brakes OPEL MERIVA 2009 Owners Manual

15
In Brief
Picture no: 14175s.tif
Automated manual
transmission
3
To move the selector lever from N to R
press the button on the lever.
Only start in N with foot brake applied.
Automated manual transmission 3 3 129.
Before starting off, checkz Tyre pressure and tyre condition 3155,
3 228.
z Engine oil level and fluid levels 3209 to
3 216.
z All windows, mirrors, exterior lighting
and number plates are free from dirt,
snow and ice and operational.
z Seats, seat belts and mirrors are
correctly adjusted. 344, 359, 336.
z Check brake function at low speed,
particularly if the brakes are wet.
Picture no: 15678t.tif
Steering wheel lock and ignitionTurn key to position 1. Move the steering
wheel slightly to release the steering wheel
lock.
N
=Idle/start position
o =Driving position
+ = Higher gear
- = Lower gear
A/M = Switch between Automatic and
Manual mode
R = Reverse gear
(with selector lever lock) 0=Ignition off
1 = Steering free, ignition off
2 =Ignition on, with diesel engine: pre-
heating
3 =Starting

153
Driving and operation
Picture no: 14723s.tif
Hand brake Always apply hand brake firmly without
pressing the release button, and apply as
firmly as possible on steep slopes.
To release the hand brake pull lever up
slightly, press release button, and lower
lever all the way down.
To reduce the operating forces of the hand
brake, depress the foot brake at the same
time.
Brake assist If the brake pedal is operated quickly with
a powerful push, the vehicle is
automatically braked at full braking power
in order to achieve the shortest possible
braking distance when full-on braking
occurs (brake assist).
Maintain steady pressure on the brake
pedal for as long as full-on braking is to
continue. When the brake pedal is
released, the maximum brake force
amplification is taken away. Hill Start Assist
3 (HSA)
The system helps pull away on inclines.
After releasing the footbrake, if the hand
brake is not applied the brakes are only
released after 2 seconds. As soon as the
acceleration is sufficient to prevent rolling
back, the brake is released.
Wheels, tyresSuitable tyres and restrictions 3 228.
Tyres fitted in the factory are adapted to
the chassis and provide optimum driving
comfort and safety.
Changing tyre/wheel type
If tyres of a different size than those fitted
at the factory are used, it may be
necessary to reprogram the electronic
speedometer and make other vehicle
modifications.
After converting to a different tyre size,
have the adhesive label with tyre pressures
replaced.
9 Warning
Use of unsuitable tyres or wheels may
lead to accidents and render the vehicle
unroadworthy.

161
Driving and operation
Check that the coupling ball bar is correctly installedzGreen marking on rotary knob must
point towards white ma rking on coupling
ball bar
z There must be no gap between the
rotary handle and the coupling ball bar
z The coupling ball bar must be firmly
engaged in the opening
z The coupling ball bar must be locked
and the key removed
Picture no: 12421t.tif
Eye for break-away stopping cable
In the case of trailers/caravans with brakes,
attach breakaway stopping cable to eye.
Picture no: 13670t.tif
Dismounting the coupling ball bar
Open the protective flap and turn the key
to position 1 to unlock the coupling ball bar
3 159, Fig. 12416 T.
Pull out rotary handle and turn clockwise
as far as it will go. Pull out coupling ball bar
downwards.
Insert the sealing plug in the opening for
the coupling ball bar. Close the socket
3 159, Fig. 15271 S.
9 Warning
Towing a caravan/trailer is only
permitted with a properly fitted coupling
ball bar. If the coupling ball bar cannot
be correctly fitted, please contact a
workshop for assistance.

164 Driving and operationIf 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 carava ns/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 3228. Starting on inclines
For vehicles with ma
nual transmission,
the most favourable engine speed
when starting off on an incline is
between 2500 and 3000 rpm for petrol
engines and between 2000 and 2500 rpm
for diesel engines. Hold engine speed
constant, engage clutch gradually (let slip)
– release hand brake – and open throttle. If
possible, the engine speed should not drop
during this procedure.
For vehicles with ma nual transmission
automated 3 in Automatic mode simply
apply full gas. Before starting off under extreme
operating conditions, switch off
unnecessary consumers.

199
Service and maintenance
Service and
maintenance
Scheduled maintenanceThese service intervals apply only under
normal driving conditions. If conditions are
more arduous 3206
Service interval display 3208.
European service intervals
Every 30 000 km or annually, whichever
occurs first.
International service intervals
Every 15 000 km or annually, whichever
occurs first.
Validation
Service is validated using the spaces
provided in the Service and Warranty
Booklet. The date of service and kilometre
reading are added, stamped and signed
by the service workshop.
Ensure that the Service and Warranty
Booklet is filled in correctly - an
uninterrupted service history is important
when making guarantee or goodwill
claims, and is also an advantage when
selling the vehicle on.
Service scheduleThe service schedule applies in the
following countries: Andorra, Austria,
Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,
Germany, Great Br itain, Greece,
Greenland, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy,
Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
Slovakia, Slovenia , Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland.
The international serv ice schedule applies
in all other countries.
Scheduled maintenance ..................... 199
Service schedule .................................. 199
Additional service work ....................... 206
Recommended fluids and lubricants .. 206
Inspection system ................................ 208
Genuine Opel Parts and Accessories .. 209
Performing work .................................. 209
Engine oil .............................................. 210
Diesel fuel filter .................................... 212
Coolant ................................................. 212
Brakes ................................................... 213
Brake fluid ............................................ 214
Windscreen wiper replacement .......... 215
Windscreen and headlamp washer
systems 3........................................... 215
Battery .................................................. 216
Protecting electronic components ..... 216
Laying the vehicle up for a long period of time .................................... 217
Putting the vehicle back into service ... 217

201
Service and maintenance
⊕ additional work.
o The intervals are shorter where driving conditions are more arduous or country-specific.
Service work
after year
1)
km (x 1000)
1)
1)Depending on what occurs first.
1
30 2
60 3
90 4
120 5
150
⊕
Replace timing belt and tension pulley
Z 18 XE every 6 years/90 000 km
Z 17 DTH every 10 years/90 000 km
Z 16 LET, Z 16 XEP, Z 17 DTR, Z 17 DTR every 10 years/150 000 km
Change engine oil and replace filter xxxxx
⊕o
Drain water from fuel filter, diesel (if the air humidity is high or the fuel of lower quality)xxxxx
Replace fuel filter and drain water, diesel (grade EN 590)
Z 13 DTJ, Z 17 DTH xx
Replace fuel filter, petrol (grade EN 228), outer Z 16 LET every 4 years/60 000 km
Check handbrake, adjust if necessary (unl aden wheels); carry out a visual check of
wheel suspension and suspension front and re ar, brake lines, brake pressure hose, fuel
lines and exhaust system xx
Check external bodywork / underseal, note any damage in the Service and Warranty
Booklet. x
xxxx
⊕o
Carry out a visual check on the front and rear wheel brakes
2)
2)If the loss is too great or there are leaks, carry out remedial work in agr
eement with the customer.
xx
Annual service check if the annual distance travelled is greater than 20 000 km.
Carry out a visual check of the engine, tran smission (AT, MT), check air conditioning
compressor for leaks
2)
xxxxx

204 Service and maintenance⊕additional work.
o The intervals are shorter where driving conditions are more arduous or country-specific.
Service work
after year
1)
km (x 1000)
1)
1)Depending on what occurs first.
1
15 2
30 3
45 4
60 5
75
⊕
Replace timing belt and tension pulley
Z 18 XE every 6 years/90 000 km
Z 17 DTH every 10 years/90 000 km
Z 16 LET, Z 16 XEP, Z 17 DTR, Z 17 DTR every 10 years/150 000 km
Change engine oil and replace filter xxxxx
⊕o
Drain water from fuel filter, diesel (if the air humidity is high or the fuel of lower quality)xxxxx
Replace fuel filter and drain water, diesel (grade EN 590)
Z 13 DTJ, Z 17 DTH xx
Replace fuel filter, petrol (grade EN228), outer Z 16 LET every 4 years/60 000 km
Check handbrake, adjust if necessary (unl aden wheels); carry out a visual check of
wheel suspension and suspension front and re ar, brake lines, brake pressure hose, fuel
lines and exhaust system xx
Check external bodywork / underseal, note any damage in the Service and Warranty
Booklet. x
xxxx
⊕o
Carry out a visual check on the front and rear wheel brakes
2)
2)If the loss is too great or there are leaks, carry out remedial work in agr
eement with the customer.
xx
Annual service check if the annual distance travelled is greater than 20 000 km.
Carry out a visual check of the engine, tran smission (AT, MT), check air conditioning
compressor for leaks
2)
xxxxx

213
Service and maintenance
Picture no: 17904s.tif
Coolant level
In a closed cooling system, there is hardly
any loss.
If the cooling system is cold, the coolant
should lie above the KALT/COLD mark.
Top up if the level is low. Top up with anti-freeze. If no anti-freeze is
available, fill with clean tap water or
distilled water. Have the anti-freeze
concentration checked.
Have the cause of coolant loss rectified by
a workshop.
Fit the cap on straight and tighten it.
Brakes A screeching noise indicates that the brake
lining is at its minimum thickness.
Continued driving is possible. Have the
brake lining replace as soon as possible.
Once new brake lining is fitted, do not
brake unnecessarily hard for the
first 200 km.
9 Warning
Allow the engine to cool before opening
the cap. Carefully open the cap,
relieving the overpressure slowly.
Caution
Too low a coolant level can cause
engine damage.

214 Service and maintenance
Picture no: 14765s.tif
Brake fluid The brake fluid level must be between
theMIN and the MAX marks. When topping up, ensure maximum
cleanliness as contamination of the brake
fluid can lead to func
tion problems in the
braking system.
Only use approved high performance
brake fluids. Only us e brake fluid DOT4.
After correcting the brake fluid level, have
the cause of the loss of brake fluid
remedied by a workshop. Brake fluid change
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, i.e. it absorbs
water. If the brakes become hot, such as
when driving on long downhill stretches,
vapour bubbles can occur in the water,
which can have an extremely adverse
effect on braking power (depending on the
proportion of water).
Keep to the specified intervals.
9 Warning
Brake fluid is poisonous and corrosive.
Do not allow it to come into contact with
eyes, skin, fabrics or painted surfaces.
9 Warning
Have the brake fluid change performed
by a workshop. Please comply with the
legal environmental and health
regulations – concerning the disposal
of brake fluid.

234 IndexIndex
AABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ................ 152
Accessories.............................................. 171
Accessory socket ...................................... 78
Adaptive brake lamp ............................. 152
Adaptive Forward Lighting ................... 106Bulb replacement ............................... 188
Driving abroad.................................... 110
Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) ......... 106 Bulb replacement ............................... 188
Driving abroad.................................... 110
Air conditioning system ......................... 114
Air intake ................................................. 127
Air recirculation system.................. 119, 126
Air vents .................................................. 115
Airbags ...................................................... 67
Alarm ......................................................... 36
Alarm system ............................................ 34
Alternator .................................................. 85
Antenna .......................................... 111, 196
Anti-corrosion service............................. 208
Antifreeze........................................ 208, 212
Antifreeze protection ..................... 212, 216
Anti-knock quality of fuel Octane number................................... 220
Anti-theft alarm system ........................... 34
Anti-theft lock Alloy wheels ........................................ 175
Anti-theft lockin g system ......................... 31
Towing equipment ............................. 160
Aquaplaning ........................................... 156
Armrest...................................................... 48
Ashtray ...................................................... 79 Automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror..... 39
AUX input ............................................... 112
Auxiliary heater ...................................... 127
BBattery ............................................ 136, 216
Interruption of power supply ....... 41, 134
Battery discharge protection ................ 110
Before starting off .................................... 15
Belt tensioners .......................................... 60
Bleeding, diesel fuel system .................. 165
Bonnet ..................................................... 165
Boot, see Luggage compartment..... 32, 53
Brake assist ............................................. 153
Brake fluid ............................................... 208
Brake lamp ............................................. 152
Brake system .......................................... 151
Brakes ABS ...................................................... 152
Brake assist ......................................... 153
Brake fluid ........................................... 214
Brake lamps ........................................ 191
Brake servo unit .................................. 135
Hand brake ......................................... 153
Bulb replacement ................................... 185
Bulbs ........................................................ 184CCapacities ............................................... 230
Car Pass .................................................... 26
Caravan/trailer towing........................... 135
Care ......................................................... 196
Catalytic converter ......................... 145, 166
Central locking system ....................... 28, 30