Vauxhall GTC (2012 year). Manual

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Driving and operating

137

Flex Ride - VXR Version

VXR Flex Ride driving system allows

NORMAL mode

The VXR Version of Flex Ride system

the driver to select between three

In NORMAL mode, when neither

works in the same way as the

driving modes:

SPORT nor VXR button is pressed,

standard Flex Ride system with the

■ VXR mode: press button VXR, LED

all settings of the systems are

difference that the modes have

illuminates.

adapted to standard values.

a more sporty characteristic.

■ SPORT mode: press button

SPORT mode

SPORT, LED illuminates.

The settings of the systems are

■ NORMAL mode: neither button

adapted to a sportier driving style.

SPORT nor VXR is pressed, no

LED illuminates.

VXR mode

The drive dynamic characteristics are

Deactivate SPORT mode and VXR

adapted to high performance

mode by pressing corresponding

settings.

button once more.

In this mode the illumination of main

In each driving mode VXR Flex Ride

instruments is switched to red.

networks the following electronic

systems:

Personalised settings in the VXR

■ Continuous Damping Control.

mode

■ Accelerator Pedal Control.

The driver can select the functions of

the VXR mode when VXR button is

■ Steering Control.

pressed. These settings can be

■ Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

changed in the menu Settings in the

■ Antilock brake system (ABS) with

Info-Display. Vehicle personalisation

cornering brake control (CBC).

3 93.

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138

Driving and operating

maintained. Control indicator m in

Driver assistance

instrument cluster illuminates green.

systems

Accelerator pedal can be released.

Vehicle speed can be increased by

depressing the accelerator pedal.

9 Warning

When the accelerator pedal is

released, the previously stored speed

Driver assistance systems are

is resumed.

developed to support the driver

and not to replace his attention.

Cruise control remains activated

while gear is changed.

The driver accepts fully

responsibility when driving the

Increase speed

vehicle.

Do not use the cruise control if it is not

With cruise control active, hold thumb

When using driver assistance

advisable to maintain a constant

wheel turned to RES/+ or briefly turn

systems, always take care

speed.

to RES/+ repeatedly: speed

regarding the current traffic

increases continuously or in small

With automatic transmission, only

situation.

increments.

activate cruise control in automatic

mode.

Alternatively accelerate to the desired

Cruise control

speed and store by turning to SET/-.

Control indicator m 3 80.

The cruise control can store and

maintain speeds of approx. 20 to

Switching on

Reduce speed

120 mph. Deviations from the stored

With cruise control active, hold thumb

Press button m, control indicator m in

speeds may occur when driving uphill

wheel turned to SET/- or briefly turn

instrument cluster illuminates white.

or downhill.

to SET/- repeatedly: speed

For safety reasons the cruise control

Activation

decreases continuously or in small

cannot be activated until the foot

Accelerate to the desired speed and

increments.

brake has been operated once.

turn thumb wheel to SET/-, the

Activating in first gear is not possible.

current speed is stored and

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Driving and operating

139

Deactivation

Switching off

Activation

Press button y, control indicator m in

Press button m, control indicator m in

instrument cluster illuminates white.

instrument cluster extinguishes. The

Cruise control is deactivated. Last

stored speed is deleted.

used set speed is stored in memory

Pressing button L for activating

for later speed resume.

speed limiter or switching off the

Automatic deactivation:

ignition also switches off cruise

control and deletes the stored speed.

■ vehicle speed below approx.

20 mph,

■ vehicle speed above approx.

Speed limiter

125 mph,

The speed limiter prevents the

■ the brake pedal is depressed,

vehicle exceeding a preset maximum

speed.

■ the clutch pedal is depressed for

Press button L. If cruise control or

a few seconds,

The maximum speed can be set at

adaptive cruise control has been

a speed above 15 mph.

■ selector lever in N,

activated before, it is switched off

■ engine speed in a very low range,

The driver can only accelerate up to

when speed limiter is activated and

the preset speed. Deviations from the

the control indicator m extinguishes.

■ the Traction Control system or

limited speed may occur when driving

Electronic Stability Control is

downhill.

Set speed limit

operating.

The preset speed limit is displayed in

With speed limiter active, hold thumb

Resume stored speed

the top line of the Driver Information

wheel turned to RES/+ or briefly turn

Centre when the system is active.

to RES/+ repeatedly until the desired

Turn thumb wheel to RES/+ at

maximum speed is displayed in the

a speed above 20 mph. The stored

Driver Information Centre.

speed will be obtained.

Alternatively accelerate to the desired

speed and briefly turn thumb wheel to

SET/-: the current speed is stored as

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140

Driving and operating

maximum speed. Speed limit is

The limited speed will flash in the

By pressing button m to activate

displayed in the Driver Information

Driver Information Centre and

cruise control or adaptive cruise

Centre.

a chime sounds during this period.

control or by switching off the ignition,

speed limiter is also deactivated and

Release the accelerator pedal and

the stored speed is deleted.

the speed limiter function is

reactivated once a speed lower than

the limit speed is obtained.

Following distance

indication

Deactivation

Press button y: speed limiter is

The following distance indication

deactivated and the vehicle can be

displays the distance to a preceding

driven without speed limit.

moving vehicle. The front camera in

the windscreen is used to detect the

The limited speed is stored and

distance of a vehicle directly ahead in

a corresponding message appears in

the vehicle's path. It is active at

the Driver Information Centre.

speeds above 25 mph.

Change speed limit

Resume limit speed

When a preceding vehicle is detected

With speed limiter active, turn thumb

Turn thumb wheel to RES/+. The

ahead, the distance is indicated in

wheel to RES/+ to increase or SET/-

stored speed limit will be obtained.

seconds, displayed on a page in the

to decrease the desired maximum

Driver Information Centre 3 81. Press

speed.

Switching off

the MENU button on the turn signal

Press button L, the speed limit

lever to select Vehicle Information

Exceeding the speed limit

indication in the Driver Information

and turn the adjuster

In the event of an emergency it is

Centre extinguishes. The stored

wheel to choose following distance

possible to exceed the speed limit by

speed is deleted.

indication page.

depressing the accelerator pedal

firmly beyond the point of resistance.

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Driving and operating

141

parking assist the system consists of

Parking assist

four additional ultrasonic parking

sensors in the front bumper.

The system uses two different

frequencies for the front and rear

sensors, respectively, each with

a different sound.

Control indicator

3 78.

Activation

The minimum indicated distance is

0.5 seconds.

If there is no vehicle ahead or the

The parking assist makes parking

vehicle ahead is out of range, two

easier by measuring the distance

dashes will be displayed: -.- s.

between the vehicle and obstacles,

and giving acoustic signals.

The warning chime regarding

unfastened seat belts has priority

over any other acoustic signal 3 89.

Even when using the parking assist,

When reverse gear is engaged, the

the driver remains fully responsible

system is activated automatically.

for the parking manoeuvre.

The front parking assist can also be

The system consists of four ultrasonic

activated at a low speed by pressing

parking sensors in the rear bumper. If

the

button.

the vehicle is equipped with a front

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142

Driving and operating

An illuminated LED in the parking

If the

button is pressed once

Important hints for using the

assist button indicates that the

within an ignition cycle, the front

parking assist

system is ready to operate.

parking assist is always reactivated

when the vehicle speed goes below

Depending on which of the sensors

9 Warning

a certain value.

are closer to an obstacle, you will hear

the buzzing sound of the respective

Under certain circumstances,

Deactivation

sensors. The interval between the

various reflective surfaces on

Deactivate the system by pressing

sounds becomes shorter as the

objects or clothing as well as

the

button.

vehicle gets closer to the obstacle.

external noise sources may cause

When the distance is less than

The LED in the button extinguishes

the system to fail to detect

30 cm, the buzzing is continuous.

and Park Assist Off will be displayed

obstacles.

in the Driver Information Centre.

Special attention has to be paid to

The system is deactivated

low obstacles which can damage

automatically when exceeding

the lower part of the bumper.

a certain speed.

Fault

Caution

In the event of a fault in the system,

illuminates or a vehicle message

Performance of the sensor can be

is displayed in the Driver Information

reduced when sensors are

Centre.

covered, e.g. by ice or snow.

Additionally,

illuminates or

Performance of the parking assist

a vehicle message is displayed in the

system can be reduced due to

Driver Information Centre if

heavy loading.

Depending on the version, the

a malfunction of the system due to

distance to a front obstacle is

temporary conditions like snow

indicated in the Driver Information

covered sensors is detected.

Centre by changing segments.

Vehicle messages 3 86.

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Driving and operating

143

Road signs

Special conditions apply if there

Traffic sign assistant

■ beginning of motorway

are taller vehicles involved (e.g.

off-road vehicles, mini vans,

Functionality

■ end of motorway

vans). Object identification in the

The traffic sign assistant system

■ A-roads

upper part of these vehicles

detects designated traffic signs via

■ playstreets

cannot be guaranteed.

a front camera and displays them in

the Driver Information Centre.

Add on signs

Objects with a very small reflection

■ additional hints to traffic signs

cross section, like objects of

narrow size or soft materials, may

■ wet warning

not be detected by the system.

■ ice warning

Parking assist will not detect

■ direction arrows

objects out of the detection range.

Speed limit signs are displayed in the

Driver Information Centre until the

Note

next speed limit sign or end of speed

The parking assist system

limit is detected or rather sign timeout

automatically detects factory-fitted

and after a defined time.

towing equipment. It is deactivated

when the connector is plugged in.

The sensor may detect a non-

existing object (echo disturbance)

Traffic signs, which will be detected,

caused by external acoustical or

are:

mechanic disturbances.

Limit- and no passing signs

■ speed limit

■ no passing

■ end of speed limit

■ end of no passing

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144

Driving and operating

An exclamation mark in a frame

Traffic signs are displayed on the

indicates that there is an add on sign

page Traffic sign detection in the Trip/

detected which cannot be recognised

Fuel Information Menu, chosen via

by the system.

the adjuster wheel on the turn signal

lever 3 81.

The system is active up to a speed of

124 mph depending on the lighting

When another function on the Driver

conditions. At night the system is

Information Centre menu was

active up to a speed of 99 mph.

selected and then Traffic sign

detection page is chosen again, the

As soon as the speed becomes

last recognised traffic sign will be

slower than 34 mph the display will be

displayed.

reset and the content of the traffic sign

page will be cleared. The next

If the system is deactivated by itself,

Combinations of more signs in the

recognised speed indication will be

the content of the traffic sign page is

display are possible.

displayed.

cleared, indicated by the following

symbol:

Display indication

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Driving and operating

145

The content of the traffic sign page is

Once setting page is displayed, select

also cleared during driving by pushing

Off to deactivate pop-up function.

the SET/CLR button on the turn signal

Reactivated by selecting On. When

lever for a longer time.

switching on the ignition, pop-up

function is deactivated.

Pop-up indication is displayed for

approx. 8 seconds in the Driver

Information Centre.

Fault

The traffic sign assistant system may

not operate correctly when:

The pop-up function can be

■ the area of the windscreen, where

deactivated on the traffic sign page by

the front camera is located, is not

pressing the SET/CLR button on the

clean

turn signal lever.

■ traffic signs are completely or

partially covered or difficult to

Pop-up function

discern

Speed limits and no passing signs are

■ there are adverse environmental

displayed as pop-ups on each page

conditions like heavy rain, snow,

of the menu.

direct sunlight or shadows. In this

case No Traffic Sign Detection due

to Weather is indicated on the

display

■ traffic signs are incorrectly mounted

or damaged

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146

Driving and operating

■ traffic signs do not comply with the

Activation

Lane departure warning

Vienna Convention on traffic signs

The lane departure warning system

(Wiener Übereinkommen über

observes the lane markings between

Straßenverkehrszeichen)

which the vehicle is driving via a front

camera. The system detects lane

Caution

changes and warns the driver in the

event of an unintended lane change

The system is intended to help the

via visual and acoustic signals.

driver within a defined speed

range to discern certain traffic

Criteria for the detection of an

signs. Do not ignore traffic signs

unintended lane change are:

which are not displayed by the

■ no operation of turn signals

system.

■ no brake pedal operation

The system does not discern any

■ no active accelerator operation or

other than the conventional traffic

The lane departure warning system is

speeding-up

signs that might give or end

activated by pressing the ) button.

a speed limit.

■ no active steering

The illuminated LED in the button

Do not let this special feature

If the driver is active, no warning will

indicates that the system is switched

tempt you into taking risks when

be issued.

on. When the control indicator ) in

driving.

the instrument cluster illuminates

green, the system is ready to operate.

Always adapt speed to the road

conditions.

The system is only operable at

vehicle speeds above 35 mph and if

The driver assistance systems do

lane markings are available.

not relieve the driver from full

responsibility for vehicle

operation.

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Driving and operating

147

When the system recognises an

Fault

Fuel

unintended lane change, the control

The lane departure warning system

indicator ) changes to yellow and

may not operate properly when:

Fuel for petrol engines

flashes. Simultaneously a chime

■ the windscreen is not clean

sound is activated.

Only use unleaded fuel that complies

■ there are adverse environmental

with EN 228.

conditions like heavy rain, snow,

Usage of fuel with quality, not

direct sunlight or shadows

complying to the Technical

The system cannot operate when no

Regulations in effect (Decree № 118

lane marking is detected.

of 27.02.2008 with amendments of

30.12.2008 № 1076) can lead to

engine damage and loss of all

warranty obligations.

Equivalent standardised fuels with an

ethanol content of max. 10 % by

volume may be used. In this case only

use fuel that complies with

E DIN 51626-1.

Deactivation

Use fuel with the recommended

The system is deactivated by

octane rating 3 205. Use of fuel with

pressing ) button, the LED in the

too low an octane rating can reduce

button extinguishes.

engine power and torque and slightly

At speeds below 35 mph the system

increases fuel consumption.

is inoperable.

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148

Driving and operating

Caution

9 Danger

Use of fuel that does not comply to

Before refuelling, switch off engine

EN 228 or similar can lead to

EN 590 or similar can lead to

and any external heaters with

deposits or engine damage and

engine powerloss, increased wear

combustion chambers. Switch off

loss of warranty.

or engine damage and loss of

any mobile phones.

warranty.

Follow the operating and safety

instructions of the filling station

Caution

Do not use marine diesel oils, heating

when refuelling.

oils, Aquazole and similar diesel-

Use of fuel with too low an octane

water emulsions. Diesel fuels must

rating could lead to uncontrolled

not be diluted with fuels for petrol

9 Danger

combustion and engine damage.

engines.

Fuel is flammable and explosive.

Fuel for diesel engines

No smoking. No naked flames or

Refuelling

sparks.

Only use diesel fuel that complies

with EN 590.

If you can smell fuel in your

vehicle, have the cause of this

Usage of fuel with quality, not

remedied immediately by an

complying to the Technical

authorized dealer.

Regulations in effect (Decree № 118

of 27.02.2008 with amendments of

30.12.2008 № 1076) can lead to

Caution

engine damage and loss of all

warranty obligations.

In case of misfuelling, do not

In countries outside the European

switch on ignition.

Union use Euro-Diesel fuel with

a sulphur concentration below 50

Fuel filler flap is located at right rear

ppm.

side of vehicle.

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Driving and operating

149

Close the flap and let engage.

Fuel filler cap

Only use genuine fuel filler caps.

Diesel-engined vehicles have special

fuel filler caps.

Fuel consumption - CO₂-

Emissions

The minimum fuel consumption

(combined) of the model Vauxhall

The fuel filler flap can only be opened

The fuel filler cap can be retained in

Astra GTC is 63 mpg¹⁾.

if the vehicle is unlocked. Release the

the bracket on the fuel filler flap.

The minimum CO₂ emission

fuel filler flap by pushing the flap.

For refuelling, fully insert the pump

(combined) is 119 g/km¹⁾.

To open, turn the cap slowly to the

nozzle and switch it on.

For the values specific for your

left.

After automatic cut-off, it can be

vehicle, refer to the EEC Certificate of

topped up with max. two doses of fuel.

Conformity provided with your vehicle

or other national registration

Caution

documents.

Wipe off any overflowing fuel

General information

immediately.

The official fuel consumption and

specific CO₂ emission figures quoted

To close, turn the fuel filler cap to the

relate to the EU base model with

right until it clicks.

standard equipment.

¹⁾ Maximum value was not available at time of printing.

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150

Driving and operating

Fuel consumption data and CO₂

Towing

Driving characteristics and

emission data are determined

towing tips

according to regulation R (EC) No.

General information

715/2007 (in the version respectively

Before attaching a trailer, lubricate

applicable), taking into consideration

Only use towing equipment that has

the coupling ball. However, do not do

the vehicle weight in running order, as

been approved for your vehicle.

so if a stabiliser, which acts on the

specified by the regulation.

Entrust retrofitting of towing

coupling ball, is being used to reduce

equipment to a workshop. It may be

snaking movements.

The figures are provided only for the

necessary to make changes that

purpose of comparison between

For trailers with low driving stability

affect the cooling system, heat

different vehicle variants and must

and caravan trailers with a permitted

shields or other equipment.

not be taken as a guarantee for the

gross vehicle weight of more than

actual fuel consumption of

The bulb outage detection function for

1400 kg the use of a stabiliser is

a particular vehicle. Additional

trailer brake light cannot detect

strongly recommended when driving

equipment may result in slightly

a partial bulb outage, e.g. in case of

above 50 mph.

4 x 5 Watts it only detects lamp

higher results than the stated

If the trailer starts snaking, drive more

outage when only a 5 watt lamp

consumption and CO₂ figures.

slowly, do not attempt to correct the

remains or no lamp remains.

Furthermore, fuel consumption is

steering and brake sharply if

dependent on personal driving style

Fitting of towing equipment could

necessary.

as well as road and traffic conditions.

cover the opening of the towing eye.

When driving downhill, drive in the

If this is the case use the coupling ball

same gear as if driving uphill and

bar for towing. Always keep the

drive at a similar speed.

coupling ball bar in the vehicle.

Adjust tyre pressure to the value

Installation dimensions of factory-

specified for full load 3 213.

fitted towing equipment 3 216.

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151

Driving and operating

The permissible gross train weight

Rear axle load

Trailer towing

must not be exceeded. This weight is

When the trailer is coupled and the

Trailer loads

specified on the identification plate

towing vehicle fully loaded, the

3 200.

permissible rear axle load (see

The permissible trailer loads are

vehicle and engine-dependent

identification plate or vehicle

Vertical coupling load

maximum values which must not be

documents) may be exceeded by

The vertical coupling load is the load

70 kg, the gross vehicle weight rating

exceeded. The actual trailer load is

exerted by the trailer on the coupling

may be exceeded by 70 kg. If the

the difference between the actual

ball. It can be varied by changing the

permissible rear axle load is

gross weight of the trailer and the

weight distribution when loading the

exceeded, a maximum speed of

actual coupling socket load with the

trailer.

60 mph applies.

trailer coupled.

The maximum permissible vertical

The permissible trailer loads are

coupling load (75 kg) is specified on

specified in the vehicle documents. In

Towing equipment

the towing equipment identification

general, they are valid for gradients

plate and in the vehicle documents.

up to max. 12 %.

Caution

Always aim for the maximum load,

The permitted trailer load applies up

especially in the case of heavy

to the specified incline and up to an

When operating without a trailer,

trailers. The vertical coupling load

altitude of 1000 metres above sea

remove the coupling ball bar.

should never fall below 25 kg.

level. Since engine power decreases

as altitude increases due to the air

becoming thinner, therefore reducing

climbing ability, the permissible gross

train weight also decreases by 10 %

for every 1000 metres of additional

altitude. The gross train weight does

not have to be reduced when driving

on roads with slight inclines (less than

8 %, e.g. motorways).

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152

Driving and operating

Stowage of coupling ball bar

Fitting the coupling ball bar

Checking the tensioning of the

coupling ball bar

The bag with the coupling ball bar is

Disengage and fold down the socket.

stowed in the rear stowage

Remove the sealing plug from the

■ Red marking on rotary knob must

compartment on the floor.

opening for the coupling ball bar and

point towards green marking on

stow it.

coupling ball bar.

Place the strap through the lashing

eye, wrap around twice and tighten

■ The gap between the rotary knob

the strap to secure the bag.

and the coupling ball bar must be

approx. 6 mm.

■ The key must be in position c.

Otherwise, the coupling ball bar must

be tensioned before being inserted:

■ Unlock coupling ball bar by turning

key to position c.

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Driving and operating

153

Insert the tensioned coupling ball bar

Eye for break-away stopping cable

in the opening and push firmly

upwards until it audibly engages.

The rotary handle snaps back into its

original position resting against the

coupling ball bar without a gap.

9 Warning

Do not touch rotary handle during

insertion.

■ Pull out rotary knob and turn

Lock the coupling ball bar by turning

clockwise as far as it will go.

the key to position e. Remove the key

Attach breakaway stopping cable to

and close the protective flap.

Inserting the coupling ball bar

eye.

Check that the coupling ball bar is

correctly installed

■ Green marking on rotary knob must

point towards green marking on

coupling ball bar.

■ There must be no gap between the

rotary handle and the coupling ball

bar.

Vauxhall GTC (2012 year). Manual - part 9