Vauxhall dashboard warning lights: what they mean & what to do

Do you have a warning light on your Vauxhall? Whether you’re driving a Corsa, Astra, Mokka, Insignia, Crossland, or another model, it's important that you don't ignore a warning light as it may indicate that your car has a serious or developing problem. 

Vauxhall warning lights follow a traffic light colour system:

• ​​Red: there is a serious and potentially dangerous problem - stop driving as soon as it is safe to do so
• Yellow: something is not working correctly - take extra care and check it out as soon as possible
• Green: the system is working correctly or is currently in use

Hopefully you won't see these warning lights anytime soon, but in case you do, ensure you have RAC Breakdown Cover. Travelling abroad? Get RAC European Breakdown Cover in case you see warning lights on your Vauxhall on your trip away.

Find out more about Vauxhall dashboard warning lights with our know how guide. We tell you what each Vauxhall warning light means, why they come on, how urgent the problem is and what you should do when you see them. 

Vauxhall brake system warning light

If the red Vauxhall brake system warning light remains on after you fully release the parking brake, or comes on when you’re driving, it could indicate that either the brake fluid level is low or that the automatic braking system isn’t working properly – in which case the ABS warning light will also be illuminated.

Can I drive with my brake system warning light on in a Vauxhall?

If the red brake warning light comes on when you’re driving you should pull over and stop as soon as it’s safe to do so and call for recovery. If you need assistance you can call the RAC on 03301 598 751 whether you are a member or not or arrange breakdown cover online.

Don’t risk driving when your brakes aren’t functioning properly, they are one of the most important systems in your vehicle.

Vauxhall engine / transmission electronics warning light

Commonly known as the ‘check engine’ light or 'engine management light' when this warning light is illuminated it’s often accompanied by tell-tale signs that the engine is not working properly, such as a lack of power or stuttering as you press the accelerator. This light could indicate a number of faults, from minor issues like a broken gas cap to a much larger mechanical issue.

Can I drive with my engine transmission electronics light on?

If the check engine light comes on you should get your car checked by a mechanic as soon possible. By continuing to drive you could risk causing further, potentially irreparable, damage to your engine.

A car diagnostic check will help identify the cause of the engine warning light and identify what needs to be done to resolve it. RAC Mobile Mechanics can carry out a diagnostic test at your home or place of work, minimising any risk of further damage which may occur by driving your car to your nearest garage with this warning light on

Vauxhall electronic power steering (EPS) warning

This Vauxhall warning light indicates that there’s a problem with the power steering. For electric powered systems, this problem could be as simple to fix as rebooting the onboard computer. Find a safe place to stop and try turning the car off and back on again after 30 seconds.

Can I drive with my electronic power steering (EPS) light on?

You should not drive your car with the electronic power steering (EPS) light on. If the power steering system fails, the car will be harder to manoeuvre and may become dangerous to drive at high motorway speeds without power steering assistance.

If restarting the car fails to clear the red EPS light or you notice the steering is heavy or difficult to use then you should stop and call for recovery via RAC Breakdown Cover.

Vauxhall diesel particulate filter (DPF) warning light

The amber DPF light will come on if there is a problem with the diesel particulate filter, which removes harmful soot from the exhaust gases to reduce emissions. On Vauxhall cars it indicates that the filter is full, has become blocked with soot or has a problem.

Can I drive my Vauxhall with the diesel particulate filter (DPF) light on?

It is not recommended to drive with the diesel particulate filter (DPF) light on. A blocked filter, for example, could cause more serious damage to your car. You should get it checked as soon as you can, as DPFs and exhaust repair can be expensive. Find a garage

Vauxhall water in diesel fuel filter warning light

Diesel fuel filters separate out the traces of water found in diesel fuel before it gets into the engine, where it could cause damage. This yellow light indicates that the diesel fuel filter is full and needs to be emptied. On some vehicles you will need to empty the filter manually, whereas on others, this may be done automatically. Check your owner’s manual to see how it works on your Vauxhall model.

If the filter should empty automatically this warning light may mean that this system is not working properly, in which case you should get it checked out as soon as you can.

Can I still drive my Vauxhall with the water in diesel fuel filter light on?

Visit a garage as soon as possible. Although you may be safe to continue driving with this Vauxhall warning light on you should empty the fuel filter as soon as you can - if the water begins to seep into our engine it could cause serious damage.

Vauxhall engine coolant temperature warning light

The engine coolant temperature warning light will come on if the engine is overheating. It may indicate that coolant levels are low, in which case the low coolant level warning light may also be illuminated. 

Low coolant levels could be due to a leak in the system or it could be a sign of a larger problem, like a head gasket failure.

Sometimes this light will be flashing, in which case, the issue may be related to the sensor malfunctioning.

Can I still drive my Vauxhall with my engine coolant temperature light on?

If this light is red you should stop straight away, as without enough coolant your engine could get so hot that it effectively welds itself together, causing irreparable damage.

Stop and wait until the engine has cooled off before checking the gauge on the side of the coolant tank under the bonnet, topping up as required. Read our guide on how to check your coolant.

While you’re under the hood, have a look to see if there are any obvious leaks. If you can’t see any and the light goes off after topping up then you should be fine to continue your journey. If the light comes back on again after topping up you should call for recovery.

Vauxhall oil change warning light

The oil warning change light comes on to remind you to change the engine oil. Vauxhall recommends that you change your oil on a regular basis, so this light will come on automatically once you have driven a certain number of miles since the indicator was last reset.

Once you have replaced the oil you will need to reset the indicator. Take a look at your car’s owner manual to find out how.

Can I still drive my Vauxhall with my change oil light on?

Yes, you can drive with the oil change light on, but you should get the oil changed at the earliest opportunity. Regular oil changes will extend the life of your car's engine and RAC Mobile Mechanics can do this job and/or carry out a full service at your home or place of work. Watch our video guide to checking your car’s engine oil.

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Vauxhall tyre pressure monitoring warning light

The tyre pressure monitoring warning light will suggest one of your tyres is losing air and needs to be checked. Vauxhall cars are fitted with tyre pressure monitoring systems that will let you know when the pressure falls. This could happen over time or it could be because of a puncture.

Can I still drive my Vauxhall with the tyre pressure monitoring light on?

Yes, you can drive with the tyre pressure light on, but you should stop when it is safe to do so and check the condition of your tyres.

Low tyre pressure can cause unsafe driving conditions, so reduce your speed, and try to avoid braking suddenly or making any violent steering manoeuvres.

Most fuel stations and garages will have an air compressor you can use to check your tyre pressure. Top up the air in the tyres according to the vehicle manufacturer specification in your owner's manual.

If you have a puncture, watch our video to learn how to change a tyre in 10 simple steps.

If the yellow light is flashing this indicates a fault with the monitoring system itself, which can be checked via a diagnostics check by a mobile mechanics or a local garage.

Vauxhall air suspension fault warning light

If the air suspension fault warning light comes on you’ll probably notice that your Vauxhall car feels harder to handle, less stable, and it may be lower to the ground than normal. It could signal a leak in one of the inflatable bags that sit above the wheels and cushions your ride, or it could indicate a problem with the air compressor.

Can I still drive my Vauxhall with my air suspension light on?

If the air suspension warning light comes on, stop as soon as it is safe to do so and call for roadside assistance.

Even if the handling is not adversely affected, without suspension the impact of any bumps or knocks will be transferred to the body of the car, and may cause considerable damage.

Vauxhall charging system warning light

If the charging system warning light comes on when you’re driving it indicates that the battery is not charging correctly. This could be due to a problem with your car’s electrical system and it could have several causes, such as a faulty alternator, faulty battery, bad electrical connection or damaged cabling.

Can I still drive my Vauxhall with my vehicle charging light on?

You should not drive your car with the red charging system warning light on. Otherwise the car will run as normal until the battery is drained and the vehicle stops running.

You could try switching the vehicle off for 30 seconds before restarting to see if this clears the warning light. If this doesn't work and you are at home or work, call for a RAC Mobile Mechanic. If the warning light appears while you are driving, pull over when it is safe to do so and call for recovery.

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Vauxhall anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning light

The anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning light will come on when a problem is detected with you car's braking system. ABS is an important safety feature that really comes into play when you need to make an abrupt stop, or in difficult driving conditions like icy roads.

Can I still drive my Vauxhall with my ABS light on?

If the ABS light comes on by itself you should still have normal, unassisted braking, so it's safe to continue your journey – but keep your distance, take extra care, and get it checked as soon as possible.

If it comes on with the brake warning light, it could indicate that the brake system is failing and you should stop straight away and call for recovery via RAC Breakdown Cover.

Vauxhall electronic stability control (ESC) warning light

This Vauxhall warning light indicates a problem with traction control. If it’s flashing it means the ESP system is intervening – for example, if you’re driving on a slippery road. If the light stays on it means the ESP system is deactivated or has a fault.

Can I still drive my Vauxhall with my EPS light on?

Since this system only kicks in when you're losing traction on loose ground or ice, you should be okay to drive with due care if you're on normal road surfaces.

You may have inadvertently turned off the ESP system. To check, try stopping and restarting the engine. If the light remains on after restarting get it checked at a garage as the ESP system is an important safety feature. 

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Vauxhall automatic transmission warning light

The automatic transmission warning light may indicate a fault with the gearbox – often that the transmission fluid temperature is higher than normal – or it could serve as a reminder that your transmission fluid levels are getting low and need to be topped up.

Can I still drive my Vauxhall with my automatic transmission light on?

You should not continue to drive with the automatic transmission light on. Doing so could cause extensive damage and automatic transmissions can be expensive to replace. If you have the skills and confidence, you could check and top up the transmission fluid yourself but it’s wise to get any problems checked via RAC Breakdown Cover.

Vauxhall Easytronic Transmission Electronics (ESU) warning light

Some Vauxhall models have an Easytronic system that allows the computer – known as the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) – to take control of the manual gearbox and clutch so that the car can operate in an automatic or semi-automatic mode.

Can I still drive my Vauxhall with my ESU light on?

This system is not essential but if this warning light comes on you’ll need to enlist the help of a professional to find the cause of the fault.

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Clutch repair

Vauxhall bulb replacement warning light

The bulb replacement warning light will come on if one of your Vauxhall's light bulbs need to be replaced.

Can I still drive my Vauxhall with my bulb replacement warning light on?

Driving with a faulty light is unsafe and illegal. You will need to get this replaced as soon as you can.

Read our guide to checking your car warning lights.

Vauxhall brake pads worn warning light

If the brake pad warning light comes it means that a sensor has detected that your brake pads are too thin. This warning light should come on before the brake pads become dangerously thin, so you have time to get them changed.

Can I still drive my Vauxhall with my brake pad light on?

No, if your brake pads wear out completely it could be extremely dangerous. You should get them replaced as soon as you can. A mobile mechanic can replace your brakes at your home or place of work. Or you can get your motor booked in with your nearest garage.

Vauxhall airbag & belt tensioners system warning light

When the airbag & belt tensioners system warning light goes red it means that at least one element of the airbag safety system is not working correctly: either the airbag system itself; the front passenger occupant classification system, which detects the front passenger’s weight and position in order to safely deploy the airbag; or the seatbelt pretensioner system, which tightens the belt in the event of a crash. 

Don’t confuse this warning light with the yellow Seat Occupancy Recognition indicator (a backwards-facing child in a car seat), which lights up when a child restraint has been detected to show that the airbag has been turned off for the passenger seat.

Can I still drive my Vauxhall with my airbag and belt light on?

No, if the airbag system is not working properly it may not go off in a crash - or in some cases it could even deploy unexpectedly and cause an accident. Either way, the airbag system is an incredibly important safety feature of your car so if this light comes on please get it checked out immediately by a mobile mechanic or a garage.

Vauxhall following distance indicator warning light

Many modern Vauxhall models now have a following distance indicator system that monitors the traffic in front of your car, measuring the distance and relative speed of the vehicles ahead, to warn you if you get too close. It even prepares the brakes for emergency braking if it senses that you’re in danger of collision.

Can I still drive my Vauxhall with my following distance light on?

Yes, but you should re-evaluate your driving style, tailgating is dangerous and illegal. This light will go red when it detects a risk of collision, warning you that you should take evasive action or brake to avoid a crash.

Vauxhall descent control system (DCS) warning light

When activated, the DCS automatically keeps your car at a safe speed when driving downhill so you can concentrate on the road, rather than braking. This yellow warning light indicates a fault with DCS, or if it’s flashing, that the system is not ready.

Can I still drive my Vauxhall with my DCS light on?

This is a useful feature but not an essential one. If the DCS isn’t working take extra care when driving downhill and get it looked at when you can to check it’s not a sign of a wider problem with the computer unit.

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Vauxhall unintended lane change warning light

The unintended lane change feature on Vauxhall cars uses a camera sensor on the upper portion of the front windshield to detect white and yellow lines on the road.

This flashing yellow warning light will come on to alert you if the car is drifting into an adjacent lane without first signalling. To turn off the light, carefully steer the car back into the centre of the lane.

Vauxhall ultrasonic parking assist system warning light

Common in newer Vauxhall models, the Ultrasonic Parking Assist system uses sensors to measure the distance of objects around you when parking, giving an audible beep that gradually becomes more panicked the closer you get to hitting something.

Can I still drive my Vauxhall with my parking assist light on?

Yes, unless you're a very nervous parker! If this warning light comes on, signalling a fault with the system, it may be due to dirt or even ice and snow blocking the sensors. If the system remains inactive even after you’ve cleaned the sensors then you’ll need a professional to take a look.

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Vauxhall immobiliser system warning light

Also known as the Open & Start system, if your Vauxhall has a keyless ignition, this light will come on for a few seconds when you start your car, to show that the correct key has been used. If the computer doesn’t recognise the key, this warning light will flash and you won’t be able to start the car.

Check that your key is close enough to the receiver to be recognised, and if you still have a problem check your owner’s manual for guidance - if your key is not working properly you may need to contact an authorised dealer to fix the issue.

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Vauxhall continuous damping control (CDC) warning light

The continuous damping control (CDC) warning light on your Vauxhall dashboard warns when there is a fault with the CDC system, which tightens and loosens the suspension based on factors like road conditions and the weight of the load on the vehicle.

Can I still drive my Vauxhall with my CDC light on?

You should not drive with the continuous damping control (CDC) warning light on. You may notice the car doesn’t handle as well, which may impact the safety of the vehicle. Pull over when it's safe to do so and call for roadside assistance via via RAC Breakdown Cover.

Vauxhall interactive driving system (IDS) warning light

The IDS system activates when your Vauxhall is in sports mode, managing processes like CDC to improve handling and control. The warning light will indicate a problem with the system.

Can I still drive my Vauxhall with my IDS light on?

If this light comes on it highlights a fault in the system - you’ll be fine to keep driving but you should get it checked at a garage when you get a chance to find out the root of the problem.

Find a garage.

Are you experiencing a car fault, warning, or mechanical problem with your Vauxhall? Find a local mechanic with the RAC.

Are you interested in purchasing some replacement car mats for your Vauxhall? Be sure to check out our range over at the RAC Shop.

Find out about RAC's European Breakdown Cover.