Opel Insignia: Starting and Operating

New Vehicle Break-In

Caution: The vehicle does not need an elaborate break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if you follow these guidelines:

• Do not drive at any one constant speed, fast or slow, for the first 805 km (500 mi).

  Do not make full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting to brake or slow the vehicle.

• Avoid making hard stops for the first 322 km (200 mi) or so. During this time the new brake linings are not yet broken in. Hard stops with new linings can mean premature wear and earlier replacement. Follow this breaking-in guideline every time you get new brake linings.

Following break-in, engine speed and load can be gradually increased.

Ignition Positions

The vehicle has an electronic keyless ignition with pushbutton start.

The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter must be in the vehicle for the system to operate. If the pushbutton start is not working, the vehicle may be near a strong radio antenna signal causing interference to the Keyless Access system.

To shift out of P (Park), the vehicle must be on and the brake pedal must be applied.

Stopping the Engine/OFF (No Indicator Lights) : When the vehicle is stopped, press ENGINE START/STOP once to turn the engine off.

If the vehicle is in P (Park), the ignition will turn off, and Retained Accessory Power (RAP) will remain active. If the vehicle is not in P (Park), the ignition will return to ACC/ ACCESSORY and display a message in the Driver Information Center (DIC). When the vehicle is shifted into P (Park), the ignition system will turn off.

Do not turn the engine off when the vehicle is moving. This will cause a loss of power assist in the brake and steering systems and disable the airbags.

If the vehicle must be shut off in an emergency:

1. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the brakes repeatedly. This may deplete power assist, requiring increased brake pedal force.

2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral).

This can be done while the vehicle is moving. After shifting to N (Neutral), firmly apply the brakes and steer the vehicle to a safe location.

3. Come to a complete stop. Shift to P (Park). Turn the ignition off.

4. Set the parking brake.

Warning: Turning off the vehicle while moving may cause loss of power assist in the brake and steering systems and disable the airbags.

While driving, only shut the vehicle off in an emergency.

If the vehicle cannot be pulled over, and must be shut off while driving, press and hold ENGINE START/ STOP for longer than two seconds, or press twice in five seconds.

ACC/ACCESSORY (Amber Indicator Light) : This mode allows you to use some electrical accessories when the engine is off.

With the ignition off, pressing ENGINE START/STOP one time without the brake pedal applied will place the ignition system in ACC/ ACCESSORY.

The ignition will switch from ACC/ ACCESSORY to OFF after five minutes to prevent battery run down.

ON/RUN/START (Green Indicator Light) : This mode is for driving and starting. With the ignition off, and the brake pedal applied, pressing ENGINE START/STOP once will place the ignition system in ON/ RUN/START. Once engine cranking begins, release the button. Engine cranking will continue until the engine starts.

Service Mode

This power mode is available for service and diagnostics, and to verify the proper operation of the malfunction indicator lamp as may be required for emission inspection purposes. With the vehicle off, and the brake pedal not applied, pressing and holding ENGINE START/STOP for more than five seconds will place the vehicle in Service Mode. The instruments and audio systems will operate as they do in ON/RUN, but the vehicle will not be able to be driven. The engine will not start in Service Mode. Press ENGINE START/STOP again to turn the vehicle off.

Starting the Engine

Place the transmission in the proper gear.

Caution: If you add electrical parts or accessories, you could change the way the engine operates. Any resulting damage would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.

Move the shift lever to P (Park) or N (Neutral). To restart the vehicle when it is already moving, use N (Neutral) only.

Caution: Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage the transmission.

Shift to P (Park) only when the vehicle is stopped.

Starting Procedure

1. With the Keyless Access system, the RKE transmitter must be in the vehicle. Press ENGINE START/STOP with the brake pedal applied. When the engine begins cranking, let go of the button.

The idle speed will go down as the engine gets warm. Do not race the engine immediately after starting it.

If the RKE transmitter is not in the vehicle, if there is interference, or if the RKE battery is low, the Driver Information Center (DIC) will display a message.

Caution Cranking the engine for long periods of time, by pressing ENGINE START/STOP immediately after cranking has ended, can overheat and damage the cranking motor, and drain the battery. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try, to let the cranking motor cool down.

2. If the engine does not start after five to 10 seconds, especially in very cold weather (below -18 ºC or 0 ºF), it could be flooded with too much gasoline. Try pushing the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and holding it there as you press ENGINE START/ STOP, for up to a maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try, to allow the cranking motor to cool down. When the engine starts, let go of the button and the accelerator. If the vehicle starts briefly but then stops again, do the same thing. This clears the extra gasoline from the engine. Do not race the engine immediately after starting it. Operate the engine and transmission gently until the oil warms up and lubricates all moving parts.

Stop/Start System

Warning: The automatic engine Stop/Start feature causes the engine to shut off while the vehicle is still on. Do not exit the vehicle before shifting to P (Park). The vehicle may restart and move unexpectedly.

Always shift to P (Park), and then turn the ignition off before exiting the vehicle.

The vehicle has a fuel saving stop/ start system to shut off the engine to help conserve fuel.

Auto Engine Stop/Start

When the brakes are applied and the vehicle is at a complete stop, the engine may turn off. When stopped, the tachometer displays AUTO STOP. When the brake pedal is released or the accelerator pedal is pushed, the engine will restart.

Engine Heater

The engine coolant heater, if available, can help in cold weather conditions at or below -18 ºC (0 ºF) for easier starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up.

Plug in the coolant heater at least four hours before starting the vehicle. An internal thermostat in the plug-end of the cord will prevent engine coolant heater operation at temperatures above -18 ºC (0 ºF).

To Use the Engine Coolant Heater

1. Turn off the engine.

2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.

The electrical cord is located on the passenger side of the engine compartment, between the fender and the air cleaner.

Check the heater cord for damage. If it is damaged, do not use it. See your dealer for a replacement. Inspect the cord for damage yearly.

3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.

Warning: Improper use of the heater cord or an extension cord can damage the cord and may result in overheating and fire.

• Plug the cord into a three-prong electrical utility receptacle that is protected by a ground fault detection function. An ungrounded outlet could cause an electric shock.
• Use a weatherproof, heavy-duty, 15 amp-rated extension cord if needed.

  Failure to use the recommended extension cord in good operating condition, or using a damaged heater or extension cord, could make it overheat and cause a fire, property damage, electric shock, and injury.

• Do not operate the vehicle with the heater cord permanently attached to the vehicle. Possible heater cord and thermostat damage could occur.
• While in use, do not let the heater cord touch vehicle parts or sharp edges. Never close the hood on the heater cord.
• Before starting the vehicle, unplug the cord, reattach the cover to the plug, and securely fasten the cord.

  Keep the cord away from any moving parts.

4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the cord as it was before to keep it away from moving engine parts.

The length of time the heater should remain plugged in depends on several factors. Ask a dealer in the area where you will be parking the vehicle for the best advice on this.

Retained Accessory Power (RAP)

These vehicle accessories can be used for up to 10 minutes after the engine is turned off:

• Infotainment System
• Power Windows
• Sunroof (If Equipped)
• Auxiliary Power Outlet

Power to the Infotainment system will continue to operate for up to 10 minutes or until the driver door is opened.

Power to the power windows and sunroof will continue to operate for up to 10 minutes or until any door is opened.

All of these features will work when the ignition is on or in ACC/ ACCESSORY.

Shifting Into Park

To shift into P (Park):

1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the parking brake.

2. Hold the button on the shift lever and push the lever toward the front of the vehicle into P (Park).

3. Turn the ignition off.

4. Remove the key.

Leaving the Vehicle with the Engine Running

Warning: It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle with the engine running.

It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. The vehicle can roll.

Do not leave the vehicle when the engine is running. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, always set the parking brake and move the shift lever to P (Park).

If you have to leave the vehicle with the engine running, the vehicle must be in P (Park) and the parking brake set.

Release the button and check that the shift lever cannot be moved out of P (Park).

Torque Lock

Torque lock is when the weight of the vehicle puts too much force on the parking pawl in the transmission. This happens when parking on a hill and shifting the transmission into P (Park) is not done properly; then it is difficult to shift out of P (Park). To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then shift into P (Park). To find out how, see "Shifting Into Park" listed previously.

If torque lock does occur, the vehicle may need to be pushed uphill by another vehicle to relieve the parking pawl pressure, so you can shift out of P (Park).

Shifting out of Park

This vehicle is equipped with an electronic shift lock release system.

The shift lock release is designed to prevent movement of the shift lever out of P (Park) unless the ignition is in on and the brake pedal is applied.

The shift lock release is always functional except in the case of an uncharged or low voltage (less than 9-volt) battery.

If the vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery with low voltage, try charging or jump starting the battery.

To shift out of P (Park):

1. Apply the brake pedal.

2. Turn the ignition on.

3. Press the shift lever button.

4. Move the shift lever to the desired position.

If still unable to shift out of P (Park):

1. Fully release the shift lever button.

2. Hold the brake pedal down and press the shift lever button again.

3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.

If you still cannot move the shift lever from P (Park), consult your dealer or a professional towing service.

Parking over Things That Burn

Warning: Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust parts under the vehicle and ignite. Do not park over papers, leaves, dry grass, or other things that can burn.

Extended Parking

It is best not to park with the vehicle running. If the vehicle is left running, be sure it will not move and there is adequate ventilation.

If the vehicle is left parked and running with the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter outside the vehicle, it will turn off after one hour.

If the vehicle is left parked and running with the RKE transmitter inside the vehicle, it will turn off after two hours.

The vehicle could turn off sooner if it is parked on a hill, due to lack of available fuel.

The timer will reset if the vehicle is taken out of P (Park) while it is running.

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