engine OPEL ASTRA SALOON 2014 Service Manual

144Driving and operating
■ The adaptive programme tailorsgearshifting to the driving
conditions, e.g. greater load or
gradients.
■ When Sport mode is engaged, shift
times are reduced and the
transmission shifts at higher engine speeds (unless cruise control is
on). Sport mode 3 148.
Winter programme T
Activate the Winter programme if you
have problems starting off on a
slippery road surface.
Activation
Press the T button. The transmission
switches to automatic mode. The
vehicle starts off in 2nd gear. Sport
mode is deactivated.
Deactivation
The Winter programme is switched off by:
■ pressing the T button again
■ turning off the ignition,
■ switching to manual mode (when switched back to automatic mode,
the Winter programme is again
active)
■ when clutch temperature is too highKickdown
If the accelerator pedal is pressed
past the pressure point, the
transmission shifts to a lower gear depending on engine speed.
During kickdown no manual gear
shifting is possible.
Fault
To prevent damage to the manual
transmission automated, the clutch is
engaged automatically at high clutch
temperatures.

146Driving and operatingCaution
Towing the vehicle and starting
the engine is not permitted when
the clutch has been disengaged in this way, although the vehicle can
be moved a short distance.
Seek the immediate assistance of a
workshop.
Brakes
The brake system comprises two
independent brake circuits.
If a brake circuit fails, the vehicle can
still be braked using the other brake
circuit. However, braking effect is
achieved only when you depress the
brake pedal firmly. Considerably
more force is needed for this. The
braking distance is extended. Seek the assistance of a workshop beforecontinuing your journey.
When the engine is not running, the
support of the brake servo unit
disappears once the brake pedal has
been depressed once or twice.
Braking effect is not reduced, but
braking requires significantly greater
force. It is especially important to bear this in mind when being towed.
Control indicator R 3 98.
Antilock brake system Antilock brake system (ABS)
prevents the wheels from locking.ABS starts to regulate brake pressure as soon as a wheel shows a tendency
to lock. The vehicle remains
steerable, even during hard braking.
ABS control is made apparent
through a pulse in the brake pedal
and the noise of the regulation
process.
For optimum braking, keep the brake
pedal fully depressed throughout the
braking process, despite the fact that
the pedal is pulsating. Do not reduce
the pressure on the pedal.
After starting off the system performs a self-test which may be audible.
Control indicator u 3 98.
Adaptive brake lamp During full braking, all three brake
lamps flash for the duration of ABS
control.

Driving and operating147
Fault9Warning
If there is a fault in the ABS, the
wheels may be liable to lock due
to braking that is heavier than
normal. The advantages of ABS are no longer available. During
hard braking, the vehicle can no longer be steered and may
swerve.
Have the cause of the fault remedied
by a workshop.
Parking brake Always apply parking brake firmly
without operating the release button,
and apply as firmly as possible on a
downhill or uphill slope.
To release the parking brake, pull the lever up slightly, press the release
button and fully lower the lever.
To reduce the operating forces of the
parking brake, depress the foot brake
at the same time.
Control indicator R 3 98.
Brake assist
If the brake pedal is depressed quickly and forcefully, maximum
brake force is automatically applied
(full braking).
Maintain steady pressure on the brake pedal for as long as full braking
is required. Maximum brake force is
automatically reduced when the
brake pedal is released.
Hill start assist The system helps prevent unintendedmovement when driving away on
inclines.
When releasing the foot brake after
stopping on an incline, the brakes
remain on for a further two seconds.
The brakes release automatically as
soon as the vehicle begins to
accelerate.Ride control systems
Electronic stability
program
Electronic stability program
(ESP® Plus
) improves driving stability
when necessary, regardless of the
type of road surface or tyre grip. It also prevents the drive wheels from
spinning.
As soon as the vehicle starts to
swerve (understeer/oversteer),
engine output is reduced and the
wheels are braked individually. This
considerably improves the driving
stability of the vehicle on slippery road
surfaces.
ESP® Plus
is operational as soon as
control indicator v extinguishes.
When ESP® Plus
comes into action v
flashes.

148Driving and operating9Warning
Do not let this special safety
feature tempt you into taking risks
when driving.
Adapt speed to the road
conditions.
Control indicator v 3 99.
Deactivation
ESP® Plus
can be deactivated when
Sport mode is engaged for high-
performance driving:
Hold the SPORT button depressed
for about 4 seconds. Control indicator v illuminates. ESPoff also appears in
the service display.9 Warning
Do not deactivate ESP® Plus
if a
run-flat tyre has lost pressure.
ESP® Plus
is reactivated by pressing
the SPORT button. ESPon appears in
the service display. ESP® Plus
is also
reactivated the next time the ignition is switched on.
Sport mode 3 148.
Interactive driving system Interactive driving system (IDS Plus
)
combines the electronic stability
program (ESP® Plus
) with the antilock
brake system (ABS) and continuous damping control (CDC) to improve
driving dynamics and vehicle safety.
Sport mode
Suspension and steering become
more direct and provide better
contact with the road surface. The
engine reacts more quickly to
accelerator pedal movements.
Automatic gear changing is also more
responsive.
Control indicator IDS+ 3 100.
Activation
Press SPORT button.
Control indicator 1 3 98.

Driving and operating151
Note
Attached parts in the detection area
cause system malfunction.
Activation
When reverse gear is engaged, the
system switches itself on
automatically.
The system can also be activated at
low speed by pressing the r button.
An obstacle is indicated by buzzers.
The interval between the buzzers
becomes shorter as the vehicle gets closer to the obstacle. When the
distance is less than 30 cm, the buzzer is continuous.
9 Warning
Under certain circumstances,
various reflective surfaces on
objects or clothing as well as
external noise sources may cause the system to fail to detect
obstacles.
Deactivation
Deactivate the system by pressing
the r button.
The system deactivates automatically
when reverse gear is disengaged.
Towing equipment The system automatically detects
factory-fitted towing equipment.
When towing, plugging the trailer
cable into the socket automatically
switches the parking assist off.
Fuel
Fuel for petrol engines
Only use unleaded fuel that complies
with European standard EN 228 or
E DIN 51626-1 or equivalent.
Your engine is capable to run with
E10 fuel that fulfills these standards.
E10 fuel contains up to 10 %
bioethanol.
Use fuel with the recommended
octane rating 3 216. Use of fuel with
too low an octane rating can reduce
engine power and torque and slightly increases fuel consumption.Caution
Do not use fuel or fuel additives
that contain metallic compounds
such as manganese-based
additives. This may cause engine
damage.

152Driving and operatingCaution
Use of fuel that does not comply toEN 228 or E DIN 51626-1 or
equivalent can lead to deposits or
engine damage and may affect
your warranty.
Caution
Use of fuel with too low an octane
rating could lead to uncontrolled combustion and engine damage.
Fuel for diesel engines
Only use diesel fuel that complies
with EN 590.
In countries outside the European
Union use Euro-Diesel fuel with a
sulfur concentration below 50 ppm.
Caution
Use of fuel that does not comply to EN 590 or similar can lead to
engine powerloss, increased wear
or engine damage and may affect
your warranty.
Do not use marine diesel oils, heating
oils, Aquazole and similar diesel-
water emulsions. Diesel fuels must
not be diluted with fuels for petrol
engines.
Refuelling
9 Danger
Before refuelling, switch off engine
and any external heaters with
combustion chambers (identified
by sticker on fuel filler flap). Switch off any mobile phones.
Follow the operating and safety
instructions of the filling station
when refuelling.
9 Danger
Fuel is flammable and explosive.
No smoking. No naked flames or
sparks.
If you can smell fuel in your
vehicle, have the cause of this
remedied immediately by an
authorized dealer.
Caution
In case of misfuelling, do not
switch on ignition.

Driving and operating153
Fuel filler flap is located at right rear
side of vehicle.
The fuel filler flap can only be opened
if the vehicle is unlocked. Pull flap at
the recess and open.
To open, turn the cap slowly to the left
The fuel filler cap can be retained in
the bracket on the fuel filler flap.
For refuelling, fully insert the pump
nozzle and switch it on.
After automatic cut-off, it can be
topped up with max. two doses of fuel.
Caution
Wipe off any overflowing fuel
immediately.
To close, turn the fuel filler cap to the right until it clicks.
Close the flap and let engage.
Fuel filler cap
Only a genuine fuel filler cap provides
full functionality. Diesel-engined
vehicles have special fuel filler caps.
Fuel consumption - CO 2-
Emissions The fuel consumption (combined) of
the model Opel Astra is within a range
of 7.3 to 5.0 l/100 km.
The CO
2 emission is within a range of
172 to 132 g/km.
General information
For the values specific to your
vehicle, refer to the EEC Certificate of Conformity provided with your vehicle
or other national registration
documents.
The determination of fuel
consumption is regulated by directive
R (EC) No. 715/2007 (in the latest
applicable version).
The specification of CO 2 emission is
also a constituent of the directive.
The figures given must not be taken
as a guarantee for the actual fuel
consumption of a particular vehicle.
Furthermore, fuel consumption is
dependent on personal driving style
as well as road and traffic conditions.
All values are based on the EU base
model with standard equipment.
The calculation of fuel consumption
takes into account the vehicle's kerb
weight, ascertained in accordance
with the regulations. Optional
equipment may result in slightly

154Driving and operating
higher fuel consumption and
CO 2 emission levels and a lower
maximum speed.Trailer hitch
General information
Only use towing equipment that has
been approved for your vehicle.
Entrust retrofitting of towing
equipment to a workshop. It may be
necessary to make changes that
affect the cooling system, heat
shields or other equipment.
Do not mount towing equipment to
vehicles with Z 20 LEH engine.
Fitting of towing equipment could
cover the opening of the towing eye.
If this is the case, use the coupling ball bar for towing. Always keep the
coupling ball bar in the vehicle.
Installation dimensions of factory-
fitted towing equipment 3 232.Driving characteristics and
towing tips Before attaching a trailer, lubricate
the coupling ball. However, do not do
so if a stabiliser, which acts on the
coupling ball, is being used to reduce snaking movements.
For trailers with low driving stability
and trailers with a permitted gross
vehicle weight of more than 1300 kg
(Saloon) /1200 kg (Station wagon) a
speed of 80 km/h must not be
exceeded; the use of a stabiliser is
recommended.
If the trailer starts snaking, drive more
slowly, do not attempt to correct the
steering and brake sharply if
necessary.
When driving downhill, drive in the
same gear as if driving uphill and
drive at a similar speed.
Adjust tyre pressure to the value
specified for full load 3 225.

Driving and operating155Trailer towingTrailer loads
The permissible trailer loads are
vehicle and engine-dependent
maximum values which must not be
exceeded. The actual trailer load is
the difference between the actual
gross weight of the trailer and the
actual coupling socket load with the
trailer coupled.
The permissible trailer loads are
specified in the vehicle documents. In general, they are valid for gradients
up to max. 12 %.
The permitted 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 due to the air
becoming thinner, therefore reducing
climbing ability, the permissible gross
train weight also decreases by 10 %
for every 1000 metres of additional
altitude. The gross train weight does
not have to be reduced when driving
on roads with slight inclines (less than
8 %, e. g. motorways).The permissible gross train weight
must not be exceeded. This weight is specified on the identification plate3 212.
Vertical coupling load
The vertical coupling load is the load
exerted by the trailer on the coupling
ball. It can be varied by changing the
weight distribution when loading the
trailer.
The maximum permissible vertical
coupling load (75 kg) is specified on
the towing equipment identification
plate and in the vehicle documents.
Always aim for the maximum load,
especially in the case of heavy
trailers. The vertical coupling load
should never fall below 25 kg.Rear axle load
When the trailer is coupled and the
towing vehicle fully loaded, the
permissible rear axle load (see
identification plate or vehicle
documents) may be exceeded by
65 kg and the permissible gross
vehicle weight by 45 kg for the
Saloon. For the Station wagon, the
permissible rear axle load may be
exceeded by 60 kg and the
permissible gross vehicle weight by
30 kg. If the permissible rear axle load
is exceeded, a maximum speed of
100 km/h applies.
Towing equipmentCaution
When operating without a trailer,
remove the coupling ball bar.

158Driving and operating
Dismounting the coupling ballbar
Open the protective flap and turn the
key to position c ( 1) 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 socket.
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.
Trailer stability assistant (TSA) is a
function of the Electronic Stability
Program (ESP® Plus
) 3 147.