Clear the AdBlue Warning Light on Your Opel

On diesel Opel models like the Corsa, Crossland, Vivaro or Grandland, you may see an AdBlue warning light appear on the dashboard. This light can be accompanied by the message: “Engine start not possible in XXX km”.

What does this message mean?

Why does it appear?

How can you turn off the AdBlue warning light?

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What does the AdBlue warning light look like on an Opel?

To locate the AdBlue warning light, also called UREA, on your Opel, check your dashboard. On most models, it is located near the speedometer, the tachometer, or in the center of the multifunction display if equipped.

This warning light is usually a yellow/orange icon showing a wave symbol with a cloud and two droplets above it.

Depending on the year and model of your Opel, a warning message may also be displayed, such as: “Add AdBlue: Engine start not possible in … km”, with or without an audible alert.

If in doubt, we recommend checking your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the exact meaning of the message and the procedure to follow.

Why does the warning light turn on?

The AdBlue warning light on your Opel can appear for several reasons, which need to be identified in order to apply the correct solution.

First, if the AdBlue warning light appears on its own, the first thing to do is top up the AdBlue tank (usually located next to the fuel filler cap).

If the light stays on after topping up, or if it is accompanied by the engine warning light, it could indicate an emissions system issue, such as a faulty sensor, a defective AdBlue pump, or crystallization of the fluid.

How to turn off the AdBlue warning light on an Opel?

Manually clearing the AdBlue warning light

Refill the AdBlue tank: Use a fluid that complies with ISO 22241 (available at fuel stations, from your mechanic, etc.). Using a non-compliant product can damage the SCR system or affect the accuracy of the urea sensor readings.
Restart the vehicle: Simply restarting the engine after refilling the AdBlue tank may be enough, as the ECU detects the new fluid level.
Drive a short distance: If the warning light remains on, try a normal drive cycle (a few kilometers at a steady speed). The engine control unit may need time to validate the updated AdBlue level.
Diagnostics and repair: If the light stays on despite a refill, there may be a fault in the SCR system (sensor, pump, crystallization, etc.). In this case, it’s best to run a diagnostic with a car diagnostics scanner.

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The warning light stays on after refilling

Crystallized fluid: AdBlue can crystallize when exposed to air or very low temperatures. These crystals can clog the lines, injector or part of the tank, causing a malfunction of the SCR system and triggering the dashboard warning light.
Injector issues: These are essential for dosing the urea into the exhaust system. They may become clogged due to crystallization or impurities in the fluid.
Tank issues: Overfilling the AdBlue tank can lead to deformation due to pressure or crystallized build-up, which may eventually affect the level sensor or damage the tank.
Stuck sensor: This sensor monitors the fluid level in the tank. A faulty sensor or blockage due to crystals can send incorrect signals to the ECU, making it think the tank is still empty.
Electrical problems: Communication issues between system components can also occur. A bad connection, corrosion or wiring problem can interrupt signals, triggering an engine warning light or AdBlue error message.