Engine starting

Models with a mechanical ignition key

• a) Engage the parking brake;
• b) Engage neutral (RKPP) / move the selector lever to position «R «or «N» (AT).



Note: On models equipped with an Easytronic robotic gearbox, even when the gear is engaged, the gearbox shifts into neutral automatically before starting the engine.



• c) Turn the key in the ignition switch to position 2 and wait until the preheat indicator lamp turns off (see Section 16) (diesel models);
• d) Depress the clutch pedal for easier engine starting (RKPP);
• e) Depress the foot brake pedal (AT models);
• f) Without depressing the gas pedal, turn the key in the ignition lock to the right until it stops. As soon as the engine starts, immediately release the key;
• g) If starting fails within 10 seconds or if the engine stalls again, wait at least 30 seconds while removing the ignition key and restart as above;
• h) On petrol models at unstable speeds (e.g. misfires) to avoid failure of the catalytic converter (see Section 28) try to turn on the engine only for a short time and do not allow heavy loads - immediately drive the car to the Opel service station;
• i) On diesel models, if the mixture is erratic, hold the starter key until the engine starts at a steady speed, but no more than 20 seconds. If during this time the engine does not start, remove the key from the ignition, then repeat the procedure for warming up and starting the engine (see above).



Note: If the fuel in the tank is completely used up, then the process of starting after refueling takes much longer (up to 1 minute) - in this case, air is removed from the fuel system (see Chapter 1, Section 8).






• j) Do not crank the engine with the starter for more than 30 seconds in a row, otherwise the starter may fail;
• k) If starting the engine is difficult at very low or very high ambient temperatures, use the gas pedal to facilitate starting;
• l) In summer, in hot weather, when starting the engine up to 30 minutes after it has stopped, it must be started with the gas pedal fully depressed;
• m) Let the engine idle for at least 30 seconds before starting off. To warm up the engine gradually, start at moderate speeds, especially in cold weather.

Features of starting the engine on models with an electronic key of the Open&Start system

On models of the corresponding configuration, instead of the ignition lock, a button is mounted in the console part of the instrument panel «Start/Stop» (see illustration 21.1), which starts and stops the engine.



To start the engine, follow the same procedures (see above), as on cars with a mechanical ignition key, but instead of turning the key, use the button «Start/Stop» (see below).

When the button is pressed, the system checks the access permission of this key - in this case, the electronic key (see section 2) must be recognized inside the vehicle (it must be with the driver, for example, in a jacket pocket).

Attention: Do not leave the smart key in the trunk or directly in front of the information display!

After recognizing the key, the ignition is switched on and at the same time the electronic engine immobilizer and the electromechanical steering wheel lock are deactivated.

The next time you press the button «Start/ Stop» with the clutch pedal depressed (RKPP) / brake and setting the AT selector lever to positions P or N, the engine starts. The button must be held until the engine starts, but not less than 1 second. When the button is released, the engine start process is interrupted.

Note: With the clutch/brake pedal depressed, the engine can be started by pressing the button for the first time «Start/Stop».

If the button is pressed while the engine is running or the ignition is on without depressing the clutch/brake pedal, the ignition is turned off and the engine stops. At the same time, the engine start lock is activated.

Attention: When starting/stopping the engine, the vehicle must be stationary!

If the vehicle is stationary, opening and then slamming the driver's door will activate the steering wheel lock.

If a malfunction occurs in the electronic key system, the corresponding control lamp should light up on the instrument cluster (see Section 16) in constant or flashing mode - the next time you try to start the engine may not start. If the lama was activated while the engine was running, to turn off the ignition, you must hold the button «Start/Stop» held down a little longer than usual. Follow all the recommendations in Section 16 and have the problem repaired by an Opel workshop. If necessary, the engine can be started in emergency mode (unlocking/locking the doors in emergency mode see Section 8).


To start the engine in emergency mode, a special device is mounted on the right side of the steering column, marked with a pictogram) (see illustration 21.2). It is necessary to hold the electronic key for some time at the designated place, press the brake / clutch pedal, and with AT, press the brake pedal and set the selector lever to position P or N and press the button again «Start/Stop».

Attention: This possibility is provided only in case of emergency - fix the problem as soon as possible or contact the Opel campaign service station!