Vauxhall Corsa Maintenance Guides - Common Vauxhall Corsa Repair Questions Answered
The Vauxhall Corsa is a popular supermini that has featured in the bestseller lists since its launch in 1982. It's a well-priced, well-equipped car with that remains very popular.
Vauxhall Corsa Tyre Pressure
What is the recommended tyre pressure of a Vauxhall Corsa?
The recommended tyre pressure for a Vauxhall Corsa will be clearly stated in the car's manual and also on a sticker in the door jamb by the driver’s door. The information is in PSI and BAR.
What should I do when I see a tyre pressure warning?
For those models that have a tyre pressure monitoring system, a light on the dashboard will become illuminated to warn you that one of the tyres is losing pressure. It's important that you check as soon as possible how quickly the air is being lost and have a professional repair or replace the tyre concerned.
How to check your Vauxhall Corsa’s tyre pressure?
The best way of checking a Vauxhall Corsa's tyre pressure is to use a small hand-held gauge which gives an accurate reading, or you can use the gauge on a foot pump or at a garage.
How do I reset a Vauxhall Corsa tyre pressure light?
To reset the tyre pressure warning light on a Vauxhall Corsa, you will need to:
- Be stationary - apply the handbrake
- Switch the ignition on but do not start the engine
- Scroll through the menu until you find ‘Tyre pressure’
- Press SET/CLR to reset the monitoring system
- Press the SET/CLR button to confirm (the horn may sound).
Should the tyre pressure light reappear once again after you have reset it, it may be time to seek the advice of a Vauxhall Corsa puncture repair specialist to help diagnose the issue.
Vauxhall Corsa Warning Lights
Why do warning lights appear when I start the car?
When starting the Vauxhall Corsa, various dashboard lights will be illuminated for around four seconds. Among these will be the airbag and seatbelt tensioners and if they fail to switch off then there's an issue with the system.
What do the warning lights on a Vauxhall Corsa mean?
Of the Vauxhall Corsa’s warning lights, the most important will include:
ABS warning light: If this remains on after starting the car, then there's a problem with the anti-lock braking system.
Coolant warning light: Should the coolant warning light remain on, you will need to stop the vehicle and turn off the engine. Check the coolant level - you may have to wait for the engine to cool down and if this level is correct, then you'll need a professional to check the problem.
Service warning light: The light with the spanner means your Corsa needs to be serviced soon or it's indicating a problem with the electronics or transmission.
Why has my engine management light appeared?
If the engine warning light on the Vauxhall Corsa's dashboard becomes illuminated while driving, then it will most likely be an issue with emissions control. This may include the catalytic converter - you'll need to slow down and seek professional assistance as soon as possible.
Why has my battery warning light appeared?
Should the battery warning light appear on your Vauxhall Corsa it is usually down to the battery not being charged. This will probably be down to a faulty alternator - you will need to have this fixed because you will need a functional battery to start and operate your car.
Vauxhall Corsa Service Intervals
When are Vauxhall Corsa service intervals?
The regular and proper servicing of your Vauxhall Corsa will help guarantee safe driving and reliability. There are set service intervals but check the car's manual to be sure:
10,000 miles: The first major service/change oil and oil filter.
20,000 miles: Brake fluid, and engine oil and pollen filter being replaced, among other items.
50,000 miles: Major service, the timing belt needs checking/replacing/air con and pollen filter.
Once these milestone mileages are reached, find a local specialist near you and submit your Vauxhall Corsa for a full service.
Vauxhall Corsa Oil
Why is our oil leaking from the car?
Depending on the amount of oil being lost, an oil leak on a Vauxhall Corsa can be a serious issue. If it's a major one, you'll need professional help. One common issue may see oil leaking from the oil pressure switch or valve.
What type of oil does a Vauxhall Corsa take?
The type of oil for Vauxhall Corsa’s will be detailed in the owner's manual, but most petrol versions will use 5W-30 or 10W-40 fully synthetic oil. Vauxhall also recommends 0W-40 and all the oils must meet the ‘dexos2’ oil standard.
Vauxhall Corsa Common Problems
There are some common Vauxhall Corsa problems, including:
Handbrake
The handbrake cable mounting can come loose on 09 models which makes the handbrake unusable.
Timing chain tension
The timing chain tension can work loose, leading to the chain to rattle. The timing chain can be fixed but this can be expensive.
Gear changing
Some Corsa’s may have an issue changing gears between first and second and also reverse gears, which is down to a gear linkage problem.
Airflow sensor
Some models have an issue with the airflow sensor which will lead to the engine light switching on the dashboard and you may feel that the engine feels more strained.
Why is my Vauxhall Corsa not starting?
If you are having problems starting your Vauxhall Corsa, you'll need a professional to diagnose the problem and repair it.
With older Corsa’s, particularly with the 1.2-litre engine, the problem might be with the immobiliser - usually, the engine management warning light will flash when starting the car to indicate this problem.
Other issues include:
- If you hear a clicking noise when starting up, this may be the ECU or the relay switch
- If it doesn't start at all, it could be the crankshaft position sensor
- There may also be issues with the fuel pump.
How Do I Find A Vauxhall Corsa’s Radio Code?
If for some reason you need the radio code for your Vauxhall Costa, then unlike other manufacturers, you cannot press buttons to find out what it is. Instead, you'll need to contact the original dealer who will have a record of it, so you'll need your registration document to prove that you are the owner.
Alternatively, there are sites where you can pay to have the radio code sent out to you and you'll need the 14-digit manufacturer code underneath the radio to obtain this. Some Vauxhall Corsa forums may also be able to help.
What are some common Vauxhall Corsa semi-automatic problems?
The Vauxhall Corsa is available as an automatic and with a semi-automatic clutch called Easytronic. The Easytronic can suffer from issues such as juddering at low speeds. Always have a professional inspect your Corsa if you suspect there is a problem. One common issue for a Vauxhall Corsa fitted with the Easytronic clutch is that the actuator control model may fail. If your automatic Corsa will not select gears, then this is likely to be the fault.
If your Vauxhall Corsa is repeatedly failing to start, the safest action would be to contact a engine management specialist to diagnose the problem and safeguard against further damage.