Opel Astra Saloon (2017 year). Manual - part 8

118

Climate control

Note

If A/C is switched on, reducing the

set cabin temperature can cause the

engine to restart from an Autostop or

inhibit an Autostop.

Stop-start system 3 126.

Manual settings

Climate control system settings can

be changed by pressing A/C or by

adjusting the fan speed or air

distribution switch. Changing a

setting will deactivate Automatic

mode.
To return to Automatic mode: Press

AUTO.

Cooling A/C 3 115.

Fan speed x

To deactivate Automatic mode,

change fan speed manually or turn

fan to position off x.
To return to Automatic mode: Switch

on fan and press AUTO.

Air distribution

Press appropriate button for desired

adjustment. Activation is indicated by

illumination of the LED in the button.
M

: to head area via adjustable air

vents

L

: to head area via adjustable air

vents and to foot wells

K

: to foot wells and to windscreen

J

: to windscreen, front door

windows and foot wells

V

: to windscreen, front door

windows and head area via

adjustable air vents

All combinations are possible.
To return to Automatic mode: Press

AUTO.

Automatic air recirculation t

The automatic air recirculation

system has an air quality sensor

which switches on automatically if

harmful ambient gases are detected.

Operated by pressing t. Activation is

indicated by illumination of the LED in

the button.
The automatic air recirculation

system is only operational if the

engine is running.

Climate control

119

9 Warning

The exchange of fresh air is

reduced in air recirculation mode.

In operation without cooling the air

humidity increases, so the

windows may mist up from inside.

The quality of the passenger

compartment air deteriorates,

which may cause the vehicle

occupants to feel drowsy.

Demisting and defrosting

● Press V. Activation is indicated

by illumination of the LED in the

button.

● Set fan to the desired speed.

Air recirculation mode 4 is

automatically switched off.

Cooling A/C switches on.

● Switch on heated rear window

RÜ.

To switch off window demisting and

defrosting, pressV again,

press AUTO, adjust fan speed or air

distribution switch.
Activated demisting and defrosting

may inhibit autostops. Stop-start

system 3 126.

Air vents

Adjustable air vents

At least one air vent must be open

while the cooling A/C is on.

To open and close the vents, turn the

horizontal adjuster wheel to the left or

right.
Open air vents when air distribution

switch is set to M or L.
The air supply is increased by

switching on the fan.
Control the air temperature at the side

air vents by adjusting the temperature

control switch.

120

Climate control

Direct the flow of air by tilting and

swivelling the slats.

9 Warning

Do not attach any objects to the

slats of the air vents. Risk of

damage and injury in case of an

accident.

Fixed air vents

Additional air vents are located

beneath the windscreen, door

windows and in the front and rear foot

wells.

The area underneath the front seats

must be kept clear, to allow air flow to

the rear passenger foot well.

Maintenance

Air intake

The air intakes in front of the

windscreen in the engine

compartment must be kept clear to

allow air intake. Remove any leaves,

dirt or snow.

Pollen filter

Cabin air filtration

A particle filter cleans the cabin air

from dust, soot, pollen and spores.

Climate control

121

Active carbon filter

In addition to the particle filter the

active carbon filter reduces odours.

Air conditioning regular

operation

In order to ensure continuously

efficient performance, cooling must

be operated for a few minutes once a

week, irrespective of the weather and

time of year. Operation with cooling is

not possible when outside

temperature is too low.

Service

For optimal cooling performance, it is

recommended to annually check the

climate control system, starting

three years after initial vehicle

registration, including:

● functionality and pressure test
● heating functionality
● leakage check
● check of drive belts

● cleaning of condenser and

evaporator drainage

● performance check

Note

Refrigerant R-134a contains

fluorinated greenhouse gases.

122

Driving and operating

Driving and

operating

Driving hints ............................... 122

Driving economically ............... 122

Control of the vehicle ............... 123

Steering ................................... 124

Starting and operating ............... 124

New vehicle running-in ............ 124

Ignition switch positions ........... 125

Starting the engine .................. 125

Overrun cut-off ........................ 126

Stop-start system .................... 126

Parking .................................... 128

Engine exhaust .......................... 129

Diesel particle filter .................. 129

Catalytic converter ................... 130

AdBlue ..................................... 131

Automatic transmission .............. 136

Transmission display ............... 136

Selector lever .......................... 136

Sport mode .............................. 137

Manual mode ........................... 138

Electronic driving programmes 138

Fault ........................................ 138

Interruption of power supply .... 139

Manual transmission .................. 139
Drive systems ............................ 140

All-wheel drive ......................... 140

Brakes ........................................ 142

Antilock brake system ............. 142

Parking brake .......................... 143

Brake assist ............................. 144

Hill start assist ......................... 144

Ride control systems ................. 145

Electronic Stability Control ...... 145

Descent control system ........... 146

Automatic level control ............ 147

Driver assistance systems ......... 147

Cruise control .......................... 147

Parking assist .......................... 148

Fuel ............................................ 150

Fuel for diesel engines ............ 150

Refuelling ................................ 150

Fuel consumption - CO

2

-

Emissions ............................... 151

Trailer hitch ................................ 152

General information ................. 152

Driving characteristics and

towing tips .............................. 152

Trailer towing ........................... 153

Towing equipment ................... 153

Trailer stability assist ............... 155

Driving hints

Driving economically

Fuel economy mode

Fuel economy mode is a function that

optimises fuel consumption. It affects,

e.g., engine power and torque,

acceleration and gear shift indication.

Manual transmission

Activation

Press s on the instrument panel;

LED in the button illuminates to

indicate activation.

Driving and operating

123

Deactivation

Press s again; LED in the button

extinguishes.
Stop-start system 3 126.

Automatic transmission

Activate fuel economy mode to allow

the transmission to adapt gearshift

patterns, improving the vehicle's fuel

economy.
Activation

In automatic mode, press s.

Control indicator s illuminates in

the instrument cluster 3 89.
The settings of certain electronic

systems are adapted to reduce fuel

consumption:

● The engine reacts less quickly to

the accelerator pedal.

● Automatic upshift points occur

sooner and downshift points

occur later.

● The transmission locks itself to

the engine at cruising speeds, to

improve efficiency and increase

power and torque.

● The fuel supply is automatically

cut-off more quickly during

vehicle deceleration. Overrun

cut-off 3 126.

Do not use fuel economy mode whilst

towing, e.g. a trailer.
Deactivation

Press s again; control indicator

s

 extinguishes in the instrument

cluster.

Control of the vehicle

Never coast with engine not

running (except during Autostop)

Many systems will not function in this

situation (e.g. brake servo unit, power

steering). Driving in this manner is a

danger to yourself and others. All

systems function during an Autostop,

but there will be a controlled reduction

in power steering assist and vehicle

speed is reduced.
Stop-start system 3 126.

124

Driving and operating

Pedals

To ensure the pedal travel is

uninhibited, there must be no mats in

the area of the pedals.

Steering

Caution

Never leave the steering wheel on

full lock when the vehicle is

stationary, as this may damage

the power steering pump.

If power steering assist is lost

because the engine stops or due to a

system malfunction, the vehicle can

be steered but may require increased

effort.

Electric power steering

Electric power steering does not have

power steering fluid. Regular

maintenance is not required.

Note

If the steering wheel is turned until it

reaches the end of its travel, and is

held in that position for an extended

period of time, power steering assist

may be reduced. If used for an

extended period of time, power

steering assist may be reduced.

Normal use of the power steering

assist should return when the

system cools down.

If power steering assist is lost due to

a system malfunction, the vehicle can

be steered but may require increased

effort. Seek the assistance of a

workshop.
Control indicator 2 3 86.

Starting and operating

New vehicle running-in

Do not brake unnecessarily hard for

the first few journeys.
During the first drive, smoke may

occur because of wax and oil

evaporating off the exhaust system.

Park the vehicle in the open for a

while after the first drive and avoid

inhaling the fumes.
During the running-in period fuel and

engine oil consumption may be

higher and the cleaning process of

the diesel particle filter may take

place more often. Autostop may be

inhibited to allow for charging of the

battery.
Diesel particle filter 3 129.

Driving and operating

125

Ignition switch positions

LOCK : Ignition off

ACC

: Steering wheel lock

released, ignition off

ON

: Ignition on, for diesel

engine: preheating

START : Starting

Steering wheel lock

Remove key from ignition switch and

turn steering wheel until it engages.

9 Danger

Never remove the key from

ignition switch during driving as

this will cause steering wheel lock.

Starting the engine

Manual transmission: operate clutch

and brake pedals.
Automatic transmission: operate

brake pedal and move selector lever

to P or N.
Do not operate accelerator pedal.

Diesel engines: turn the key to

position ON for preheating until

control indicator ! extinguishes

3

 87.

Turn key briefly to position START

and release. Key returns

automatically to position ON.
Before restarting or to switch off the

engine, turn key back to LOCK.
Start attempts should not last longer

than 15 seconds. If engine does not

start, wait 10 seconds before

repeating starting procedure.
The increased engine speed

automatically returns to normal idling

speed as the engine temperature

rises. Drive at a moderate speed,

especially in cold weather, until

normal engine operating

temperatures have been reached.
During an Autostop, the engine can

be started by depressing the clutch

pedal.
Stop-start system 3 126.

126

Driving and operating

Starting the vehicle at low

temperatures

In extremely cold temperatures, i.e.

below -20 °С, it may be necessary to

crank the engine for up to

30 seconds for it to start.
Turn key to position START and hold

until engine starts. Start attempts

should not last longer than

30 seconds. If engine does not start,

wait 10 seconds before repeating

starting procedure.
Ensure the engine oil is of the correct

viscosity, the correct fuel is used,

vehicle services are performed

regularly and the battery is sufficiently

charged.

Turbo engine warm-up

Upon start-up, engine available

torque may be limited for a short time,

especially when the engine

temperature is cold. The limitation is

to allow the lubrication system to fully

protect the engine.

Overrun cut-off

The fuel supply is automatically cut-

off during overrun, i.e. when the

vehicle is driven with a gear engaged

but accelerator is released.

Stop-start system

The stop-start system helps to save

fuel and to reduce the exhaust

emissions. When conditions allow, it

switches off the engine as soon as the

vehicle is at a low speed or at a

standstill, e.g. at a traffic light or in a

traffic jam. It starts the engine

automatically as soon as the clutch is

depressed. A vehicle battery sensor

ensures that an Autostop is only

performed if the vehicle battery is

sufficiently charged for a restart.

Activation

The stop-start system is available as

soon as the engine is started, the

vehicle starts-off and the conditions

as stated below in this section are

fulfilled.

Deactivation

Deactivate the stop-start system

manually by pressing s. The

deactivation is indicated when the

LED in the button extinguishes.
Fuel economy mode 3 122.

Autostop

If the vehicle is at a low speed or at a

standstill, activate an Autostop as

follows:

● Depress the clutch pedal
● set the lever to neutral
● release the clutch pedal

Driving and operating

127

The engine will be switched off while

the ignition stays on.

An Autostop is indicated by the

needle at the AUTOSTOP position in

the tachometer.
During an Autostop, the heating,

power steering and brake

performance will be maintained.
Air conditioning system may or may

not inhibit the stop-start system

according to the cooling performance.

Caution

The steering assist can be

reduced during an Autostop.

Conditions for an Autostop

The stop-start system checks if each

of the following conditions is fulfilled.

● The stop-start system is not

manually deactivated

● the bonnet is fully closed
● the driver's door is closed or the

driver's seat belt is fastened

● the vehicle battery is sufficiently

charged and in good condition

● the engine is warmed up
● the engine coolant temperature is

not too high or low

● the engine exhaust temperature

is not too high, e.g. after driving

with high engine load

● the ambient temperature is not

too low

● the defrosting function is not

activated

● the climate control system does

not inhibit an engine stop

● the brake vacuum is sufficient

● the self-cleaning function of the

diesel particle filter is not active

● the vehicle has moved since the

last Autostop

Otherwise an Autostop will be

inhibited.
Certain settings of the climate control

system may inhibit an Autostop. See

"Climate control" chapter for more

details 3 116.
Immediately after motorway driving

an Autostop may be inhibited.
New vehicle running-in 3 124.

Vehicle battery discharge protection

To ensure reliable engine restarts,

several vehicle battery discharge

protection features are implemented

as part of the stop-start system.

Restart of the engine by the driver

Depress the clutch pedal to restart the

engine.
The engine start is indicated by the

needle at the idle speed position in

the tachometer.

128

Driving and operating

If the selector lever is shifted out of

neutral before depressing the clutch

first, control indicator - illuminates.
Control indicator - 3 90.

Restart of the engine by the stop-

start system

The selector lever must be in neutral

to enable an automatic restart.
If one of the following conditions

occurs during an Autostop, the

engine will be restarted automatically

by the stop-start system.

● The stop-start system is

manually deactivated

● the bonnet is opened
● the driver's seat belt is

unfastened and the driver's door

is opened

● the engine temperature is too low
● the charging level of the vehicle

battery is below a defined level

● the brake vacuum is not sufficient
● the vehicle is driven at least at

walking speed

● the defrosting function is

activated

● the climate control system

requests an engine start

● the air conditioning is manually

switched on

If an electrical accessory, e.g. a

portable CD player, is connected to

the power outlet, a brief power drop

during restart might be noticeable.

Parking

9 Warning

● Do not park the vehicle on an

easily ignitable surface. The

high temperature of the

exhaust system could ignite the

surface.

● Always apply the electrical

parking brake.
Pull switch m.
The electric parking brake is

applied when control indicator

m

 illuminates 3 85.

For maximum force, e.g.

parking with a trailer or on

inclines, pull switch m twice.

● Switch off the engine.
● If the vehicle is on a level

surface or uphill slope, engage

first gear or move the selector

lever to P before removing the

ignition key. On an uphill slope,

turn the front wheels away from

the kerb.
If the vehicle is on a downhill

slope, engage reverse gear or

move the selector lever to P

before removing the ignition

key. Turn the front wheels

towards the kerb.

● Close windows and sunroof.
● Turn the ignition key to position

LOCK, push key into ignition

switch and remove.
For vehicles with automatic

transmission, depress foot

brake and shift into P before

pushing key into ignition switch

and removing.
Turn the steering wheel until

the steering wheel lock is felt to

engage.

Driving and operating

129

● Lock the vehicle by pressing p

on the radio remote control 3 22.
Activate the anti-theft alarm

system 3 26.

Engine exhaust

9 Danger

Engine exhaust gases contain

poisonous carbon monoxide,

which is colourless and odourless

and could be fatal if inhaled.
If exhaust gases enter the interior

of the vehicle, open the windows.

Have the cause of the fault

rectified by a workshop.
Avoid driving with an open load

compartment, otherwise exhaust

gases could enter the vehicle.

Malfunction indicator light 3 84.

Diesel particle filter

The diesel particle filter system filters

harmful soot particles out of the

exhaust gases. The system includes

a self-cleaning function that runs

automatically during driving without

any notification.

The filter is cleaned by periodically

burning off the soot particles at high

temperature. This process takes

place automatically under set driving

conditions and may take more than

15 minutes. Autostop is not available

and fuel consumption may be higher

during this period. The emission of

smells and smoke during this process

is normal.

Under certain driving conditions, e.g.

short distances, the system cannot

clean itself automatically.

130

Driving and operating

If cleaning of the filter is required and

previous driving conditions did not

enable automatic cleaning, it will be

indicated by control indicator %

3

 88.

%

 illuminates, accompanied by a

warning chime, when diesel particle

filter is full. Start cleaning process as

soon as possible.
%

 flashes when diesel particle filter

has reached the maximum filling

level. Start cleaning process

immediately to avoid damage to the

engine. A warning chime sounds

every 3 minutes until the cleaning

process is complete.

Cleaning process

To activate the cleaning process,

continue driving, keeping engine

speed above 2000 revolutions per

minute. Shift down if necessary.

Diesel particle filter cleaning is then

started.
If control indicator Z illuminates

additionally in the instrument cluster

when the engine is running, there

may be a fault in the diesel particle

filter 3 84. Cleaning is not possible,

seek the assistance of a workshop

immediately.

Caution

If the cleaning process is

interrupted, there is a risk of

provoking severe engine damage.

Cleaning takes place quickest at high

engine speeds and loads.
Do not switch off the engine until the

cleaning process is complete. This is

indicated by the extinguished control

indicator %.

Catalytic converter

The catalytic converter reduces the

amount of harmful substances in the

exhaust gases.

Caution

Fuel grades other than those listed

3

 207 could damage the catalytic

converter or electronic

components.
Unburnt fuel will overheat and

damage the catalytic converter.

Therefore avoid excessive use of

the starter, running the fuel tank

dry and starting the engine by

pushing or towing.

In the event of misfiring, uneven

engine running, a reduction in engine

performance or other unusual

problems, have the cause of the fault

rectified by a workshop as soon as

possible. In an emergency, driving

can be continued for a short period,

keeping vehicle speed and engine

speed low.
Malfunction indicator light 3 84.

Driving and operating

131

AdBlue

General information

The selective catalytic reduction

(BlueInjection) is a method to

substantially reduce the nitrogen

oxides in the exhaust emission. This

is achieved by injecting a Diesel

Exhaust Fluid (DEF) into the exhaust

system.
The designation of this fluid is AdBlue

Ⓡ. It is a non-toxic, non-flammable,

colourless and odourless fluid which

consists of 32% urea and 68% water.

Note

AdBlue Ⓡ is a registered trademark

of the Verband der

Automobilindustrie e.V. (VDA).

9 Warning

Avoid contact of your eyes or skin

with AdBlue.
In case of eye or skin contact,

rinse off with water.

Caution

Avoid contact of the paintwork with

AdBlue.
In case of contact, rinse off with

water.

AdBlue freezes at a temperature of

approx. -11 °C. As the vehicle is

equipped with an AdBlue pre-heater,

the emissions reduction at low

temperatures is ensured. The AdBlue

pre-heater works automatically.
The typical AdBlue consumption is

approx. two litres per 1000 km, but

can also be higher depending on

driving behaviour (e.g. high load or

towing).

Level warnings

If the AdBlue level falls below a

certain value, a level warning (e.g.

"AdBlue Range: 2400 km") will be

shown in the Driver Information

Centre 3 91, located in the centre of

the instrument cluster.
Refill the tank with a volume of at least

10 litres of AdBlue as soon as

possible. Refer to "Refilling AdBlue"

below.
Driving is possible without any

restrictions.

132

Driving and operating

If AdBlue is not refilled within a certain

distance, further level warnings are

shown in the Driver Information

Centre, depending on the current

AdBlue level.
Subsequent requests to refill AdBlue

and finally the announcement that an

engine restart will be prevented are

displayed in the Driver Information

Centre.

Note

These restrictions are a legal

requirement.

At an AdBlue range of 900 km, the

following warning messages are

alternately displayed in the Driver

Information Centre:

● AdBlue Low Refill Now
● Engine Restart Prevented in

900 km

Additionally, control indicator Y

flashes continuously.

Engine restarts prevented

Before the prevention of an engine

restart, the following warning

messages are alternately displayed in

the Driver Information Centre:

● AdBlue Empty Refill Now
● Engine Will Not Restart

These messages indicate that after

switching off the ignition, an engine

restart will be prohibited.
Additionally, control indicator Y

flashes continuously.
After the prevention of an engine

start, a warning message (e.g. "Refill

AdBlue To Start Vehicle") is displayed

in the Driver Information Centre

reminding the driver that AdBlue level

is insufficient.
To allow the engine to be restarted,

the tank should be filled with at least

10 litres of AdBlue.

High emission warnings

If the exhaust emission rises above a

certain value, warnings similar to the

range warnings as described above

will be displayed in the Driver

Information Centre.
Requests to have the exhaust system

checked and finally the

announcement that an engine restart

will be prevented are displayed in the

Driver Information Centre.

Driving and operating

133

Note

These restrictions are a legal

requirement.

Seek the assistance of a workshop as

soon as possible.

Refilling AdBlue

Caution

Only use AdBlue that complies

with European standards

DIN 70 070 and ISO 22241-1.
Do not use additives.

Do not dilute AdBlue.
Otherwise the selective catalytic

reduction system could be

damaged.

Note

If AdBlue must be refilled at very low

temperatures, the refilling of AdBlue

may not be detected by the system.

In this case, park the vehicle in a

space with a higher ambient

temperature until AdBlue is

liquefied.
Note

If engine starting is prohibited due to

low AdBlue level, we recommend

refilling the tank completely or with a

volume of at least ten litres of AdBlue

(depending on AdBlue

consumption).
Avoid minor top-ups (e.g. less than

five litres), otherwise the system

may not detect a refill.

Note

When unscrewing the protective cap

from the filler neck, ammonia fumes

may emerge. Do not inhale as the

fumes have a pungent smell. The

fumes are not harmful by inhalation.

The vehicle must be parked on a level

surface.
The filler neck for AdBlue is located at

the rear bumper on the left-hand side

of the vehicle.

9 Danger

Vehicles with stop-start system:

The engine must be switched off

and the ignition key removed, to

avoid risk of engine being

restarted automatically by the

system.

Capacities 3 211.