check engine 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

27
Keys, doors, windows, slide and tilt sunroof
Picture no: 15761t.tif
Electronic immobiliser The system checks whether the vehicle is
allowed to start with the key used. Once
the transponder in the key is recognised,
the vehicle can be started.
The electronic immobiliser activates
automatically when the key is removed
from the ignition switch.
Picture no: 17880s.tif
Control indicator for immobilizer A
Control indicator A illuminates briefly
when the ignition is switched on.
If the control indicator flashes when the
ignition is on, there is a fault in the system;
the engine cannot be started. Switch off
the ignition and then repeat the start
attempt.
If the control indicator A continues to
flash, please try to start the engine using
the second key and contact a workshop. If control indicator
A illuminates after the
engine has started, there is a fault in the
engine electronics or transmission
electronics 3 3 83, 3133, 3143 or there is
water in the diesel fuel filter 3 3212.
Note
The immobiliser does not lock the doors.
Therefore, always lock the vehicle before
leaving it unattended and enable the
anti-theft alarm system 3 3 34.

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.

88 Instruments, Controls
Picture no: 17906s.tif
Coolant temperature display
Coolant temperature display For physical reasons, the engine
temperature gauge shows the coolant
temperature only if the coolant level is
adequate.
During operation the system is pressurised.
The temperature may therefore rise briefly
to over 100 C.
Picture no: 17907s.tif
Fuel gauge
Fuel tank level display.
If the fuel level is too low, a warning lamp
lights up
Y. When the light flashes, refuel as
soon as possible.
Never run the tank dry!
Because of the fuel remaining in the tank,
the amount of fuel required to fill the
tank may be less than the specified tank
capacity.
Pointer in zone at
left
= Engine operating
temperature not yet
reached.
Pointer between
the zones = Normal operating
temperature.
Pointer in zone at
right (warning
zone) = Temperature too
high: Stop vehicle
and switch off
engine. Danger to
engine. Check
coolant level
immediately 3 213.

135
Driving and operation
Driving hintsThe first 1000 km
Drive your vehicle at various speeds. Do
not use full throttle. Never allow the engine
to labour at low revs.
Drive moderately. In all gears, only depress
the accelerator pedal around
3/4 of the way
down.
Do not drive faster than three quarters of
maximum speed.
Do not brake unnecessarily hard for the
first 200 km.
During the first drive smoke may develop
because of wax and oil evaporating on 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 is higher
than normal during the running-in period.
Never coast with engine not running
Many units will not function in this situation
(e.g. brake servo unit, power steering 3).
Driving in this manner is a danger to
yourself and others. Brake servo unit
When the engine is not running, the brake
servo unit is no longer effective once the
brake pedal has been depressed once or
twice. Braking effect is not reduced, but
significantly greater force is required for
braking.
Electric power steering
3
If the power assisted steering fails when
being towed with the engine switched off,
the vehicle can still be steered, but
considerably more force is required.
Driving in mountainous terrain or with a
trailer/caravan
The cooling fan is elec trically operated. Its
cooling power is therefore independent of
the engine speed.
Since a considerable amount of heat is
generated at high engine speeds and less
at slower speeds, do not shift down when
climbing hills whilst the vehicle is still coping
with the gradient in the higher gear. Driving with a roof load
Do not exceed the permissible roof load
3
226. For reasons of safety, distribute the
load evenly and secure it properly with
retaining straps. Adjust tyre pressure to
load conditions. Do not drive faster
than 120 km/h. Check and retighten the
straps frequently. Observe country-specific
regulations.
Switching off the engine
When you switch off, fans in the engine
compartment may continue running for a
time to cool the engine.
If the engine temperature is very high, e.g.
after driving in mountainous terrain: allow
the engine to idle for approximately two
minutes in order to prevent heat
accumulation.
Vehicles with turbocharged engine
3
After running at high engine speeds or high
engine loads, operate the engine briefly
at a low load or run in neutral for
approx. 30 seconds before switching off in
order to protect the turbocharger.

137
Driving and operation
Saving fuel, protecting the
environmentTrend-setting technology
Environmentally friendly and mainly
recyclable materials were used when your
vehicle was being developed and
manufactured. The production methods
used to make your vehicle are also
environmentally-compatible.
Recycling of production wastes keeps the
circulation of material closed. Reduction of
energy and water requirements also helps
to conserve natural resources.
A highly advanced design means that your
vehicle can be easily disassembled at the
end of its working life, and the individual
materials separated for subsequent re-use.
Materials such as asbestos and cadmium
are not used. The refrigerant in the air
conditioning system 3 is CFC-free.
New painting techniques employ water as
a solvent. End-of-life vehicle recovery
Information on end-of-life vehicle recovery
centres and the recycling of end-of-life
vehicles is availabl
e at www.opel.com.
Energy and environment-conscious
driving
z High noise levels and exhaust emissions
are often a result of driving without due
attention to saving energy and
protecting the environment.
z You should therefore drive with energy in
mind: "more miles – less fuel".
Reduce the noise level and exhaust
emissions by adopting an environment-
conscious driving style. This is extremely
worthwhile and improves the quality of
life.
Fuel consumption depends to a great
extent on your own personal driving
style. The following hints are intended to
help you consume fuel at a rate that is as
close as possible to the specified levels
3224.
Check your vehicle’s fuel consumption
every time you refuel. This facilitates
early detection of any irregularities
causing increased fuel consumption. Warming up
z
Full throttle and warming up at idle
speed increase wear, fuel consumption,
exhaust emission, the amount of
pollutant in the exhaust and the amount
of noise.
z Drive off immediately after starting.
Warm up the engine by running it at
moderate engine speeds.
Uniform speed
z Hectic driving significantly increases fuel
consumption, the exhaust emissions, the
proportion of pollutant in the exhaust
gas and the noise level.
z Do not accelerate and brake
unnecessarily. Drive at uniform speed,
watching the road.
Avoid frequent starting off and stopping
e.g. at traffic lights, in short distance
traffic and in queues of traffic by means
of clever planning. Select roads with
good traffic flow.
Idling
z The engine also consumes fuel when
idling.
z If you have to wait for more than one
minute, it is worthwhile switching off the
engine. Five minutes of idling
corresponds to approximately one
kilometre of driving.

138 Driving and operationOverrun
zThe fuel supply is shut off automatically
on overrun, e.g. when descending steep
hills or when braking 3136.
z To enable the overrun cut-off to come
into action and save fuel, do not
accelerate or declutch during overrun.
Correct gear selection
z High revs increase engine wear and fuel
consumption.
z Do not race your engine. Avoid driving at
high engine speeds.
Making use of the tachometer helps to
save fuel. Drive in a low engine speed
range for each gear as much as possible
with uniform engine speeds. Drive as
often as possible in top gear, select the
next higher gear as soon as possible,
and only change down when the engine
is no longer running perfectly smoothly.
High speed
z The higher the speed, the higher the
consumption and the noise level. At top
speed, you consume a great deal of fuel
and produce excessive noise and
exhaust emissions. z
Slightly releasing th e accelerator pedal
results in distinct fu el savings with no
major loss of speed.
Drive at no more than around three
quarters of maximum speed and you will
use up to 50 % less fuel, without losing a
great deal of time.
Tyre pressure
z Inadequate tyre pressure, leading to
higher road resistance, costs money in
two ways: for more fuel and increased
tyre wear.
z Regular checks (every 14 days) pay off.
Electrical loads
z The power consumption of electrical
equipment increases fuel consumption.
z Switch off all auxiliary electrical loads
(e.g. air conditioning 3, heated rear
window) when not needed.
Roof racks, ski-holders
z Due to air resistance, a roof load can
increase fuel consumption by
approx. 1l/100 km.
z Remove them if they are not being used. Repair and maintenance
z
Improper repairs or adjustment and
maintenance work can increase fuel
consumption. Do not carry out work on
the engine yourself.
You may out of ignorance infringe
environmental laws by not disposing of
materials properly.
Appropriate parts might not be recycled.
Contact with some of the materials
involved may pose a health hazard.
z We recommend that repair and
maintenance be entrusted to your Opel
Partner.
Extreme driving conditions
z Going up steep slopes, cornering, driving
on poor roads and winter driving all
increase fuel consumption.
Fuel consumption increases dramatically
in urban traffic and at winter
temperatures, especially on short trips
when the engine operating temperature
is not reached.
z Follow the hints given above to keep
consumption to a minimum under such
conditions.

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.

145
Driving and operation
Picture no: 18535s.tif
We recommend not stopping driving
during cleaning, and not switching off the
ignition. Cleaning is fa stest at high engine
revs and high loads.
Picture no: 18603s.tif
The control indicator
! goes off as soon as
the self-cleaning operation is complete. Maintenance
Have all maintenance work carried out at
the specified intervals. We recommend
that you entrust this work to your Opel
Partner, who has proper equipment and
trained personnel available. Electronic
testing systems permit rapid diagnosis and
remedy of faults. This way you can be
certain that all components of the vehicle’s
electrical, injection and ignition systems
operate correctly, that your vehicle has a
low level of pollutant emission and that the
catalytic converter system will have a long
service life.
You are thereby making an important
contribution towards keeping the air clean
and compliance with emissions legislation.
Checking and adjustment of the fuel-
injection and ignition systems is included in
the inspection. For this reason, you should
have all maintenance work carried out at
the intervals specified in your Service and
Warranty Booklet.

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.