tow OPEL ANTARA 2009 Owner's Guide

Driving and operation147
Hand brake
Always apply hand brake firmly. On slopes,
apply the hand brake as firmly as possible.
The mechanical hand brake acts on the
brakes on the rear wheels. It engages
automatically when applied.
To release the hand brake, press and hold
the button, pull the lever up slightly and
lower lever while holding the button in.
To reduce the operating forces of the
hand brake, depress the foot brake at the
same time. Control indicator
4 for brake system
Illuminates when ignition is switched on.
Extinguishes after engine is started.
Illuminates if hand brake is applied and/or
fluid level for brake hydraulics is too low.
Brake fluid level - see page 196. If the control indicator stays lit, the brakes
do not operate as normal or leaks are
found in the brake system, do not attempt
to drive the vehicle. Have the vehicle towed
to a workshop for inspection and repair.
If the control indicator does not illuminate
when the ignition is switched on or when
the hand brake is applied (with ignition
on), stop and consult a workshop.
9 Warning
If it illuminates when the hand brake is
not applied: stop vehi
cle, interrupt your
journey immediately.
Check brake fluid level and top-up if
necessary before consulting a workshop.
Have cause of brake fluid loss remedied.

Driving and operation164
Pull up license plate holder and fold down
into horizontal position.Open the tailgate.
Raise the release lever
and push the system
into the bumper until it engages.
Ensure release lever returns to original
position.
Towing equipment 3
If the vehicle is not equipped with a trailer
hitch, we recommend having this
retrofitted by a workshop, who will advise
you on any possible towed load increases.
The workshop has instructions on how to
install the trailer hitch and making any
changes to the vehicle that are needed
that affect the coolin g system, heat shields
or other equipment.
Mounting dimensions of towing equipment
- see page 227.
9 Warning
If the system cannot be correctly
engaged, please contact a workshop for
assistance.
9 Warning
The coupling ball bar is to be removed
when not towing.

Driving and operation165
Towing equipment with detachable
coupling ball bar 3
Stowage of coupling ball bar
The coupling ball bar is kept in a bag,
fastened with a strap and is stowed below
the floor cover in the luggage
compartment.
Fitting the coupling ball bar
Remove sealing plug from the hole for the
coupling ball bar and stow it in the luggage
compartment. Confirm that the colour marking on the
lever is red.

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.