brake fluid OPEL MERIVA 2009 Owners Manual

15
In Brief
Picture no: 14175s.tif
Automated manual
transmission
3
To move the selector lever from N to R
press the button on the lever.
Only start in N with foot brake applied.
Automated manual transmission 3 3 129.
Before starting off, checkz Tyre pressure and tyre condition 3155,
3 228.
z Engine oil level and fluid levels 3209 to
3 216.
z All windows, mirrors, exterior lighting
and number plates are free from dirt,
snow and ice and operational.
z Seats, seat belts and mirrors are
correctly adjusted. 344, 359, 336.
z Check brake function at low speed,
particularly if the brakes are wet.
Picture no: 15678t.tif
Steering wheel lock and ignitionTurn key to position 1. Move the steering
wheel slightly to release the steering wheel
lock.
N
=Idle/start position
o =Driving position
+ = Higher gear
- = Lower gear
A/M = Switch between Automatic and
Manual mode
R = Reverse gear
(with selector lever lock) 0=Ignition off
1 = Steering free, ignition off
2 =Ignition on, with diesel engine: pre-
heating
3 =Starting

58 Seats, Interior
Picture no: 14110s.tif
Notes on loading the vehicle zHeavy objects in the luggage
compartment should be placed as far
forward as possible against the properly
engaged rear seat backrests or, if the
rear seat backrests are folded down,
against the front seat backrests. If
objects are to be stacked, the heavier
objects should be placed at the bottom.
z Secure heavy objects with lashing
straps 3 attached to lashing eyes 357.
z When transporting objects with rear seat
backrests tilted forward, fit the safety net
356. z
Close luggage compartment cover 3
3 55.
z If the backrests are not folded down
when transporting objects in the
luggage compartment, they must be
engaged in an upright position 355.
z Do not allow the load to protrude above
the upper edge of the backrests.
z The warning triangle 3 and first-aid kit
(cushion) 3 must always be freely
accessible.
z Do not place any objects on the luggage
compartment cover 3 or the instrument
panel.
z No objects must be placed in the airbag
inflation area, since they could cause
injury when the systems are triggered.
z Items loaded must not prevent operation
of the pedals, hand brake and gears or
obstruct the freedom of movement of
the driver. Do not place loose objects in
the interior.
z Do not drive with luggage compartment
open when transporting bulky objects,
for example, since toxic exhaust fumes
could penetrate the interior.
z The payload is the difference between
the permitted gross vehicle weight (see
identification plate 3218) and the EC
kerb weight. z
To calculate the EC kerb weight, enter
the data for your vehicle on page 3 226.
z The EC kerb weight includes allowances
for the driver (68 kg), luggage (7 kg) and
all fluids (tank 90 % full).
z Optional equipment and accessories
increase the kerb weight.
z Weights and loads 3226.
z Driving with a roof load increases the
sensitivity of the vehicle to cross-winds
and has a detrimental effect on vehicle
handling due to the vehicle’s higher
centre of gravity. Distribute the load
evenly and secure it properly with
retaining straps. Adjust the tyre pressure
to the load conditions. Do not drive
faster than 120 km/h. Check and re-
tighten the straps frequently. Observe
country-specific regulations.
z The permissible roof load is 100 kg. The
roof load consists of the weight of the
roof rack plus the load carried.

85
Instruments, Controls
Picture no: 18385s.tif
T
Winter mode for manual transmission
automated 3
Control indicator lights up yellow.
Control indicator lights up when winter
program is enabled 3132. m

Cruise control 3
Control indicator lights up green
This comes on when the system is switched
on 3148.
r
Fog tail lamp
Control indicator lights up yellow.
This comes on when the fog tail lamp is
switched on 3104.
Picture no:
p

Alternator
Control indicator lights up red.
It illuminates when the ignition is switched
on and goes out shortly after the engine
starts.
Illuminates when the engine is running
Stop, switch off engine. Battery is not
charging. Contact a workshop
immediately. R

Brake system, clutch system
Control indicator lights up or flashes red.
Illuminated
Illuminates when the ignition is switched on
if the hand brake is applied 3151.
Lights up when the hand brake is released
when the fluid level for the brake or clutch
systems is low 3214.
FlashesOn vehicles with manual transmission
automated 3, control indicator R flashes
for a few seconds after the ignition is
switched off when the hand brake has not
been applied. u

Anti-lock brake system
Control indicator lights up red.
Illuminates while driving
Fault in anti-lock braking system 3152. S

Engine oil level 3
Control indicator lights up yellow.
The engine oil level is checked
automatically 3.
Illuminates when the engine is running

Engine oil level too lo w. Check engine oil
level and top up engine oil if necessary
3 210.
9 Warning
Stop. Do not continue your journey.
Consult a workshop.

151
Driving and operation
Picture no: 14722s.tif
Hydraulic brake system 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, the brake pedal must be
depressed a considerable way before any
braking effect occurs, and much more
force is required. The braking distance is
longer. Contact a workshop for assistance
before continuing to drive. To ensure that full
pedal travel can be
utilised, especially in case of a fault in one
of the brake circuits, there must be no mats
in the vicinity of the pedals 3136.
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. This is especially important
to bear in mind when towing.
The brake fluid level should be checked
regularly. If the brake fluid level is too low
and the hand brake is not applied, control
indicator R on the instrument panel
illuminates 385.
Picture no: 17894s.tif
Brake system control indicator R
The control indicator illuminates after the
ignition is turned on, when the hand brake
is applied or if the brake or clutch fluid level
is too low. Brake fluid 3214.
9 Warning
If the control indicator illuminates when
the hand brake is released, stop driving
immediately. Contact a workshop for
assistance.

167
Self-help, vehicle care
Picture no: 15286a.tif
zNever expose the battery to naked
flames or sparks.
z A flat battery can fr eeze at temperatures
around 0 C. Defrost the battery before
connecting up jump leads.
z Do not allow battery fluid to come into
contact with eyes, skin, fabrics or
painted surfaces. The fluid contains
sulphuric acid which can cause injuries
and damage in the event of direct
contact.
z Wear eye protection and protective
clothing when handling a battery. z
Use a booster battery with the same
voltage (12 volts). Its capacity (Ah) must
not be much less than that of the
discharged battery.
z Use jump leads with insulated terminals
and a cross section of at least 16 mm
2
(25 mm
2 for diesel engines).
z Do not disconnect the discharged
battery from the vehicle.
z Switch off all unnecessary electrical
consumers.
z Do not lean over the battery during jump
starting.
z Do not allow the terminals of one lead to
touch those of the other lead.
z The vehicles must not come into contact
with each other during the jump starting
process.
z Apply the handbrake. Gear lever in
neutral.
Picture no: 16485s.tif
Lead connection order:
1. Connect the red lead to the positive
terminal 1 of the booster battery.
2. Connect the other red lead to the positive terminal 2 of the discharged
battery.
3. Connect the black lead to the negative terminal 3 of the booster battery.
4. Connect the other end of the black lead 4 to a vehicle grounding point, such
as the engine block or a screw
connection in the engine suspension.
Connect as far away from the
discharged battery as possible.

198 Self-help, vehicle careWindows and windscreen wiper blades
Use a soft lint-free cloth or chamois leather
together with window cleaner and insect
remover.
When cleaning the rear window, make sure
the heating element inside the window is
not damaged.
For mechanical removal of ice, use a sharp-
edged ice scraper. Pre ss the scraper firmly
against the glass so that no dirt can get
under it and scratch the glass.
Clean smearing wiper blades with a soft
cloth and window cleaner. Locks
The locks are lubricated with a high-quality
locking cylinder grease
in the factory. Only
use de-icer in urgent cases, since it has a
de-greasing effect and affects the
operation of the locks. Have the locks re-
greased in a workshop after using de-icer.
Engine compartment
Look after areas in the engine
compartment that are painted in the same
colour as the vehicle like any other
paintwork.
It is advisable to wash the engine
compartment before and after winter and
preserve it with wax. Cover alternator and
brake fluid reservoir with plastic sheets
before washing the engine.
When washing the engine with a steam-jet
cleaner, do not direct the steam jet at
components of the Anti-lock Braking
System 3, the automatic air conditioning
system 3 or the belt drive and its
components.
After an engine wash, have all engine room
components preserved thoroughly by a
workshop using protective wax.
Do not use high-pressure jet cleaners. Underbody
Some areas of the vehicle underbody have
a PVC undercoating while other critical
areas have a durable protective wax
coating.
After the underbody is washed, check the
underbody and have more protective wax
applied if necessary.
Bitumen/rubber materials could damage
the PVC coating. Have underbody work
carried out by a workshop.
Before and after winter, wash the
underbody and have the protective wax
coating checked.
Towing equipment
Do not clean the coupling ball bar with a
steam-jet or high-pressure jet cleaner.

199
Service and maintenance
Service and
maintenance
Scheduled maintenanceThese service intervals apply only under
normal driving conditions. If conditions are
more arduous 3206
Service interval display 3208.
European service intervals
Every 30 000 km or annually, whichever
occurs first.
International service intervals
Every 15 000 km or annually, whichever
occurs first.
Validation
Service is validated using the spaces
provided in the Service and Warranty
Booklet. The date of service and kilometre
reading are added, stamped and signed
by the service workshop.
Ensure that the Service and Warranty
Booklet is filled in correctly - an
uninterrupted service history is important
when making guarantee or goodwill
claims, and is also an advantage when
selling the vehicle on.
Service scheduleThe service schedule applies in the
following countries: Andorra, Austria,
Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,
Germany, Great Br itain, Greece,
Greenland, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy,
Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
Slovakia, Slovenia , Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland.
The international serv ice schedule applies
in all other countries.
Scheduled maintenance ..................... 199
Service schedule .................................. 199
Additional service work ....................... 206
Recommended fluids and lubricants .. 206
Inspection system ................................ 208
Genuine Opel Parts and Accessories .. 209
Performing work .................................. 209
Engine oil .............................................. 210
Diesel fuel filter .................................... 212
Coolant ................................................. 212
Brakes ................................................... 213
Brake fluid ............................................ 214
Windscreen wiper replacement .......... 215
Windscreen and headlamp washer
systems 3........................................... 215
Battery .................................................. 216
Protecting electronic components ..... 216
Laying the vehicle up for a long period of time .................................... 217
Putting the vehicle back into service ... 217

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

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

209
Service and maintenance
Genuine Opel Parts and
Accessories We recommend that you use "Genuine
Opel Parts and Accessories" and
conversion parts released expressly for
your vehicle type. These parts have
undergone special tests to establish their
reliability, safety and specific suitability for
Opel vehicles. Despit e continuous market
monitoring, we cannot assess or guarantee
these attributes for other products, even if
they have been granted approval by the
relevant authorities or in some other form.
"Genuine Opel Parts and Accessories" and
conversion parts approved by Opel can be
obtained from your Op el Partner, who can
provide expert advice on permitted
technical changes and ensure correct
installation.
Picture no: 17922S.tif
Performing work To avoid injury from moving parts and
cables conducting ignition voltage, only
carry out engine compartment checks
(e. g. checking brake fluid or engine oil
level) when the igniti on is switched off.
Picture no: 14234s.tif
To aid identification, the caps to be
removed for topping up engine oil, coolant
and washer fluid and the dipstick handle
may be coloured yellow.
9 Warning
Only perform engine compartment
checks when the ignition is off.
The cooling fan may start operating
even if the ignition is off.
9 Warning
The ignition system 3 and Xenon
headlamps 3 use extremely high
voltage. Do not touch.