Vauxhall Vivaro Dashboard Warning Lights
Here we cover the Vauxhall Vivaro dashboard warning lights from 2007 through to the current generation of Vivaro. Models of Vivaro, or Opel Vivaro as it’s referred to outside of the UK, include the Panel Van, Doublecab, Combi and Platform Cab. Dashboard instrument displays and warning lights vary depending on the generation / year of manufacture.
| Symbol | Warning Light Description and Action |
|---|---|
 | The Vauxhall Vivaro airbag warning light briefly illuminates in yellow when the ignition is switched on. If the light fails to illuminate at all or illuminates while driving, there's a malfunction with the seat belt tensioner or the airbag system. This is often due to cables or connection becoming loose under the passenger seat or a sensor failure. The airbags and belt tensioners may fail to trigger in the event of an accident. Airbag fault The airbag warning light remaining on along with the service fault lights  or  indicate a fault with the system. |
 | The Vauxhall Vivaro battery / charge system warning light illuminates briefly in red when the ignition is switched on. When a fault has been detected in the charging system, the battery warning light  along with the STOP warning light  illuminates - an audible warning alert also sounds. During this fault, the battery is not being charged and may result in:• The engine stopping • The engine cooling system stopping • Power to the brake servo unit stopping To keep the engine running longer, immediately switch off any electrical systems that are non-essential and safely locate a safe place to stop. Switch off the engine and contact a Vauxhall workshop. It's possible that you may require vehicle recovery. |
 | The Vauxhall Vivaro malfunction indicator light (MIL) also known as the 'check engine' warning light illuminates briefly when the ignition is switched on. If the MIL warning light comes on or flashes as you're driving, a fault has been detected. Illuminates steady: A fault has occurred in the emissions control system. This can result in poor engine performance and a higher fuel consumption. Flashes: This is often a sign of engine misfire - particularly if the engine sound irregular. Possibility of catalytic converter damage due to unburnt fuel entering the system. Slow down and easy off the accelerator until light stops flashing. If the light remains on or comes on again, contact a Vauxhall workshop immediately. |
 | The Vauxhall Vivaro service, spanner / wrench warning light illuminates briefly in yellow when the ignition is switched on. The service spanner is a fault light that may illuminate alongside other warning symbols and a message will display in the driver information centre. These are non-critical faults associated with issues such as exhaust emissions, airbags, fuel filters etc. You can continue driving but have fault serviced as soon as possible. You can remove the fault message by pressing the button on the end of the wiper stalk. The service spanner will remain illuminated and the fault message will remain stored. |
 | The Vauxhall Vivaro STOP warning light illuminates briefly in red when the ignition is switched on. This is a critical fault warning light and illuminates alongside other warning symbols such as battery, oil and brake faults. An audible alert will also sound and a message is displayed in the driver information centre. When the STOP warning light illuminates, safely pull off the road, switch off the engine and contact a Vauxhall workshop. |
 | The Vauxhall Vivaro brake warning light illuminates briefly in red when the ignition is switched on. The brake warning light illuminates for the following reasons: • The parking brake is applied • If the parking brake is released, it indicates that the brake fluid level is too low. Top up brake fluid ensuring the level falls between the MIN and MAX level indicators. • If the brake warning light illuminates along with the STOP warning light  and a audible warning it indicates a fault it indicates a fault with the braking system. In this instance, stop the vehicle as soon as possible and contact a Vauxhall workshop. |
 | The Vauxhall Vivaro ABS warning light briefly comes on when the ignition is switched on. When the light extinguishes, ABS (anti-lick braking system) is ready for operation. A fault with the ABS has been detected if the light stays on or comes on when driving. The service spanner warning light  or may also illuminate along with a message in the driver information centre.Note ABS prevents the wheels from locking and is a separate system from normal brakes. In the event of ABS failure, the brake system remains operational but without ABS regulation. ABS failure is often due to faulty sensors or damaged / corroded connections around the wheel hub. Brake fault If the ABS:  Brake:  Service spanner: (or ) and STOP: warning lights all illuminate, there is a major fault with the brake system. Stop as soon as safely possible and contact a Vauxhall workshop. |
 | The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is comprised of various stability aids, it improves vehicle stability and also prevents the drive wheels from spinning. The Vauxhall Vivaro ESP warning light illuminates for the following reasons: Always on: If the ESP warning light illuminates constantly along with the service spanner or it indicates a fault in the system. As the ESP shares components with the ABS, it may be related.Flashes: The ESP warning light flashes, it means the system is active. Switching off ESP It's occasionally necessary to switch off ESP, for example when traction is required on soft ground, mud or snow covered surfaces. To switch off ESP, press the  on the instrument panel. This warning light applies to newer versions of the Vauxhall Vivaro only. |
 | The Vauxhall Vivaro engine coolant temperature warning light will illuminate in either blue or red. When the ignition is switched on, it briefly illuminates red then turns blue. Blue: The engine coolant is not yet at optimal operating temperature. Red: Indicates coolant temperature is too high. Stop as soon as safely possible and switch off engine. The STOP warning light may also illuminate. Allow engine to cool and check engine coolant levels. If antifreeze is not available, use tap water. If coolant levels are normal, do not continue driving - possible cooling malfunction. |
 | The Vauxhall Vivaro AdBlue warning light illuminates in yellow to indicate fluid levels are low. To avoid the prevention of engine starts, refill as soon as possible. AdBlue percentage remaining levels can be checked by accessing the trip computer by pressing the button on the end of the wiper stalk. The AdBlue consumption is approximately 0.7 litres per 1000 km but does vary based on driving behaviour. When the warning light and message display 0 miles are remaining, and engine start will be prevented once the ignition has been switched off. At this point, at least 10 litres of AdBlue must be added to the tank. AdBlue Fault If there's a fault with the AdBlue system and exhaust emissions rise above a certain value, the AdBlue warning light illuminates along with the service spanner and a audible warning. Have system serviced as soon as possible to avoid engine start prevention. |
 | The Vauxhall Vivaro tyre pressure warning light illuminates for the following reasons: Warning light illuminates: Indicates a loss of pressure in one or more tyres. Stop as soon as safely possible to check tyre pressures. Warning light illuminates + STOP: The warning light along with the STOP warning indicates a severely under-inflated or punctured tyre. Stop as soon as safely possible to check tyre pressures or change wheel.Fault: With the warning light flashing for one minute then remaining illuminated along with the service spanner indicates either a fault with the system or a tyre has been fitted that does not have a pressure sensor fitted, such as the spare wheel for example.Lower temperatures If the tyre pressure warning light illuminates at low temperatures but goes out after some driving, it's an indication that tyre pressures are becoming low. Altering tyre pressures After altering tyre pressure values, the warning light will go out after some driving. Resetting the tyre pressure system After inflating the tyres after a puncture or where significant inflation was required, the tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) must be reset. To do this: • During driving, view the driver information centre and select the tyre pressure menu by pressing the button on the end of the wiper stalk. • Press and hold the button for around 5 seconds to initialise a pressure recalculation and reset. • Continue driving for several minute at a speed of 25 mph or more to allow the system to recalculate and reset. • The warning light will go out once the process is complete. |
 | If the Vauxhall Vivaro engine oil pressure warning light comes on when driving along with the STOP warning light, it may indicate low engine oil pressure. Low engine oil pressure prevents proper lubrication of engine components which results in severe engine damage. What to do 1. As soon as safely possible, pull off the road and switch off the engine. 2. Using the dipstick, check engine oil levels. If oil level is low, add oil ensuring that you do not exceed the MAX level indicator on the dipstick.  Important If the oil light remains on after adding oil, do not continue driving. Contact a Vauxhall workshop. It's likely that you may require vehicle recovery. |
 | The low fuel warning light illuminates when there's approximately a range of 30 mile remaining of fuel. Refuel as soon as possible. |
 | The Vauxhall Vivaro automatic engine stop start system (Autostop) helps to reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. When the engine has been stopped by Autostop, the light illuminates in green. The warning light illuminates in yellow when Autostop is inhibited when certain conditions are not fulfilled. For a list of conditions that must be met, see Vauxhall Vivaro start stop not working. |
 | The car and spanner / wrench warning light is a fault / service / maintenance warning light. It comes on alongside other warning lights and/or a message on the driver information centre. For newer versions of the Vauxhall Vivaro, this warning light has been replaced with the spanner symbol: |
 | The Vauxhall Vivaro diesel particulate filter (DPF) warning light illuminates when the filter requires cleaning. This is usually an automatic process. Frequent short journeys may prevent the filter from being cleaned. To enable automatic DPF regeneration, drive continually whilst keeping the engine speed high until the warning light goes out. The DPF warning light along with the car and spanner service light indicate a cleaning failure. Newer vehicles On newer versions of the Vauxhall Vivaro, a DPF fault is indicated by the service spanner and the malfunction indicator light (MIL)  |
 | The Vauxhall Vivaro TecShift is the semi-automatic version of the gearbox. The warning light illuminates when a fault has occurred. You can continue driving but drive with care. Have the vehicle booked into a Vauxhall workshop for diagnosis. |
 | If the Vauxhall Vivaro stop engine warning light illuminate along with the STOP warning light it indicates that the engine coolant is too high. Stop the vehicle and allow the engine to cool down. After cooling, check coolant levels and add fluid if required. If fluid is not required, do not continue driving as there may be a engine cooling malfunction. |
 | The illumination of the glow plugs warning light and the electrical fault warning light together indicate: • Water in the diesel fuel filter that requires draining. • An electronic system failure. Draining the fuel filter Place a container underneath the filter. To drain the water, loosen the screws on the filter cover and on the lower part of filter by approximately one turn. Water has successfully been drained when diesel emerges from the knurled screw at the bottom.  |
 | If the Vauxhall Vivaro immobiliser warning light flashes rapidly after the ignition is switched on, there is a fault with the immobiliser system. In this instance: 1. Switch off the ignition and remove the key. 2. Wait approximately 2 seconds. 3. Repeat the starting procedure. |
not my 2008 vivaro dash!
Hi Andrew,
The dash design might vary, but generally the warning lights remain the same.
my oil light is flashing with 6 dots underneath??? 59 plate
Hi Gary,
Check then engine oil manually with the dipstick. The dashes underneath are flashing due to no oil registering in the engine. Try adding 1/2 a litre of oil, but first ensure it’s a low engine oil problem as you don’t want to overfill with oil.