engine VAUXHALL MERIVA 2015 Workshop Manual

156Driving and operatingCaution
Use of fuel that does not comply toEN 590 or similar can lead to
engine powerloss, increased wear
or engine damage and may affect
your warranty.
Do not use marine diesel oils, heating
oils, Aquazole and similar diesel-
water emulsions. Diesel fuels must
not be diluted with fuels for petrol
engines.
Fuel for liquid gas
operation
Liquid gas is known as LPG
(Liquefied Petroleum Gas) or under
its French name GPL (Gaz de Pétrole Liquéfié). LPG is also known as
Autogas.
LPG consists mainly of propane and
butane. The octane rating is between
105 and 115, depending on the
butane proportion. LPG is stored
liquid at around 5 - 10 bar pressure.
The boiling point depends on the
pressure and mixing ratio. At ambient pressure, it is between -42 °C (pure
propane) and -0.5 °C (pure butane).Caution
The system works at an ambient
temperature of approx. -8 °C to
100 °C.
Full function of the LPG system can
only be guaranteed with liquid gas
which complies with the minimum
requirements of DIN EN 589.
Fuel selector
Pressing the LPG button switches
between petrol and liquid gas
operation as soon as the required
parameters (coolant temperature,
gas temperature and minimum
engine speed) have been reached.
The requirements are usually fulfilled
after around 60 seconds (depending
on exterior temperature) and the first
firm press on the accelerator. The
LED status shows the current
operating mode.1 off=petrol operation1 illumi‐
nates=liquid gas operation1 flashes=no switching is
possible, one type of
fuel is empty
As soon as the liquid gas tanks are
empty, petrol operation is
automatically engaged until the
ignition is switched off.
Every six months, run the petrol tank
down until control indicator i
illuminates, then refuel. This helps
maintain fuel quality and system
function for petrol operation.

Driving and operating157
Fill the tank completely at regular
intervals to prevent corrosion in the
tank.
Faults and remedies
If gas mode is not possible, check the following:
■ Is there enough liquid gas present?
■ Is there enough petrol present for starting?
Due to extreme temperatures in
combination with the gas
composition, it may take slightly
longer before the system switches
from petrol to liquid gas mode.
In extreme situations, the system may
also switch back to petrol mode if the
minimum requirements are not
fulfilled.
Seek the assistance of a workshop in the event of all other faults.Caution
Repairs and adjustments may onlybe made by trained specialists in
order to maintain the safety and
warranty on the LPG system.
Liquid gas is given a particular odour
(odorised) so that any leaks can be
detected easily.
9 Warning
If you smell gas in the vehicle or in
the immediate vicinity, switch to petrol mode immediately. No
smoking. No naked flames or
ignition sources.
If possible, close the manual shut-off
valve on the multivalve. The
multivalve is located on the liquid gas
tank in the load compartment,
underneath the rear floor cover.
Turn the thumb wheel clockwise.
If no further gas odour is perceptible
when the manual shut-off valve is
closed, the vehicle can be used in
petrol mode. If the gas odour persists, do not start the engine. Have the
cause of the fault remedied by a
workshop.
When using underground car parks,
follow the instructions of the operator
and local laws.
Notice
In the event of an accident, switch off
the ignition and lights. Close the
manual shut-off valve on multivalve.

158Driving and operatingRefuelling9Danger
Before refuelling, switch off engine
and any external heaters with
combustion chambers. Switch off
any mobile phones.
Follow the operating and safety
instructions of the filling station
when refuelling.
9 Danger
Fuel is flammable and explosive.
No smoking. No naked flames or
sparks.
If you can smell fuel in your
vehicle, have the cause of this
remedied immediately by a
workshop.
Caution
In case of misfuelling, do not
switch on ignition.
Fuel filler flap is located at right rear
side of vehicle.
The fuel filler flap can only be opened
if the vehicle is unlocked. Pull flap at
the recess and open.
To open, turn the cap slowly to the
left.

Driving and operating159
The fuel filler cap can be retained in
the bracket on the fuel filler flap.
For refuelling, fully insert the pump
nozzle and switch it on.
After automatic cut-off, it can be
topped up with max. two doses of fuel.
Caution
Wipe off any overflowing fuel
immediately.
To close, turn the fuel filler cap to the right until it clicks.
Close the flap and let engage.
Fuel filler cap
Only use genuine fuel filler caps. Diesel-engined vehicles have special
fuel filler caps.
Liquid gas refuelling Follow the operating and safety
instructions of the filling station when
refuelling.
The filling valve for the liquid gas is
behind the fuel filler cap.
Unscrew protective cap from the filler
neck.
Screw the required adapter hand-
tight onto the filler neck.

162Driving and operatingTrailer 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.
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 than1100 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 3 232.
Trailer towing Trailer loads9 Warning
Vehicles with engine A13DTE:
Use of towing equipment is
permissible for attaching
compatible bicycle carriers only.
Do not use towing equipment for
trailer towing.
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).

Vehicle care167Vehicle careGeneral Information...................167
Vehicle checks ........................... 168
Bulb replacement .......................175
Electrical system ........................185
Vehicle tools .............................. 190
Wheels and tyres .......................192
Jump starting ............................. 209
Towing ....................................... 211
Appearance care .......................213General Information
Accessories and vehicle
modifications
We recommend the use of genuine parts and accessories and factory
approved parts specific for your
vehicle type. We cannot assess or
guarantee reliability of other products
- even if they have a regulatory or
otherwise granted approval.
Do not make any modifications to the electrical system, e.g. changes of
electronic control units (chip tuning).Caution
When transporting the vehicle on
a train or on a recovery vehicle, the
mud flaps might be damaged.
Vehicle storage
Storage for a long period of time
If the vehicle is to be stored for several months:
■ Wash and wax the vehicle.
■ Have the wax in the engine compartment and underbody
checked.
■ Clean and preserve the rubber seals.
■ Fill up fuel tank completely.
■ Change the engine oil.
■ Drain the washer fluid reservoir.
■ Check the coolant antifreeze and corrosion protection.
■ Adjust tyre pressure to the value specified for full load.
■ Park the vehicle in a dry, well ventilated place. Engage first orreverse gear or set selector lever to P . Prevent the vehicle from rolling.
■ Do not apply the parking brake.

168Vehicle care
■ Open the bonnet, close all doorsand lock the vehicle.
■ Disconnect the clamp from the negative terminal of the vehicle
battery. Beware that all systems are not functional, e.g. anti-theft alarm
system.
Putting back into operation When the vehicle is to be put back into
operation:
■ Connect the clamp to the negative terminal of the vehicle battery.
Activate the electronics of the
power windows.
■ Check tyre pressure.
■ Fill up the washer fluid reservoir.
■ Check the engine oil level.
■ Check the coolant level.
■ Fit the number plate if necessary.End-of-life vehicle
recovery
Information on end-of-life vehicle
recovery centres and the recycling of
end-of-life vehicles is available on our website. Only entrust this work to an
authorised recycling centre.
Gas vehicles must be recycled by a
service centre authorised for gas
vehicles.Vehicle checks
Performing work9 Warning
Only perform engine compartment
checks when the ignition is off.
The cooling fan may start
operating even if the ignition is off.

Vehicle care1699Danger
The ignition system use extremely
high voltage. Do not touch.
Bonnet
Opening
Pull the release lever and return it to
its original position.
Press the safety catch and open the
bonnet.
Secure the bonnet support.
If the bonnet is opened during an
Autostop, the engine will be restarted automatically for safety reasons.
Closing Before closing the bonnet, press the
support into the holder.
Lower the bonnet and allow it to drop
into the catch. Check that the bonnet
is engaged.
Engine oil
Check the engine oil level manually
on a regular basis to prevent damage
to the engine.
Ensure that the correct specification
of oil is used. Recommended fluids
and lubricants 3 217.
Check with the vehicle on a level
surface. The engine must be at
operating temperature and switched
off for at least 5 minutes.
Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, insert it to the stop on the handle, pull
out and read the engine oil level.
Insert dipstick to the stop on the
handle and make half a turn.

170Vehicle care
Different dipsticks are used
depending on engine variant.
When the engine oil level has
dropped to the MIN mark, top up
engine oil.
We recommend the use of the same
grade of engine oil that was used at
last change.
The engine oil level must not exceed
the MAX mark on the dipstick.
Caution
Overfilled engine oil must be
drained or suctioned out.
Capacities 3 231.
Fit the cap on straight and tighten it.
Engine coolant The coolant provides freeze
protection down to approx. -28 °C.Caution
Only use approved antifreeze.
Coolant level
Caution
Too low a coolant level can cause engine damage.

Vehicle care171
If the cooling system is cold, the
coolant level should be above the
filling line mark. Top up if the level is
low.
9 Warning
Allow the engine to cool before
opening the cap. Carefully open
the cap, relieving the pressure
slowly.
To top up use a 1:1 mixture of
approved coolant concentrate mixed
with clean tap water. If no coolant
concentrate is available, use clean
tap water. Install the cap tightly. Have
the coolant concentration checked
and have the cause of the coolant
loss remedied by a workshop.
Power steering fluidCaution
Extremely small amounts of
contamination can cause steering
system damage and cause it to not work properly. Do not allow
contaminates to contact the fluid
side of the reservoir cap/dipstick or
from entering the reservoir.
Power steering fluid level normally
must not be checked. If an unusual
noise sounds during steering or the
power steering reacts conspicuous
seek the assistance of a workshop.
Washer fluid
Fill with clean water mixed with a
suitable quantity of washer fluid which
contains antifreeze.