Opel Astra Saloon (2017 year). Manual - part 9

134

Driving and operating

Filling station

9 Danger

Follow the operating and safety

instructions of the filling station

when refilling AdBlue.

1. Switch off engine and remove key

from ignition switch.

2. Disengage the cover using a

suitable screwdriver and remove.

3. Unscrew protective cap

anticlockwise from the filler neck.

4. Fully insert the pump nozzle into

the filler neck and switch it on.

5. When refilling is complete, mount

the protective cap and turn

clockwise until it engages.

6. Replace the cover by inserting the

right side first.

AdBlue canister

Note

Only use the designated AdBlue

canisters for refilling, to prevent a

topping-up of too much AdBlue.

Additionally, the fumes in the tank

are captured in the canister and do

not emerge.

Note

Since AdBlue has a limited

durability, check the date of expiry

before refilling.

1. Switch off engine and remove key

from ignition switch.

2. Disengage the cover using a

suitable screwdriver and remove.

3. Unscrew protective cap

anticlockwise from the filler neck.

Driving and operating

135

4. Attach the adapter (located in

glovebox) to the filler neck.

5. Open AdBlue canister.
6. Mount one end of the hose on the

canister and screw the other end

on the filler neck adapter.

7. Lift the canister until it is empty.
8. Unscrew the hose from the filler

neck adapter.

9. Remove the adapter and return to

its container in the glovebox.

10. Mount the protective cap and turn

clockwise until it engages.

11. Replace the cover.

Note

Dispose of AdBlue canister and

hose according to environmental

requirements.
Note

If an AdBlue refill is not detected,

drive continuously for 10 minutes,

keeping vehicle speed above

20 km/h.
If the AdBlue refill is detected

successfully, AdBlue level warnings

will disappear.
If the AdBlue refill is not detected

some time after running the engine,

seek the assistance of a workshop.
Note

If less than 10 litres of AdBlue have

been refilled during the last 2 years,

the remaining fluid should be

exchanged since AdBlue has a

limited durability. Seek the

assistance of a workshop.
Disregard could lead to damage to

the selective catalytic reduction

system.

Filler cap

Only use genuine filler caps. AdBlue

tank has a special filler cap.

Fault

If the system detects an operating

fault, control indicator Y illuminates

together with a warning chime. Seek

the assistance of a workshop

immediately.
A corresponding message may

appear in the Driver Information

Centre 3 91.

136

Driving and operating

Automatic transmission

The automatic transmission permits

automatic gearshifting (automatic

mode) or manual gearshifting

(manual mode).

Transmission display

The transmission display is shown in

the Driver Information Centre 3 91,

located in the centre of the instrument

cluster.

The mode or selected gear is shown

in the transmission display.

P : park position

R : reverse gear

N : neutral

D : drive position (automatic

mode)

1-6 : selected gear in manual mode

Selector lever

P : park position, wheels are locked,

engage only when the vehicle is

stationary and the electrical

parking brake is applied

R : reverse gear, engage only when

vehicle is stationary

N : neutral or idle

D : drive position (automatic mode

with all gears)

The selector lever is locked in position

P and N and can only be moved when

the ignition is on and the foot brake is

applied.
To engage P or R, push the release

button.
Never shift to P or R while the vehicle

is moving.
The engine can only be started with

lever in position P or N. Depress foot

brake or apply electrical parking

brake before starting.
Do not accelerate while engaging a

gear. Never depress the accelerator

pedal and brake pedal at the same

time.
When a gear is engaged, the vehicle

slowly begins to creep when the foot

brake is released.

Engine braking

To utilise the engine braking effect,

select a lower gear in good time when

driving downhill - see Manual mode.

Driving and operating

137

Use of the engine braking effect, as

opposed to the use of the foot brake

when driving downhill, can extend the

life of the brakes.

Rocking the vehicle

Rocking the vehicle is only

permissible if the vehicle is stuck in

water, ice, sand, mud, snow or a dip.

Move the selector lever between D

and R in a repeat pattern while

applying light pressure to the

accelerator pedal when the vehicle is

in gear. Do not race the engine and

avoid sudden acceleration.
If the vehicle cannot be released after

rocking the vehicle several times,

your vehicle may need to be towed

3

 196.

Parking

Apply the electrical parking brake and

engage P.
The ignition key can only be removed

when the selector lever is in position

P.

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.
Sport mode can reduce the vehicle's

fuel economy. Use normal mode

whenever possible.

Note

Sport mode may be unavailable if

the charging level of the vehicle

battery is too low.

Activation

Press SPORT to switch on Sport

mode.

Control indicator S illuminates in

the instrument cluster 3 86.

Deactivation

Press SPORT again to return to

normal mode. Control indicator

S

 extinguishes.

138

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.

Tip selector lever in the appropriate

direction. It then returns to the centre

position.
Gearshifting in manual mode can be

achieved whilst accelerating. If the

engine speed is too low, the

transmission will automatically shift to

a lower gear, even in manual mode,

to prevent the engine from stalling.

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.
In manual mode, no automatic

shifting to a higher gear takes place

at high engine revolutions.
Gears can be skipped by moving the

selector lever repeatedly at short

intervals.
After stopping, 1st gear is

automatically selected. When starting

on slippery surfaces, tip selector lever

forwards to engage 2nd gear.
To move back to position D, move

selector lever back to the right.

Electronic driving

programmes

● Following a cold start, the

operating temperature

programme increases engine

speed to quickly bring the

catalytic converter to the required

temperature.

Kickdown

In both automatic and manual modes,

if the accelerator pedal is pressed

down completely the transmission

shifts to a lower gear depending on

engine speed. Full engine power is

available for acceleration.
Fuel economy mode 3 122.

Fault

In the event of a fault in the automatic

transmission, control indicator Z

illuminates in the instrument cluster

3

 84. Automatic shifting may be much

harsher than normal or, in the case of

a serious fault, cancelled altogether.

Have the cause of the fault remedied

by a workshop.
If control indicator g illuminates in

the instrument cluster when the

engine is running, this may indicate a

fault in the transmission electronics

3

 84. The electronics switch to the

emergency running programme, fuel

consumption may increase and the

driveability of the vehicle may be

affected. Seek the assistance of a

workshop.

Driving and operating

139

Interruption of power supply

The clutch is not disengaged if the

vehicle battery is discharged and a

gear has been selected. The vehicle

cannot move. The selector lever

cannot be moved out of position P or

N.
If the battery is discharged, start the

vehicle using jump leads 3 194.
If the battery is not the cause of the

fault, release the selector lever:

1. Switch off ignition and remove the

key.

2. Depress and hold foot brake.

3. Remove trim cover.

4. Press and hold shift lock release

button.

5. Shift to neutral (N).
6. Replace trim cover.
7. Start engine and shift to chosen

gear.

Have the cause of the power supply

interruption remedied by a workshop.

Manual transmission

To engage reverse, with the vehicle

stationary, wait 3 seconds after

depressing clutch pedal 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 slip the clutch unnecessarily.
When operating, depress the clutch

pedal completely. Do not use the

pedal as a foot rest.

140

Driving and operating

Caution

It is not advisable to drive with the

hand resting on the selector lever.

Fuel economy mode 3 122.

Drive systems

All-wheel drive

All-wheel drive is an active-on-

demand system that engages

automatically, with no action required

by the driver. Depending on the

driving environment, the vehicle

switches between two-wheel drive

and four-wheel drive, to give the

vehicle more traction and stability

when necessary.
If the front wheels begin to slip, the

rear wheels will automatically begin to

drive the vehicle as required. More

torque is transferred to the wheels

that have the most traction, so the

vehicle has optimum grip at all times.

There may be a slight engagement

noise during hard use.
As well as enabling the vehicle to be

driven off-road, this system also

enables the vehicle to be driven on

normal roads without incurring

excessive tyre and drivetrain wear or

causing poor control.

Ensure tyres (including the spare) are

inflated to the correct pressure

3

 212 and are suitable for the

prevailing road conditions. For

optimum system performance, the

vehicle's tyres should not have

varying degrees of wear.
If control indicator B flashes in the

instrument cluster during driving, All-

wheel drive is temporarily disabled. If

B

 flashes continuously, there is a fault

in the system; seek the assistance of

a workshop.
All-wheel drive control indicator B

3

 86.

On-road driving

The increased traction of All-wheel

drive vehicles offers greater driving

control in adverse road conditions,

particularly heavy snow and ice.

However, All-wheel drive vehicles are

not "skid-proof" and do not decrease

stopping distances.
All-wheel drive vehicles have a higher

centre of gravity than conventional

vehicles. Always approach curves at

an appropriate driving speed. Do not

attempt to go as fast through turns as

Driving and operating

141

you might in a conventional vehicle.

Strong crosswinds can affect the

normal steering of the vehicle. Drive

slower under strong crosswind

conditions.

Off-road driving

● Avoid protruding objects (such as

rocks or tree stumps) that may

damage the underbody and tyres

of your vehicle.

● Test the brakes after operating in

mud, to clear excess mud from

the braking surfaces.

● Grip the steering wheel when

travelling over rough terrain.

Terrain conditions can cause

rapid and unexpected movement

in the steering.

The ground clearance, ramp angle,

angle of approach and departure and

wading depth need to be considered,

especially in hilly conditions and

when wading, to prevent the vehicle

becoming stuck and possibly

damaged.
Vehicle dimensions 3 209.
Towing the vehicle 3 196.

Driving through water

Do not exceed the maximum wading

depth 3 209.
Check the depth of water: choose the

lowest entry and departure angles

before entering. Maintain a steady

engine speed, to help prevent water

from entering the exhaust system, but

do not exceed 5 km/h, to avoid

splashing the water.
Drive with the flow wherever possible,

not against it. If you have to drive

against the flow, try to drive at an

angle to it, so that the leading corner

of the vehicle will help deflect water

from the engine compartment. Avoid

splashing the water - if the ignition

system becomes wet, the engine may

stall.
Avoid water entering the air intake

system 3 120. If water enters the air

intake system, engine seizure with

severe costly damage may result.
Test the brakes after leaving the

water - wet brakes are less effective

than dry ones. Perform the service

operations for wading , involving

checks for water contamination, at

the earliest opportunity.

Service checks after wading

Check for the ingress of water into the

following:

● Brake fluid reservoir
● Air cleaner element
● Engine
● Transmission
● Axles
● Interior of vehicle

Renew any lubricating oil or hydraulic

fluid that has a milky appearance,

indicating contamination with water.

Cleaning

Clean the vehicle thoroughly and as

soon as possible after driving off-

road.
Do not let mud remain dry on any part

of the vehicle as it becomes abrasive

and can damage paint, glass, seals,

bearings and brake components. If

left to build up, mud can seriously

affect the airflow through and over

mechanical components and cause

localised overheating and failure of

parts, especially in the engine

compartment.

142

Driving and operating

Ensure the radiator core and the area

between the radiator and intercooler/

oil cooler (where installed) is cleaned,

to maintain proper cooling air flow.

Check the radiator and cooler cores

for blockage (sand, silt etc.).
Check the tyre treads.
Clean and check the mechanical

parts of the vehicle, particularly the

following areas:

● Driveshafts, including sealing

bellows

● Front brake calipers, pads and

discs

● Front suspension
● Clutch fork sealing bellows
● Rear brake calipers, pads and

discs

● Rear suspension
● Fuel tank and underguard
● Breathers, axles and fuel tank
● Load sensing valve
● Transfer box and underguard
● Engine oil pan and underguard

Observe the following:

● Do not spray high-pressure water

directly at the vehicle seals

● The wheels must be removed to

clean all mud and stones from the

brake calipers and to check

brake pad wear

● The areas on the upper side of

the underguards must be cleared

of stones, to prevent damage to

the engine oil pan and the fuel

tank

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 85.

Antilock brake system

Antilock brake system (ABS)

prevents the wheels from locking.

Driving and operating

143

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 85.

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.

You can continue driving, provided

you drive with care and anticipation.

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 a 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 as this will discharge

the battery.
Before leaving the vehicle, check the

electrical parking brake status.
Control indicator m 3 85.

Releasing

Switch on ignition. Keep foot brake

depressed and then push switch m.
If the foot brake is not depressed

when attempting to release electrical

parking brake, a warning chime will

sound and control indicator -

illuminates in the instrument cluster

3

 90.

144

Driving and operating

Drive away function

With the engine running, selecting a

forward gear (manual transmission)

or engaging D (automatic

transmission) and then depressing

the accelerator pedal automatically

releases the electrical parking brake.

This is not possible when the switch

m

 is pulled at the same time.

This function also helps driving away

on inclines.
Aggressive drive away may reduce

life time of wear parts.

Dynamic braking when vehicle is

moving

When the vehicle is moving and the

switch m is kept pulled, a warning

chime will sound and 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

 3 85.

In the event of a fault, to apply

electrical parking brake: pull and hold

the switch m for a few seconds. If

control indicator m illuminates,

electrical parking brake has been

applied successfully.
To release electrical parking brake:

push and hold the switch m for a few

seconds. If control indicator m

extinguishes, electrical parking brake

has been released successfully.
If control indicator m flashes:

electrical parking brake is not fully

applied or released. When m is

continuously flashing, with ignition

switched on depress brake pedal,

release electrical parking brake and

retry applying.
If m continues to flash, do not drive

the vehicle. If necessary, place

wedge blocks or equivalent in front of

and behind wheels to prevent vehicle

movement. Seek the assistance of a

workshop to have the cause of the

fault remedied.

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 2 seconds. The

brakes release automatically as soon

as the vehicle begins to accelerate.

Driving and operating

145

Ride control systems

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 control

indicators b and t extinguish in the

instrument cluster after switching on

the ignition.
When ESC is active b flashes 3 87.

9 Warning

Do not let this special safety

feature tempt you into taking risks

when driving.
Adapt speed to the road

conditions.

Deactivation

With ESC active, if wheels are

slipping on wet, snowy or icy roads,

engine speed may not increase when

accelerator pedal is depressed. The

vehicle may not move.

Switch off ESC function, to allow

engine rpm to increase, by pressing

t

 briefly. Control indicator t

illuminates in the instrument cluster.
ESC is reactivated by pressing t

again. The control indicator

extinguishes.
Control indicator t 3 87.

Hydraulic brake assist

When the ESC function comes into

action and recognises any

emergency situation requiring hard

braking, it automatically delivers

increased braking pressure to the

wheels.

Active rollover protection

If the vehicle moves in an unstable

manner, this function helps the

vehicle maintain normal stability.

146

Driving and operating

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. While system is working keep

steering wheel as still as possible.

Fault

If there is a fault in the system the

control indicator b illuminates

continuously. The system is not

operational.
Have the cause of the fault remedied

by a workshop.

Descent control system

The Descent control system (DCS)

allows the vehicle to travel at a low

speed without depressing the foot

brake. The vehicle will automatically

decelerate to a low speed and remain

at that speed when the system is

activated. Some noise or vibration

from the brake system may be

apparent when the system is active.

Caution

Use only when descending steep

grades while driving off-road. Do

not use when driving on normal

road surfaces. Unnecessary

usage of the DCS function, such

as while driving on normal roads,

may damage the brake system

and the ESC function.

Activation

At speeds below approx. 50 km/h,

press u. The green control indicator

u

 flashes in the instrument cluster, to

show DCS is in operation. DCS will

not activate at speeds above

50 km/h, even if the button is pressed.

Deactivation

Press u again. The green control

indicator u extinguishes. Depressing

the foot brake or accelerator will also

cause the system to be deactivated.

Fault

The yellow control indicator u flashes

to indicate that the system is not

ready for conditions to operate, due to

the high temperature (approx.

350 - 400 °C) of friction material,

through severe or repeated braking. It

will extinguish when the temperature

drops below 350 °C.
The yellow control indicator u

illuminates when there is a

malfunction in the system, due to the

extremely high temperature

(over 400 °C) of friction material,

through severe or repeated braking. It

will extinguish when the temperature

drops below 350 °C. These

Driving and operating

147

temperatures may differ according to

vehicle conditions or outside

conditions.
Flashing or illumination of the yellow

control indicator u reminds the driver

that the friction material needs to cool

down: drive the vehicle without

braking as much as possible. If the

control indicator does not extinguish,

have the cause of the fault remedied

by a workshop.
DSC control indicators u 3 86.

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 load 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.
Headlight range adjustment 3 106.

Driver assistance

systems

9 Warning

Driver assistance systems are

developed to support the driver

and not to replace the driver's

attention.
The driver accepts full

responsibility when driving the

vehicle.
When using driver assistance

systems, always take care

regarding the current traffic

situation.

Cruise control

The cruise control can store and

maintain speeds above 40 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.
With automatic transmission, only

activate cruise control in automatic

mode.
Control indicator m 3 91.

Switching on

Press e; control indicator m

illuminates yellow in the instrument

cluster.

148

Driving and operating

Activation

Accelerate to the desired speed,

press - SET and release it. 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.

Increase speed

With cruise control active, press and

hold + RES or tap + RES repeatedly:

speed increases continuously or in

small increments.
Alternatively accelerate to the desired

speed and store by pressing - SET.

Reduce speed

With cruise control active, press and

hold - SET or tap - SET repeatedly:

speed decreases continuously or in

small increments.

Switching off

Press e; control indicator m

extinguishes and the vehicle slowly

decelerates.
Automatic deactivation:

● vehicle speed below approx.

45 km/h,

● the brake pedal is depressed,
● the clutch pedal is depressed,
● selector lever in N,
● the Electronic Stability Control is

operating.

Resume stored speed

Press + RES at a speed above

45 km/h. The stored speed will be

obtained.

Deleting the stored speed

The stored speed will be deleted by

pressing e or switching off

the ignition.

Parking assist

9 Warning

It is the driver who bears full

responsibility for the parking

manoeuvre.
Always check the surrounding

area while reversing and using the

rear parking assist system.

The parking assist system makes

parking easier by measuring the

distance between the vehicle and

obstacles to the front and rear, and

giving acoustic signals.

Driving and operating

149

The system consists of four ultrasonic

parking sensors in both the front and

rear bumpers.
Control indicator r 3 87.

Activation

With the ignition on, the system must

be activated manually.
Press r on the instrument panel.

The LED in the button will illuminate

and will activate when a forward gear

or reverse gear is engaged and the

electrical parking brake is released.
An obstacle is indicated by an

acoustic signal. The interval between

the sounds becomes shorter as the

vehicle gets closer to the obstacle.

When the distance is less than

30 cm, the signal is continuous. The

acoustic signal may differ depending

on the type of object detected.

Deactivation

To deactivate, press the button again

and the LED in the button will

extinguish. The control indicator r

in the instrument cluster will illuminate

until the vehicle speed exceeds

25 km/h.
The system is deactivated

automatically when the vehicle speed

is above 8 km/h or when selector

lever is in neutral (automatic

transmission in N or P).
If b is pressed again, the LED in the

button will extinguish and the system

will be reactivated as soon as a

forward gear or reverse gear is

engaged and the electrical parking

brake is released.

Fault

In the event of a fault in the system,

control indicator r illuminates in the

instrument cluster.

If the acoustic signal sounds 3 times

continuously when there are no

obstacles near the front or rear

bumper, there is a fault in the system.

Have the cause of the fault remedied

by a workshop.

Important hints for using the

parking assist system

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.