transmission OPEL MERIVA 2009 User Guide

129
Driving and operation
Driving and operation
Manual transmission
automated
3
The manual transmission automated
transmission 3 permits manual ( manual
mode ) or automatic gear shifting
(automatic mode ), both with automatic
clutch control.
Picture no: 17878s.tif
Transmission display
Shows the mode and current gear.
If the Winter programme is activated, T is
illuminated.
Manual transmission automated
3... 129
Manual transmission ........................... 134
Driving hints ......................................... 135
Saving fuel, protecting the environment ...................................... 137
Fuels, refuelling .................................... 139
Catalytic converter, exhaust gasses .. 142
Drive Control Systems ......................... 146
Hydraulic brake system ...................... 151
Anti-lock brake system (ABS u ) ........ 152
Hand brake .......................................... 153
Brake assist .......................................... 153
Hill Start Assist 3 (HSA) ...................... 153
Wheels, tyres ........................................ 153
Roof rack 3.......................................... 158
Towing equipment 3........................... 158
Towing equipment with removable coupling ball bar 3........................... 159
Caravan/trailer towing ........................ 162

130 Driving and operation
Picture no: 18386s.tif
Starting the engine
When starting the engine, activate the
footbrake at the same time. The engine
can only be started in position N and with
the footbrake activated. The transmission
display shows "N". If the footbrake is not
activated, the control light j 3 in the
instrument panel illuminates and "N"
flashes in the transmission display, the
engine cannot be started.
If no brake lights are operational, the
engine will not start.
Picture no: 14175s.tif
Operation of manual transmission
automated using selector lever
Always move the selector lever all the way
to the stop. Note the gear or mode
indicator in the transmission display.
Move selector lever toward N
Neutral. Selector lever in
o (centre position)
Once the selector lever has been moved
from N to position o (centre position) with
the foot brake operated, the Easytronic is
in automatic mode and first gear has been
selected (second gear with winter
programme enabled). "A" appears in the
transmission display.
When the foot brake is released the vehicle
starts to "creep". If the foot brake is not
operated, "A" flashes. Start off by pressing
the accelerator immediately or more
selector lever back to N and repeat
procedure with foot brake operated.
In Automatic mode, selection of other
gears is automatic irrespective of driving
conditions.

131
Driving and operation
Picture no: 14175s.tif
Selector lever in A/M
Switch between Automatic and Manual
mode.
In manual mode, gears can be selected
manually by moving the selector lever
to
+or
-. The currect gear is indicated in
the transmission display.
If the engine speed is too low the manual
transmission automated will automatically
shift to a lower gear even in Manual mode.
This prevents the engine from stalling. Selector lever in + or -
If a higher gear is selected when the
running speed is too low, or a lower gear
when the speed is too high, the gear
selection will not take place. This prevents
the engine from running at too low or too
high revs.
Gears can be skipped by jogging the
selector lever repeatedly
at short intervals.
When the vehicle is in automatic mode, the
manual transmission automated shifts to
manual mode by moving the selector lever
to position
+ or
-. The correct gear is
indicated on the transmission display.
Selector lever in R
Reverse gear. Engage only when vehicle is
stationary.
Press button on selector lever, select R. The
transmission display shows "R".
If R is selected when the vehicle is in motion,
"R" flashes in the transmission display and
no gear is engaged. Stopping the vehicle
In Automatic or Manual mode, when the
vehicle has stopped first gear (with Winter
mode engaged, second gear) is engaged
automatically and the
clutch released. In R
reverse remains engaged.
If a warning signal sounds when the
driver’s door is opened (foot brake not
depressed), move the selector lever to N
and apply the hand brake.
When stopping on gradients, engage the
hand brake or depress the brake pedal. To
prevent overheating of the clutch, do not
increase engine speed to ensure smooth
idling when in gear.
Switch off engine if stopping for a lengthy
period, e.g. in traffic jams or at level
crossings.
Electronically controlled driving
programmes in automatic mode
z Following a cold start, the operating
temperature program automatically
increases the engine revolutions to bring
the catalytic converter to the required
temperature.
z The adaptive program automatically
selects the gear according to the driving
conditions, e.g. increased load and
gradients.
+
Shift to a higher gear.
-
Shift to a lower gear.

132 Driving and operation
Picture no: 17889s.tif
Winter programme T
In the event of difficulties starting off on
slippery roads, press button T ("A" and T
appear on the transmission display). The
manual transmission automated switches
to automatic mode and the vehicle sets off
in second gear.
The Winter programme is switched off by:
z pressing the T button again.
z turning off the ignition.
z switching to Manual mode.
z when clutch temperature is too high.
Picture no: 13322a.tif
Kickdown
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.
When the engine speed approaches its
upper limit, the transmission shifts to a
higher gear during kickdown even in
Manual mode.
Without kickdown this automatic shift is
not effected in Manual mode. Engine braking
Automatic mode:
When driving downhill, the manual
transmission automated does not shift into
higher gears until a fairly high engine
speed has been reached. When braking,
the manual transmission automated shifts
down in good time.
Manual mode:To utilise the engine br
aking effect, select a
lower gear in good time when driving
downhill.
"Rocking the car"
The selector lever should only be moved
between o (centre position) and R
repeatedly if it beco mes necessary to rock
the vehicle to free it from sand, mud, snow
or a hole. Do not race the engine and avoid
sudden acceleration.

133
Driving and operation
Picture no: 14083j.tif
Manoeuvring the vehicle
For accurate manoeuvring when parking,
at garage entrances etc., the creeping
movement can be utilised by releasing the
foot brake with a gear selected.
Never actuate accelerator and brake
pedals simultaneously.
To prevent damage, the manual
transmission automated deactivates the
"creep function" when the temperature of
the automatic clutch is extremely high. Vehicle storage
Apply the handbrake and remove the key
from the ignition. The most recently
engaged gear (indicator in transmission
display) remains engaged. With
N, no gear
is engaged.
When the ignition is switched off the
manual transmission automated no longer
responds to movement of the selector
lever.
If the ignition key is not removed, the
battery may be discharg ed if the vehicle is
then left to stand for a lengthy period of
time.
If the hand brake has not been applied, the
control indicator R flashes for a few
seconds after the ignition is switched off.
Picture no: 17890s.tif
Fault
To prevent damage to the automated
manual transmission, the clutch is closed
automatically at high clutch temperatures.
Warning light A lights up if there is a fault.
It is possible to continue driving but manual
mode can no longer be used for changing
gear.
If "F" also appears in the transmission
display, it is not possible to continue
driving.
Have cause of fault remedied by a
workshop. The system’s integrated self
diagnostics allow faults to be quickly
remedied.

134 Driving and operation
Picture no: 14721s.tif
Interruption of power supply
The clutch is not disengaged if there is an
interruption of the power supply when a
gear is engaged. The vehicle cannot move.
If the battery is flat, start the car using
jump leads 3166.
If the cause is not a flat battery, contact a
workshop for assistance. If the vehicle has
to be moved out of flowing traffic,
disengage clutch.
1. Apply hand brake and switch off ignition.
2. Open bonnet and engage support. 3. Clean transmission around the cap (see
Fig.) so that no dirt can get into the
opening when the cap is removed.
4. Rotate cap to slacken and remove by lifting upwards – see figure.
5. Turn the adjusting screw clockwise using a flathead screwdriver (vehicle tools 3
3 171) until clear resistance can be felt.
The clutch has now been disengaged.
6. Fit cleaned cap again. The cap must be in full contact with the housing.
Contact a workshop for assistance
immediately.
Picture no: 15270s.tif
Manual transmissionTo engage reverse, with the vehicle
stationary wait 3 seconds after declutching
and then pull up the bu tton on the selector
lever and engage the gear.
If the gear does not engage, set the lever in
neutral, release the clutch pedal and
depress again; then re peat gear selection.
Do not grind the clutch unnecessarily.
When operating, depress the clutch pedal
completely. Do not use the pedal as a foot
rest (increases clutch wear).
Caution
Do not turn beyond the resistance, since
this can damage the Easytronic.
Caution
Towing the vehicle and starting the
engine is not permitted when the clutch
has been released in this way, although
the vehicle can be moved a short
distance.

136 Driving and operationSave energy – more kilometres
Please observe the running-in hints on the
previous page and the tips for energy
saving on the following pages.
Good, technically correct and economical
driving ensures maximum durability and
performance for your vehicle.
Overrun cut-off
The fuel supply is automatically cut off
during overrun, e.g. when the vehicle is
driven with a gear engaged but no throttle
application. Overrun cut-off is deactivated
if catalytic converter temperature is high.
Vehicles with turbocharged engine
3
Flow-generated noises may be audible if
the accelerator is released quickly on
account of air flow in the turbocharger.
Engine speed
Drive in a low engine speed range for each
gear as much as possible. Warming up
Allow the engine to wa
rm up while driving.
Do not warm it up by letting it ru n at idling
speed. Do not apply full throttle until the
engine has reached operating
temperature.
After a cold start, the manual transmission
automated 3 does not switch to higher
gears until the speed increases when it is in
automatic mode. This allows the catalytic
converter to reach th e temperature quickly
which is required for optimum emission
reduction.
Correct gear selection
Do not race your engine whilst in neutral or
with a low gear selected. Driving too fast in
individual gears as well as stop-and-go
traffic increases engine wear and fuel
consumption.
Change down
When decreasing speed, shift down into
the next lowest gear. Do not slip the clutch
with a high-revving engine. This is
especially important when hill climbing. Cooling fan
The cooling fan is controlled via a
thermoswitch and therefore only runs if
necessary.
The cooling fan automatically switches on
when the diesel particle filter is being
cleaned
3 depending on the engine.
Pedals
Do not place any objects in the foot well
which could slip under the pedals and
inhibit the pedal travel.
To ensure the pedal travel is uninhibited,
there must be no mats in the area of the
pedals.
Battery care
When driving slowly or when the vehicle is
stationary, e.g. in slow urban traffic, stop-
and-go traffic or traffic jams, turn off all
unnecessary electrical loads where
possible (e.g. heated rear window, heated
front seats, etc.).
Declutch when starting in order to relieve
the strain on the starter and the battery.

139
Driving and operation
Fuels, refuellingFuel consumption
The fuel consumption is determined under
specified driving conditions 3224.
Special equipment increases the weight of
the vehicle. As a result, they can increase
fuel consumption and reduce the specified
maximum speed.
For the first few thousand kilometres,
friction between the engine and
transmission components is higher. This
increases fuel consumption. Fuel for petrol engines
Only use unleaded fuel that complies
with DIN EN 228.
Fuels with ethanol content greater than 5 %
may only be used if the vehicle has been
specifically developed and approved for
these fuels.
Use fuel with the recommended octane
rating (value in bold
3220). Use of fuel
with too low an octane rating can reduce
engine power and torque and will slightly
increase fuel consumption. Fuel for diesel engines
Only use diesel fuel that complies
with DIN EN 590. The fuel must have low
sulphur content (maximum 50 ppm).
Do not use marine diesel oils, heating oils
or entirely or partially plant-based diesel
fuels, such as rape seed oil or bio diesel,
Aquazole and similar diesel-water
emulsions. Diesel fuels must not be diluted
with fuels for petrol engines.
The flow and filterability of diesel fuel are
temperature-dependent. When
temperatures are low, re
fuel with diesel fuel
with guaranteed winter properties.
Caution
Use of fuel with too low an octane rating
could lead to uncontrolled combustion
and engine damage.

143
Driving and operation
Picture no: 17891s.tif
Control indicator
Z for exhaust
Illuminates when the ignition is switched on
and during the start attempt. Goes off
shortly after the engine starts running.
Illumination whilst the engine is running
indicates a fault in the emission control
system. The permissible emission limits
may be exceeded. Contact a workshop for
assistance immediately.
Illumination with the engine running
indicates a fault that can cause damage to
the catalytic converter. It is possible to
continue driving without causing damage
by slowing down until the flashing stops
and the control indicator illuminates.
Contact a workshop for assistance
immediately.
Picture no: 17880s.tif
Control indicator
A
for engine electronics
Illuminates for a few seconds after the
ignition is switched on.
If it illuminates when the engine is running,
there is a fault in engine or transmission
electronics. The electr onic system switches
to an emergency runni ng programme. Fuel
consumption may be increased and the
driveability of the vehicle may be impaired.
In some cases the fault can be remedied by
switching the engine off and starting it
again. If the control indicator continues to
illuminate whilst the en gine is running,
contact a workshop for assistance in
remedying the cause of the fault. If it illuminates briefly, but does not recur, it
is of no significance.
Lighting of
A may indicate water in the
diesel fuel filter 3. Have the fuel filter
checked for water residue 3212.
If it flashes after the ignition is switched on,
there is a fault in the immobiliser system.
The engine cannot be started 327.

148 Driving and operationCruise control 3
Cruise control can store and maintain
speeds of approx. 30 to 200 km/h.
Deviation from the stored speed is possible
on uphill or downhill inclines.
For safety reasons the cruise control
cannot be activated until the foot brake
has been operated once.
The cruise control is operated with the
buttons I, R and O on the turn signal lever.
Do not use the cruise control if it is not
advisable to maintain a constant speed
(e.g. in situations presenting a danger to
yourself and other road users, in heavy
traffic or on winding, slippery or greasy
roads). For manual transmission automated
3,
engage cruise control in automatic mode
only.
Picture no: 17893s.tif
Control indicator
m 3
The warning lamp lights up for a few
seconds 3 when the ignition is switched on.
The system is now ready for operation.
When driving, th e warning lamp m lights
up as soon as the sy stem is switched on.
9 Warning
When the cruise control is active,
reaction times may be increased due to
the different position of the feet.