brake OPEL AGILA 2009 Owners Manual

1-10In brief
Parking the vehicle:
„Apply the parking brake firmly
without actuating the release
button. On a downhill or uphill
slope, apply as firmly as possible.
Depress foot brake at the same
time to reduce operating forces.
„Push key into ignition switch before
turning to LOCK position and
removing (vehicles with automatic
transmission3: depress foot brake
and shift into P). Turn steering
wheel until lock is felt to engage
(anti-theft protection).
„If the vehicle is parked on a level
surface or a hill, select 1st gear
before switching the ignition off,
(vehicles with automatic
transmission3: shift into P). Also
turn front wheels away from kerb if
parked on an uphill slope.
„If the vehicle is parked on a
downhill slope, select reverse gear
before switching the ignition off,
(vehicles with automatic
transmission3: shift into P). Also
turn front wheels towards kerb.„Lock doors and tailgate by pressing
buttone on the radio remote
control3. Press buttone twice
within 3 seconds to activate the
anti-theft locking system3.
Advice when parking:
„Do not park the vehicle on an easily
ignitable surface. The high
temperature of the exhaust system
could ignite the surface.
„Close the windows.
„The engine cooling fans may run
after the engine has been switched
off 310-1.
Radio remote control3 32-1,
central locking system 32-3.

4-3Storage compartments
Sunglasses storage
compartment 3
To open, pull cover down.
To close, push cover back up.
Luggage compartment
Notes on loading the vehicle
„Heavy objects in the luggage
compartment should be placed as
far forward as possible. If objects
are to be stacked, heavier objects
should be placed at the bottom.
„Secure heavy objects in luggage
compartment using lashing eyes 3.
If heavy loads slip when the vehicle
is braked heavily or driven around a
bend, handling of the vehicle may
change.„No objects should be placed on the
luggage compartment cover or the
instrument panel.
„Do not allow the load to protrude
above the upper edge of the rear
seatbacks, or if the rear seatbacks
have been folded down, above the
upper edge of the front seatbacks.
„Loads must not obstruct the
operation of the pedals, parking
brake and gearshift lever or hinder
the freedom of movement of the
driver. Do not place any unsecured
objects in the interior.
„Bulky objects should not be
transported with the tailgate open
or ajar, otherwise poisonous
exhaust fumes may enter the
vehicle.
„The payload is the difference
between the permissible Gross
Vehicle Weight (vehicle
identification plate 312-1) and the
EC kerb weight.
Optional equipment and
accessories increase the kerb
weight and in some cases also the

5-9Instruments and controls
X Driver’s seat belt
Will illuminate in red when ignition is
switched on if driver’s seat belt is not
engaged.
If vehicle speed exceeds 15 km/h
(9 mph) and driver’s seat belt is not
engaged, the control indicator will
flash for approx. 90 seconds along
with a warning chime and then
illuminate until driver’s seat belt is
fastened correctly.
Seat belts 3 3-5.
v Airbag systems, belt
tensioners
Will flash in red several times when
the ignition is switched on, then
extinguish.
If it does not flash when the ignition is
switched on, stays lit, illuminates or
flashes whilst driving, there is a fault
with the airbag systems or with the
belt tensioners. The systems might
not therefore be triggered in the event
of an accident. Seek the assistance
of a workshop immediately.
Belt tensioners 3 3-6, airbags 3 3-13.
p Charging system
Will illuminate in red when ignition is
switched on. Extinguishes after
engine is started.
If it stays lit after the ignition is
switched on or illuminates during
driving: stop vehicle and switch off
engine. The battery is not being
charged and the engine cooling may
be interrupted. The brake servo unit
may cease to be effective. Interrupt
your journey immediately.
Remove ignition key and check drive
belt condition and tensioning before
seeking the assistance of a
workshop.
s Service transmission 3
Will illuminate briefly in yellow when
the ignition is switched on.
If it flashes, there is a fault in the
automatic transmission. Seek the
assistance of a workshop
immediately.
Automatic transmission 39-3.
R Brake system
Will illuminate in red when ignition is
switched on. Extinguishes after
engine is started.
Illuminates when engine is running if
parking brake is applied and/or fluid
level for brake hydraulics is too low.
Further information 3 9-9,
brake fluid level 3 10-6.
u Anti-lock Brake System
(ABS)
Will illuminate briefly in yellow when
ignition is switched on.
At the same time, the system
performs a self-check. When the
control indicator extinguishes, the
system is ready for operation.
Caution
If it illuminates when the parking
brake is not applied: stop vehicle;
interrupt your journey immediately.
Seek the assistance of a workshop.

5-10 Instruments and controls
If it does not illuminate when the
ignition is switched on, stays lit or
illuminates during driving, there is a
fault in the ABS. The vehicle’s brake
system may remain operational
without ABS regulation.
If it illuminates during driving along
with brake system control indicator
R, there is a serious fault in the
brake system. Seek the assistance of
a workshop immediately, to have the
system checked.
Further information 3 9-9.
2 Power steering
Will illuminate in yellow when ignition
is switched on. Extinguishes after
engine is started.
If it does not illuminate when the
ignition is switched on, stays lit or
illuminates during driving, there is a
fault in the system. Seek the
assistance of a workshop as soon as
possible.
TCSS OFF Traction Control
Support System off 3
Will illuminate briefly in yellow when
the ignition is switched on.
When the TCSS OFF switch (located
on the lower instrument panel) is
pressed, the control indicator
illuminates. The traction control
aspect of the Electronic Stability
Program (ESP
®) is switched off.
With ESP® active, if wheels are
slipping on wet, snowy or icy roads,
the traction control aspect of ESP
®
may switch off automatically and the
control indicator will illuminate. It will
extinguish automatically when
prevailing road conditions improve.
Further information 3 9-11.
R Electronic Stability
Program (ESP®) active 3
Will illuminate briefly in yellow when
the ignition is switched on.
If it stays lit or illuminates during
driving, there may be a fault with
ESP
®. Seek the assistance of a
workshop.If it flashes 5 times per second when
the engine is running, the system has
come into action. The engine output
may be reduced (the sound of the
engine changes) and the vehicle may
be braked automatically to a small
degree.
If it remains illuminated whilst driving,
there may be a fault with ESP
®. The
vehicle’s brake system remains
operational without ESP
® regulation.
Seek the assistance of a workshop to
have the cause of the fault remedied.
If the vehicle’s battery has been
disconnected and reconnected,
ESP
® is deactivated and the control
indicator flashes once per second.
Reactivate ESP
® by driving in a
straight line at over 15 km/h (9 mph)
for a few seconds until flashing
ceases.
Further information 3 9-10.
ESP
Electronic Stability
Program (ESP®) fault 3
Will illuminate briefly in yellow when
the ignition is switched on.

5-11Instruments and controls
If it stays lit or illuminates during
driving, there is a fault with ESP®.
The vehicle’s brake system remains
operational without ESP
® regulation.
Seek the assistance of a workshop to
have the cause of the fault remedied.
Further information 3 9-10.
W Engine coolant
temperature
Will illuminate briefly in red when
ignition is switched on.
If it illuminates or flashes when the
engine is running: stop vehicle and
switch off engine. Coolant
temperature is too high; danger of
engine damage. Check coolant level.
Further information 3 10-4.
N Preheating for diesel
engines 3
Will illuminate during engine
preheating.
Preheating system switches on only if
outside temperature is low.
If it illuminates during driving or if the
engine cannot be started, seek the
assistance of a workshop as soon as
possible.
Starting the engine 3 9-2.
Z Exhaust emissions
Will illuminate in yellow when ignition
is switched on. Extinguishes after
engine is started.
If it illuminates when the engine is
running: fault in emission control
system. The permitted emission
limits may be exceeded. Fuel
economy and vehicle driveability may
be impaired. Seek the assistance of a
workshop immediately.Diesel engines: The engine stops and
control indicator Z illuminates if the
fuel level is too low. If the tank has
been run dry, bleed the fuel system 3
10-7.
Vehicles with electric throttle body
system 3: If the battery has been
disconnected, the system must be
recalibrated upon reconnection of the
battery. Hold ignition key in ON
position for 5 seconds without
running the engine. Control indicator
Z remains illuminated after the
engine is started if the procedure is
not successful.
I Engine oil pressure
Will illuminate in red when ignition is
switched on. Extinguishes after
engine is started.
If it illuminates during driving; engine
oil pressure may be dangerously low,
interrupting engine lubrication and
resulting in damage to the engine
and/or locking of the drive wheels:
„Move out of the flow of traffic as
quickly as possible without
impeding other vehicles,
9 Warning
Allow engine to cool down before
removing coolant filler cap.

9-1 Driving and operating
Driving and
operatingStarting the vehicle
Driving hints
During the first 1000 km (600 miles),
drive your vehicle at various speeds.
Do not use full throttle. Never allow
the engine to labour at low revs.
Make good use of all gears. Depress
the accelerator pedal a maximum of
around three quarters of the available
pedal travel in all gears and drive
ranges.
Do not brake unnecessarily hard for
the first 200 km (125 miles).
When the vehicle is driven for the first
time, wax and oil on the exhaust
system may evaporate, producing
smoke-like emissions which should
not be inhaled. Allow wax and oil to
evaporate while the vehicle is in the
open air.
Never coast with engine not running
as many units may then not function
(e.g. brake servo unit, power
steering, airbag system). Driving in
this manner is a danger to yourself
and others.Pedals
To ensure the pedal travel is
uninhibited, there must be no mats in
the area of the pedals.
Ignition positionsStarting the vehicle ............... 9-1
Transmission ........................ 9-3
Engine exhaust..................... 9-7
Brakes .................................. 9-9
Ride control systems ............ 9-10
Fuel ...................................... 9-12
LOCK = Ignition off
ACC = Steering unlocked,
ignition off
ON = Ignition on, with
diesel engine:
preheating
START = Start (transmission in
neutral)

9-2Driving and operating
To release the steering column lock,
turn ignition key to position ACC and
rotate steering wheel slightly.
Before starting-off, check:
„Tyre pressures and condition.
„Engine oil level and fluid levels in
engine compartment 3 10-3.
„All windows, mirrors, exterior
lighting and license plates are free
from dirt, snow and ice and are
operational.
„Objects are securely located and
will not be thrown forward in the
event of sudden braking.
„Seats, seat belts and mirrors are
correctly adjusted.
„All gauges and control indicators.
„Brake operation.
Starting the engine
With manual transmission in neutral,
depress clutch and foot brake,
(automatic transmission 3 in P or N),
do not accelerate.
Petrol engines: Turn key to START
and release it.
Diesel engines: Turn key to ON,
when preheating control indicator N
extinguishes, turn key to START and
release it.
Preheating system switches on only if
outside temperature is low.
Key returns automatically to ON
position when released.Start attempts should not last longer
than 15 seconds. If engine does not
start, wait 15 seconds before
repeating starting procedure. If
necessary, depress accelerator
before repeating starting procedure.
Parking the vehicle
„Apply the parking brake firmly
without actuating the release
button. On a downhill or uphill
slope, apply as firmly as possible.
Depress foot brake at the same
time to reduce operating forces.
„Push key into ignition switch before
turning to LOCK position and
removing (vehicles with automatic
transmission3: depress foot brake
and shift into P). Turn steering
wheel until lock is felt to engage
(anti-theft protection).
„If the vehicle is parked on a level
surface or a hill, select 1st gear
before switching the ignition off,
(vehicles with automatic
transmission 3: shift into P). Also
turn front wheels away from kerb if
parked on an uphill slope.

9-3 Driving and operating
„If the vehicle is parked on a
downhill slope, select reverse gear
before switching the ignition off,
(vehicles with automatic
transmission 3: shift into P). Also
turn front wheels towards kerb.
„Switch off exterior lamps, otherwise
the headlamp warning device will
sound when the driver’s door is
opened.
„Cooling fans may run on after the
engine has been switched off 3
10-1.
Parking over things that
burn
Do not park vehicle on easily ignitable
surfaces as the hot exhaust system
temperatures could cause the
surface to ignite.
Transmission
Automatic transmission 3
The engine can only be started when
the selector lever is in position P or N.
When starting in P or N, depress foot
brake before selecting a gear, then
release the parking brake.
Do not accelerate whilst gearshifting.
If a gear has been selected and the
foot brake is released without
accelerating, the vehicle will "creep".
Never operate the foot brake and
accelerator simultaneously.
Selecting D puts the transmission in
automatic mode.
Only select 3, 2 or L to prevent
automatic upshifting above the
selected gear or as an aid to engine
braking.
The selected gear is shown in the
transmission display.
Transmission display
Displays the selected mode or
current gear.

9-4Driving and operating
Selector lever settings
Selector lever can only be moved out
of P or N with the ignition switched on
and the foot brake depressed.
Never shift to P or R while the vehicle
is moving.
Gears 3, 2, L
The transmission does not shift
above the selected gear.
The current gear appears in the
transmission display.
Kickdown
Depress accelerator pedal past the
pressure point and hold in position;
below certain speeds, the
transmission shifts down into a lower
gear.
Engine braking assistance
In order to utilize the engine braking
effect when driving downhill, select
drive range 3, 2 or, if necessary, L in
good time. P Park position. Front wheels
locked. Only engage when the
vehicle is stationary and the
parking brake is applied. "P"
appears in the transmission
display.
R Reverse gear. Only engage
when the vehicle is stationary.
"R" appears in the
transmission display.
N Neutral or idle. "N" appears in
the transmission display.
D Drive position for normal
driving in 1st gear to 4th gear.
"D" appears in the
transmission display.
3 Transmission shifts
automatically up to 3rd gear
only. The current gear appears
in the transmission display.
2 2nd gear only. The current
gear appears in the
transmission display.
L 1st gear only. The current gear
appears in the transmission
display.

9-5 Driving and operating
Stopping the vehicle
Engage parking brake and move
selector lever to position P. It will not
be possible to turn the ignition key to
the LOCK position unless the selector
lever is in positionP.
Rocking the vehicle
If it becomes necessary to rock the
vehicle to free it from water, ice, sand,
mud, snow or a dip, observe the
following:
Move the selector lever between R
and a forward gear in a repeat pattern
while applying light pressure to the
accelerator pedal when the vehicle is
in gear.
Do not spin the wheels or race the
engine and avoid sudden
acceleration.
Manoeuvring the vehicle
To manoeuvre the vehicle back and
forth during attempts to park or in
garage entrances, the creeping
movement can be utilized by
releasing the foot brake.
Never actuate the accelerator and
brake pedals simultaneously.
Fault
If there is a problem with the
automatic transmission, control
indicator
s flashes. The transmission
no longer shifts automatically.
Seek the assistance of a workshop to
rectify the cause of the fault.
Interruption of power supply
If the vehicle battery is flat, the
selector lever cannot be moved out of
position P.
Start the vehicle using jump leads 3
10-26.