trailer OPEL ANTARA 2009 Owners Manual

In brief12
Control indicators
uABS (Anti-lock Brake System):
see page 148.
gTrailer indicator 3:
see page 70.
4Brake system:
see pages 70, 145.
rPark pilot 3:
see pages 71, 142.
5DCS (Descent Control System):
see pages 71, 138.
BAWD (All Wheel Drive):
see pages 71, 121.
7ESC Active & Warning
(Electronic Stability Control):
see page 136.
AESC Not Ready:
see page 136.
JESC OFF:
see page 136.
qAutomatic headlamp range
adjustment 3 :
see pages 71, 97.
WCoolant temperature:
see pages 71, 195.
oElectronic immobiliser:
see pages 22, 72.
9Door open:
see page 72.
3Engine electronics,
transmission electronics 3:
see pages 72, 134.
vAirbag systems 3,
belt tensioners:
see pages 44, 52.
1Tailgate open:
see page 72.
XDriver’s seat belt reminder:
see page 72.
OTurn signal lamps:
see pages 14, 72, 95.
YLow fuel level:
see pages 72, 76, 132, 225.
>Front fog lamps:
see pages 73, 96.
rFog tail lamp:
see pages 73, 96.
PHeadlamp main beam:
see pages 14, 73, 95.
GLow windscreen washer fluid:
see page 73.
NWater in diesel fuel filter 3:
see pages 73, 194.
CChange engine oil 3:
see page 73.
NPreheating for diesel engines 3:
see pages 19, 73.
IDPF (Diesel particle filter) 3:
see pages 73, 135.
mCruise control 3:
see page 140.
SEngine oil level 3:
see page 73.
2Power steering:
see page 73.
aAnti-theft alarm system activation
without monitoring of passenger
compartment and vehicle tilt 3:
see page 28.
IEngine oil pressure:
see page 74.
pAlternator:
see page 74.
ZExhaust emissions:
see pages 74, 134.
0Winter program:
see pages 74, 117.

70 Instruments, controls
Instruments, controls
Control indicators ............................... 70
Instrument display .............................. 75
Information display ............................ 76
Display of current tyre pressure3.... 91
Check control 3.................................. 91
Warning buzzers................................. 92
Windscreen wipers .............................. 92
Control indicators
The control indicators described here are
not present in all vehicles. The description
applies to all instrument versions.
The colours of the control indicators mean:
uABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
see page 148.
gTrailer indicator 3
Illuminates in green when a trailer is
connected to the vehicle. Extinguishes
when the trailer is disconnected.
4Brake system
Illuminates in red when ignition is switched
on. Extinguishes after engine is started.
Illuminates when engine is running if
hand brake is applied and/or fluid level for
brake hydraulics is too low.
Further information - see page 145.
z
Red Danger, important reminder,
z Yellow Warning, information, fault,
z Green Confirmation of activation,
z Blue Confirmation of activation.
9 Warning
If it illuminates when the hand brake is
not applied: stop vehicle; interrupt your
journey immediately. Consult a
workshop.

Instruments, controls72
o
Electronic immobiliser
Illuminates in red when ignition is
switched on, then extinguishes.
If it remains illuminated after the ignition is
on, there is a fault in the immobiliser
system; the engine cannot be started -
see page 22.
9Door open
Illuminates in red when a door is open.
3Engine electronics,
transmission electronics 3
Illuminates in yellow when ignition is
switched on, then extinguishes.
If it illuminates
during driving;
there may be a fault in the engine or
transmission electronics: interrupt your
journey and consult a workshop as soon as
possible.
Further information - see page 134.
vAirbag systems 3 , belt tensioners
see pages 44, 52.
1Tailgate open
Illuminates in red when ignition is
switched on, then extinguishes.
Illuminates when tailgate is open or not
securely latched.
Tailgate - see page 26.
XDriver’s seat belt reminder
Illuminates in red when ignition is
switched on, then extinguishes.
When the engine is runn ing, if driver’s seat
belt is not engaged, it will flash for approx.
90 seconds and then illuminate until
driver’s seat belt is fastened.
If vehicle speed exceeds approx. 22 km/h
(14 mph), control indicator will flash for
approx. 90 seconds along with a warning
chime and then remains illuminated until
driver’s seat belt is fastened.
Seat belts - see page 43.
OTurn signal lamps
The relevant control indicator flashes in
green when the turn signal is on.
Rapid flash; failure of a turn signal bulb or
the corresponding fuse or failure of a trailer
turn signal bulb 3. Both control indicators
flash when the hazard warning lamps are
active.
Further information - see pages 14, 95.
Bulb replacement - see page 185.
Fuses - see page 181.
YLow fuel level
Illuminates in yellow when ignition is
switched on, then extinguishes.
If it illuminates during dr iving; fuel level low:
fill up fuel tank as soon as possible.
Never let the tank run dry.
Erratic fuel supply can cause catalytic
converter to overheat - see page 133.
Diesel engines: if the tank has been run dry,
bleed the fuel system as described on
page 171.
Refuelling - see page 132.
Fuel tank capacity - see page 225.

Driving and operation127
Driving hints
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 drive faster than three quarters of
maximum speed.
Avoid quick starts, su dden acceleration
and prolonged high-speed driving, to
avoid engine damage and to conserve
fuel.
Do not brake unnecessarily hard for the
first 200 km (125 miles).
If possible, avoid towing another vehicle.
Never coast with engine not running
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. Brake servo unit
With the engine not running, the brake
servo unit is no longer effective once the
brake pedal has been depressed once or
twice. The braking effect is not reduced,
but substantially greater foot pressure is
necessary to stop the vehicle.
Power steering
Never leave the steering wheel on full lock
when the vehicle is stationary, as this may
damage the power steering pump.
If the power steering should fail - e.g. when
the vehicle is being towed with the engine
switched off - the vehicle can still be
properly steered, but considerably greater
effort is necessary.
Driving in mountainous terrain or with a
caravan/trailer
Electrically driven fan; the fan cooling
capacity is not dependent on engine
speed. It is not necessary, therefore, when
driving uphill to shif
t down into a lower
gear if the vehicle can climb in a higher
gear. Driving in extreme conditions
When driving in hazard
ous conditions, e.g.
in snow, ice, mud, sand or water, drive
slowly and cautiously to allow for greater
braking distances.
If stuck, use 2nd gear (automatic
transmission in drive range 2) to avoid
spinning the front wheels.
Use sand, tyre chains or other non-slip
materials to provide traction when stuck in
snow, mud or ice.
Driving through water
Before attempting to drive through water,
check the depth. If the depth is slightly
lower than the underbody of your vehicle,
do not attempt to drive through it.
Driving too quickly through water can
cause water to enter the engine through
the air intake, causing severe damage.
Drive slowly, in a high engine rpm in as low
a gear as possible.
Driving with a roof load
Do not exceed the permissible roof load -
see page 221. For safety reasons,
distribute the load evenly and secure it
tightly with straps so that it cannot slip. Set
the tyre pressure to the value given for full
load. Do not drive faster than 120 km/h
(75 mph). Check and retighten straps at
frequent intervals.

Driving and operation138
Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
When the ESC function comes into action
and recognises any emergency situations
requiring hard braking, it automatically
delivers increased braking pressure to the
wheels.
Active Rollover Protection (ARP)
If the vehicle moves in an unstable manner,
this function helps the vehicle maintain
normal stability.
Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) 3
TSA monitors vehicle movements when
towing a caravan or trailer. If the system
detects lurching movements, engine power
is reduced and the vehicle/trailer
combination is selectiv ely braked until the
lurching ceases. DCS (Descent Control System)
The Descent Control System allows the
vehicle to travel at a low speed without
depressing the foot brake.
The vehicle will automatically decelerate to
a low speed and remain at that speed
when DCS button
5 is pressed.
Use only when descending steep grades
while driving off-road. Do not use when
driving on normal road surfaces.
Some noise or vibration from the brake
system may be apparent when DCS is
active. To activate
At speeds below approx. 50 km/h
(30 mph), press DCS button. The green DCS
control indicator
5 will flash in the
instrument panel, to show DCS is in
operation.
DCS will not activate at speeds above
50 km/h (30 mph), even if the button is
pressed.
Unnecessary usage of the DCS function,
such as while driving on normal roads, may
damage the brake system and the ESC
function.

Driving and operation143
Control indicator for park pilotControl indicator r illuminates while
driving if there is a fault in the system.
If the acoustic signal sounds 3 times
continuously when there are no obstacles
near the front or rear bumper, there is a
fault in the system.
Have the cause of the fault remedied by a
workshop. To ensure the safety of other road users
and people in the vicinity and to avoid
damage to the vehicle, remember:
z
The park pilot should only be considered
as a supplementary function. Normal
precautions should be maintained when
reversing. Check the rear view and use
the mirrors when reversing.
z Do not push, scratch or otherwise
damage the sensors.
z Do not use high-pressure jet cleaners to
clean the sensors. Clean only with a soft
sponge and clean water.
Automatic level control 3
Automatic level control makes it possible to
keep the height of the vehicle constant
when subjected to different loads in the
rear (e.g. when passengers are occupying
the rear seats or when towing a caravan/
trailer). This significantly improves driving
conditions.
The vehicle is automatically raised at the
rear to its previous unloaded level,
increasing spring travel and ground
clearance.
Headlamp range adjustment -
see page 97.
In the event of malfunctions, do not utilise
the vehicle’s full load capacity. Have the
cause of the fault remedied by a workshop
without delay.

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 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.