Segment:
Family Sedan / Mid-size Car
Competitors:
Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat, Peugeot 406, Renault Laguna, Fiat Croma
Design Philosophy:
Emphasis on practicality, comfort, and European driving dynamics, often featuring advanced chassis technology for its time.
Target User:
Do-it-yourself enthusiasts and professional mechanics
Engine:
All petrol and diesel variants (e.g., X16XEL, X18XE, X20XEV, Y22XE, X25XE, Y26SE, X20DTL, X25DT)
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic Transmissions (F23, F18, AF17, AF33)
Brakes:
Front and Rear Disc Brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Suspension:
Front MacPherson Struts, Rear Independent Suspension
Steering:
Power Assisted Rack and Pinion
Electrical:
Full Electrical Schematics, Lighting, Ignition, Starting, Charging, Body Electrics, ECUs
Bodywork:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Chassis Components
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning:
HVAC System Operation and Repair
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel lines, fuel pressure regulator
Cooling System:
Radiator, coolant hoses, thermostat, water pump, fan clutch/electric fan
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes
Ignition System:
Spark plugs, ignition coils, wiring, distributor (if applicable)
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plugs, Belts, Fluids, Inspections
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Procedures for Common Issues, Fault Code Interpretation
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement
Disassembly Reassembly:
Step-by-step instructions for complete vehicle disassembly and reassembly
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) and Specific System Diagnostics
Wheel Alignment:
Specifications and procedures for wheel alignment
Tire Pressure:
Recommended tire pressures for various load conditions
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to advanced engine and electrical system repairs
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on using diagnostic tools (e.g., Tech 2 scanner) for fault finding.
Engine Options:
1.6L (X16XEL), 1.8L (X18XE), 2.0L (X20XEV), 2.2L (Y22XE), 2.5L V6 (X25XE), 2.6L V6 (Y26SE), 2.0L Turbo Diesel (X20DTL), 2.5L Turbo Diesel (X25DT)
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 75 HP to 170 HP (depending on engine)
Torque Range:
Approx. 110 Nm to 250 Nm (depending on engine)
Injection Type:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) for petrol engines, Common Rail Diesel Injection (CRDI) or Direct Injection (DI) for diesel engines
ECM:
Bosch Motronic (various versions), Siemens SIMTEC
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder and V6 engines
Manual Transmission:
5-speed Manual (e.g., F23, F18)
Automatic Transmission:
4-speed Automatic (e.g., AF17, AF33)
Clutch:
Hydraulic clutch actuation
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GM Manual Transmission Fluid specification (e.g., Dexron III or equivalent GL-4 rated gear oil for specific models)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
GM DEXRON-III H (or latest compatible) ATF
Euroncap:
3-star (tested in 1997 for sedan variant, varying by specific equipment)
ABS:
Standard or optional Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TC)
Airbags:
Driver and Front Passenger Airbags (standard or optional depending on trim)
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first (check manual for specific engine/oil type).
Timing Belt Replacement:
For 1.6L and 1.8L engines (X16XEL, X18XE), typically every 60,000 km or 4 years. For other engines, refer to manual (some may have chains).
Engine Oil Viscosity:
Commonly 5W-30 or 5W-40 (API SL/CF or ACEA A3/B4, check specific engine requirements and climate conditions).
Coolant:
GM Original Type 1 (blue) or Type 2 (red/purple) Long Life Coolant, or equivalent OAT/HOAT antifreeze, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Common Problems:
Ignition coil failures, EGR valve issues, ABS sensor faults, coolant leaks (especially from water pump/thermostat housing), suspension wear (bushings, ball joints), rust on wheel arches and sills.
Spark Plugs:
Depending on engine: NGK BPR5ES, NGK BPR6ES, Bosch FQR7LPE2, Denso K20PR-U11 (check manual for specific part numbers).
Manufacturer:
Opel (a German automotive manufacturer, subsidiary of General Motors for most of this period)
Introduction:
Launched in 1994 as the successor to the Opel Vectra A.
Platform:
GM Epsilon platform (shared with Saab 900 NG and Fiat Croma II)
Production Years:
1995-2002 (Vectra B series)
Facelift:
Facelifted in 2000 (often referred to as Vectra B2), introducing updated styling and some mechanical improvements, but this manual covers the pre-facelift models.
