oil temperature OPEL MERIVA 2009 Owners Manual

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.

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.

206 Service and maintenanceAdditional service workAdditional work ⊕
Additional work is not always necessary at
each service, but can be carried out at the
same time as a regular service.
T h e c o s t o f th i s t y p e o f w o r k i s n o t i n c l ud e d
in the charge for a regular service and will
be invoiced separately. It is, however, more
c o s t - e f f e c t i v e t o h a v e t h i s w o r k d o n e a t t h e
same time as a scheduled service rather
than have it done separately.
Hard driving conditions o
Conditions are considered hard when one
or more of the following situations occurs
more frequently:
z cold start,
z stop and go,
z caravan/trailer towing,
z inclines or steep climbs,
z poor road conditions,
z sand and dust,
z extreme temperature fluctuations.
Police vehicles, taxis and driving school
vehicles are classified as being subjected to
hard driving conditions. With hard driving conditions it might be
necessary to carry out certain service work
more frequently than the scheduled
intervals.
We recommend seeking technical advice
with regard to servic
ing requirements for
your particular driving circumstances.
Recommended fluids and
lubricants Only use products which have been tested
and approved. Damage caused by using
operating materials which have not been
approved is not covere d by the guarantee.
9 Warning
Operating materials are dangerous and
must be handled carefully. If swallowed,
seek medical help immediately. Do not
breath in fumes and avoid contact with
the skin. Keep away from children.
These materials are forbidden to
contaminate waste water, surface
water, groundwater or soil. Dispose of
empty containers correctly. Always
remember that operating materials are
dangerous.

207
Service and maintenance
Engine oil
Engine oil is graded by quality and
viscosity. When choosing an engine oil, the
quality grade is more important than the
viscosity.
Engine oil for Service schedule Europe
Opel engine oil is GM-LL-A-025 and
GM-LL-B-025 grade and therefore suitable
for both petrol and diesel engines.
Engine oil for International service
scheduleEngine oil: top up
Oils from different manufacturers and
different brands of oil can be mixed as long
as the grades (quality and viscosity) are
the same.
Not all the engine oils available on the
market are of a suitable quality. Always
check that the required specification and
classification are given on the cans.
If engine oil of a suitable quality cannot be
obtained, use no more than 1 litre of
category ACEA A3/B4 or A3/B3 (once
between two oil changes). The viscosity
must be suitable for requirements.
It is forbidden to use engine oil of
grades ACEA A1/B1 and A5/B5. Under
certain circumstances, these oils can cause
long-term damage to the engine.
Engine oil additives
The use of motor oil additives can lead to
damage and will invalidate the guarantee.
Engine oil viscosity
Only use engine oils with viscosity
grades 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30 or 5W-40.
The SAE viscosity grading system indicates
the oil’s flowability. Oil is more viscous
when cold than when warm.
Multigrade oil has two numbers. The first,
followed by a W, indicates the viscosity at
low temperatures and the second indicates
the viscosity at high temperatures.
GM-LL-A-025: Petrol engines
GM-LL-B-025: Diesel engines
GM General Motors Europe
LL Long life
A or B Details of engine oil grade
025 Validity code
ACEA-A3: Petrol engines
ACEA-B4: Diesel engines
without diesel
particulate filter
ACEA-C3 Diesel engines with diesel particulate
filter

210 Service and maintenance
Picture no: 16486s.tif
Engine oil In vehicles fitted with engine oil level
monitoring 3, the engine oil level is
checked automatically 385. We
recommend checking the engine oil level
before embarking on long journeys.
Picture no: 16487s.tif
Check with the vehicle on a level surface.
The engine must be at operating
temperature and switched off for at least
5minutes.
Picture no: 17903s.tif
Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, insert it
to the stop on the handle, pull out and read
the engine oil level.
Push the dipstick in as far as it will go and
twist it by half a turn.
Different dipsticks are used depending on
engine variant.
When the engine oil level has dropped to
the MIN mark, top up engine oil.

212 Service and maintenanceDiesel fuel filter On the event of engine oil change, have
fuel filter checked for possible water
residue by a workshop.
Illumination of A indicates water in the
fuel filter 3.
Have fuel filter checked at shorter intervals
if the vehicle is subjected to extreme
operating conditions such as high humidity
(primarily in coastal areas), extremely high
or low outside temperatures and
substantially varying daytime and
night-time temperatures.
Coolant The coolant provid es anti-freeze
protection down to approx. -28 C. .
Picture no: 17905s.tif
Antifreeze and corrosion protection
Have the concentration of the radiator
contents tested by a workshop before
winter starts. The amount of antifreeze
must provide protection down to
approx. -28 C. A lower antifreeze
concentration will reduce the amount of
protection from fros t and corrosion. Add
antifreeze if necessary.
If coolant loss is topped up with water,
have concentration checked and add
antifreeze if necessary.
Caution
Only use approved anti-freeze.
Coolant additives used to give
additional protection against corrosion
and prevention against small leaks can
lead to functional problems. No liability
is accepted for damage caused by using
coolant additives.
9 Warning
Antifreeze is a danger to health; it must
therefore be kept in the original
container and out of the reach of
children.

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

237
Index
KKeyextending .............................................. 26
ignition lock ..................................... 16, 27
Locking doors............................28, 30, 36
Starting .................................................. 27
Starting the engine ............................... 16
Keys ........................................................... 26LLanguage selection .................................. 95
Lashing eyes ............................................. 57
Leather trim ............................................ 197
Light switch ............................................... 11
Lighting ............................................. 11, 102 Driving abroad .................................... 110
Loading .....................................58, 162, 226
Loading the vehicle .................................. 58
Locking doors ...........................2, 28, 30, 36
Locking from the inside ............................ 30
Lubricants ............................................... 210
Luggage compartment Bulb replacement................................ 195
Cover...................................................... 55
Extension ......................................... 32, 53
Lighting ............................................... 109
Loading .................................58, 162, 226
Luggage compartment cover ................. 55
Lumbar support ........................................ 45
MMain beam ................................................ 11 Bulb replacement ....................... 187, 188
Control indicator ................................... 84
Maintenance Air conditioning system...................... 128
Antifreeze protection ......................... 212
Brake fluid ........................................... 214
Brakes .................................................. 213
Catalytic converter ............................. 145
Engine oil ............................................. 210
Fuel consumption ............................... 138
Tyre pressure............................... 154, 228
Tyres .................................................... 155
Manual transmission ........................ 14, 134
Mirrors ................................................... 4, 38
Misted windows ......................118, 121, 124
Mobile telephone.................................... 113
Muffler, see Exhaust system .................. 144NNumber plate lamps Bulb replacement ............................... 193
Number plate lighting............................ 193
Number plates ........................................ 217OOctane numbers ............................. 220, 221
Odometer .................................................. 87
Oil ............................................................ 207 Additives ............................................. 207
Top up ................................................. 207
Viscosity............................................... 207 Oil consumption ..................... 210, 220, 221
Oil level.................................................... 210
Oil pressure ............................................... 84
Opel Service ............................................ 199
Operating temperature ......................... 136
Outside temperature gauge ................... 91
Overrun ........................................... 136, 138
PPaintwork damage................................. 197
Park pilot ................................................. 150
Parking lamps........................................... 11
Bulb replacement ............................... 189
Pedals...................................................... 136
Performance ........................................... 222
Pollen filter .............................................. 127
Power assisted steering, see electronic power steering ................ 86
Power steering, see electronic power steering ........................................ 86
Preheating ................................................ 86
Pushing, towing .............................. 142, 166QQuickheat ............................................... 127RRadio ................................................. 24, 111
Radio equipment (CB) ........................... 113
Radio reception ...................................... 111
Radio remote control ............................... 28
Reading lamps ....................................... 109
Rear lamp cluster ................................... 102 Bulb replacement ............................... 191