Vauxhall Astra L (2023 year). Manual in english

102

Lighting

Operated by pressing

Notice

In the event of an accident with

airbag deployment the courtesy

lights are turned on automatically.

Reading lights

Operated by pressing

Depending on version, the location of

the reading lights is different.

Sunvisor lights

Illuminates when the cover is opened.

Lighting features

Centre console lighting

A spotlight integrated in the overhead

console illuminates the centre

console when headlights are

switched on.

Entry lighting

Welcome lighting

Some or all of the following lights are

switched on for a short time by

unlocking the vehicle with the radio

remote control:

● headlights
● interior lights
● turn lights
● number plate lights

The number of activated lights

depends on the surrounding light

conditions.
The lighting switches off immediately

when the ignition is switched on.
Starting off

124.

The function can be activated or

deactivated in the settings app

the Info Display.
The following lights will additionally

switch on when the driver's door is

opened:

● illumination of some switches
● Driver Information Centre
● door pocket lights

Exit lighting

The following lights are switched on

when the ignition is switched off:

● headlights
● interior lights
● centre console lighting

They will switch off automatically after

a delay. This function works only in

the dark.
The function can be activated or

deactivated in the settings app

the Info Display.

104

Infotainment system

Introduction ................................ 104

Control elements overview ...... 104

Basic operation .......................... 105

Personalisation ........................ 108

Profiles ....................................... 109
Audio .......................................... 110
Navigation .................................. 111

Navigation system ................... 111

Voice assistant ........................... 112
Phone ........................................ 112

Bluetooth connection ............... 112

Using smartphone

applications ............................ 113

Introduction

Important information on

operation and traffic safety

Warning

The Infotainment system must be

used so that the vehicle can be

driven safely at all times. If in

doubt, stop the vehicle and

operate the Infotainment system

while the vehicle is stationary.

Radio reception

Radio reception may be disrupted by

static, noise, distortion or loss of

reception due to:

● changes in distance from the

transmitter

● multipath reception due to

reflection

● shadowing

Control elements overview

Control panel

)

: Short press: switch the system

on / off or mute the sound.
Long press: switch to standby

mode.
Rotate: adjust the volume.

: Display the menu for the driver

assistant systems.

: Display the home screen.

;

: Display the menu for the

climate settings.

Infotainment system

105

Steering wheel controls

1 : Toggle up or down: select the

previous / next radio station or

track or browse through the list of

recent calls.
Short press: display a menu or

validate a selection.

2 : Short press: adjust the volume or

unmute the sound.
Long press on

: mute the

sound.

3 : Short press: accept an incoming

call, hang up, display the list of

recent calls or display the phone

projection screen.
Long press: refuse an incoming

call.

4 : Short press: activate the voice

assistant of the Infotainment

system.
Long press: activate the voice

assistant of the connected mobile

phone.

Basic operation

Screen operations

The display of the Infotainment

system has a touch-sensitive surface

that allows direct interaction with the

displayed menu controls.

Caution

Do not use pointed or hard items

like ballpoint pens, pencils or

similar for touchscreen operation.

Use the following finger gestures to

control the Infotainment system.

106

Infotainment system

Touch

Touch is used to open a menu or

select an option.

Touch and hold

Touch and hold can be used to save

radio stations.

Swipe

Swipe is used to scroll through a

menu or to pan the map.

Returning to the previous screen in a

submenu

To return to the previous screen,

touch

in the upper part of the

screen.

Displaying and hiding the menu

Within an app, the menu can be

displayed and hidden by touching

Infotainment system

107

Status bar

The status bar is the top bar on the

screen. It can indicate the following:

● time
● outside temperature
● Wi-Fi connection status
● Bluetooth activation
● mobile reception
● activated functions, e.g. heated

steering wheel

Apps overview

To display a list of all availabe apps,

touch

Alternatively, the apps overview will

be displayed by a 3-finger touch on

the screen.

System settings

To display the system settings menu,

open the settings app

and touch

the menu for the system settings

The following system settings can be

adjusted:

● language
● date and time, time format, date

format

● unit for distance and

consumption

● unit for outside temperature
● restore the factory settings
● view system information

Brightness

To adjust the brightness of the

instrument panel illumination, the

interior lighting and the head-up

display, open the settings app

and

touch the menu for the brightness

adjustment.
The interior lighting and the head-up

display can also be activated or

deactivated.

Connectivity

To display the connectivity menu,

open the settings app

and touch

the menu for connectivity.
The following settings are adjustable:

● wireless devices: display all

paired devices, connect or

disconnect a device, choose the

connection preferences for each

device (Bluetooth or phone

projection) and search for nearby

devices

● Wi-Fi networks: activate or

deactivate Wi-Fi, search for

nearby Wi-Fi networks and

connect the system to a Wi-Fi

network

● privacy settings: activate or

deactivate data and location

sharing for authorised services

108

Infotainment system

System updates

When an update is available and

ready to install, a message will be

displayed at the end of a trip after

stopping the vehicle.
Alternatively, open the settings app

and touch the menu for updates to

check if an update is available. If

available, pending updates will be

displayed on the screen.
It is possible to activate automatic

downloads of updates by touching the

checkbox. If activated, the updates

will be automatically downloaded

when the vehicle is connected to an

external Wi-Fi network.
The installation of an update will

continue even if the vehicle will be left

and closed. When the vehicle has

started again, a message will be

displayed on the screen if the

installation of the update has been

successfully finished.
When the installation has been failed,

a corresponding message will be

displayed on the screen. Contact an

assistance centre.

Privacy

The privacy settings can be set for

each profile. The following privacy

settings can be set:

● share data and location
● share data
● private mode

To use all available connected

services without restrictions, it is

necessary to share data and location.
When the private mode is activated,

connected services will only perform

local processing inside the vehicle

with limited functions.
The privacy settings can be set via the

connectivity menu within the settings

app

. Alternatively, the privacy

settings can be set via the status bar

by touching

Connected services

To display the menu for connected

services, open the settings app

and touch the corresponding menu

entry.

Personalisation

The Driver Information Centre, the

head-up display and the Info Display

can be personalised.
To display the personalisation menu,

open the settings application

and

touch the menu for customisation.

Screen colour

The background colour of the Driver

Information Centre and the Info

Display can be chosen. The chosen

background colour will immediately

be shown in both the Driver

Information Centre and the Info

Display.

Interior colour

The colour of interior lighting features,

e.g. the light on the door handles, can

be chosen.

Sound ambience

An active sport sound for the sport

mode can be activated or

deactivated.

Infotainment system

109

Animations

Exterior and interior animations to

welcome and say good bye to the

driver can be activated or

deactivated.

Pages

Several personalised pages for the

Driver Information Centre and the Info

Display can be created. The head-up

display belongs to the Driver

Information Centre page.

Each page can be personalised by

choosing the widgets to be displayed.
To add a page, touch

To delete a page, touch

Widgets

A widget is the indication of specific

information or gauge, e.g. radio

information, navigation information or

the engine coolant temperature

gauge.

The Driver Information Centre can

display two widgets and the head-up

display can display one widget. The

Info Display can contain several

widgets.
To add a widget to a page, touch

Some widgets are available in

different sizes. The bigger a widget is,

the less widgets can be displayed on

a page.

Profiles

Several user profiles can be created.
Due to the option of creating profiles,

the Infotainment system can be fitted

to several drivers. Different settings

as well as saved radio stations and

destinations will be connected to a

specific profile. Thereby, the settings

don't need to be adjusted every time

another person is driving the vehicle.
To display the profile settings, open

the settings app

and touch the

profile menu.

Creating a profile

To create a new profile, touch

The following settings can be

adjusted for each profile:

● profile name
● avatar
● associated device

Once a new profile is created, the

profile settings can be changed at any

time by touching

110

Infotainment system

Deleting a profile

To delete a profile, touch

next to

the corresponding profile and select

. The guest profile cannot be

deleted.
The guest profile is a default profile. It

is active when no other profile is

created or active.

Audio

Display the audio screen by touching

in the apps overview.

Touch

to switch between the radio

and a connected external device as

the audio source.

Switching the radio stations

Touch

briefly to perform an

automatic search for the next radio

station.
Touch and hold

to perform a quick

search for the next radio stations.
Touch

briefly to perform an

automatic search for the previous

radio station.
Touch and hold

to perform a quick

search for the previous radio stations.

Station list

All available radio stations will be

displayed as a list by touching the list

entry in the radio menu on the left side

of the screen.

Waveband

To select the waveband, touch

Frequency tuning

To tune into a specific radio

frequency, touch

A number pad will be displayed. Enter

the desired frequency and touch

confirm.

Saving radio stations

Saved radio stations will be displayed

or hidden by touching

. The saved

radio stations will be lined up in the

lower part of the screen. Touch the

desired radio station to tune in.
To save the current radio station,

touch and hold the desired button.

Buttons which are already used for

Infotainment system

111

radio stations can be overwritten.

Unused buttons for saving radio

stations will be indicated by

Alternatively, radio stations can be

saved by touching the corresponding

heart icon in the station list.

Mute

To mute or unmute, touch

Audio settings

In the settings menu within the radio

app, the following settings can be

adjusted:

● sound settings: ambience sound,

equaliser, treble

● radio settings: station list order,

activation or deactivation of

station follow-up and traffic and

news announcements

● volume settings: system voice,

ringtone, phone call, system

sounds

Navigation

Navigation system

Touch

in the Info Display to open

the navigation app.

Starting a route guidance

To start a route guidance, touch

enter an address via a keyboard.
After typing the first letters of the

address, matching addresses will be

displayed.
Once the address is entered, several

routes might be displayed on the

map. Choose one before starting the

route guidance.

Active route guidance

During an active route guidance,

information about the route, e.g. the

estimated arrival time and the

distance, will be displayed on the

screen.
To activate or deactivate voice

prompts of the route guidance,

touch

To change the route, add a stop, e.g.

a restaurant or a petrol station, or to

show instructions, touch the three

points on the side bar of the screen.

Route settings

To open the settings menu, touch the

three points on the side bar of the

screen and then touch the settings

Touch

to view map downloads, to

set the map colour, to set the points

of interest shown on the map and

other map settings, to set the arrival

information, to set the side bar on the

route guidance screen, to set the map

orientation or to show the vehicle

range on the map.

112

Infotainment system

Touch

to set the options for

rerouting, to set the preferred route

types (fast, short, eco-friendly) or to

avoid specific routes (toll roads,

unpaved roads, etc.).
Touch

to set the types of voice

prompts, alerts and sounds.
Touch

to set the privacy

information (keep journey history,

frequent destinations, etc.).

Map updates

When connected services are

activated, the map of the current

region will be updated automatically.
When the system is connected to a

Wi-Fi network, the maps of all other

regions can be updated via the maps

and display menu

within the

settings menu

Connected services

105.

Voice assistant

The integrated voice assistant can be

used to operate the Infotainment

system via voice commands.
There are three ways to activate the

voice assistant:

● press

on the steering wheel

● touch

in the Info Display

● say "Hey Vauxhall"

After pressing

on the steering

wheel or touching

in the Info

Display, wait for the beep before

saying a voice command.
To display some voice command

examples, open the help menu

the Info Display. The examples will be

sorted by categories, e.g. radio or

navigation.

Phone

Bluetooth connection

Touch

in the Info Display to open

the phone app.
Once a mobile phone is connected to

the Infotainment system via

Bluetooth, the following functions are

available via the phone app:

● display the contact list
● display a list of the recent calls
● dial a telephone number via a

keyboard

Pairing a mobile phone

To pair a mobile phone, open the

settings menu in the phone app in the

Info Display.
Open the Bluetooth menu on the

mobile phone and activate the

function.
Select the mobile phone from the list

in the Info Display. Follow the

instructions on the mobile phone.

Infotainment system

113

Once the mobile phone is

successfully paired, it will be

connected automatically and shown

as connected.
Also a second mobile phone can be

connnected via the settings menu in

the phone app.

Making a call

To make a call, choose one of the

contacts from the contact list, dial a

telephone number via the keyboard

or select a number from the recent

calls list.

Receiving a call

An incoming call is announced by a

ring and a message on the Info

Display.
To accept an incoming call or hang up

an active call, touch the

corresponding button on the Info

Display or press

on the steering

wheel.
To refuse an incoming call, touch the

corresponding button on the Info

Display or press and hold

on the

steering wheel.

Using smartphone

applications

Phone projection

The phone projection applications

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

display selected apps from a

smartphone on the Info Display and

allow their operation directly via the

Infotainment controls.
Check with the device's manufacturer

if this function is compatible with the

smartphone and if this application is

available in the country you are in.

Preparing the smartphone

iPhone

: Make sure Siri

is activated

on your phone.
Android phone: Download the

Android Auto app to your phone from

the Google Play™ Store.

Connecting the smartphone

Connect the phone to the USB port

71 or connect the phone via

Bluetooth.

Make sure phone projection is

activated in the connectivity settings

105.

Starting phone projection

Touch the Apple CarPlay or

Android Auto app on the Info Display.
The phone projection screen

displayed depends on the

smartphone and software version.

Using the voice assistant of the

smartphone

Press and hold

on the steering

wheel and say the corresponding

activation voice command of the

smartphone's voice assistant to use

the voice assistant of the smartphone

via the Infotainment system.

114

Climate control

Climate control systems ............. 114

Electronic climate control

system .................................... 114

Auxiliary heater ........................ 118

Temperature preconditioning . . 118

Air vents ..................................... 119

Adjustable air vents ................. 119

Fixed air vents ......................... 120

Maintenance .............................. 120

Air intake ................................. 120

Air conditioning regular

operation ................................ 121

Service .................................... 121

Climate control systems

Electronic climate control

system

Single-zone climate control.

Dual-zone climate control.
The dual zone climate control allows

different temperatures for driver side

and front passenger side.
Controls for:

● temperature

● cooling A/C
● automatic mode AUTO

● maximum cooling A/C Max
● fan speed

● demisting and defrosting

● heated rear window and exterior

mirrors

● manual air recirculation

Heated rear window

28.

Heated exterior mirrors

25.

Heated windscreen

29.

Heated seats

37.

In automatic mode, temperature, fan

speed and air distribution are

regulated automatically.
Activated functions are indicated in

the status bar on the Info Display or

with LEDs in the buttons.
The electronic climate control system

is only fully operational when the

engine is running.

Climate control

115

Climate control settings menu

Press

;

to open the climate settings

on the Info Display.
Info Display

87.

Automatic mode AUTO

Basic setting for maximum comfort:

● Preselect temperature.
● Press AUTO, the air distribution

and fan speed are regulated

automatically.
Three different pre-set fan

speeds can be selected by

repeatedly tapping on AUTO

either on the climate control

panel or on the Info Display: soft,

normal or fast. The selected

setting is shown on the Info

Display.

● Open all air vents to allow

optimised air distribution in

automatic mode.

● Air conditioning must be

activated for optimal cooling and

demisting. Press A/C to switch on

air conditioning. Activation is

indicated in the status bar on the

Info Display or by the LED in the

button.

Temperature preselection

Set the preselected temperature on

the Info Display or by using

on the

climate control panel. The

preselected temperature is indicated

in the status bar on the Info Display.
Dual zone climate control: Set the

preselected temperatures separately

for driver and front passenger to the

desired value on the Info Display or

by using the left and right buttons on

the climate control panel. The button

on the passenger side changes the

temperature for the passenger side.

The button on the driver's side

changes the temperature for the

driver's side or for both sides

depending on activation of

synchronisation SYNC.
Recommended temperature is 22 °C.
If the minimum temperature is set, the

climate control system runs at

maximum cooling.
If the maximum temperature is set,

the climate control system runs at

maximum heating.

Notice

If A/C is switched on, reducing the

set cabin temperature can cause the

engine to restart from an Autostop or

inhibit an Autostop.

Stop-start system

127.

Dual zone temperature

synchronisation SYNC

Touch SYNC in the climate control

settings on the Info Display to

activate / deactivate synchronisation

of the passenger side temperature

setting to the driver side temperature

setting. Activation of synchronisation

is indicated in the status bar on the

Info Display.

116

Climate control

Manual settings

Climate control system settings can

be changed by activating the

following functions:

Air conditioning A/C

Press A/C to switch on cooling.

Cooling is only functional when the

engine is running and cooling fan is

switched on. Activation is indicated in

the status bar on the Info Display.
Press A/C again to switch off cooling.
The air conditioning system cools and

dehumidifies (dries) when outside

temperature is above a specific level.

Therefore, condensation may form

and drip from under the vehicle.
If no cooling or drying is required,

switch off the cooling system for fuel

saving reasons.

A/C Max

Activate maximum cooling with one

push of a button.

The A/C Max function sets

temperature as low as possible and

adjusts distribution to all air vents. In

addition, it sets air flow to maximum

and activates air recirculation.

Notice

If the climate control is set to

maximum cooling while the ambient

temperature is high, an Autostop

may be inhibited until the required

temperature in the passenger

compartment has been reached.
If the climate control is set to

maximum cooling while the engine is

in an Autostop, the engine may

restart automatically.

Fan speed

Adjust the air flow by pushing

or down to the desired speed.
Set speed to the lowest level: fan and

cooling are switched off.
Fan speed is indicated in the status

bar on the Info Display.
To return to automatic mode, press

AUTO.

Air distribution

Press

;

to open the climate settings

on the Info Display.
Select climate control options from

the menu on the left side of the screen

and set the desired air distribution

along with fan speed and

temperature.
Settings are indicated in the status

bar on the Info Display.
To return to automatic air distribution,

press AUTO.

Demisting and defrosting the

windows

● Press

. Activation is indicated

in the status bar on the Info

Display.

● Temperature and air distribution

are set automatically and the fan

runs at high speed.

● Switch on air conditioning by

pressing A/C, if required.

● Switch on heated rear window

Climate control

117

● Switch on heated windscreen

● To return to previous mode,

press

again. To return to

automatic mode, press AUTO.

Heated rear window

28.

Heated exterior mirrors

25.

Heated windscreen

29.

Notice

is pressed while the engine is

running, an Autostop will be inhibited

until

is pressed again.

is pressed while the engine is

in an Autostop, the engine will restart

automatically.

Stop-start system

127.

Manual air recirculation

Press

to activate the air

recirculation mode. Activation is

indicated by the LED in the button.
Press

again to deactivate

recirculation mode.

Warning

The exchange of fresh air is

reduced in air recirculation mode.

In operation without cooling, the

air humidity increases, so the

windows may mist up from inside.

The quality of the passenger

compartment air deteriorates,

which may cause the occupants to

feel drowsy.

In warm and very humid ambient air

conditions, the windscreen may mist

up from outside, when cold air is

directed towards it. If windscreen

mists up from outside, activate

windscreen wiper and deactivate air

flow to the front.

Deactivation of electronic climate

control system

Push down

subsequently or push

down and hold

until the electronic

climate control system is deactivated.

Deactivation is also possible in the

climate settings menu on the Info

Display.

Activation by pressing AUTO,

switching on the fan or switching on

any other climate control function.

Air quality

The system combines a high

efficiency interior air filter with an air

quality sensor and a particle sensor in

the control console.

Select Air Quality from the menu on

the left side of the screen to show the

air quality index and to activate /

deactivate the function.

118

Climate control

Air quality index

Using an exterior pollution sensor,

this function automatically activates

the air recirculation when a certain

level of pollution in the exterior air is

detected. When the air quality returns

to a satisfactory level, air recirculation

is automatically deactivated. Air

recirculation is automatically

activated when the windscreen

washer is used or when reverse gear

is engaged. The function is inactive if

the outside temperature is below

5° C to prevent the windscreen and

side windows of misting up.

Clean air function

The particle sensor in the control

console monitors the interior air

quality. Air recirculation is

automatically managed to enable the

interior air being purified by filtering it

through the high efficiency filter. If the

air quality appears to be reduced

permanently, contact a qualified

workshop to change the high

efficiency filter.

Auxiliary heater

Air heater

Quickheat is an electric auxiliary air

heater which automatically warms up

the passenger compartment more

quickly.

Temperature

preconditioning

Temperature preconditioning allows

to heat or to ventilate the vehicle's

interior to reach an automatically pre-

defined temperature. Days and times

of temperature preconditioning can

be programmed.
The temperature preconditioning can

be programmed via the Info Display

or the MyVauxhall App.

Notice

The temperature preconditioning is

only activated if the ignition is off and

the vehicle is locked.
If the charging level of the high

voltage battery is below 30%, the

temperature preconditioning is not

activated.

When the vehicle is plugged in,

battery charging takes precedence

over pre-conditioning.

Consequently, it can only be

activated if the battery is charged

above a threshold fixed at 80%.
If a recurrent heating / ventilation is

programmed and two heating /

ventilation procedures are carried

out without operating the vehicle, the

programming is deactivated.

Setting timer

Notice

Several timers can be programmed

and saved. It is recommended to

programme temperature

preconditioning with the vehicle

plugged in, in order to optimise the

long-term perfomance of the high

voltage battery.

Climate control

119

Press

;

to open climate settings on

the Info Display.
Select preconditioning settings from

the menu on the left side of the

screen.
Select

to define a new timer or

touch

next to a timer to edit it.

Set time and days and confirm.
Activate the timer.
To delete a timer, select the desired

timer and press

at the lower left

corner of the screen.
The heating / ventilation procedure

starts approx. 45 minutes before the

programmed time when the vehicle is

plugged in, or 20 minutes before the

programmed time when it is not

plugged in, and is maintained ten

minutes after it.

The LED on

shows the operating

status of the temperature

preconditioning:

● LED illuminates: A timer has

been set and activated.

● LED flashes: The system is

operating.

The LED extinguishes at the end of

the heating / ventilation operation or

when the temperature

preconditioning is stopped using the

remote control.

Air vents

Adjustable air vents

Centre air vents in the instrument

panel

Direct the flow of air by tilting and

swivelling the slats.
To close the vent, swivel the slats to

the left.

120

Climate control

Outer air vents in the instrument

panel

Direct the flow of air by tilting and

swivelling the slats.
To close the vent, swivel the slats to

the left.
At least two air vents must be open

while cooling is on.

Warning

Do not attach any objects to the

slats of the air vents. Risk of

damage and injury in case of an

accident.

Air vents for rear passenger

Direct the flow of air by tilting and

swivelling the slats.
Close the vent by turning the wheel.

Fixed air vents

Additional air vents are located

beneath the windscreen and door

windows and in the foot wells.

Maintenance

Air intake

The air intake in front of the

windscreen in the engine

compartment must be kept clear to

allow air intake. Remove any leaves,

dirt or snow.

Climate control

121

Air conditioning regular

operation

In order to ensure continuously

efficient performance, cooling must

be operated for a few minutes once a

month, irrespective of the weather

and time of year. Operation with

cooling is not possible when the

outside temperature is too low.

Service

For optimal cooling performance, it is

recommended to annually check the

climate control system, starting

three years after initial vehicle

registration, including:

● functionality and pressure test
● heating functionality
● leakage check
● check of drive belts
● cleaning of condenser and

evaporator drainage

● performance check

122

Driving and operating

Driving and

operating

Driving hints ............................... 123

Control of the vehicle ............... 123

Steering ................................... 123

Emergencies ........................... 123

Starting and operating ............... 124

New vehicle running-in ............ 124

Ignition switch positions ........... 124

Power button ........................... 124

Starting the engine .................. 126

Overrun cut-off ........................ 127

Stop-start system .................... 127

Parking .................................... 130

Engine exhaust .......................... 131

Exhaust filter ............................ 131

Catalytic converter ................... 131

AdBlue ..................................... 132

Electric drive unit ....................... 135
Automatic transmission .............. 137

Automatic transmission PHEV 137

Automatic transmission ICE .... 139

Manual transmission .................. 142
Drive systems ............................ 143

Drive modes ............................ 143

Brakes ........................................ 144

Antilock brake system ............. 144

Parking brake .......................... 145

Brake assist ............................. 147

Hill start assist ......................... 147

Regenerative braking .............. 148

Ride control systems ................. 148

Electronic Stability Control and

Traction Control system ......... 148

Driver assistance systems ......... 149

Cruise control .......................... 150

Speed limiter ........................... 152

Adaptive cruise control ............ 154

Active emergency braking ....... 161

Automatic post collision

braking .................................... 164

Parking assist .......................... 165

Side blind spot alert ................. 168

Panoramic view system ........... 170

Rear view camera ................... 173

Rear cross traffic alert ............. 175

Traffic sign assistant ................ 176

Lane keep assist ..................... 178

Advanced lane keep assist ...... 180

Semi-automated lane change . 183

Driver alert ............................... 185

Charging .................................... 187

General information ................. 187

Charging types ........................ 188

Charging cable ........................ 189

Programmable charging .......... 194

Charging status ....................... 195

Fuel ............................................ 196

Fuel for petrol engines ............. 196

Fuel for diesel engines ............ 197

Refuelling ................................ 198

Fuel consumption - CO

Emissions ............................... 199

Trailer hitch ................................ 200

General information ................. 200

Driving characteristics and

towing tips .............................. 201

Trailer towing ........................... 201

Towing equipment ................... 202

Trailer stability assist ............... 205

Driving and operating

123

Driving hints

Control of the vehicle

Never coast with engine not

running

Many systems will not function when

the engine is not running, e.g. brake

servo unit, power steering. Driving in

this manner is a danger to yourself

and others.
All systems function during an

Autostop.
Stop-start system

127.

Pedals

To ensure the pedal travel is

uninhibited, there must be no mats in

the area of the pedals.
Use only floor mats, which fit properly

and are fixed by the retainers on the

driver side.
Floor mats

239.

Steering

If power steering assist is lost

because the engine stops or due to a

system malfunction, the vehicle can

be steered but may require increased

effort.

Emergencies

Warning

Damage to the high voltage

battery or high voltage system can

create a risk of electric shock,

overheating, or fire.
If the vehicle has been damaged

or affected by a moderate to

severe crash, it must be inspected

as soon as possible by qualified

personnel. Until the technical

inspection has been carried out,

the vehicle must be stored outside

at a minimum distance of

5 metres from any structure or

other flammable objects.

If the vehicle has been damaged

or affected by flood or fire, it must

not be moved at all and has to be

inspected by qualified personnel

as soon as possible.

124

Driving and operating

Starting and operating

New vehicle running-in

Do not brake unnecessarily hard for

the first few journeys.
Only tow a trailer after the vehicle has

driven at least 620 miles.
During the first drive, smoke may

occur because of wax and oil

evaporating off the exhaust system.

Park the vehicle in the open for a

while after the first drive and avoid

inhaling the fumes.
During the running-in period, fuel and

engine oil consumption may be

higher.
Additionally, the cleaning process of

the exhaust filter may take place more

often.
Exhaust filter

131.

Ignition switch positions

Turn key:

0 : ignition off: some functions

remain active until key is

removed or driver's door is

opened, provided the ignition was

on previously

1 : ignition on power mode: ignition

is on, diesel engine is preheating,

control indicators illuminate and

most electrical functions are

operable

2 : engine start: release key after

engine has been started

Steering wheel lock

Remove key from ignition switch and

turn steering wheel until it engages.

Danger

Never remove the key from

ignition switch during driving as

this will cause steering wheel lock.

Power button

The electronic key must be inside the

vehicle.
Engine start

Operate the clutch pedal (manual

transmission), the brake pedal and

press Start/Stop.

Driving and operating

125

Ignition on power mode without

starting the engine

Press Start/Stop without operating

clutch or brake pedal. Control

indicators illuminate and most

electrical functions are operable.
Engine and ignition off

Press Start/Stop briefly in each mode

or when engine is running and vehicle

is stationary. Some functions remain

active until driver's door is opened.
Emergency shut off during driving

Press Start/Stop for five seconds

126. Steering wheel locks as soon

as vehicle is stationary.

Steering wheel lock

The steering wheel lock activates

automatically when:

● the vehicle is stationary.
● the ignition has been switched

off.

To release steering wheel lock, open

and close driver's door and switch the

ignition on power mode or start the

engine directly.

Warning

If the vehicle battery is discharged,

the vehicle must not be towed or

tow-started as the steering wheel

lock cannot be disengaged.

Operation in case of failure

If either the electronic key fails or the

battery of the electronic key is weak,

a message may be displayed in the

Driver Information Centre.

Hold the electronic key at the marking

on the steering column cover as

shown in the illustration.

On vehicles with manual

transmission, select neutral gear,

operate the clutch pedal, the brake

pedal and press Start/Stop.
On vehicles with automatic

transmission, set the selector to

position P, operate the brake pedal

and press Start/Stop.
This option is intended for

emergencies only. Replace the

electronic key battery as soon as

possible

For unlocking or locking the doors,

see fault in radio remote control unit

or electronic key system

10.

126

Driving and operating

Starting the engine

Vehicles with ignition switch

Turn key to position 1 to release the

steering wheel lock.
Manual transmission: operate clutch

and brake pedal.
Automatic transmission: operate

brake pedal.
Do not operate accelerator pedal.
Diesel engines: wait until control

indicator

extinguishes.

Turn key briefly to position 2 and

release after engine has been

started.

Manual transmission: during an

Autostop, the engine can be started

by depressing the clutch pedal

127.

Automatic transmission: during an

Autostop, the engine can be started

by releasing the brake pedal

127.

Vehicles with power button

● Manual transmission: select

neutral gear, operate clutch and

brake pedal.

● Automatic transmission: operate

brake pedal.

● Do not operate accelerator pedal.
● Press Start/Stop button.

● Release button after starting

procedure begins. Diesel engine

starts after control indicator

for preheating extinguishes.

● Before restarting or to switch off

the engine when vehicle is

stationary, press Start/Stop once

more briefly.

To start the engine during an

Autostop:

● Manual transmission: during an

Autostop, the engine can be

started by depressing the clutch

pedal

127.

● Automatic transmission: during

an Autostop, the engine can be

started by releasing the brake

pedal

127.

Electric vehicles

● Depress brake pedal.
● Press Start/Stop button for

approx. two seconds.

● Keep the brake pedal depressed

until READY is displayed in the

Driver Information Centre and an

accoustic signal is given.

Driving and operating

127

Emergency shut off during driving

If the engine needs to be switched off

during driving in case of emergency,

press Start/Stop for five seconds.

Danger

Switching off the engine during

driving may cause loss of power

support for brake and steering

systems. Assistance systems and

airbag systems are disabled.

Lighting and brake lights will

extinguish. Therefore power down

the engine and ignition while

driving only when required in case

of emergency.

Starting the vehicle at low

temperatures

Starting the engine without additional

heaters is possible down to -25 °С for

diesel engines and -30 °C for petrol

engines. Required is an engine oil

with the correct viscosity, the correct

fuel, performed services and a

sufficiently charged vehicle battery.

With temperatures below -30 °C the

automatic transmission requires a

warming phase of approx.

five minutes. The selector lever must

be in position P.

Turbo engine warm-up

Upon start-up, engine available

torque may be limited for a short time,

especially when the engine

temperature is cold. The limitation is

to allow the lubrication system to fully

protect the engine.

Overrun cut-off

The fuel supply is automatically cut off

during overrun, i.e. when the vehicle

is driven with a gear engaged but

accelerator pedal is released.

Depending on driving conditions, the

overrun cut-off may be deactivated.

Stop-start system

The stop-start system helps to save

fuel and to reduce the exhaust

emissions. When conditions allow, it

switches off the engine as soon as the

vehicle is at a low speed or at a

standstill, e.g. at a traffic light or in a

traffic jam.

Activation

By default, the system is activated

when the ignition is switched on.
The system can be manually

activated in the Info Display.

128

Driving and operating

Press

and activate the system in

the Info Display.
Info Display

87.

The activation of the system is

confirmed by a message.

Deactivation

Press

and deactivate the system

in the Info Display.
Deactivation is confirmed by the

illlumination of

in the Driver

Information Centre and the display of

a message.

Autostop

Vehicles with manual transmission

Activate an Autostop as follows:

● Set the selector lever to neutral.
● Release the clutch pedal.

The engine will be switched off while

the ignition stays on.
Vehicles with automatic transmission

If the vehicle is at a standstill with

depressed brake pedal, Autostop is

activated automatically.
The engine will be switched off while

the ignition stays on.
The stop-start system will be disabled

on steep inclines.

Indication

An Autostop is indicated by control

indicator

During an Autostop, the heating and

brake performance will be

maintained.

Conditions for an Autostop

The stop-start system checks if each

of the following conditions is fulfilled.

● The stop-start system is not

manually deactivated.

● The driver's door is closed or the

driver's seat belt is fastened.

● The vehicle battery is sufficiently

charged and in good condition.

● The engine is warmed up.
● The engine coolant temperature

is not too high.

● The engine exhaust temperature

is not too high, e.g. after driving

with high engine load.

● The ambient temperature is

between 0 °C and 35 °C.

● The climate control system

allows an Autostop.

● The brake vacuum is sufficient.

Driving and operating

129

● The self-cleaning function of the

exhaust filter is not active.

● The vehicle was driven at least at

walking speed since the last

Autostop.

Autostop will be inhibited if these

conditions are not met. In addition,

Autostop may be inhibited

● by certain settings of the climate

control system

● immediately after higher speed

driving

● in the case of new vehicle

running-in

124

● by active demisting
● in the case of steep ascending or

descending slopes

● if the vehicle has not exceeded

6 mph since the last engined

start.

In these cases,

flashes a few

seconds and then goes off.

Notice

The Autostop may be inhibited for

several hours after a battery

replacement or reconnection.

Vehicle battery discharge protection

To ensure reliable engine restarts,

several vehicle battery discharge

protection features are implemented

as part of the stop-start system.

Power saving measures

During an Autostop, several electrical

features such as auxiliary electric

heater or rear window heating are

disabled or switched to a power

saving mode. The fan speed of the

climate control system is reduced to

save power.

Restart of the engine by the driver

After the engine has been restarted,

an Autostop is not available until the

vehicle has reached a speed of

5 mph.

Vehicles with manual transmission

Depress the clutch pedal without

depressing the brake pedal to restart

the engine.

Vehicles with automatic transmission

The engine is restarted in the

following cases:

● brake pedal released while D or

M is selected

● brake pedal released and N

selected when selector is moved

to select D or M

● brake pedal depressed and P

selected when selector is moved

to select R, N, D or M

● R selected

Restart of the engine by the stop-

start system

Vehicles with manual transmission:

The selector must be in neutral to

enable an automatic restart.
If one of the following conditions

occurs during an Autostop, the

engine will be restarted automatically

by the stop-start system:

● stop-start system manually

deactivated

● driver's seat belt unfastened and

driver's door opened

● engine temperature too low

130

Driving and operating

● charging level of vehicle battery

below a defined level

● brake vacuum not sufficient
● vehicle is driven or rolls at least at

walking speed

● climate control system requests

engine start

● air conditioning manually

switched on

● the bonnet is opened

If an electrical accessory, e.g. a

portable CD player, is connected to

the power outlet, a brief power drop

during the restart might be noticeable.

Parking

Warning

● Do not park the vehicle on an

easily ignitable surface. The

high temperature of the

exhaust system could ignite the

surface.

● Always apply the parking

brake.

● If the vehicle is on a level

surface or uphill slope, engage

first gear or set the selector

lever to position P. On an uphill

slope, turn the front wheels

away from the kerb.
If the vehicle is on a downhill

slope, engage reverse gear or

set the selector lever to position

P. Turn the front wheels

towards the kerb.

● Close the windows.
● Switch off the engine.
● Remove the ignition key from

the ignition switch or switch off

ignition on vehicles with power

button. Turn the steering wheel

until the steering wheel lock is

felt to engage.

● Lock the vehicle.
● Activate the anti-theft alarm

system.

● The engine cooling fans may run

after the engine has been

switched off

211.

Caution

After running at high engine

speeds or with high engine loads,

operate the engine briefly at a low

load or run in neutral for approx.

60 seconds before switching off, in

order to protect the turbocharger.

In countries with extremely low

temperatures it may be necessary to

park the vehicle without applied

parking brake. Make sure to park the

vehicle on a level surface.
Parking brake

145.

Driving and operating

131

Engine exhaust

Danger

Engine exhaust gases contain

poisonous carbon monoxide,

which is colourless and odourless

and could be fatal if inhaled.
If exhaust gases enter the interior

of the vehicle, open the windows.

Have the cause of the fault

rectified by a workshop.
Avoid driving with an open load

compartment, otherwise exhaust

gases could enter the vehicle.

Exhaust filter

Automatic cleaning process

The exhaust filter system filters soot

particles out of the exhaust gases.
The start of saturation of the exhaust

filter is indicated by the temporary

illumination of

accompanied by a message in the

Driver Information Centre.

As soon as the traffic conditions

permit, regenerate the filter by driving

at a vehicle speed of at least 40 mph

until the control indicator

extinguishes.

Notice

On a new vehicle, the first exhaust

filter regeneration operations may

be accompanied by a burning smell,

which is normal. Following

prolonged operation of the vehicle at

very low speed or at idle, water

vapour can be emitted at the

exhaust on acceleration. This does

not affect the behaviour of the

vehicle or the environment.

Cleaning process not possible

stays on, accompanied

by an audible signal and a message,

this indicates that the exhaust filter

additive level is too low.
The reservoir must be topped-up

without delay. Seek the assistance of

a workshop.

Catalytic converter

The catalytic converter reduces the

amount of harmful substances in the

exhaust gases.

Caution

Fuel grades other than those listed

on pages

196,

248 could

damage the catalytic converter or

electronic components.
Unburnt petrol will overheat and

damage the catalytic converter.

Therefore avoid excessive use of

the starter, running the fuel tank

dry and starting the engine by

pushing or towing.

In the event of misfiring, uneven

engine running, a reduction in engine

performance or other unusual

problems, have the cause of the fault

rectified by a workshop as soon as

possible. In an emergency, driving

can be continued for a short period,

keeping vehicle speed and engine

speed low.

132

Driving and operating

AdBlue

General information

The selective catalytic reduction

(BlueInjection) is a method to

substantially reduce the nitrogen

oxides in the exhaust emission. This

is achieved by injecting a Diesel

Exhaust Fluid (DEF) into the exhaust

system. The ammonia released by

the fluid reacts with nitrous gases

(NO

) from the exhaust and turns it

into nitrogen and water.
The designation of this fluid is

AdBlue

. It is a non-toxic, non-

flammable, colourless and odourless

fluid which consists of 32% urea and

68% water.

Warning

Avoid contact of your eyes or skin

with AdBlue.
In case of eye or skin contact,

rinse off with water.

Caution

Avoid contact of the paintwork with

AdBlue.
In case of contact, rinse off with

water.

AdBlue freezes at a temperature of

approx. -11 °C. As the vehicle is

equipped with an AdBlue pre-heater,

the emissions reduction at low

temperatures is ensured. The AdBlue

pre-heater works automatically.
In some circumstances below the

mentioned temperature, an error

message appears in the Driver

Information Centre. In this event, park

the vehicle in a space with a higher

ambient temperature until AdBlue is

liquefied.

Notice

Frozen and again liquefied AdBlue is

usable without quality loss.

The typical AdBlue consumption is

approx. 2 l per 600 miles, but can also

be higher depending on driving

behaviour (e.g. high load or towing).

Level warnings

Depending on the calculated range of

AdBlue, different messages are

displayed in the Driver Information

Centre. The messages and the

restrictions are a legal requirement.

1. The first warning level is entered

when the estimated AdBlue range

is between 1500 miles and

500 miles.
When switching on the ignition,

this warning will show up once

briefly with the calculated range.

Additionally, control indicator

will illuminate and a chime

will sound. Driving is possible

without any restrictions.

2. The next warning level is entered

when the estimated AdBlue range

is below 500 miles. The message

with the current range will always

be displayed when ignition is

switched on. Additionally, control

indicator

will flash and a

chime will sound. Refill AdBlue

before entering the next warning

level.

Driving and operating

133

3. The next warning level is entered

with a range below 60 miles. The

message with the current range

will always be displayed when

ignition is switched on.

Additionally, control indicator

will flash and a chime will

sound. Refill AdBlue as soon as

possible before the AdBlue tank is

completely empty. Otherwise, a

restart of the engine will not be

possible.

4. The last warning level is entered

when the AdBlue tank is empty.

Restart of the engine is not

possible.
A message appears in the Driver

Information Centre. Additionally,

control indicator

will flash

and a chime will sound.
Refill the AdBlue tank completely,

otherwise restarting of the engine

is not possible.

High emission warnings

In the event of a fault with the

emissions control system, different

messages are displayed in the Driver

Information Centre.

The messages and the restrictions

are a legal requirement. The warning

messages are accompanied by the

control indicators

and

Additionally, a chime will sound.
Follow the instructions of the warning

messages. If starting is prevented,

seek the assistance of a workshop.

Refilling AdBlue

Caution

Only use AdBlue that complies

with European standards

DIN 70 070 and ISO 22241-1.
Do not use additives.
Do not dilute AdBlue.
Otherwise the selective catalytic

reduction system could be

damaged.

The AdBlue tank should be filled

completely. This must be done if the

warning message regarding

prevention of an engine restart is

already displayed.
AdBlue refilling quantity

251.

Notice

Whenever a filling pump with a

nozzle for passenger cars is not

available at a filling station, use only

AdBlue bottles or canisters with a

sealed refill adapter for refilling, to

prevent splashback and overspill,

and in order to ensure that the fumes

from the AdBlue tank are captured

and do not emerge.
Since AdBlue has a limited

durability, check the date of expiry

before refilling.
Notice

Refill the AdBlue tank to a level of at

least 10 l, to ensure that the new

AdBlue level is being detected.
In case AdBlue refill is not

successfully detected:

1. Continuously drive the vehicle

for ten minutes making sure that

vehicle speed is always higher

than 12 mph.

2. If AdBlue refill is detected

successfully, AdBlue supply-

driven warnings or limitations will

disappear.

Vauxhall Astra L (2023 year). Manual in english - page 4