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Vauxhall Signum (2007 year). Manual - part 13

Driving and operation

205

Once the ignition is switched on, the system

is operational and will continuously

monitor the tyre pressures at speeds of

approx. 20 mph (30 km/h) and above.

Ü

Board Computer

BC 1

9 Warning

BC 2

The tyre pressure monitoring system does

Timer

not replace manual checks with a

Tyres

suitable gauge.

Check tyre pressures at least every

14 days and prior to any long journey;

the tyres should be checked when cold.

Don’t forget to check the spare 3.

Display of current tyre pressure 3

Control indicator w in red as warning

Tyre pressure - see pages 213, 288.

Select menu item Tyres from the Board

message

Computer menu.

Illumination in red while driving indicates

deviating tyre pressure.

The current pressure of each tyre is

displayed.

Indicator illuminates red:

Minor tyre pressure difference; slow down.

Check tyre pressure at next opportunity

with a suitable gauge and correct if

necessary.

Indicator flashes red:

Considerable pressure difference or direct

loss of pressure! Stop immediately and

check tyre and tyre pressure. Fit spare

wheel if necessary, see pages 233, 236.

206

Driving and operation

Warning messages in the graphical

information display 3 or colour information

display 3

In the version with check control 3 differing

Navi active

Navi active

tyre pressures while driving are indicated

by messages on the information display.

The message appears in abbreviated form

Tyre pressure

Attention!

depending on the version.

check rear

Front left tyre

left

pressure loss

For example, the following messages can

(value in bar)

(value in bar)

be displayed:

OK

OK

A graphic 3 indicating the left rear tyre is

A diagram 3 appears at the same time,

shown together with the current tyre

marking the front left tyre and showing the

pressure: Slight pressure deviation. Reduce

current tyre pressure: Considerable

speed. Check pressure at next opportunity

pressure difference or direct loss of

with appropriate gauge and correct if

pressure! Exit flow of traffic as soon as

necessary.

possible without obstructing other vehicles,

stop and check tyre and tyre pressure.

On the colour information display this

Fit spare wheel if necessary, see

report will appear in yellow.

pages 233, 234.

On the colour information display this

report will appear in red.

Acknowledgement of warnings - see

page 124.

Driving and operation

207

General information

When manually checking tyre pressure with

The tyre pressure monitoring system is not

a pressure gauge, screw the adapter onto

ready for operation if the emergency/spare

the valve. Tyre pressure - see page 213.

wheel is used and is not fitted with a

Every time a tyre is changed, the valve

pressure sensor; the control indicator w

inserts and tyre pressure monitoring

illuminates yellow. The tyre pressure

system sealing rings must be replaced by a

monitoring system remains operational for

workshop.

the other three wheels.

The use of commercially available liquid

If you use a complete set of wheels which

filled run-flat systems or repair kits can

are not fitted with sensors for the tyre

impair the function of the system.

pressure monitoring system, e.g. four

Vauxhall-approved systems can be used.

winter tyres or aftermarket tyres of a

different size, no fault message will be

Radio transmitters (e.g. radio headphones,

displayed. The tyre pressure monitoring

walkie-talkies) operated in the area could

system is not ready for operation.

cause interference in the tyre pressure

Control indicator w in yellow as fault

monitoring system.

message

Sensors for the tyre pressure monitoring

If control indicator w illuminates yellow

system can be retrofitted by a workshop

while driving, there is a fault in the tyre

upon request.

pressure monitoring system. Fitting a wheel

without a pressure sensor (e.g. the spare

wheel 3) will also generate a fault in the

system. Have the cause of the fault

remedied by a workshop. The system’s

integrated self-diagnostics allows faults to

be quickly remedied.

208

Driving and operation

Brake system

Foot brake

The foot brake comprises two independent

The brakes are an important factor for

brake circuits.

traffic safety.

If one brake circuit faults, the vehicle can

To improve effectiveness, do not brake

still be braked with the other brake circuit.

unnecessarily hard for the first 120 miles

However the braking effect will occur at a

(200 km) after new brake pads have been

lower pedal position and considerably

fitted.

more force is required. The braking

Brake pad wear must not exceed a

distance is longer. Contact a workshop

specified limit. Regular maintenance as

before continuing to drive.

detailed in the Service Booklet is therefore

To ensure that full pedal travel - can be

of the utmost importance for traffic safety.

utilised, particularly if there is a fault in one

Have worn brake pads replaced by a

of the brake circuits, there must be no mats

workshop.

in the pedal area, see page 185.

Brake assist

Pads that have been tested and approved

When the engine is not running, the

If the brake pedal is slammed on, the

guarantee optimum brake performance.

support of the brake servo unit disappears

vehicle is automatically braked with

once the brake pedal has been depressed

maximum brake force amplification in

once or twice. Braking effect is not

order to achieve the shortest possible

reduced, but braking requires significantly

braking distance when full-on braking

greater force. This is especially important

occurs (braking assist).

to bear in mind when towing.

Maintain steady pressure on the brake

pedal for as long as full-on braking is to

continue. When the brake pedal is

released, the maximum brake force

amplification is taken away.

Adaptive brake light

During full-on braking, all three brake

lights flash for the duration of ABS control.

Driving and operation

209

Check the brake lights before starting out

on a journey. On vehicles with check

control 3 the brake lights are checked

automatically - see page 124.

Shortly after starting each journey the

effectiveness of the brake system should

be tested at low speed and without

inconveniencing other traffic, especially if

the brakes are wet, e.g. after the vehicle

has been washed.

The brake fluid level should be checked

regularly. If the brake fluid level is too low

and the hand brake is not applied, control

indicator R on the instrument panel

illuminates - see page 99.

Hand brake

Brake system control indicator R

Always apply the handbrake firmly without

The control indicator illuminates when the

actuating the release button; to do this fold

ignition is switched on if the hand brake is

up the armrest 3. Apply as fully as possible

applied or if the brake or clutch fluid level is

on uphill or downhill inclines.

too low. Brake fluid - see page 272.

The mechanical hand brake acts on the

9 Warning

brakes on the rear wheels. It engages

automatically when applied.

If the control indicator comes on when

To release the hand brake pull the lever up

the handbrake is released, stop driving

slightly, press the release knob, and fully

immediately. Contact a workshop.

lower the lever.

To reduce the operating forces of the hand

brake, depress the foot brake at the same

time.

210

Driving and operation

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS u)

Fault

ABS continually monitors the brake system

9 Warning

and prevents the wheels from locking

regardless of the type of road surface or

If there is a fault in ABS, the wheels may

tyre grip.

be subject to locking due to braking that

It starts to regulate the braking pressure as

is heavier than normal. The advantages

soon as a wheel shows a tendency to lock.

of ABS are no longer operational. The

The vehicle remains steerable, even in the

vehicle can no longer be steered and may

event of very heavy braking, for instance

swerve.

on bends or when swerving to avoid an

obstacle. Even in the case of full-on

You can continue driving, provided you

braking, the ABS makes it possible to drive

drive with care and anticipation.

round an obstacle without releasing the

Have the cause of the fault eliminated by a

brakes.

workshop. The self-diagnosis integrated

Control indicator u for ABS

ABS control is made apparent though a

into the system allows rapid fault

It comes on for a few seconds after the

pulse in the brake pedal and the noise of

identification.

ignition is turned on. The system is ready

the regulation process.

for operation when the control indicator

goes out.

9 Warning

If the control indicator does not go out

For optimum braking, keep the brake

after a few seconds, or if it illuminates while

pedal fully depressed throughout the

driving, there is a fault in the ABS. The

braking process, despite the fact that the

brake system remains operational without

pedal is pulsating. Do not reduce the

ABS regulation.

pressure on the pedal.

Self-check

Do not let this special safety feature

After every ignition sequence and starting

tempt you into taking risks when driving.

of the engine, you may hear the system

carrying out self testing once you have

Traffic safety can only be achieved by

moved off and are moving at a speed in

adopting a responsible driving style.

excess of approx. 2 mph (3 km/h).

Driving and operation

213

Tyre pressure

In vehicles with tyre pressure monitoring

Incorrect inflation pressures will impair

Check tyre pressures, including the spare

system 3 there is an adapter in the valve

safety, vehicle handling, comfort and fuel

wheel, at least every 14 days and prior to

cap key. Screw adapter to valve before

economy and will increase tyre wear.

any long journey; the tyres should be

attaching tyre pressure gauge, see

If the pressure is too low, this can result in

checked when cold. Don’t forget to check

page 204.

considerable tyre warm-up and internal

the spare.

Tyre pressure, see page 288 and the

damage, leading to tread separation and

Use the valve cap key to make unscrewing

adhesive foil 3 on the inside of the tank

even to tyre blow-out at high speeds.

the valve caps easier. The key is located on

flap. Have adhesive foil replaced after

Hidden tyre damage is not eliminated by

the inside of the tank flap.

changing to different tyre size.

adjusting the inflation pressure.

Do not reduce tyre pressure when the tyres

are warm. Otherwise the pressure may

9 Warning

drop below the permissible minimum when

the tyres cool down.

Incorrect tyre pressure could lead to a flat

tyre.

After having checked the tyre pressures,

tighten the valve caps using the valve cap

key.

214

Driving and operation

Check tyres regularly for damage

(penetrated foreign bodies, punctures,

cuts, cracks, bulges in side walls). Check

wheels for damage. If damage or unusual

wear is found, contact a workshop.

9 Warning

Damage may lead to tyre blow-out.

Tyre condition, wheel condition

Tread depth

Drive over edges slowly and at a right

Check tread depth regularly.

angle if possible. Driving over sharp edges

If wear in the front is greater than that in

can lead to hidden tyre damage and wheel

the rear, move the rear wheels to the front

damage which is only noticed later on.

axle and vice versa.

When parking, ensure that the tyres are not

Correct tyre pressure.

pressed against the edge of the kerb.

For reasons of safety, tyres should be

replaced when their tread depth has worn

down to 2 to 3 mm (winter tyres: 4 mm).

Driving and operation

215

General information

Tyre designations

z The danger of aquaplaning is greater if

Meanings:

the tyres are worn.

e.g. 215/55 R 16 93 H

z Tyres age, even if they are used only very

215 = Tyre width in mm

little or not at all. A spare wheel which

has not been used for six years should be

55

= Cross-section ratio

used only in emergencies; drive slowly

(tyre height to width) in %

when using such tyres.

R

= Belt type: Radial

z Never fit used tyres the previous history

16

= Wheel diameter in inch

and use of which you do not know.

93

= Load index e.g. 93 corresponds

z So as not to impair brake cooling, use

to 654 kg

only wheel trims approved for use on

H

= Speed code letter

your vehicle.

Speed code letters:

The legally permissible minimum tread

depth (1.6 mm) has been reached when

Q Up to 100 mph (160 km/h)

the tread has worn down as far as one of

S Up to 112 mph (180 km/h)

the wear indicators (TWI¹⁾). A number of

wear indicators are spaced at equal

T Up to 118 mph (190 km/h)

intervals around the tyre within the tread.

H Up to 130 mph (210 km/h)

Their position is indicated by markings on

V Up to 150 mph (240 km/h)

the tyre sidewall.

W Up to 168 mph (270 km/h)

¹⁾ TWI = Tread Wear Indicator.

Driving and operation

217

Wheel trim on steel wheels could come into

Temporary wheel 3

contact with parts of the chain and be

Tyre chains must not be used on the

damaged. Remove the wheel trim - see

temporary spare wheel. If you need to use

page 237.

tyre chains after suffering a flat front tyre,

fit the temporary spare on the rear axle

Tyre chains may only be used at speeds up

and transfer one of the rear wheels to the

to 30 mph (50 km/h) and, when travelling

front axle.

on roads that are free of snow, they may be

used for brief periods only since they are

For notes on the temporary spare wheel -

subject to rapid wear on a hard road and

see page 234.

may snap.

Wheel changing - see page 236.

Correct tyre pressure.

Tyre pressure monitoring system 3 - see

page 204.

Tyre chains 3

Limitations and further information - see

page 288.

Tyre chains are only permitted on the drive

wheels (front axle). They must be fitted to

the tyres symmetrically in order to achieve

a concentric fit.

Always use fine mesh chains that add no

more than 10 mm to the tyre tread and the

inboard sides (including chain lock).

218

Driving and operation

Roof racks 3

9 Warning

Disregard of these notes can lead to

injuries which may be fatal. Vehicle

passengers should be informed

accordingly.

For safety reasons and to avoid roof

damage, we recommend using the

Vauxhall roof rack system approved for

your vehicle.

Fasten the roof rack following the

instructions that accompany the system.

Version without roof railing

Version with roof railing 3

Driving hints - see page 184.

Fold fitting opening covers upward.

Attach roof rack to roof railing at points

shown in figure, see enclosed roof luggage

Attach roof rack at appropriate points, see

rack system instructions.

enclosed roof luggage rack system

instructions.

Driving and operation

219

Towing equipment 3

9 Warning

Disregard of these notes can lead to

injuries which may be fatal. Vehicle

passengers should be informed

accordingly.

Only use a trailer towing device approved

for the vehicle. Have a towing device fitted

by workshop, who will inform you of any

possible trailer load increases. They will

have the instructions for fitting the device

and any necessary changes to the vehicle

concerning cooling, heat shields or other

Towing equipment with

Fitting the coupling ball bar

devices.

removable coupling ball bar 3

Compress the sealing plugs at the ends

and pull out of the opening for the coupling

Stowage of coupling ball bar

9 Warning

ball bar. Stow the sealing plugs in the

The coupling ball bar is stored in a bag

luggage compartment. Disengage socket

strapped to the spare wheel.

The coupling ball bar is to be removed

and fold down 3.

when not towing.

Mounting dimensions of towing

equipment - see page 297.

220

Driving and operation

Checking the tensioning of the coupling

Otherwise, the coupling ball bar must be

Inserting the coupling ball bar

ball bar

tensioned before it is inserted into the

Insert the tensioned coupling ball bar in the

z Red marking on turn knob points

coupling housing:

coupling housing and push firmly upwards

towards green marking on coupling ball

z Open coupling ball bar.

until you hear the coupling ball bar

bar.

engaging.

z Pull turn knob out and then turn it

z Gap of approx. 6 millimetres between

clockwise as far as it will go - see figure.

The turn knob snaps back into its home

rotary knob and coupling ball bar.

position resting against the coupling ball

bar.

z Key is in lock.

9 Warning

Do not touch the turn knob when

inserting the coupling ball bar - risk of

injury.

Driving and operation

221

Important

Check that the coupling ball bar is correctly

installed:

z Red marking on turn knob points

towards white marking on coupling ball

bar.

z No gap between turn knob and coupling

ball bar.

z Coupling ball bar must be seated firmly

in coupling housing.

z Coupling ball bar must be locked and

key must be removed.

9 Warning

Open coupling ball bar. Remove key and

Dismounting the coupling ball bar

put on provided protective clip.

Close coupling ball bar.

Towing is permitted only with a correctly

When the coupling ball bar is locked the

fitted towbar. If the towbar cannot be

Pull the turn knob out and then turn it

turn knob can no longer be pulled out.

fitted correctly, contact a workshop.

clockwise as far as it will go. Pull the

coupling ball bar downwards out of the

Eye for break-away stopping cable

coupling housing and stow it in the

In the case of caravans/trailers with brake,

luggage compartment - see page 219,

attach the break-away stopping cable to

Fig. 17833 J.

the eye. Eye - see Fig. 17721 J.

Insert the sealing plug in the hole for the

coupling ball bar. Fold away the socket -

see page 219, Fig. 17717 J.

Do not use steam-jet cleaners or other

high-pressure cleaners to clean the

coupling ball bar.

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