Vauxhall Movano Dashboard Warning Lights

The Opel / Vauxhall Movano van has been manufactured since 1998 and is a popular commercial van throughout Europe. These Vauxhall Movano dashboard warning lights are relevant to all model versions. Dashboard display design and warning symbols will vary depending on model version.

Charging System

The red battery system should illuminate on the Vauxhall Movano dashboard when the ignition is switched on, but go off as soon as the engine is started. If the symbol remains lit, or lights up or flashes while driving, it means there’s a fault with the van’s electric charging system.

If driving, it’s advised to stop the van and switch off the engine due to engine cooling being interrupted and the effectiveness of the brake servo unit. If you only have a short distance to travel, switch off any electrical consumers that are non-essential. See why is my car battery warning light on for further information.

Engine Warning

The Vauxhall Movano engine warning light remains lit due to a fault in the emission control system, meaning the internal fault is likely resulting in emission limits being exceeded. There are many emissions related components in the engine. To locate the fault, diagnostic equipment is required.

A diagnostic tool will connect to the van’s OBD-2 port and scan for fault codes. A fault code is typically generated and stored when the engine light is activated. Diagnostic scan tools can be used at most vehicle repair workshops, or you can purchase your own equipment online. For further information, see reasons why the engine warning light is on.

Certain versions of the Vauxhall Movano have the engine stop warning light . This warning light may illuminate along with other warning lights such as the battery, oil pressure or coolant warning light. This warning light comes on due to a serious fault where continued driving may cause the vehicle damage. In addition to these warning light, the STOP warning light may also illuminate .

Service Vehicle Soon

The yellow spanner / wrench warning light means that the Vauxhall Movano requires a service. The multi-functional warning triangle containing an exclamation mark  may illuminate in place of the spanner symbol to make the driver aware that a service is required.

For a few seconds after the ignition is switched on, information on when the next service is due is displayed in the Driver Information Centre. After this, the engine oil level will be displayed on a scale of 1 (MIN) to 5 (MAX). If no scale is displayed, the engine oil level is insufficient. In this instance, top up with engine oil immediately. The engine oil viscosity grade is SAE 0W-30. For the oil level reading to be accurate, the van must be parked on flat ground with the engine off for at least 30 minutes.

Fault Warning Light

The Vauxhall Movano yellow triangle containing a exclamation mark is a generic symbol, used where a dedicated warning light is not available. On certain versions of the van, it may come on in place of the service spanner, a minor fault or a major fault. If the triangle illuminates due to a major fault, a message will also be displayed. Diagnostic tools are required to scan for fault codes.

Brake System

The illumination of the red brake symbol alone means that the parking brake is on. If the parking brake is released and they symbol remains lit, it means the brake fluid level is too low. Use only brake fluid approved for the vehicle. Brake fluid levels do drop as brake pad wear increases. Certain versions of the Vauxhall Movano may have a dedicated brake wear warning light . If the brake wear indicator light comes on, replace the front brake pads as soon as possible. See how long do brake pads last after the warning light is on for further information.

The brake fluid should be replaced at the specified interval. If the red brake system warning comes on along with the yellow ABS warning light it means the van’s braking system has a fault. Stop the vehicle and do not continue driving.

ABS Fault

The Antilock Braking System (ABS) warning light comes on when there’s a fault with the Vauxhall Movano Antilock Braking System. The  Antilock Brake System prevents the wheels from locking. ABS starts to regulate brake pressure as soon as a wheel shows a tendency to lock.

The vehicle remains steerable, even during hard braking. If the ABS is malfunctioning, the van’s brakes will work as usual, but without the ABS. Diagnostics are required, though the most common cause is a faulty wheel speed sensor.

Air suspension

The Vauxhall Movano air suspension height may be adjusted automatically to take account of changes in temperature or loading. Manual present loading heights adjustment can be made via buttons on the dashboard. If this warning light illuminates, it means there’s a fault with the air suspension.

 

Power Steering

The power steering warning light may illuminate in red or yellow depending on van model. More frequent problems with the Vauxhall Movano power steering are due to the steering column joint where it joins the rack, the steering rack itself, or the hydraulic pump.

 

Lane Departure

Versions of the Vauxhall Movano that have the lane departure warning system will see the corresponding left or right warning light flash in yellow to indicate an unintended lane change has been detected on the left side or on the right side. Turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction to return to the correct trajectory. If the symbol illuminates steady, it indicates a fault. Clean the camera sensor located at the top-centre of the windscreen.

Other vehicle safety systems that rely on the front-mounted camera sensor and grille mounted radar include the vehicle detected ahead system / Forward Collision Alert and the Active Emergency Braking system . Always ensure the area of the windscreen around the camera is clean along with the radar unit located on the van’s front grille. The fault warning light may also illuminate.

Electronic Stability Control

The Vauxhall Movano Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system aids vehicle stability by helping to reduce understeer, oversteer and to improve tyre traction. You know ESC is working due to the symbol flashing. If it remains steady lit, it means there’s a fault. ESC makes use of the ABS wheel speed sensors and is also part of the Hill Start Assist function, the traction control system and descent control. A fault with one or more of these system is often due to a malfunctioning wheel speed sensor. For more information, see What ESC is in Cars and How Does ESC Work in Cars.

Glow Plugs

The Vauxhall Movano glow plugs / preheat warning light should go out once they have heated to optimal temperature. If the glow plugs light stays on constantly or flashes while driving, it indicates a fault. The vehicle may enter reduced engine power mode, or ‘limp’ mode to reduce potential damage. Diagnostic tools are ideal for reading fault codes. Other than replacing the glow plugs themselves, a common problem is due to the MAF sensor.

DPF Filter

On diesel vehicles, the DPF (diesel particulate filter) captures harmful emission particles before they’re released into the environment. The filter requires cleaning as it becomes full (saturated). This process know as regeneration is usually completed automatically with the driver’s knowledge. On occasions, the Vauxhall Movano van may require assistance in cleaning. When this occurs, the DPF warning light illuminates or flashes.

This process simply requires the driver to drive the van uninterrupted for around 20 minutes or so while keeping the engine speed above 2,500 revolutions per minute and shifting down if necessary. Once the DPF light has gone out, the process is complete. Frequent short trips will cause the DPF light to come on more frequently due to the cleaning process being constantly interrupted and soot build-up becoming oversaturated.

If the warning light continues to remain lit, check the engine oil for diesel contamination. Various factors can result in a blocked DPF such as a build-up of carbon on the injectors inlet valves, exhaust valves, turbo, EGR valve and glow plugs. Check diagnostic tool for fault codes. If warning light remains lit after several attempts at cleaning, the filter may require forced regeneration to avoid damage. Certain versions of the Vauxhall Movano may display an alternative DPF warning light: .  For further information on the DPF and how to regenerate (clean) your filter by driving, see DPF warning light meaning.

AdBlue Warning

AdBlue significantly reduces  the nitrogen oxides in the exhaust emission. Warning light comes on when AdBlue requires refilling. Engine start may be prevented if AdBlue is allowed to fall too low. If the warning light illuminates, top with AdBlue as soon as possible. You’ll receive warning messages regarding the amount of mileage remaining until AdBlue becomes exhausted. Refill the AdBlue tank to a level of at least 4L to ensure that the new AdBlue level is being detected.

Tyre Warning

The Vauxhall Movano tyre pressure warning light will come on when the pressure in one or more tyres becomes underinflated from the specified set values. The tyre symbol flashes for around 75 seconds then remains lit if there’s a fault with the tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). After re-inflating the tyres, the Vauxhall Movano tyre pressure system will automatically reset after around 20 minutes of driving.

After changing wheels or wheel positions the vehicle must be stationary for around 20 minutes, before the system recalculates. The following relearn process takes up to 10 minutes of driving in a speed range of 25 to 60 mph. Check the pressure of cold tyres at least every 14 days and before any long journey. The Vauxhall Movano makes use of ‘direct’ pressure monitoring system and must have a pressure sensor installed in each tyre. Problems with the TPMS are often sensor related, often damaged during tyre impact or when the tyres are changed.

Oil Pressure Warning

The oil pressure light is one of the more critical warnings. Low oil pressure can result in a disruption to engine lubrication, resulting in potential engine seizure. The low oil pressure light can be triggered by low oil levels. If driving, pull over as soon as safe to do so. Switch off engine and check oil levels. If levels are sufficient or id the light remains on after topping up with oil, do not continue your journey and arrange for recovery. If the low oil pressure warning light flashes, it indicates the quality of engine oil has deteriorated.

Immobiliser

The car and lock symbol is the Vauxhall Movano immobiliser warning light and should go off when the vehicle is started. The immobiliser light flashes slowly when the system is armed but flashes quickly if the system does not recognise the electronic key. If the engine fails to start, try an alternative key and check the battery inside the electronic key and also check fuses. Other common problems are due to a electrical short, the receiver unit or the immobiliser module.

Auto Stop

The Vauxhall Movano automatic engine start stop system should illuminate in green when an engine autostop has been executed. The start stop system is activated by default upon each ignition cycle. The following conditions must be me for an engine autostop to be executed, else autostop will be inhibited.

Note: The following conditions may not signify a fault, only that the start stop system is not working temporarily. Autostop may be inhibited for several hours after a battery replacement or reconnection. Certain settings of the climate control system may inhibit an autostop. Immediately after higher speed driving an autostop may be inhibited. 

• The stop-start system is not manually switched off.
• The driver’s door is closed or the driver’s seat belt is fastened.
• The reverse gear is not engaged.
• The vehicle battery is sufficiently charged and in good condition.
• The engine is warmed up.
• The ambient temperature is between 0 °C and 35 °C.
• The engine coolant temperature is not too high.
• The engine exhaust temperature is not too high, e.g. after driving with high engine load.
• The air conditioning is switched off.
• The rear window heating is switched off.
• The windscreen wipers are not in fast wiping mode.
• The brake vacuum is sufficient.
• The battery has sufficient charge.
• The self-cleaning function of the exhaust filter is not active.
• The vehicle was driven at least at walking speed since the last autostop.

Engine Electronics

If this car and spanner warning light illuminates when the engine is running, there is a fault in the engine electronics. In this instance, the vehicle will switch over to the emergency running programme where fuel consumption may increase. You may also notice a deuteriation in the van’s engine performance. Try switching the engine off and back on again. If the problem persists, diagnostics are required to scan for fault codes.

If the spanner warning light flashes along with the engine electronic warning light, it means that the engine oil has become oxidized. In this instance, it’s required to carry out an engine oil and filter change as soon as possible. If the engine electronics warning light comes on along with the engine stop warning light it means engine oil has been dilutes. Change engine oil and filter immediately to prevent damage.

Tecshift Fault

The Vauxhall Movano Tecshift warning light refers to a fault with the van’s transmission. If the warning light comes on, you can continue driving, but have the fault looked at as soon as possible. The Vauxhall Movano Tecshift system has a self-diagnosis system. Have diagnostics and scan for fault codes.

 

Water in Fuel Filter

This warning light comes on when water has accumulated in the fuel filter and requires draining. The fuel filter separates water, often occurring in the fuel tank due to condensation. Continued driving without releasing water from the fuel filter means that water may enter the engine, causing damage. Depending on your version of Vauxhall Movano, an alternative water in fuel filter may illuminate .

Airbag

The airbag warning light remains lit in red when a fault has been detected with the airbag or the seat belt pretensioners system. Common faults relate to the airbag module, crash sensors, airbag clock spring or cables have become dislodged under the seats.