Opel Agila Warning Lights Decode Every Dashboard Symbol with Pro Diagnosis & 2025 Repair Costs
Whether you drive an Agila A (2000–2007), B (2008–2014) or the later Suzuki‑based model, this encyclopedia covers every dashboard light. From the dreaded red oil can to the subtle DPF warning – we provide issue, detailed symptoms, multi‑option diagnosis, and realistic repair costs (parts + labor).
18+ warning lights explained
step‑by‑step diagnostic workflow
2025 updated cost tables
⚡ Instant dashboard reference (all models)
| icon | warning light | color | common issue (Agila) | avg repair cost (€/$) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚨 | Check engine (MIL) | amber/red | O₂ sensor, ignition coil, EVAP | €120–€900 |
| 🛑 | ABS | amber | wheel speed sensor (rear common) | €140–€480 |
| 💥 | Airbag SRS | amber | clockspring, seat occupancy mat | €200–€700 |
| 🔋 | Battery charge | red | alternator (Z10XE/ Z12XE) | €120–€600 |
| 🛢️ | Oil pressure | red | oil level / switch / pump | €50–€2200 |
| 🌡️ | Coolant temp | red/amber | thermostat, coolant loss | €90–€550 |
| ⛔ | Brake system | red | low fluid / worn pads | €60–€400 |
| ⚙️ | ESP / TCS | amber | steering angle sensor, ABS ring | €170–€650 |
| 🔧 | Power steering | red/amber | EPS motor (Agila B) | €250–€900 |
| 🔥 | Glow plug (diesel) | amber | one or more glow plugs failed | €100–€450 |
| 💨 | DPF (diesel) | amber | clogged filter, short trips | €300–€1800 |
| 🧪 | AdBlue / SCR | amber/red | level low / quality (Agila III) | €80–€1200 |
| 🔘 | Tyre pressure (TPMS) | amber | sensor battery / pressure | €60–€450 |
| 🔐 | Immobiliser | flashing green/red | transponder / antenna ring | €150–€750 |
| 💧 | Water in fuel (diesel) | amber | water separator full | €40–€200 |
amber = plan a visit · red = pull off safely · costs include parts & labour (2025 estimate)
Full analysis – every warning light
Check engine (MIL)
- Issue: Oxygen sensor (P0130), ignition coil (P0300), EVAP leak (P0440), or catalyst (P0420).
- Symptoms: rough idle, lack of power, increased fuel consumption, possible flashing = severe misfire.
- Diagnosis (detailed):
• Read OBD2 codes + freeze frame.
• Inspect spark plugs, coils (common fail on 1.2L).
• Monitor fuel trims, O2 voltages.
• Smoke test for vacuum/EVAP leaks.
• Compression test if misfire persists. - Repair cost: O₂ sensor €120–250, coil pack €150–400, catalytic converter €400–900.
€120 – €900
ABS warning
- Issue: Rear wheel speed sensor (Agila B), damaged tone ring, ABS pump relay.
- Symptoms: ABS inactive, ESP light also on, pulsating pedal at low speed.
- Diagnosis:
• Scan ABS codes (C0035, C0040, C1010).
• Visually check sensor wiring at rear axle.
• Measure resistance (800–1500 Ω).
• Check air gap and tone ring for cracks.
extra: oscilloscope for signal. - Repair cost: sensor €80–200, hub with bearing €250–450, pump module €500–800.
€140 – €800
Airbag (SRS)
- Issue: Clockspring (common Agila A), passenger seat mat (Agila B), crash sensor.
- Symptoms: Airbag light stays on, horn may not work, intermittent warning.
- Diagnosis:
• SRS scan (B1000, B1015).
• Check under-seat connectors (yellow).
• Steering wheel rotation test for clockspring.
• Resistor substitution (professional only). - Repair cost: clockspring €180–350, seat mat €250–600, module reset €100–250.
€200 – €700
Battery charge
- Issue: Alternator failure (Z10XE), loose belt, bad battery cell.
- Symptoms: Dim lights, slow crank, radio resets, eventually stall.
- Diagnosis:
• Multimeter: off 12.4V+, running 13.8–14.8V.
• Load test battery.
• Inspect alternator wiring and ground straps.
• Check serpentine belt tension. - Repair cost: battery €90–180, alternator €250–500 (reman), voltage regulator €80–150.
€120 – €600
Oil pressure (red)
- Issue: Low oil level, faulty pressure switch, worn pump, blocked pickup.
- Symptoms: Red light flickers at idle, engine ticking, possible overheating.
- Diagnosis:
• Immediate oil level check.
• Mechanical pressure gauge test (min 0.3 bar idle).
• Inspect oil filter, pressure relief valve.
• Listen for chain rattle (tensioner). - Repair cost: oil change €50, pressure switch €30–80, oil pump €300–700, engine bottom end €1500–2500.
€50 – €2500
Coolant temperature
- Issue: Low coolant, stuck thermostat, electric fan failure, sensor.
- Symptoms: Needle high, heater blows cold, steam from bonnet.
- Diagnosis:
• Visual coolant level and leaks.
• Pressure test system.
• Check fan operation (low/high speed).
• Read sensor value via OBD2.
• Infrared gun on radiator. - Repair cost: thermostat €120–200, water pump €250–450, radiator €300–600, fan module €200–400.
€90 – €600
Brake warning (red)
- Issue: Low fluid, worn pads, handbrake switch, leak in system.
- Symptoms: Spongy pedal, long travel, brake noise.
- Diagnosis:
• Check fluid level and condition.
• Inspect pad thickness and discs.
• Look for leaks at calipers/ABS unit.
• Test handbrake micro switch. - Repair cost: fluid top-up free, pad replacement €120–250, caliper €150–350, ABS unit €500–1200.
€60 – €1200
ESP / traction control
- Issue: Steering angle sensor (Agila B), yaw sensor, ABS ring damage.
- Symptoms: Light on steady, system inactive, sometimes speedometer dead.
- Diagnosis:
• Scan for C/U codes.
• Calibrate steering angle with diagnostic tool.
• Check wheel speed sensor consistency.
• Inspect brake light switch. - Repair cost: steering angle sensor €200–400, ABS reluctor ring €100–250, yaw sensor €300–600.
€170 – €650
Power steering (EPS)
- Issue: Electric motor, torque sensor (Agila B/C), 12V supply, fuse.
- Symptoms: Heavy steering, intermittent assist, warning light red/amber.
- Diagnosis:
• Check battery voltage and ground.
• Scan EPS codes (C1600, C1604).
• Inspect under-dash fuses.
• Verify torque sensor signal with scope. - Repair cost: torque sensor €180–400, EPS motor €400–900, steering column €600–1200.
€250 – €1200
Glow plug (diesel)
- Issue: One or more glow plugs failed, relay stuck, control unit.
- Symptoms: Hard cold start, white smoke, flashing light.
- Diagnosis:
• Measure resistance (0.5–2 Ω).
• Test voltage at relay.
• Use ammeter to check each plug draw.
• Check glow plug fuse. - Repair cost: set of 4 plugs €60–150, relay €50–120, control unit €200–400.
€100 – €450
DPF (diesel)
- Issue: Soot accumulation (short trips), additive empty, pressure sensor.
- Symptoms: DPF light on, limp mode, reduced power, auto cleaning active.
- Diagnosis:
• Check differential pressure sensor.
• Read soot mass (ECU data).
• Perform forced regeneration.
• Inspect additive tank (if equipped). - Repair cost: forced regen €100–200, DPF cleaning €300–600, new DPF €800–1800.
€300 – €1800
AdBlue (SCR)
- Issue: Low level, poor quality, pump, NOx sensor (Agila III).
- Symptoms: Countdown starts, engine won’t restart after empty.
- Diagnosis:
• Refill with certified AdBlue.
• Scan for SCR codes.
• Check tank heater, pump.
• NOx sensor readings. - Repair cost: AdBlue refill €20–60, NOx sensor €300–600, tank unit €700–1300.
€80 – €1300
Tyre pressure (TPMS)
- Issue: Low pressure, dead sensor battery, missing sensor after tyre change.
- Symptoms: Light stays on, pressure not displayed.
- Diagnosis:
• Manually check pressures.
• Use TPMS trigger tool to wake sensors.
• Relearn sensor positions.
• Check for broken valves. - Repair cost: sensor €60–150 each, relearn €40–80, module €200–400.
€60 – €450
Immobiliser
- Issue: Transponder chip, antenna ring, BCM corruption.
- Symptoms: Engine cranks but no start, key symbol flashes.
- Diagnosis:
• Try spare key.
• Check antenna ring resistance (~10 Ω).
• Read immobiliser codes.
• Inspect wiring behind ignition lock. - Repair cost: key programming €150–400, antenna ring €80–200, BCM repair €300–700.
€150 – €750
Water in fuel (diesel)
- Issue: Condensation in filter, sensor triggered.
- Symptoms: Light on, possible sluggish acceleration.
- Diagnosis:
• Drain water separator (under car).
• Replace fuel filter.
• Check sensor connector. - Repair cost: drain (DIY free), filter change €40–120.
€40 – €200
EPC light (petrol)
- Issue: Throttle body dirty, pedal sensor, faulty ECU.
- Symptoms: Reduced power, limp mode, high idle.
- Diagnosis:
• Clean throttle body.
• Read throttle position sensor.
• Check accelerator pedal position sensor. - Repair cost: cleaning €50–100, throttle body €200–450, pedal sensor €150–300.
€100 – €500
Opel Agila – most frequent OBD2 trouble codes & meanings
| code | system | likely cause (Agila specific) | diagnostic hint |
|---|---|---|---|
| P0420 | Catalyst | Catalyst efficiency low (1.2L Z12XE) | Check for exhaust leaks, O2 sensor |
| P0302 | Ignition | Cylinder 2 misfire – coil pack failure | Swap coil to see if misfire moves |
| P0135 | O2 heater | O2 sensor heater circuit (bank1 sensor1) | Check fuse, relay, sensor resistance |
| C0035 | ABS | Left front wheel speed sensor | Inspect wiring near strut, sensor gap |
| P0105 | MAP sensor | MAP / baro sensor circuit (1.0L) | Check vacuum line, sensor voltage |
| U2100 | CAN bus | CAN communication – often after battery change | Check battery voltage, ground straps |
| P0400 | EGR | EGR flow insufficient (diesel) | Clean EGR valve, check solenoid |
Use an ELM327 adapter with torque/car scanner to read codes live.
Pro tips for Opel Agila owners
- ABS rear sensor: On Agila B (2008+) rear sensors often fail due to corrosion – replacement is straightforward, no need to remove hub.
- Oil pressure switch: On 1.0/1.2 petrol, the switch leaks oil and causes low pressure warning – a cheap fix (€20 part).
- Glow plug relay: On diesel Agila (1.3 CDTI) the relay can have dry solder joints – resoldering often solves intermittent no‑start.
- EPC light: often triggered by a dirty throttle body – cleaning with carb cleaner and resetting adaptations may clear.
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