Vauxhall Signum (2007 year). Manual - part 14
222
Driving and operation
Caravan/trailer towing
The permissible caravan/trailer load should
Coupling socket load
be fully utilised only by drivers who are
The coupling socket load is the load
Caravan and trailer loads1)
adequately experienced in towing large or
exerted by the trailer/caravan on the
The permissible caravan/trailer loads are
heavy caravans/trailers.
coupling ball. It can be varied by changing
vehicle- and engine-dependent maximum
the weight distribution when loading the
values which must not be exceeded. The
The permitted caravan/trailer load applies
trailer/caravan.
actual caravan/trailer load is the difference
up to the specified incline and up to an
between the actual gross weight of the
altitude of 1000 metres above sea level.
The maximum permissible coupling socket
caravan/trailer and the actual coupling
Since engine power decreases as altitude
load (78 kg) is specified on the towing
socket load with the caravan/trailer
increases because of the air becoming
equipment identification plate and in the
attached. When the caravan/trailer load is
thinner, therefore reducing climbing ability,
vehicle documents. Always aim for the
being checked, therefore, only the
the permitted towing weight also
maximum load, especially in the case of
caravan/trailer wheels - and not the jockey
decreases by 10% for every 1000 metres of
heavy caravans/trailers. The coupling
wheel - must be standing on the weighing
additional altitude. The towing weight
socket load should never fall below 25 kg.
apparatus.
does not have to be reduced when driving
When measuring the coupling socket load,
on roads with slight inclines (less than 8%,
The permissible caravan/trailer loads for
make sure that the drawbar of the loaded
e.g. motorways).
your vehicle are given in the vehicle
trailer/caravan is at the same height as it
documents. Unless otherwise stated, they
The actual caravan/trailer load plus the
will be when the trailer/caravan is coupled
are valid for gradients up to max. 12%.
actual gross weight of the towing vehicle
with the towing vehicle loaded. Particularly
must not exceed the maximum permitted
important for trailers/caravans with
towing weight. For example, if the
tandem axle.
permitted gross vehicle weight is utilised,
the trailer/caravan load must only be used
until the maximum permitted towing
weight is reached. The maximum
permitted towing weight is shown on the
identification plate, see page 278.
1) Observe national regulations.
Driving and operation
223
Rear axle load during towing
Trailer Stability Assist 3 (TSA)
When the caravan/trailer is coupled up and
TSA monitors vehicle movements when
the towing vehicle is fully loaded, including
towing a caravan or trailer. If the system
all occupants, the permissible rear axle
detects lurching movements, engine power
load (for information, see the identification
is reduced and the vehicle/trailer
plate or vehicle documentation) may be
combination is selectively braked until the
exceeded by 30 kg. The gross vehicle
lurching ceases.
weight rating must not be exceeded in the
TSA is a function of the electronic stability
process.
program (ESP®Plus), see page 196.
If the permissible rear axle load is
exceeded, a maximum speed of 60 mph
(100 km/h) must be applied. If lower
national speed limits are prescribed for
vehicles towing caravans/trailers, these
must be observed.
Tyre pressure
Adjust the tyre pressure on the towing
vehicle to the value specified for a full load,
see page 288. Also check the pressure of
the caravan/trailer wheels and the spare
wheel.
224
Driving and operation
Driving characteristics, towing tips
The Parking distance sensor system at the
If it is necessary to apply the brakes fully,
In the case of trailers/caravans with brakes,
rear 3 is deactivated when towing a
depress the brake pedal as hard as
attach breakaway stopping cable to eye.
caravan/trailer.
possible.
Before attaching the trailer/caravan,
Handling is greatly influenced by the
Remember that the braking distance for
lubricate the ball of the trailer/caravan
loading of the trailer/caravan. Loads
vehicles towing caravans/trailers with and
towing device. However, do not lubricate
should therefore be secured so that they
without brake is always greater than that
the ball if a stabiliser, which acts on the
cannot slip and be placed in the centre of
for vehicles not towing a caravan/trailer.
coupling ball, is being used to damp
the trailer/caravan if possible, i.e. above
When driving downhill, the brakes are
hunting.
the axle.
under considerably more load when towing
Check caravan/trailer lighting before
When pulling trailers whose stability on the
a caravan/trailer. For this reason, drive in
starting to drive. The fog tail lights on the
road is low, and caravans whose permitted
the same gear as if driving uphill and drive
vehicle are deactivated when towing a
total weight exceeds 1500 kg, speeds
at a similar speed.
caravan or trailer.
should be kept below 50 mph (80 km/h);
Automatic transmission 3 or Easytronic 3
the use of an anti-hunting damper is
Caravan/trailers with LED turn signals must
in automatic mode will automatically
emphatically recommended.
have a provision that makes it possible to
select the driving program with the
monitor standard light bulbs.
Do not drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h)
optimum engine braking effect.
if possible, even in countries where higher
Turn signal control indicator - see page 98.
If necessary, the gears can also be selected
speeds are permitted.
manually.
Make sure that you have enough room
when cornering and avoid sudden
manoeuvres.
If the trailer/caravan starts to sway, drive
more slowly, do not attempt to correct the
steering and brake sharply if necessary.
Driving and operation
225
The cooling fan is electrically operated. Its
For vehicles with automatic transmission 3
cooling power is therefore independent of
or Easytronic 3 in automatic mode it is
the engine speed.
sufficient to apply full throttle.
Since a considerable amount of heat is
Before starting off under extreme
generated at high engine speeds and less
conditions (high combination weight,
at slower speeds, do not shift down when
mountainous terrain with steep inclines),
climbing hills whilst the vehicle is still coping
switch off all unnecessary electrical loads
with the gradient in the higher gear.
(e.g. heated rear window, air conditioning
system 3, heated seats 3).
Diesel engine: On rising gradients of 10%
or more, do not drive faster than 20 mph
(30 km/h) in 1st gear or 30 mph (50 km/h)
in 2nd gear; with automatic transmission
3, do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h) in
position 1.
Starting on inclines
For vehicles with manual transmission,
the most favourable engine speed when
starting off on an incline is between 2500
and 3000 rpm for petrol engines and
between 2000 and 2200 rpm for diesel
engines. Hold engine speed constant,
engage clutch gradually (let slip), release
hand brake and open throttle. If possible,
the engine speed should not drop during
this procedure.
226
Self-help, vehicle care
Self-help, vehicle care
9 Warning
Disregard of these notes can lead to
Diesel fuel system, bleeding
226
injuries which may be fatal. Vehicle
Bonnet
226
passengers should be informed
accordingly.
Starting
227
Towing
230
Diesel fuel system, bleeding
Warning triangle ¨ 3,
first-aid kit + 3
232
Never let the tank run dry! If control
Spare wheel 3
233
indicator Y illuminates, refuel as soon as
possible. Refuel immediately if it flashes.
Jack £ 3 and vehicle tools 3
235
Changing wheels
236
Restarting after running out of fuel is
Tyre repair kit 3
239
possible, but starting behaviour will be
Electrical system
243
delayed. Turn on the ignition three times
Bonnet
Fuses and the most important circuits
for 15 seconds each time. Then start the
To open the bonnet, pull the release lever
they protect
245
engine for a maximum of 40 seconds. If it
located on the driver’s side below the
does not start, repeat the process after
Bulb replacement
249
instrument panel. The bonnet will then be
waiting at least 5 seconds. If the engine still
unlocked and will partially open. Return
Halogen headlight system dipped
does not start, contact a workshop.
and main beam
250
release lever to its original position.
Xenon headlight system, dipped and
main beam
252
Adaptive Forward Lighting system 3
254
Halogen headlight system, Xenon
headlight system, parking lights
254
Tail lights
255
Number plate light
257
Courtesy light
258
Vehicle care
260
Self-help, vehicle care
227
Starting
Do not start with quick charger
This prevents damage to electronic
components.
Do not start by pushing or towing
Because your vehicle is fitted with a
catalytic converter, it must not be started
by pushing or towing - see page 190.
The vehicle can only be started using jump
leads - see following page.
There is a safety catch on the underside of
To hold the bonnet open, insert the support
the bonnet: lift this upwards and open the
located on the left side in the small slot on
bonnet.
the underside of the bonnet.
Dirt or snow on the bonnet may drop onto
Before closing, fasten the support in its
the windscreen when the bonnet is opened
retainer. Lower the bonnet and allow it to
and block the air intake.
fall into its catch.
Air intake - see page 166.
Check that the bonnet is locked in position
by pulling at its front edge. If it is not
engaged, repeat the procedure.
228
Self-help, vehicle care
Starting the engine with jump leads 3
A vehicle with a discharged battery can be
started using jump leads and the battery of
another vehicle.
9 Warning
Be extremely careful when starting with
jump leads. Any deviation from the
following instructions can lead to injuries
or damage caused by battery explosion
or damage to the electrical systems of
both vehicles.
z Never expose the battery to naked
z Wear eye protection and protective
z Switch off all unnecessary electrical
flames or sparks.
clothing when handling a battery.
consumers.
z A discharged battery can freeze at
z Use auxiliary battery with same voltage
z Do not lean over the battery during jump
temperatures as low as 0 °C. Defrost the
battery before connecting jump leads.
(12 volts). Its capacity (Ah) must not be
starting.
considerably less than that of the
z Do not allow the terminals of one lead to
z Do not allow battery fluid to come into
discharged battery. Voltage and
contact with eyes, skin, fabrics or
touch those of the other lead.
capacity information can be found on
painted surfaces. The fluid contains
z Do not touch the vehicles while jump
the batteries.
sulphuric acid which can cause injuries
starting.
z Use jump leads with insulated terminals
and damage in the event of direct
and a cross section of at least 16 mm2
z Apply hand brake. Manual transmission
contact.
(25 mm2 for diesel engines).
or Easytronic 3 in neutral, automatic
transmission 3 in P.
z Do not disconnect the discharged
battery from the vehicle.
The battery is in a box at the front of the
engine compartment, on the right-hand
side as viewed from the front. To open the
box, pull the cover forwards and swing it
upwards.
Self-help, vehicle care
229
z Do not connect leads to negative
z Start the engine of the vehicle providing
terminal of discharged battery!
the jump start.
z The connection point should be as far
z After 5 minutes, start the other engine.
away from the discharged battery as
Start attempts should be made at
possible.
intervals of 1 minute not last longer
than 15 seconds.
z Route the leads so that they cannot
catch on rotating parts in the engine
z After starting, allow both engines to idle
compartment.
for approx. 3 minutes with the leads
connected.
z In order to avoid excess voltage in the
electrical system, before removing a
lead, switch on an electrical consumer
(e.g. light, heated rear window) in the
vehicle receiving the jump start.
Connect the leads in the order shown in the
illustration:
z Reverse above sequence exactly when
1. Connect one end of the first jump lead to
removing leads.
the positive terminal 1 of the battery
providing the jump start (identified by
"+" sign on battery case or terminal).
2. Connect the other end of this lead to the
positive terminal 2 of the discharged
battery ("+" sign).
3. Connect the first end of the other jump
lead to the negative terminal 3 of the
battery providing the start ("-" sign).
4. Connect the other end of the second
jump lead 4 to ground on the other
vehicle, e.g. engine block or screw
connection in the engine suspension.
230
Self-help, vehicle care
Drive slowly. Do not drive jerkily. Excessive
tractive force can damage the vehicle.
9 Warning
For braking and steering, significantly
higher forces are required: brake
assistance and steering assistance are
effective only with the engine running.
To prevent the entry of exhaust fumes from
the towing vehicle, switch on the air
recirculation 3 and close the windows.
Vehicles with automatic transmission 3
should be towed facing forward only and
Towing
Screw in the towing eye anticlockwise as far
as it will go until it stops in a horizontal
must not be towed faster than 50 mph
Towing your own vehicle
(80 km/h) or further than 60 miles (100 km).
position.
To open the cover concealing the towing
If the transmission is defective, or if the
eye at the front right of the vehicle:
Attach a tow rope 3 - or better still a tow
above speed or distance is to be exceeded,
disengage the cover at the bottom and pull
rod 3 - to the eye.
the front axle must be raised off the
it off downwards.
The towing eye may be used only for
ground.
The towing eye is located in the
towing the vehicle, not for rescuing it.
compartment containing the jack and
Switch on ignition to release steering
vehicle tools underneath the spare wheel in
column lock and to permit operation of
the luggage compartment. Vehicle jack
brake lights, horn and windscreen wipers.
and tools - see page 235.
Manual transmission or Easytronic 3 in
neutral, automatic transmission 3 in N.
Self-help, vehicle care
231
Contact a workshop.
If the automatic clutch is released
manually after a power failure on vehicles
with Easytronic 3, towing is not permitted,
see page 174. In this case, contact a
workshop immediately.
After towing, unscrew towing eye by
rotating clockwise and insert and close the
cap.
Towing service
Entrust your vehicle only to the towing
service of your choice and obtain an
estimate on towing costs before employing
any towing service. In this way you avoid
Towing another vehicle
Screw in the towing eye anticlockwise as far
unnecessary costs and possible insurance
To open the cover concealing the towing
as it will go until it stops in a horizontal
problems during claim processing.
eye socket at the rear right of the vehicle:
position.
disengage the cover at the bottom and pull
Attach a tow rope 3 - or better still a tow
it off downwards.
rod 3 - to the eye.
The towing eye is located in the
The towing eye may be used only for
compartment containing the jack and
towing the vehicle, not for rescuing it.
vehicle tools underneath the spare wheel in
the luggage compartment. Vehicle jack
Drive slowly. Do not drive jerkily. Excessive
and tools - see page 235.
tractive force can damage the vehicle.
After towing, unscrew towing eye by
rotating clockwise and insert and close the
cap.
232
Self-help, vehicle care
When loading vehicle, always ensure that
warning triangle, first-aid cushion or first-
aid kit is accessible.
Warning triangle ¨ 3,
To open the cover, push bar downward
and flip open the cover.
first-aid kit + 3
Store the warning triangle and the first-aid
kit (or cushion) in the stowage
compartment in the luggage compartment
right-hand side trim.
Self-help, vehicle care
233
Spare wheel 3
Remove protective cap and slacken wing
Storing a defective full specification
nut. Remove spare wheel temporary spare
wheel in the spare wheel well
Some vehicles are equipped with a tyre
wheel). The vehicle tools and the jack are
The spare wheel well is designed to hold an
repair kit instead of a spare wheel. See
beneath the spare wheel.
temporary spare wheel. Proceed as follows
page 239.
to store a defective full specification wheel
The spare wheel (temporary spare wheel) is
after fitting the temporary spare wheel to
stowed in the luggage compartment under
the vehicle:
the floor cover.
Lower floor cover.
To open the floor cover, fold out release
Unscrew screw clip securing the floor cover
lever by pushing at the marked point and
(see Fig. 17842 J), lift the cover up again
raise up the floor cover all the way.
and hold it open. Guide the lashing eyes
out of the recesses in the floor cover, see
Fig. 17843 J, next page.
Remove spacer ring in spare wheel well.
234
Self-help, vehicle care
Notes on temporary spare wheel
z Using a temporary spare wheel may
change the driving behaviour of the
vehicle, particularly if using winter
tyres 3. Replace defective tyre as quickly
as possible, balance wheel and fit to
vehicle.
z Fit only one temporary spare wheel.
z Do not drive faster than 50 mph
(80 km/h).
z Take curves slowly.
z Do not use the temporary spare wheel
for a lengthy period.
Stow away vehicle tools and jack - see
Keep protective cap, wing nut and
z Replace temporary spare wheel with full
page 235. Place defective wheel in spare
fastening clips for floor cover in a safe
specification wheel without delay.
wheel well with outside facing upward.
place.
z Tyre chains are not permitted on the
Place spacer ring in centre of defective
Replace defective wheel as soon as
temporary spare wheel. If tyre chains
wheel.
possible, balance wheel and fit to vehicle.
have to be used after a front wheel
Place the floor cover over wheel. Do not
Before storing temporary spare wheel,
puncture, fit temporary spare wheel to
insert screw clip.
insert spacer ring and store vehicle tools -
the rear axle and fit a rear wheel to the
see page 235. Secure temporary spare
front axle. Check tyre pressure and
Place heavy load in central position.
wheel using wing nut and fit protective
correct if necessary, see page 213.
cap. Fit floor cover. Guide lashing eyes
z Follow temporary spare wheel
through recesses. Push in screw clip for
instructions on pages 217, 288.
attaching floor cover (arrow in Fig. 17842 J
on previous page).
Self-help, vehicle care
235
Notes on directional tyres 3
Directional tyres only achieve their full
performance potential when mounted in
the prescribed direction of rotation. If after
a flat tyre the tyre or spare wheel is
mounted against the prescribed direction
of rotation, observe the following:
z Driving conditions may be altered.
Replace the defective tyre as soon as
possible, balance the wheel and mount it
on the vehicle.
z Do not drive faster than 50 mph
(80 km/h).
z Drive especially carefully in wet or snowy
weather.
Jack £ 3 and vehicle tools 3
After use, stow away the jack and tools in
the compartment as shown in illustration.
The jack and the vehicle tools have been
For further information on directional
specially developed for your vehicle and
tyres - see page 212.
must only be used on that vehicle. Only use
jack for changing wheels.
Vehicles with tyre repair kit 3
The vehicle tools are stored in the luggage
compartment together with the tyre repair
kit in a compartment beneath the floor
cover.
Vehicles with spare wheel 3
The jack and vehicle tools are located in a
compartment in the luggage
compartment, beneath the spare wheel.
To open the floor cover, see page 233.
236
Self-help, vehicle care
Changing wheels
z Remove spare wheel from luggage
z If the ground on which the vehicle is
compartment, see previous page 233.
standing is soft, a solid board (max. 1 cm
There may be a tyre repair kit instead of a
thick) should be placed under the jack 3.
spare wheel - see page 239.
z Before raising the vehicle, set the front
Using a thicker board could damage the
wheels to the straight-ahead position.
To ensure your safety, make the following
jack 3 and the vehicle.
preparations and observe the following
z Slacken the wheel bolts one half turn
z No people or animals may be in the
information when changing wheels:
before raising the vehicle, but do not
vehicle when it is jacked up.
z Park the vehicle on a level, firm and non-
totally unscrew the bolts.
skid surface.
z Never crawl under a jacked-up vehicle.
z Never change more than one wheel at
z Switch on hazard warning lights, apply
once.
z Do not start or run the engine while the
hand brake, automatic transmission 3 -
vehicle is on the jack.
z Block the wheel diagonally opposite the
selector lever in P, manual transmission
wheel to be changed by placing wedge
z Before inserting the wheel bolts when
or Easytronic 3 - engage 1st or reverse
blocks or equivalent in front and behind
changing wheels, lightly grease the cone
gear.
the wheel.
of each bolt. For this reason, carry some
z Correctly set up the warning triangle.
conventional grease.
z Use the jack only to change wheels.
Warning triangle - see page 232.
Self-help, vehicle care
237
1. Prise off the wheel trim using the hook
Alloy wheels 3: Disengage the wheel bolt
2. Turn wheel bolts half a turn using the
included with the vehicle tools. Vehicle
caps with a screwdriver and remove.
wheel bolt wrench 3, pushing the
tools - see page 235.
Protect the wheel by inserting a soft cloth
wrench 3 on as far as possible.
between the screwdriver and ally wheel.
If the wheel trim has visible wheel bolts 3,
the trim can remain on the wheel. The
retaining washers 3 on the wheel bolts
must not be removed.
238
Self-help, vehicle care
3. There are plastic retainers at the front
4. Before attaching jack 3 set to required
Attach crank to eye of threaded rod and
and rear of the vehicle underbody for
height by turning the eye by hand. Fit the
turn crank to raise vehicle.
positioning the jack. The location of each
jack 3 at the front - or rear - in such a
If this is not the case, carefully lower the
retainer is indicated by a mark on the
way that the jack head engages in the
vehicle immediately and reposition the
bottom edge of the vehicle.
plastic retainer beneath the vehicle.
jack.
Check that it is properly engaged.
5. Unscrew wheel bolts and wipe clean with
The jack base must be on the ground
a cloth. Then apply a light coating of
directly below the jacking point in a
grease to the wheel bolts. Do not grease
manner that prevents it from slipping.
the thread of the bolts. Do not put the
wheel bolts down in a location where
they may become soiled.
If the wheel bolts have retaining
washers 3, they must not be removed.