tow bar VAUXHALL ASTRA J 2016.5 Owner's Manual

90StorageNotice
● If mounted in position 2 or 3, the
space between the rear floor cover and the height adjustable
cover can be used as a stowage
compartment.
● The height adjustable cover can be lifted and hooked in with thestrap when it is mounted in
position 1 or 2.
● If mounted in position 2, an
almost completely flat load-bay is
created if the rear seat backrests
are folded forwards.
● Opening the side covers (e.g. when exchanging the rear light
bulbs) is only possible with the
height adjustable cover mounted
in position 1 or 2.Caution
The height adjustable cover is
able to withstand a load of no more
than 100 kg.
Rear floor cover, Sports tourer
Lift the rear floor cover by pulling the
handle. Fold and place the cover
behind the rear seats.
The storage compartment below the rear floor cover can be divided by a
bar.
Insert the bar into the recesses at the
sidewalls.
Caution
Insert the bar into the rearmost
recess when transporting heavy objects in the load compartment.Otherwise the rear floor cover may be damaged.

Driving and operating223Trailer hitch
General information
Only use towing equipment that has
been approved for your vehicle.
Entrust retrofitting of towing
equipment to a workshop. It may be
necessary to make changes that
affect the cooling system, heat
shields or other equipment.
The bulb outage detection function for trailer brake light cannot detect a
partial bulb outage, e.g. in case of 4 x
5 Watt bulbs, the function only detects
lamp outage when only a single
5 Watt lamp remains or none remain.
Fitting of towing equipment could
cover the opening of the towing eye.
If this is the case use the coupling ball bar for towing. Always keep the
coupling ball bar in the vehicle.Driving characteristics and
towing tips
Before attaching a trailer, lubricate the coupling ball. However, do not do
so if a stabiliser, which acts on the coupling ball, is being used to reduce snaking movements.
For trailers with low driving stability
and caravan trailers with a permitted
gross vehicle weight of more than
1300 kg (Sports tourer: 1200 kg) the
use of a stabiliser is strongly
recommended when driving above
50 mph.
If the trailer starts snaking, drive more slowly, do not attempt to correct the
steering and brake sharply if
necessary.
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 3 308.Trailer towing
Trailer loads The permissible trailer loads are
vehicle and engine-dependent
maximum values which must not be
exceeded. The actual trailer load is the difference between the actual
gross weight of the trailer and the
actual coupling socket load with the
trailer coupled.
The permissible trailer loads are
specified in the vehicle documents. In general, they are valid for gradients
up to max. 12%.
The permitted trailer load applies up to the specified incline and up to an
altitude of 1000 metres above sea
level. Since engine power decreases
as altitude increases due to the air
becoming thinner, therefore reducing
climbing ability, the permissible gross
train weight also decreases by 10%
for every 1000 metres of additional
altitude. The gross train weight does
not have to be reduced when driving
on roads with slight inclines (less than
8%, e.g. motorways).

224Driving and operatingThe permissible gross train weight
must not be exceeded. This weight is
specified on the identification plate
3 292.
Vertical coupling load The vertical coupling load is the load
exerted by the trailer on the coupling
ball. It can be varied by changing the
weight distribution when loading the
trailer.
The maximum permissible vertical
coupling load (75 kg) is specified on
the towing equipment identification
plate and in the vehicle documents.
Always aim for the maximum load,
especially in the case of heavy
trailers. The vertical coupling load
should never fall below 25 kg.Rear axle load
When the trailer is coupled and the
towing vehicle fully loaded, the
permissible rear axle load (see
identification plate or vehicle
documents) may be exceeded by 60 kg , the gross vehicle weight rating
may be exceeded by 60 kg. If the
permissible rear axle load is
exceeded, a maximum speed of
60 mph applies.
Towing equipmentCaution
When operating without a trailer,
remove the coupling ball bar.
Stowage of coupling ball bar
The bag with the coupling ball bar is
stowed in the rear stowage
compartment on the floor.
Place the strap through the lashing
eye, wrap around twice and tighten
the strap to secure the bag.

Driving and operating225Fitting the coupling ball bar
All versions except 3-door hatchback:
Press fastenings inward and fold the
cover downward at the front. Remove
cover.
Disengage and fold down the socket. Remove the sealing plug from the
opening for the coupling ball bar and
stow it.
Checking the tensioning of the
coupling ball bar
● Red marking on rotary knob must
point towards green marking on
coupling ball bar.
● The gap between the rotary knob
and the coupling ball bar must be approx. 6 mm.
● The key must be in position c.
Otherwise, the coupling ball bar must be tensioned before being inserted:
● Unlock coupling ball bar by turning key to position c.

226Driving and operating
● Pull out rotary knob and turnclockwise as far as it will go.
Inserting the coupling ball bar
Insert the tensioned coupling ball bar
in the opening and push firmly
upwards until it audibly engages.
The rotary handle snaps back into its
original position resting against the
coupling ball bar without a gap.9 Warning
Do not touch rotary handle during
insertion.
Lock the coupling ball bar by turning
the key to position e. Remove the key
and close the protective flap.
Eye for break-away stopping cable
Attach breakaway stopping cable to
eye.
Check that the coupling ball bar is correctly installed
● Green marking on rotary knob must point towards green
marking on coupling ball bar.
● There must be no gap between the rotary handle and the
coupling ball bar.
● The coupling ball bar must be firmly engaged in the opening.
● The coupling ball bar must be locked and the key removed.9Warning
Towing a trailer is permitted only
when a coupling ball bar is fitted correctly. If the coupling ball bardoes not engage correctly, seekthe assistance of a workshop.

Vehicle care273Drain excess tyre pressure with
the button over the pressure
indicator.
Do not run the compressor longer than ten minutes.
14. Detach the tyre repair kit. Push catch on bracket to remove
sealant bottle from bracket. Screw
the tyre inflation hose to the free
connection of the sealant bottle.
This prevents sealant from
escaping. Stow tyre repair kit in
load compartment.
15. Remove any excess sealant using a cloth.
16. Take the label indicating maximum permitted speed from
the sealant bottle and affix in the
driver's field of view.
17. Continue driving immediately so that sealant is evenly distributedin the tyre. After driving approx.
6 miles (but no more than ten
minutes), stop and check tyre
pressure. Screw compressor air
hose directly onto tyre valve and
compressor when doing this.
If tyre pressure is more than
1.3 bar , set it to the correct value.
Repeat the procedure until there
is no more loss of pressure.
If the tyre pressure has fallen
below 1.3 bar, the vehicle must
not be used. Seek the assistance
of a workshop.
18. Stow away tyre repair kit in load compartment.
Notice
The driving characteristics of the
repaired tyre are severely affected, therefore have this tyre replaced.
If unusual noise is heard or the
compressor becomes hot, turn
compressor off for at least
30 minutes.
The built-in safety valve opens at a
pressure of 102 psi.
Note the expiry date of the kit. After
this date its sealing capability is no
longer guaranteed. Pay attention to
storage information on sealant
bottle.
Replace the used sealant bottle. Dispose of the bottle as prescribed
by applicable laws.
The compressor and sealant can be
used from approx. -30 °C.
The adapters supplied can be used
to pump up other items e.g.
footballs, air mattresses, inflatable
dinghies etc. They are located on the underside of the compressor. To
remove, screw on compressor air hose and withdraw adapter.
Wheel changing
Some vehicles are equipped with a
tyre repair kit instead of a spare wheel
3 270.

284Vehicle careCaution
Drive slowly. Do not drive jerkily.
Excessive tractive force can
damage the vehicle.
When the engine is not running,
considerably more force is needed to
brake and steer.
To prevent the entry of exhaust gases from the towing vehicle, switch on the
air recirculation and close the
windows.
Vehicles with automatic transmission: The vehicle must be towed facing
forwards, not faster than 50 mph nor further than 60 miles. In all other
cases and when the transmission is
defective, the front axle must be
raised off the ground.
Seek the assistance of a workshop. After towing, unscrew the towing eye.
Insert cap at the top and engage
downwards.
Towing another vehicle
Insert a screwdriver in the slot at the
lower bend of the cap. Release the
cap by carefully moving the
screwdriver downwards.
The towing eye is stowed with the
vehicle tools 3 262.
Screw in the towing eye as far as it will
go until it stops in a horizontal
position.
The lashing eye at the rear
underneath the vehicle must never be used as a towing eye.
Attach a tow rope – or even better a
tow bar – to the towing eye.
The towing eye must only be used for
towing and not for recovering a
vehicle.

Vehicle care287Rims are painted and can be treated
with the same agents as the body.
Paintwork damage Rectify minor paintwork damage witha touch-up pen before rust forms.
Have more extensive damage or rust areas repaired by a workshop.
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 it waxed 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.Liquid gas system9 Danger
Liquid gas is heavier than air and
can collect in sink points.
Take care when performing work
at the underbody in a pit.
For painting work and when using a
drying booth at a temperature above
60 °C, the liquid gas tank must be
removed.
Do not make any modifications to the
liquid gas system.
Towing equipment
Do not clean the coupling ball bar with a steam-jet or high-pressure jet
cleaner.
Rear carrier system Clean the rear carrier system with a
steam-jet or high-pressure jet cleaner
at least once a year.
Operate the rear carrier system
periodically if not in regular use, in
particular during winter.
Air shutter
Clean the shutter system in the front
bumper to maintain correct
functionality.
Interior care
Interior and upholstery Only clean the vehicle interior,
including the instrument panel fascia
and panelling, with a dry cloth or
interior cleaner.
Clean the leather upholstery with
clear water and a soft cloth. In case of
heavy soiling, use leather care.
The instrument cluster and the
displays should only be cleaned using a soft damp cloth. If necessary use aweak soap solution.
Clean fabric upholstery with a
vacuum cleaner and brush. Remove
stains with an upholstery cleaner.

339PParking ................................ 19, 170
Parking assist ............................ 201
Parking brake ............................ 178
Parking lights ............................. 150
Particulate filter ........................... 171
Performance .............................. 300
Performing work ........................230
Pollen filter ................................. 163
Power outlets ............................. 106
Power seat adjustment ................46
Power steering............................ 116
Power steering fluid ....................233
Power windows ............................ 33
Preheating ................................. 117
Puncture ..................................... 273
Q Quickheat ................................... 162
R
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) .................................... 334
Radio remote control ...................21
Reading lights ............................ 152
Rear carrier system ......................65
Rear floor storage cover ..............88
Rear fog light ............................. 119
Rear fog lights ........................... 150
Rear seats .................................... 48
Rear storage ................................. 86Rear view camera ...................... 209
Rear window wiper/washer ........ 104
Recommended fluids and lubricants ........................ 290, 294
Reduced engine power ..............119
Refuelling ................................... 219
Retained power off .....................167
Reversing lights .........................151
Ride control systems ..................180
Roof .............................................. 35
Roof load ...................................... 97
Roof rack ..................................... 96
S Safety belts ................................... 49
Safety net .................................... 93
Seat adjustment ....................... 7, 40
Seat belt ........................................ 9
Seat belt reminder .....................114
Seat belts ..................................... 49 Seat folding .................................. 45
Seat heating ................................. 48
Seat position ................................ 39
Selector lever ............................. 174
Service ............................... 164, 289
Service display .......................... 110
Service information ....................289
Service vehicle soon .................. 115
Side airbag system ......................53
Side blind spot alert ....................208Sidelights.................................... 142
Side turn signal lights ................253
Smartphone controller ................126
Software acknowledgement .......331
Spare wheel ............................... 277
Speed limiter............................... 187
Speedometer ............................. 108
Starting and operating ................166
Starting off ................................... 18
Starting the engine ....................167
Steering ...................................... 166
Steering wheel adjustment ..10, 101
Steering wheel controls .............101
Stop-start system........................ 168
Storage ......................................... 61
Storage compartments .................61
Sunroof ........................................ 35
Sunvisor lights ........................... 152
Sun visors .................................... 35
Symbols ......................................... 4
T
Tachometer ............................... 108
Tail lights ................................... 245
Three-point seat belt .................... 50
Tools .......................................... 262
Top-tether fastening eyes ............60
Tow bar....................................... 223
Towing ................................ 223, 283
Towing another vehicle .............284