Vauxhall Astra Dashboard Warning Lights and Meanings

With all vehicles becoming more complex due to being managed by computers, dashboard warning lights are used to inform the driver of any information or issues.

This section lists the dashboard warning lights for the Vauxhall Astra. Each picture or symbol is accompanied by their meanings. Various models Astra cover the warning lights listed, although symbols may vary slightly depending on the country and year of manufacture.

Information or warning lights generally signify their level of urgency by use of colour. Dashboard lights that are used for informational purposes are often blue or green in colour, such as informing you that the external lights are on for example.

Other symbols inform you that something needs to be done or checked soon such as an engine service for example. These lights are often yellow or orange in colour.

Lights that inform of an issue more urgent are typically red and may possibly flash if the issue requires immediate attention. It’s important to understand your cars warning lights not only for safety reasons, but to avoid damage to the car itself. Along with a dashboard warning light, you may receive an error or fault code on the dashboard. You can find out what they are by checking the full list of Vauxhall Astra fault codes.

Astra airbag and SEATBELT tensioners light

Illuminates red – when the car ignition is turned on, the light should illuminate for around 4 seconds. If the light fails to extinguish after 4 seconds, or comes on whilst driving, there is a fault in the airbag system. In this situation, the airbag and belt tensioners may fail to operate in the event of an accident. Have the system checked immediately.
Illuminates yellow – light comes on for around 60 seconds after ignition is turned on. This light signifies the airbags have been deactivated. For further information about airbags and possible faults, see why is the airbag light on?

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Astra antilock brake system (ABS)

The Vauxhall Astra ABS warning light will illuminate yellow for a few seconds after the ignition has been started to self-check. The system will be operational when the light extinguishes. If the ABS light does not extinguish after starting the car or comes on whilst driving, this signifies a fault with the ABS system. Brakes will still operate although stability may be compromised on certain road surfaces. See the Anti-Lock Braking System guide for understanding what ABS is and how it works.

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Coolant temperature

The engine coolant temperature illuminates in red. If the symbol illuminates whilst the engine is running, it signifies the coolant temperature is too high. High engine temperatures can result in damage to engine components. Stop the vehicle and turn off the engine. Wait for the engine to cool down and check coolant levels. See what is engine coolant and how to check engine coolant for further details. Opening the coolant reservoir tank whilst the coolant is very hot may result in release of hot gasses or coolant.

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Astra preheating and diesel particle filter light

The Astra diesel engine preheat light (looks like a spring) will illuminate yellow. system only activates when outside temperatures are low.

The diesel particle filter (looks like smoke) light illuminates or flashes yellow. If light illuminates, filter requires cleaning. Continue driving until light extinguishes. Try to avoid dropping engine speed to below 2000rpm. If light flashes, the filter is to full capacity and cleaning should initiate immediately to avoid damage to the engine.

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Battery charging system

The Vauxhall Astra battery charging system illuminates a red light when the ignition is switched on and extinguishes shortly after the engine starts. If the light illuminates whilst the engine is running, stop the car and switch the engine off as the car battery is not charging. As a result, the engines cooling may not be effective, plus the brake servo unit may also cease to be effective. The assistance of a vehicle workshop is required. For further details regarding your vehicles battery, See car battery life expectancy and maintenance for help.

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Astra Electronic Stability Control

The Electronic Stability Control or Traction Control System may flash or illuminate yellow. If the warning light illuminates, there is a fault in the system and the system is deactivated. Driving the vehicle is still possible although stability may deteriorate depending on the current road surface. Speak to an authorised vehicle repair shop. If the light flashes, this means the system is activating. To maintain stability, engine output may be reduced and the vehicle may be slowed slightly.

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Service vehicle soon

This car with a spanner warning light illuminates yellow to signify that the Astra needs servicing. A warning message or a specific warning code ( such as code 82 informing you that the engine needs a oil and filter change for example) may also be displayed to inform what issues the vehicle has. Speak to a vehicle technician or consult your vehicle owner’s manual for specific fault codes.

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Lane departure warning light

Dashboard light illuminates green or flashes yellow. Illuminated green signifies the system is active and ready to go. The light flashes in yellow to warn the driver it detects and unintended lane change.

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Malfunction warning light

The malfunction indicator light illuminates or flashes yellow. The light will initially illuminate when the ignition is switched on and after a few seconds extinguish when the engine starts. If the light illuminates when the engine is running, this signifies a fault with the emission control system. The legal emission limit may be exceeded. Seek assistance from a qualified workshop. If the light flashes whilst the engine is running, ease off the power and seek assistance from a qualified workshop as this can lead to damage to the catalytic converter.

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Tyre pressure monitoring system warning light

Light will either illuminate or flash yellow. If the tyre pressure warning light illuminates constantly, tyre pressure loss is occurring. Stop the car immediately and check tyres. If the light flashes, there is either a fault in the tyre pressure monitoring system, or a tyre without a sensor is fitted, such as the spare tyre. See tyre legal limit for information on having too high and too low pressure in tyres.

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Astra power steering warning light

The Astra power steering symbol will illuminate yellow to signify power steering assistance is reduced due to overheating. The light will extinguish once the system has cooled down. If light remains on continually, consult with a qualified workshop as this signifies a failure with the power steering system.

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Engine oil pressure

The Astra engine oil pressure light will illuminate red when the ignition is activated and extinguish a few seconds after the engine has started. If the oil pressure light illuminates red when the engine is running, lubrication to engine components may be disrupted and engine damage may occur. Turn off ignition immediately. Check oil levels. Oil level should be topped up if necessary. See how to check engine oil for further information. If oil level are sufficient, seek the assistance of a workshop.

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Electric parking brake warning light

1. The electric parking brake light illuminates or flashes red. If the light constantly illuminates, it signifies the electric parking brake has been applied. If the light flashes, it signifies the electric parking brake is either not fully applied or released. Attempt to reset the system by switching on the ignition, apply the brake pedal and then apply and release the electric parking brake. If the P in a circle continues to flash, do not drive the vehicle and seek assistance from a workshop.

2. Electric with spanner – Electric parking brake has a fault. If light illuminates yellow, the system is operating with degraded performance. If flashing, system is operating in service mode. Stop the vehicle, apply and release electric parking brake to reset.

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Ultrasonic parking assist

The Astra ultrasonic parking assist dashboard light illuminates yellow to signify either a fault with the system, or the system is unable to operate due to dirty sensors, or sensors covered. Sensors could be covered with snow or ice for example. The warning light may also illuminate yellow due to external ultrasonic interference rendering the system unable to operate effectively. Once the external source of interference has been removed, the system will begin to operate as normal.

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Press brake or clutch warning light

The foot on a pedal warning light will illuminate or flash yellow. If the light illuminates constantly, it is signifying that the brake pedal must be applied to release the electric parking brake, or that the clutch needs to be depressed to start the engine in autostop mode. If the light flashes, it signifies that the clutch must be pressed for a main start of the engine.

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Interactive Driving System (IDS) light

The IDS light illuminates yellow for a few seconds when the ignition is turned on. If the IDS light illuminates whilst driving, it signifies a fault in the system.

What is Interactive Driving System (IDS) and Continuous Damping Control (CDC)? The Vauxhall Astra Interactive Driving System (IDS) is activated with the sports mode, which also in turn activates Continuous Damping Control. this system controls the car suspension on an individual wheel basis, controlling each suspension damper in air suspension systems. The pitch, roll and yaw of the car is controlled, sustaining a level vehicle which offers better handling and control.

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Astra car with spanner warning light

This Vauxhall Astra car with spanner warning light illuminates when the ignition is turned on and should extinguish a few seconds later. If the symbol illuminates yellow whilst the engine is running however, it signifies a fault in the engine electronics or the transmission electronics. System will override into emergency mode where fuel consumption may increase and stability of the vehicle may be reduced, Consult a workshop. If it illuminates along with InSP4 in service display, it signifies the diesel fuel filter needs draining of water. If the symbol flashes, there is a fault in the electronic immobiliser system and the vehicle will not start.

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Astra Radiator Coolant warning light

This symbol that looks like an engine with a star inside, or a radiator containing an asterisk illuminate in yellow / amber. This comes on indicating that engine coolant / water is required. Top up the radiator header to the maximum level.

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Vauxhall Astra common light list

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Other makes and models of vehicles dashboard warning lights

• Dashboard warning lights