brakes OPEL ASTRA SALOON 2014 Owners Manual

In brief17
Automatic transmissionP=parkR=reverseN=neutralD=drive
The selector lever can only be movedout of P or N when the ignition is on
and the foot brake is depressed
(selector lever lock). To engage P or
R , push button on selector lever.
The automatic transmission is
available in two versions 3 136.
Starting off
Check before starting off ■ Tyre pressure and condition 3 190,
3 225.
■ Engine oil level and fluid levels 3 161.
■ All windows, mirrors, exterior lighting and number plates are free
from dirt, snow and ice and are
operational.
■ Proper position of seats, seat belts and mirrors 3 49, 3 55, 3 33.
■ Brake function at low speed, particularly if the brakes are wet.Starting engine with ignition
switch
Turn key to position 1. Move the
steering wheel slightly to release the
steering wheel lock. Operate clutch
and brake, automatic transmission in
P or N, do not accelerate; for diesel
engines, turn the key to position 2 for
preheating and wait until control
indicator ! goes out; turn key to
position 3 and release key when
engine is running.

132Driving and operatingDriving and operatingDriving hints............................... 132
Starting and operating ...............132
Engine exhaust .......................... 135
Automatic transmission .............. 136
Manual transmission ..................141
Manual transmission automa‐
ted .............................................. 142
Brakes ........................................ 146
Ride control systems .................147
Cruise control ............................. 149
Object detection systems ........... 150
Fuel ............................................ 151
Trailer hitch ................................ 154Driving hints
Control of the vehicleNever coast with engine not
running
Many systems will not function in this
situation (e.g. brake servo unit, power
steering). Driving in this manner is a
danger to yourself and others.
Pedals To ensure the pedal travel is
uninhibited, there must be no mats in
the area of the pedals.Starting and operating
New vehicle running-in Do not brake unnecessarily hard for
the first few journeys.
During the first drive, smoke may
occur because of wax and oil
evaporating off the exhaust system.
Park the vehicle in the open for a
while after the first drive and avoid
inhaling the fumes.
Fuel and engine oil consumption may be higher during the running-in
period.

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.

Vehicle care163
Coolant levelCaution
Too low a coolant level can causeengine damage.
When the cooling system is cold, the
coolant level should be just above the
KALT/COLD 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.
Top up with antifreeze. If no
antifreeze is available, use clean tap
water or distilled water. Install the cap
tightly. Have the antifreeze
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 windscreen
washer fluid which contains
antifreeze.
Brakes A squealing noise indicates that the
brake lining is at its minimum
thickness. 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.

238IndexAAccessories and vehicle modifications .......................... 159
Active head restraints ...................48
Adaptive forward lighting ...101, 119
Adjustable air vents ...................130
Airbag, belt tensioners and anti- roll bars ..................................... 96
Airbag system .............................. 57
Air conditioning regular operation ................................ 131
Air conditioning system .............. 125
Air intake .................................... 131
Air vents...................................... 130
Antilock brake system ................ 146
Antilock brake system (ABS) .......98
Anti-theft alarm system ........30, 111
Anti-theft locking system .............. 30
Appearance care ........................203
Apply footbrake .......................... 101
Armrest .................................. 52, 53
Armrest storage ........................... 68
Ashtrays ....................................... 91
Automatic anti-dazzle ..................34
Automatic climate control system .................................... 126
Automatic level control ..............149
Automatic light control ...............117Automatic transmission .............136
Auxiliary heater ........................... 130
B
Battery discharge protection ......123
Battery voltage ........................... 110
Board-Info-Display .....................102
Bonnet ....................................... 161
Brake and clutch fluid .................208
Brake and clutch system .............98
Brake assist ............................... 147
Brake fluid .................................. 164
Brake light switch ....................... 110
Brakes ............................... 146, 163
Breakdown.................................. 201
Bulb replacement ....................... 166
C Capacities .................................. 224
Cargo management system ........75
Car Pass ...................................... 20
Catalytic converter .....................136
Central locking system ................25
Centre console lighting ..............122
Changing tyre and wheel size ...192
Charging system .......................... 97
Child locks ................................... 28
Child restraint installation locations ................................... 62
Child restraints with transponders 65