Opel Adam (2019 year). Manual - part 8

Driving and operating

119

2 : ignition on power mode: Ignition

is on. Control indicators

illuminate and most electrical

functions are operable.

Depending on version, it is

necessary first to push the key all

the way in towards the steering

column and then turn the key

from position 2 to 1 or 0.

3 : engine start: Release key after

starting procedure begins.

Retained power off

The following electronic systems can

work until the driver's door is opened

or at the latest for 10 minutes after the

ignition is switched off:

● power windows
● power outlets
● power sunroof

Starting the engine

Turn key to position 1 to release the

steering wheel lock.
Manual transmission: operate clutch

and brake pedal.
Do not operate the accelerator pedal.
Turn key briefly to position 3 and

release: an automatic procedure

operates the starter after a brief

delay, until 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

The start of the engine without

additional heaters is possible down to

-30 °C. Required is an engine oil with

the correct viscosity, the correct fuel,

performed services and a sufficiently

charged vehicle battery.

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 is not operated

(manual transmission).

● timeout occurred.

120

Driving and operating

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.
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.

On vehicles with manual

transmission, the engine is started

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 eco. The

deactivation is indicated when the

LED in the button extinguishes.

Autostop

Vehicles with manual transmission:

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.

The engine will be switched off while

the ignition stays on.

Driving and operating

121

Indication

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.

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

exhaust 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 3 111.
Immediately after motorway driving,

an Autostop may be inhibited.

New vehicle running-in 3 118.

Vehicle battery discharge protection

To ensure reliable engine restarts,

several vehicle battery discharge

protection features are implemented

as part of the stop-start system.

Power saving measures

During an Autostop, several electrical

features, e.g. the rear window

heating, 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

Vehicles with manual transmission:

Depress the clutch pedal to restart the

engine.
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 78.

122

Driving and operating

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 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 parking

brake. Activate the 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.

● Switch off the engine.

● If the vehicle is on a level

surface or uphill slope, engage

first gear 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

before removing the ignition

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.

● Lock the vehicle.
● The engine cooling fans may run

after the engine has been

switched off 3 152.

Driving and operating

123

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.

Exhaust filter

Automatic cleaning process

The exhaust filter system filters 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 7 and 12 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 manual cleaning

process

Under certain driving 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

124

Driving and operating

indicated by illumination of % and a

warning message in the Driver

Information Centre.
%

 illuminates along with a warning

message when exhaust filter is full.

Start cleaning process as soon as

possible.
%

 flashes along with a warning

message when exhaust filter has

reached the maximum filling level.

Start cleaning process immediately to

avoid damage to the engine.

Activate manual cleaning process

To activate cleaning process,

continue driving, keep engine speed

above 2000 rpm. Shift down if

necessary. Exhaust filter cleaning is

then started.
Cleaning takes place quickest 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.

Cleaning process not possible

If cleaning is not possible for any

reasons, control indicator Z

illuminates. 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 3 145, 3 206 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.

Driving and operating

125

Manual transmission

To engage reverse, depress the

clutch pedal and press the release

button on the selector lever 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.

Caution

It is not advisable to drive with the

hand resting on the selector lever.

Gear shift indication 3 79.
Stop-start system 3 120.

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 the 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 78.

Antilock brake system

Antilock brake system (ABS)

prevents the wheels from locking.

126

Driving and operating

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 79.

Adaptive brake light

During full braking, all three brake

lights flash for the duration of ABS

control.

Fault

9 Warning

If there is a fault in the ABS, the

wheels may be liable to lock due

to braking that is heavier than

normal. The advantages of ABS

are no longer available. During

hard braking, the vehicle can no

longer be steered and may

swerve.

Have the cause of the fault remedied

by a workshop.

Parking brake

Manual parking brake

9 Warning

Always apply parking brake firmly

without operating the release

button, and apply as firmly as

possible on a downhill or uphill

slope.
To release the parking brake, pull

the lever up slightly, press the

release button and fully lower the

lever.

Driving and operating

127

To reduce the operating forces of

the parking brake, depress the

brake pedal at the same time.

Control indicator R 3 78.

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 brake pedal 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 or

the 2 seconds holding time is over.

The hill start assist is not active during

an Autostop.

Ride control systems

Traction Control system

The Traction Control system (TC) is a

component of the Electronic Stability

Control (ESC).
TC improves driving stability when

necessary, regardless of the type of

road surface or tyre grip, by

preventing the drive wheels from

spinning.
As soon as the drive wheels starts to

spin, engine output is reduced and

the wheel spinning the most is braked

individually. This considerably

improves the driving stability of the

vehicle on slippery road surfaces.

128

Driving and operating

TC is operational after each engine

start as soon as control indicator b

extinguishes.
When TC operates b flashes.

9 Warning

Do not let this special safety

feature tempt you into taking risks

when driving.
Adapt speed to the road

conditions.

Deactivation

TC can be switched off when spinning

of drive wheels is required: press b

briefly.
A status message appears in the

Driver Information Centre when TC is

deactivated.
When TC is deactivated, ESC

remains active.
TC is reactivated by pressing b

again. A status message pops up in

the Driver Information Centre when

TC is reactivated.
TC is also reactivated the next time

the ignition is switched on.

Fault

If there is a fault in the system the

control indicator b illuminates

continuously and a message or a

warning code appears in the Driver

Information Centre. The system is not

operational.
Have the cause of the fault remedied

by a workshop.

Electronic Stability Control

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

improves driving stability when

necessary, regardless of the type of

road surface or tyre grip.
As soon as the vehicle starts to

swerve (understeer / oversteer),

engine output is reduced and the

wheels are braked individually.
ESC operates in combination with the

Traction Control system (TC). It

prevents the drive wheels from

spinning.

Driving and operating

129

ESC is operational after each engine

start as soon as control indicator b

extinguishes.
When ESC operates b flashes.

9 Warning

Do not let this special safety

feature tempt you into taking risks

when driving.
Adapt speed to the road

conditions.

Control indicator b 3 79.

Deactivation

ESC and TC can be deactivated:

● hold b pressed for a minimum of

5 seconds: ESC and TC are both

deactivated. t illuminates and

status messages appear in the

Driver Information Centre.

● To deactivate only Traction

control system press b briefly:

TC is inactive but ESC remains

active. A status message

appears in the Driver Information

Centre when TC is deactivated.

If the vehicle reaches the stability

threshold with deactivated ESC, the

system will automatically reactivate

ESC for the time duration of the

threshold, when the brake pedal is

depressed once.
ESC is reactivated by pressing b

again. If the TC system was

previously disabled, both TC and

ESC are reactivated. A status

message pops up in the Driver

130

Driving and operating

Information Centre and t

extinguishes when TC and ESC are

reactivated.
ESC is also reactivated the next time

the ignition is switched on.

Fault

If there is a fault in the system the

control indicator b illuminates

continuously and a message or a

warning code appears in the Driver

Information Centre. The system is not

operational.
Have the cause of the fault remedied

by a workshop.

City mode

City mode is a feature which enables

increased steering assistance during

lower speed conditions, e.g. city

traffic or parking. Steering assistance

is increased for greater convenience.

Activation

Press B when engine is running. The

system works from standstill up to

35 km/h, and in reverse gear. Above

this speed, the system changes to

normal mode. When activated, City

mode engages automatically below

35 km/h.
An illuminated LED in the City mode

button indicates that the system is

active.
Additionally, a message pops-up in

the Driver Information Centre.
City mode remains active during an

Autostop, but is only operational

when the engine is running.

Stop-start system 3 120.

Deactivation

Press B. The LED in the button

extinguishes.
Additionally, a message pops-up in

the Driver Information Centre.
Each time the engine is started, City

mode is deactivated.

Fault

In the event of a fault in the system,

control indicator c illuminates.
Additionally, a message pops-up in

the Driver Information Centre.

Driving and operating

131

Vehicle messages 3 89.

System calibration

If control indicators c and b

illuminate simultaneously, a

calibration of the power steering

system is necessary. This can occur

e.g. when turning the steering wheel

for one rotation with ignition switched

off. In this case, switch on ignition and

turn steering wheel once from lock to

lock.
If control indicators c and b do not

extinguish after calibration, seek the

assistance of a workshop.

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 of approx. 30 km/h

to maximum vehicle speed.

Deviations from the stored speeds

may occur when driving uphill or

downhill.

For safety reasons the cruise control

cannot be activated until the brake

pedal has been operated once.

Activating in first gear is not possible.

Do not use the cruise control if it is not

advisable to maintain a constant

speed.
Control indicator m 3 81.

Switching on the system

Press m; control indicator m in

instrument cluster illuminates white.

132

Driving and operating

Activation of the functionality

Accelerate to the desired speed and

turn thumb wheel to SET/-, the

current speed is stored and

maintained. Control indicator m in

instrument cluster 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.
Cruise control remains activated

while gearshifting.

Increase speed

With cruise control active, hold thumb

wheel turned to RES/+ or briefly turn

to RES/+ repeatedly: speed

increases continuously or in small

increments.
Alternatively accelerate to the desired

speed and store by turning to SET/-.

Reduce speed

With cruise control active, hold thumb

wheel turned to SET/- or briefly turn to

SET/- repeatedly: speed decreases

continuously or in small increments.

Deactivation of the functionality

Press y; control indicator m in

instrument cluster illuminates white.

Cruise control is deactivated. Last

stored speed remains in memory for

later speed resume.

Automatic deactivation:

● Vehicle speed is below approx.

30 km/h.

● Vehicle speed drops more than

25 km/h below the set speed.

● The brake pedal is depressed.
● The clutch pedal is depressed for

a few seconds.

● The selector lever is in N.
● Engine speed is in a very low

range.

● The Traction Control system or

Electronic Stability Control is

operating.

● Simultaneous pressing RES/+

and brake pedal deactivates

cruise control and will delete

stored speed.

Resume stored speed

Turn thumb wheel to RES/+ at a

speed above 30 km/h. The stored

speed will be obtained.

Driving and operating

133

Switching off the system

Press m; control indicator m in

instrument cluster extinguishes. The

stored speed is deleted.
Pressing L to activate the speed

limiter or switching off the ignition also

switches off cruise control and

deletes the stored speed.

Speed limiter

The speed limiter prevents the

vehicle exceeding a preset maximum

speed.
The maximum speed can be set at

speeds above 25 km/h up to

200 km/h.
The driver can only accelerate up to

the preset speed. Deviations from the

limited speed may occur when driving

downhill.
The preset speed limit is displayed in

the Driver Information Centre when

the system is active.

Activation of the functionality

Press L. If cruise control has been

activated before, it is switched off

when speed limiter is activated and

the control indicator m extinguishes.

Set speed limit

Accelerate to the desired speed and

briefly turn thumb wheel to SET/-: the

current speed is stored as maximum

speed. Speed limit is displayed in the

Driver Information Centre.

Change speed limit

With speed limiter active, turn thumb

wheel to RES/+ to increase or SET/-

to decrease the desired maximum

speed.

Exceeding the speed limit

When exceeding the limited speed

without driver input, the speed will

flash in the Driver Information Centre

and a chime sounds during this

period.

134

Driving and operating

In the event of an emergency, it is

possible to exceed the speed limit by

depressing the accelerator pedal

firmly nearly to the final point. In this

case no chime appears.
Release the accelerator pedal and

the speed limiter function is

reactivated once a speed lower than

the limit speed is obtained.

Deactivation of the functionality

Press y: speed limiter is deactivated

and the vehicle can be driven without

speed limit.
The stored limited speed is indicated

in brackets in the Driver Information

Centre.
Additionally, a corresponding

message appears on the Uplevel

Display.

Resume limit speed

Turn thumb wheel to RES/+. The

stored speed limit will be obtained

and is indicated without brackets in

the Driver Information Centre.

Switching off the system

Press L, the speed limit indication in

the Driver Information Centre

extinguishes. The stored speed is

deleted.
By pressing m to activate cruise

control, speed limiter is also

deactivated and the stored speed is

deleted.
By switching off the ignition, speed

limiter is also deactivated, but the

speed limit will be stored for next

speed limiter activation.

Parking assist

General information

When the trailer hitch is attached,

change the configuration settings in

the vehicle personalisation menu in

the Info Display.
Vehicle personalisation 3 92.
When attaching a trailer or bike

carrier to the trailer hitch, the parking

assist is deactivated.

Rear 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 rear parking assist makes

parking easier by measuring the

distance between the vehicle and

rear obstacles. It informs and warns

the driver via acoustic and visual

signals.