Vauxhall Ampera 2013 User Manual

Owner’s Manual Model Year 2013 Edition: June 2012 TS 1710-A-13
0 - 1Owner’s Manual Model Year 2013 Edition: June 2012 TS 1710-A-13
VAUXHALL Ampera
Contents
Introduction .................................... 2
Keys, doors and windows ............ 19
Seats, restraints ........................... 34
Storage ........................................ 51
Instruments and controls ............. 59
Lighting ........................................ 89
Climate control ............................. 95
Driving and operating ................. 104
Vehicle care ............................... 141
Service and maintenance .......... 178
Technical data ........................... 181
Customer information ................ 191
Index .......................................... 194
2 Introduction

Introduction

Introduction 3
Vehicle specific data
Please enter your vehicle's data on the previous page to keep it easily accessible. This information is available in the sections "Service and maintenance" and "Technical data" as well as on the identification plate.
Introduction
Your vehicle is a designed combination of advanced technology, safety, environmental friendliness and economy.
The vehicle has two operation modes: Electric and extended range. In both modes, the vehicle is propelled by its electric drive unit. Thus, carbon dioxide emissions are reduced considerably without losing mobility and dynamics.
This Owner's Manual provides you with all the necessary information to enable you to drive your vehicle safely and efficiently.
Only well trained technicians who are aware of the manufacturer's instructions are permitted to repair and/or to work with high voltage components.
Make sure your passengers are aware of the possible risk of accident and injury which may result from improper use of the vehicle.
You must always comply with the specific laws and regulations of the country that you are in. These laws may differ from the information in this Owner's Manual.
When this Owner's Manual refers to a workshop visit, we recommend your Vauxhall Authorised Repairer.
All Vauxhall Authorised Repairers provide first-class service at reasonable prices. Experienced mechanics trained by Vauxhall work according to specific Vauxhall instructions.
The customer literature pack should always be kept ready to hand in the vehicle.
Using this manual
■ This manual describes all options and features available for this model. Certain descriptions, including those for display and menu functions, may not apply to your vehicle due to model variant, country specifications, special equipment or accessories.
■ The "In brief" section will give you an initial overview.
■ The table of contents at the beginning of this manual and within each section shows where the information is located.
■ The index will enable you to search for specific information.
■ This Owner's Manual depicts left­hand drive vehicles. Operation is similar for right-hand drive vehicles.
■ The Owner's Manual uses the factory engine designations. The corresponding sales designations can be found in the section "Technical data".
4 Introduction
■ Directional data, e.g. left or right, or front or back, always relate to the direction of travel.
■ The vehicle display screens may not support your specific language.
■ Display messages and interior labelling are written in bold letters.
Danger, Warnings and Cautions
9 Danger
Text marked 9 Danger provides information on risk of fatal injury. Disregarding this information may endanger life.
9 Warning
Text marked 9 Warning provides information on risk of accident or injury. Disregarding this information may lead to injury.
Caution
Text marked Caution provides information on possible damage to the vehicle. Disregarding this information may lead to vehicle damage.
Symbols
Page references are indicated with 3. 3 means "see page".
Thank you for choosing a Vauxhall. We wish you many hours of
pleasurable driving. Your Vauxhall Team
Introduction 5
6 In brief

In brief

Initial drive information

Vehicle unlocking

Radio remote control
Press button ( to unlock the doors and load compartment. Open the doors by pulling the handles. To open the tailgate, press the button under the tailgate moulding.
Radio remote control 3 20, Central locking system 3 23, Load compartment 3 25.
Open&Start
With the radio remote control within the opening range, simply press the lock/unlock button on the door handle.
To unlock all doors, press the lock/ unlock button on the driver's door handle again within five seconds.
To open the tailgate, press the button under the tailgate moulding.
Open&Start system 3 22.
In brief 7

Seat adjustment

Seat positioning
Pull handle, slide seat, release handle.
Seat position 3 35, Seat adjustment 3 36.
9 Danger
Do not sit nearer than 25 cm from the steering wheel, to permit safe airbag deployment.
Seat backrests
Pull lever, adjust inclination and release lever. Allow the seat to engage audibly.
Seat position 3 35, Seat adjustment 3 36.
Seat height
Lever pumping motion: up = seat higher
down = seat lower
Seat position 3 35, Seat adjustment 3 36.
8 In brief

Head restraint adjustment

Press the button, adjust height and engage.
Head restraints 3 34.

Seat belt

Pull out the seat belt and engage in belt buckle. The seat belt must not be twisted and must fit close against the body. The backrest must not be tilted back too far (maximum approx. 25 °).
To release belt, press red button on belt buckle.
Seat position 3 35, Seat belts 3 39, Airbag system 3 42.

Mirror adjustment

Interior mirror
To reduce dazzle, adjust the lever on the underside of the mirror housing.
Interior mirror 3 30, Automatic anti­dazzle interior mirror 3 30.
In brief 9
Exterior mirrors
Select the relevant exterior mirror and adjust.
Convex exterior mirrors 3 29, Electric adjustment 3 29, Folding exterior mirrors 3 29, Heated exterior mirrors 3 30.

Steering wheel adjustment

Unlock lever, adjust steering wheel, then engage lever and ensure it is fully locked.
Do not adjust steering wheel unless vehicle is stationary and steering wheel lock has been released.
Airbag system 3 42.
10 In brief

Instrument panel overview

In brief 11
1 Cruise control ...................... 120
Lane departure warning ...... 128
Forward collision alert ......... 122
2 Light switch ........................... 89
Turn and lane-change
signals ................................... 91
Pedestrian safety alert .......... 60
3 Horn ...................................... 60
4 Instrument cluster ................. 65
Driver Information Centre
(DIC) ..................................... 73
5 Steering wheel controls ........ 59
6 Windscreen wiper washer ..... 60
7 Centre air vents ................... 102
8 Dome lights ........................... 93
Reading lights ....................... 93
Ultrasonic park assist .......... 124
Anti-theft alarm system ......... 27
Electronic Stability Control ..119
Traction Control system ...... 118
Seat belt reminder control ..... 67
Airbag deactivation control
indicator ................................ 68
9 Interior mirror ........................ 30
10 Charging status indicator ....134
11 Light sensor .......................... 89
Climate sensor ...................... 95
12 Instrument panel storage ...... 51
13 Colour-Info-Display ............... 74
14 Side air vents ...................... 102
15 Glovebox ............................... 51
16 Central locking buttons ......... 23
17 Electrical parking brake ......115
18 Infotainment system (see
Infotainment system manual)
19 Shift lever ............................ 113
20 Power button ....................... 105
21 Drive mode button .............. 110
22 Leaf button ............................ 74
23 Bonnet release lever ........... 143
24 Steering wheel adjustment ...59 25 Instrument panel
illumination control ................ 92
26 Charge port door release
button .................................. 130
27 Power windows ..................... 31
28 Fuel door release button ..... 138
29 DIC controls .......................... 73
30 Headlight range adjustment ..90
12 In brief

Exterior lighting

Turn adjuster wheel: AUTO = automatic light control:
Exterior lighting is switched on and off
m
8 9
automatically
= activation or deactivation
of the automatic light
control = sidelights = low beam
= rear fog light
r
Lighting 3 89.
Headlight flash, high beam and low beam
headlight flash = pull lever high beam = push lever low beam = push or pull lever
Automatic light control 3 89, High beam 3 90, Headlight flash 3 90.
In brief 13
Turn and lane-change signals
lever up = right turn signal lever down = left turn signal
Turn and lane-change signals 3 91, Parking lights 3 92.
Hazard warning flashers
Operated with the ¨ button. Hazard warning flashers 3 91.

Horn

Press j. Horn 3 60.
14 In brief

Pedestrian safety alert

Push 4 to alert people who may not hear the vehicle approaching.
A soft‐note alert will momentarily sound.
Pedestrian safety alert 3 60.

Washer and wiper systems

Windscreen wiper
HI = fast LO = slow INT = interval wiping OFF = off
For a single wipe, press the lever down.
Windscreen wiper 3 60, Wiper blade replacement 3 150.
Adjustable wiper interval
Wiper lever in position INT. Turn the adjuster wheel to adjust the
desired wipe interval: short
interval long interval
= turn adjuster wheel
upwards
= turn adjuster wheel
downwards
In brief 15
Windscreen washer
Pull lever. Washer fluid is sprayed onto the windscreen and the wiper wipes a few times.
Windscreen washer system 3 60, Washer fluid 3 147.

Climate control

Heated rear window, heated exterior mirrors
Heating is operated by pressing the Ü button.
Heated rear window 3 33. Heated rearview mirror 3 30.
Demisting and defrosting the windows
Press V button. Set temperature to warmest level. Heated rear window Ü on. Automatic climate control system
3 95.
Auto defog
The system monitors high humidity inside the vehicle. When detected, the system may adjust to outside air supply and turn on the air conditioning or the heater. The fan speed may slightly increase to help prevent
16 In brief
fogging. When high humidity is no longer detected, the system will return to its prior operation.
Automatic climate control system 3 95.

Electric drive unit

P = Park R = Reverse N = Neutral D = Drive L = Low
The shift lever can only be moved out of P when the ignition is on, the brake pedal is applied first, and then the shift lever button is pressed.
Electric drive unit 3 109.

Starting off

Check before starting off
■ Tyre pressure and condition 3 162, 3 190.
■ Engine oil level and fluid levels 3 144.
■ All windows, mirrors, exterior lighting and number plates are free from dirt, snow and ice and are operational.
■ Proper position of mirrors, seats, and seat belts 3 29, 3 35, 3 40.
■ Brake function at low speed, particularly if the brakes are wet.
In brief 17
Starting the vehicle
■ Move the shift lever to P or N. The propulsion system will not start in any other position.
■ Move the steering wheel slightly to release the steering wheel lock.
■ The radio remote control must be in the vehicle. Press the brake pedal and push m.
Please consider what the operating condition of the vehicle is meant when the term "ignition on/off" is used.
Starting and stopping the vehicle 3 107.
Power button 3 105.

Electric vehicle operation modes

The vehicle has two operation modes: Electric and extended range. In both modes, the vehicle is propelled by its electric drive unit.
Several drive modes can be selected while driving in electric or extended range mode:
18 In brief
Press DRIVE MODE button repeatedly until the desired drive mode is highlighted.
The following drive modes are selectable:
■ Normal
■ Sport
■ Mountain
■ Hold Electric vehicle operation modes
3 109.

Parking

■ Do not park the vehicle on an easily ignitable surface. Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust parts under the vehicle and ignite.
■ Always apply the parking brake. Pull switch m for approximately one second.
■ Switch off the ignition. Turn the steering wheel until the steering wheel lock engages.
■ If the vehicle is on a level surface or uphill slope, set the parking brake and then shift the selector lever to P, before switching off the ignition. On an uphill slope, turn the front wheels away from the kerb.
If the vehicle is on a downhill slope, set the parking brake and then shift the selector lever to P, before switching off the ignition. Turn the front wheels towards the kerb.
■ Lock the vehicle and activate the anti-theft alarm system.
Radio remote control 3 20. Anti-theft alarm system 3 27.
Keys, doors and windows 19

Keys, doors and windows

Keys, locks ................................... 19
Doors ........................................... 25
Vehicle security ............................ 26
Exterior mirrors ............................ 29
Interior mirrors ............................. 30
Windows ...................................... 31

Keys, locks

Keys

Replacement keys
The key number is specified in the Car Pass or on a detachable tag.
The key number must be quoted when ordering replacement keys as it is a component of the immobiliser system.
Locks 3 175.
Lock cylinders
Designed to free-wheel if they are forcefully rotated without the correct key or if the correct key is not fully inserted. To reset, turn cylinder with the correct key until its slot is vertical, remove key and then re-insert it. If the cylinder still free-wheels, turn the key through 180° and repeat operation.
Key with foldaway key section
Press the button to extend the key. Press the button and fold the key
blade to retract the key. If the key becomes difficult to turn,
inspect the key blade for debris.

Car Pass

The Car Pass contains security related vehicle data and should therefore be kept in a safe place.
When the vehicle is taken to a workshop, this vehicle data is needed in order to perform certain operations.
20 Keys, doors and windows

Radio remote control

Enables a keyless operation of the following functions:
■ Central locking system 3 23
■ Open&Start system 3 22
■ Starting the vehicle 3 107
■ Anti-theft alarm system 3 27
■ Anti-theft locking system 3 26
■ Panic alarm
■ Engine Assisted Heating
■ Opening of the charge port door
■ Comfort opening of the power
windows 3 31
The radio remote control has an approximate range of up to 60 metres. It can be restricted by external influences.
Handle with care, protect from moisture and high temperatures and avoid unnecessary operation.
Panic alarm
Press ! once to initiate vehicle locator. The exterior lights flash and the horn chirps three times.
Press ! and hold for three seconds to activate the panic alarm. The horn sounds and the turn signals flash for 30 seconds.
Press ! again to cancel the panic alarm.
Engine Assisted Heating
Activates the heating or air conditioning systems and the rear window defogger from outside the vehicle.
The vehicle may have auto heated seats, which can be programmed to come on when the Engine Assisted Heating is activated.
Vehicle personalisation 3 84. To maximise the electric range of the
vehicle, use the Engine Assisted Heating function while the vehicle is plugged in. Normal operation of the system will return after the ignition has been switched on.
Note The engine may start at cold outside temperatures if the battery is low, even if the vehicle is plugged in. Select one of the following:
■ At Cold Outside Temperatures: allows starting of the engine at +2°C or below
■ At Very Cold Outside Temperatures: allows starting of the engine at -10°C or below
Vehicle personalisation 3 84.
By default the engine will not start when the vehicle is plugged in. If starting of the engine is required, the setting can be changed.
Vehicle personalisation 3 84.
Keys, doors and windows 21
9 Danger
Do not activate Engine Assisted Heating when the vehicle is parked in garages or other closed structures, as the engine may start even when the vehicle is plugged in.
Note Please note that remote starting of the engine may be restricted by applicable laws and regulations in some countries or areas.
Activating
1. Press and release ); the doors will lock.
2. Immediately press and hold # until the turn signal lights flash. Pressing # again during Engine Assisted Heating will turn the feature off.
Engine Assisted Heating will automatically shut off after 10 minutes, unless a time extension is activated.
After entering the vehicle during Engine Assisted Heating, press the m button on the instrument panel with the brake pedal applied to operate as normal.
Extending the time To extend the time of the first Engine Assisted Heating, repeat the steps for activating Engine Assisted Heating. Engine Assisted Heating can only be extended once between driving.
Cancelling Engine Assisted Heating To cancel Engine Assisted Heating, do any of the following:
■ Aim the radio remote control at the vehicle and press and hold # until the sidelights turn off.
■ Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
■ Press the m button on the instrument panel with the brake pedal applied, then press the m button again to switch the ignition off.
Conditions in which Engine Assisted Heating may not work
Conditions in which Engine Assisted Heating may not occur include:
■ An open bonnet.
■ Vehicle propulsion system fault conditions, including an emission control system malfunction.
■ High voltage battery fault conditions.
A second Engine Assisted Heating or extension will not occur if the fuel level is low.
Conditions in which Engine Assisted Heating may be cancelled include:
■ Vehicle propulsion system or high voltage battery fault conditions.
■ Low engine oil pressure.
■ Engine coolant temperature that is too high.
Charge port door
Press $ to open the charge port door.
Charging 3 130.
22 Keys, doors and windows
Fault in the radio remote control system
If it is not possible to operate the radio remote control properly, this may be due to the following:
■ Range exceeded
■ Battery voltage too low
■ Blocked signal If the problem persists, seek the
assistance of a workshop. Keep in mind that conditions other
than those stated can impact the performance of the radio remote control.
Unlocking 3 23.
Radio remote control battery replacement
Note When replacing the battery, do not touch any of the circuitry on the transmitter. Static from your body could damage the transmitter.
Replace the battery as soon as the range reduces.
Extend the key and open the unit. Replace the battery (battery type CR 2032), paying attention to the installation position. Close the unit and check the operation of the radio remote control.
Batteries do not belong in household waste. They must be disposed of at an appropriate recycling collection point.

Open&Start system

A transponder within the radio remote control enables a passive locking and unlocking of the doors and the tailgate.
Furthermore the Open&Start system enables the starting of the vehicle.
Starting and stopping the vehicle 3 107.
To lock or unlock the doors and access the tailgate the radio remote control should be within 1 metre of the door or the tailgate.
Keys, doors and windows 23
Unlocking
Two settings are selectable:
■ To unlock all doors and the tailgate, press lock/unlock button on any of the door handles once
or
■ press the lock/unlock button on the driver's door once to unlock only the driver's door. To unlock all doors and the tailgate, press lock/unlock button on the driver's door again within five seconds.
Vehicle personalisation 3 84.
Locking
To lock the doors and the tailgate, press the lock/unlock button on any of the door handles if all doors are closed.

Central locking system

Unlocks and locks doors and the tailgate.
Note In the event of an accident in which airbags or belt pretensioners are deployed, the vehicle is automatically unlocked.
Unlocking
Press ( button. Two settings are selectable:
■ To unlock all doors and the tailgate, press button ( once
or
■ press button ( once to unlock only the driver's door. To unlock all doors and the tailgate, press button ( twice within 5 seconds.
Power windows 3 31. Vehicle personalisation 3 84.
24 Keys, doors and windows
The hazard warning flashers will flash twice each time the button is pressed and the anti-theft alarm system will be disarmed.
Anti-theft alarm system 3 27.
Locking
Close doors, tailgate and fuel filler cap.
Press button ). The hazard warning flashers will flash
once and the anti-theft alarm system will be armed.
Anti-theft alarm system 3 27.
If the driver's door is open when ) is pressed, all doors lock and then the driver's door will unlock if the Prevent doorlock while door open feature is enabled through the vehicle personalisation.
Vehicle personalisation 3 84. By pressing ) twice within
5 seconds with all doors closed and the ignition switched off, all doors will be locked and the anti-theft locking system will be activated.
Anti-theft locking system 3 26.
Central locking buttons
Locks or unlocks all doors. Press the ) button to lock. Press the ( button to unlock.
Lockout protection If the ) button on the instrument panel is pressed when the driver's door is open and the ignition is on, all doors will lock and the driver's door will unlock.
This feature can also be enabled when the ignition is off.
Vehicle personalisation 3 84.
Fault in the central locking system
Unlocking Manually unlock the driver's door by turning the key in the lock. The other doors can be opened by pulling the interior handle twice. The tailgate cannot be opened. To deactivate the anti-theft locking system, switch on the ignition 3 27.
Keys, doors and windows 25
Locking Push inside locking knob of all doors except driver's door. Then close the driver's door and lock it from the outside with the key. The tailgate cannot be locked.

Child locks

9 Warning
Use the child locks whenever children are occupying the rear seats.
Press H% to activate. The indicator comes on.
Press H% again to deactivate. The indicator goes out.
The rear doors cannot be opened from the inside.
If an inside rear door handle is pulled when the child lock is activated, that door will remain locked and the indicator light may flash. Release the handle, then deactivate the child safety locks to allow the door to be opened using the inside handle.

Doors

Load compartment

Tailgate
Opening
To open the tailgate with the doors unlocked, press the button on the underside of the tailgate handle and lift up.
When the doors are locked, the tailgate can only be opened with the radio remote control, which must be within the opening range.
26 Keys, doors and windows
Closing
Use the inside handle to lower and close the tailgate.
Always close the tailgate before driving. Do not press the button below the tailgate handle while closing the tailgate as it will unlatch again.
General hints for operating tailgate
9 Warning
Do not drive with the tailgate open or ajar, e.g. when transporting bulky objects, since toxic exhaust gases, which can not be seen or smelled, could enter the vehicle. This can cause unconsciousness and even death.
Caution
Before opening the tailgate, check overhead obstructions, such as a garage door, to avoid damage to the tailgate. Always check the moving area above and behind the tailgate.
Note The installation of certain heavy accessories onto the tailgate may affect its ability to remain open.

Vehicle security

Anti-theft locking system

9 Warning
Do not use the system if there are people in the vehicle! The doors cannot be unlocked from the inside.
The system deadlocks all the doors. All doors must be closed or the system cannot be activated.
Activation
Keys, doors and windows 27
Press ) on the radio remote control twice within 5 seconds with all doors closed and the ignition switched off.
It is also possible to activate the anti­theft locking system by pressing the lock/unlock button on the driver's door handle twice within 5 seconds.

Anti-theft alarm system

It monitors:
■ Doors, tailgate, bonnet
■ Passenger compartment including adjoining load compartment
■ Vehicle inclination, e.g. if it is raised
■ Removing of the charge cord
Activation
■ Press the ) button on the radio remote control after all of the doors and windows have been closed.
■ Press the ) button on the instrument panel when the Prevent doorlock while door open function is turned off.
Vehicle personalisation 3 84.
The system arms itself 30 seconds after the vehicle has been locked.
By pressing ) twice, the system will arm immediately.
Note Changes to the vehicle interior such as the use of seat covers or open windows, could impair the function of passenger compartment monitoring.
Activation without monitoring of passenger compartment and vehicle inclination
Switch off the monitoring of passenger compartment and vehicle inclination when animals are being left in the vehicle, because of high volume ultrasonic signals or movements triggering the alarm. Also switch off when the vehicle is on a ferry or train.
1. With the ignition switched off, press o in the overhead console. LED in the o button comes on.
2. Close all doors, tailgate and bonnet.
3. Activate the anti-theft alarm system.
Deactivation
Unlocking or approaching the vehicle with the radio remote control deactivates the anti-theft alarm system.
Charge cord theft alert
To activate or deactivate the charge cord theft alert while plugged in, lock or unlock the vehicle with the radio remote control.
28 Keys, doors and windows
If there is an attempt to remove the charge cord while the vehicle is locked, the system alarm will be activated. To turn off the system alarm, press ( on the radio remote control.
This function can be disabled in vehicle personalisation.
Vehicle personalisation 3 84.
Alarm
When triggered, the alarm sounds via a separate battery-backed power sounder for approx. 30 seconds and the hazard warning lights flash simultaneously.
If the vehicle loses battery power when the anti-theft alarm system is armed, the power sounder will activate automatically.
The number and duration of alarm signals are stipulated by legislation.
To turn off the system alarm:
■ Press ( on the radio remote control, or
■ Start the vehicle by pressing the m button on the instrument panel with the brake pedal applied and the radio remote control located inside the vehicle.

Immobiliser

This vehicle has a passive theft­deterrent system. The system does not have to be manually activated or deactivated.
The immobiliser is activated automatically after the ignition is switched off.
The system is automatically disarmed when the vehicle is started with a valid radio remote control located inside the vehicle. The radio remote control uses electronic coding that matches an immobiliser control unit in the vehicle and automatically deactivates the system. Only a correct radio remote control can be used to switch the ignition on.
d lights up if there is a problem with activating or deactivating the immobiliser.
Note The immobiliser does not lock the doors. You should always lock the vehicle after leaving it and switch on the anti-theft alarm system 3 23, 3 27.
If the vehicle does not start and the control indicator d stays on, there is a problem with the system. Attempt to switch the ignition off and try it again. If the problem persists, seek the assistance of a workshop.
Do not leave the radio remote control inside the vehicle.
Control indicator d 3 72.
Keys, doors and windows 29

Exterior mirrors

Convex shape

The convex exterior mirror contains an aspherical area and reduces blind spots. The shape of the mirror makes objects appear smaller, which will affect the ability to estimate distances.

Electric adjustment

Select the relevant exterior mirror by moving the selector switch to left (L) or right (R). Then press the control pad to adjust the respective mirror.
In the centre position of the selector switch no mirror is selected.

Folding

For pedestrian safety, the exterior mirrors will swing out of their normal mounting position if they are struck with sufficient force. Reposition the mirror by applying slight pressure to the mirror housing.
Electric folding
1. If the vehicle is equipped with power folding mirrors, move the selector switch to o to deselect the mirror.
2. Press the down arrow to fold the mirrors.
3. Press the down arrow again to unfold the mirrors.
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