VAUXHALL MERIVA: Questions and answers

Vauxhall Meriva 2012

Hello again, your previous help was much appreciated and was very helpful. My 2012 1.7cdti Vauxhall Meriva`s cigarette port suddenly isn’t working, although the rear cigarette port is working and also the flash drive as well. The fuse is okay too. Any clues please? Thanks in advance.

Vauxhall Meriva 2008

I bought my 2008 Vauxhall Meriva 12 months ago and now Vauxhall say the ecu unit has gone and will cost £600 to be replaced. The car has only done about 27,000 miles. Has anyone else had this problem?

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

My Vauxhall Meriva`s passenger`s front floor well keeps getting soaked. It does not seem to be leaking from the roof, nor the door seals and I have checked the obvious (the window is definitely shut!). Could it be something to do with the aircon? Any help would be great. Many thanks. (1.7 cdti)

Answers

Hello, it could even be something to do with the power steering. Dab your fingers in it and see if it has a funny smell to it, or an oily feel, then that’s what it is. Hop this helps - Fast Eddy from Northumberland

I had this with a Vectra and it’s easily solved. Lift the bonnet, just in front of where the windscreen meets the trim will be a piece of plastic that runs (sometimes in sections) the width of the bonnet. Lift this up (you may need to remove a rubber strip) and under there you’ll see a cavity, which if I’m right, will have water sitting it it. Put your hand in the water and at the bottom of the cavity you’ll feel a hole with a rubber "sock" in it. This gets clogged with leaves and debris washed off the windscreen, so push your fngers through it and the water will be released and won’t spill in to the passenger footwell. If this fixes it, please be aware that under your carpet is very thick matting which will be drenched, even if the carpet feels dry. This needs drying out or your windows will mist easily, and you’ll get a musty smell. So either lift the carpet, or, as I did, use a stanley knife to cut a hole in the carpet (not the mat) - just make sure the hole is smaller that your mats! David from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

My Vauxhall Meriva`s cigarette lighter isn`t working and I have changed the fuse that was blown but it`s still not working. I need this for my sat nav and was wondering what else to try? Any ideas please? Thank you.

Answers

You need to replace the cigarette lighter as its died, only cheap from motor factors or halfords - Gaz Thomson from Flintshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

When I was driving my Vauxhall Meriva for about 10 - 20 miles the engine cut out and I noticed it was overheating and it would not start up again. I waited for the engine to cool down and it started up again okay. However, whilst driving the temperature started to rise quite quickly so I switched the heating fan on full and the temperature started to drop down! This happened several times again, so I gave up and took it to an independent garage for repair but was told to take it to my Vauxhall dealer. When I took it to the garage they diagnosed the problem and I was told it is some sort of heating controller system that runs round the heating system like the heating fan, thermostat control that controls the heating etc. There is no water shortage in the radiator checked by the garage. The Vauxhall dealer said that it needs a new ECU Box which will cost me £807 including labour, (parts are £670). Is that right? Can anyone help? (1.6i)

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

When I go to start my Vauxhall Meriva all the lights on the dash come on but nothing happens, not a sound. If I keep trying to turn the key after about 30 times it starts. This has happened twice now. Can anyone explain what is wrong please?

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

My 05 Vauxhall Meriva has had a new starter motor replaced as the garage thought that was the problem, until they realised the battery was quickly draining even though the battery is fine! I`ve been told that the car had a power steering problem so was sent to Vauxhall where this is currently being fixed. Their mechanic has since told me that he doesn’t reckon this power steering part that’s been ordered is the whole problem, but they can’t tell me until it`s been fitted. Basically the car control/network panel is shutting down. The battery drains and when you charge the battery and put the blow heater on it starts up. Please can anyone tell me what’s going on with my car as I`ve already had a starter motor replaced and didn’t need it and the garage won’t compromise on them failing to diagnose the initial problem? Could this be a fly wheel sensor problem although I had a new fly wheel fitted?

Vauxhall Meriva 2012

Hi. I have just purchased a Vauxhall Meriva b Exclusive(61reg) but would like to activate the trip computer. I have tried everything but nothing happens. Does anyone know how to activate this? Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

Answers

Left stalk -see MENU - then use rotation ring on left stalk for all option access. Some options are not available on some models like second trip computer etc - Pete from Northumberland

Vauxhall Meriva 2007

Hello. I have a Vauxhall Meriva 1.6 petrol Easytronic. The problem is it starts fine but when drive is engaged it does not move. There is still a d on the dash so it has engaged but won`t drive and when first gear is engaged it stutters and stalls. Can anyone help me with this please?

Vauxhall Meriva 2006

Hi, I wonder if anyone can help me? My Vauxhall Meriva`s passenger side front headlight has blown. I’ve removed the black round cover to the bulb but can`t actually figure out how the bulb is held in? There is normally a clip but there isn`t one. Does anybody know what is holding the bulb in or how to change the bulb? Any help will be really appreciated.

Vauxhall Meriva 2003

I have been trying to upgrade my 03 Vauxhall Meriva`s sidelight bulbs. The passenger side was out and I wanted to change both. The passenger side was easy to do but I`m really struggling to remove the sidelight bulb on the driver`s side. I realise that access is limited when getting to the lights/ bulbs on either side and I have been able to get into the back of the light "cluster", even getting to the specific area that holds the sidelight bulb. However on this side of the car there seems to be two wires that are very taut already and prevent the sidelight bulb holder from being pulled out as you would expect it to be. (I have tried on the other side and it comes out fine by just pinching the two very small clips that hold it in place). The second problem I have is that, having tried and tried to remove this bulb holder, I have now either damaged the bulb or the holder as it no longer works. So, in short, I can`t remove it and it has also stopped working. Bad times, any advice folks would be greatly appreciated. Any suggestions please? (1.6 8v)

Vauxhall Meriva 2012

Could anyone tell me how many miles I should be getting to the gallon in my Vauxhall Meriva? I have been back to Brandish as they don`t want to know, they told me to fill up and put it on zero, then check and do it again. Any suggestions? (1.4 turbo petrol)

Answers

Depends on power, 100PS, 120PS or 140PS? My 140PS manages 40mpg on the motorway and max 30 in the city. I’m heavy on the accelerator pedal - Pete from Northumberland

Vauxhall Meriva 2003

As long as I can remember I have trouble clearing the screen on my Miriva. In the summer or when it is not raining, I can open the window but otherwise visibility is bad. I have taken it to various garages and the last one suggested using the air con. This works but of course make petrol use very high. Any suggestions?

Answers

Use anti fogging window cleaner - Bill from Nottinghamshire

Do not use recycled air turn it off - Roy Bennett from Kent

Vauxhall Meriva 2012

Does anyone know if a wheel from a 57 plate Vauxhall Meriva will fit the new type 2012 plate Meriva? I was wondering whether to carry it as my spare as the new type is only provided with a reflation kit?

Answers

Hi. We recently wondered the same thing when buying a 2012 Meriva (still had the spare from a 59 plate Meriva which was sadly written off). The dealer assured us that it would fit but it turned out not to be the case. Our old tyre was 185/60R15 and the new car takes a 205/55R16. I’m not an expert but my reading is that the new wheel rims are bigger (1 inch radius so 2 inches in diameter). If I physically put the old spare next to the new car, I can see it’s quite a bit smaller so I need to get a new one soonish. Saying that, I think the old Merivas may have come with different possible sizes of tyre so the best thing to do is to take down the numbers on your spare and explicitly check those against the new car (we were in a rush on the day and forgot to do so ... might have bargained a cheap new wheel out the dealer otherwise) Hope this helps! Stephen from Renfrewshire

The ’R’ stands for radial, not radius. So an R16 is only 1inch bigger than an R15. Also the tyre size being smaller is not that big an issue. Most space saver spares which some cars come with can be quite a bit smaller. My Insignia had a space saver type, and when I had to use it one time, the car looked like I had parked in a pot hole because of the smaller diameter (and width) spare being that much shorter than the 18inch regular wheels. The main thing to be concerned about is the PCD being different. This is the spacing between the bolts. It did change from Astra MK 5 to MK 6, so may well be the case from old to new Meriva - Steve from Bedfordshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

My Vauxhall Meriva`s central locking is working fine on all four doors but is not locking the tailgate, I am having to lock it manually. Is there a fuse for this or is it a failed solenoid and if it is a solenoid is it an easy job to fix?

Answers

I had same problem with mine, turned out to be a broken wire in the wiring loom as it passes from the car to the boot. It is located in the top left hand side of the boot running through a rubber sleeve. Move this sleeve back and check wires, you might find one broken - Keith from Kent

Vauxhall Meriva 2010

I am currently running a Vauxhall Meriva 58 plate, which has not given me any major problems . As I am currently looking to update by changing to a 2010/2011 model I am a bit concerned about reports of power steering failure, of which there are several instances. Another conern is the electric parking brake applying itself during normal travel. Two cases are known to Vauxhall to date that I now know about. Before I decide which way to go forward with buying my next car, I would like to know if these issues have been resolved. Can anyone advise? (Meriva B)

Answers

Hi. My 61 plate never gets any of the issues listed by you and others. I’ve covered 18,000 miles and had no issue with steering or electric brake - Pete from Northumberland

Vauxhall Meriva 2006

I need the passenger airbag disabling on my Vauxhall Meriva. Is there a way I can do it? I assumed there would be a switch or some way of turning it off so my newborn can be in the front, (I have other young children in car seats in back seats so need the front). The manual says about transponder? I can`t afford to pay to have this disabled so does anyone know of anyone who can do it cheaply if I can`t myself? (Breeze model)

Answers

The passenger airbag on the Meriva A cannot be turned off. If you consult a baby seat specialist website such as "maxi cosi", they have a list of vehicles and positions in which the seats can be fitted. From the list, it’s clear that the maxi cosi cannot be fitted in the front of a Meriva A - Dave from Lancashire

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

My Vauxhall Meriva`s engine would not idle on it`s own when starting from cold, but it`s fine when warm. My Vauxhall dealer said it would be the throttle box at fault. I bought a second hand throttle box which was fitted by the dealer yesterday but when I started it today the problem was exactly as before. Can anyone suggest what might need addressing other than the throttle box? (CDT 1.7)

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

Hi. I have a Vauxhall Meriva and it won`t start. All lights are on but no clicking or anything. The car has a brand new battery on as well. I`ve also tried bump starting it and it won`t start. I`ve tried jumping it off another car but still nothing. I hope someone can help even if only to get it started and get me to a garage. Any ideas please? Thanks. (1.7cdti)

Answers

Hiya. I had the same trouble, it turned out to be my ignition - Mick Finnegan from England

They had a modification. The clocks earthed out on shassis go to Vauxhall they sell a plastic cover to rectify problem - Alex McMurray from Wales

Sounds like the camshaft sensor to me. Had the same problem on a Mondeo I used to own - Steve from England

Good bit of advice, get rid - Mick Finnegan from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2006

When driving my Vauxhall Meriva I can hear a loud click coming from what seems like the dashboard somewhere . It`s very hard to locate as it`s only the one click and it happens once or twice while I am driving. It sounds like a stone hitting the windscreen but can`t be this as it`s every time I drive. I also have checked the windscreen for cracks and cannot see any. If anyone has any ideas I would be most grateful? Thanks.

Answers

I have the exact same thing happens with my Meriva. Seems to come from the drivers side dash, and after about the same length of time into the journey. Sorry I never have found out what it is though, has had me puzzled on and off for 5 years now - Anne Smith from Yorkshire

I had a similar problem, but the clicking sound was regular and consistent. It turned out to be a flap in the ventilation system. A small rubber buffer/damper had detached causing the flap to slap shut causing the noise. Experiment with your heater controls and see if it stops. Putting mine on re-circulation stopped it. But did return when put into different mode. Fixed now, it took a couple of hours labour and a bit of glue - Gary Walker from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

Hi. I`ve had my 04 Vauxhall Meriva 1600 for 6 months and it seems okay, or so I thought. It was always slow pulling away and today with this cold weather it was going like a train, then after a couple of miles allright but not half as good Can anyone help please?

Answers

Don’t bother to even ask anyone, a mate put this question in months ago and still hasn’t got an answer because no one knows the answer and even the mechanics don’t really know, all a bunch of ... but quick enough to take your money before they suggest you try something else - Fred from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

Hi. I have a diesel Vauxhall Meriva 1.7. I have gone through 4 starter motors in the past year and have just had my fly wheel changed at a very high cost. When I start the car cold it starts first time with no rattle. Then when the car is hot it won’t start and rattles. I replaced my glow plugs in the last 6 months but I am still at a loss. Even the garage don’t know what’s wrong with it. Any ideas please?

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

Hi. My 2004 Vauxhall Meriva`s steering is making a clunking noise when driving straight and turning. We`ve just replaced the steering rack but it seems not to have fixed the problem. Can anyone help?

Vauxhall Meriva 2006

I have just purchased a 2006 35K manual/automatic Vauxhall Meriva. Does this car have a cam belt and if so when does it need changing? I also saw a report from an owner where their water pump had come away due to plastic fixings causing the cam belt to snap. Were the metal fixings for the water pump in place by 2006 models? (semi automatic)

Answers

What size engine is it? The 1.4 petrol engine and the 1.3 diesel engine has a timing chain, so no service interval. The 1.6/18 petrol engines and 1.7 diesels have a timing belt. Service interval for the timing belt is: Z16/18XE = 6 yrs / 60,000 miles. Z16SE = 8 yrs / 80,000 miles. Z17DTH = 10 yrs / 60,000 miles. Follow this link for info. http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/481/merivayl3.jpg/ Can’t help with the water pump fixings - Dave from Lancashire

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

My Vauxhall Meriva (1.7 diesel) won`t start. There seems to be pleanty of life in the battery, but when I turn the ignition, nothing happens. I have tried a jump start from another battery but still the same. Only done 33,000 miles. Can anyone give me any ideas as to what is wrong?

Answers

Is the engine turning over or does "nothing" happen? If it’s not turning over, it sounds like something to do with the starter motor. 1. Loose or broken connection from the Battery to the starter motor. 2. Loose or broken connection from the ignition switch to the starter motor solenoid. 3. Defective starter motor. If the engine is turning over but not firing, most likely causes are ignition or fuel problems. Forgot to ask - Will it start with a push (bump start)? Dave from Lancashire

Thank you for your reply. The problem turned out to be a faulty starter motor. Had this replaced and car now okay - David Thompson from Durham

Vauxhall Meriva 2009

Does anybody know where I can buy a spare wheel housing unit so I can fit in the spare wheel I’ve bought, as the Vauxhall Meriva I have has no spare wheel, only a reflation kit? (Life)

Answers

Bought the full spare wheel housing kit from a scrapyard yesterday. Cost £20 complete. Got left and right hand side carpetted storage panels, circular mat for under the wheel, screw and handle for securing the wheel down and the centre cover for over the wheel. Bought it to replace the polystyrene housing for the stupid compressor and inflation kit in my daughter’s 2009 Meriva. I suggest you scour the car breaker ads on ebay. There are lots of them breaking Merivas. You might be lucky like I was and find one with the full spare wheel housing intact - Dave from Lancashire

Use a serrated knife to cut around the polystyrene parts of the housing & a new/used spare wheel will fit. You can still have the glue & pump in the boot if cut diligently. These are OK for a nail etc. But if someone slashes you tyre you are knackered. Make sure you also buy a jack as this is also not supplied - Mike Digby from Lincolnshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2011

How can you change the temperature display from fahrenheit to centigrade on my Vauxhall Meriva? There are no ’display settings’ in the config menu. (exclusiv)

Answers

Check out the post from Roger Judge below, dated 09/07/2012. Someone has answered the same question about a 2011 Meriva - Dave from Lancashire

Vauxhall Meriva 2007

Our Vauxhall Meriva`s headlight bulbs recently failed possibly together, unless of course they failed individually and subsequently went unnoticed until both had gone? Bulbs were replaced but now the speedo, fuel gauge and rev counter clusters are not functioning. Fuses have not been checked as yet due to darkness. Could there be a connection with these two problems? Has anyone had this problem and found a resolution?

Vauxhall Meriva 2008

What would cause the headlights on my Vauxhall Meriva to stay on when I turn the engine off, leave the car and lock the doors? This is very troublesome as the battery always runs down and I have to get help?

Answers

If it only happens occasionally, check you haven’t left your indicator in the ’on’ position after parking up and switching off the ignition, this activates the parking light,[audible alarm should activate on exit though], and could be part of your problem [hopefully]. I did that when I 1st bought my car - Nigel from Essex

Vauxhall Meriva 2007

How easy is it to replace a dipped headlight bulb on a Vauxhall Meriva? It is the passenger side that is having the problem. I have attempted to do it myself and it isn’t as easy as it should be. I tried unscrewing bolts to pull the lighting unit out but this appears to still be connected by something at the bottom of the unit which you can’t see or reach. Any help would be much appreciated. Any suggestions? (Life)

Answers

You need to slide your hand down the back of the headlight unit, which can be a tight squeeze. There will be a vertical piece of plastic, that you need to twist and then pull out away from the light. The bulb will be inside which you then just pull straight off. Replace with another H7 bulb and reverse what you have done. Drivers side is more difficult, as you have to remove the air hose feed to be able to get your hand in. You can remove the entire light fitting, but there are bolts on top, and more underneath, which would require you to get under the car and reach up behind the bumper etc. Have changed both bulbs on my friends ’04 Meriva (drivers yesterday), and haven’t had to remove the light fitting either time - Ste from Cheshire

It is not easy. The handbook recommends removing the battery as well. I took mine to a dealer, and the mechanic managed to fit it by getting his small hand inside. It’s worth buying the bulb at a Vauxhall garage which offers free fitting to have this done. Also worth writing to the EU, to force them to mandate manufacturers to make all lights user servicable, especially as they require road users to carry spare sets of bulbs in most EU countries - Russ from Wiltshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2008

My Vauxhall Meriva`s radio will not turn off when I turn off the ignition and remove the key, but will turn off manually. What is wrong?

Answers

Your radio’s live [positive] supply is wired to a permanent live supply that does not disconnect when you turn off the ignition. Put it to a wire that has power when ignition is on and none when it is off, bye! Chris from England

The radio has a menu item called "ignition logic" Press the buton marked settings, use the up and down cursor buttons to find the ignition logic button and then change the setting to off. It’s not easy to explain, but try a few times and you should be able to sort it out - Russ from Wiltshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2008

How do I stop my Vauxhall Meriva`s radio coming on when starting the engine and how do I stop it from showing service please?

Answers

Press your speedo trip meter in and hold then turn on the ign: wait and look service will go and 1000 will show then turn off ign and let go of the trip now put ign: On and its gone, bye! Chris from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2003

My Vauxhall Meriva`s heater was only blowing cold so we changed the thermostat and drained and cleaned the system and changed the antifreeze, but itstill only blowing warm air not as it should be (design)

Answers

The heater matrix is blocked, go and see a local garage this job is no more than £200.00 - Peter Patton from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

My son`s Vauxhall Meriva has broken down 3 times due to the oil filter getting blocked by oil. Each time this happens the garage says it`s because the wrong oil was used. He had a service at a garage two weeks ago and they said the same. Now today it has broken down again with the same problem. What should we do?

Answers

I would get advice from you main Vauxhall dealer, I got a 04 and put in 5-30 oil give them a ring and ask for parts and he’ll look it up on his pc - Chris from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

My Vauxhall Meriva`s rear windscreen wiper and heater have not been working so I was advised by others on this site to check the wires in the boot and it turns out they have broken. Is this an easy enough job to do myself by just stripping them back and rejoining them?

Answers

Can do yourself. Neck both ends to be joined but if it’s going to be a tight fit, get some similar wire from a scrap man, and join a piece of wire in, that way if you get some slightly thicker as well then you can neck the thick stuff first, put this on both the cars necked wires first, get the wires to join and make a U shape, hook the U’s together and twist them together and stretch the original wires neck towards the join, then stretch the slightly larger bits of necking over the joins, when you join the next wire try to make the new join up or down from the last so there is no chance of joining and when all done if your outer sleeving is a little loose the tape them in place. Hope this helps - Chris from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

I have had my Vauxhall Meriva 04 1.6 8v for 6 months. I had MOT five months ago and the garage charged £350 to replace all the brake pipes. It has never run right from day one, always holding back when pulling out at junctions and I can`t go to the garage about it, I`ve run out of money. Sometimes I can drive and it flies along, then it just goes back to how it`s always been, gutless. Can anyone help please?

Vauxhall Meriva 2006

Do I have to take my Vauxhall Meriva`s dashboard out to change a heater matrix as my carpets are soaking? (1.4 design)

Answers

No, you can access heater by removing the lower trims by the centre console and the lower section by the pedals - Peter Patton from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2011

My Vauxhall Meriva`s warning light for emission control came on for about 100 miles then went out for 35 miles then came back on. What is the problem? (SE petrol 1.4)

Answers

It can be a problem with catalytic converter or an injector issue. Another possibility is a wrong mixture between air and petrol (too much of one or the other). Best connect to any fault code reader or see a Vauxhall garage if still covered by warranty - Pete from Northumberland

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

My Vauxhall Meriva had started making a buzzing noise but it only seems to be there if the car is decelerating without the brake on. If I apply the brake or the accelerator then it stops. Any ideas?

Answers

Check the brake pads. There is a small metal strip on the brake pad assembly which gives an audible buzz to tell you your pads are worn and this may be what you are hearing - John R from Staffordshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2008

My Vauxhall Meriva`s engine/transmission electronics warning light (car symbol with spanner in it) is continuously coming on, yellow colour. What should I do?

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

My Vauxhall Meriva is currently in a garage having an MOT but the mechanic cannot move on any further as the rear driver`s side door cannot be opened. I am now desperate to have my car back, can anyone help with a solution to this problem? (breeze)

Answers

Has he unlocked the door twice (pressed the button twice)? I just brought a Vectra and you have to do this to unlock all doors and filler cap. Hope it helps - Triston Tyrell from Somerset

Vauxhall Meriva 2003

Hi my Vauxhall Meriva keeps going into limp mode and then every so often I lose all power to the clocks and indicators while driving. Any ideas to pin point the problem?

Answers

My wife has a 1.6 Meriva and the managment light kept coming on and interminantly would lose power to the clocks and rev counter, speedo etc. Found out eventually it was a faulty ECU. We called a man out, and he replaced with a re-manufactured ECU and re-programmed it. Think it roughly cost about £260 ish. Dealers will charge a hell of a lot more. Hope this is of some help. Apparently it’s quite a common problem.....!!! Nigel from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

My Vauxhall Meriva`s brake pedal is hard to press after being parked up overnight, but fine as soon as the engine is started. Why is this?

Answers

The brakes are powered by a servo assister that starts with the engine if you rest your foot on the brake pedal and then start the car then the pedal will sink down a little which is correct, helps let you know that you servo is working - Chris from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2006

I have had a persistant coolant leak for the past 2 years in my Vauxhall Meriva. Until recently it lost about a litre every month. As the Vauxhall garage was unable to find the leak I learnt to live with it. Within the last few months I have been losing about a litre of coolant every 50 miles. It has been in the garage 5 times, a gasket was replaced around some component and more recently the cap replaced. They have been very thorough in trying to identify where the leak is. Does anyone have any idea as to where this leak is happening?

Answers

Hello mate, I’ve had same problem with my Meriva 1.7cdti 2004 for the past 2 years. Lot of garages tried to identify the problem but they were not able too. However, a few days ago I decide to do a thorough check myself on the cooling system: Radiator, water pump, all hosing system and some other things that potentially were the cause of the leak. I found out that the leak was coming from a thermostat housing gasket located underneath the EGR valve and there is a S-shape hose connected to the same housing in the same location which was leaking too. There is a very tight place to work, you have to remove battery, EGR valve and some other things out of your way in order to reach the Thermostat Housing and the S-hose. It’s very annoying and that’s why mechanics don’t really want to mess with it, but believe it or not this is very common issue with AstraG/H; Meriva; Corsa on 1.7cdti engine. I hope this piece of information will give you an idea on how to fix this very common leak on Opel/ Vauxhall. Thanks - Blerton Avdiu from Albania

Vauxhall Meriva 2011

Hi, I am about to fit reversing sensors (rear) to my Vauxhall Meriva. Does anyone know the colour of the reversing light wire? (SE)

Answers

Get a voltage tester or screwdriver that lights up from somewhere like maplin, some have pointed spikes on the end, put one end to frame and the other point into the wire, have the car in reverse and ign:on and the engine not running, when tester lights up you’ve found the wire. Hope this helps - Chris from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

I am not getting power to the rear wiper relay on my Vauxhall Meriva. I have just got a new wiper stalk. I can switch the ignition on and put the rear wiper on but there is no clicking from the relay, although the relay is okay. Can anyone help?

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

I am curious to know if the petrol gauge on the Vauxhall Meriva flashes to show it is empty or approaching being empty, or does the light just come on and stay on till it is empty?

Answers

The amber fuel light comes on first, static as a preliminary warning of fuel low, then flashes as a final warning near the end of the fuel - Jacqueline Stewart from Scotland

Vauxhall Meriva 2006

My Vauxhall Meriva`s heater has started to play up, it is going on then off again in 4/6 minutes. Then it won`t go on but when I stop the car and go back in half an hour it will go on again and then off. Any ideas?

Answers

More than likely the control switch for the fan as it has a reostat in it - Mick Seaton from Nottinghamshire

Check and clean all the battery terminals - Chris from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

Hi. My Vauxhall Meriva`s rear wiper is not working. The motor is okay, the wires are not broken and the relay is okay but there is no clicking noise from the relay when I switch on the ignition. I don`t think there is power getting to the relay. Can anyone help? Thanks.

Answers

Hi, your problem is the wiper stalk, or switch on the steering colum, cheap to buy on ebay and a simple fix, cheers - John Scott from Northern Ireland

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

I`ve just bought a 2004 Vauxhall Meriva and I`ve got a couple of problems. It starts fine, sounds noisy for about 1/4 mile then goes quiet. The other problem is that the steering wheel controls volume, + goes quiet - does nothing. The other knob turns the volume up and there is a noise when turning the steering wheel. Any ideas? (1.7tdi)

Vauxhall Meriva 2006

After switching off the engine of my Vauxhall Meriva and getting out of the car and locking it up, there is a very strong smell of petrol. Has anyone else come across this problem or know what it might be?

Answers

Check fuel filter area! Arran Flint from Derbyshire

Most likely a worn rubber seal on the petrol filler cap. Know this from past experience - Col clo from Worcestershire

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

Does anyone know what this fault on my Vauxhall Meriva is? When I start engine inspector 1000 comes on as the fault? Thanks.

Answers

Someone said turn ign on and trip the speedo but don’t let go then turn ign off and on wait, numbers come up and Insp is cleared let go of the trip turn ign off and on, no 1000 or insp will display - Chris from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

Hi, I have a 2004 Vauxhall Meriva 1.7 cdti and I have recently changed 2 injectors but still have the same problem! I’ve been told that it might have to be reprogrammed like Mercedes do. Can anyone confirm this please?

Answers

I think that when something goes wrong ie: injectors or anything wrong really, is all reported to the onboard c.p.u. so go and see a nice man at your local garage and he will plug in his red box by the handbraek lever, and make sure he rigs his box for your car : cc. etc. and he will clear the fault for you and any others that have been logged. Hope this helps - Chris from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2006

My 2006 Vauxhall Meriva keeps losing water from the coolant bottle. I have had all pipes tested and no leaks found. I have just had it back from further testing which also says no leaks but the bottle needs to be refilled before each journey to and from destination, no matter how short or long. Any ideas please? It would be greatly appreciated. (1.7 cdti)

Answers

Sorry haven’t got a solution to your problem but I am also losing a litre of coolant approximately every 50 miles on my 2006 1.4 Meriva Energy. It has been into a Vauxhall garage 5 times, gasket replaced and filler cap but still the leak persists. Does anyone have a solution? Len Asplin from Wales

I have the same problem on my Vauxhall Meriva 1.7 cdti 2004 model changed a small water hose under the theomstat unite and have to fill the coolant bottle every 50 miles there is no leaks underneath. Can anyone help please? David Williams from England

I too have the same problem on my 55 plate Meriva 1.4. I’m losing approx 1 litre of coolant per month and the heater is not getting warm unless I rev the engine. I have had a new thermostat, water pump and water pump gasket. The garage have pressure tested the system and assure me there are no leaks but still the coolant is disappearing. There is no white cream under the oil filler cap so I don’t suspect the head gasket is at fault. Did you guys manage to diagnose the problem with your cars? Karl Packham from Staffordshire

Hi, have taken vehicle to Vauxhall dealer who was unable to diagnose problem until they did a "hot" test (they said that they had to have the car running as if it was being driven to find it even though we explained the car only lost water if it was being used, if it was idling the car lost nothing). The problem was a leak on the injector seals which would not show up if the car was just idling. The repair cost £1,500 with Vauxhall. The problem arose again the day after we brought car home, but took it back as the seals had not been replaced properly. So far no further problems other than the pipes are splitting one by one so having to replace each one. Not sure if this is anything to do with repair or just normal wear and tear. Hope this helps - Gerald Herbert from Torfaen

Vauxhall Meriva 2006

My Vauxhall Meriva`s heating system is blowing cold air. Can anyone help me?

Vauxhall Meriva 2003

I have a 2003 1.6 Vauxhall Meriva. Soon after I start the car, a rattling noisy sound will be present from the right hand side (directly in front of the driver). It only sounds whenever I move and whenever I drive through uneven roads. Any ideas about this? Please help. Thanks a lot.(1.6L)

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

The rear windscreen wiper on my Vauxhall Meriva is not working. The front ones are working and front and rear windscreen wash are working and I don’t think heated rear windscreen is working.

Answers

Check the wires haven’t broken at the top of the boot of tht boot u will see two rubbers sleeping ones for the water pipe for the rear jet the left handside one it for the wires which go to the wiper motor and heater, these tend to break with the constant opening and closing of the boot! Goodluck - Steve Smith from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2003

Please can anyone help me? The battery and traction control lights are on in my Vauxhall Meriva. I had a new alternator fitted but this did not solve the problem. I then took my car to a Vauxhall garage, they spent a great deal of time looking for a problem, eventually they found a corroded earth wire. This seemed to solve the problem for a couple of months but the lights are now back on. The speedometer also stopped working but only for a couple of minutes. Any ideas? (1.6.)

Answers

Clean all the terminals, especially that pile of earths from the battery - Chris from England

Thank you, I will give it a go. :-) Dee Webster from Aberdeenshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

I have a problem with my Vauxhall Meriva`s semi-auto box, it will not go in gear or drive. Can anybody help?

Vauxhall Meriva 2007

I have a Vauxhall Meriva Design. Once the engine is warm I get a whistling noise when I accelerate. This noise is much louder when the ignition is switched off. What can it be?

Vauxhall Meriva 2010

Is there any way to adjust the indicator (tick tock)volume on my Vauxhall Meriva? The indicator warning sound is very quiet on my car. (club)

Answers

Get yourself a lights on buzzer and wire it to the indicators if its too loud put a bit of tape round it. Hope this helps - Chris from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

My Vauxhall Meriva`s speedometer flickers erratically. I`m not sure what speed I am doing and have to guess, even when the car is stationary. Can anyone help?

Answers

It will almost certainly be the ABS sensor which is also linked to your speedo. You’ll probably find over the next few days or miles that your ABS warning light will come on. A local garage will sort this for you for around £100 - Tommy H from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2010

Does the 1.4 Vauxhall Meriva turbo have a chain cam belt?

Answers

1.4 turbo 140PS have chain cam belt. 120PS and 100PS - don’t know - Pete from Northumberland

Vauxhall Meriva 2006

When I start the engine of my Vauxhall Meriva the tailgate unlocks. Also if the tailgate is down I can only lock 3 out of 4 doors, that`s the two front and the right passenger side. When the tailgate is up and I lock the car all of the doors lock. Any ideas?

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

Can anyone tell me the location of the fuel pressure sensor on my Vauxhall Meriva? (1700dti.)

Vauxhall Meriva 2006

When I lock my Vauxhall Meriva my passenger side door won`t lock, you have to lock it by hand. When the tailgate is up all doors lock properly. During starting the car the tailgate opens Any ideas? Thanks.

Answers

Hi. I’ve had my 1600 for 5 months and the drivers passenger door wouldn’t lock down even after hitting the key fob twice. I took the door apart and found nothing wrong, about a week later I came home with the heater on full blast and the next day all doors locked down and have for the last month or so, makes me wonder if rain gets in where it shouldn’t. Hope this helps - Chris from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2007

The horn on my Vauxhall Meriva has stopped working. I have changed the fuse but no joy. Does anybody have any suggestions? (life)

Vauxhall Meriva 2008

My Vauxhall Meriva has a rattling noise when I`m changing into second gear which is getting worse. It`s louder on the first gear change of the day. Any ideas please? (Breeze)

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

Hi, I have just purchased a 2004 Vauxhall Meriva Life and it comes with a cassette player. Can anyone tell me if I can replace it for a 2006 radio model with cd player? Thanks.

Answers

As long as the cd unit displays up with your time display as with your radio cassette then all should be fine but the cd unit itself is deeper and modifications would have to be made before fitting, Hey! They both play music so what the heck. That’s why I haven’t bothered with mine, got the same car. Hope this helps - Chris from England 

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

Hi, could anyone tell me if the front wing of my Vauxhall Meriva is spot welded on or just bolted?

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

My Vauxhall Meriva`s driver`s side window goes down okay but when I try to put it back up it goes about half way and then comes back down. What could be causing the problem? (Design)

Answers

I’m not a mechanic but I do know that the meriva "Learns" when the window is all the way up, I tested this recently when changing the indicator relay. Try disconnecting the battery and reconnecting it. Make sure you have your radio code handy before you do this. The Engine Mangement system will also have to relearn how the engine performs so take it for a test run after you do this. Dave Campbell from Inverness-shire

Hi, windows do have to learn, but they must be able to go all the way up and down for the relay to switch, if it don’t switch it won’t learn. Clean the glass inside and out then spray inside and out with Silicon spray, work the window up and down pushing it a little until it goes down and clicks: after a few times all should be ok. Now wipe the window dry. Hope this helps - Chris from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2012

How do I turn off the interior lights above the back seat of my Vauxhall Meriva? It is very hard to drive at night with those lights on all the time.

Answers

The switch on mine is on the roof between the front and back seats. This may be on permanently by the sounds of it - Caz Cousins from Nottinghamshire

I would phone my local Vauxhall dealer and ask for parts or workshop and they will kindly look it up on the pc for you, asking you for model year reg cc etc: so have it all ready. Hope this helps - Chris from England

Interior lights should switch off automatically when all doors are closed. See switch on the door - make sure none are broken, try pressing them by hand. Another possibility - one of the wires from the switch is making a circuit close (broken wire?) and the lights are on. Can you see an "open door” icon between your rev counter and speedo? If yes, the switch is the issue - Pete from Northumberland

The two rear interior lights in a Vauxhall Meriva are both switched on and off automatically when the doors open and close. However, this can be overridden by pressing on one end of each light which activates an override switch - Grand Pa from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2011

We are trying to put new headrests in our Vauxhall Meriva that has a built in dvd player, but when we try and take the headrest off we notice that it has a black wire coming out the bottom of the headrest pins. Can anyone help as to what this might be?

Vauxhall Meriva 2003

While driving my Vauxhall Meriva the vehicle just cuts out showing the transformer and skiding symbols on the management system screen. If you try to start straight away it just turns over, but if you wait for around 5 minutes it starts as if there is no problem. This happens indiscriminately whether traveling 2 miles or 30 miles. Does anyone know what the problem is?

Vauxhall Meriva 2008

The passenger indicators on my Vauxhall Meriva have stopped working, I have changed both the front and rear bulbs but to no effect. Does anyone know how to change the side indicator bulb? The manual says take it to a workshop but this sounds an expensive way to change a bulb.

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

My Vauxhall Meriva`s speedometer needle moves erratically whilst driving and the car hesitates but doesn’t cut out. When the engine is turned off and I come back to use it later it won’t start, it will turn over but not fire up. In the past it has eventually started and been okay for a while without any problems, but now it won’t start at all. It has had a new ecu fitted about 4 months ago because it was doing the same thing and I thought the problem was sorted but it`s still happening. Any ideas please because I’m running out of patience and money? Thanks. (1.4 life)

Answers

To be honest I haven’t a clue but what I would do is, if you still have it then put the old ecu back on and make sure that everything is absolutely clean, get some switch cleaning spray from Maplin, also clean up every single one of the battery + and - terminals individually one by one, Vauxhall are always packing loads of earth wires together and they can cause all sorts of problems including your alternator going puff. Hope this helps - Chris from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2012

How does someone turn off the rear interior lights of my Vauxhall Meriva? Mine are on all the time. I am about to remove the bulbs and none of this is in the manual.

Vauxhall Meriva 2010

Is it possible to reset the Vauxhall Meriva door system to open on a single click?

Answers

Hi, yes, it is reset via the config on the radio - Paul Rigby from England

A bit more info please - Phill from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2011

Hi, does anyone know how to remove codes 59, 60 and 61 from the dash? I know there is nothing wrong with the car, just wanna get rid of this.

Answers

I had code 60 come up on my Meriva, it says in hand book open and close front electric windows. This cleared it - Eddie Bone from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2009

Why do my Vauxhall Meriva headlights come on when I open the doors with my key fob... Can I disable it?

Answers

Yes, put your key in the igition and turn on so the instument turn on but not to start the engine and then push the interior light switch and you will get the indicator grren arrows light up then let go and the lights will go off, so next time the lights will not light up when open door - Anthony Swain from Nottinghamshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2010

I have just purchased a Vauxhall Meriva 1.4 Club 10/2010. Can anyone advise me if it is fitted with a cam belt or chain as I understand if a belt is fitted it needs to be changed at 40,000 miles which is not the recommended change by Vauxhall? Thanks. (1.4 club)

Answers

1.4 petrol Club, but which power version? 100PS, 120PS and 140PS chain cam. Other powers - I don’t know yet but will find soon - Pete from Northumberland

Vauxhall Meriva 2007

My Vauxhall Meriva`s left indicator keeps flashing on the dashboard but it is not working on the outside. I have put a new bulb in - any ideas?

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

What type of seat belt does the rear passenger middle seat of my Vauxhall Meriva have? A full cross over belt or just a lap belt?

Answers

A 2005 Meriva has a full 3 fixing cross over belt, it has two different size toungues on the belt, the small one fits on the right hand side of the middle seat, the larger on the left which makes the lap and shoulder belt - Don Cannon from Hertfordshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2008

When I force my Vauxhall Meriva into reverse the lights work, but when I gently put the car into reverse the lights don’t work. There is nothing loose ie bulb or wires, so what could it be? Please someone help, as when I go shopping the missus has to become a traffic officer to be able to reverse. Thank you.

Answers

It is probably the reversing switch on the gearbox or slave mechinisem that needs adjusting to switch on a little sooner - Chris from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2012

Hi. I have just bought a Vauxhall Meriva SE in brilliant white. Now my question is to other brilliant white Meriva owners, is the fuel flap of a slightly different shade of white to the rest of the body? Thanks. (Se)

Answers

I think that`s how they come, if you want it the same, carefully take it off and respray - Chris from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

My Vauxhall Meriva makes a clicking noise when the steering wheel is turned fully. I took it to the garage and they said it was the Cv joint outer kit. £90.00 later and it’s still making this noise. Any ideas? Also where do I stand after paying the garage, as the problem is still there?

Answers

I haven’t any idea why, is it only when you steer it hard, if so it`s just too much pressure on the steering. You have paid for something that has not been corrected, ask for a refund and or threaten to go to the fair trading standards office and see what they have to say, hope this helps - Chris from England

I had the same problem with loud knocking noise on full right turn. Garage replave CV joint 4 times before eventually getting me to take it a test run ans show the mechanic how to reproduce the sound on a 3 point turn. Mechanic then checked it out properly and it was the gear diff that was causing the problem. Noise stopped as soon as this was fixed - Jacqueline from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2011

Hi. On the display of my Vauxhall Meriva (above the mileage) there is a symbol which comes on regularly - it`s three boxes in a row with symbol/pictures inside. Sometimes they are all lit, at other times only one or two light up, but now they are flashing with a warning bleep as well. There`s nothing in the owner`s manual - any ideas what they are trying to tell me?

Answers

Those three symbols are the rear seatbelts, whether they are engaged or not - Joe from Northumberland

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

What is the Vauxhall Meriva`s horn relay location?

Vauxhall Meriva 2011

Hi, I have a 2011 Vauxhall Meriva. When I start the car the AC comes on automatically and I have to keep switching it off. {Who wants the AC on in this weather?} But seriously it is doing my nut in every time I start the car. How can I stop this? Thanks.

Answers

You need to experiment with your heater control switch as with mine I turn the ac on then move the heater control and it goes off. If it’s on, on control and on the bottom then it will keep coming on, keep cool, and hope this helps - Chris from England

If you look at your configuration (config button), then you can alter the climate setting in the vehicle. A section on this menu asks if you want the climate control/air con setting on. Turn the large knob to off - Joe Hen from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2011

How do you change the display from Fahrenheit to Celsius on the central display unit of my Vauxhall Meriva? I am unable to find anything in the handbook. (1.7 Diesel Automatic)

Answers

Take a look at page 94 of Meriva Handbook. Press ’menu’ button on the ’turn’ signal lever/stick. You can select a ’sub-menu’ by turning the adjuster wheel to highlight an option. I found that ’unit’ 1 is centigrade. And unit 2 is farenheit. Handbook says on page 94 - ’Possible submenus: UNIT: Displayed units can be changed’. Get it to UNIT 1 and it’s in Centigrade. Just did myself. They could write it in a clearer manner. My Vauxhall dealer could not explain how to do this! Can you believe - Pop Rogers from Swansea

Where you reset the mileage counter if you press the push stick till you come across a unit 1 or2 one of them changes the temperature and the other the miles to km good luck - Carl Hayes from England

In certain models there is a button on the left lever to use to adjust it as per the instruction booklet but my model didn’t have this button on the lever. You have to press the button where the mileage is displayed and then when it shows "oil%" press it again til it says "Unit" . I cant rememeber if Celsius is unit 1 or unit 2, but anyway just hold in button when you see unit and then when it flashes, change it to the 1 or 2 depending what yours is already set at. Hope you understand this lol. Good luck, let me know if it helps - Ashley Porterfield from Northern Ireland

Vauxhall Meriva 2006

Hi.The light that looks like an aeroplane in my Vauxhall Meriva is on. I think it’s the engine management light. It came on when I had not a drop of oil in it. Could this be why or how can I fix it please?

Answers

Hi, it’s a spitfire, hope that you’ve put some oil in it now, but seriously I don’t know what the light is. I had a I.N.S.P. that kept coming up when I turned the ignition on and every week the oil light come on then I saw on here that you can turn off the I.N.S.P warning by holding the trip meter and what happened! It has gone and I no longer have any oil warning, strange or what? Bye! Chris from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2006

On a few occasions, about 6 times a year, my Vauxhall Meriva`s hazard flashers come on when I stop the car and remove the ignition keys. It can happen at any time. Pushing the hazard flasher button has no effect. I have found that removing the flasher fuse and leaving the car alone for 10-15mins rectifys the problem and off I go again. The dealers have never come up with an answer during servicing as it has never happened when with them. Does anybody have any ideas?

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

My Vauxhall Meriva`s windscreen wiper started to go slow for a few weeks, then started to stop midway, then stopped altogether, then moved slightly, then stopped. Does anyone know why? (1.7 diesel)

Answers

Sounds to me like the wiper motor needs replacing and greasing the wiper linkage would probably be a good idea too. Hope this helps - Ben from Neath Port Talbot

It will be the pivot points where the wiper arms attach to the linkage. Mine did the same. If you get in quick enough you might be able to grease them up. If it’s too far gone like mine was (the wife didn’t mention it till it was too late) it will be a new assembly. Mine cost about 90 quid (part only) and fitted myself. Craig from London.

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

My Vauxhall Meriva`s radio does not switch on and off, only with the ignition, but because I`ve had a new battery I can`t put my code in to get my radio working again because it needs to be switched off by the knob. Is there any way around this without buying a new one?

Answers

Press your (as) button first, don`t let go and hit the on/off switch with ignition on, then after the code appears you should be able to enter your four digits - Chris from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

I`ve recently bought a 2004 Vauxhall Meriva design without the graphic info display. I wondered if there is a way to display MPG readings on the mileage screen or if I can have the graphic display fitted? (cdti)

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

Simply put, when the accelerator pedal of my Vauxhall Meriva is depressed, there is a delay before the engine revs kick in. The result being that when driving there is a very slow response to speed increase through the gears. The EML remains off, so it`s not indicating any faults. I have replaced the throttle potentiometer, cleaned the throttle body and the EGR valve with Carb cleaner. I`ve also cleaned the MAF sensor with electrical contact cleaner. All to no avail. Any suggestions as to curing this problem would be both welcomed and very much appreciated. Any ideas please?

Answers

This is an answer not known (I’ve been told) unless I book it in! I’ve done the same as you and to no avail, but don’t give up, that’s if someone don’t hit you first trying to pull out at a Junction or roundabout like me. Ive only had my 04 1.6 Life for a few weeks now, and after buying haven’t got money to spend at Vauxhall, any guy out there that do know the answer then please let us know as it is getting dangerous, give an email and I’ll even get you a Christmas Pressy, aint that right Errol. Bye! Chris from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

My Vauxhall Meriva`s alarm keeps going off through the night. What could be the cause of this?

Answers

That will almost definitely be a faulty alarm power sounder, unfortunately the only way to rectify this fault is to replace it. Hope this helps - Ben from Neath Port Talbot

Vauxhall Meriva 2011

What does fault code 16 mean on my Vauxhall Meriva?

Answers

It sounds to me like one of your windows is not shut correctly. Try opening all your windows and closing them again - .Anthony Jackson from Cheshire

Vrake light failure in manual - Carl Hayes from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

I`m trying to unlock the radio of my Vauxhall Meriva which shows "7 SAFE". How do I get to entering the code?

Answers

I had a look on a website, if you type in on Google= how to type my code in for my Vauxhall Meriva`s radio it will come up with a man showing a video recording step by step of how you do it. Hope this is of some use. If not take it to your local garage, I`m sure they will do it for you -  Julie Gravelle from Neath Port Talbot

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

My 2005 Vauxhall Meriva`s central locking has gone on the driver`s side. It looks like the button is not coming up far enough and I have to use the key. Any ideas on how to fix or what it should cost?

Vauxhall Meriva 2007

I have a knocking coming from the top of the steering column of my Vauxhall Meriva when I am going over bumps in the road. Can anybody suggest what could be causing this?

Answers

The steering shaft has a splined joint, you have to re-tighten the pinch bolt where the two shafts are joined - Mal Potts from England.

Vauxhall Meriva 2009

About four times in the last two years the interior lights of my Vauxhall Meriva and the mileage indicator light have stayed on. After taking the fuses out and leaving it to stand for a while the fault corrects itself. Could anybody give a reason for this and the rectification procedure? Also does this model have a wireless code? (1.4 Clubman)

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

How do I access the information display on the top of the dashboard of my Vauxhall Meriva? It looks as if one of two light bulbs has failed. As it sits on top of the airbag container I don’t want to make a mistake. Can anyone advise me please?

Answers

Do you mean the semi circular clock, radio display etc? Use a screwdriver or similar to prise up the "flat plate". Lean forward and you’ll see 2 securing screws. Remove these and be careful as it’s so easy to lose the screws down the surrounding holes. You should now be able to lift out the unit. I suggest you then disconnect the power plug, because again it’s all too easy to lose the bulb holder. But if you’re careful, then there`s no need to disconnect the power plug. Hope this helps you - Errol from Surrey

Vauxhall Meriva 2006

Please can anyone advise if my 1.7 turbo diesel Vauxhall Meriva has a chain driven camshaft? If so how long before it needs to be done? The car has done 52,000 miles. Thanks. (Active)

Answers

Cambelt kit replacement is recommended at 10years or 60,000miles, whichever occurs first - Nat from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

How do you remove the front wiper arm of my Vauxhall Meriva to access the indicator relay?

Answers

Flick up the plastic cover, undo the nut and gently tap two sides of of the wiper arm with a small hammer. (It’s easier if you lift the arm off the windscreen) - Mal Potts from England.

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

Can anyone tell me why my Vauxhall Meriva goes into limp mode when it gets hot? Recently I had a new cam kit fitted and the lamba sensor was okay until then. Any ideas? (Enjoy)

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

My wife washed our Vauxhall Meriva and the engine, then she turned the car on but the screen showed letter F and it doesn’t move, the gear box doesn’t engage. Can anyone help please? Thank you.

Answers

Hi. I had the same problem and it ended up being a short in the gearbox. I had it fixed by an autoelectrician although the dealer told me it was the computer box, which at the end of the day it wasn’t. Good luck - Thys Heyns from South Africa

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

How much will it cost to fix or replace the fuel pump on a Vauxhall Meriva 04? Sometimes the car starts and drives fine and then it will cut out unexpectedly and doesn’t start again for a while. The rescue service suggested that the fuel wasn’t getting to the engine efficiently which is why the engine cuts out. I would like to know the cost to repair this, or if there is simply a loose connection somewhere? Thanks.

Answers

Look for any inline fuel filters and replace first, hope this helps - Chris from England

We have had the same problem recently and found it to be the ecu breaking down. Common fault on these cars. The way we found out was when the engine cuts out at a certain temp, pour cold water over the ecu located on right side of engine and try starting car again. If starts back up straight away there’s your problem. Hope this helps - Shane Knorz from Newport

Almost certain it’s crankshaft position, sensor intermittent fault, had several Corsa C and Meriva’s and had this fault 3 times. Depending on engine type they are located above the starter motor, relatively simple fix. Hope this helps - Paul Clarke from Lancashire

Vauxhall Meriva 2003

My Vauxhall Meriva`s third brake light has stopped working. I have checked the connection, purchased a new one and replaced it, but it still isn`t working. Any ideas?

Answers

I had that problem recently and did the same as you. An auto electrician traced the fault to broken electric wires where they feed from the car to the rear door. With the rear tailgate lifted up you can see the wiring loom in a ribbed rubber casing-top left corner as you look at it from behind. Feel the loom and you will be able to tell if there are any wires broken. I had two broken wires-hi level brake light and heated rear window. It took an hour`s job to trace and fix by a local auto electrician who said it`s a common problem and now should be better than new. Hope this helps - John Cain from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2009

When I purchased my Vauxhall Meriva there was no spare wheel, jack or wheel brace. I was told that they don`t come with a spare wheel now. Is this true?

Answers

Nope, they come with some gunk. Same with my Focus... I went to the scrappy and got a wheel for about 25 quid, even had a new tyre :P The jack/brace is the "hardest", although most jacks are the same... I had one from my old car... since I knew my Focus wouldn’t have a jack, I didnt leave it in the boot when i traded in ;) Wayne from Warwickshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2003

My 03 Vauxhall Meriva pulls to the left. It has been into the garage three times for this problem and still the problem has not been fixed. The tyres have been changed, aligned and moved around and today they fitted a front wishbone. It will be going back tomorrow as it still pulled on my drive tonight. Does anyone have any advice as to what it might be please?

Answers

Have you tried re-calibratng your EPS?... Very simple... Start car... put steering wheel into central position, and ensure car is in neutral. Turn off ignition. Start car again (DO NOT MOVE ETC - so be in neutral) then turn the steering wheel to most left position, to most right position, back to left position back to right position back to center. Turn off car... restart the engine and go for a test drive... Wayne from Warwickshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2003

I have had the fuel pump replaced on my Vauxhall Meriva but it`s still not starting. Can anyone help?

Vauxhall Meriva 2009

My Vauxhall Meriva`s right indicator keeps flashing on the dashboard but it`s not working on the outside. I put a new bulb in but it`s still not working. Please can anyone help?

Answers

Check fuses in the fusebox, and check terminals for corrosion. Clean corossion. And check new bulb (sometimes bulbs can blow immediately) - Wayne from Warwickshire

I had this same problem with my 2004 Meriva, turns out it’s a common fault with these cars. You have to replace the flasher unit. (tip: get the new unit online much cheaper than from a Vauxhall dealer £50, online less than £20) - Mal Potts from Devon.

Vauxhall Meriva 2009

My Vauxhall Meriva`s glow plug light is flashing and the engine temperature is a little high. Can anyone help?

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

Would a Vauxhall Vectra headrest fit a Vauxhall Meriva`s seat?

Vauxhall Meriva 2011

How can you change the temperature display from Fahrenheit to centigrade on a 2011 Vauxhall Meriva? There are no ’display settings’ in the config menu. (Exclusiv)

Answers

Hi, yes, you have to set it in the menu on the stalk but it also changers the mph to kph - Paul Rigby from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

Hello all. My wife’s Vauxhall Meriva`s near side rear indicator bulb failed so I changed it. However, now it keeps on double clicking really fast. Or it`s not working when you look at the light from behind the car, but on the dashboard it looks like it’s working but indicates really fast? Maybe a silly question but are all of the bulbs the same or could it be another problem? Any advice would be great thanks.

Answers

Either the bulb you installed is also faulty (does happen), or you have another fault related to that indicator. Check the bulb holder for damage / corrosion, clean corroded connections, replace bulb. One of these will resolve the issue - Pete Ledwidge from Warwickshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2003

I have the code for my Vauxhall Meriva`s radio and know how to enter it but I don’t know how to save it once it has been entered. I have tried several times and I am running out of attempts before it locks me out. Surprisingly my handbook does not give any information on recoding. Can anyone help? Many thanks. (Enjoy)

Answers

Whichever button you press and hold in to start entering the code (can’t remember off the top of my head), press this button again once you’ve successfully entered your code and hold for a few seconds until a confirmation tone is heard from the speakers, job done! Pete Ledwidge from Warwickshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2006

The tailgate of my Vauxhall Meriva will not open, the solenoid is not working and the button under the tailgate handle does not work. Can anyone help? (Club cdti)

Answers

Check your 5amp fuse that works your light inside the boot. If this has blown it will not let you open your boot door - Robert Smith from Scotland

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

Hi. I can`t seem to get my Vauxhall Meriva into reverse but it will go into the other gears. What do you think this may be? (Enjoy)

Answers

Try going back to neutral then lifting up the gear stick and then putting it into reverse - you have to lift the gear stick and and slide to the left and up - Lyndsay Jackman from Somerset

I find it easier to select a forward gear first, keeping the clutch pressed in, move back to neutral, then lift gearstick and move straight into reverse. I am told that this action moves the reverse gear selector in the gearbox to the correct position. It works for me every time. Good luck - Phil Davies from Oxfordshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

I have just replaced the battery in my Vauxhall Meriva key fob but it still doesn’t work. Can anyone tell me if there is anything I can do to sort it please? Thanks.

Answers

Lock and unlock the driver`s door with the key in the lock, then switch on the ignition, it should work then - Mal Potts from Devon.

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

The light has gone out behind the odometer on my Vauxhall Meriva. Is this a bulb or something more technical and if it`s a bulb how do I change it? Thank you.

Answers

It will be the bulb. They are £2.50 from Vauxhall. You have to take the clocks out, not a big job, about 6 screws. It will take you about 15-20 mins - Dave from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2007

How do I reset the key fob for my Vauxhall Meriva after replacing the battery in the key? Also the tailgate will not open although I can hear the switch operating? (1.3c dti)

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

I have just bought my Vauxhall Meriva a few weeks ago and just after that the EPS light came on, but when I switch the car off and start it again the light goes off. This has happened quite a few times now. Can you help me as I am disabled? (1.4 life)

Answers

Hi Bridie, had same problem with my 2004 1.6 Meriva. Eventually the light will stay on and it will be hard to turn the wheel. The eps will have to be replaced, mine cost £650 in 2010. Don’t be fobbed of by seller, have it replaced if under warranty - Christopher from Herefordshire

This is a known problem. Our power steering kept failing while driving which is dangerous as steering goes VERY heavy. Contact Vauxhall, they sorted ours which is an 04. Good luck - Dave from Cumberland

Vauxhall Meriva 2003

My Vauxhall Meriva`s wipers are not working properly yet when you look at them you can see them trying to move. Any ideas?

Answers

My son’s Meriva did the same thing. We had to have the whole wiper assembly replaced. I still have the old one in the shed. The problem was caused by the passenger side gearbox had siezed due to water ingress. I have tried many times to free it off, heating, wd40, force, and all in combination. I can make it turn but it still stalls the motor. I fear that you may need the same solution. (cost about £240!! if I remember rightly). Martin Knott from Cheshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2003

Vauxhall Meriva 2006

Where and what colour is the rear wiper relay on my Vauxhall Meriva? (Design)

Answers

On the 04 Meriva, the tailgate wiper relay is under the front passenger seat. Remove the piece of moulded carpet and you will see a plastic lid with two clips on either side at the front, depress these clips and slide the cover towards the front of the car, thus revealing your relays. If you then switch on your ignition and switch on the rear wiper you should hear the wiper relay click every 8 or so seconds. This isn’t proof though that the relay is delivering a supply to the wiper motor. It just shows you that your supply is up to the relay. If you are having a problem with your tailgate wiper, ie. not working, it is probably broken cables in the rubber sleeve between the tailgate and the main body, caused by fatigue due to the opening and closing of the tailgate - Dave form Hertfordshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

I have just bought it a few weeks and just after that the EPS light came on but when I switch the car off and start it again the light goes off this has happened quite a few times now. Can you help me as I am disabled? (1.4 life)

Answers

I had the same problem, EPS kept coming on. It’s the power steering, took mine to Vauxhall dealer, took it off me straight away put a new steering column in free of charge. I looked up faults on the Meriva on the website, it makes some interesting reading. Hope this helps you - tina hall from Essex

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

I have the code for my Vauxhall Meriva’s radio and the dashboard is saying SAFE. How do I unlock it to get the stereo working?

Answers

Hi, press and hold the AS button until the display shows the number 10 ---- then enter code and press AS button again to save - Linda Snyman from Yorkshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

I have a Vauxhall Meriva 1.6 Comfort 2005 which cuts off whilst driving. We took it to the garage and they said that it was the computer box. Please tell me if this true?(1.6 Comfort)

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

Coming home from work on Thursday my right indicator light on the dashboard started flashing very fast. I assumed this was because a bulb had blown. On reaching home I checked the indicators on the outside of the car, all three lights where flashing erratically, then stopped completely. I then changed the bulb in the rear light unit, that didn’t make any difference. Next I looked as the fuse, it hadn’t blown but on taking it out and then pushing it back in all the indicators were now working. thought I had solved it. Next day driving to work I could hear a very quiet popping noise coming from the fuse board. The fuse board also appeared to buzz. When I removed the fuse 2, the same one that I had previously pushed in all noise stopped. Is this popping a wire shorting, any ideas?

Answers

It’s the flasher relay under the bonnet near side. I’ve now fitted two of these to friends’ Meriva’s. Difficult to get at but once done you’ll know what to do next time - John Adkins from Leicestershire

Vauxhall Meriva 2009

I have just bought my Vauxhall Meriva. Please could you tell me where the spare wheel is as I can`t find it? Thank you.

Answers

Hi, you will find it under the carpet in the boot - David Neilson from Scotland

I have a 58 plate Meriva and there’s no spare, just a repair kit - Stan Webb from Durham

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

My Vauxhall Meriva has an irritating rattle which appears to be coming from the instrument cluster? My main dealers advise that they are not aware of any such problems but I cannot see where else the noise could be coming from. I have taken the cluster out and shaken it but there were no obvious rattles. Any ideas?

Answers

Had a similiar problem, looked everywhere trying to locate, turned out to be the bearings in the steering cloumn. The main dealers have a special grease which they apply to help cure this problem. My eps light came on before I had chance to have the grease applied, so the column was replaced under warranty and no more rattle, the dealer said the grease would have cured the problem - Ben Rogers from Worcestershire

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

My Vauxhall Meriva has a tapping noise when ticking over and when I`m driving coming from the engine. What could this be? Also when does the cam belt need to be changed? (petrol)

Answers

Hi, I have the same problem. It is the cam chain that needs changing. Over a period of time the ports that supply oil to the chain get partially blocked and so restrict the amount of oil that gets to the chain. Because the chain doesn’t get lubricated properly it stretches causing the rattle. The z14xep engine is known for this.Now do not worry too much, I have been using mine for months like this. I have been told by a local garage that I trust that it will cost £320 to do. Hope this helps - Chris Thompstone from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

My Vauxhall Meriva keeps going into limp mode with a fault coming up as the throttle pedal`s low voltage. The pedal has been replaced but is still doing it intermittently. If I turn the engine off and back on again it`s okay for a while and then goes back into limp mode again. Can anyone shed any light on the problem? Thanks.

Answers

There is not enough voltage getting to the throttle pedal from the ECU. I ended up having to change ECU, cost me £300 for a blank ECU and £80 for Vauxhall to programme on a TECH2 unit. This has fixed problem - Steve from Cornwall

Try and clean all your battery terminals, especially the pile of earth’s from the inner wing they can cause all sorts of problems, fingers crossed - Chris from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2012

My Vauxhall Meriva`s front airbag`s activation light is going out as regularly as clockwork. It happens after 66 seconds (by my count) of the engine being started, regardless of whether the car is stationary or mobile. My user manual says that there is a fault. Vauxhall say the system was changed in 2012 models and that the light is supposed to go out, but that they have not updated or added an addendum to the Owners manual? (1.7 cdti.)

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

Does anyone know the location of the fuel filer on a 2005 Vauxhall Meriva? (1.4 Breeze)

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

The light indicating if you are in automatic or manual is not lighting nor are the lights around the gear lever indicating drive or reverse etc. I assume it is probably the fuse but the hand book does not make clear which fuse covers these. I would like to know which number fuse covers these. (Easytronic)

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

While fixing the flasher unit for the indicators replaced with a new one when I put it back together again the new flasher unit works fine but the indicators don’t work now. And also it won’t start up. Help please, I think I may have blown a fuse but got no manual to look at and because the space is so tight to replace the flasher unit I had to take out a little grey fuse to see it properly and I feel I may have tripped the immobiliser switch somehow. Any ideas anyone?

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

Why does my Meriva sometimes cut out when changing from first to second in easytronic? This is on a 04 plate.

Vauxhall Meriva 2011

I bought seat covers for the 2011 Vauxhall Meriva. Front covers have two holes for legs on headrest. Is it easy to remove complete headrest to fit covers?

Answers

Yes, it’s easy to remove and replace. It’s only one button on each head rest. Push and hold the button and then pull the head rest out and when you’re done, just push the head rest into place - Liam Birrell from Fife and Kinross Shires

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

My triple information display has stopped showing the outside temperature, and instead shows a series of dashes (----). What’s the problem and how do I fix it? (1.7cdti)

Answers

There is a sensor under the front bumper in the center of the car. This will have become damaged. You can buy a replacement on eBay for about £7 takes 5 mins to change - Mark from Worcestershire

Vauxhall Meriva 2008

The "insp" light has appeared on my Vauxhall Meriva and I was wondering how to turn it off as I’m doing the service myself.

Answers

Switch off ignition then press mileage knob on the cluster while. Pressed switch on ignition the inspection light will flash keep on holding until it clears - Takudzwa Masvikeni from South Africa

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

Why does my Vauxhall Meriva’s automatic gearbox bang when it go’s from 1st to 2nd gear? A mechanic took my automatic gearbox apart, replaced something in it and put it back on. The gearbox now bangs when it goes from 1st to 2nd. What is the cause of this and how can this be sorted? (1.6 life semi automatic)

Vauxhall Meriva 2006

My 06 Vauxhall Meriva 1.3-litre tdi will only start when cold and I suffer a lot of power loss, ie no turbo. The diagnostics codes read "immobiliser/key needs reprogram" but when it won’t start hot I put jump leads on and it starts. Any ideas?

Vauxhall Meriva 2003

Vauxhall Meriva 2003 Enjoy Cd. New Engine four months ago. New battery. Very bad start in cold weather. Takes engine three or four times before it starts running. More smoke than usual from exhaust. Black smoke when pressing accelerator pedal taking off on hill. Engine noise knocking when pressing accelerator pedal a pinky engine noise. Engine not smooth when still. Can anybody help me please?

Answers

Have the ignition timing checked before the engine is damaged! - Jon from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

My easytronic light keeps coming on even if I don’t press it, is it automatic?

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

Does anyone know why the central locking fuse on my Vauxhall Meriva keeps blowing? I have changed it 3 times, then I try it once and it goes again...

Vauxhall Meriva 2006

When the red light shows for petrol on a 2006 Vauxhall Meriva, roughly how much is left in the tank? (Automatic)

Vauxhall Meriva 2007

Why would my 1.3 cdti Vauxhall Meriva be throwing fuel into my oil sump?

Vauxhall Meriva 2003

Opened the car with the key fob, all doors opened except the rear driver’s door which is jammed and will not open. Locked and opened again with the key rather than the remote, but the door will still not open. Any suggestions?

Answers

Had same thing happen, I put the heater on, closed all the front flaps until it was too hot to stay in and next day everything locks down and still do a month or so later, I had already taken the door apart and found nothing. Hope this helps - Chris from England

Hi there. I hoped that I could answer your question, but I can only say that it is funny that you are having trouble with the new Meriva back door. I have just taken mine in for repair as it seemed that the door opened when we were driving, and leaned on the back panel which resulted in a dent, and another thing which puts it in the same sort of league as yours, our door only came open a couple of inches while we drove! I would get an expert to find out what is wrong with it. Is it the new Meriva you have, the one with the doors that open on the ’wrong side’. Mine is, and I am looking online for anyone with problems with theirs, as our problem, well it was shocking! Brenda Gath from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2003

When my Vauxhall Meriva’s engine is on tick over the rev counter is up and down but when driving on road the car runs fine. Has anyone else found this problem? (1.8)

Vauxhall Meriva 2003

How do I check the linkage between the heater control and the heater flap on a 2003 Vauxhall Meriva?

Vauxhall Meriva 2008

My gear position dash display light is not working so I cant see what gear I am in, especially at night. Could this be a fuse or a manufacturers defect? (1.6 automatic)

Vauxhall Meriva 2006

I’m having a problem with the driver’s door widow on my Vauxhall Meriva. When I put it down and stop it before it reaches the bottom and try and put it up again it goes down instead then won’t go back up. If I take the key out of the ignition or take the wires out of the back of the switch then put back it will go up again. Is this a problem with the switch or regulator?

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

Why does my Vauxhall Meriva’s engine keep running even when the keys are out? Anybody any ideas?

Answers

Not sure specifically on this car but on most cars, there is a switch behind the ignition barrel that is operated as you turn the key. Sometimes this goes faulty and sometimes its the connection between the barrel and the switch. I would remove the trim around the barrel and then remove the switch from behind the barrel. Usually you can rotate this manually with a screwdriver in the same way you operate the key. If switching this to the off position doesn’t stop the car, it’s the switch. If it does, it’s the connection to the barrel and you may need to replace the barrel. Hope this helps - Grease Monkey from England

This could be bad, when an engine overuns your timing could be out, jumped a knotch on timing belt, your plugs could run hot therefore still burning fuel making the engine run on. I would get it looked at soon. Hope this helps - Chris from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2006

The driver’s side electric window sometimes works sometimes not, and the headlight on the driver’s side also keeps going - is it something to do with the electrics?

Vauxhall Meriva 2007

The heater system for the inside of the car does not come on. The climate control is neither hot or cold. I have checked all fuses are none are blown - has anyone any further ideas? (1.7 cdti)

Answers

Probably a busted or leaking water pipe - had the same problem myself. Billy Reid from County Londonderry

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

Why does my easytronic sometimes have a dead spot for a second or two between first and second gear?

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

I’m told that if I disconnect the battery on Vauxhall Meriva, for storage of the vehicle it will not start as it affects the computer and will have to be towed to the dealer to re-set. Is this true and what can I do to resolve as the vehicle may not be used for up to 5 months.

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

Hi. I have recently bought a Vauxhall Meriva 1.7 diesel and the LED lights on my dashboard have gone that show me the mileage. I have bought the led lights that I need and was wondering what tools I need to get the speedo out and how I go about this. Many thanks. (1.7 diesel)

Vauxhall Meriva 2008

The climate control fan is not working at all, even on highest setting in my Vauxhall Meriva. Everything is lit up as normal. Faint humming noise when switched on suggests fuse is OK. How can I get to the fan motor? (Breeze)

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

Hi, I was just wondering if anyone can help. I went to use my back wiper on my Vauxhall Meriva and it wouldn’t work. I have checked the fuse but nothing... Also my back window heater is not working. Problem after problem with this car grrr, can anyone help or advise?

Answers

Check the cables that go from the left hand side of the tail gate through the rubber tube. This is a poor design and they often snap! This is a very common problem on these cars. Sell it - Rod from Oxfordshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

I have no back wiper or demister function. I’ve checked the fuses and all are OK. Any help would be appreciated.

Answers

Hi, I had the same problem but now got it fixed :) It was the wires, they had snapped they are in the boot on the passenger side. If you look at the two black tubes - one either side of the boot at the top (look like hinges) with black rubber - then you should see it. Hope this helps you. Good luck - Jessica from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

My Vauxhall Meriva recently, when starting from cold, began emitting a noisy whine like a small jet engine which subsides somewhat when the engine warms up but still persists at a much lower but still discernible level when driving. Diagnostics at my local garage cannot find a fault to date? Can anyone help or advise? (1.7dti)

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

I have a fault with the rear demister and wiper on my Vauxhall Meriva. It started off with the demister not working then the wipers stopped working. I have checked the fuses and checked to see if both are getting power and they are. I can’t seem to find the fault. Any help will be great.

Answers

Hi, I have got the same problem :( It’s so annoying, I will never get another Meriva again. I bought the car and not long after i got it, everything started going ’grrr!’ e.g. anti roll bars, steering columm rod ends, cv joints and a million more things. Hope you get it sorted! - Jessica from England

Come on Malyn, pull your finger out lol. It’s a bad earth fault at top of tailgate - on the left there is a rubber boot and inside you will find a broken wire. If you need help give me a call 07977091654 - Jonathan Douglas from Cardiff

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

There was a cracking sound when pushed my brake down, then the ABS light appeared on the dashboard and car now will not go. Has anyone else experienced this?

Vauxhall Meriva 2011

Does anyone know if I can purchase a spare wheel and jack for my for my 2011 Vauxhall Meriva?

Answers

Hi, look on Ebay or Vauxhall main dealer, sometimes the scrap yards have a spare jack. I needed one for mine, got it from scrappie, £5 a bargain. Hope this helps - Jessica from England

Vauxhall dealership. £110 - Joe Hen from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2006

On my Vauxhall Meriva, the front left main bulb (one at bottom). Does anyone know how to change this and what bulb I need to buy?

Vauxhall Meriva 2008

I have a squeak under the bonnet/engine of my Vauxhall Meriva when I turn the engine on and off. I had all the belts checked and they are all OK. What should I try next?

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

I have just got this car 2 days ago and the indicators have stopped working. Have just changed the relay box they still don’t work. Any ideas please?

Vauxhall Meriva 2007

Our Meriva’s immobiliser keeps activating intermittently thus we are unable to start car. Have had car and key fobs diagnostically checked and no fault found anywhere, however immobiliser still activating intermittently - can anyone tell us why please?

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

Hi, I have had this Vauxhall Meriva for 3 years now and find it very expensive to run, as its fuel consumption is terrible. But I’d like to ask if anyone can help me... My electric sunroof will open when I press the button but it won’t close electrically. I have to use a screwdriver to close it. Is this a fuse I need to look at? I’m a single parent and cannot afford the prices the garages will charge to look at this, especially if it is something I could easily do myself. Thanks, look forward to hearing any advice.

Answers

Doesn’t sound like the fuse as the fuse will just control power to the motor so it wouldn’t move at all, sounds like the motor or runners are sticking - Lee from Nottinghamshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2003

When I put my Vauxhall Meriva in reverse it started to go forward and then pops out of all gears. I know that it’s the selector arm but how much are they?

Vauxhall Meriva 2006

The display on my 2006 Vauxhall Meriva CDTi CD player has frozen, showing only the date, time and temperature. Nothing makes it display the radio frequesncy, for example, and the remote controls on the steering column have stopped working. Today I tried to start the car and the battery was flat. I’m guessing that the two are related and I’ve maybe forgotten to turn off the stereo and it’s flattened the battery. Is there a fix to get the stereo and remote sorted to prevent this in future?

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

I disconnected and removed the battery on my 1.7-litre diesel Vauxhall Meriva so that I could replace a light bulb. I reconnected battery and the dashboard lights came up, so power appears to be OK. Bit it now turns over briefly before going to a series of clicks (and won’t start!) Any idea what I have done wrong (checked clean, dry terminals, and good tight connection)?

Answers

Your battery is flat! - Ray Morris from Durham

Vauxhall Meriva 2007

The light over the milometer and ’addometer’ on my Vauxhall Meriva has started to fail. Sometimes it’s on, sometimes it’s not, so obviously not the bulb. Could it be a faulty connection? If so, how do I fix it please? Thanks.

Vauxhall Meriva 2006

I have a 1.3 CDTi Meriva and the glow plug light keeps flashing and the car chucks out a lot of smoke from the back. Does anybody have some answers please?

Vauxhall Meriva 2003

How do I replace the milometer bulb on a Vauxhall Meriva. Unfortunately no-one has done a workshop manual for this model....

Answers

Haynes do a manual, check Ebay - John Worby from Bedfordshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

I had a really bad experience with my car this morning... I’m a new driver and my power steering suddenly cuts off while driving on a roundabout. I still managed to drive it and park it but the experience was somewhat scary. I have been to a local garage but they couldn’t identify the problem because it went OK when they tested it. Could anyone please enlighten me with the problem?

Answers

It’s your steering column, take it to a Vauxhall garage, it should be covered by Vauxhall as they have been having a lot of problems with these. You can also phone Vauxhall customer care, I know of 2004 being covered by warranty - Chris Vance from Northern Ireland

Go to a Vauxhall main dealer and ask for a post warranty application. Vauxhall know the steering columns have problems on these cars and will replace free of charge. Did you know they have electric steering? Mine went wrong on a six year old model and they did it no quibble. Hope this helps - Steve from Devon

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

F comes up on my Vauxhall Meriva dashboard and the car won’t start - does anyone know what this might signify?

Answers

Hi. I don’t have an answer to your problem, but I have the same problem and hoping that you have found a solution? I will come look here to see if you have found the problem, or if you can email me, I will appreciate it: thysheyns@mweb.co.za Thank you very much - Thys Heyns from South Africa

It happened to me. AA fixed it - both brake lights had blown. Replaced bulbs and car started working. Hope I was helpful - Fred Hollingworth from Yorkshire

I had it fixed. An auto electrician managed to get into the computer box (dealer couldn’t and told me the computer box was broken). He then found a short in the gearbox. The car went fine for about a year and I’m having the same problem now again. Will find the fault and report it here again - Thys Heyns from South Africa

Vauxhall Meriva 2006

My Vauxhall Meriva 1.7 top of the range 2006 was written off 2 weeks ago in a car crash that was not my fault (the other driver has admitted liability). There was just over 20,000 miles on the clock. I have been offered £5,800 by the insurance company. Is this reasonable? I am unsure. Thank you.

Answers

Yes, that sounds reasonable. I’ve just bought a second hand 2005 Meriva for £4,500 and having starting problems after less than two weeks. My advice: take the money but don’t buy another Meriva! - Alex Bayman from Northamptonshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2008

How do I remove the rear door panel? The electric window is faulty and I would like to remove the door panel.

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

I changed the steering column, now the steering is heavy. Why?

Answers

It’s not in line. Loosen it off and start again, check the UJ joint as well if it’s got one on there - Jason Cunningham from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

The battery light comes on while driving,instruments erratic. How come? (1.6 petrol)

Answers

The alternator is shot by the sounds of things - Jason Cunningham from England

Unfortunately, it sounds like the alternator is on it’s way. Usually the speedo will stop working and then start again randomly and the battery is a common telltail sign. Hope this helps - Jack O’Loughlin from Kent

If it hasn’t killed your alternator already clean every + and - terminal clean and dry. A lot of Vauxhall’s have a pile of earth terminals that cause all sorts of problems. Hope this helps - Chris from England

Vauxhall Meriva

Occasionally our Meriva automatic won’t start as the gear light is flashing on and off on the dash. You have to start in neutral and every now and then, the light in the dash keeps flashing on and off and prevents the car starting. My mechanic hooks up a laptop and resets the error. I brought it to dealership who changed the brake light switch as they believed this was the problem. All was good for a while but has reoccured recently. Any ideas?

Answers

Hi, I had the same problem, the cure is simple. Check your brake light bulbs. Both need to be okay to make circuit when brake is pressed to start engine. My Meriva is a semi auto. Hope this helps - Bri Ward from Lancashire

Vauxhall Meriva 2008

Does it have a spare wheel?

Answers

Under the carpet in the boot - David Neilson from Scotland

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

There is a light that keeps coming on on my dashboard EPS. What does this mean and how do i fix it? (semi automatic)

Answers

It’s all been covered by Watchdog - http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/watchdog/2010/09/vauxhall_meriva.html  Why there hasn’t been a general recall, I’ll never know. My wife is learning to drive and mounted a kerb as she lost control of the car when the steering went heavy and couldn’t negotiate the bend when it suddenly went heavy. Called the dealer and they were vague - called the helpline on the Watchdog link and they offered free half hour diagnostic - Mark Smyth from Gloucestershire

Vauxhall Meriva 2011

Should I have a front headlight on all of the time which is brighter that the half beam lights? I have a light indicator on my dash which is not on the hand book and lights on permenantly?

Answers

Short answer: Yes. Long answer: These are called daytime running lights (DRL for short) They are now required on all new cars (as of Feb 2011). This is a Europe-wide law imposed by the E.U. These lights are usually dimmed when the normal headlights are switched on - Stephen from Wiltshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

I have an ’05 plate Meriva 1.4 petrol that has only done 20,000 which is obviously very low mileage. I have been informed by a local mechanic that the timing chain needs to be replaced which has made me slightly suspicious because the car has done very little miles. I would be grateful for your thoughts on this.

Answers

Well I think he’s pulling your leg. Ask vauxhall as I was told that the timing chain will last for over 100,000 miles until it makes a noise. That’s why I bought one as cam belts last 40,000 miles only and I sell my car when they get to 7-8 years old so I won’t need to have the chain done, ask first - Tony Jones from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2006

Does my car have a cam belt? (1.4 life)

Answers

Hi Elaine. Merivas have a cam chain not cam belt so they don’t snap. I was told by Vauxhall they last over 100,000 miles. Hope this helps - Tony Jones from England

The Meriva has a belt and it needs to be changed at 50,000 miles. I changed mine and it looked like it would last quite a bit longer. There are four parts that need changing. 1 belt two guide rollers and an adjustor roller. I got the complete kit on Ebay for about £60.00. You may like to get the water pump changed at the same time. The whole job should cost about £250 at a Vauxhall dealer or about £180 in a back street where you will probably get a better job if you take a chance. The person who said it has a chain is a joker - David Smith from England

1.4 petrol has a timing chain, 1.6 & 1.8 petrol have timing belts - John Worby from Bedfordshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

I bought my Meriva six weeks ago, the dealer gave me six months warranty. Since the weekend, the engine management light has come on. I took it to the dealer who did a diagnostic and said its the manifold intake pressure sensor that’s the problem. Is this an expensive repair and should it be covered by the dealer’s warranty? (1.7cdti)

Vauxhall Meriva 2007

My partner always drives at the exact limit and has been a driver for over 30 years. We recently received a speeding letter stating that she had driven at 36mph in a 30mph zone which surprised me as she has never ever broke the limit and when we had a Vauxhall Corsa, we had a problem like this only. I had noticed something wrong with the speedo and took it back to the dealers, they told us there had been a fault on the Corsa. Has there been any notice of the speedo doing the same on the Meriva?

Answers

Hi Paul, it may be because of the aspect ratio (height) of the tyres. If this increases, the speed will increase without it registering on the speedo. Worth checking - Pete Corden from Warwickshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

My car illuminates a ’F’ on the dashboard twice when am driving. It fails to engage gear 2 or 3 when am driving up hill, I am so worried about my car and my child. Please advise me on what I should do.

Answers

If your car has an auto box, check your stop lightbulbs. If one or both have blown, the vehicle switches to limp mode [ie: will only select 1st gear]. Replace the bulbs and all will be well! Can someone tell me how to replace the milometer bulb on a 2003 Meriva? Unfortunately you can’t get a workshop manual for this model - Brian Higenbottam from Kent

Hi. My car gave the same problem and although the dealer said it was the computer box, it ended up being a short in the gearbox, which cost 1/4 price of replacing the computer box - Thys Heyns from South Africa

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

How do I change the outside temperature solenoid?

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

I have an intermittent problem, the car starts but then it won’t rev, it just idles. Why? (1.7cdti)

Vauxhall Meriva 2006

When does the cambelt on a Vauxhall Meriva 1.6 petrol car need changing or checking?

Vauxhall Meriva 2007

Our Meriva has done 70,000 km and has a chronic but intermittent power loss at speed. On level ground, it won’t pull in 5th, 4th and on some hills even 3rd. This problem comes and goes but is not related to fuel because we have the same problem on LPG. Lots of sites point to the EGR valve, should it be cleaned/replaced/or blocked off? Many thanks for any ideas!

Answers

It’s the egr valve, quite a common problem with diesel cars these days but they are expensive and a pig to replace as they are under in inlet manifold, expect a bill of around £400 - Steve from Devon

Vauxhall Meriva 2006

I’ve cleaned out the washer pump filter BUT which hose fits on which connection on pump - pump is marked 1 & 2. Can you help? (1.6 Design)

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

I have a 2005 Vauxhall Meriva (diesel). When first starting the car up on a morning, it cuts out and only works if I keep my foot on the accelerator for about 2-3mins. The revs sound uneven and it’s as if it’s lacking power. Also it has started to cut out a couple of times when driving, this is starting to worry me now. Just had a service end of March and test done. Any ideas?

Answers

Hi, mine does exactly the same thing. It’s a common fault in pre-2006 cdti engines (mine’s a ’05 plate). We spent £500 having a few simple things changed (fuel pressure sensor and injectors were the main things) which cleared all the faults on the diagnostic machine so it should run perfect. But it’s not a lot better. It still fails to idle although the noise is slightly better and I would say the amount of time I have to rev it for has been reduced. The mechanic advised me not to rev too hard, just to push lightly on the accelerator and hold it in place at about 1,000-1,200 revs (any less it cuts out) for about 20 secs before driving off otherwise it’ll knacker the engine. Now I just wait till the lights go out, then another 10 seconds and off I go. Unfortunately, we live on a hill and when I get to the junction at the top I just have to pray there’s nothing coming so I can pull straight out. If I stop, it’ll cut out unless I slip it quickly into neutral and keep revving. It’s not ideal I admit, but the car is nice otherwise and I bought it ’sold as seen’ and didn’t realise it had this fault til the next morning. The bloke must have warmed it up good and proper both when we viewed it and when we collected it! And so now I’m not prepared to throw all the money down the drain! After searching on the net, the only people I can find who have fixed it have spent thousands doing it at Vauxhall and have had part by part replaced. It seems to be a combination of things that causes it. So I’ve pretty much decided I’m just going to run it until I can’t bear it any longer and then I’ll part exchange it. On a nice warm day when the engines been warmed up! I would never sell it privately and put someone else through this! But a Vauxhall dealer who can get it fixed in house for free? Well, that’s another story! - Sandra P from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

When unlocking with the key fob, all doors open apart from the driver’s. The car is locked overnight, but in the morning, the car has opened on its own. What could be the problem?

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

How many miles do you have left when the needle hits red?

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

Hi, I have had an oil lamp showing on dashboard so got my oil changed but it’s still on. Any idea why? Thank you.

Answers

It could be the sender unit is faulty - Terry Turner from Wiltshire

You should have the garage check the vehicles oil pressure switch - Robert Dyson from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2003

My car has done 50,000 miles, and oil cap and and inside oil filler tube are covered in white gunge. What causes this and is it serious?

Answers

What colour is the oil in the sump? If it is gungy white, then it looks like the head gasket has blown. If it’s dark then it’s probably just condensation in the cam box mixing with oil. A good long run in your car may possibly clear it. Cheers - Robert Dyson from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

How much fuel is there left in the tank when the needle goes into the red?

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It’s only when the red light flashes that it’s very low and needs fuel - Debi from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

Where is the coolant temperature sensor switch on the head?

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The water temp sensor is on the rhs of engine block near themostat, it’s a pig to get to and replace. I had to remove top plate, where bonnet locks on to, header tank. You can not see it unless you remove stuff. I had to ask at Vauxhall because at the mo you cannot get a workshop manual. I have a 1.7cdti 05 plate with a cold idle problem, the sensor did not cure it, seems to be a common fault. I hope this helps. I have now got my car booked in, think it’s going to be exspensive, but let’s hope not - David Cushion from Norfolk

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

My Vauxhall Meriva has done 60,000 miles and is 5 years old - does it require new timing belt?

Answers

Had my Meriva serviced in December and asked Vauxhall the same question. 8 years or 80,000 miles is the manufacturers guide - Stuart Wright from Lancashire

Vauxhall Meriva 2006

How to you reset the service light on a Vauxhall Meriva?

Answers

This usually works! 1. Press in the trip reset milometer button on the cars dash facia and hold it in, do not release. 2. With your other hand insert the key into the ignition switch and turn it to the power on position, do not fire-up the ignition/engine. 3. Keep the trip reset button depressed whilst the power is on. Dash may countdown from 10 to zero and then reset. Takes about 10-20 seconds total - Reggie Anderson from Cheshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

What is the anti roll bar? I’ve been told that mine has snapped...

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

My side-lights work but not my main lights... any ideas anyone?

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

Where is screen wash bottle on my vehicle?

Answers

As you stand in front of the vehicle it is back left of the engine bay, right next to the bonnet hinge - Andy Bell from Dorset

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

How do you change the oil in the gearbox?

Vauxhall Meriva

What is the normal warm up time and desired running temperature of a Meriva diesel in normal in UK winter conditions?

Answers

I have a 1.9 ctdi - in the cold weather 0 to -3 I can have the engine on for 15 mins and the air is still cold and it mists up very quickly. Not really an answer but I agree to it being very slow - Coral Joel from Essex

Interesting answer, particularly as the Meriva was never made as a 1.9 diesel. Just 1.25 (1.3) & 1.7 - John Worby from Bedfordshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

I currently have a Meriva Life 1.6 8 valve. For 3 months I have been in and out of the garage 6 times; the car gets sluggish when the engine gets hot and when I have to slow down: all control panel lights come on. I start the car up, it starts up and the only way I can keep the engine running is if I keep the revs up to 1.5 or it will stall and all lights will come on. I would be very grateful for any advice you could give - the garage said the coil is the fault and have replaced them twice.

Answers

Hi Paul, just wondering... Do you still have the Meriva cos I bought the same model and having same problem. Did you get this fixed and what was the fault please - Alyson Williams from Vale of Glamorgan

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

How to remove offside headlight? I have removed 2 bolts but it doesn’t seem to want to pull out. I imagined it was only a push fit holding it. Thanks if you can help. (1600)

Answers

Just replaced one, not an easy task. The headlight will not remove, but if you pull off the air intake tube - right behind the headlight assembly, it leaves just enough romm to get your hand in to replace the bulbs. You still need to remove those screws though to give the additional room needed. The air intake tube is a push fit at both ends, but isn’t easy to remove. Easier to put back on though - Neil Attfield from Somerset

Vauxhall Meriva 2010

The car is basically great but the clutch is awful. It’s heavy (20kg pressure at biting point), it’s high, it snatches, even after 900 miles of all road conditions. Hill starts with this clutch and electronic brake combination are always hit and miss. Has anyone else got the same problems? (1.7 CDTi Manual)

Vauxhall Meriva 2007

My battery is getting a bit tired and with the winter coming I will be needing a new one. Will changing the battery effect anything, for example, the radio - or anything else?

Answers

Hi, in answer to your question, the only thing that will be affected by removing your battery will be the loss of the security code in your stereo cd player, so you will need to re-enter the code on reconnection of your new battery - Wayne Ives from Herefordshire

Vauxhall Meriva

Why does my Meriva die out when I take my foot of the accelorator?

Vauxhall Meriva 2003

How many miles will the car travel when the fuel light is flashing?

Answers

Don’t even think about letting your fuel get that low. If you run out of fuel, you will have all sorts of problems when you refill & try to start the engine - John Worby from Bedfordshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

My Meriva is a 1.7 diesel and will not tick over from a cold start but if light acceleration is applied for a short time (30 seconds) then it seems to be OK, until it stands overnight once more. It always starts first time but can anyone help me with this problem?

Answers

Hi Chris, I had the same problem with my 1.8td Rover. Took it to a diesel specalist and it was the cold start setting in the injection pump. He adjusted it and I had no more problems. Total cost was 80 quid all up including VAT. Hope this helps - Rod Mc Clelland from Scotland

Vauxhall Meriva 2003

I bought this car just over a year ago from a car dealers and have had a problem ever since. The car itself drives well and is very comfortable but the engine kept burning oil. As far as I am aware and not knowing that much about cars, a lot of people only get oil put in their car every year when it goes for a service. The engine oil light kept coming on and flashing and black smoke coming out of the back. I had been topping up litres of oil every few week. This was for over 9 months, but there was no oil under my car when I would move it from parking spaces. I took it back to the dealer about 4 times and everytime they said they cannot see a leak and there is nothing wrong with it. In the end they said that the engine is burning oil. They said they’d fixed it, but we’ll find out sooner or later. Has anyone else had this problem?

Answers

I would say your pistons are worn, or the rings, allowing oil flow past and out - John Appleby from Yorkshire

Hi. I’ve got 1.6 life 8v after purchace oil loss, week later same again oil loss, not a drop under the car. Saw a bloke at my local garage who is going to add an oil treatment that helps to soften the valve stem rubbers that he suspects have gone hard allowing oil to seep and burn by the engine. I hope he’s right and this helps you. PS: car burning oil wouldn’t pass emissions test on the MOT - Chris from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

On the odd occasion the EPS light comes on and the power steering fails. If I switch the engine off and then back on again, it is OK? Can anybody please offer me any advise?

Answers

Spooky.... My car has done the same since day one. I figured it was just ’one of those things’ and have put up with it. It seems to do it towards the end of long journeys for me, as though it needs a rest!! I too find switching off the engine can reset it, but it can take up to 10 minutes or so which can be a real pain. The last time was rather scary as it came on as I went round a roundabout. The handbook says you can keep driving, but I feel as though I’m going to do the steering some real harm as I battle with it. Good luck - Amanda Philo from England

See BBC Watchdog on the 30th September! John Recla from England

Yes, watch the Watchdog report. I have a 2006 Meriva. Vauxhall are aware of this problem. If it is the same fault, it is called the torque angle sensor, my car in garage today being repaired and Vauxhall are footing the repair bill! H Kent from England

My car has done the same, the EPS light came on. I was just going onto the A38 in heavy traffic and really had to struggle to steer it! Make sure when you start car that insp (where the miles are shown) has gone off. I think this is part of the problem, restarting it usually rectifies the problem - Ann Wyatt from Staffordshire

Ooh, I had that happen to me with my Vauxhall Meriva when I’d only had it (from used car Bristol St Motors dealers) for a few weeks. Very scary. I’d dropped someone off and was doing a three-point turn when it failed. It was really hard to steer but I forced it home and onto my drive. Having asked my neighbour to take a look, it started 1st time! Very unsettling and although their service department checked it out, of course it hasn’t done this since - Nicola Robinson from England

Eps electronic power steering - Chris H from England

Vauxhall Meriva 2004

Can anyone tell me where the outside temperature sensor is located? I have only had the car a couple of months and the temperature is reading -40 and I need to replace the sensor but can’t find it.

Answers

The sensor is located in the front bumber, just to the left of centre below number plate in the black grill. Hope this helps - David Cushion from Norfolk

Vauxhall Meriva 2006

If the track rod end goes can it cause the power steering to fail?

Answers

Don’t think so. I had one replaced, and there was no prior problem with the power steering. If the track rod end is going, you might feel some sloppiness through the steering column, with maybe a sense of loose vibration over rough ground, and you’d also notice increased wear on the relevant front tyre. If the power steering is faulty, the EPS light might start coming on. If it comes on suddenly and the steering goes heavy, but switching the ignition off then on again seems to cure it, then the potentially alarming news is that the steering column is starting to fail. This happened to me. The worse news is that the replacement column costs £460! Roger from Northamptonshire

Vauxhall Meriva 2005

I love the car but there is one annoying problem. On odd occassions it will turn over but won’t start. No one seems to know what the problem is. It will start if I bump start and run OK for a few weeks but then it happens again. Has anyone else had this problem? (1.4 Life)

Answers

Ask your Vauxhall dealerif it has the oil safety feature fitted. The Zafira, when stood sometimes, will wind and not start due to most of the oil returning to the sump. This is an engine safety measure, i.e. until full oil lubrication top end is acheived, it will not fire up - John Appleby from Yorkshire#

Get the immobiliser sensor checked. I had the same problem luckily I know someone who used to work for Vauxhall and said that this is a common problem. If you want to try it yourself, you need some electrical lubricant (Halfords), remove the instrument cluster and spray. It is quite fiddley - F from Middlesex