OPEL ASTRA K 2020 Manual user

Driving and operating219Checking the tensioning of the
coupling ball bar
● Red marking on rotary knob must
point towards green marking on
coupling ball bar.
● The gap between the rotary knob
and the coupling ball bar must be approx. 6 mm.
● The key must be in position c.
Otherwise, the coupling ball bar must be tensioned before being inserted:
● Unlock coupling ball bar by turning key to position c.
● Pull out rotary knob and turn
clockwise as far as it will go.
Inserting the coupling ball bar
Insert the tensioned coupling ball bar
in the opening and push firmly
upwards until it audibly engages.
The rotary handle snaps back into its
original position resting against the
coupling ball bar without a gap.9 Warning
Do not touch rotary handle during
insertion.
Lock the coupling ball bar by turning
the key to position e. Remove the key
and close the protective flap.
Eye for break-away stopping cable

220Driving and operatingIllustration shows 5-door hatchback.
Illustration shows Sports Tourer.
Attach breakaway stopping cable to eye.
Check that the coupling ball bar is
correctly installed
● Green marking on rotary knob must point towards green
marking on coupling ball bar.
● There must be no gap between the rotary handle and the
coupling ball bar.
● The coupling ball bar must be
firmly engaged in the opening.
● The coupling ball bar must be locked and the key removed.9Warning
Towing a trailer is permitted only
when a coupling ball bar is fitted correctly. If the coupling ball bardoes not engage correctly, seekthe assistance of a workshop.
Dismounting the coupling ball bar
Open the protective flap and turn the
key to position c to unlock the
coupling ball bar.
Pull out rotary handle and turn
clockwise as far as it will go. Pull out coupling ball bar downwards.
Insert sealing plug in opening.
Fold away connecting socket.
On Sports Tourer insert cover into
rear bumper as shown in the
illustration.

Driving and operating221
Stow the coupling ball bar in the bag
and secure by fixing the strap through the rear right lashing eye. Wrap
around twice and tighten the strap to
secure the bag.
Trailer stability assist
If the system detects snaking
movements, engine power is reduced
and the vehicle/trailer combination is selectively braked until the snaking
ceases. While system is working keep
steering wheel as still as possible.
Trailer stability assist is a function of
the Electronic Stability Control 3 174.

222Vehicle careVehicle careGeneral Information...................222
Accessories and vehicle modifications .......................... 222
Vehicle storage ........................223
End-of-life vehicle recovery .....223
Vehicle checks ........................... 224
Performing work ......................224
Bonnet ..................................... 224
Engine oil ................................. 225
Engine coolant ......................... 226
Washer fluid ............................ 227
Brakes ..................................... 227
Brake fluid ............................... 227
Vehicle battery ......................... 228
Diesel fuel system bleeding .....229
Wiper blade replacement ........230
Bulb replacement .......................230
Halogen headlights ..................230
Front fog lights ......................... 232
Tail lights ................................. 233
Side turn lights ......................... 239
Number plate light ...................240
Interior lights ............................ 240
Electrical system ........................241
Fuses ....................................... 241Engine compartment fuse box . 242
Instrument panel fuse box .......244
Load compartment fuse box ....245
Vehicle tools .............................. 247
Tools ........................................ 247
Wheels and tyres .......................249
Winter tyres ............................. 249
Tyre designations ....................249
Tyre pressure .......................... 249
Tyre pressure monitoring system .................................... 251
Tread depth ............................. 253
Changing tyre and wheel size . 254
Wheel covers ........................... 254
Tyre chains .............................. 255
Tyre repair kit .......................... 255
Wheel changing .......................258
Spare wheel ............................ 259
Jump starting ............................. 263
Towing ....................................... 265
Towing the vehicle ...................265
Towing another vehicle ...........266
Appearance care .......................267
Exterior care ............................ 267
Interior care ............................. 269
Floor mats ............................... 269General Information
Accessories and vehiclemodifications
We recommend the use of genuine
parts and accessories and factory approved parts specific for your
vehicle type. We cannot assess or guarantee reliability of other products - even if they have a regulatory or
otherwise granted approval.
Any modification, conversion or other
changes made to standard vehicle
specifications (including, without
limitation, software modifications,
modifications of the electronic control units) may invalidate the warranty
offered by Opel. Furthermore, such
changes may affect driver assistance
systems, fuel consumption, CO 2
emissions and other emissions of the
vehicle. They may also invalidate the
vehicle operating permit.

Vehicle care223Caution
When transporting the vehicle on
a train or on a recovery vehicle, the
mud flaps might be damaged.
Number plate mounting
To ensure a proper functionality of the
radar system, do not use a number
plate support on the front bumper.
Vehicle storage Storage for a long period of timeIf the vehicle is to be stored for several
months:
● Wash and wax the vehicle.
● Have the wax in the engine compartment and underbody
checked.
● Clean and preserve the rubber seals.
● Fill up fuel tank completely.
● Change the engine oil.
● Drain the washer fluid reservoir.
● Check the coolant antifreeze and
corrosion protection.
● Adjust tyre pressure to the value specified for full load.
● Park the vehicle in a dry, well ventilated place. Engage first or
reverse gear or set selector lever
to P. Prevent the vehicle from
rolling.
● Do not apply the parking brake.
● Open the bonnet, close all doors and lock the vehicle.
● Disconnect the clamp from the negative terminal of the vehicle
battery. Note that all systems are
not functional, e.g. anti-theft
alarm system.Putting back into operation
When the vehicle is to be put back into
operation:
● Connect the clamp to the negative terminal of the vehicle
battery. Initialize the power
windows 3 43.
● Check tyre pressure.
● Fill up the washer fluid reservoir.
● Check the engine oil level.
● Check the coolant level.
● Fit the number plate if necessary.
Number plate mounting 3 222.
End-of-life vehicle recovery Information on end-of-life vehicle
recovery centres and the recycling of
end-of-life vehicles is available on our website, where legally required. Only
entrust this work to an authorised
recycling centre.

224Vehicle careVehicle checks
Performing work9 Warning
Only perform engine compartment
checks when the ignition is off.
The cooling fan may start
operating even if the ignition is off.
9 Danger
The ignition system uses
extremely high voltage. Do not
touch.
Bonnet
Opening
Pull the bonnet release lever and
return it to its original position.
Move the safety catch sideways to the left vehicle side and open the bonnet.
Secure the bonnet support.

Vehicle care225If the bonnet is opened during an
Autostop, the engine will be restarted
automatically for safety reasons.
Closing Before closing the bonnet, press the
support into the holder.
Lower the bonnet and let it fall into the
latch from a low height (20-25 cm).
Check that the bonnet is engaged.Caution
Do not press the bonnet into the
latch to avoid dents.
Engine oil
Check the engine oil level manually
on a regular basis to prevent damage
to the engine. Ensure that the correct
specification of oil is used.
Recommended fluids and lubricants
3 273.
The maximum engine oil
consumption is 0.6 l per 1000 km.
Check with the vehicle on a level
surface. The engine must be at
operating temperature and switched
off for at least 5 minutes.
Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean,
reinsert fully, pull out and read the
engine oil level.
Different dipsticks are used
depending on engine variant.

226Vehicle careWhen the engine oil level has
dropped to the MIN mark, top up
engine oil.
The engine oil level must not exceed
the MAX mark on the dipstick.
We recommend the use of the same
grade of engine oil that was used at
last change.Caution
Wipe off any spilled engine oil
immediately.
Caution
Overfilled engine oil must be
drained or suctioned out. If the oil
exceeds the maximum level, do
not start the vehicle and contact a
workshop.
Capacities 3 283.
Fit the cap on straight and tighten it.
Engine coolant
The factory filled coolant provides
freeze protection down to approx.
-28 °C. In cold regions with very low
temperatures, the factory filled
coolant provides frost protection
down to approx. -37 °C.Caution
Only use approved antifreeze.
Coolant and antifreeze 3 273.
Coolant level
Caution
Too low a coolant level can cause engine damage.
If the cooling system is cold, the
coolant level should be above the
filling line mark. Top up if the level is
low.
9 Warning
Allow the engine to cool before
opening the cap. Carefully open
the cap, relieving the pressure
slowly.
To top up, use a 1:1 mixture of
released coolant concentrate mixed
with clean tap water. If no coolant
concentrate is available, use clean
tap water. Install the cap tightly. Have

Vehicle care227the coolant concentration checked
and have the cause of the coolant
loss remedied by a workshop.
Washer fluid
Fill with clean water mixed with a
suitable quantity of approved
windscreen washer fluid which
contains antifreeze.
Caution
Only washer fluid with a sufficient
antifreeze concentration provides
protection at low temperatures or
a sudden drop in temperature.
Washer fluid 3 273.
Brakes In the event of minimum thickness of
the brake lining, a squealing noise
sounds during braking.
Continued driving is possible but
have the brake lining replaced as
soon as possible.
Once new brake linings are installed,
do not brake unnecessarily hard for
the first few journeys.
Brake fluid9 Warning
Brake fluid is poisonous and
corrosive. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, fabrics and painted surfaces.
The brake fluid level must be betweenthe MIN and MAX marks.
If fluid level is below MIN seek the
assistance of a workshop.
Brake and clutch fluid 3 273.

228Vehicle careVehicle battery
The vehicle battery is located in the
load compartment.
There are connecting points for jump
starting 3 263.
The vehicle battery is maintenance-
free provided that the driving profile
allows sufficient charging of the
battery. Short-distance-driving and
frequent engine starts can discharge
the battery. Avoid the use of
unnecessary electrical consumers.
Batteries do not belong in household
waste. They must be disposed of at
an appropriate recycling collection
point.
Laying up the vehicle for more than
four weeks can lead to battery
discharge. Disconnect the clamp from the negative terminal of the vehicle
battery.
Ensure the ignition is switched off
before connecting or disconnecting
the vehicle battery.
Battery discharge protection 3 140.
Disconnecting the battery
If the vehicle's battery is to be
disconnected (e.g. for maintenance
work), the alarm siren must be
deactivated as follows: Switch the ignition on then off, then disconnect
the vehicle's battery within
15 seconds.
Replacing the vehicle battery
Note
Any deviation from the instructions
given in this section may lead to
temporary deactivation or
disturbance of the stop-start system.
When the vehicle battery is being
replaced, please ensure that there
are no open ventilation holes in the
vicinity of the positive terminal. If a
ventilation hole is open in this area, it
must be closed off with a dummy cap, and the ventilation in the vicinity of the
negative terminal must be opened.
Ensure that the battery is always replaced by the same type of battery.
The vehicle battery has to be
replaced by a workshop.
Stop-start system 3 157.
Charging the vehicle battery9 Warning
On vehicles with stop-start
system, ensure that the charging potential does not exceed 14.6 V