towing OPEL ANTARA 2009 User Guide

Driving and operation166
Inserting the coupling ball barInsert the coupling ball bar into the
coupling housing and push firmly
downwards until the coupling ball bar
audibly engages.
If it does not engage, repeat fitting
procedure.
Do not swing the coupling ball bar to the
left or right, or upwards and downwards, to
avoid disrupting correct fitting. Lock coupling ball bar by turning the
supplied key in the lock cylinder of the
coupling ball bar.
Remove key.Important
Check that the coupling ball bar is correctly
attached:
z
Green marking must be visible on lever.
z Coupling ball bar must be seated firmly
in coupling housing.
Coupling ball bar must be locked and key
must be removed.
Eye for breakaway stopping cable 3
In the case of caravans/trailers with
brakes 3, attach the breakaway stopping
cable to the eye - not the coupling ball bar.
9 Warning
Towing a caravan/trailer is only
permitted with a properly attached
coupling ball bar. If the coupling ball bar
cannot be properly attached, consult a
workshop.

Driving and operation167
Dismounting the coupling ball bar
Unlock coupling ball bar and remove key.
Push lever to the left, towards the coupling
ball bar and turn it downwards. Pull
coupling ball bar out of coupling housing.
Remove any rust or dirt from area around
the coupling housing and coupling ball bar
connection before inserting sealing plug in
the hole.
Place the coupling ball bar in the bag
supplied, fasten it wi th the strap and stow
it below the floor cover in the luggage
compartment.
Do not use steam-jet cleaners or other
high-pressure cleaners to clean the
coupling ball bar.
Towing
Caravan/trailer loads1)
The permissible caravan/trailer loads are
vehicle-dependent 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.
When the caravan/trailer load is being
checked, therefore, on ly the caravan/trailer
wheels - and not the jockey wheel - must be
standing on the weighing apparatus.
The permissible caravan/trailer loads for
your vehicle are given in the vehicle papers.
Unless otherwise stated , they are valid for
gradients up to max. 12%.
The permissible caravan/trailer load should
be fully utilized only by drivers who are
adequately experienced in towing large
caravans/trailers.
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,
it may not be possible for permissible trailer
loads to be fully utilized in mountainous
territory.
The permitted towing weight 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. on motorways).
The actual caravan/trailer load plus the
actual Gross Vehicle Weight must not
exceed the maximum permitted towing
weight. For example, if the permitted Gross
Vehicle Weight is utilised, the caravan/
trailer load must only
be used until the
maximum permitted towing weight is
reached.
The maximum permitted towing weight is
shown on the vehicle id entification plate -
see page 215.
1)Observe national regulations.

Driving and operation168
Coupling socket load
The coupling socket load is the load
exerted by the caravan/trailer on the
coupling ball. It can be varied by changing
the weight distribution when loading the
caravan/trailer.
The maximum permissible coupling socket
load for the towing vehicle (80 kg) is stated
on the towing equipment identification
plate and should always be aimed for,
particularly in the case of heavy caravans/
trailers. The coupling socket load should
never be below 25 kg.
When measuring the coupling socket load,
make sure that the drawbar of the loaded
caravan/trailer is at the same height as it
will be when the carava n/trailer is coupled
with the towing vehicle loaded. This is
particularly important for caravans/trailers
with tandem axle. Rear axle load during towing
When the caravan/trailer is coupled and
the towing vehicle fully
loaded (including
all occupants), the permissible rear axle
load must not be exceeded.
National regulations regarding maximum
speeds for vehicles towing a caravan/
trailer must be observed.
Tyre pressure
Increase the tyre pressure on the towing
vehicle to the value specified for full load
(see page 224). Also check the pressure of
the caravan/trailer tyres.

Driving and operation169
Driving characteristics, towing tips
In the case of caravans/trailers with
brakes3, attach the breakaway stopping
cable to the eye 3 or loop around coupling
ball bar if no eye is available.
Ensure cable is crossed under the coupling
socket to ensure the caravan/trailer nose
cannot drop to the ground if it becomes
separated from the trailer hitch.
Do not allow the cable to drag along the
ground and always allow enough slack to
permit full turning. Fo llow the instructions
supplied with the towing equipment.
Before coupling the caravan/trailer,
lubricate the ball of the caravan/trailer
towing device. However, do not do so if a
stabilizer which acts on the coupling ball is
being used to damp rolling motions.
Handling is greatly influenced by the
loading of the caravan/trailer. Loads
should therefore be secured so that they
cannot slip and should be placed in the
centre of the caravan/trailer if possible,
i.e. above the axle.
Opel genuine parts an d accessories which
can be subsequently fitted aid trailer
operation, e.g. larg e mirrors for wide
caravans/trailers. In the case of caravans/trailers with low
directional stability, it is advisable to use a
friction-type stabilizer to damp rolling
motions.
Do not drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mph),
even in countries where higher speeds are
permitted.
When driving uphill, do not drive faster
than 30 km/h (20 mph) in 1st gear, or
50 km/h (30 mph) in 2nd gear.
Make sure that you have enough room
when cornering and avoid sudden
manoeuvres.
If the caravan/trailer 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.
The cooling fan is electrically operated.
The fan cooling capacity is not, therefore,
dependent on engine speed. It is not
necessary, when drivin
g uphill, to shift
down into a lower gear if the vehicle can
climb in a higher gear. When coupled to a caravan/trailer, the
vehicle requires more
braking effort when
driving down long grad ients, so select the
same gear as you would when driving
uphill and drive at roughly the same speed.
Automatic transmission in automatic mode
will select the drivin g program with the
optimum engine braking effect.
Remember that brak ing distances for
vehicles towing carava ns/trailers with and
without brakes is always greater than for
vehicles not towing a caravan/trailer. For
caravans/trailers with brakes, follow the
instructions carefully. Do not make any
modifications to the brake system.
Always check lamps on caravans/trailers
before towing. Ensure national regulations
are observed.
The fog tail lamp on the vehicle is
deactivated when towing a caravan/
trailer.
When reversing, if possible, have someone
provide assistance.
Drive slowly and shift down into a lower
gear when descending steep gradients
rather than holding the foot brake
depressed, to avoid overheating and
reduced brake efficiency.

Self-help, vehicle care171
Self-help, vehicle care
Diesel fuel system, bleeding
Never let the fuel tank run dry. If control
indicator Y illuminates, refuel as soon as
possible.
It is possible to restart the engine if the tank
has been run dry. A delayed start can be
expected. Switch on the ignition three times
for approx. 15 seconds. Then try to start
the engine for no more than 40 seconds. If
the engine will not start, wait at least
10 seconds before trying again. If the
engine will still not start, consult a
workshop.
Bonnet
To open the bonnet, pull release lever /
located on the left-hand side below the
instrument panel.
The bonnet will then be unlocked and will
partially open. Return release lever to its
original position.
Do not pull release lever while the vehicle is
moving.
Diesel fuel system, bleeding .............. 171
Bonnet ................................................. 171
Starting ................................................ 172
Starting the engine with jump leads
3 172
Towing ................................................. 174
Jack and vehicle tools ........................ 176
Warning triangle ¨ 3 ,
First aid kit +3................................ 177
Temporary spare wheel ..................... 177
Wheel changing .................................. 178
Electrical system ................................. 181
Fuses and the most important circuits they protect ...................................... 182
Bulb replacement ............................... 185
Opel genuine parts and accessories . 191
A note on safety ................................. 191
Checking and topping up fluids ........ 191
Windscreen wipers .............................. 198
Windscreen washer system ................ 199
Battery ................................................. 200
Protection of electr onic components 201
Vehicle storage ................................... 201
Vehicle care......................................... 201
9 Warning
Disregard of the instructions may lead to
injuries or endanger life. Vehicle
passengers must be informed
accordingly.

Self-help, vehicle care172
To open completely, locate the safety
catch, found slightly left of centre on the
underside of the bonnet, push the catch
upwards and lift the bonnet gently. The
bonnet is held open automatically.
When the bonnet is opened, leaves, dirt or
snow on the bonnet can slide down and
obstruct the air intake. Remove any leaves,
dirt or snow. Air intake - see page 114.
Never drive with bonnet open.
To close bonnet, lower it gradually,
allowing it to drop from a height of approx.
30 cm.
Check that the bonnet is locked in position
before driving, by pulling at its front edge.
If it is not engaged, repeat closing
procedure.
Starting
Do not start with quick charger
This prevents damage to electronic
components.
Do not start by pushing or towing
Because your vehicle is fitted with a
catalytic converter, it must not be started
by pushing or towing - see page 133.
The vehicle can only be started using jump
leads - see following pages.
Starting the engine with jump
leads 3
A vehicle with a discha rged battery can be
started using jump leads and the battery of
another vehicle.
Start attempts should be made at intervals
of 1 minute and should not last longer than
15 seconds.
9 Warning
If the vehicle battery requires charging
whilst still in the vehicle, ensure there is
adequate ventilation in and around the
battery compartment, to prevent risk of
explosion.
9 Warning
This must be done with extreme care. Any
deviation from the following instructions
could lead to personal injury or damage
resulting from battery explosion, as well
as to damage to the electrical systems in
both vehicles.

Self-help, vehicle care174
zDo not connect leads to negative
terminal of discharged battery.
z The last connection point should be as
far away from the discharged battery as
possible.
z Route leads so they cannot catch on
rotating parts in engine compartment.
z Start the engine of the vehicle providing
the jump start.
z After 5 minutes, start the other engine.
Start attempts shou ld be made at
intervals of 1 minute and should not last
longer than 15 seconds.
z After starting, allow both engines to idle
for approx. 3 minutes with leads
connected.
z In order to avoid excess voltage in the
electrical system, before removing a
lead, switch on an electrical consumer
(e.g. lamps, heated rear window) in the
vehicle receiving the jump start.
z Operate discharged vehicle for approx.
20 minutes to allow for recharging.
z Reverse above sequence exactly when
removing leads.
Towing
Towing the vehicle
Attach a tow rope 3 - or better still a tow
rod 3 - to the front towing eye (located
under the front bumper). Do not tow the
vehicle from the rear.
The front towing eye must only be used for
towing and not recovering the vehicle. Place gearshift lever in neutral. Switch on
the ignition to release the steering column
lock and to permit operation of the brake
lamps and windscreen wipers.
Drive off slowly and avoid jerky
movements. Impermissible tractive forces
could damage
the vehicles.
9 Warning
Care must be taken to ensure that the
leads do not inadvertently contact metal
surfaces within the compartment area.
9 Warning
Never lift vehicle using the towing eye.
9 Warning
More brake pedal pressure is necessary
when braking since the brake servo unit is
operative only when engine is running.
Considerably greater steering force is
necessary since this unit is operative only
when the engine is running.

Self-help, vehicle care175
Keep tow rope 3 clear of front bumper,
and ensure it is secure ly fixed to the towing
eye at both ends. Pull on the tow rope 3 to
check.
To prevent entry of exhaust fumes from
towing vehicle, switch on air recirculation
mode (see page 109) and close the
windows.
Never let passengers ride in a vehicle that
is being towed.
Never tow a vehicle with damaged parts
that are not secured to the vehicle or if
wheels, brakes or steering are damaged.
Do not tow the vehicle with a tow rope 3 or
tow rod 3 for extended periods, to avoid
damage to the vehicle. Only tow in this
manner on hard-surfaced roads.
For vehicles with automatic transmission 3:
use flatbed or wheel lift equipment only.
Towing can cause severe damage to the
transmission.
Seek the assistance of a workshop. Towing service
Entrust your vehicle only to the towing
service of your choice and obtain an
estimate on towing costs before employing
any towing service. This will prevent
unnecessary expense and possible
insurance problems during claim
processing.
Use flatbed equipment whenever possible.
If vehicle is to be towed using a wheel lift,
tow with all wheels off the road, using a
towing dolly.
Never use sling-type equipment to tow the
vehicle or tow the vehicle with the front or
rear wheels on the road, to avoid causing
serious damage to the vehicle.
Place the gearshift lever in neutral
(automatic transmission 3
in N), switch on
hazard warning lamps, turn key to ignition
switch position ACC and release the
hand brake before towing the vehicle. Towing another vehicle
In emergency situations only, attach a tow
rope
3 - or better still a tow rod 3 - to the
rear towing eye.
The rear towing eye attachment 3 is stored
below the floor cover in the luggage
compartment.
Remove the cover located on the rear
bumper by pressing the lower part of the
cover.

Self-help, vehicle care176
Screw the rear towing eye attachment anti-
clockwise until it is firmly in place.
Drive off slowly and avoid jerky
movements. Impermissible tractive forces
could damage the vehicles.
To prevent damage, do not take up slack
in the tow rope too quickly.
After towing, unscrew the rear towing eye
attachment clockwise to remove, and
reinstall the cover.
Jack and vehicle tools
The jack and vehicle tools have been
specially developed for your vehicle and
must only be used on that vehicle. Only use
jack for changing wheels.
The jack and vehicle tools are located in
the luggage compartment below the floor
cover. To remove the jack and vehicle tools, open
the tailgate. Push both levers on the floor
cover towards the handle and pull up the
floor cover by the handle.
Hang the hook to the upper part of the
tailgate opening (see page 63, Fig.
S 13419).
Remove wing bolt from the jack by rotating
it anti-clockwise and remove the jack and
wheel wrench bag.
Remove straps holding the bag containing
the wheel wrench. Remove wheel wrench
from the bag.
9 Warning
Never lift vehicle using the towing eye.
9 Warning
In a sudden stop or a collision, loose items
can be thrown around inside the vehicle,
causing personal injury and damage to
the interior.
Secure the jack and vehicle tools away
properly under the floor cover in the
luggage compartment.

Service, maintenance213
Additional servicing
Additional operations ⊕
Additional work is work that is not required
every service but can be performed in
conjunction with a regular service.
Time allowances for such work are not
included in the scope of regular services
and will be charged for additionally. It is
more economic if these operations are
performed as part of a scheduled service
than having them performed separately.
Severe operating conditions o
Operating conditions are classified as
severe when one or more of the following
occurs frequently:
z cold starts,
z stop and go,
z trailer/caravan towing,
z gradients and/or high altitudes,
z poor road surfaces,
z sand and dust,
z extreme temperature fluctuations.
Police vehicles, taxis and driving school
vehicles are also cla ssified as operating
under severe conditions.
Under severe operating conditions, it may
be necessary to have certain scheduled
service work done more frequently than the
scheduled intervals.
For example, if fuel is used that does not
comply with required standards, the fuel
filter may need more frequent draining or
replacement and it may also be necessary
to change other components more often
(e.g. spark plugs). It is recommended to seek technical advice
on the servicing requirements dependent
on the specific operating conditions of your
vehicle.
Recommended fluids and
lubricants
Only use products that have been tested
and approved. Damage resulting from the
use of non-approved materials will not be
covered by the warranty.
Checking and topping up fluids
see page 191.
Engine oil
Engine oil is identified by its quality and
also its viscosity. Quality is more important
than viscosity when selecting which engine
oil to use.
Engine oil quality
European specifications
Opel engine oil m
eets classifications
GM-LL-A-025 and GM-LL-B-025 and is
therefore suitable for both petrol and
diesel engines.
International specifications
The above specification is valid only if the
service interval is reduced to that shown for
the international service schedule -
see pages 209 to 212.
Topping up engine oil
Oils of different manufacturers and brands
can be mixed as long as you comply with
the specified engine oil criteria (quality and
viscosity).
9 Warning
Operating materials are hazardous and
must be handled with the appropriate
level of care. If consumed, seek medical
attention immediatel y. Do not inhale
fumes and avoid skin contact. Keep out
of reach of children. Do not allow
operating materials to contaminate the
sewage system, surface water, ground
water or soil. Dispose of empty containers
properly. Always bear in mind that
operating materials are hazardous to
your health.
GM-LL-A-025: Petrol engines
GM-LL-B-025: Diesel engines without DPF
ACEA-C3 Diesel engines with DPF
GM General Motors Europe
LL Longlife
A or B Engine oil quality specification
025 Validity index
ACEA-A3: Petrol engines
ACEA-B4: Diesel engines without DPF
ACEA-C3: Diesel engines with DPF