OPEL ASTRA K 2020 Owner's Manual

Driving and operating159● The driver's door is closed or thedriver's seat belt is fastened.
● The vehicle battery is sufficiently charged and in good condition.
● The engine is warmed up.
● The engine coolant temperature is not too high.
● The engine exhaust temperature is not too high, e.g. after driving
with high engine load.
● The ambient temperature is above -5 °C.
● The brake vacuum is sufficient.
● Between the last restart and a new Autostop must be about10 seconds.
● The self-cleaning function of the exhaust filter is not active.
● The vehicle was driven at least at
walking speed since the last
Autostop.
Otherwise an Autostop will be
inhibited.
The stop-start system will be
deactivated on inclines of 12% or
more.Certain settings of the climate control
system may inhibit an Autostop. See
Climate control chapter for more
details 3 141.
Immediately after motorway driving
an Autostop may be inhibited.
New vehicle running-in 3 152.
Vehicle battery discharge protection
To ensure reliable engine restarts,
several vehicle battery discharge
protection features are implemented
as part of the stop-start system.
Power saving measures
During an Autostop, several electrical
features e.g. auxiliary electric heater
or heated rear window are disabled or switched to a power saving mode.
The fan speed of the climate control
system is reduced to save power.
Restart of the engine by the driverVehicles with manual transmission
Depending on the engine, two
versions of a restart are available.
See engine data to identify the engine
identifier code for your vehicle
3 280.Conventional restart
Depress the clutch pedal to restart the
engine. For engines with late restart,
this is only possible without
depressing the brake pedal.
Late restart ● Depress the brake pedal.
● Depress the clutch pedal.
● Select first gear.
● Release the brake pedal to restart the engine.Vehicles with automatic transmission:Release the brake pedal or move
selector lever out of D into N or P to
restart the engine.
Restart of the engine by the stop-
start system
On vehicles with manual transmission
which are in a conventional Autostop,
the selector lever must be in neutral
to enable an automatic restart.
On vehicles with manual transmission
which are in an early Autostop, an
automatic restart is possible, when
not in neutral if the brake pedal and
the clutch pedal are depressed.

160Driving and operatingOn vehicles with automatic
transmission, the selector lever must
be in D to enable an automatic restart.
The engine will be restarted
automatically by the stop-start
system, if one of the following
conditions occurs during an Autostop:
● The stop-start system is manually deactivated.
● The bonnet is opened.
● The driver's seat belt is unfastened and / or the driver's
door is opened.
● The engine temperature is too low.
● The charging level of the vehicle battery is below a defined level.
● The brake vacuum is not sufficient.
● The vehicle is driven at least at walking speed.
● The climate control system requests an engine start.● The desired compartmenttemperature does not match theactual temperature.
● The air conditioning is manually switched on.
If the bonnet is not fully closed, a
warning message is displayed in the
Driver Information Centre.
If an electrical accessory, e.g. a
portable CD player, is connected to
the power outlet, a brief power drop
during the restart might be noticeable.
Note
If a trailer or a bike carrier is
attached, early Autostop and late
restart is deactivated.
Parking9 Warning
● Do not park the vehicle on an
easily ignitable surface. The
high temperature of the
exhaust system could ignite the
surface.
● Always apply the parking brake. Activate the manual
parking brake without pressingthe release button. Apply as
firmly as possible on a downhill slope or uphill slope. Depress
brake pedal at the same time to
reduce operating force.
For vehicles with electric
parking brake, pull switch m for
a minimum of 1 second until
control indicator m illuminates
constantly and electric parking
brake is applied 3 110.
● Switch off the engine. ● If the vehicle is on a level surface or uphill slope, engage
first gear or set the selector
lever to position P before
removing the ignition key or
switching off ignition on
vehicles with power button. On
an uphill slope, turn the front
wheels away from the kerb.
If the vehicle is on a downhill
slope, engage reverse gear or
set the selector lever to position
P before removing the ignition
key or switching off ignition on

Driving and operating161vehicles with power button.
Turn the front wheels towards
the kerb.
● Close the windows and the sunroof.
● Remove the ignition key from the ignition switch or switch off
ignition on vehicles with power
button. Turn the steering wheel until the steering wheel lock is
felt to engage.
For vehicles with automatic
transmission, the key can only
be removed when the selector
lever is in position P.
● Lock the vehicle by pressing the
button on the door handle or the
button e on the remote control.
● Activate the anti-theft alarm system.
● The engine cooling fans may run
after the engine has been
switched off 3 224.
Caution
After running at high engine
speeds or with high engine loads,
operate the engine briefly at a low load or run in neutral for
approx. 30 seconds before
switching off, in order to protect
the turbocharger.
Note
In the event of an accident with
airbag deployment, the engine is
switched off automatically if the
vehicle comes to a standstill within a
certain time.
In countries with extreme cold
temperatures it may be necessary to
park the vehicle without applied
parking brake. Make sure to park the vehicle on a level surface.
Engine exhaust9 Danger
Engine exhaust gases contain
poisonous carbon monoxide,
which is colourless and odourless and could be fatal if inhaled.
If exhaust gases enter the interior
of the vehicle, open the windows.
Have the cause of the fault
rectified by a workshop.
Avoid driving with an open load
compartment, otherwise exhaust
gases could enter the vehicle.
Exhaust filter
The exhaust filter is a particle filter for diesel and petrol engines.

162Driving and operatingAutomatic cleaning process
The exhaust filter system filters soot
particles out of the exhaust gases.
The system includes a self-cleaning
function that runs automatically
during driving without any notification.
The filter is cleaned by periodically
burning off the soot particles at high
temperature. This process takes
place automatically under set driving
conditions and may take up to
25 minutes. Typically it needs
between 7 and 12 minutes. Autostop
is not available and fuel consumption may be higher during this period. The
emission of smells and smoke during
this process is normal.
System requires cleaning
Under certain conditions, e.g. driving
short distances, the system cannot
clean itself automatically.
If cleaning of the filter is required and if previous driving conditions did not
enable automatic cleaning, it will be
indicated by a warning message in
the Driver Information Centre.A warning message appears when
exhaust filter is full. Start cleaning
process as soon as possible.
A warning message also appears
when exhaust filter has reached the
maximum filling level. Start cleaning
process immediately to avoid
damage to the engine.
Activate self-cleaning process
Cleaning process is completed more
quickly at high engine speeds and
loads. Therefore, drive in lower gears
than normal, and use manual gear
selection on vehicles with automatic
transmission. Usage of electrical consumers like air conditioning and
heated windows to increase engine
load supports cleaning process.Caution
If possible, do not interrupt
cleaning process. Drive until
cleaning is completed to avoid the
need for service or repair by a
workshop.
Vehicles with petrol engine
To activate cleaning process,
continue driving, keep engine speed
above 2500 rpm. Shift down if
necessary.
Drive dynamically at different engine
speeds. Use engine brake for
deceleration, if possible.
Keep on driving until self-cleaning
operation is complete and the display
message disappears.Vehicles with diesel engine
To activate cleaning process,
continue driving, keep engine speed
above 2000 rpm, ideally and
continuously around 2500 rpm. Shift
down if necessary.
Keep on driving until self-cleaning
operation is complete and the display message disappears.

Driving and operating163Cleaning process not possibleIf cleaning is not possible for any
reason, control indicator Z
illuminates and a warning message
appears in the Driver Information
Centre. Engine power may be
reduced. Seek the assistance of a
workshop immediately.
Catalytic converter The catalytic converter reduces the
amount of harmful substances in the
exhaust gases.Caution
Fuel grades other than those listed on pages 3 212, 3 280 could
damage the catalytic converter or
electronic components.
Unburnt petrol will overheat and
damage the catalytic converter.
Therefore avoid excessive use of the starter, running the fuel tank
dry and starting the engine by
pushing or towing.
In the event of misfiring, uneven
engine running, a reduction in engine performance or other unusual
problems, have the cause of the fault
rectified by a workshop as soon as
possible. In an emergency, driving
can be continued for a short period,
keeping vehicle speed and engine
speed low.
AdBlue
General information
The selective catalytic reduction
(BlueInjection) is a method to
substantially reduce the nitrogen
oxides in the exhaust emission. This
is achieved by injecting a Diesel
Exhaust Fluid (DEF) into the exhaust
system. The ammonia released by
the fluid reacts with nitrous gases
(NO x) from the exhaust and turns it
into nitrogen and water.
The designation of this fluid is
AdBlue ®
. It is a non-toxic, non-
flammable, colourless and odourless
fluid which consists of 32% urea and
68% water.9 Warning
Avoid contact of your eyes or skin
with AdBlue.
In case of eye or skin contact,
rinse off with water.
Caution
Avoid contact of the paintwork with AdBlue.
In case of contact, rinse off with water.
AdBlue freezes at a temperature of
approx. -11 °C. As the vehicle is
equipped with an AdBlue pre-heater,
the emissions reduction at low
temperatures is ensured. The AdBlue
pre-heater works automatically.

164Driving and operatingNote
Frozen and again liquefied AdBlue is usable without quality loss.
The typical AdBlue consumption is
approx. two litres per 1000 km, but can also be higher depending on
driving behaviour (e.g. high load or
towing).
AdBlue tank The AdBlue tank level can be found in
the display menu.
Level warnings
Depending on the calculated range of AdBlue, different messages are
displayed in the Driver Information
Centre. The messages and the
restrictions are a legal requirement.
The first possible warning is AdBlue
Range: 2400 km .
This warning will show up once briefly
with the calculated range. Driving is
possible without any restrictions.
The next warning level is entered with
a range below 1750 km. The
message with the current range will
always be displayed when ignition isswitched on and needs to be
confirmed 3 115 . Refill AdBlue before
entering the next warning level.
At an AdBlue range below 900 km,
the following warning messages are
alternately displayed and cannot be
dismissed:
● AdBlue Low Refill Now
● Engine Restart Prevented in 900
km
Additionally, control indicator Y
flashes continuously.
Note
In case of high AdBlue consumption, the Driver Information Centre may
display this warning without the
previous warning stages.
The last warning level is entered
when the AdBlue tank is empty.
Restart of the engine is not possible.
The following warning messages are
alternately displayed and cannot be
dismissed:
● AdBlue Empty Refill Now
● Engine Will Not Restart
Additionally, control indicator Y
flashes continuously.With active prevention of an engine
start, the following message will be
displayed:
Refill AdBlue To Start Vehicle .
The tank must be refilled completely
with AdBlue, otherwise restarting of the engine is not possible 3 283.
High emission warnings If the exhaust emission rises above a
certain value, warnings similar to the
range warnings will be displayed in
the Driver Information Centre.
Requests to have the exhaust system checked and finally the
announcement of the prevention of
an engine restart are displayed.
These restrictions are a legal
requirement.
Consult a workshop for assistance.

Driving and operating165Refilling AdBlueCaution
Only use AdBlue that complies
with European standards
DIN 70 070 and ISO 22241-1.
Do not use additives.
Do not dilute AdBlue.
Otherwise the selective catalytic
reduction system could be
damaged.
Note
Whenever a filling pump with a
nozzle for passenger cars is not
available at a filling station, use only
AdBlue bottles or canisters with a
sealed refill adapter for refilling, to
prevent splashback and overspill,
and in order to ensure that the fumes
from the tank are captured and do
not emerge. AdBlue in bottles or
canisters is available in many filling
stations and can be purchased e.g. at Opel dealers and other retail
outlets.
Since AdBlue has a limited
durability, check the date of expiry
before refilling.
Note
When unscrewing the protective cap from the filler neck, ammonia fumesmay emerge. Do not inhale as the
fumes have a pungent smell. The
fumes are not harmful by inhalation.
The AdBlue tank should be filled
completely. This must be done if the
warning message regarding
prevention of an engine restart is
already displayed.
The vehicle must be parked on a level surface.
The filler neck for AdBlue is located
behind the fuel filler flap, which is
located at right rear side of the
vehicle.
The fuel filler flap can only be opened
if the vehicle is unlocked.
1. Remove key from ignition switch.
2. Close all doors to avoid ammonia fumes entering the interior of the
vehicle.3. Release the fuel filler flap by pushing the flap 3 214.
4. Unscrew protective cap from the
filler neck.
5. Open AdBlue canister.
6. Mount one end of the hose on the
canister and screw the other end
on the filler neck.
7. Lift the canister until it is empty, or
until the flow from the canister has stopped. This can take up to
5 minutes.
8. Place the canister on the ground to empty the hose, wait
15 seconds.

166Driving and operating9. Unscrew the hose from the fillerneck.
10. Mount the protective cap and turn
clockwise until it engages.
Note
Dispose of AdBlue canister
according to environmental
requirements. To reuse the hose
flush it with clear water after usage.Automatic transmission
The automatic transmission permits
automatic gearshifting (automatic
mode) or manual gearshifting
(manual mode).
Manual shifting is possible in manual
mode by tapping the selector lever to
+ or - 3 168.
Continuous variable transmission
The engine speed is always within the
ideal fuel consumption range. When
selector level is in D and high power
is requiered, the electronic
transmission control changes from
stepless operation to a seven step
automatic shifting.Transmission display
The mode or selected gear is shown
in the Driver Information Centre.
In automatic mode, the driving
programme is indicated by D.
In manual mode, M and the number
of the selected gear is indicated.
R indicates reverse gear.
N indicates neutral position.
P indicates park position.

Driving and operating167Gear selectionP:park position, wheels are locked,engage only when the vehicle is
stationaryR:reverse gear, engage only when
the vehicle is stationaryN:neutralD:automatic modeM:manual mode<:upshift in manual mode]:downshift in manual mode
The selector lever is locked in P and
can only be moved when the ignition
is on, the release button on the
selector lever is pushed and the brake
pedal is applied.
Without brake pedal applied, control
indicator j illuminates.
If the selector lever is not in P when
the ignition is switched off, control
indicator j flashes.
To engage P or R, press the release
button.
The engine can only be started with the lever in position P or N. When
position N is selected, press the brake
pedal or apply the parking brake
before starting.
Do not accelerate while engaging a
gear. Never depress the accelerator
pedal and brake pedal at the same
time.
When a gear is engaged, the vehicle
slowly begins to creep when the
brake is released.
Engine braking To utilise the engine braking effect,select a lower gear in good time when
driving downhill, see manual mode.
Rocking the vehicle
Rocking the vehicle is only
permissible if the vehicle is stuck in
sand, mud or snow. Move the selector
lever between D and R in a repeat
pattern. Do not race the engine and
avoid sudden acceleration.

168Driving and operatingParking
Apply the parking brake and engage
P .
The ignition key can only be removed
when the selector lever is in position
P .
Manual mode
Move selector lever out of position D
towards the left in position M.
Tap selector lever upwards + to shift
to a higher gear.
Tap the selector lever downwards - to
shift to a lower gear.
If a higher gear is selected when
vehicle speed is too low, or a lower
gear when vehicle speed is too high,
the shift is not executed. This can
cause a message in the Driver
Information Centre.
In manual mode, no automatic
shifting to a higher gear takes place
at high engine revolutions.
Gear shift indication
The symbol R or S with a number
beside it is indicated when
gearshifting is recommended for fuel
saving reasons.
Shift indication appears only in
manual mode.
Electronic driving programmes
● Special programmes automatically adapt the shifting
points when driving up inclines or
down hills.
● In snowy or icy conditions or on other slippery surfaces, the
electronic transmission control
enables the driver to selectmanually first, second or third
gear for starting off. Except
vehicles with continouosly
variable transmission.
Kickdown Pressing down the accelerator pedal
beyond the kickdown detent will lead
to maximum acceleration
independent of the selected driving
mode. The transmission shifts to a
lower gear depending on engine
speed and shifts to a higher gear at
high engine revolutions.
Fault
In the event of a fault a message is
displayed in the Driver Information
Centre.
Vehicle messages 3 122.
Electronic transmission control
enables only fourth gear. The
transmission no longer shifts
automatically.
Have the cause of the fault remedied
by a workshop.