a self-test which may be audible.
Control indicator u 3 90.

Adaptive brake light

During full braking, all three brake

lights flash for the duration of ABS

control.

Driving and operating

133

Fault

9 Warning

If there is a fault in the ABS, the

wheels may be liable to lock due

to braking that is heavier than

normal. The advantages of ABS

are no longer available. During

hard braking, the vehicle can no

longer be steered and may

swerve.

Have the cause of the fault remedied

by a workshop.

Parking brake

Electrical parking brake

Applying when vehicle is stationary

Pull switch m, the electrical parking

brake operates automatically with

adequate force. For maximum force,

e.g. parking with trailer or on inclines,

pull switch m twice.
The electrical parking brake can

always be activated, even if the

ignition is off.

Do not operate electrical parking

brake system too often without

engine running because this will

discharge the battery.
Before leaving the vehicle, check the

electrical parking brake status.
Control indicator m 3 89.

Releasing

Switch on ignition. Keep brake pedal

depressed and then push switch m.

Drive away function

Depressing clutch pedal (manual

transmission) or engaging D

(automatic transmission) and then

depressing the accelerator pedal

releases the electrical parking brake

automatically. This is not possible

when the switch is pulled at the same

time.
This function also helps driving away

on inclines.
Aggressive drive away may reduce

life time of wear parts.

134

Driving and operating

Dynamic braking when vehicle is

moving

When the vehicle is moving and the

switch m is kept pulled, the electrical

parking brake system will decelerate

the vehicle, but will not apply

statically.
As soon as the switch m is released,

dynamic braking will be stopped.

Fault

Failure mode of electrical parking

brake is indicated by control indicator

j

 and by a code number or a vehicle

message which is displayed in the

Driver Information Center. Vehicle

messages 3 98.
Apply electrical parking brake: pull

and hold the switch m for more than

5 seconds. If control indicator m

illuminates, electrical parking brake is

applied.
Release electrical parking brake:

push and hold the switch m for more

than 2 seconds. If control indicator

m

 goes out, electrical parking brake

is released.

Control indicator m flashes: electrical

parking brake is not fully applied or

released. When continuously

flashing, release electrical parking

brake and retry applying.

Brake assist

If the brake pedal is depressed

quickly and forcefully, maximum

brake force is automatically applied

(full braking).
Maintain steady pressure on the

brake pedal for as long as full braking

is required. Maximum brake force is

automatically reduced when the

brake pedal is released.

Hill start assist

The system helps prevent unintended

movement when driving away on

inclines.
When releasing the foot brake after

stopping on an incline, the brakes

remain on for a further two seconds.

The brakes release automatically as

soon as the vehicle begins to

accelerate.

Ride control systems

Traction Control system

The Traction Control system (TC) is

a component of the Electronic

Stability Control system.
TC improves driving stability when

necessary, regardless of the type of

road surface or tyre grip, by

preventing the drive wheels from

spinning.
As soon as the drive wheels starts to

spin, engine output is reduced and

the wheel spinning the most is braked

individually. This considerably

improves the driving stability of the

vehicle on slippery road surfaces.
TC is operational as soon as the

control indicator b extinguishes.
When TC is active b flashes.

Driving and operating

135

9 Warning

Do not let this special safety

feature tempt you into taking risks

when driving.
Adapt speed to the road

conditions.

Control indicator b 3 91.

Deactivation

TC can be switched off when spinning

of drive wheels is required: press

button b briefly.
Control indicator k illuminates.

TC is reactivated by pressing the b

button again.
TC is also reactivated the next time

the ignition is switched on.

Electronic Stability Control

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

improves driving stability when

necessary, regardless of the type of

road surface or tyre grip. It also

prevents the drive wheels from

spinning.
As soon as the vehicle starts to

swerve (understeer/oversteer),

engine output is reduced and the

wheels are braked individually. This

considerably improves the driving

stability of the vehicle on slippery road

surfaces.
ESC is operational as soon as the

control indicator b extinguishes.
When ESC is active b flashes.

9 Warning

Do not let this special safety

feature tempt you into taking risks

when driving.
Adapt speed to the road

conditions.

Control indicator b 3 91.

Deactivation

For very high-performance driving

ESC can be deactivated: hold button

b

 depressed for approx. 7 seconds.

Control indicator n illuminates.

136

Driving and operating

ESC is reactivated by pressing the

b

 button again. If the TC system was

previously disabled, both TC and

ESC are reactivated.
ESC is also reactivated the next time

the ignition is switched on.

Cruise control

The cruise control can store and

maintain speeds of approx. 30 to

200 km/h. Deviations from the stored

speeds may occur when driving uphill

or downhill.
For safety reasons the cruise control

cannot be activated until the foot

brake has been operated once.

Activating in first gear is not possible.

Do not use the cruise control if it is not

advisable to maintain a constant

speed.

With automatic transmission, only

activate cruise control in automatic

mode.
Control indicator m 3 93.

Switching on

Press rocker switch m at the upper

end, control indicator m illuminates

white.

Activation

Accelerate to the desired speed and

turn thumb wheel to SET/-, the

current speed is stored and

maintained. Control indicator m

illuminates green. 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.

Driving and operating

137

Increase speed

With cruise control active, hold thumb

wheel turned to RES/+ or briefly turn

to RES/+ repeatedly: speed

increases continuously or in small

increments.
Alternatively accelerate to the desired

speed and store by turning to RES/+.

Reduce speed

With cruise control active, hold thumb

wheel turned to SET/- or briefly turn

to SET/- repeatedly: speed

decreases continuously or in small

increments.

Deactivation

Press button y, control indicator m

illuminates white. Cruise control is

deactivated. The stored speed is

memorised.
Automatic deactivation:

■ vehicle speed below approx.

30 km/h,

■ the brake pedal is depressed,
■ the clutch pedal is depressed,
■ selector lever in N,

■ engine speed in a very low range,
■ the Traction Control system or

Electronic Stability Control is

operating.

Resume stored speed

Turn thumb wheel to RES/+ at

a speed above 30 km/h. The stored

speed will be obtained.

Switching off

Press rocker switch m at the lower

end, control indicator m extinguishes.

The stored speed is deleted.

Switching off the ignition also deletes

the stored speed.

Object detection

systems

Parking assist

The parking assist makes parking

easier by measuring the distance

between the vehicle and obstacles,

and giving acoustic signals. It is the

driver, however, who bears full

responsibility for the parking

manoeuvre.
The system consists of four ultrasonic

parking sensors in the rear bumper. If

the vehicle is equipped with a front

138

Driving and operating

parking assist the system consists of

four additional ultrasonic parking

sensors in the front bumper.
Control indicator r 3 91.

Activation

When reverse gear is engaged, the

system is activated automatically.
The front parking assist can also be

activated at a low speed by pressing

the r button.
An illuminated LED in the parking

assist button indicates that the

system is ready to operate.

An obstacle is indicated by a buzzing

sound. The interval between the

sounds becomes shorter as the

vehicle gets closer to the obstacle.

When the distance is less than

30 cm, the buzzing is continuous.
If the r button is pressed once

within an ignition cycle, the front

parking assist is always reactivated

when the vehicle speed goes below

a certain value.

Deactivation

Deactivate the system by pressing

the r button.
The LED in the button will go out and

Park Assist Off will be displayed in the

Driver Information Center.
The system is deactivated

automatically at a certain speed.

Fault

In the event of a fault in the system,

r illuminates or a vehicle message

is displayed in the Driver Information

Center.

Additionally, r illuminates or

a vehicle message is displayed in the

Driver Information Center if

a malfunction of the system due to

temporary conditions like snow

covered sensors is detected.
Vehicle messages 3 98.

Important hints for using the

parking assist systems

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.
Special attention has to be paid to

low obstacles which can damage

the lower part of the bumper. If

such obstacles leave the detection

area of the sensors during

approach of the vehicle,

a continuous warning tone will

sound.

Driving and operating

139

Caution

Performance of the sensor can be

reduced when sensors are

covered, e.g. by ice or snow.
Performance of the parking assist

systems can be reduced due to

heavy loading.
Special conditions apply if there

are taller vehicles involved (e.g.

off-road vehicles, mini vans,

vans). Object identification in the

upper part of these vehicles

cannot be guaranteed.
Objects with a very small reflection

cross section, like objects of

narrow size or soft materials, may

not be detected by the system.
Parking assist will not avoid

a collision with objects which are

out of the detection range of the

sensors.

Note

The parking assist system

automatically detects factory-fitted

towing equipment. It is deactivated

when the connector is plugged in.
The sensor may detect a non-

existent object (echo disturbance)

caused by external acoustic or

mechanical disturbances.

Fuel

Fuel for petrol engines

Only use unleaded fuel that complies

with DIN EN 228

1)

.

Equivalent standardised fuels with an

ethanol content of max. 10 % by

volume may be used. In this case only

use fuel that complies with

DIN 51625.
Use fuel with the recommended

octane rating 3 193. Use of fuel with

too low an octane rating can reduce

engine power and torque and slightly

increases fuel consumption.

Caution

Use of fuel with too low an octane

rating could lead to uncontrolled

combustion and engine damage.

1)

Russia only: Usage of fuel with quality, not complying to the Technical Regulations in effect (Decree № 118 of 27.02.2008

with amendments of 30.12.2008 № 1076) can lead to engine damage and loss of all warranty obligations.

140

Driving and operating

Fuel for diesel engines

Only use diesel fuel that complies

with DIN EN 590

2)

. The fuel must

have low sulphur content (max.

10 ppm). Equivalent standardised

fuels with a biodiesel (= FAME

according to EN 14214) content of

max. 7 % by volume (like DIN 51628

or equivalent standards) may be

used.
Do not use marine diesel oils, heating

oils or entirely or partially plant-based

diesel fuels, such as rape seed oil or

bio diesel, Aquazole and similar

diesel-water emulsions. Diesel fuels

must not be diluted with fuels for

petrol engines.

Refuelling

9 Danger

Before refuelling, switch off engine

and any external heaters with

combustion chambers. Switch off

any mobile phones.
Follow the operating and safety

instructions of the filling station

when refuelling.

9 Danger

Fuel is flammable and explosive.

No smoking. No naked flames or

sparks.
If you can smell fuel in your

vehicle, have the cause of this

remedied immediately by

a workshop.

Caution

In case of misfuelling, do not

switch on ignition.

Fuel filler flap is located at right rear

side of vehicle.

2)

Russia only: Usage of fuel with quality, not complying to the Technical Regulations in effect (Decree № 118 of 27.02.2008

with amendments of 30.12.2008 № 1076) can lead to engine damage and loss of all warranty obligations.

Driving and operating

141

The fuel filler flap can only be opened

if the vehicle is unlocked. Pull flap at

the recess and open.

The fuel filler cap can be retained in

the bracket on the fuel filler flap.

Caution

Wipe off any overflowing fuel

immediately.

Fuel filler cap

Only use genuine fuel filler caps.

Diesel-engined vehicles have special

fuel filler caps.

Fuel consumption - CO

2

-

Emissions

The determination of fuel

consumption is regulated by

European directive

715/2007 692/2008 A.
The directive is oriented to actual

driving practices: Urban driving is

rated at approx. 

1

/

3

 and extra urban

driving with approx. 

2

/

3

. Cold starts

and acceleration phases are also

taken into consideration.

The specification of CO

2

 emission is

also a constituent of the directive.
The figures given must not be taken

as a guarantee for the actual fuel

consumption of a particular vehicle.

Furthermore, fuel consumption is

dependent on personal driving style

as well as road and traffic conditions.
All values are based on the EU base

model with standard equipment.
The calculation of fuel consumption

takes into account the vehicle’s kerb

weight, ascertained in accordance

with the regulations. Optional

equipment may result in slightly

higher fuel consumption and

CO

2

 emission levels and a lower

maximum speed.
Fuel consumption, CO

2

 emissions

3

 195.

142

Driving and operating

Towing

General information

Only use towing equipment that has

been approved for your vehicle.

Entrust retrofitting of towing

equipment to a workshop. It may be

necessary to make changes that

affect the cooling system, heat

shields or other equipment.
Fitting of towing equipment could

cover the opening of the towing eye.

If this is the case use the coupling ball

bar for towing. Always keep the

coupling ball bar in the vehicle.
Installation dimensions of factory-

fitted towing equipment 3 202.

Driving characteristics and

towing tips

Before attaching a trailer, lubricate

the coupling ball. However, do not do

so if a stabiliser, which acts on the

coupling ball, is being used to reduce

snaking movements.

For trailers with low driving stability

and caravan trailers with a permitted

gross vehicle weight of more than

1100 kg the use of a stabiliser is

strongly recommended when driving

above 80 km/h.
If the trailer starts snaking, drive more

slowly, do not attempt to correct the

steering and brake sharply if

necessary.
When driving downhill, drive in the

same gear as if driving uphill and

drive at a similar speed.
Adjust tyre pressure to the value

specified for full load 3 199.

Trailer towing

Trailer loads

The permissible trailer loads are

vehicle and engine-dependent

maximum values which must not be

exceeded. The actual trailer load is

the difference between the actual

gross weight of the trailer and the

actual coupling socket load with the

trailer coupled.

The permissible trailer loads are

specified in the vehicle documents. In

general, they are valid for gradients

up to max. 12 %.
The permitted trailer load applies up

to the specified incline and up to an

altitude of 1000 metres above sea

level. Since engine power decreases

as altitude increases due to the air

becoming thinner, therefore reducing

climbing ability, the permissible gross

train weight also decreases by 10 %

for every 1000 metres of additional

altitude. The gross train weight does

not have to be reduced when driving

on roads with slight inclines (less than

8 %, e.g. motorways).
The permissible gross train weight

must not be exceeded. This weight is

specified on the identification plate

3

 189.

Vertical coupling load

The vertical coupling load is the load

exerted by the trailer on the coupling

ball. It can be varied by changing the

weight distribution when loading the

trailer.

Driving and operating

143

The maximum permissible vertical

coupling load (75 kg) is specified on

the towing equipment identification

plate and in the vehicle documents

Always aim for the maximum load,

especially in the case of heavy

trailers. The vertical coupling load

should never fall below 25 kg.

Rear axle load

When the trailer is coupled and the

towing vehicle fully loaded, the

permissible rear axle load (see

identification plate or vehicle

documents) may be exceeded by

60 kg, the gross vehicle weight rating

may be exceeded by 70 kg. If the

permissible rear axle load is

exceeded, a maximum speed of

100 km/h applies.

Towing equipment

Caution

When operating without a trailer,

remove the coupling ball bar.

Stowage of the detachable

coupling ball bar

The bag with the coupling ball bar is

stowed in the rear stowage

compartment on the floor.
Stick the strap through the lashing

eye and tighten the strap to secure

the bag.

Fitting the detachable coupling

ball bar

Disengage and fold down the socket.

Remove the sealing plug from the

opening for the coupling ball bar and

stow it.

144

Driving and operating

Checking the tensioning of the

coupling ball bar

■ Red marking on rotary knob must

point towards green marking on

coupling ball bar.

■ The gap between the rotary knob

and the coupling ball bar must be

approx. 5 millimetres.

Otherwise, the coupling ball bar must

be tensioned before being inserted:

Pull out rotary knob and turn

clockwise as far as it will go.

Inserting the coupling ball bar

Insert the tensioned coupling ball bar

in the opening and push firmly

upwards until it audibly engages.
The rotary handle snaps back into its

original position resting against the

coupling ball bar without a gap.

9 Warning

Do not touch rotary handle during

insertion.

Lock the coupling ball bar by turning

the key clockwise. Remove the key

and close the protective flap.

Driving and operating

145

Eye for break-away stopping cable

Attach breakaway stopping cable to

eye.

Check that the coupling ball bar is

correctly installed

■ Green marking on rotary knob must

point towards green marking on

coupling ball bar.

■ There must be no gap between the

rotary handle and the coupling ball

bar.

■ The coupling ball bar must be firmly

engaged in the opening.

■ The coupling ball bar must be

locked and the key removed.

9 Warning

Towing a trailer is permitted only

when a coupling ball bar is fitted

correctly. If the coupling ball bar

does not engage correctly, seek

the assistance of a workshop.

Dismounting the detachable

coupling ball bar

Open the protective flap and turn the

key clockwise to unlock the coupling

ball bar.
Pull out rotary handle and turn

clockwise as far as it will go. Pull out

coupling ball bar downwards.
Insert sealing plug in opening. Fold

away socket.