Opel AdBlue warning light: how to reset it?

On diesel Opel models such as the Corsa, Crossland, Vivaro, or Grandland, an AdBlue warning light may appear on the dashboard. This indicator can be accompanied by the message "Start impossible in XXX km".

What does this message mean?

Why does it appear?

How to turn off the AdBlue warning light?

What does the AdBlue warning light look like on Opel?

To locate the AdBlue warning light, also called UREA, on your Opel, check your dashboard. In most models, it is located near the speedometer, the tachometer, or at the centre of the multifunction screen if there is one.

This warning light appears as a yellow/orange pictogram depicting wavy lines topped with a cloud and two droplets.

Depending on the year and model of your Opel, a warning message may also appear, such as: "Add AdBlue: Start impossible in ... km" or "Engine restart disabled in ... km", which may or may not be accompanied by an audible signal.

In case of doubt, it is recommended to consult your vehicle's maintenance manual to understand the exact meaning of the message and the procedure to follow.

Why does the warning light come on?

Your Opel's AdBlue warning light can come on for various reasons, which are important to identify to apply the appropriate solution.

Initially, if the AdBlue warning light appears on its own, the first reflex is to refill the AdBlue tank (usually located next to the fuel cap).

If, after refilling, the warning light remains on or is accompanied by the engine warning light, this may indicate an issue with the anti-pollution system, such as a faulty sensor, a defective AdBlue pump, or crystallisation of the fluid.

How to turn off the AdBlue warning light on Opel?

Manually turning off the AdBlue warning light

1. Refill the AdBlue tank: Use a liquid certified by the ISO 22241 standard (available at service stations, from your mechanic, etc.). A non-compliant product can damage the SCR system or mislead the urea module sensors.
2. Restart the vehicle: Simply restarting your vehicle after refilling the tank may be enough to turn off the warning light, as the ECU detects the new level.
3. Perform a driving cycle: If the warning light does not disappear, perform a normal driving cycle (a few kilometres at a steady speed). The engine ECU sometimes needs time to validate the correction of the AdBlue level.
4. Diagnosis and treatment: If the warning light remains on despite refilling, there may be a fault in the SCR system (sensor, pump, crystallisation, etc.). In this case, it is recommended to perform a diagnosis with a diagnostic tool.

The warning light stays on after refilling

• Fluid crystallisation: AdBlue fluid can crystallise when exposed to air or very low temperatures. These crystals can block pipes, the injector, or part of the tank, causing the SCR system to malfunction and triggering the dashboard warning light.
• Injector issues: Injectors are essential for distributing the fluid into the exhaust system, but they can become clogged due to crystallisation or impurities in the fluid.
• Tank problems: Overfilling or overflowing the AdBlue tank can cause deformation due to excessive pressure or formed crystals. Over time, this can lead to tank deformation or blockage of the level sensor due to fluid crystallisation.
• Blocked sensor: This sensor detects the fluid level in the tank. In case of an electronic failure or crystals blocking the measurement, it may send incorrect information to the ECU, falsely indicating that the tank is empty.
• Electrical issues: Communication problems may occur between the various system components. A loose connection, corrosion, or wiring issue can interrupt communication, leading to an engine warning light or an AdBlue error message.

How to turn off the AdBlue warning light with the klavkarr diagnostic tool?

You can turn off the AdBlue warning light on Opel using the klavkarr 310. Here's how:

1. Switch on the ignition. For vehicles equipped with keyless start, press and hold the start button for approximately 10 seconds without pressing the brake pedal to avoid starting the engine.
2. Plug the klavkarr into the OBD2 port
3. Launch the EOBD-Facile app
4. Select your car's brand: "Opel"
5. Then choose your model: "Corsa, Grandland, Crossland..."
6. Tick the ECUs to scan, here "Engine ECU" and "OBD ECU"
7. Click "Next"
8. Select the "Engine ECU"
9. Check the displayed fault codes
10. Clear the codes by selecting "Erase", then "Ok"

To clear the AdBlue message from your dashboard after refilling the tank, perform the following steps:

1. Go to "Special Functions" (only available with the klavkarr tool)
2. Press "Execute" next to "Reset the reductant tank level"
3. Ensure the ignition is on and click "Ok"
4. The operation is complete, click "Ok"
5. Turn off your vehicle's ignition and wait a few minutes before restarting

Learn more