Instruments and electrical
equipment
1 Check the operation of all instruments and
electrical equipment.
2 Make sure that all instruments read
correctly, and switch on all electrical
equipment in turn, to check that it functions
properly.
Steering and suspension
3 Check for any abnormalities in the steering,
suspension, handling or road “feel”.
4 Drive the vehicle, and check that there are
no unusual vibrations or noises.
5 Check that the steering feels positive, with
no excessive “sloppiness”, or roughness, and
check for any suspension noises when
cornering and driving over bumps.
Drivetrain
6 Check the performance of the engine,
clutch (where applicable), gearbox/
transmission and driveshafts.
7 Listen for any unusual noises from the
engine, clutch and gearbox/transmission.
8 Make sure that the engine runs smoothly
when idling, and that there is no hesitation
when accelerating.
9 Check that, where applicable, the clutch
action is smooth and progressive, that the
drive is taken up smoothly, and that the pedal
travel is not excessive. Also listen for any
noises when the clutch pedal is depressed.
10 On manual gearbox models, check that all
gears can be engaged smoothly without
noise, and that the gear lever action is not
abnormally vague or “notchy”.
11 On automatic transmission models, make
sure that all gearchanges occur smoothly,
without snatching, and without an increase in
engine speed between changes. Check that
all the gear positions can be selected with the
vehicle at rest. If any problems are found, they
should be referred to a Vauxhall/Opel dealer.
12 Listen for a metallic clicking sound from
the front of the vehicle, as the vehicle is driven
slowly in a circle with the steering on full-lock.
Carry out this check in both directions. If a
clicking noise is heard, this indicates wear in a
driveshaft joint, in which case renew the joint
if necessary.
Check the operation and
performance of the braking
system
13 Make sure that the vehicle does not pull to
one side when braking, and that the wheels
do not lock prematurely when braking hard.
14 Check that there is no vibration through
the steering when braking.
15 Check that the handbrake operates
correctly without excessive movement of the
lever, and that it holds the vehicle stationary
on a slope.
16 Test the operation of the brake servo unit
as follows. With the engine off, depress the
footbrake four or five times to exhaust the
vacuum. Hold the brake pedal depressed,
then start the engine. As the engine starts,
there should be a noticeable “give” in the
brake pedal as vacuum builds up. Allow the
engine to run for at least two minutes, and
then switch it off. If the brake pedal is
depressed now, it should be possible to
detect a hiss from the servo as the pedal is
depressed. After about four or five
applications, no further hissing should be
heard, and the pedal should feel considerably
harder.
23 Road test
Carburettor models
1 To remove the air cleaner element, remove
the air cleaner cover. This is secured by a
centre nut or bolt, or by three screws.
Additionally, release the spring clips around
the edge of the cover or, if spring clips are not
fitted, carefully prise around the lower edge of
the cover with your fingers to release the
retaining lugs (see illustrations).
2 With the cover removed, lift out the element
(see illustrations).
3 Wipe inside the air cleaner, being careful
not to introduce dirt into the carburettor
throat. It is preferable to remove the air
cleaner completely. Remember to clean the
inside of the air cleaner cover.
4 Fit the new element, then refit and secure
the cover. Observe any cover-to-body
alignment lugs or slots.
Fuel injection models
1.4 and 1.6 litre models
5 Refer to paragraphs 1 to 4.
1.8 and 2.0 litre 8-valve models
6 The air cleaner on these models is
contained within the airflow sensor housing.
24 Air cleaner filter element
renewal
Every 18 000 miles 1•15
1
24.1a On carburettor models, undo the
retaining nut (on some models the lid will
be retained by screws) . . .
24.1b . . . and release the retaining
clips . . .
24.2b . . . and withdraw the filter element24.2a . . . then lift off the air cleaner lid . . .
Every 18 000 miles