Vauxhall Insignia Dash Warning Lights
The Vauxhall Insignia (known as the Opel Insignia) car was first manufactured in 2008 (first generation 2008 to 2017) and is now on the current second generation.
The Vauxhall / Opel Insignia dashboard warning lights detailed on this page apply to both the first generation (Mk 1) and the second generation (Mk 2) and all model variations. Dashboard instrument displays vary depending on model version.
Vauxhall Insignia Lighting Symbols
These are the dashboard symbols associated with the Vauxhall Insignia external lights.
| Symbol | Description / Action |
|---|---|
 | This symbol indicates that the external sidelights are switched on. |
 | This symbol indicates that the driving headlights (dipped beam) are switched on. |
 | This symbol indicates that the the switch is set for high beam assist. High beam assist allows full beam to function activate at night and when vehicle speed is faster than 25 mph. The system automatically switches to low beam when: ● The sensor detects the lights of oncoming or preceding vehicles. ● Driving in urban areas. ● The vehicle speed is slower than 12 mph. ● It is foggy or snowy. ● Front or rear fog lights are switched on. |
 | This symbol indicates that high beam (main beam) headlights are switched on. |
 | This symbol indicates that front fog lights are switched on. |
 | This symbol indicates that rear fog lights are switched on. |
 | The LED headlights (if fitted) symbol illuminates or flashes yellow. Illuminates: There is a fault in the system. Flashes: System is switched to symmetrical low beam. Headlights can be set for driving on the opposite side of the road. This is done via the vehicle personalisation menu via the Info-Display. |
 | The applicable arrow flashes along with the corresponding front and rear lights when indicating left or right. All four external lights flash along with both turn signal arrows when the hazard warning lights are activated. |
Vauxhall Insignia Yellow & Green Symbols
Green symbols are used to inform the driver that a system / utility has been switched on. Yellow symbols indicates a minor fault or that a utility has been switched off when by default is is switched on.
| Symbol | Description / Action |
|---|---|
 | The Vauxhall / Opel Insignia malfunction indicator light (MIL), otherwise known as the check engine light will either illuminate steady or flash: Steady: Indicates a fault with the emission control system where the permitted limits of toxic emissions may be exceeded. On diesel engines, the cleaning of the particulate filter may not be possible. This can potentially result in damage if not fixed soon. An increase in fuel consumption may be noticed. Flashing: Potential engine misfire that can result in catalytic converter damage. Ease off the accelerator until the light goes out. If the light remains on in either state, seek assistance from a qualified Vauxhall / Opel workshop as soon as possible. |
 | The yellow electric bolt and spanner / wrench is the The Vauxhall / Opel Insignia electric parking brake fault warning light. The light may illuminate steady or flash: Steady: The electronic parking brake is working but with degraded performance. Flashing: The electric parking brake is in service mode. If driving, stop the vehicle, apply the foot brake. Apply the electric parking brake - pull and hold the switch for more than 5 seconds. If the  symbol illuminates, the electric parking brake is correctly applied. Release the electric parking brake - push and hold the switch for more than 2 seconds. If the symbol goes out, the electric parking brake is fully released. If the light remains on or flashing, have the system serviced as soon as possible and avoid parking on inclines and park with the vehicle left in gear until the cause of the fault has been remedied. |
 | Antilock brake system (ABS) is a safety system that prevents the wheels from locking. If a wheel shows signs of locking, ABS starts to regulate brake pressure. The vehicle remains steerable, even during hard braking. The Vauxhall / Opel Insignia ABS warning light comes on the dashboard for a few seconds when the ignition is set to on and when it goes out, the antilock braking system is ready for operation. If this warning stays on or comes on as you're driving, a fault has developed in the ABS system. The brake system remains operational but without ABS regulation. |
 | The image of a green car is part of the The Vauxhall / Opel Insignia vehicle detected ahead / forward collision alert system. Forward collision alert using the front camera detects vehicles to distances of around 60 metres and with the radar sensor, the system detects vehicles to distances of around 150 metres. The symbol is illuminated in green when a vehicle has been detected and changes to yellow when the distance to the vehicle is too small. There are certain instances where the system may not function correctly: ● Driving on roads with harsh corners or hilly roads. ● During nighttime driving. ● Visibility limitations due to weather, such as fog, rain, or snow ● The camera in the windscreen is blocked by snow, ice, slush, mud. ● The camera in the windscreen becomes excessively hot due for instance, being parked in direct sunlight. The system will become operable again when the unit cools down. ● The radar requires cleaning: located on the front of the vehicle. |
 | The following distance bars is part of the forward collision alert system and is designed to help the driver keep a safe following distance from the vehicle in front. The bars are used to warn the driver of the distance from the vehicle ahead. |
 | The Vauxhall / Opel Insignia front pedestrian protection system is designed to help reduce impacts with front-end crashes and pedestrians. The system uses the same camera as the forward collision alert system and so the same faults and limitations apply. The system can detect a pedestrian from speeds between 5 mph and 50 mph and can assist with automatic braking if required. |
 | The Vauxhall / Opel Insignia traffic sign assist system uses the same camera as the forward collision alert system and so the same faults and limitations apply (see above). Detected traffic signs are displayed in the Driver Information Centre and the system is designed to alert the driver of driving restrictions and laws. |
 | Lane keep assist is designed to help keep the driver within lane lines if the system detects unintentional lane departures. The system uses the same camera as the forward collision alert system and so the same faults and limitations apply (see above). The system is operational at vehicle speeds between 37 mph and 112 mph and only when lane markings are visible to the camera. The symbol illuminates in green when the system is in operation and turns to yellow and gently turns the steering wheel when the vehicle approaches a lane line without driver indication. If the lane line is departed, the warning light flashes along with 3 chimes. |
 | This system indicates up arrows and down arrows to assist in shifting gears for fuel saving reasons. |
 | The Vauxhall / Opel Insignia electronic stability control system (ESC) improves driving stability. As soon as the vehicle starts to swerve (understeer or oversteer), engine output is reduced and the wheels are individually braked. To help prevent wheel spin, the system also uses traction control. ESC uses ABS sensors to help detect vehicle instability and when a fault with the system arises, it's often related to ABS sensors. The ESC warning light illuminates for the following reasons: Flashes: The system is actively attempting to stabilise the vehicle. Steady on: A fault has been detected with ESC. Switched off: The ESC OFF light illuminates  when the system has been manually turned off.On certain models of the Vauxhall / Opel Insignia, traction control can be switched off independently of ESC. In this instance the  warning light will display. |
 | The Vauxhall / Opel Insignia diesel preheating or 'glow plugs' light illuminates when outside temperatures are cold. When the light goes out, the engine is ready to start. In warmer temperatures, the light may not illuminate. |
 | The Vauxhall / Opel Insignia AdBlue warning light flashes yellow indicating the level is low. Refill AdBlue soon to avoid prevention of the engine start. AdBlue is an additive to help reduce toxins in exhaust emissions. The warning light illuminates when approximately 5 liters of AdBlue remain in the tank. AdBlue consumption is approximately two litres per 600 miles. |
 | The Vauxhall / Opel Insignia tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light illuminates steady or flashes yellow. Illuminates steady: Loss of pressure has been detected in one or more tyres. Stop immediately and check tyres / replace wheel if necessary. Flashes: This indicates either a fault in the system or a tyre has been fitted without a sensor (spare wheel for example). After flashing for 60 to 90 seconds, the warning light illuminates steady. |
 | The low fuel warning light illuminates steady or flashes. Illuminates steady: Level in fuel tank is too low. Flashes: Fuel used up. Refuel immediately. Never run the tank dry. The arrow next to the fuel symbol indicates which side of the car the fuel filler cap is located. |
 | The Vauxhall / Opel Insignia flashing immobiliser car with lock symbol is an indication of fault with the system and the engine cannot be started. Switch off the ignition and repeat the start attempt. Try starting the vehicle with the key in the transmitter pocket. If you are unable to start the engine and warning light continues to flash, try starting the engine using the spare key. |
 | The Vauxhall / Opel Insignia service vehicle soon warning light is an indication of a fault or vehicle maintenance that is required. There will usually be an error code associated with the light. Another dashboard warning light may illuminate alongside the service vehicle soon light. For more information about this warning light, see Service Vehicle Soon warning light. |
 | The Vauxhall / Opel Insignia is equipped with parking sensors that alert the driver of distances to objects. If the parking assist warning light illuminates, it indicates a fault in the system. This may be due to: ● Fault due to sensors that are dirty or covered by ice or snow - clean the sensors. ● Interference due to external sources of ultrasound. As soon as the source of interference is removed, the system will operate normally. |
 | The Vauxhall / Opel Insignia power steering warning light (steering wheel with exclamation mark / point) is the Variable Effort Steering system. If this warning light comes on, there is a fault in the steering. This may be temporary due to continuous steering from left to right lock. When the system has cooled, normal operation will resume. If the warning light remains on, contact a Vauxhall workshop. This is not hazardous, but you may notice greater physical exertion is required when steering. |
 | For diesel versions of the Vauxhall / Opel Insignia, a diesel particulate filter is used to help prevent tiny harmful particles being released from the exhaust. On occasions, the diesel particulate filter (DPF) requires cleaning. If this warning light comes on, resume driving until it goes out and if possible, try to keep the engine speed above 2000 rpm. For a full explanation on the DPF warning light and what you should do, see Vauxhall Insignia DPF warning light. |
Vauxhall Insignia Red Symbols
Red symbols warn the driver of a safety issue or of a fault that requires immediate attention. Certain faults can potentially result in the safety of vehicle passengers being compromised or damage to the vehicle.
| Symbol | Description / Action |
|---|---|
 | The Vauxhall / Opel Insignia airbag warning light illuminates for approximately 4 seconds when the ignition is switched to on. If this warning light stays on, does not come on at all or comes on while driving, there is a fault with the airbag and seat belt pretensioners which may fail to trigger in the event of an accident. If you are intending on fitting a child seat in the front passenger seat, you may need to disable the front passenger airbag. The following warning lights are: ● Front passenger airbag activated  ● Front passenger airbag deactivated  |
 | The Vauxhall / Opel Insignia battery warning light indicates the charging system has malfunctioned. Check battery terminal connections are securely fitted and clean. Check alternator belt is not slack or missing. Whilst it may be possible to continue driving for a period of time with a battery charging fault, it's highly advisable to stop and switch off the engine. Engine cooling may be interrupted and the brake servo unit may cease to be effective. Contact a qualified Vauxhall / Opel for further advise. |
 | The Vauxhall / Opel Insignia brake warning light (red exclamation mark / point in a circle) is an indication that the brake and clutch fluid is too low. Continual driving may result in ineffective braking or clutch faults. Check brake and clutch fluid levels and add the correct fluid based on manufacturers recommendations if required. If you are not sure how to do this, contact an approved Vauxhall / Opel workshop before driving the vehicle. Note: On versions of the Insignia with a manual handbrake, this symbol is used to represent that the handbrake / parking brake is applied. |
 | The Vauxhall / Opel Insignia electronic parking brake warning light illuminates steady indicating that the electronic parking brake has been applied. Flashing: This indicates that the electronic parking brake is either not fully applied or released. Attempt to reset the system by depressing the brake pedal then applying and then releasing the electronic parking brake. There are instances where the electronic parking brake may not release if the vehicle has been left stationary in a cold climate. Be cautious of making several attempts of applying and releasing the system with the engine switched off as this can quickly drain the battery. |
 | The Vauxhall / Opel Insignia oil can warning light is an indication of low engine oil pressure. It's important that immediate action is taken if this light illuminates. Engine lubrication may be reduced. This may result in damage to the engine and/or locking of the drive wheels. 1. Stop as soon as safely possible and switch off the engine. 2. Check engine oil levels. Top up with engine oil if required. 3. If oil levels are normal, do not restart the engine. 4. If oil has been added, restart and check that the oil light has gone out. 5. If the oil light remains on, switch off the engine. Contact an approved Vauxhall / Opel workshop. |
 | The Vauxhall / Opel Insignia engine coolant temperature illuminates in red when the engine is overheating. Stop as soon as it's safe to do so and immediately switch off the engine. Allow 15 minutes or so for the engine to cool and check coolant levels - add coolant if required. ● The engine coolant is a sealed system and should not require frequent topping up. If it does require frequent topping up, it's likely there's a leak in the system. ● If the engine coolant light is on and the coolant level is at normal, do not continue driving - there's a fault in the engine cooling system. |
hi have a yellow code 3 light oncould you enlighten me as to what it could be
Hello Sheila,
Code 3 means low coolant level.
What does PRNDS mean on dashboard of Vauxhall insignia
Park, reverse, neutral, drive, sport
Automatic gearbox indicators.
I have a blue square with a car symbol inside the square at the top left of my dash occasionally?
Hi John,
I think it might be something to do with the Traffic Sign Assistant system – but not too sure.
Hello. I had a small yellow plus sign while driving an Opel Insigna 2016. It appeard for 3 or 4 times, one or two seconds each time.
Do you know what it can be?
Thank you.
hie my vauxhall has a high preasure oil ,what may be the cause ?
Hi mmoloki,
Difficult to say. If you haven’t already, I would change the engine oil and filter. Could be old, sludgy oil that needs cleaning out. Possible oil pressure sending unit fault. If your engine runs not, this can make the engine pressure high. Start with the basics; oil and filter change and work from there.
This could be down to the oil pickup in the sump, they changed them from steel to plastic and the plastic one over the years gets brickle and breaks down causing oil preasure issues. This is a good place to start for the remedy. The job is labour intensive but can be done by yourself but be warned, dont drive the vehicle untill it is repaired, perminant damage will result and will end with the vehicle going to the scrap yard should you continue to drive the vehicle.
Hi
I have a Vauxhall /insignia 2015. Automatic. ELB hand brake, (P) parking light stays lit on dashboard when ignition is switched off. even when keys are removed and car is locked, if does go out when car is started and does come back on until car is switched off any idea’s before I take my car to Vauxhall, there are no other warning lights lit
thanks
I have a Vauxhall Insignia 2009, that is currently showing a check engine light took it to a mechanic, they changed the exhaust, and said it needs a pourer valve???….. but still the light is on..could you give some pointers pls.
Hi, what does ”service vehicle soon ” mean on a 2014 Vauxhall insignia 2.0 cdti ?
Thanks
Hi Mark,
It’s a fault light and not a service interval reminder. Ideally you’ll need to use diagnostic code reader to see fi there’s any fault codes.
I have a service rear axle warning what does this mean,my car is front wheel drive 2.0 cdti,also have service suspension warning light on.
airbag- service light comes ON.
what does this mean
Hi Narinder,
It means there’s a problem with your Vauxhall’s airbag and/or seat belt pretensioner system. There’s a possibility the airbags and seat belt pretensioner may not deploy in the event of an accident. It’s usually a sensor or wiring / connection issue. Under the front seats there’s some connections and cables, make sure nothing under there has been dislodged.
I have service parking assist on my dash it comes on every now and then most of the time it works fine what is this possible issue
Hi Bryan,
Chances are it’s a problem with one of the sensors. Inside the bumpers, you do get a lot of muck and water, so the problem can show itself when it’s especially wet. Might be a bumper off job to look at sensor / wiring connections. Sounds plausible due to the problem being intermittent. Have you checked the sensors on the outside of the bumper for any signs of damage?
Does any one know what 1 unit see means on a insignia