tow OPEL COMBO 2010 Owner's Manual

102 Driving and operation
Picture no: 12466s.tif
Selector lever in A/M
Switch between Automatic and Manual
mode.
In manual mode, a gear can be selected
manually by tapping the selector lever to
the
+ or
- position. The transmission display
indicates the current gear.
If the engine speed is too low the manual
transmission automated will automatically
shift to a lower gear even in Manual mode.
This prevents the engine from stalling. Selector lever in + or -
If a higher gear is selected when the
running speed is too low, or a lower gear
when the speed is too high, no shift is
carried out. This prevents the engine from
running at too low or too high revs.
Gears can be skipped by jogging the
selector lever repeatedly at short intervals.
When the vehicle is in automatic mode,
manual transmission automated switches
to manual mode when the selector lever is
tapped to position
+ or
-. The transmission
display indicates the current gear.
Selector lever in R
Reverse gear. Engage only when vehicle is
stationary.
Press knob on selector lever, select R, "R"
appears in gear display.
If R is selected when the vehicle is in motion,
"R" flashes in the transmission display and
no gear is engaged. Stopping the vehicle
In automatic or manual mode, first gear is
automatically engaged (second gear if the
Winter programme is engaged) and the
clutch is released when the vehicle is
stationary. In R, reverse gear remains
engaged.
If a warning signal sounds when the
driver’s door is opened (foot brake not
depressed), move the selector lever to N
and apply the hand brake.
When stopping on gradients, engage the
hand brake or depress the brake pedal. To
prevent overheating of the clutch, do not
increase engine speed to ensure smooth
idling when in gear.
Switch off engine if stopping for a lengthy
period, e.g. in traffic jams or at level
crossings.
Electronically controlled driving
programmes in automatic mode
zFollowing a cold start, the operating
temperature programme keeps engine
speed high to quickly and automatically
bring the catalytic converter to the
required temperature.
zAdaptive programmes automatically
change to other gears to suit the driving
conditions, such as if the vehicle is
towing a caravan/trailer, has a high
payload, or is being driven on inclines.
+
Shift to a higher gear.
-
Shift to a lower gear.

105
Driving and operation
Picture no: 13739s.tif
Interruption of power supply
The clutch is not disengaged if there is an
interruption of the power supply when a
gear is engaged. The vehicle cannot move.
If the battery is discharged, start the
vehicle using jump leads 3129.
If the cause is not a flat battery, contact a
workshop for assistance. If the vehicle has
to be moved out of flowing traffic,
disengage clutch as follows:
1. Apply hand brake and switch off
ignition.
2. Open bonnet and engage support.3. Clean the transmission around the cap
(see figure) so that no dirt can get into
the opening when the cap is removed.
4. Rotate cap to slacken and remove by
lifting upwards – see figure.
5. Turn the adjusting screw clockwise using
a flat-head screwdriver (vehicle tools 3
3136) until clear resistance can be felt.
The clutch has now been disengaged.
6. Fit cleaned cap again. The cap must be
in full contact with the housing.
Contact a workshop for assistance
immediately.
Picture no: 15120s.tif
Manual transmissionTo engage reverse, with the vehicle
stationary wait 3 seconds after declutching
and then pull up the button on the selector
lever and engage the gear.
If the gear does not engage, set the lever in
neutral, release the clutch pedal and
depress again; then repeat gear selection.
Do not grind the clutch unnecessarily.
When operating, depress the clutch pedal
completely. Do not use the pedal as a foot
rest (increases clutch wear).
Caution
Do not turn beyond the resistance, since
this can damage the manual
transmission automated.
Caution
Towing the vehicle and starting the
engine is not permitted when the clutch
has been released in this way, although
the vehicle can be moved a short
distance.

106 Driving and operationDriving hints The first 1000 km
Drive your vehicle at various speeds. Do
not use full throttle. Never allow the engine
to labour at low revs.
Change gear frequently. Do not press the
accelerator pedal more than approx.
3/4 in
all gears.
Do not drive faster than three quarters of
maximum speed.
Do not brake unnecessarily hard for the
first 200 km.
During the first drive, smoke may develop
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.
Fuel and engine oil consumption is higher
than normal during the running-in period.
Never coast with engine not running
Many units will not function in this situation
(e.g. brake servo unit, power steering3).
Driving in this manner is a danger to
yourself and others. Brake servo unit
When the engine is not running, the brake
servo unit is no longer effective once the
brake pedal has been depressed once or
twice. Braking effect is not reduced, but
significantly greater force is required for
braking.
Electric power steering 3
If the power-assisted steering fails when
being towed with the engine switched off –
the vehicle can still be steered, but
considerably more force is required.
Driving in mountainous terrain or with a
trailer/caravan
The cooling fan is electrically operated. Its
cooling power is therefore independent of
the engine speed.
Since a considerable amount of heat is
generated at high engine speeds and less
at slower speeds, do not shift down when
climbing hills whilst the vehicle is still coping
with the gradient in the higher gear.
Diesel engines: On gradients of 10 % or
more, do not drive faster than 30 km/h in
first gear or 50 km/h in second gear. Driving with a roof load
Do not exceed the permissible roof load,
3189. For reasons of safety, distribute the
load evenly and strap it down firmly using
retaining straps so that it cannot slip.
Check the tyre pressure when the vehicle is
loaded. Do not travel faster than 120 km/h.
Check and re-tighten the straps frequently.
Observe country-specific regulations.
Switching off the engine
When you switch off, fans in the engine
compartment may continue running for a
time to cool the engine.
If the engine temperature is very high, e.g.
after driving in mountainous terrain: allow
the engine to idle for approximately two
minutes in order to prevent heat
accumulation.
Vehicles with turbocharged engine

After running at high engine speeds or 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.

115
Driving and operation
zIn the event of misfiring, uneven engine
running, a clear 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.
zIf unburnt fuel enters the catalytic
converter of a petrol engine, this may
result in overheating and irreparable
damage to the catalytic converter.
You should therefore avoid
unnecessarily long use of the starter
when starting off, running the tank dry
and starting the engine by pushing or
towing.
Picture no: 18087s.tif
Controlling exhaust emission
Design measures, primarily in the fuel
injection system and ignition system zones
in combination with the catalytic converter,
the amount of hazardous substances in the
exhaust emissions, such as carbon
monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (CH) and
nitrogen oxides (NO
x), are reduced to a
minimum.
Picture no: 11717s.tif
Exhaust gas control indicator
Z
Illuminates when the ignition is switched on
and during the start attempt. Goes off
shortly after the engine starts running.
Illumination whilst the engine is running
indicates a fault in the emission control
system. The permissible emission limits
may be exceeded. Contact a workshop for
assistance immediately.
Illumination with the engine running
indicates a fault that can cause damage to
the catalytic converter. It is possible to
continue driving without causing damage
by slowing down until the flashing stops
and the control indicator illuminates.
Contact a workshop for assistance
immediately.

118 Driving and operationMaintenance
Have all maintenance work carried out at
the specified intervals. We recommend
that you entrust this work to your Opel
Partner, who has proper equipment and
trained personnel available. Electronic
testing systems permit rapid diagnosis and
remedy of faults. This way you can be
certain that all components of the vehicle’s
electrical, injection and ignition systems
operate correctly, that your vehicle has a
low level of pollutant emission and that the
catalytic converter system will have a long
service life.
You are thereby making an important
contribution towards keeping the air clean
and compliance with emissions legislation.
Checking and adjustment of the fuel-
injection and ignition systems is part of the
scope of inspection. For this reason you
should have all maintenance work carried
out at the intervals specified in your Service
and Warranty Booklet.
Picture no: 11629s.tif
Hydraulic brake system The foot brake comprises two independent
brake circuits.
If a brake circuit fails, the vehicle can still be
braked using the other brake circuit.
However, the brake pedal must be
depressed a considerable way before any
braking effect occurs, and much more
force is required. The braking distance is
longer. Contact a workshop for assistance
before continuing to drive. To ensure the full pedal travel can be
utilised, especially in case of a fault in one
of the brake circuits, there must be no mats
in the vicinity of the pedals 3107.
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. This is especially important
to bear in mind when towing.
The brake fluid level should be checked
regularly. If the brake fluid level is too low
and the hand brake is not applied, control
indicator R on the instrument panel lights
up 369.

126 Driving and operationTowing equipment
3
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.
Installation dimensions of towing
equipment 3197.
Towing equipment with fixed coupling
ball bar3
In the case of trailers/caravans with brake,
attach break-away stopping cable to eye
to right of coupling ball bar. Caravan/trailer towingCaravan and trailer loads
1)
The permissible caravan/trailer loads are
vehicle and engine-dependent maximum
values which must not be exceeded. The
actual caravan/trailer load is the difference
between the actual gross weight of the
caravan/trailer and the actual coupling
socket load with the caravan/trailer
coupled.
The permissible caravan/trailer loads are
specified in the vehicle documents. In
general, they are valid for gradients up to
max. 12 %. The permitted caravan/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 because of the air becoming
thinner, therefore reducing climbing ability,
the permitted towing weight also
decreases by 10 % for every 1000 metres
of additional altitude. The towing 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 3182. Coupling socket load
The coupling socket load is the load
exerted by the trailer/caravan on the
coupling ball. It can be varied by changing
the weight distribution when loading the
trailer/caravan.
The maximum permissible coupling socket
load (50 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 caravans/trailers. The coupling
socket load should never fall below 25 kg.
When measuring the coupling socket load,
make sure that the drawbar of the loaded
trailer/caravan is at the same height as it
will be when the trailer/caravan is coupled
with the towing vehicle loaded. Particularly
important for trailers/caravans with
tandem axle.
Rear axle load during towing
The permissible axle loads must not be
exceeded. 1)Observe national regulations.

127
Driving and operation
Picture no: 13228s.tif
Driving characteristics, towing tips
In the case of trailers/caravans with brakes,
attach breakaway stopping cable to eye.
Before attaching the trailer/caravan,
lubricate the ball of the trailer/caravan
towing device. However, do not lubricate
the ball if a stabiliser, which acts on the
coupling ball, is being used to damp
hunting.
Check caravan/trailer lighting before
starting to drive. The fog tail lamps on the
vehicle are deactivated when towing a
caravan or trailer. Caravans/trailers with LED turn signals
require a provision that make bulb
replacement as with standard bulbs
possible.
Handling is greatly influenced by the
loading of the trailer/caravan. Loads
should therefore be secured so that they
cannot slip and be placed in the centre of
the trailer/caravan if possible, i.e. above
the axle.
In the case of trailers with low driving
stability, do not exceed a speed of
80 km/h; the use of a friction-type
stabiliser is highly recommended.
If the trailer/caravan starts to sway, drive
more slowly, do not attempt to correct the
steering and brake sharply if necessary.
If it is necessary to apply the brakes fully,
depress the brake pedal as hard as
possible.
Remember that the braking distance for
vehicles towing caravans/trailers with and
without brake is always greater than that
for vehicles not towing a caravan/trailer. When driving downhill, drive in the same
gear as if driving uphill and drive at a
similar speed.
Adjust tyre pressure to the value specified
for full load 3121, 3191.

128 Self-help, vehicle careSelf-help, vehicle care
Diesel fuel system, bleeding If the tank is allowed to run dry, the diesel
fuel system must be bled. Turn over the
ignition three times for 15 seconds at a
time. Then start the engine for a maximum
of 40 seconds
1). Repeat this process after
no less than 5 seconds. If the engine fails to
start, seek the assistance of a workshop.
Picture no: 16121s.tif
Bonnet Pull the release lever located on the driver’s
side below the instrument panel. Return the
release lever to its original position. Diesel fuel system, bleeding ............... 128
Bonnet .................................................. 128
Starting the engine with jump leads3 129
Towing .................................................. 131
Warning triangle ¨ 3 and first-aid kit
(cushion) + 3.................................... 133
Spare wheel 3...................................... 134
Jack £ 3 and vehicle tools3............ 136
Changing wheels ................................. 137
Tyre repair kit 3................................... 142
Electrical system .................................. 145
Fuses and the most important circuits
they protect ....................................... 147
Bulb replacement ................................ 151
Vehicle care.......................................... 160
1)For technical reasons, only 30 seconds is
possible for engine Z 17 DTH. Sales
designation
3184.

129
Self-help, vehicle care
Picture no: 18097s.tif
Lift the safety catch and open the bonnet.
Dirt or snow on the bonnet may drop onto
the windscreen when the bonnet is opened
and block the air intake. Air intake 399.
Picture no: 15123s.tif
Secure the bonnet support. Before closing
the bonnet, press the support into the
holder.
Lower the bonnet and allow it to drop into
the catch. Check that the bonnet is
engaged.
Starting the engine with jump
leads
3
Do not start by quick charger or by pushing
or towing.
A vehicle with a discharged battery can be
started using jump leads and the battery of
another vehicle.
9 Warning
Starting the engine with jump leads must
be carried out with the utmost caution.
Any deviation from the following
instruction may lead to injury or damage
due to the explosion of the batteries and
to damage of the electrics in both
vehicles.

131
Self-help, vehicle care
Route the leads so that they cannot catch
on rotating parts in the engine
compartment.
To start the engine:
1. Start the engine of the vehicle providing
the jump start.
2. After 5 minutes, start the other engine.
Start attempts should be made at
intervals of 1 minute not last longer than
15 seconds.
3. Allow both engines to idle for approx.
3 minutes with the leads connected.
4. Switch on electric loads (e.g. light,
heated rear window) of the vehicle
receiving the jump start.
5. Reverse above sequence exactly when
removing leads.
Picture no: 18108s.tif
Towing Towing your own vehicle
Disengage cap at bottom and remove
downwards.
Picture no: 12458s.tif
The towing eye is located in the bag for
vehicle tools 3, behind the cover on the
right side of the luggage compartment or
in the compartment for the tyre repair kit
behind the cover on the left side of the
luggage compartment.
Jack 3 and vehicle tools 3 3136.