Opel Astra Twintop (2012 year). Manual - part 10

146

Driving and operating

Starting off

Depress the foot brake and move the

selector lever to A, + or -. The

transmission is in automatic mode

and first gear is engaged. If R is

selected, reverse gear is engaged.
The vehicle starts to move when the

brake is released.
To start off without depressing the

foot brake, accelerate immediately

after engaging a gear.
If neither the accelerator nor the

brake pedal are depressed, no gear

is engaged and A or R flashes for

a brief time in the display.

Stopping the vehicle

In A, first gear is engaged and the

clutch is released when the vehicle is

stopped. In R, reverse gear remains

engaged.

Engine braking

Automatic mode

When driving downhill, the manual

transmission automated does not

shift into higher gears until a fairly

high engine speed has been reached.

It shifts down in good time when

braking.

Manual mode

To utilise the engine braking effect,

select a lower gear in good time when

driving downhill.

Rocking the vehicle

Rocking the vehicle is only

permissible if the vehicle is stuck in

sand, mud or snow. Move the selector

lever between R and A in a repeat

pattern. Do not race the engine and

avoid sudden acceleration.

Parking

Apply the parking brake. The most

recently engaged gear (see

transmission display) remains

engaged. With N, no gear is engaged.
When the ignition is switched off the

transmission no longer responds to

movement of the selector lever.

Manual mode

If a higher gear is selected when the

engine speed is too low, or a lower

gear when the speed is too high, the

shift is not executed. This prevents

the engine from running at too low or

too high an engine speed.
If engine speed is too low, the

transmission automatically shifts to

a lower gear.
If engine speed is too high, the

transmission only switches to a higher

gear via kickdown.
When + or - is selected in automatic

mode, the transmission switches to

manual mode and shifts accordingly.

Electronic driving

programmes

■ Following a cold start, the operating

temperature programme increases

engine speed to quickly bring the

catalytic converter to the required

temperature.

Driving and operating

147

■ The adaptive programme tailors

gearshifting to the driving

conditions, e.g. greater load or

gradients.

■ When Sport mode is engaged, shift

times are reduced and the

transmission shifts at higher engine

speeds (unless cruise control is

on). Sport mode 3 151.

Winter programme T

Activate the Winter programme if you

have problems starting off on

a slippery road surface.

Activation

Press the T button. The transmission

switches to automatic mode. The

vehicle starts off in 2nd gear. Sport

mode is deactivated.

Deactivation

The Winter programme is switched off

by:

■ pressing the T button again
■ turning off the ignition,
■ switching to manual mode (when

switched back to automatic mode,

the Winter programme is again

active)

■ when clutch temperature is too high

Kickdown

If the accelerator pedal is pressed

past the pressure point, the

transmission shifts to a lower gear

depending on engine speed.
During kickdown no manual gear

shifting is possible.

Fault

To prevent damage to the manual

transmission automated, the clutch is

engaged automatically at high clutch

temperatures.

148

Driving and operating

A

 illuminates in the event of a fault.

Continued driving is possible. Manual

mode cannot be used for shifting.
If F appears in the transmission

display, continued driving is not

possible.
Have the cause of the fault remedied

by a workshop.

Interruption of power

supply

The clutch is not disengaged if there

is an interruption of the power supply

when a gear is engaged. The vehicle

cannot move.
If the battery is discharged, start the

vehicle using jump leads 3 202.
If the cause of the fault is not

a discharged battery, seek the

assistance of a workshop.

If the vehicle must be moved out of

the flow of traffic, disengage the

clutch as follows (for vehicles with 5-

speed manual transmission

automated only):

1. Apply parking brake and switch off

ignition.

2. Open the bonnet 3 163.
3. Clean the transmission around

the cap so that no dirt can get into

the opening when the cap is

removed.

4. Rotate cap to slacken and remove

by lifting upwards.

5. Using a flat-head screwdriver,

turn the adjusting screw under the

cap clockwise until clear

resistance can be felt. The clutch

has now been disengaged.

6. Refit cleaned cap. The cap must

be in full contact with the housing.

On vehicles with 6-speed manual

transmission automated, the clutch

cannot be released; if the vehicle

must be moved, raise the vehicle at

the front to tow.

Caution

Do not turn beyond the resistance

since this could damage the

transmission.

Driving and operating

149

Caution

Towing the vehicle and starting

the engine is not permitted when

the clutch has been disengaged in

this way, although the vehicle can

be moved a short distance.

Seek the immediate assistance of

a workshop.

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 you depress the

brake pedal 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 98.

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 98.

Adaptive brake lamp

During full braking, all three brake

lamps flash for the duration of ABS

control.

150

Driving and operating

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

Always apply parking brake firmly

without operating the release button,

and apply as firmly as possible on

a downhill or uphill slope.
To release the parking brake, pull the

lever up slightly, press the release

button and fully lower the lever.
To reduce the operating forces of the

parking brake, depress the foot brake

at the same time.

Control indicator R 3 98.

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

Electronic stability

program

Electronic stability program

(ESP®

Plus

) 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.
ESP®

Plus

 is operational as soon as

control indicator v extinguishes.
When ESP®

Plus

 comes into action v

flashes.

Driving and operating

151

9 Warning

Do not let this special safety

feature tempt you into taking risks

when driving.
Adapt speed to the road

conditions.

Control indicator v 3 99.

Deactivation

ESP®

Plus

 can be deactivated when

Sport mode is engaged for high-

performance driving:

Hold the SPORT button depressed

for about 4 seconds. Control indicator

v 

 illuminates. ESPoff also appears in

the service display.

9 Warning

Do not deactivate ESP®

Plus

 if

a run-flat tyre has lost pressure.

ESP®

Plus

 is reactivated by pressing

the SPORT button. ESPon appears in

the service display. ESP®

Plus

 is also

reactivated the next time the ignition

is switched on.
Sport mode 3 151.

Interactive driving system

Interactive driving system (IDS

Plus

)

combines the electronic stability

program (ESP®

Plus

) with the antilock

brake system (ABS) and continuous

damping control (CDC) to improve

driving dynamics and vehicle safety.

Sport mode

Suspension and steering become

more direct and provide better

contact with the road surface. The

engine reacts more quickly to

accelerator pedal movements.
Automatic gear changing is also more

responsive.
Control indicator IDS+ 3 100.

Activation

Press SPORT button.
Control indicator 1 3 98.

152

Driving and operating

Winter programme activation not

possible.

Deactivation

Briefly press the SPORT button.

Sport mode is deactivated the next

time the ignition is switched on or if

the Winter programme is activated.

Continuous damping

control

Continuous damping control (CDC)

changes suspension with damping

adaptation of each shock absorber to

the current driving situation and road

conditions.
When Sport mode is engaged, the

damping control is adapted to

a sportier driving style.
Control indicator IDS+ 3 100.

Automatic level control

The rear level of the vehicle is

automatically adjusted to the load

conditions while driving. Suspension

and ground clearance are increased,

which improves driving conditions.
The automatic level control is

activated after the vehicle has been

driven for some distance, depending

on the vehicle loading and the road

conditions.
Do not use full payload in the event of

a fault. Have the cause of the fault

remedied by a workshop.

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.

Do not use the cruise control if it is not

advisable to maintain a constant

speed.

Driving and operating

153

With automatic transmission or

manual transmission automated, only

activate cruise control in automatic

mode.
Control indicator m 3 102.

Activation

Briefly press the m button: the current

speed is stored and maintained.
Vehicle speed can be increased by

depressing the accelerator pedal.

When the accelerator pedal is

released, the previously stored speed

is resumed.
The speed is saved until the ignition

is switched off.
To resume the saved speed, briefly

press the g button at a speed above

30 km/h.

Increase speed

With cruise control active, hold down

button m or briefly press it repeatedly:

speed is increased continuously or in

small increments.
When button m is released the

current speed is stored and

maintained.

Reduce speed

With cruise control active, hold down

button g or briefly press it repeatedly:

speed is reduced continuously or in

small increments.
When button g is released the current

speed is stored and maintained.

Deactivation

Briefly press the § button: cruise

control is deactivated.
Automatic deactivation:

■ Vehicle speed below approx.

30 km/h

■ The brake pedal is depressed
■ The clutch pedal is depressed
■ Selector lever in N.

Object detection

systems

Parking assist

The parking assist makes parking

easier by measuring the distance

between the vehicle and obstacles. It

is the driver, however, who bears full

responsibility for parking.
The system consists of four ultrasonic

parking sensors in each of the front

and rear bumpers.
Control indicator r 3 98.

154

Driving and operating

Note

Attached parts in the detection area

cause system malfunction.

Activation

When reverse gear is engaged, the

system switches itself on

automatically.
The system can also be activated at

low speed by pressing the r button.
An obstacle is indicated by buzzers.

The interval between the buzzers

becomes shorter as the vehicle gets

closer to the obstacle. When the

distance is less than 30 cm, the

buzzer is continuous.

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.

Deactivation

Deactivate the system by pressing

the r button.
The system deactivates automatically

when reverse gear is disengaged.

Towing equipment

The system automatically detects

factory-fitted towing equipment.
When towing, plugging the trailer

cable into the socket automatically

switches the parking assist off.

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 3 218. 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.

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

Driving and operating

155

fuels with a biodiesel (= FAME

according to EN14214) 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 (identified

by sticker on fuel filler flap). 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.
The fuel filler flap can only be opened

if the vehicle is unlocked.

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.

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.

156

Driving and operating

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 a genuine fuel filler cap provides

full functionality. Diesel-engined

vehicles have special fuel filler caps.

Fuel consumption - CO

2

-

Emissions

The determination of fuel

consumption is regulated by

European directive 80/1268/EEC

(latest edition 2004/3/EC).
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

 227.

Driving and operating

157

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.
Do not mount towing equipment to

vehicles with Z 20 LEH engine.
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 3 260.

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 trailers with a permitted gross

vehicle weight of more than 1300 kg

(Saloon) /1200 kg (Station wagon)

a speed of 80 km/h must not be

exceeded; the use of a stabiliser is

recommended.
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 3 244.

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).

158

Driving and operating

The permissible gross train weight

must not be exceeded. This weight is

specified on the identification plate

3

 214.

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.
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

65 kg and the permissible gross

vehicle weight by 45 kg for the

Saloon. For the Station wagon, the

permissible rear axle load may be

exceeded by 60 kg and the

permissible gross vehicle weight by

30 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 coupling ball bar

In Saloons, the coupling ball bar is in

a pouch, fastened in the load

compartment cargo box with a strap.

In Station wagons, the coupling ball

bar is fastened with a strap in

a compartment in the spare wheel

well of the load compartment.

Driving and operating

159

Fitting the coupling ball bar

Fold down the socket. Remove the

sealing plug from the hole for the

coupling ball bar and stow it in the

load compartment.

Checking the tensioning of the

coupling ball bar

■ Red marking on rotary knob must

point towards white marking on

coupling ball bar.

■ The gap between the rotary knob

and the coupling ball bar must be

approx. 4 millimetres.

■ Key must be at position c (1).

Otherwise, the coupling ball bar must

be tensioned before being inserted:

■ Unlock coupling ball bar by turning

key to position c (1)

■ Pull out rotary knob and turn

clockwise as far as it will go.

Inserting the coupling ball bar

160

Driving and operating

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 to position e (2). Remove the

key and close the protective flap.

Eye for break-away stopping cable

Attach break-away stopping cable to

eye.

Check that the coupling ball bar is

correctly installed

■ Green marking on rotary knob must

point towards white 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 coupling ball

bar

Open the protective flap and turn the

key to position c (1) 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.

Driving and operating

161

Trailer stability assist

If the system detects snaking

movements, engine power is reduced

and the vehicle/trailer combination is

selectively braked until the snaking

ceases.
Trailer stability assistant (TSA) is

a function of the Electronic Stability

Program (ESP®

Plus

) 3 150.