Most of us at some time or another have a warning light come up on the dashboard. Unfortunately the meaning of the warning light isn’t always clear.
This section lists the dashboard warning lights for the popular Vauxhall Zafira, with pictures and their meanings explained, along with advice on what should be done. The Zafira lights listed may vary slightly depending on the country that the vehicle was manufactured and year.
The dashboard warning lights on vehicles vary with significance or importance depending on colour. Flashing lights or lights that are red signify an urgent and usually when flashing, a critical warning.
Non-critical warnings – those that should be dealt with soon, are dealt with via orange or yellow lights. Blue and green lights are used for informational purposes, for example to inform the driver that the external lights are on.
Vauxhall Zafira airbag and seat belt tensioners warning light
The airbag and seat belt tensioners warning light illuminates red for around 4 seconds when the ignition is switched on and extinguish. If the light fails to extinguish or fails to illuminate, or the light illuminates whilst driving, this signifies a fault within the airbag or belt tensioners system. Belt tensioners and airbags may fail in the event of an accident. The fault should be remedied without delay by a qualified workshop.
Car battery charging red warning light
The Zafira battery charging light will illuminate red for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on and extinguish. If the charging light comes on whilst the engine is running, this indicates the battery is not charging and as a result, engine cooling may be effected and halted. Turn off engine when safe to do so and seek the assistance of a qualified workshop to avoid engine damage. See car battery life expectancy and maintenance for help.
Zafira malfunction warning light
The malfunction warning light, or Vauxhall Zafira catalytic converter warning light will illuminate steady yellow or flash. It will illuminate when the ignition is switched on for a few seconds and go out. If the warning lamp illuminate when the engine is running, there is a fault within the exhaust emission control system.
Although not a risk to damage to the vehicle, it may exceed the legal emission limit. Seek the assistance of a workshop. If the malfunction light flashes, reduce engine load until flashing stops. If the light continues to flash, there is the potential for catalytic converter damage. Workshop assistance is required immediately.
When the Zafira check engine warning light comes on, a fault code is stored. Diagnostic equipment is then required to read the fault codes. Due to the engine light being generic, there are many potential faults associated with it. Most vehicle workshops have diagnostic code readers, or they can be purchased online.
Service vehicle soon warning light
The Zafira malfunction warning light a car with spanner illuminates or flashes yellow and informs the driver that they must service the vehicle soon. If the warning light illuminate whilst the engine is running, there is a fault within the engine or transmission electronics. The electronics programme will move into emergency programme where fuel consumption may increase and certain parts of the vehicle handling may be impaired. If the light remains on and the fault persists, consult a workshop.
If the warning light illuminates along with InSP4 in service display, this signifies water in the fuel filter where it will likely need to be drained and/or replaced. If the warning light flashes, this is a fault within the immobiliser system and the vehicle cannot be started. If the light continues to flash, attempt to start the engine with the vehicle spare key and seek the assistance of a workshop.
Brake and clutch system warning light
The circle containing an exclamation mark signifies an issue with the brake or clutch system and illuminate or flashes red. If the parking brake has been released but the light still illuminates, the brake and clutch fluid levels are too low. Check reservoir levels in engine compartment.
Brake efficiency may be impaired – it’s advisable to not continue your journey until system is checked and the fault remedied. The warning light will flash on vehicles with automated manual transmission when engine is turned off and the parking brake is not applied. Light will also flash if the driver’s door is open, if no gear has been selected and the handbrake is not applied.
Vauxhall Zafira ABS anti-lock brake warning light
The ABS light illuminate red for a few moments as the ignition is turned on and goes out shortly afterwards. The light extinguishing signifies the system is activated and ready. If the ABS light remains on or if the light illuminates whilst driving, there is a fault within the system. Normal brakes remain active, but ABS will be inactive. For more information on ABS, how they work and how they benefit drivers, See the Anti-Lock Braking System guide.
Ultrasonic parking assist warning light
The Zafira ultrasonic park assist light illuminates or flashes yellow. If the warning light illuminates a steady yellow, there is a fault in the system which can only be rectified by a qualified workshop. If the dashboard light flashes, this informs the driver that the sensors need cleaning. This may be due to dirt, snow or ice covering the sensors. Alternatively, the light may flash due to some form of interference with the signal due to external sources. Once the external interference has cleared, the system will begin to work again.
Zafira Electronic Stability Program warning light
This warning symbol illuminates or flashes yellow. For normal operation, the light will illuminates for a few moments when the ignition is switched on and extinguish shortly after A visual aid to signify the stability program system is in operation, the light flashes whilst driving.
When in operation, engine output may be reduced and the vehicle may be braked automatically to a small amount. If the light illuminates a steady yellow whilst driving, this informs you that the system is either turned off or that there is a fault within the system. Driving the vehicle can resume, although stability may be reduced depending on the road surface. If light remains on, seek the assistance of a workshop.
Zafira engine coolant temperature warning light
The engine coolant temperature warning light illuminates red. If whilst driving the light illuminates, this informs you that the coolant temperature inside the engine is too hot. Continued driving risks the engine overheating, possibly resulting in damage to engine components. Pull the vehicle over as soon as possible and turn off the engine immediately. Check coolant levels when the engine has cooled. See what is engine coolant and how to check engine coolant for further details.
Zafira diesel preheating and particle filter warning light
The preheating light illuminates or flashes yellow. The diesel particle filter is typically cleaning automatically by driving. If the light flashes, this informs you that the previous driving did not successfully clean the filter. Continue driving and if possible do not allow the engine revs to drop below 2000 rpm. If the light illuminates a steady yellow, this informs you that the preheating is activated. Preheating only activates when outside temperature is low.
Zafira tyre pressure monitoring system warning light
The tyre monitoring system light illuminates or flashes yellow. Light flashes yellow three times to indicate the system has initialised. Light illuminating a steady yellow signifies tyre pressure loss. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible and check pressures. If the light flashes for around one minute, followed by a continuous steady light, there is a fault within the system, or a tyre has been fitted without a pressure sensor. See tyre legal limit for information on having too high and too low pressure in tyres.
Zafira tyre pressure monitoring system warning light
The tyre monitoring system light illuminates or flashes yellow. Light flashes yellow three times to indicate the system has initialised. Light illuminating a steady yellow signifies tyre pressure loss. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible and check pressures. If the light flashes for around one minute, followed by a continuous steady light, there is a fault within the system, or a tyre has been fitted without a pressure sensor.
Zafira Interactive Driving System
The Interactive Driving System Plus (+) activates continuous damping control when in sports mode. The warning light illuminates yellow. If the light illuminates whilst driving, this indicates a fault in the system. IDS is intended to make the vehicle more stable when in sports mode. The drive may be a little harder than normal as suspension will be firmer.
Zafira engine oil pressure warning light
Normal oil pressure monitoring is activated when the light illuminates red for a few seconds as the ignition is switched on. If the light illuminated whilst driving, this indicates the engine oil pressure is low. Lubrication to engine components may be reduced with the potential of engine damage or engine seizure. Pull over and turn off engine as soon as possible. Check engine oil levels, if levels are sufficient, contact an authorised workshop.
Zafira engine oil low warning light
Engine oil levels are checked automatically by the Zafira monitoring system. If light illuminates yellow whilst driving, check engine oil levels as soon as possible. See how to check engine oil for further information.
Zafira open and start system warning light
The open and start system warning light flashes or illuminates yellow. If the light flashes, the electronic key is not within reception range of the vehicle interior and the engine cannot be started. Hold the start/stop button down for a little longer to switch off the ignition. If the light illuminates a steady yellow, there is a fault in the system. Operate using the spare key, the remote control or via emergency operation. Another reason may be that the steering wheel lock is still engaged.
Zafira press foot brake warning light
The apply foot brake warning light illuminates yellow. Light will illuminate when a vehicle with manual transmission automated can only be started if the foot brake is applied.
Vauxhall Zafira common light list
Adaptive forward lighting
Illuminates or flashes yellow. If illuminates, – fault in system. If symbol flashes, the system switches to symmetrical low beam.
What if the car starts shaking a little and slows down . ?
Jump out ! And quick
I have Vauxhall Zafira 09 desal I bought new battery a week ago but the car can’t start when I put the ignition what is the matter?
my engine managment light is on , what can i do ? to put it off ?
Hello Raymond,
The Zafira engine management light is a generic symbol that can have many faults associated with it – usually something related to emissions. You need fault codes to get specifics. You can do this by using diagnostic equipment or by trying the pedal test which also displays fault codes. Search for ‘Vauxhall Zafira pedal test’.
Hi could you tell me why when I stop at traffic lights my electronic stability program warning light comes on and stays on but it does not happen all the time
Is it flashing or staying on constantly for a period of time? If it’s staying on constantly, it means there’s a fault. As you’re braking at the time, it could be to do with ABS wheel speed sensors. ABS and ESC share the same sensors. A diagnostic tool / code reader should read any fault codes generated that will help direct you in the right direction.
my ids+ light is on all the time, its a ZAFIRA b 2005 SRI 1.9CTI how do I put it out?
ESC service keeps popping up on my screen with a warning light that shows a car swerving, what is this please?
Hi Ben,
It the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system. It basically helps in reducing understeer, oversteer and usually has traction control integrated. In the vast majority of cases, the ESC system is faulty due to one of the four wheel speed sensors gone bad. You can drive with the fault, but need to be cautious as you’ll not have the safety functions of ESC.
My service light comes on when engine gets warm I have lots of revs but no acceleration what can it be have bought new spark plugs and coil pack and it seems to still happen
My Zafira shows SAFE on the screen near the clock what does that mean ?
Hi Vernon,
I think you might be referring to the radio system safe mode. You’ll need a code to unlock it. It’s an anti-theft system that’s designed to deter thieves from stealing it.
my zafira shows service light permanent despite changing the servicing parts. I am worried.
Hi Ogunsakin,
You should be able to reset the service / vehicle inspection reminder light. If you do a Google or YouTube search, there should be plenty of tutorials.
I have 2 lights come on my dash after 10 minutes one is car with spanner through it and the other looks like square with a nozzle at the top and looks like a fan/star in the middle both yellow when there on the car idles really rough and eventually stalls also very jumpy when driving with lights on
Hi Paul,
The square box with a nozzle at the top with the fan inside it represents your engine coolant. It’s a symbol of a car’s radiator. You need to top up with engine coolant. If the light remains lit, it may be a fault with the coolant level sensor.