steering OPEL MERIVA 2009 Owner's Guide

164 Driving and operationIf the trailer/caravan starts to sway, drive
more slowly, do not attempt to correct the
steering and brake sharply if necessary.
If it is necessary to apply the brakes fully,
depress the brake pedal as hard as
possible.
Remember that the braking distance for
vehicles towing carava ns/trailers with and
without brake is always greater than that
for vehicles not towing a caravan/trailer.
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 3228. Starting on inclines
For vehicles with ma
nual transmission,
the most favourable engine speed
when starting off on an incline is
between 2500 and 3000 rpm for petrol
engines and between 2000 and 2500 rpm
for diesel engines. Hold engine speed
constant, engage clutch gradually (let slip)
– release hand brake – and open throttle. If
possible, the engine speed should not drop
during this procedure.
For vehicles with ma nual transmission
automated 3 in Automatic mode simply
apply full gas. Before starting off under extreme
operating conditions, switch off
unnecessary consumers.

169
Self-help, vehicle care
Picture no: 17918s.tif
Screw in the towing eye anticlockwise as far
as it will go until it stops in a horizontal
position.
Attach a tow rope 3 – or better still a tow
rod 3 – to the eye.
The towing eye may only be used for
towing and not for recovery of the vehicle. Switch on ignition to release steering
column lock and to permit operation of
brake lamps, horn an
d windscreen wipers.
Gear lever in neutral.
Picture no: 17897s.tif
When the engine is not running,
considerably more force is needed to brake
and steer.
To prevent the entry of exhaust fumes from
the towing vehicle, switch on the air
recirculation 3 and close the windows.
Contact a workshop for assistance.
Caution
Drive slowly. Do not drive jerkily.
Excessive tractive force can damage
the vehicle.

178 Self-help, vehicle careTyre repair kit
3
Minor damage to the tyre tread or sidewall
can be repaired with the tyre repair kit.
Do not remove the foreign body from the
tyre.
T y r e d a m a g e e x c e e d i n g 4 m m o r t ha t i s o n
the rim cannot be repaired with the tyre
repair kit.
Important 3181.
In the event of a flat tyre:
z Switch on the hazard warning flashers,
apply the hand brake, engage first gear
or reverse.
z Erect warning triangle as specified.
Warning triangle 3171.
Picture no: 17919S.tif
The tyre repair kit is in the stowage
compartment beneath the floor cover in
the luggage compartment.
1. Remove bag containing tyre repair kit
from compartment. Carefully remove
parts from bag.
2. Remove the compressor.
Picture no: 13639T.tif
3. Remove the electrical connection cable and air hose from the stowage
compartments on the underside of the
compressor.
9 Warning
Do not drive faster than 80 km/h.
Do not use the temporary spare wheel
for a lengthy period.
Steering and handling may be affected.

185
Self-help, vehicle care
Picture no: 14214s.tif
The following fuses are Maxi fuses.
Bulb replacement Switch off the ignition and switch off the
relevant switch or close the doors.
Only hold a new bulb at the base! Do not
touch the bulb glass with your bare hands.
Replace the bulb, checking that the data
on the base matches that of the defective
bulb.
To replace a bulb, pull off the relay box on
the left side. On the right side, pull off the
air hose to the air filter.
Picture no: 16085s.tif
Halogen headlamp systemHeadlamp system has separate bulbs for
dipped beam 1 (bottom bulbs) and main
beam 2 (top bulbs).
No. Circuit
1 Interior fan
2 Power steering
3 ABS
4 Easytronic diesel preheating
system
5 Heated rear window
6 Engine cooling
7 Starter
8 Engine cooling

200 Service and maintenanceService schedule Europe⊕additional work.
o The intervals are shorter where driving conditions are more arduous or country-specific.
Service work
after year
1)
km (x1000)
1)
1)Depending on what occurs first.
1
30 2
60 3
90 4
120 5
150
Carry out a visual check of all warning lamps, lighting and signalling devices,
check steering and ignition locks xxxxx
Remote control: replace batteries (check spare key) every 2 years
Check windscreen wipers, windscreen washer and headlamp washer systems, adjust if
necessary. xxxxx
Check coolant and antifreeze (bright orange) levels
2), adjust if necessary, note
antifreeze temperature in Service and Warranty Booklet (validation fields).
2)If the loss is too great or there are leaks, carry out remedial work in agr eement with the customer.
xxxxx
Check water-carrying hoses for leaks and make sure that they are secure. xxxxx
Check break fluid level
2), top up if necessary. xxx
Check that the battery terminals and lugs are secure xxxxx
Vehicle system check using TECH 2 xxxxx
Replace pollen filter or active charcoal filter xx
⊕o
If the air is particularly polluted, full of du st or sand or pollen, if the air conditioning
system smells Discussion between customer / Opel Partner
Replace air cleaner element every 4 years/60 000 km
⊕
Replace spark plugsevery 4 years/60 000 km
Make a visual check of the ribbed belt xx
⊕
Replace ribbed belt
Z 13 DT, Z 13 DTJ, Z 17 DTH, Z 17 DT, Z 17 DTR. every 10 years/150 000 km
⊕
Check valve clearance,
adjust if necessary
Z 16 LET, Z 16 XEP, Z 17 DTH, Z 17 DT, Z 17 DTR every 10 years/150 000 km

202 Service and maintenance⊕additional work.
o The intervals are shorter where driving conditions are more arduous or country-specific.
Service work
after year
1)
km (x1000)
1)
1)Depending on what occurs first.
1
30 2
60 3
90 4
120 5
150
⊕o
Remove brake drum, clean, carry out visual check every 4 years/60 000 km
Visually inspect steering system boots, track rods, final drive xxxxx
Check track rod end and supporting ball joint xxxxx
⊕
Change brake and clutch fluids (manual transmission automated) every 2 years
Loosen wheel mountings and tighten to 110 Nm
xx
Grease or apply oil to
bolt taper when fitting.
Check tyre condition and pressure (inclu ding spare wheel), correct if necessary.
If there is a tyre inflation system, check that the set is complete and the use-by date is
still valid. Replace sealant bottle every four years.
⊕
Annual service check if the annual distance travelled is greater than 20 000 km.
Visually check the first aid kit (that it is wher e it should be, that it is undamaged and that
the use by date is still valid), lashing eyes and warning triangle every 2 years
Check headlamp settings (including auxi liary headlamps), adjust if necessary xx
Lubricate door hinges, check arms, cylinder lo ck, door latch, bonnet catch, rear panel
hinge xx
Test run, final check (check steering and ig nition lock, instrument and warning lamps,
entire brake system, steering, air conditioni ng system, engine, bodywork and chassis,
reset service/interval display with TECH 2. xxxxx
⊕
Germany only: carry out emissions check, main inspection
First time after three years, then every 2 years
If used commercially to tran sport passengers, taxis, ambulances, hire cars etc annually

203
Service and maintenance
International service schedule⊕ additional work.
o The intervals are shorter where driving conditions are more arduous or country-specific.
Service work
after year
1)
km (x 1000)
1)
1)Depending on what occurs first.
1
15 2
30 3
45 4
60 5
75
Carry out a visual check of all warning lamps, lighting and signalling devices,
check steering and ignition locks xxxxx
Remote control: replace batteries (check spare key) every 2 years
Check windscreen wipers, windscreen washer and headlamp washer systems, adjust if
necessary. xxxxx
Check coolant and antifreeze (bright orange) levels
2), adjust if necessary, note
antifreeze temperature in Service and Warranty Booklet (validation fields).
2)If the loss is too great or there are leaks, carry out remedial work in agr eement with the customer.
xxxxx
Check water-carrying hoses for leaks and make sure that they are secure. xxxxx
Check break fluid level
2), top up if necessary. xxx
Check that the battery terminals and lugs are secure xxxxx
Vehicle system check using TECH 2 xxxxx
Replace pollen filter or active charcoal filter xx
⊕o
If the air is particularly polluted, full of du st or sand or pollen, if the air conditioning
system smells Discussion between customer / Opel Partner
Replace air cleaner element every 4 years/60 000 km
⊕
Replace spark plugsevery 4 years/60 000 km
Make a visual check of the ribbed belt xx
⊕
Replace ribbed belt
Z 13 DT, Z 13 DTJ, Z 17 DTH, Z 17 DT, Z 17 DTR. every 10 years/150 000 km
⊕
Check valve clearance,
adjust if necessary
Z16 LET, Z 16 XEP, Z 17 DTH, Z 17 DT, Z 17 DTR every 10 years/150 000 km

205
Service and maintenance
⊕ additional work.
o The intervals are shorter where driving conditions are more arduous or country-specific.
Service work
after year
1)
km (x 1000)
1)
1)Depending on what occurs first.
1
15 2
30 3
45 4
60 5
75
⊕o
Remove brake drum, clean, carry out visual check every 4 years/60 000 km
Visually inspect steering system boots, track rods, final drive xxxxx
Check track rod end and supporting ball joint xxxxx
⊕
Change brake and clutch fluids (manual transmission automated) every 2 years
Loosen wheel mountings and tighten to 110 Nm
xx
Grease or apply oil to
bolt taper when fitting.
Check tyre condition and pressure (inclu ding spare wheel), correct if necessary.
If there is a tyre inflation system, check that the set is complete and the use-by date is
still valid. Replace sealant bottle every four years.
⊕
Annual service check if the annual distance travelled is greater than 20 000 km.
Visually check the first aid kit (that it is wher e it should be, that it is undamaged and that
the use by date is still valid), lashing eyes and warning triangle every 2 years
Check headlamp settings (including auxi liary headlamps), adjust if necessary xx
Lubricate door hinges, check arms, cylinder lo ck, door latch, bonnet catch, rear panel
hinge xx
Test run, final check (check steering and ig nition lock, instrument and warning lamps,
entire brake system, steering, air conditioni ng system, engine, bodywork and chassis,
reset service/interval display with TECH 2. xxxxx

235
Index
Centre console lighting .................. 108, 109
Changing the remote control battery ..... 29
Changing wheels .................................... 174
Chassis number, see Vehicle identification number ........................... 219
Child restraint system ............................... 65
Child safety locks ................................ 36, 40
Cigarette lighter........................................ 78
Climate control system ........................... 122
Clutch operation ............................. 134, 136
CO2 emissions......................................... 224
Coin holder ................................................ 81
Cold start ................................................. 136
Colour information display ...................... 92
Contrast ..................................................... 96
Control indicator ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ............ 152
Airbag .................................................... 72
Engine electronics ............................... 143
Exhaust ................................................ 143
Immobiliser ............................................ 27
Control indicators ............................... 10, 82 Adaptive Forward Lighting
(AFL) .............................................. 82, 106
Belt tensioners ....................................... 61
Cruise control ...................................... 148
EPS (Electric Power Steering) ............... 86
ESP (Electronic Stability Program) ..... 146
Coolant ............................................ 208, 212
Coolant level ........................................... 213
Coolant temperature display .................. 88
Coolant thermometer ............................... 88
Cornering light ........................................ 106
Correcting time ......................................... 95 Coupling socket load ............................. 163
Courtesy lamp ........................................ 108
Bulb replacement ............................... 194
Cruise control .......................................... 148
Curtain airbags......................................... 71
Curve lighting ......................................... 106
DDashboard, see Instrument panel .......... 15
Data................................................... 26, 218
Date ........................................................... 92
Daytime running lights........................... 102
Decommissioning ................................... 217
Demisting and defrosting Windows .............................................. 118
with climate control system ............... 124
With the air conditioning system....... 121
Diesel fuel filter ....................................... 212
Diesel fuel system ........................... 165, 212
Diesel particle filter.............41, 86, 136, 144
Dimensions .............................................. 231
Dipped beam ............................................ 11 Bulb replacement ....................... 186, 188
Display....................................................... 90
Display mode ............................................ 96
Door locks ......................................... 26, 198
Driving abroad ....................................... 199 Headlamps.......................................... 110
Toll systems ......................................... 112
Driving hints ............................................ 135
EEasytronic ......................................... 15, 129 Driving programmes .......................... 131
Fault .................................................... 133
Interruption of power supply ............. 134
Kickdown............................................. 132
Selector lever................................. 15, 130
Winter programme ............................. 132
Economical driving ................................. 137
Electric power steering ............................. 86
Electric windows ....................................... 40
Electrical system ............................. 181, 216
Electronic components........................... 216
Electronic immobiliser .............................. 27
Electronic Stability Program .................. 146
Engine code .................................... 220, 221
Engine control indicator ........................ 143
Engine oil ........................................ 207, 210 Additives ............................................. 207
Top up ................................................. 207
Viscosity .............................................. 207
Engine oil consumption ... 135, 210, 220, 221
Engine oil level ........................................ 210
Engine oil pressure ................................... 84
Engine speed .......................................... 136
Engine wash............................................ 198
Environmental protection ...................... 196
EPS ............................................................. 86
ESP (Electronic Stability Program) ........ 146
Exhaust control indicator ...................... 143
Exhaust gases......................................... 144
Exhaust system ....................................... 135

236 IndexExterior lighting switch-off delay........... 107
Exterior mirrors..........................4, 36, 38, 41FFan ........................................................... 114
Fault........................................................... 41
Filling station Engine oil level .................................... 210
Fuel .............................................. 220, 221
Opening the bonnet ........................... 165
Tyre pressure ............................... 138, 228
Vehicle data ................................ 218, 219
Windscreen washer system ................ 215
First-aid kit .............................................. 171
Flat tyre ................................................... 178
FlexSpace .................................................. 52
Fog lamps ............................................... 103 Bulb replacement................................ 191
Fog tail lamp ........................................... 104 Bulb replacement................................ 191
Foot brake ....................................... 151, 153
Front passenger airbag ........................... 67
Fuel ......................................... 139, 220, 221
Fuel consumption ........................... 137, 224
Fuel filter.................................................. 212
Fuel gauge ................................................ 88
Fuel system, diesel .................................. 165
Fuses ........................................................ 181GGears ................................................. 14, 134
Generator, see Alternator ........................ 85
Glasses compartment .............................. 81
Glove compartment ................................. 80 Glove compartment lighting ................. 109
Bulb replacement ............................... 195
Graphical information display ................ 90
Gross vehicle weight............................... 226
Gross vehicle weight rating ................... 226
HHalogen headlamp system ................... 185 Bulb replacement ............................... 185
Driving abroad.................................... 110
Hand brake ....................................... 16, 153
Hazard warning lamps .................... 12, 104
Head restraints ............................. 21, 46, 47
Headlamp flash ........................................ 11
Headlamp range adjustment................ 104
Headlamp switch ............................. 11, 102
Headlamp washer system13, 100, 101, 215
Headlamps ............................................... 11 Daytime running lights ....................... 102
Driving abroad.................................... 110
Fog lamps ........................................... 103
Reversing lamps.................................. 104
Warning device ................................... 100
Headlights Changing bulbs .................................. 185
Heated exterior mirrors................ 13, 38, 41
Heated rear window .................... 13, 38, 41
Heated seats............................................. 46
Heating ........................................... 114, 117 Seats ...................................................... 46
With climate control system .............. 123
With the air conditioning system....... 114 Height adjustment
Seat belts .............................................. 63
Steering wheel .........................................5
High-pressure cleaners .......................... 198
Hill Start Assist ........................................ 153
Horn........................................................... 12
IIdentification plate ......................... 218, 219
Idling ....................................................... 134
Ignition switch..................................... 16, 27
Ignition system ............................... 209, 216
Immobiliser ............................................... 27
Information display .................................. 90
Infotainment system .............................. 111
Instrument display ................................... 87
Instrument illumin ation .......................... 108
Bulb replacement ............................... 196
Instrument pane l ...................................... 15
Instruments ................................... 15, 82, 87
Interior mirror.................................. 4, 38, 39
Interruption of po wer supply ................... 99
Easytronic............................................ 134
Electric sun roof .................................... 43
Electric windows ................................... 41
Electronic Stability Program .............. 147
ISOFIX ....................................................... 79JJack ................................................. 171, 176
Jump leads.............................................. 166