oil OPEL 1900 1973 Owner's Guide

1 J- 72 1973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
I
WIRING IDIAGRAMS
CONTENTS
Subject
1973 WIRING DIAGRAMS: Windshield Wiper and
Horn:- Opel 1900 -
Manta....................................I.............. ..............................
Windshield Wiper and Horn’- Rallye ..........................
Windshield Wiper
andHorn!-GT
..................................
Turn Signal and Hazard Flasher
-
Opel 1900 - Manta !
........................................................
Turn Signal and Hazard Flasher
- GT ..........................
Oil, Fuel,
Temp.: Tach, Stop and Brake
Warning Light
.GT........................................................
Blower Motor, Lighter and
Rackup Lights -
Qpel 1900.Manta ........................................................
Blower Motor and Lighter
.,GT....................................
Indicator Lights and Gauges
- Opel 1900 -
Manta ........................................................................\
........
Indicator Lights
andGauges.Rallye ..........................
Dome Light and Buzzer
- Opel 1900 - Manta..........
Dome Light, Buzzer and Clock - GT ............................
Headlamps
- Opel 1900 ’
....................................................
Headlamps
.Mantaj............................................................
Headlamps and Fog Lights
.Rallye ..............................
Headlamps, Parking, Tail and Instrument
PanelLighting.GT ........................................................
Left Parking and Tail Lights
- Opel 1900 -
Manta ..................................i.............................................
Right Parking and Tail Lights
- Opel 1900 -
Manta................. ..*............................................................
Starting, Ignition and Charging
-
Opel 1900.Manta..........i.............................................
Starting, Ignition and Charging
- GT ..........................
Instrument
Panel.GT ......................................................
A/C Generatorand Regulator
- All Models..............
Seat Belt Warning System (Manual Transmission)
-Opel1909-Manta ..........................
Seat Belt Warning System (Automatic Transmission)
.Opel 1900 - Manta..........................
Seat Belt Warning System (Manual Transmission)
- GT........................................................ Page No.
1 J-74
1 J-75
1 J-76
1 J-77
1 J-78
1 J-79
1 J-80
lJ-81
1 J-82
1 J-83
1 J-84
1 J-85
1 J-86
1 J-87
1 J-88
1 J-89
1 J-90
1 J-91
1 J-92
1 J-93
1 J-94
1 J-95
1 J-96
1 J-97
1 J-98

I
WIRING DIAGRAMS15.79
IIFigure lJ-6
Oil. Fuel. Temp. Tach, Stop and Brake Warning Light. GT
I

I2A- 21973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
GENERAL INFORlVlATION
CONTENTS
SubjectPage No.
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION: (Not Applicable)
DIAGNOSIS: (Not Applicable)
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS:
PaintMaintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2A-2
ChromeMaintenance
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2A-2
StainRemoval
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2A-2
MAJOR REPAIR: (Not Applicable)
SPECIFICATIONS:
Bolt
TorqueSpecifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2A-4
Special Body Tools
. . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2A-5
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTSPAINT MAINTENANCE
To remove heavy concentrations of road dirt and
grime, it is recommended that the car be washed
using an automotive shampoo or mild soap, and cold
to lukewarm water. Use of harsh soaps or detergents
is not advised. In areas where salt is used on the
roads during the winter months, more frequentwashing is recommended.
Use of cleaners and polishes are required if no high
luster is obtainable by waxing. To protect the paint
finish, sparingly apply several coats of wax. Each
coat should be thoroughly rubbed to remove any
surplus wax.
Once the car is properly waxed, road dirt may easily
be removed by use of cold to lukewarm water and a
sponge. Dry by use of a chamois.
CHROME MAINTENANCE
Chrome parts should be washed with water and a
mild detergent. If rust or salt corrosion should ap-
pear, they may be removed with Buick Rust Eraser
or equivalent. Do not use scouring powders or stiff
brushes.STAIN REMOVAL
Before attempting to remove spots or stains from
upholstery fabrics, determine as accurately as possi-
ble: (1) Nature and age of the spot or stain. (2) The
affect of stain removing agents on the color, struc-
ture and general appearance of the fabric.
For best results, stains should be removed from
upholstery as soon as possible after they have been
made. If they are allowed to stand for some time,
they often become set, and removal becomes more
diffxult and frequently impossible.
There are three basic types of acceptable’ cleaners
available to car owners: (1) Volatile cleaners, (2) Syn-
thetic detergents, (3) Neutral soap (non-alkaline).
The volatile cleaners are recommended since they
have great solvent powers for grease, oils and general
road grime. Synthetic detergents generally loosen
stains satisfactorily, however, the use of improper
type detergents (containing bleach) involves risk of
damage to the color or finish of fabrics.
Precautions For Cleaning FabricsDo not use laundry soap or detergents containing
bleaches. The use of these agents tends to weaken
fabric and to change its color. Do
not use too much
cleaning fluid. Some interior trim assemblies are pad-

GENERAL INFORMATIONZA- 3
ded with rubber, and volatile cleaners are generally
solvents for rubber. The application of too much
cleaner may destroy these rubber pads. Do not use
volatile cleaners on vinyl coated fabrics.
Procedure For Cleaning
Vinyl Fabrics With Synthetic Detergents
1. Make a solution of the synthetic detergent in luke-
warm water, working up a thick, frothy suds.
2. With a clean cloth or sponge, dampened with
lukewarm water, apply suds only to the surface of the
upholstery using light to medium pressure, repeating
several times, applying more suds with a clean por-
tion of the cloth or sponge.
3. With a second clean cloth, dampened with luke-
warm water, rub over the area with medium pressure
to remove excess detergent and loose material.
4. With a clean dry cloth, wipe off all excess mois-
ture. A vacuum cleaner may also be used.
5. Allow the upholstery to dry partially; then repeat
the above treatment if necessary to remove stain.
6. When the upholstery is satisfactorily cleaned, al-
low to dry completely before using.
Instructions for the Removal of
Specific Stains From Automotive
Upholstery Materials
Some types of stains and soilage, including blood,
ink, chewing gum, etc., require special consideration
for satisfactory results. For thkse, and other stains,
specific instructions are outlined in succeeding para-
graphs. It must be expected, particularly where wa-
ter treatment is specified, that discoloration and
finish disturbance may occur. In some cases fabric
disturbance may be considered preferable to the stain
itself. By following the procedures outlined below,
reasonably satisfactory results can be expected.
1. Bafrery Acids. Apply ordinary household am-
monia water with a brush or cloth to the affected
‘area, saturating it thoroughly. Permit the ammonia
water to remain on the spot about a minute, so that
it will have ample time to neutralize the acid. Then
rinse the spot by rubbing with a clean cloth saturated
with cold water.
This treatment will suffice for both old and new
stains. However, no type of treatment will repairdamage.to fibers resulting from the actidn of the
acids on the fibers particularly after the spot has
dried.
2.
Blood. Do not use hot water or soap and wateron blood stains since they will set the stain, thereby
making its removal practically impossible.
Rub the stain with a clean cloth saturated with cold
water until no more of the stain will come out. Care
must be taken so that clean portions ofcloth are used
for rubbing the stain.
This treatment should remove all of the stain. If it
does not, apply a small amount of household am-
monia water to the stain with a cloth or brush. After
a lapse of about one minute, continue to rub the stain
with a clean cloth dipped in clear cold water.
If the stain remains after the use of water and am-
monia, a thick paste of corn starch and cold water
may be applied to the stained area. Allow the paste
to remain until it has dried and absorbed the stain.
Then pick off the dry starch. Brush the surface to
remove starch particles that remain. For heavy
stains, several applications of starch paste may be
necessary.3. Candy. Candy stains, other than candy contain-
ing chocolate, can be removed by rubbing the af-
fected area with a cloth soaked with very hot water.
If the stain is not completely removed, rub area
lightly (after drying) with a cloth wet with a volatile
cleaner. This will usually remove the stain.
Candy stains resulting from cream and fruit-filled
chocolates can be removed more easily by rubbing
with a cloth soaked in lukewarm soap-suds (mild
neutral soap) and scraping, while wet, with a dull
knife. This treatment is followed with a rinsing by
rubbing the spot with a cloth dipped in cold water.
Stains resulting from chocolate or milk chocolate can
be removed by rubbing the stain with a cloth wet
with lukewarm water. After the spot is dry, rub it
lightly with a cloth dipped in a volatile cleaner.
4. Chewing Gum. Harden the gum with an ice cube,
and scrape off particles with a dull knife. If gum
cannot be removed completely by this method, mois-
ten it with a volatile cleaner and work it from the
fabric with a dull knife, while gum is still moist.
5. Fruit, Fruit Stains, Liquor and Wine. Practicallyall fruit stains can be removed by treatment with very
hot water. Wet the stain well by applying hot water
to the spot with a clean cloth. Scrape all excess pulp,
if present, off the fabric with a dull knife; then rub
vigorously with a cloth wet with very hot water. If
the stain is very old or deep, it may be necessary to
pour very hot water directly on the spot, following
this treatment with the scraping and rubbing. Direct
application of hot water to fabrics is not recom-
mended for general use since discoloration usually
results.
If the above treatments do not remove stain, allow

fabric to dry thoroughly; then rub lightly with a
clean cloth dipped in a volatile cleaner. This is the
only further treatment recommended.
Soap and water are not recommended since they will
probably set the stain and cause a permanent dis-
coloration. Drying the fabric by means of heat (such
as the use of an iron) is not recommended.
6. Grease and 02 If grease has been spilled on the
material, as much as possible should be remove by
scraping with a dull knife or spatula before further
treatment is attempted.
Grease and oil stains may be removed by rubbing
lightly with a clean cloth saturated with a volatile
cleaner. Be sure all motions are toward the center of
the stained area to decrease the possibility of spread-
ing the stain.
7. Ice Cream. The same procedure is recommended
for the removal of ice cream stains as that used in
removing fruit stains.
If the stain is persistent, rubbing the spot with a cloth
wet with soap suds (mild neutral soap) may be used
to some advantage after the initial treatment with hot
water. This soap treatment should be followed with
a rinsing, by rubbing with a clean cloth wet with cold
water. After this dries, rubbing lightly with a cloth
wet with volatile cleaner will clear up the last of the
stain, by removing fatty or oily matter.
8.Vomit. Sponge with a clean cloth, dipped in clear
cold water. After most of the stain has been removed
in this way wash lightly with soap (mild neutral),
using a clean cloth and lukewarm water. Then rub
with another clean cloth dipped in cold water. If any
of the stain remains after this treatment, gently rub
clean with a cloth moistened with a volatile cleaner.
SPECIFICATIONS
BOLT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONSLocation
DoorStriker toPillarPostr .^ ...r.ZA- 41973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
9. Shoe Polish and Dressings. On types of shoe
dressing which contain starch or dextrine or some
water soluble vehicle, allow the polish to dry; then
brush the spot vigorously with a brush. This will
probably be all the treatment that is necessary. If
further treatment is required moisten the spot with
cold water and after it has dried, repeat the brushing
operation.
Paste or wax type shoe polishes may require using a
volatile cleaner. Rub the stain gently with a cloth wet
with a volatile cleaner until the polish is removed.
Use
;a clean portion of the cloth for each rubbing
operation and rub the stained area from outside to
center.
10. Tar. Moisten the spot lightly with a volatile
cleaner, and then remove as much of the tar as possi-
ble with a dull knife. Follow this operation by rub-
bing the spot lightly with a cloth wet with the cleaner
until the stain is removed.
II. .X&e. Sponge the stain with a clean cloth satu-
rated with soap suds (mild neutral soap) and rinse
well by rubbing the stain with a clean cloth dipped
in cold water. Then saturate a clean cloth with a
solution of one part household ammonia water and
five parts water. Apply the cloth to the stain and
allow solution to remain on affected area for one
minute; then rinse by rubbing with a clean wet cloth.
I,?.
L,ipslick. The compositions of different brands of
lipsticks vary, making the stains very
diff%cult to
remove. In some instances a volatile cleaner may
remove the stain. If some stain remains after re-
peated applications of the volatile cleaner, it is best
to leave it rather thari try other measures.
Torque
Lb.Ft.
wont saar twacnment to war........................................Seat andShoulderBelt Anchor Attachment
................StationwagonTailgate
HingetoBody............................StationwagonTailgate
HingetoDoor............................Stationwagon Striker Plate on
Body................................Stationwagon
LatchHookonBody..................................Stationwagon Latch on Door
............................................14.18
_^ _^13-1036-46
13-16
13-16
3-4
13-16
3-4

dOORS2D-15
3. Unhook con&cting rod out of old support and
hook into new support and door lock.
the water deflector foil is inserted in lower door slot.See Figure
2D-6. Reverse procedure for installation.2D-i-
Figure
2D-7 Removing Support
4. Screw support onto door inner panel so that it canbe shifted in both holes. Adjust remote control so
that the connecting rod has a clearance at the door
lock of
.02 inch (0.5 mm).
5. Tighten support to door inner panel.
b. Install door trim pad
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF FRONT
DOOR
BELT REVEAL MOLDING
1. Bend up ends of molding.2. With a wooden wedge, pry off molding towards
the top. See Figure
2D-8.Figure
2D-6 Installing Water Deflector
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF FRONT
DOOR
INSIDEHANDLE WITH SUPPORT
1. Remove door trim pad.
2. Unscrew support and unhook connecting rod out
of door lock. See Figure
2D-7.Figure
2D-6 Removing Molding
3. Check retaining clamps in outer door panel for
proper position and tight seat. Push new molding
onto retaining clamps and bend both ends inwards.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF FRONT
DOOR
WINDOW LIFTER
Removal1. Remove door trim pad.

ROOF AND SUN ROOFZF-25ConditionCallseCorrectionSun roof lifts up on one
side only.Lifter wedge welded to under-
Remove sun roof panel and bend
side of sun roof panel doeslifter wedge so that it squarely hits
not run up ramp welded inramp. The only adjustment for
center of sun roof track.the ramp is the angle of the
rear portion. This should be
adjusted so that the wedge smoothly
rides up the ramp.
Transporter cable or drive
pinion damaged.If the transporter cable is worn
or damaged, replace both
cables. If drive pinion worn or
damaged, replace drive pinion and
also both transporter cables.
Sun roof scrapes on car roof
when closing sun roof.Lifters do not lie flat.Close sun roof, slide sun roof
frame to the rear and open and close
sun roof slightly noting operation
of lifters. Rework if necessary,plastjc lifter cushion with tile
to permit lifter to lie flat.
Sparingly lubricate lifter guide.
Sun roof frame becomes
detached.Attaching clips have lost
elasticity.Install new clips
Water enters car interior.
Water drain hoses blocked.
Bent water drain hoses
Rear water drain hoses have
been pulled out of rubber
grommets.
Velvet strips on front and
rear of sun roof do not seal
properly.Clean hoses with compressed air
or a flexible steel cable.
NOTE: To clear rear water
drain hoses, the sun roof panel
and frame must be removed.
Blowing out of rear drain hoses
from trunk compartment hose end
is not recommended due to
possibility of soiling car
interior.
Attempt to straighten drain
hoses by working a suitable
tube or cable through hose.
Replace hose if above corrective
action is not satisfactory.
Apply a small amount of rubber
cement to rear water drain
hoses and reinsert into rubber
grommet located in luggage
compartment floor panel.
Check sun roof for correct
height adjustment. If height
adjustment is correct, but a
tight seal does not exist,
relocate velvet strip upward
for better seal, or replace
velvet strip.

3A- 21973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
FRONT SUSPENSION
CONTENTS
Subject
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION:SuspensionDescription. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DIAGNOSIS: (Not Applicable)
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS:
FrontWheel
BearingAdjustments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MAJOR REPAIR:
Removal and Installation of Front Suspension . . . . . . . .Upper Ball Joint Removal and Installation
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lower Ball Joint Removal and
Installation
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Upper Control Arm
Removal andInstallation
. . . . . . . . . .Lower Control Arm Removal and Installation
. . . . . . . .Steering
Knuckle
RemovalandInstallation. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Shock Absorber
RemovalandInstallation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Front Spring Removal and Installation
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SPECIFICATIONS:Page No.
3A- 2
3A- 4
3A- 4
3A- 7
3A- 73A-103A-113A-133A-153A-15
Bolt Torque and Front End Alignment Specifications
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3A-18
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
SUSPENSION DESCRIPTION
GTThe GT uses a maintenance-free independent front
wheel suspension and features unequal length con-
trol arms and a transverse three-leaf spring. The en-
tire front suspension is attached to the front cross
member and can be removed as a unit if so desired.
The engines installed in the GT are not supported by
mounting brackets but rest on a separate cross mem-
ber. The front suspension cross member is reinforced
in the area of the attachment to the frame. A one-
part damper plate is installed between cross member
and frame.
Ball joints are employed in the conventional manner
to provide pivoting joints between the control arms
and steering knuckles. Upward movement of the
control arms is limited by two large rubber bumpers
attached to the cross member.Road shock is dampened by the double direct acting
shock absorbers and a transverse double or triple
steel band spring. In addition, the shock absorber
limits downward travel of the control arms.
All moving parts, including ball joints, have no need
for lubrication as they have been pre-lubricated for
the life of the vehicle.
For distinguishing the individual front suspension
cross members,.a red label with black letters is stuck
onto the front side of the shock absorber support. See
Figure 3A-3.
Opel 1900. Manta
The front wheel suspension has coil springs and con-
trol arms of different length.
The stabilizer is designed to act as a tie strut. The end
is supported in a rubber bushing which is located in
a piece of tubing welded into the longer control arm.
To minimize brake torque, the horizontal shafts of

REAR SUSPENSION3F- 51
REAR SUSPENSION
CONTENTS
Subject
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION:
Description and Operation of Rear Suspension. . . . . .DIAGNOSIS: (Not Applicable)
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS: (Not
Applicable)
MAJOR REPAIR:
Rear Shock Absorber Removal and Replacement . .
Rear
SpringRemovalandInstallation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .LowerControlArmReplacement
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Stabilizer
RodReplacement. . . . . . . . . . . ~ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..-....Track Rod Replacement
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SPECIFICATIONS:
Rear
SuspensionSpecifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page No.3F-5
13F-513F-523F-533F-533F-533F-53
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATIONDESCRIPTION AND OPERATION OF REAR
SUSPENSIONAll Opels utilize the three link rear suspension ar-
rangement. This rear suspension consists of coil
springs, track rod, shock absorbers and lower control
arms.The coil springs set between two seats which arc
situated ahead of the rear axle housing.
The track rod is utilized on all models to control the
lateral stability of the rear axle assembly. It is of
tubular design. A stabilizer rod is used on all Wagons
as well as Fast Backs and Sedans. The GT is not
equipped with a stabilizer rod.
The lower control arms are of tubular design and
function as two links of the three link suspension
system. They are attached to the underbody through
brackets welded to the side rails and to the rear axle
assembly through the front portion of the spring seat
bracket. The lower control arms control the fore and
aft movement of the rear axle assembly.
The third link in this suspension system is the torque
tube which is connected to the differential carrier
and also to the underbody through rubber bushings
in the central joint support bracket.The torque tube in conjunction with the lower con-
trol arms absorb all acceleration and braking torque.
MAJOR REPAIR
REAR SHOCK ABSORBER REMOVALAND INSTALLATION
RemovalNOTE: The trim panel under the spare tire must be
removed on the GT to gain access to attaching nuts.
1. Remove upper attaching nut, retainer and rubber
grommet.
2. Remove lower attaching nut and rubber grommet
retainer, compress shock absorber and remove from
lower mounting pin.
Installation1. Replace upper and lower rubber grommets, if
necessary, before installing shock absorber.
2. Extend shock absorber and position in car. Attach
at lower end first, torque nut to 15 lb.ft. on the GT,
and torque to 47 lb.ft. on the Opel 1900
- Manta.

3F. 521973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
3. Install rubber grommet, retainer and self-locking
nut at top of shock absorber. Torque to 10 lb. ft.
Always use new self-locking nuts.
REAR SPRING REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Rear Spring Removal1. Raise rear of car with floor jack under differential
carrier and support with jack stands positioned un-
der side jack brackets. See Figure
3F-2.Figure 3F-3 Removing Coil
SpringFigure 3F-2 Raising Rear of Car
2. Remove rear wheels.3. Disconnect shock absorbers from rear axle.
4. Disconnect stabilizer and shackles, if equipped,
from frame.
5. Lower rear axle assembly as far as possible withoutputting the brake hose under stress.
6. If necessary, tilt the rear axle assembly to remove
springs. See Figure
3F-3. Note the upper and lower
rubber damper rings.
Rear Spring Installation
1. Make certain the lower damper rings are properly
positioned in the spring seats and position the springsin their respective position in the damper rings. See
Figure
3F-4.2. Properly install upper damper rings on springs.
CAUTION: Fasteners are important attaching parts in
that they could affect the performance of vital corn-
ponents and systems, and/or could result in major
repair expense. They must be replaced with one of
the same part number or with an equivalent part if
replacement becomes necessary. Do not use a
re-
placement part of lesser
qua/ity or substitute designFigure 3F-4 Installing Coil Spring
Torque values must be used as specitied during reas-
sembly to assure proper retention of these parts.3. Raise rear axle assembly to compress springs in
their seats.
4. Attach shock absorbers and tighten retaining nuts
to 15 Ib.ft. For the GT and 47 lb.ft. for the Opel 1900
- Manta.
5. Attach stabilizer shackles, if equipped, to axle
brackets and tighten bolts to 25 lb. ft. with vehicle at
curb weight.
6. Install rear wheels torquing lug nuts to 65 lb.ft.