Opel Astra Saloon (2017 year). Manual - part 10

150

Driving and operating

Caution

Performance of the system can be

reduced when sensors are

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

system can be reduced due to

heavy loading.
Special conditions apply if there

are taller vehicles in the vicinity

(e.g. off-road vehicles, mini vans,

vans). Object identification and

correct distance indication in the

upper part of these vehicles

cannot be guaranteed.
Objects with a very small reflection

cross-section, e.g. objects of

narrow size or soft materials, may

not be detected by the system.
Parking assist systems do not

detect objects outside the

detection range.

Fuel

Fuel for diesel engines

Only use diesel fuel that complies

with EN 590.
In countries outside the European

Union use Euro-Diesel fuel with a

sulphur concentration below 50 ppm.

Caution

Use of fuel that does not comply

with EN 590 or similar can lead to

engine power loss, increased

wear or engine damage and loss

of warranty.

Do not use marine diesel oils, heating

oils, 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 an

authorized dealer.

Caution

In case of misfuelling, do not

switch on ignition.

Driving and operating

151

Fuel filler flap is located at left rear

side of vehicle.
The fuel filler flap can only be opened

if the vehicle is unlocked 3 22.

Release the fuel filler flap by pushing

the flap.

To unlock fuel filler cap: turn it

anticlockwise. If hissing occurs, wait

until it stops before completely

unscrewing the cap.
The fuel filler cap can be retained in

the holder on the inside of the fuel

filler flap.
When refuelling, fully insert the pump

nozzle and switch it on.

After automatic cut-off, the tank can

be topped up by operating the pump

nozzle a maximum of two more times.

Caution

Wipe off any overflowing fuel

immediately.

After refuelling, replace the fuel filler

cap and turn it clockwise until you

hear several clicks. Ensure the cap is

screwed in completely, otherwise

control indicator Z may illuminate in

the instrument cluster 3 84.
Close fuel filler flap.

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 fuel consumption (combined) of

the model Opel Antara is within a

range of 10.9 to 6.3 l/100 km.

The CO

2

 emission (combined) is

within a range of 255 to 167 g/km.
For the values specific for your

vehicle, refer to the EEC Certificate of

Conformity provided with your vehicle

or other national registration

documents.

General information

The official fuel consumption and

specific CO

2

 emission figures quoted

relate to the EU base model with

standard equipment.
Fuel consumption data and CO

2

emission data are determined

according to regulation R (EC) No.

715/2007 (in the latest applicable

version), taking into consideration the

vehicle weight in running order, as

specified by the regulation.
The figures are provided only for the

purpose of comparison between

different vehicle variants and must

not be taken as a guarantee for the

actual fuel consumption of a

particular vehicle. Additional

equipment may result in slightly

higher results than the stated

152

Driving and operating

consumption and CO

2

 figures.

Furthermore, fuel consumption is

dependent on personal driving style

as well as road and traffic conditions.

Trailer hitch

General information

The coupling ball bar is kept in a bag,

fastened with a strap and is stowed

below the floor cover in the load

compartment.
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.
Control indicator á illuminates in the

instrument cluster when a trailer is

connected to the vehicle 3 91.

Driving characteristics and

towing tips

In the case of trailers with brakes,

attach the break-away stopping cable

to the eye - not to the coupling ball

bar.
If no eye is available, loop cable

around coupling ball bar. Ensure

cable is crossed under the vertical

coupling socket to ensure the trailer

nose cannot drop to the ground if it

becomes separated from the trailer

hitch. Do not allow the cable to drag

along the ground and always allow

enough slack to permit full turning.

Follow the instructions supplied with

the towing equipment.
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, the use of a

friction-type stabiliser is strongly

recommended.
Do not drive faster than 80 km/h, even

in countries where higher speeds are

permitted. When driving uphill, do not

drive faster than 30 km/h in 1st gear,

or 50 km/h in 2nd gear.
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.

Driving and operating

153

Adjust tyre pressure to the value

specified for full load 3 212.

Trailer towing

Trailer loads

The permissible trailer loads are

vehicle-dependent 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.
When the trailer load is being

checked, therefore, only the trailer

wheels - and not the jockey wheel -

must be standing on the weighing

apparatus.
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

 205.

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 (80 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.

When measuring the vertical coupling

load, ensure the drawbar of the

loaded trailer is at the same height as

it will be when the trailer is coupled

with the towing vehicle loaded. This is

particularly important for trailers with

tandem axle.

Rear axle load

When the trailer is coupled and the

towing vehicle is fully loaded

(including all occupants), the

permissible rear axle load (see

identification plate or vehicle

documents) must not be exceeded.
National regulations regarding

maximum speeds for vehicles towing

a trailer must be observed.

Towing equipment

Caution

When operating without a trailer,

remove the coupling ball bar.

154

Driving and operating

Towing equipment with

detachable coupling ball bar

The coupling ball bar is kept in a bag,

fastened with a strap and is stowed

below the floor cover in the load

compartment.

Fitting the coupling ball bar

Remove sealing plug from the hole for

the coupling ball bar and stow it in the

load compartment.

Confirm that the colour marking on

the lever is red.

Inserting the coupling ball bar

Insert the coupling ball bar into the

coupling housing and push firmly

downwards until the coupling ball bar

audibly engages. If it does not

engage, repeat fitting procedure.
Do not swing the coupling ball bar to

the left or right, or upwards and

downwards, to avoid disrupting

correct fitting.

Lock coupling ball bar by turning the

supplied key in the lock cylinder of the

coupling ball bar. Remove key.

Driving and operating

155

Check that the coupling ball bar is

correctly attached:

● Green marking must be visible on

lever.

● Coupling ball bar must be seated

firmly in coupling housing.

Coupling ball bar must be locked and

key must be removed.

9 Warning

Towing a trailer is permitted only

when the coupling ball bar is fitted

correctly. If the coupling ball bar

cannot be properly attached, seek

the assistance of a workshop.

Eye for break-away stopping cable

In the case of trailers with brakes,

attach the break-away stopping cable

to the eye - not to the coupling ball

bar.

Dismounting the coupling ball bar

Unlock coupling ball bar and remove

key. Push lever to the left, towards the

coupling ball bar and turn it

downwards. Pull coupling ball bar out

of coupling housing.
Remove any rust or dirt from area

around the coupling housing and

coupling ball bar connection before

inserting sealing plug in the hole.
Place the coupling ball bar in the bag

supplied, fasten it with the strap and

stow it below the floor cover in the

load compartment.

Do not use steam-jet cleaners or

other high-pressure cleaners to clean

the coupling ball bar.

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.
Trailer stability assist (TSA) is a

function of the Electronic Stability

Control 3 145.

156

Vehicle care

Vehicle care

General Information ................... 157

Accessories and vehicle

modifications .......................... 157

Vehicle storage ........................ 157

End-of-life vehicle recovery ..... 158

Vehicle checks ........................... 158

Performing work ...................... 158

Bonnet ..................................... 158

Engine oil ................................. 159

Engine coolant ......................... 160

Power steering fluid ................. 161

Washer fluid ............................ 161

Brakes ..................................... 161

Brake fluid ............................... 162

Clutch fluid ............................... 162

Vehicle battery ......................... 162

Diesel fuel filter ........................ 164

Diesel fuel system bleeding ..... 165

Wiper blade replacement ........ 165

Bulb replacement ....................... 165

Headlights ............................... 165

Halogen headlights .................. 166

Xenon headlights ..................... 167

Fog lights ................................. 168

Tail lights ................................. 169

Side turn signal lights .............. 170

Centre high-mounted brake

light ......................................... 170

Number plate light ................... 170

Interior lights ............................ 170

Instrument panel illumination ... 171

Electrical system ........................ 171

Fuses ....................................... 171

Engine compartment fuse box . 173

Instrument panel fuse box ....... 176

Vehicle tools .............................. 179

Tools ........................................ 179

Wheels and tyres ....................... 181

Winter tyres ............................. 181

Tyre designations .................... 181

Tyre pressure .......................... 182

Tyre pressure monitoring

system .................................... 183

Tread depth ............................. 186

Changing tyre and wheel size . 186

Wheel covers ........................... 187

Tyre chains .............................. 187

Tyre repair kit .......................... 187

Wheel changing ....................... 190

Spare wheel ............................ 193

Jump starting ............................. 194
Towing ....................................... 196

Towing the vehicle ................... 196

Towing another vehicle ........... 197

Appearance care ....................... 198

Exterior care ............................ 198

Interior care ............................. 200

Vehicle care

157

General Information

Accessories and vehicle

modifications

We recommend the use of genuine

parts and accessories and factory

approved parts specific for your

vehicle type. We cannot assess or

guarantee reliability of other products

- even if they have a regulatory or

otherwise granted approval.
Do not make any modifications to the

electrical system, e.g. changes of

electronic control units (chip tuning).

Caution

When transporting the vehicle on

a train or on a recovery vehicle, the

mud flaps might be damaged.

Vehicle storage

Storage for a long period of time

If the vehicle is to be stored for several

months:

● Wash and wax the vehicle.
● Have the wax in the engine

compartment and underbody

checked.

● Clean and preserve the rubber

seals.

● Change the engine oil.
● Drain the washer fluid reservoir.
● Check the coolant antifreeze and

corrosion protection.

● Adjust tyre pressure to the value

specified for full load.

● Park the vehicle in a dry, well

ventilated place. Engage first or

reverse gear or move selector

lever to P. Prevent the vehicle

from rolling.

● Do not apply the electrical

parking brake.

● Open the bonnet, close all doors

and lock the vehicle.

● Disconnect the clamp from the

negative terminal of the vehicle

battery. Beware that all systems

are not functional, e.g. anti-theft

alarm system.

Putting back into operation

When the vehicle is to be put back into

operation:

● Connect the clamp to the

negative terminal of the vehicle

battery. Activate the electronics

of the power windows.

● Check tyre pressure.
● Fill up the washer fluid reservoir.
● Check the engine oil level.
● Check the coolant level.
● Fit the number plate if necessary.

158

Vehicle care

End-of-life vehicle recovery

Information on end-of-life vehicle

recovery centres and the recycling of

end-of-life vehicles is available on our

website, where legally required. Only

entrust this work to an authorised

recycling centre.

Vehicle checks

Performing work

9 Warning

Only perform engine compartment

checks when the ignition is off.
The cooling fan may start

operating even if the ignition is off.

9 Danger

The ignition system and Xenon

headlights use extremely high

voltage. Do not touch.

Bonnet

Opening

Pull the release lever and return it to

its original position.

Vehicle care

159

Locate the safety catch, found slightly

left of centre on the underside of the

bonnet, push the catch upwards and

lift the bonnet gently.
The bonnet is held open

automatically.
If the bonnet is opened during an

Autostop, the engine will be restarted

automatically for safety reasons.
Stop-start system 3 126.

Closing

Lower the bonnet and let it fall into the

latch from a low height (20-25 cm).

Check that the bonnet is engaged.

Caution

Do not press the bonnet into the

latch to avoid dents.

Air intake 3 120.

Engine oil

Check the engine oil level manually

on a regular basis to prevent damage

to the engine.
Ensure that the correct specification

of oil is used. Recommended fluids

and lubricants 3 202.
The maximum engine oil

consumption is 0.6 litres per

1000 km.
Check with the vehicle on a level

surface. The engine must be at

operating temperature and switched

off for at least 5 minutes.
Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean,

insert it to the stop on the handle, pull

out and read the engine oil level.
Insert dipstick to the stop on the

handle and make half a turn.

Different dipsticks are used

depending on engine variant.
When the engine oil level has

dropped to the MIN mark, top up

engine oil.

160

Vehicle care

We recommend the use of the same

grade of engine oil that was used at

the last oil change.
The engine oil level must not exceed

the MAX mark on the dipstick.

Caution

Overfilled engine oil must be

drained or suctioned out.

Capacities 3 211, Engine oil quality/

viscosity 3 202.
Fit the cap on straight and tighten it.
Control indicators for engine oil

pressure I 3 88, engine oil life ¢
3

 89, and low engine oil S 3 89.

Once the engine oil has been

changed, the engine oil life monitor

needs to be reset. Seek the

assistance of a workshop.

Engine coolant

The coolant provides freeze

protection down to approx. -28 °C. In

northern countries with very low

temperatures the factory filled coolant

provides frost protection down to

approx. -37 °C.

Caution

Only use approved antifreeze.

Coolant level

Caution

Too low a coolant level can cause

engine damage.

If the cooling system is cold, the

coolant level should be between the

MIN and MAX marks. Top up if the

level is low.

9 Warning

Allow the engine to cool before

opening the cap. Carefully open

the cap, relieving the pressure

slowly.

To top up use a 1:1 mixture of

released coolant concentrate mixed

with clean tap water. If no coolant

concentrate is available, use clean

tap water. Install the cap tightly. Have

the coolant concentration checked

and have the cause of the coolant

loss remedied by a workshop.
Engine coolant temperature control

indicator W 3 87.

Vehicle care

161

Power steering fluid

Caution

Extremely small amounts of

contamination can cause steering

system damage and cause it to not

work properly. Do not allow

contaminates to contact the fluid

side of the reservoir cap/dipstick or

from entering the reservoir.

Open the cap and remove. Wipe the

dipstick dry and turn the cap in the

container. Open the cap again and

read the power steering fluid level.

The power steering fluid level must be

between the MIN/COLD and the

MAX/HOT marks.
If the fluid level is too low, seek the

assistance of a workshop.

Washer fluid

Fill with clean water mixed with a

suitable quantity of washer fluid which

contains antifreeze. For the correct

mixing ratio refer to the washer fluid

container.

Caution

Only washer fluid with a sufficient

antifreeze concentration provides

protection at low temperatures or

a sudden drop in temperature.

Do not spray washer fluid onto

windscreen in freezing weather, to

avoid ice forming and impairing

vision.
In cold weather, do not fill the washer

fluid reservoir more than three

quarters full, to allow enough room for

expansion if the fluid freezes, and to

prevent damage to the reservoir.

Brakes

In the event of minimum thickness of

the brake lining, a squealing noise

sounds during braking.
Continued driving is possible but

have the brake lining replaced as

soon as possible.
Once new brake linings are installed,

do not brake unnecessarily hard for

the first few journeys.

162

Vehicle care

Brake fluid

9 Warning

Brake fluid is poisonous and

corrosive. Avoid contact with eyes,

skin, fabrics and painted surfaces.

The brake fluid level must be between

the MIN and MAX marks.
When topping up, ensure maximum

cleanliness as contamination of the

brake fluid can lead to brake system

malfunctions. Have the cause of the

loss of brake fluid remedied by a

workshop.

Caution

Only use high-performance brake

fluid approved for the vehicle.
Brake fluid 3 202.

Brake fluid level control indicator R

3

 85.

Clutch fluid

9 Warning

Clutch fluid is poisonous and

corrosive. Avoid contact with eyes,

skin, fabrics and painted surfaces.

If the fluid in the reservoir falls below

the MIN mark, seek the assistance of

a workshop.
Clutch fluid 3 202.

Vehicle battery

The vehicle battery is maintenance-

free provided that the driving profile

allows sufficient charging of the

battery. Short-distance-driving and

frequent engine starts can discharge

the vehicle battery. Avoid the use of

unnecessary electrical consumers.

Vehicle care

163

Batteries do not belong in household

waste. They must be disposed of at

an appropriate recycling collection

point.
Laying up the vehicle for more than

6 weeks can lead to battery

discharge. Disconnect the clamp from

the negative terminal of the vehicle

battery.
Ensure the ignition is switched off

before connecting or disconnecting

the vehicle battery.
Retrofitted electrical or electronic

accessories can place an additional

load on the vehicle battery or

discharge the battery. Seek the

assistance of a workshop regarding

technical possibilities, such as fitting

a more powerful battery.

Ensure the ignition is switched off

before reconnecting the vehicle

battery. Then perform the following

actions:

1. Set date and time in the

information display 3 75.

2. If necessary, activate the power

windows and sun roof 3 31, 3 33.

In order to prevent the vehicle battery

from discharging, some consumers

such as the courtesy lights

automatically switch off after a delay.
Charge a disconnected vehicle

battery every 6 weeks.
Vehicle battery discharge protection

3

 113.

Replacing the vehicle battery

Note

Any deviation from the instructions

given in this paragraph may lead to

a temporary deactivation of the stop-

start system.

When the vehicle battery is being

replaced, please ensure that there

are no open ventilation holes in the

vicinity of the positive terminal. If a

ventilation hole is open in this area, it

must be closed off with a dummy cap,

and the ventilation in the vicinity of the

negative terminal must be opened.
Only use batteries that allow the fuse

box to be mounted above the vehicle

battery.
In vehicles with an AGM (Absorptive

Glass Mat) battery, make sure to

have the battery replaced with

another AGM battery.

An AGM battery can be identified by

the label on the battery. We

recommend the use of an original

Opel battery.

164

Vehicle care

Note

Using an AGM vehicle battery

different from the original Opel

vehicle battery may result in a lower

performance of the stop-start

system.

We recommend that you have the

vehicle battery replaced by a

workshop.
Stop-start system 3 126.

Charging the vehicle battery

9 Warning

On vehicles with stop-start

system, ensure that the charging

potential does not exceed

14.6 volts when using a battery

charger. Otherwise the vehicle

battery might be damaged.

Jump starting 3 194.

Warning label

Meaning of symbols:

● No sparks, naked flames or

smoking.

● Always shield eyes. Explosive

gases can cause blindness or

injury.

● Keep the vehicle battery out of

reach of children.

● The vehicle battery contains

sulfuric acid which could cause

blindness or serious burn

injuries.

● See the Owner's Manual for

further information.

● Explosive gas may be present in

the vicinity of the vehicle battery.

Diesel fuel filter

Drain diesel fuel filter of residual

water at every engine oil change.
Place a container underneath the

filter housing. Turn drain plug

anticlockwise using a suitable

screwdriver, to drain off the water.
The filter is drained as soon as diesel

fuel emerges from the port. Retighten

the drain plug by turning it clockwise.

Vehicle care

165

With engine switched off, turn ignition

key to ON, wait approx. 5 seconds,

and turn key to LOCK to perform

priming operation. Perform this

operation 3 times or more while the

engine is switched off, to avoid air

entering the fuel line.
Check diesel fuel filter at shorter

intervals if the vehicle is subjected to

extreme operating conditions.
If there is water in the diesel fuel filter,

control indicator U illuminates in the

instrument cluster 3 90. Drain the

water immediately.

Diesel fuel system bleeding

If the fuel tank has been run dry, the

diesel fuel system must be bled.

Switch on the ignition three times for

15 seconds at a time. Then crank the

engine for a maximum of

40 seconds. If the engine will not start,

wait at least 10 seconds before trying

again. If the engine fails to start, seek

the assistance of a workshop.

Wiper blade replacement

Wiper blades on the windscreen

Lift wiper arm, press and hold

retaining clip and detach wiper blade.
Attach the wiper blade slightly angled

to the wiper arm and push until it

engages.
Lower wiper arm carefully.

Bulb replacement

Switch off the ignition and turn off the

relevant switch or close the doors.
Only hold a new bulb at the base! Do

not touch the bulb glass with bare

hands.
Use only the same bulb type for

replacement.
Replace headlight bulbs from within

the engine compartment.

Bulb check

After a bulb replacement switch on

the ignition, operate and check the

lights.

Headlights

Headlamp removal

For bulb replacement, it is necessary

to first remove the headlamp

assembly.