These instructions apply to the Vauxhall Vivaro Mk2 (B) 2014-2019.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
An AdBlue message on the Vauxhall Vivaro (2014–2019) (this applies to the Euro 6 diesels, roughly 2016 on; earlier Euro 5 vans don’t use AdBlue) isn’t a breakdown — it’s a countdown telling you how far you can go before the diesel won’t restart, and it clears itself once you refill. No garage, no ‘AdBlue delete’.
The Vivaro B (2014–2019) is the second-generation Vauxhall/Opel Vivaro and the last one based on the Renault Trafic — long one of the UK’s best-selling medium vans. The 2019-on Vivaro C is a different, PSA-based van.
Reading the Countdown
AdBlue is an emissions fluid in a separate tank (about 22–25 litres). As it empties the dash escalates: ‘top up before 2400 km’, then ‘before 1200 km’, then a repeating ‘XXX miles lockout’, and finally ‘0 miles lockout’ — at which point the engine won’t start until you refill. Top up at the first message and you never reach the lockout; do it before very cold nights, as AdBlue freezes below about −10°C.
Top Up and Clear the Warning
- Turn the engine and ignition fully off (properly off on stop-start vans).
- Open the AdBlue filler — separate from the diesel: open the front left-hand door to reach the flap, then undo the blue cap.
- Add several litres of AdBlue, not a splash, so the level sensor registers it. Wipe spills — it marks paint and trim.
- Refit the cap, start the engine and wait about 10 seconds stationary.
- Drive normally — the warning clears once the system registers the top-up, sometimes only after a few minutes.
Already at Zero?
Refill the same way — add enough that the tank clearly reads a level, then switch on. After a proper fill the van starts again and the countdown resets, with no dealer tool for a simple empty tank. If it still won’t start after a good refill, that’s an SCR fault (sensor or pump), not the fluid level, and needs a diagnostic read.
Skip the ‘AdBlue Delete’
Refilling costs a few pounds. Deleting or remapping the AdBlue system is illegal for road use in the UK and EU, fails the MOT emissions test, and shows on later diagnostics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Vivaro B the same as the newer Vivaro?
No. The Vivaro B (2014–2019) shares the Renault Trafic platform, so these guides apply to it and its NV300 and Talento siblings. The 2019-on Vivaro C moved to the PSA/Stellantis platform and is a different van with different procedures.
How do I reset the AdBlue warning on a Vauxhall Vivaro?
You don’t reset it by hand — add a few litres, start the engine, wait about 10 seconds, then drive; the van registers the top-up and clears the message itself.
Where does the AdBlue go?
In its own filler behind the front left-hand door, not the diesel tank — undo the blue cap.
Will it still start with the AdBlue light on?
Yes, until the ‘0 miles’ lockout — then it won’t restart until you refill.
Is it the same as a Renault Trafic?
Yes — as the Renault Trafic-based Vivaro B it shares the same AdBlue system and self-clearing top-up, as do the Renault Trafic, Fiat Talento and Nissan NV300.
If a warning light or fault code appeared, look it up on autodtcs.com.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Vauxhall. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.