Opel Astra GTC (2018 year). Manual - part 9

134

Climate control

If the minimum temperature Lo is set,

the climate control system runs at

maximum cooling, if cooling n is

switched on.
If the maximum temperature Hi is set,

the climate control system runs at

maximum heating.

Note

If n is switched on, reducing the set

cabin temperature can cause the

engine to restart from an Autostop or

inhibit an Autostop.

Stop-start system 3 142.

Demisting and defrosting the

windows V

● Press V. The LED in the button

illuminates to indicate activation.

● Temperature and air distribution

are set automatically and the fan

runs at high speed.

● Switch on heated rear window Ü.
● To return to previous mode:

press V. To return to automatic

mode: press AUTO.

Setting of automatic rear window

heating can be changed in the

Settings menu in the Info-Display.

Vehicle personalisation 3 105.

Note

If V is pressed while the engine is

running, an Autostop will be inhibited

until V is pressed again.
If s is pressed with the fan switched

on and the engine running, an

Autostop will be inhibited until s is

pressed again or until the fan is

switched off.
If V is pressed while the engine is

in an Autostop, the engine will restart

automatically.
If s is pressed with the fan switched

on while the engine is in an

Autostop, the engine will restart

automatically.

Stop-start system 3 142.

Manual settings

Climate control system settings can

be changed by activating the buttons

and rotary knobs as follows.

Changing a setting will deactivate the

automatic mode.

Climate control

135

Fan speed Z

Press lower button to decrease or

upper button to increase fan speed.

The fan speed is indicated by the

number of segments in the display.
Pressing the lower button for longer:

fan and cooling are switched off.
Pressing the upper button for longer:

the fan runs at maximum speed.
To return to automatic mode: Press

AUTO.

Air distribution s, M, K

Press appropriate button for desired

adjustment. The LED in the button

illuminates to indicate activation.
s

: to windscreen and front door

windows (air conditioning is

activated in the background to

help preventing windows from

fogging)

M

: to head area via adjustable air

vents

K

: to foot well and windscreen

All combinations are possible.
Return to automatic air distribution:

press AUTO.

Cooling n

Press n to switch on cooling. The

LED in the button illuminates to

indicate activation. Cooling is only

functional when the engine is running

and climate control fan is switched on.
Press n again to switch off cooling.
The air conditioning system cools and

dehumidifies (dries) when outside

temperature is above a specific level.

Therefore condensation may form

and drip from under the vehicle.
If no cooling or drying is required,

switch off the cooling system for fuel

saving reasons. When the cooling

system is switched off, no engine

136

Climate control

restart will be requested by the

climate control system during an

Autostop. Exception: defrost system

is activated and outside temperature

above 0 °C.
The display will indicate ACON when

cooling is activated or ACOFF when

the cooling is deactivated.
Activation or deactivation of cooling

operation after engine start can be

changed in the Settings menu in the

Info-Display. Vehicle personalisation

3

 105.

Stop-start system 3 142.

Air recirculation mode 4

Press 4 to activate the air

recirculation mode. The LED in the

button illuminates to indicate

activation.
Press 4 again to deactivate

recirculation mode.

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.

In warm and very humid ambient air

conditions, the windscreen may mist

up from outside when cold air is

directed towards it. If windscreen

mists up from outside, activate

windscreen wiper and deactivate s.

Basic settings

Some settings can be changed in the

Settings menu in the Info-Display.

Vehicle personalisation 3 105.

Auxiliary heater

Air heater

Quickheat is an electric auxiliary air

heater which automatically warms up

the passenger compartment more

quickly.

Climate control

137

Air vents

Adjustable air vents

At least one air vent must be open

while the cooling is on.

To open the vent, turn the adjuster

wheel towards the bigger W symbol.

Adjust the air amount at the vent

outlet by turning the adjuster wheel.

Direct the flow of air by tilting and

swivelling the slats.
To close the vent, turn the adjuster

wheel towards the smaller W symbol.

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 and door

windows and in the foot wells.

Maintenance

Air intake

The air intake 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

The pollen filter cleans dust, soot,

pollen and spores from the air

entering the vehicle through the air

intake.

138

Climate control

Air conditioning regular

operation

In order to ensure continuously

efficient performance, cooling must

be operated for a few minutes once a

month, irrespective of the weather

and time of year. Operation with

cooling is not possible when the

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.

Driving and operating

139

Driving and

operating

Driving hints ............................... 140

Control of the vehicle ............... 140

Steering ................................... 140

Starting and operating ............... 140

New vehicle running-in ............ 140

Ignition switch positions ........... 141

Retained power off .................. 141

Starting the engine .................. 141

Overrun cut-off ........................ 142

Stop-start system .................... 142

Parking .................................... 144

Engine exhaust .......................... 145

Diesel particle filter .................. 146

Catalytic converter ................... 147

Automatic transmission .............. 147

Transmission display ............... 147

Selector lever .......................... 148

Manual mode ........................... 149

Electronic driving programmes 149

Fault ........................................ 150

Interruption of power supply .... 150

Manual transmission .................. 151

Brakes ........................................ 152

Antilock brake system ............. 152

Parking brake .......................... 153

Brake assist ............................. 154

Hill start assist ......................... 154

Ride control systems ................. 155

Traction Control system .......... 155

Electronic Stability Control ...... 155

Interactive driving system ........ 157

Driver assistance systems ......... 159

Cruise control .......................... 159

Speed limiter ........................... 161

Adaptive cruise control ............ 162

Forward collision alert ............. 169

Following distance indication ... 172

Active Emergency Braking ...... 173

Parking assist .......................... 175

Side blind spot alert ................. 182

Traffic sign assistant ................ 183

Lane departure warning .......... 187

Fuel ............................................ 188

Fuel for petrol engines ............. 188

Fuel for diesel engines ............ 189

Fuel for liquid gas operation .... 190

Refuelling ................................ 190

Fuel consumption - CO

2

-

Emissions ............................... 193

Trailer hitch ................................ 194

General information ................. 194

Driving characteristics and

towing tips .............................. 194

Trailer towing ........................... 195

Towing equipment ................... 195

Trailer stability assist ............... 198

140

Driving and operating

Driving hints

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 3 142.

Idle boost

If charging of the vehicle battery is

required due to battery condition, the

power output of the generator must

be increased. This will be achieved by

an idle boost which may be audible.
A message is displayed in the Driver

Information Centre.

Pedals

To ensure the pedal travel is

uninhibited, there must be no mats in

the area of the pedals.
Use only floor mats which fit properly

and are fixed by the retainers on the

driver's side.

Steering

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.
Control indicator c 3 89.

Caution

Vehicles equipped with hydraulic

power steering:
If the steering wheel is turned until

it reaches the end of its travel, and

is held in that position for more

than 15 seconds, damage may

occur to the power steering

system and there may be loss of

power steering assist.

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 the

battery.
Diesel particle filter 3 146.

Driving and operating

141

Ignition switch positions

0 : ignition off

1 : steering wheel lock released,

ignition off

2 : ignition on, for diesel engine:

preheating

3 : starting

Retained power off

The following electronic systems can

work until the driver's door is opened

or at the latest for ten minutes after

the ignition is switched off:

● power windows
● sunroof
● power outlets

Power to the Infotainment system will

continue to operate for 30 minutes or

until the key is removed from the

ignition switch, regardless of whether

any door will be opened.

Starting the engine

Manual transmission: operate clutch.
Automatic transmission: operate

brake and move the selector lever to

P or N.
Do not operate the accelerator pedal.

Diesel engine: turn the key to position

2 for preheating until control

indicator ! extinguishes.
Turn the key briefly to position 3 and

release: an automatic procedure

operates the starter with a short delay

as long as the engine is running, see

Automatic Starter Control.
Before restarting or to switch off the

engine, turn the key back to position

0.
During an Autostop, the engine can

be started by depressing the clutch

pedal.

Starting the vehicle at low

temperatures

Starting the engine without additional

heaters is possible down to -25 °С for

diesel engines and -30 °C for petrol

engines. Required is an engine oil

with the correct viscosity, the correct

fuel, performed services and a

sufficiently charged vehicle battery.

With temperatures below -30 °C the

automatic transmission needs a

warming phase of approx. five

minutes. The selector lever must be

in position P.

142

Driving and operating

Automatic Starter Control

This function controls the engine

starting procedure. The driver does

not need to hold the key in position 3.

Once applied, the system will go on

starting automatically until the engine

is running. Because of the checking

procedure, the engine starts running

after a short delay.
Possible reasons for a non-starting

engine:

● Clutch pedal not operated

(manual transmission).

● Brake pedal not operated or

selector lever not in P or N

(automatic transmission).

● Timeout occurred.

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 pedal is released.
Depending on driving conditions, the

overrun cut-off may be deactivated.

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 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 eco. The

deactivation is indicated when the

LED in the button extinguishes.

Autostop

If the vehicle is at a low speed or at a

standstill, activate an Autostop as

follows:

● Depress the clutch pedal.
● Move the selector lever to

neutral.

● Release the clutch pedal.

Driving and operating

143

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 and

brake performance will be

maintained.

Caution

The power steering assist may 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.

● The engine exhaust temperature

is not too high, e.g. after driving

with high engine load.

● The ambient temperature is

above -5 °C.

● The climate control system

allows an Autostop.

● The brake vacuum is sufficient.
● The self-cleaning function of the

diesel particle filter is not active.

● The vehicle was driven at least at

walking speed 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 3 132.
Immediately after motorway driving,

an Autostop may be inhibited.
New vehicle running-in 3 140.

Vehicle battery discharge protection

To ensure reliable engine restarts,

several battery discharge protection

features are implemented as part of

the stop-start system.

Power saving measures

During an Autostop, several electric

features, e.g. auxiliary electric heater

or heated rear window are disabled or

switched into a power saving mode.

The fan speed of the climate control

system is reduced to save power.

Restart of the engine by the driver

Depress the clutch pedal to restart the

engine.

144

Driving and operating

The engine start is indicated by the

needle at the idle speed position in

the tachometer.
If the selector lever is shifted out of

neutral before depressing the clutch

first, control indicator - illuminates

or is shown as a symbol in the Driver

Information Centre.
Control indicator - 3 88.

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 climate control system

requests an engine start.

● The air conditioning is manually

switched on.

If the bonnet is not fully closed, a

warning message is displayed in the

Driver Information Centre.
If an electric 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 parking

brake. Activate the manual

parking brake without pressing

the release button. Apply as

firmly as possible on a downhill

slope or uphill slope. Depress

brake pedal at the same time to

reduce operating force.
For vehicles with electric

parking brake, pull switch m for

approx. one second.
The electric parking brake is

applied when control indicator

m

 illuminates 3 88.

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

surface or uphill slope, engage

first gear or set the selector

lever to position 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

set the selector lever to position

P before removing the ignition

Driving and operating

145

key. Turn the front wheels

towards the kerb.

● Close the windows and the

sunroof.

● Remove the ignition key from

the ignition switch. Turn the

steering wheel until the

steering wheel lock is felt to

engage.
For vehicles with automatic

transmission, the key can only

be removed when the selector

lever is in position P.

● Lock the vehicle.
● Activate the anti-theft alarm

system.

● The engine cooling fans may run

after the engine has been

switched off 3 201.

Caution

After running at high engine

speeds or with high engine loads,

operate the engine briefly at a low

load or run in neutral for

approx. 30 seconds before

switching off, in order to protect

the turbocharger.

Note

In the event of an accident with

airbag deployment, the engine is

turned off automatically if the vehicle

comes to a standstill within a certain

time.

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.

146

Driving and operating

Diesel particle filter

Automatic cleaning process

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 up to 25 minutes. Typically it

needs between seven and twelve

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.

System requires cleaning

Under certain conditions, e.g. driving

short distances, the system cannot

clean itself automatically.
If cleaning of the filter is required and

if previous driving conditions did not

enable automatic cleaning, it will be

indicated by illumination of % and a

warning message in the Driver

Information Centre.
%

 illuminates along with a warning

message when diesel particle filter is

full. Start cleaning process as soon as

possible.

%

 flashes along with a warning

message when diesel particle filter

has reached the maximum filling

level. Start cleaning process

immediately to avoid damage to the

engine.

Activate self-cleaning process

To activate cleaning process,

continue driving, keep engine speed

above 2000 rpm. Shift down if

necessary. Diesel particle filter

cleaning is then started.
Cleaning process is completed more

quickly at high engine speeds and

loads.
Control indicator % extinguishes as

soon as the self-cleaning operation is

complete. Keep on driving until self-

cleaning operation is complete.

Caution

If possible, do not interrupt

cleaning process. Drive until

cleaning is completed to avoid the

need for service or repair by a

workshop.

Driving and operating

147

Cleaning process not possible

If cleaning is not possible for any

reason, control indicator g

illuminates additionally. Engine

power may be reduced. Seek the

assistance of a workshop

immediately.

Catalytic converter

The catalytic converter reduces the

amount of harmful substances in the

exhaust gases.

Caution

Fuel grades other than those listed

on pages 3 188, 3 262 could

damage the catalytic converter or

electronic components.
Unburnt petrol 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.

Automatic transmission

The automatic transmission permits

automatic gearshifting (automatic

mode) or manual gearshifting

(manual mode).
Manual shifting is possible in manual

mode by tapping the selector lever

3

 149.

Transmission display

The mode or selected gear is shown

in the transmission display.

148

Driving and operating

In automatic mode, the driving

programme is indicated by D in the

Driver Information Centre.
R indicates reverse gear.
N indicates neutral position.
P indicates park position.
Midlevel display: in manual mode the

number of the selected gear is

indicated.

Uplevel display: in manual mode, M

and the number of the selected gear

is indicated.

Selector lever

P : park position, press release

button, wheels are locked,

engage only when the vehicle is

stationary and parking brake is

applied

R : reverse gear, press release

button, engage only when

vehicle is stationary

N : neutral

D : automatic mode

M : manual mode: move selector

lever from D to the left.

<

: manual mode upshifting: move

selector lever in position M and

tap upwards

]

: manual mode downshifting:

move selector lever in position

M and tap rearwards

The selector lever is locked in P and

can only be moved when the ignition

is on and the brake pedal is applied.

Without brake pedal applied, the

control indicator j illuminates.
If the selector lever is not in P when

the ignition is switched off, the control

indicators j and P flash.
To engage P or R, press the release

button.

Driving and operating

149

The engine can only be started with

the lever in position P or N. When

position N is selected, press the brake

pedal or apply the 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

brake is released.

Engine braking

To utilise the engine braking effect,

select a lower gear in good time when

driving downhill, see manual mode.

Rocking the vehicle

Rocking the vehicle is only

permissible if the vehicle is stuck in

sand, mud or snow. Move the selector

lever between D and R in a repeat

pattern. Do not race the engine and

avoid sudden acceleration.

Parking

Apply the parking brake and engage

P.
The ignition key can only be removed

when the selector lever is in position

P.

Manual mode

Move selector lever out of position D

towards the left to select manual

mode M.
Tap selector lever
forwards < : shift to a higher gear
backwards ] : shift to a lower gear

The selected gear is indicated in the

instrument cluster.
If a higher gear is selected when

vehicle speed is too low, or a lower

gear when vehicle speed is too high,

the shift is not executed. This can

cause a message in the Driver

Information Centre.
In manual mode, no automatic

shifting to a higher gear takes place

at high engine revolutions.

Electronic driving

programmes

● Following a cold start, the

operating temperature

programme increases engine

speed to quickly bring the

catalytic converter to the required

temperature.

● The automatic neutral shift

function automatically shifts to

idling when the vehicle is stopped

with a forward gear engaged and

the brake pedal is pressed.