Vauxhall Ampera Owner's Manual

Contents

Vauxhall Ampera Owner's Manual Manual pdf 116 page image

Driving and operating 115If the electrical parking brake fails toapply, the rear wheels should beblocked to prevent vehiclemovement.For maximum electrical parking brakeforce when parking on a hill, pull theelectrical parking brake switch twice.Electrical parking brake releaseTo release the electrical parkingbrake, switch the ignition on, applyand hold the brake pedal and pushdown momentarily on the m switch. Ifattempting to release the electricalparking brake without the brake pedalapplied, a chime will sound anda message will be displayed in theDIC. The electrical parking brake isreleased when m is off.If p is on, the electrical parking brakehas detected a system problem, andis operating with reducedfunctionality. To release the electricalparking brake when p is on, pushdown on the m switch and hold it inthe down position. Electrical parkingbrake release may take a longerperiod of time than normal when p ison. Continue to hold the m switchuntil the control indicator m is off. Ifthe light remains on, seek theassistance of a workshop.NoteDriving with the parking brake oncan overheat the brake system andcause premature wear or damage tobrake system parts. Make sure thatthe parking brake is fully releasedand the control indicator m is offbefore driving.Automatic release of the electricalparking brakeThe electrical parking brake willautomatically release if the vehicle isrunning, placed into gear and anattempt is made to drive away. Avoidrapid acceleration when the electricalparking brake is applied, to preserveparking brake lining life.Electrical parking brake m controlindicator 3 63.Electrical parking brake fault pcontrol indicator 3 63.Driver Information Centre (DIC) 3 67.Regenerative brakingRegenerative braking takes some ofthe energy from the moving vehicleand turns it back into electricalenergy.This energy is then stored back intothe high voltage battery system,contributing to increased energyefficiency.The hydraulic disc brakes work withthe regenerative braking to ensureeffective braking, such as whena high braking demand is requested.The braking system is computercontrolled and blends theregenerative braking with theconventional hydraulic disc brakes tomeet any requirements fordeceleration. The controller interpretsthe braking request and usesregenerative braking, conventionalhydraulic braking or a combination ofboth as necessary. Because thecontroller applies the hydraulicbrakes through its high pressureaccumulator, you may occasionallyhear the motor‐driven pump when itrecharges the system.