Vauxhall Zafira exhaust emission warning light
Variant: 1.6 Club
Model Year: 2007
Categories:
Running Rough, Starting & Power Loss
Whilst driving along the motorway yesterday the Exhaust Emission Warning Light (looks like an engine glowing orange in the middle of the speedo display) came on.
In a bit of a panic when any warning light comes on I stopped and checked the owners manual(page 86 & 147), which says:-
Control indicator
for exhaust
Illuminates when the ignition is switched on
and during the start attempt. Goes off
shortly after the engine starts running.
If it illuminates while the engine is running,
it indicates a fault in the emission control
system. The permitted exhaust values may
be exceeded. Seek the immediate
assistance of a w ork shop.
Obviously this is impossible while on a motorway, but how urgent does this need to be looked at by a garage.
I need the car everyday leading upto Christmas so what am I suppose to do?
Just how bad is it to drive with this warning light on?
Do you think the very cold weather could have any bearing on the problem. I have noticed lately that the car seemed to be running on when I slowed down at lights etc, like the car was still reving fast compared to what I would have thought. Its revving at about 1200 revs when idle.
I have also recently had a heater problem (still got it) as I think the thermostat is stuck open as the car doesn't seem to heat up as I would expect it too) and I had a heater sensor replaced.
In a bit of a panic when any warning light comes on I stopped and checked the owners manual(page 86 & 147), which says:-
Control indicator
for exhaust
Illuminates when the ignition is switched on
and during the start attempt. Goes off
shortly after the engine starts running.
If it illuminates while the engine is running,
it indicates a fault in the emission control
system. The permitted exhaust values may
be exceeded. Seek the immediate
assistance of a w ork shop.
Obviously this is impossible while on a motorway, but how urgent does this need to be looked at by a garage.
I need the car everyday leading upto Christmas so what am I suppose to do?
Just how bad is it to drive with this warning light on?
Do you think the very cold weather could have any bearing on the problem. I have noticed lately that the car seemed to be running on when I slowed down at lights etc, like the car was still reving fast compared to what I would have thought. Its revving at about 1200 revs when idle.
I have also recently had a heater problem (still got it) as I think the thermostat is stuck open as the car doesn't seem to heat up as I would expect it too) and I had a heater sensor replaced.
Posted: Dec 22, 2010 (13 years ago)
If the thermostat is stuck open and the engine is not reaching correct working temp . certainly wont help .
Posted Dec 22, 2010 (13 years ago)
I've had the heater problem for a few weeks but this latest problem only started last night. If its the Cat, would that cuase the feeling of the car running too fast when coming to a stop?
Can I disable the cat and run the car without it?
I really can't find the time to take the car off the road this side of Xmas as I work nights, and the car is essential.
I knew it was wrong to buy a Vauxhall after several years of previous experiences with them, but in less than six months all I've had is one problem after another.
The last Vauxhall I bought which was band new it spent the first six months of its life back and forth to the garage for electrical faults, oh well should have learnt my lesson.
Can I disable the cat and run the car without it?
I really can't find the time to take the car off the road this side of Xmas as I work nights, and the car is essential.
I knew it was wrong to buy a Vauxhall after several years of previous experiences with them, but in less than six months all I've had is one problem after another.
The last Vauxhall I bought which was band new it spent the first six months of its life back and forth to the garage for electrical faults, oh well should have learnt my lesson.
Posted Dec 22, 2010 (13 years ago)
You cant disable the cat .If the engine is cold the engine coolant temp sensor sends a signal to ECU that it needs more fuel ( like a car with an auto choke running fast till engine warms up and it cuts off )Best way I can describe it for you .That is possibly why fast idle , though maybe other causes also.
Posted Dec 22, 2010 (13 years ago)
Have you had a look at this similar problem: Exhaust Emission Warning Light
This message was auto-generated based on a user suggestion.
This message was auto-generated based on a user suggestion.
Posted Dec 23, 2010 (13 years ago)
I did the pedal test and it came up with two fault codes 0115 and 571 (I tried it a few times as the flashing is pretty quick) the first one according to the fault code posting on the sticky refers to the Engine Coolant temperature, which I am pretty certain refers to the fact that my thermostat is not working correctly. But I cannot find any reference to the other code.
The car seems to be running smoothly in fact I think my petrol consumption has improved since the fault light came on.
Oh well it looks like an expensive trip to the local Vauxhall Dealer and get ripped off again.
The car seems to be running smoothly in fact I think my petrol consumption has improved since the fault light came on.
Oh well it looks like an expensive trip to the local Vauxhall Dealer and get ripped off again.
Posted Dec 23, 2010 (13 years ago)
Code 0115 Comes up as Engine coolant temperature circuit high input c-11 or low input c-11 or circuit malfunction c011
Code PO571 is Brake Switch Circuit low input c-15
I hope this helps.
Code PO571 is Brake Switch Circuit low input c-15
I hope this helps.
Posted Jan 24, 2011 (13 years ago)
I have had this happen three times at irregular intervals. Each time I have let the tank almost run dry than filled up with a high grade petrol. On each occasion this has solved the problem. It takes a while for the (new) fuel to do whatever it does, couple of days in my instance, but work it does. I was quoted an outrageous £400 to fix it, but what is worse was lied to by the reception staff when I asked if this was a known problem. A little later found I out that it was! Last time they see me!
Best of luck guys.
Best of luck guys.
Posted Mar 10, 2014 (10 years ago)
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