Vauxhall Antara Dashboard Warning Lights
The Vauxhall Antara (2006–2015) shares its platform with the Chevrolet Captiva. Its dashboard uses red, amber, and green symbols to indicate issues ranging from low fuel to critical engine failure. Below you’ll find every common light, detailed diagnosis, and real-world repair costs.
Master chart: every Antara warning light
| Symbol / colour | Name | Common cause | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🔴 engine-shaped | Check engine | EGR, lambda, fuel system | Scan OBD2 |
| 🔴 battery | Alternator / charge | Failing alternator, loose belt | Check voltage |
| 🔴 oil can | Oil pressure | Low oil, pump failure | STOP engine |
| 🟡 ABS | Anti‑lock brake | Wheel speed sensor, module | Scan ABS codes |
| 🟡 skid car | ESP / traction | Steering angle sensor, brake switch | Check brake lights |
| 🟡 airbag | SRS | Connector under seat, clock spring | Inspect yellow plugs |
| 🟡 tyre cross-section | TPMS | Low pressure, dead sensor | Pump tyres, reset |
| 🟡 coil / filter | DPF (diesel) | Blocked filter, short trips | Forced regen |
| 🟡 glow plug | Pre‑heat (diesel) | Faulty glow plugs / relay | Check glow time |
| 🔴 thermometer | Coolant temp | Low coolant, thermostat stuck | Top up, check fan |
| 🔴 (P) circle | Parking brake | Handbrake on, low fluid | Release, check fluid |
| 🟡 steering wheel | Power steering | EPS motor, torque sensor | Check fluid (hydraulic) or scan |
| 🟡 spanner | Service due | Service interval exceeded | Reset or service |
| 🔵 high beam | Main beam | Lights on | Informational |
Detailed warning light cards (full diagnosis)
Check engine amber/red
⚙️ Issue: ECU detected a fault – emissions, ignition, fuel or sensor.
- Rough idle, loss of power
- Increased fuel consumption
- Engine may enter limp mode
🔍 How to diagnose (multiple options):
- OBD2 scan: read codes (P0100, P0400, etc). Antara common: P0401 (EGR), P0087 (fuel rail), P0238 (turbo overboost).
- Visual: check air hoses, vacuum leaks, wiring around engine.
- Live data: monitor fuel trim, MAF sensor with scanner.
- Professional smoke test for vacuum leaks.
Repair cost: £80 – £550 (EGR £280, MAF £150, diagnostics £60)
Battery / alternator red
⚡ Issue: charging system voltage low – alternator failing or battery worn.
- Dim lights, slow cranking
- Clicking when starting
🔍 Diagnosis:
- Measure battery voltage (engine off: 12.4V+, running: 13.8-14.4V).
- Check alternator belt tension.
- Load test battery at halfords / garage.
- Check earth straps (behind left headlight).
Battery £90–£160, alternator £220–£420
Oil pressure red
🛢️ Issue: low oil level or oil pump failure – severe engine risk.
- ⚠️ Rattling noise from top end
- ⚠️ Oil leak under car
Diagnosis steps:
- 1. Stop engine immediately – check dipstick level.
- 2. Look for leaks around filter, sump.
- 3. If oil ok, suspect faulty pressure switch or pump (needs professional).
- 4. Mechanical oil pressure test with gauge.
Oil change £50, switch £90, pump £450–£800
ABS amber
Issue: anti‑lock brake system fault – normal braking but no ABS.
- 🛑 ABS light stays on, sometimes traction control off.
Diagnose:
- Read ABS fault codes (C0035, C0040).
- Inspect wheel speed sensors for dirt/damage.
- Check tone ring on drive shaft (Antara prone to rust).
- Check ABS fuse and relay (under bonnet box).
Sensor £70–£140, ABS pump/module £450–£800
ESP / traction control amber
Stability control deactivated – often due to steering angle sensor or yaw rate.
- ❄️ Light flickers then stays on.
Diagnosis: scanner + calibration, check brake light switch (common fail). Also inspect wheel speed sensors.
Diagnostic £60, sensor £120–£250, brake light switch £25
Airbag / SRS amber
Airbag system malfunction – could be connector under seat.
- 💺 Light stays on, passenger airbag deactivated.
Diagnosis:
- Check under seats (yellow connector) – unplug/plug.
- Read SRS codes (B0020, etc).
- Clock spring failure (horn also stops).
Clock spring £150–£280, module reset £100
TPMS amber
Low pressure or sensor battery dead.
- ⚠️ Light blinks then stays on.
Check: manual pressure check, then relearn procedure (ignition on, press reset).
Sensor £45–£90 each + fitting
DPF amber
Diesel particulate filter blocked – frequent on 2.0 CDTI.
- 💨 Reduced power, automatic regeneration fails.
- 🚦 Light may flash if regeneration in progress but interrupted.
Diagnosis: exhaust back pressure, forced regen with diagnostic tool (Tech2). Check differential pressure sensor.
Forced regen £80, cleaning £300, new DPF £800–£1200
Glow plug amber
Pre‑heating system fault – hard starting in cold.
- ❄️ Light flashes or stays on, engine may misfire cold.
Diagnosis: check resistance of each glow plug (0.5–2 ohms), test relay.
Set of 4 plugs £60–£120, relay £45
Coolant temp red/blue
Engine overheating or low coolant.
- 🌡️ Needle in red, steam from bonnet.
Check: coolant level, fan operation, thermostat, water pump.
Thermostat £120, water pump £350
Power steering amber
EPS fault (electric) or low fluid (hydraulic).
- 🔄 Heavy steering, light flickers.
Diagnosis: check fluid (if hydraulic), scan EPS codes, torque sensor.
EPS motor £450, fluid flush £70
Service (spanner) amber
Oil change or service due.
- ⏲️ Appears at fixed intervals.
Reset: ignition on, fully press accelerator 3 times, or use scanner.
Oil service £150–£250
Brake pad wear amber
Pad sensor triggered – pads low.
- 🔊 Squeal when braking.
Check: visual pad thickness, replace if <3mm.
Front pads £80–£150
4WD / AWD amber
Rear differential or coupling fault.
- ⚠️ Light on, system may switch to FWD.
Diagnosis: check rear diff oil, scan 4WD module.
Rear coupling £500–£900
Advanced diagnosis & multiple options
For all warning lights, these steps apply:
- DIY OBD2: use any ELM327 adapter (Torque app). Antara specific codes: P0238 (turbo), P0670 (glow plug), P0401 (EGR).
- Garage multi‑scan: Tech2 or Autel MD802 – can access ABS, SRS, DPF functions, and perform forced regen.
- Visual + functional: check earth points (behind headlights), battery terminals, fuses (under glovebox).
- Known Antara issues: EGR valve clogging, brake light switch failure (causes ESP light), rear ABS sensor corrosion, DPF problems on 2.0 CDTI.
- Reset procedures: after repair, some lights need fault code clearing with scanner.
Comprehensive repair cost table
| Component | Parts cost (approx) | Labour (approx) | Total range |
|---|---|---|---|
| EGR valve (2.0 CDTI) | £140–£220 | £100–£180 | £240–£400 |
| MAF sensor | £80–£140 | £50–£80 | £130–£220 |
| ABS sensor (rear) | £45–£90 | £60–£100 | £105–£190 |
| Alternator | £150–£280 | £120–£200 | £270–£480 |
| Battery (stop/start) | £120–£190 | £20–£40 | £140–£230 |
| DPF forced regen | – | £80–£120 | £80–£120 |
| Glow plug set (4) | £60–£100 | £80–£120 | £140–£220 |
| Brake light switch | £15–£30 | £30–£50 | £45–£80 |
| Thermostat housing | £70–£120 | £120–£180 | £190–£300 |
Prices are estimates for UK independent garages (2025).
Categories:
