Opel Astra (2019 year). Instruction - part 11

166

Driving and operating

button. Turn the steering wheel

until the steering wheel lock is

felt to engage.
For vehicles with automatic

transmission, the key can only

be removed when the selector

lever is in position P.
For vehicles with instruction

transmission automated, the

key can only be removed from

the ignition switch when the

parking brake is applied.

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

system.

● The engine cooling fans may run

after the engine has been

switched off 3 231.

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. 30 seconds before

switching off, in order to protect

the turbocharger.

Note

In the event of an accident with

airbag deployment, the engine is

switched off automatically if the

vehicle comes to a standstill within a

certain time.

Emergency operation under

extreme cold temperatures

9 Warning

This emergency operation may

only be carried out in case of

extremely cold temperatures and if

the vehicle is parked on a level

surface.

In countries with extreme cold

temperatures it may be necessary to

park the vehicle without applied

parking brake.
This is an emergency operation to

avoid freezing of the parking brake.

Vehicles equipped with instruction

transmission automated, electric

parking brake and power button

On vehicles with instruction transmission

automated the ignition can only be

switched off if the parking brake is

applied. Therefore the following items

must be carried out to release the

electric parking brake:

1. Apply electric parking brake and

switch off ignition.

2. Switch on ignition by pressing and

holding Engine Start/Stop for six

seconds without operating brake

pedal.

3. Press brake pedal and release

electric parking brake.

4. Switch off ignition.

Vehicles equipped with instruction

transmission automated, electric

parking brake and ignition switch

On vehicles with instruction transmission

automated the ignition can only be

switched off if the parking brake is

applied. Therefore the following items

must be carried out to release the

electric parking brake:

Driving and operating

167

1. Apply electric parking brake and

switch off ignition.

2. Press brake pedal and release

electric parking brake.

3. Remove key from ignition switch.

Engine exhaust

9 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

The exhaust filter is a particle filter for

diesel and gasoline engines.

Automatic cleaning process

The exhaust filter system filters soot

particles out of the exhaust gases.

The system includes a self-cleaning

function that runs automatically

during driving without any notification.

The filter is cleaned by periodically

burning off the soot particles at high

temperature. This process takes

place automatically under set driving

conditions and may take up to

25 minutes. Typically it needs

between seven and twelve minutes.

Autostop is not available and fuel

consumption may be higher during

this period. The emission of smells

and smoke during this process is

normal.

System requires cleaning

Under certain conditions, e.g. driving

short distances, the system cannot

clean itself automatically.
If cleaning of the filter is required and

if previous driving conditions did not

enable automatic cleaning, it will be

indicated by a warning message in

the Driver Information Centre.

168

Driving and operating

A warning message appears when

exhaust filter is full. Start cleaning

process as soon as possible.
A warning message also appears

when exhaust filter has reached the

maximum filling level. Start cleaning

process immediately to avoid

damage to the engine.

Activate self-cleaning process

To activate cleaning process,

continue driving, keep engine speed

above 2000 rpm. Shift down if

necessary. Exhaust filter cleaning is

then started.
Cleaning process is completed more

quickly at high engine speeds and

loads.
Keep on driving until self-cleaning

operation is complete and the display

message disappears.

Caution

If possible, do not interrupt

cleaning process. Drive until

cleaning is completed to avoid the

need for service or repair by a

workshop.

Cleaning process not possible

If cleaning is not possible for any

reason, control indicator Z

illuminates and a warning message

appears in the Driver Information

Centre. Engine power may be

reduced. Seek the assistance of a

workshop immediately.

Catalytic converter

The catalytic converter reduces the

amount of harmful substances in the

exhaust gases.

Caution

Fuel grades other than those listed

on pages 3 219, 3 287 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.

Driving and operating

169

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

x

) 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.

9 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.
The typical AdBlue consumption is

approx. two litres per 1000 km, but

can also be higher depending on

driving behaviour (e.g. high load or

towing).

AdBlue tank

The AdBlue tank level can be found in

the display menu.

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.
The first possible warning is AdBlue

Range: 2400 km.
This warning will show up once briefly

with the calculated range. Driving is

possible without any restrictions.
The next warning level is entered with

a range below 1750 km. The

message with the current range will

always be displayed when ignition is

switched on and needs to be

confirmed 3 115. Refill AdBlue before

entering the next warning level.
At an AdBlue range below 900 km,

the following warning messages are

alternately displayed and cannot be

dismissed:

● AdBlue Low Refill Now
● Engine Restart Prevented in 900

km.

Additionally, control indicator Y

flashes continuously.

170

Driving and operating

Note

In case of high AdBlue consumption,

the Driver Information Centre may

display this warning without the

previous warning stages.

The last warning level is entered

when the AdBlue tank is empty.

Restart of the engine is not possible.

The following warning messages are

alternately displayed and cannot be

dismissed:

● AdBlue Empty Refill Now
● Engine Will Not Restart.

Additionally, control indicator Y

flashes continuously.
With active prevention of an engine

start, the following message will be

displayed:
Refill AdBlue To Start Vehicle.
The tank must be refilled completely

with AdBlue, otherwise restarting of

the engine is not possible.
3

 294

High emission warnings

If the exhaust emission rises above a

certain value, warnings similar to the

range warnings will be displayed in

the Driver Information Centre.
Requests to have the exhaust system

checked and finally the

announcement of the prevention of

an engine restart are displayed.

These restrictions are a legal

requirement.
Consult a workshop for assistance.

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.

Note

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 tank are captured and do

not emerge. AdBlue in bottles or

canisters is available in many filling

stations and can be purchased e.g.

at Opel dealers and other retail

outlets.
Since AdBlue has a limited

durability, check the date of expiry

before refilling.
Note

When unscrewing the protective cap

from the filler neck, ammonia fumes

may emerge. Do not inhale as the

fumes have a pungent smell. The

fumes are not harmful by inhalation.

The AdBlue tank should be filled

completely. This must be done if the

warning message regarding

prevention of an engine restart is

already displayed.

Driving and operating

171

The vehicle must be parked on a level

surface.
The filler neck for AdBlue is located

behind the fuel filler flap, which is

located at right rear side of the

vehicle.
The fuel filler flap can only be opened

if the vehicle is unlocked.

1. Remove key from ignition switch.
2. Close all doors to avoid ammonia

fumes entering the interior of the

vehicle.

3. Release the fuel filler flap by

pushing the flap 3 221.

4. Unscrew protective cap from the

filler neck.

5. Open AdBlue canister.
6. Mount one end of the hose on the

canister and screw the other end

on the filler neck.

7. Lift the canister until it is empty, or

until the flow from the canister has

stopped. This can take up to

five minutes.

8. Place the canister on the ground

to empty the hose, wait

15 seconds.

9. Unscrew the hose from the filler

neck.

10. Mount the protective cap and turn

clockwise until it engages.

Note

Dispose of AdBlue canister

according to environmental

requirements. To reuse the hose

flush it with clear water after usage.

Automatic transmission

The automatic transmission permits

automatic gearshifting (automatic

mode) or instruction gearshifting

(instruction mode).
Instruction shifting is possible in instruction

mode by tapping the selector lever to

+ or - 3 173.

Transmission display

The mode or selected gear is shown

in the Driver Information Centre.
In automatic mode, the driving

programme is indicated by D.

172

Driving and operating

In instruction mode, M and the number

of the selected gear is indicated.
R indicates reverse gear.
N indicates neutral position.
P indicates park position.

Selector lever

P : park position, wheels are locked,

engage only when the vehicle is

stationary and the parking brake

is applied

R : reverse gear, engage only when

the vehicle is stationary

N : neutral

D : automatic mode

M : instruction mode

<

: upshift in instruction mode

]

: downshift in instruction mode

The selector lever is locked in P and

can only be moved when the ignition

is on, the release button on the

selector lever is pushed and the brake

pedal is applied.
Without brake pedal applied, control

indicator j illuminates.
If the selector lever is not in P when

the ignition is switched off, control

indicator j flashes.
To engage P or R, press the release

button.

The engine can only be started with

the lever in position P or N. When

position N is selected, press the brake

pedal or apply the parking brake

before starting.
Do not accelerate while engaging a

gear. Never depress the accelerator

pedal and brake pedal at the same

time.
When a gear is engaged, the vehicle

slowly begins to creep when the

brake is released.

Engine braking

To utilise the engine braking effect,

select a lower gear in good time when

driving downhill, see instruction mode.

Rocking the vehicle

Rocking the vehicle is only

permissible if the vehicle is stuck in

sand, mud or snow. Move the selector

lever between D and R in a repeat

pattern. Do not race the engine and

avoid sudden acceleration.

Driving and operating

173

Parking

Apply the parking brake and engage

P.
The ignition key can only be removed

when the selector lever is in position

P.

Instruction mode

Move selector lever out of position D

towards the left in position M.
Tap selector lever upwards + to shift

to a higher gear.
Tap the selector lever downwards - to

shift to a lower gear.

If a higher gear is selected when

vehicle speed is too low, or a lower

gear when vehicle speed is too high,

the shift is not executed. This can

cause a message in the Driver

Information Centre.
In instruction mode, no automatic

shifting to a higher gear takes place

at high engine revolutions.

Gear shift indication

The symbol R or S with a number

beside it is indicated when

gearshifting is recommended for fuel

saving reasons.
Shift indication appears only in

instruction mode.

Electronic driving

programmes

● Special programmes

automatically adapt the shifting

points when driving up inclines or

down hills.

● In snowy or icy conditions or on

other slippery surfaces, the

electronic transmission control

enables the driver to select

instructionly first, second or third

gear for starting off.

Kickdown

Pressing down the accelerator pedal

beyond the kickdown detent will lead

to maximum acceleration

independent of selected driving

mode. The transmission shifts to a

lower gear depending on engine

speed.

Fault

In the event of a fault a message is

displayed in the Driver Information

Centre. Vehicle messages 3 123.
Electronic transmission control

enables only fourth gear. The

transmission no longer shifts

automatically.
Have the cause of the fault remedied

by a workshop.

174

Driving and operating

Interruption of power supply

In the event of an interruption of

power supply, the selector lever

cannot be moved out of the P

position. The ignition key cannot be

removed from the ignition switch.
If the vehicle battery is discharged,

start the vehicle using jump leads

3

 271.

If the vehicle battery is not the cause

of the fault, release the selector lever.

1. Apply the parking brake.

2. Release the selector lever trim

from the centre console. Poke

with a finger into the leather

socket below the selector lever

and push the trim upwards.

Rotate trim to the left.

3. Insert a small stick (e.g. a pen or

screw driver) into the opening

near the selector lever. Push

down the the stick vertically and

move the selector lever out of P. If

this position is engaged again, the

selector lever will be locked again.

Have the cause of the power

supply interruption remedied by a

workshop.

4. Mount the selector lever trim onto

the centre console and refit.

Instruction transmission

To engage reverse, depress the

clutch pedal and then press the

release button on the selector lever

and engage the gear.
If the gear does not engage, set the

lever to neutral, release the clutch

pedal and depress again; then repeat

gear selection.
Do not slip the clutch unnecessarily.
When operating, depress the clutch

pedal completely. Do not use the

pedal as a foot rest.

Driving and operating

175

When clutch slip is detected for a

specific time, the engine power will be

reduced. A warning is displayed in the

Driver Information Centre. Release

the clutch.

Caution

It is not advisable to drive with the

hand resting on the selector lever.

Gear shift indication 3 111.
Stop-start system 3 162.

Instruction transmission

automated

The automated instruction transmission

permits instruction gearshifting (instruction

mode) or automatic gearshifting

(automatic mode), both with

automatic clutch control.
Instruction shifting is possible by tapping

the selector lever in instruction mode.

Note

When unlocking or opening a

vehicle door, a sound may be

audible caused by the hydraulic

system.

Transmission display

In automatic mode, the driving

programme is indicated by D in the

Driver Information Centre.
In instruction mode, M and the number

of the selected gear is indicated.
R indicates reverse gear.
N indicates neutral.

176

Driving and operating

Selector lever

Always move the selector lever in the

appropriate direction as far as it will

go. Upon release, it automatically

returns to the centre position.

Note

Do not hold the selector lever in an

intermediate position. Not fully

engaging a gear may lead to

malfunction and an error message

may be displayed in the Driver

Information Centre.

Return the selector lever to the

centre position. After a short while N

will be displayed in the Driver

Information Centre and the system

will operate normally again.

N

: neutral position

D/M : switch between automatic (D)

and instruction (M) shift mode.

The transmission display

shows either D or M with the

selected gear

<

: upshifting in instruction mode

]

: downshifting in instruction mode

R

: reverse gear. Engage only

when vehicle is stationary

If selector lever is moved from R to the

left, D is directly engaged.
If selector lever is moved from D to +

or  -, instruction mode M is selected and

the transmission shifts.

Starting off

Depress the brake pedal and move

the selector lever to D/M or R. If D is

selected, transmission is in automatic

mode and first gear is engaged. If R

is selected, reverse gear is engaged.

The vehicle starts to move when the

brake pedal is released.
To start-off without depressing the

brake pedal, accelerate immediately

after engaging a gear as long as D or

R flashes.
If neither the accelerator nor the

brake pedal are depressed, no gear

is engaged and D or R flashes for a

brief time in the display.

Stopping the vehicle

In D, first gear is engaged and the

clutch is released when the vehicle is

stopped. In R, reverse gear remains

engaged.

Engine braking

Automatic mode

When driving downhill, the instruction

transmission automated does not

shift into higher gears until a fairly

high engine speed has been reached.

It shifts down in good time when

braking.

Driving and operating

177

Instruction mode

To utilise the engine braking effect,

select a lower gear in good time when

driving downhill. Changing into

instruction mode is only possible while

the engine is running or during an

Autostop.

Rocking the vehicle

Rocking the vehicle is only

permissible if the vehicle is stuck in

sand, mud or snow. Move the selector

lever between R and D in a repeat

pattern. Do not race the engine and

avoid sudden acceleration.

Parking

The most recently engaged gear (see

transmission display) remains

engaged when switching off ignition.

With N, no gear is engaged.
Therefore always apply the parking

brake when switching off ignition. If

parking brake is not applied, P flashes

in the transmission display and the

key cannot be removed from the

ignition switch. P stops flashing in the

transmission display as soon as the

parking brake is slightly applied.

When the ignition is switched off, the

transmission no longer responds to

movement of the selector lever.
Emergency operation to avoid

freezing of the parking brake 3 165.

Manual mode

If a higher gear is selected when the

engine speed is too low, or a lower

gear when the speed is too high, the

shift is not executed. This prevents

the engine from running at too low or

too high an engine speed. A warning

message is displayed in the Driver

Information Centre. Vehicle

messages 3 123.
If engine speed is too low, the

transmission automatically shifts to a

lower gear.
When + or - is selected in automatic

mode, the transmission switches to

manual mode and shifts accordingly.

Gear shift indication

The symbol R or S with a number

beside is indicated when gearshifting

is recommended for fuel saving

reasons.

Shift indication appears only in

manual mode.

Electronic driving

programmes

● Following a cold start, the

operating temperature

programme increases engine

speed to quickly bring the

catalytic converter to the required

temperature.

● The adaptive programme tailors

gearshifting to the driving

conditions, e.g. greater load or

gradients.

Kickdown

If the accelerator pedal is pressed

down completely in automatic mode,

the transmission shifts to a lower gear

depending on engine speed.

Fault

To prevent damage to the manual

transmission automated, the clutch is

engaged automatically at high clutch

temperatures.

178

Driving and operating

In the event of a fault, a warning

message is displayed in the Driver

Information Centre. Vehicle

messages 3 123.
Continued driving is restricted or not

possible, depending on the fault.
Have the cause of the fault remedied

by a workshop.

Brakes

The brake system comprises two

independent brake circuits.
If a brake circuit fails, the vehicle can

still be braked using the other brake

circuit. However, braking effect is

achieved only when the brake pedal

is depressed firmly. Considerably

more force is needed for this. The

braking distance is extended. Seek

the assistance of a workshop before

continuing the journey.
When the engine is not running, the

support of the brake servo unit

disappears once the brake pedal has

been depressed once or twice.

Braking effect is not reduced, but

braking requires significantly greater

force. It is especially important to bear

this in mind when being towed.
Control indicator R 3 110.

Antilock brake system

Antilock brake system (ABS)

prevents the wheels from locking.

ABS starts to regulate brake pressure

as soon as a wheel shows a tendency

to lock. The vehicle remains

steerable, even during hard braking.
ABS control is made apparent

through a pulse in the brake pedal

and the noise of the regulation

process.
For optimum braking, keep the brake

pedal fully depressed throughout the

braking process, despite the fact that

the pedal is pulsating. Do not reduce

the pressure on the pedal.
After starting off, the system performs

a self-test which may be audible.

Control indicator u 3 111.

Adaptive brake light

During full braking, all three brake

lights flash for the duration of ABS

control.

Driving and operating

179

Fault

9 Warning

If there is a fault in the ABS, the

wheels may be liable to lock due

to braking that is heavier than

normal. The advantages of ABS

are no longer available. During

hard braking, the vehicle can no

longer be steered and may

swerve.

Have the cause of the fault remedied

by a workshop.

Parking brake

9 Warning

Before leaving the vehicle, check

parking brake status. Control

indicator R (manual parking

brake) or m (electrical parking

brake) must illuminate constantly.

Manual parking brake

9 Warning

Always apply parking brake firmly

without operating the release

button, and apply as firmly as

possible on a downhill or uphill

slope.
To release the parking brake, pull

the lever up slightly, press the

release button and fully lower the

lever.
To reduce the operating forces of

the parking brake, depress the

foot brake at the same time.

Control indicator R 3 110.

Electric parking brake

Applying when vehicle is stationary

9 Warning

Pull switch m for a minimum of

one second until control indicator

m

 illuminates constantly and

electric parking brake is applied

180

Driving and operating

3

 110. The electric parking brake

operates automatically with

adequate force.
Before leaving the vehicle, check

the electric parking brake status.

Control indicator m 3 110.

The electric parking brake can always

be activated, even if the ignition is off.
Do not operate electric parking brake

system too often without engine

running as this will discharge the

vehicle battery.

Releasing

Switch on ignition. Keep foot brake

pedal depressed and then push

switch m.

Drive away function

Vehicles with manual transmission:

Depressing the clutch pedal and then

slightly releasing the clutch pedal and

slightly depressing the accelerator

pedal releases the electric parking

brake automatically. This is not

possible when switch m is pulled at

the same time.

Vehicles with automatic transmission

or manual transmission automated:

Engaging D and then depressing the

accelerator pedal releases the

electric parking brake automatically.

This is not possible when switch m is

pulled at the same time.

Dynamic braking when vehicle is

moving

When the vehicle is moving and the

switch m is kept pulled, the electric

parking brake system will decelerate

the vehicle, but will not apply

statically.
As soon as the switch m is released,

dynamic braking will be stopped.

Automatic applying

If the vehicle is equipped with

automatic transmission and adaptive

cruise control is active, electric

parking brake is applied automatically

when vehicle is stopped by the

system for more than two minutes.
Parking brake releases automatically

after moving off.

Functionality check

When the vehicle is not moving, the

electric parking brake might be

applied automatically. This is done to

check the system.

Fault

Failure mode of electric parking brake

is indicated by a control indicator j

and by a vehicle message which is

displayed in the Driver Information

Centre. Vehicle messages 3 123.
Apply electric parking brake: pull and

hold the switch m for more than

five seconds. If control indicator m

illuminates, electric parking brake is

applied.
Release electric parking brake: push

and hold the switch m for more than

two seconds. If control indicator m

extinguishes, electric parking brake is

released.
Control indicator m flashes: electric

parking brake is not fully applied or

released. When continuously

flashing, release electric parking

brake and retry applying.

Driving and operating

181

Brake assist

If brake pedal is depressed quickly

and forcefully, maximum brake force

is automatically applied.
Operation of brake assist might

become apparent by a pulse in the

brake pedal and a greater resistance

when depressing the brake pedal.
Maintain steady pressure on the

brake pedal as long as full braking is

required. Maximum brake force is

automatically reduced when brake

pedal is released.

Hill start assist

The system helps prevent unintended

movement when driving away on

inclines.
When releasing the brake pedal after

stopping on an incline, brakes remain

on for further two seconds. The

brakes release automatically as soon

as the vehicle begins to accelerate.

Ride control systems

Traction Control system

The Traction Control system (TC) is a

component of the Electronic Stability

Control (ESC).
TC improves driving stability when

necessary, regardless of the type of

road surface or tyre grip, by

preventing the drive wheels from

spinning.
As soon as the drive wheels starts to

spin, engine output is reduced and

the wheel spinning the most is braked

individually. This considerably

improves the driving stability of the

vehicle on slippery road surfaces.

TC is operational after each engine

start as soon as the control indicator

b

 extinguishes.

When TC operates b flashes.

9

Warning

Do not let this special safety

feature tempt you into taking risks

when driving.
Adapt speed to the road

conditions.

Control indicator b 3 111.

Deactivation

TC can be switched off when spinning

of drive wheels is required: press b

briefly.