Opel and Vauxhall Dashboard Warning Lights: What to Check

Why doesn't this guide list Opel and Vauxhall meanings?

Every meaning on Symbol Index has to trace back to a specific manual or guide page. None of the sources behind this guide cover Opel or Vauxhall models, so we do not state what any light means on those cars. Check the warning-light section of your own Opel or Vauxhall owner's manual for the exact meaning, color and recommended action.

What we can show is how sources for Audi, BMW, Škoda and Volkswagen cars describe lights with similar names, including the Škoda Octavia and Volkswagen Tiguan owner's manuals. Treat these descriptions as background only. The symbol, color and instructions on your Opel or Vauxhall may differ.^{[1, 6, 7, 8]}

ABS warning light: how other brands describe it

In all three sources we have for it, the ABS warning points to a fault in the anti-lock braking system. The advice on whether to keep driving is worded differently by brand.^{[1, 6, 7]}

• On Audi cars: the ABS may not be working, and stability functions that depend on it can be affected. Ordinary braking usually still works, but ABS will not step in, so leave more braking distance and have the car checked soon. If the red brake warning also comes on, or the pedal feels different, stop safely and get assistance.^[1]
• On Škoda cars: the ABS has a fault, so continue driving carefully and seek a specialist garage. If the red brake light comes on with it, there is a fault in the brake system and ABS, and you should not continue driving.^[6]
• On Volkswagen cars: lit yellow, it means the ABS has failed or has a fault. The brakes still work, but without ABS, so drive carefully and have it checked. If the brake warning light is also on, ABS control may have failed completely.^[7]

For an Opel or Vauxhall, look up the ABS light in your own manual to see what it says about driving on.

Airbag warning light: what other makers' manuals say

Airbag warnings appear in several forms across our sources, including a seated-occupant symbol and a text version. In every source, an airbag warning that stays lit points to a fault in the airbag or restraint system that should be checked or repaired.^{[2, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13]}

• On Volkswagen cars, the airbag / belt tensioner fault light lit continuously yellow means a fault in the airbag or belt tensioner system; have it checked straight away. If it lights for about 4 seconds after ignition on and then flashes for about 12 seconds, the system has been switched off with a diagnostic tool. It also lights briefly at ignition on as a function check.^[2]
• On Škoda cars, the airbag fault warning lit with a message means an airbag system fault; seek a specialist garage. Lit with the passenger airbag OFF light in the overhead panel, it means the airbag switch is faulty and the passenger airbag will not deploy in an accident, so have it checked immediately.^[11]
• On BMW cars, an orange or red airbag warning means the airbags may not deploy properly in an accident. Have the system checked as soon as possible.^[12]
• On Audi cars, the amber airbag warning means a possible fault in the airbag or restraint system, so occupant protection could be reduced. Have it inspected promptly with suitable diagnostic equipment, and do not unplug seat or airbag wiring to make the light go out. On some models the same symbol lights red.^[9]
• On Audi cars, the text warning AIR BAG means one of the airbags has failed. Only a dealer or authorized workshop can repair it.^[10]

Battery and charging warning light: brand-by-brand descriptions

The charging / battery warning can mean different things depending on its color and the message shown with it. Our sources split it into amber and red versions for some brands.^{[14, 15, 16, 17]}

• On BMW cars: orange or red means the battery is not being charged properly. Have the charging system checked by a workshop soon.^[3]
• On Audi cars: the car may not be keeping up its electrical supply; it is not just a reminder to buy a battery. Read the exact message and move to a safe place, and stop if told to or if there is smoke, overheating or the steering assistance fails.^[18]
• On Audi cars, amber with a message: it can mean the battery charge is low and driving will recharge it, but it can also warn that the engine may not restart if switched off. Read the message and act on it.^[14]
• On Škoda cars, amber: with a weak or discharged 12V battery message, drive several kilometers or charge the battery with a charger. With a not-charging or 12V battery fault message, seek a garage.^[15]
• On Škoda cars, red: with a 48V network message on mild-hybrid cars, or a message that the 12V battery is not charging, park safely, switch off the engine and ignition, and get help from a specialist garage. Lit together with the red coolant light and the red triangle, it indicates an engine fault: stop and do not continue driving.^[16]
• On Volkswagen cars, red with a message: the 12-volt electrical system may fail. Do not drive on; stop safely, switch off unnecessary consumers and the ignition, and get expert help. The start/stop system does not work while it is lit.^[17]

Brake pad wear and BRAKE warnings in other brands

• On BMW cars, an orange or red brake pad wear warning means the pads are probably worn and due for replacement. Book a brake service.^[19]
• On Audi cars, the brake pad wear warning means the pads are worn and need attention; have them inspected soon, before worn pads start damaging the discs. Grinding, pulling or a change in braking makes it more urgent, and the light does not show how much is left on each pad.^[20]
• On Škoda cars, the pads have worn down to their limit. Drive with extra care to a specialist garage and have them replaced.^[21]
• On Volkswagen cars, the light shows yellow when the pads are worn. Go to a workshop straight away and have all brake pads checked and replaced if necessary.^[22]
• On European Audis, the word BRAKE warns of a problem with the basic brake system. If the parking brake is released, stop as soon as it is safe and contact a workshop, because driving on could be dangerous.^[23]
• On BMW cars, an orange or red BRAKE warning means the braking system needs to be inspected as soon as possible.^[4]

Red and amber warning triangles: how other makers use them

Several brands use a central warning triangle that does not name a component on its own. It points you to a message or a second light in the display.^{[24, 5, 25]}

• On Škoda cars, the amber triangle lights alone or with another amber light, and a cluster message explains the cause. Follow the instruction for the accompanying light.^[24]
• On Volkswagen cars, the yellow triangle is a priority 2 warning that lights or flashes, sometimes with a chime or other symbols. Check the fault soon and have a workshop look at it, because low fluid levels or faults can damage the car.^[26]
• On Audi cars, the red triangle draws attention to an urgent message shown with it. Read the full message or second symbol in the driver display straight away and follow its instruction.^[5]
• On Škoda cars, the red triangle is the central warning for a serious hazard. Read the message and follow the instruction for the light that accompanies it.^[25]
• On Volkswagen cars, the red triangle is a priority 1 warning: do not drive on, stop when safe, check the fault shown and get expert help as soon as possible. While it is active, the cluster menus cannot be opened.^[27]

If your Opel or Vauxhall shows a triangle or any light not covered here, the owner's manual for your model is the place to confirm what it means and what to do.