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Autopapyrus · Opel Vectra B
https://autopapyrus.com/guides/opel/vectra/checking-the-lighting-and-signaling-devices/
Compiled automatically from service literature and owner experience. Specs are for the typical configuration — check them against your exact car before you start.

Opel Vectra B: Checking the Lighting and Signaling Devices

The inspection covers low beams and high beams, parking lights, turn signals, hazard lights, brake lights, reverse lights, fog lights and the license plate light. Most faults come down to a burned-out bulb, an oxidized contact, a weak ground or a blown fuse. Bulb types in the headlights and taillights vary by trim level, so match them against the bulb you remove.

Difficulty: Easy Time: 30-40 minutes Steps: 12

Parts

6
№PartAlternatives
01 H4 halogen bulbsfor H4 headlights Osram, Philips, Bosch
02 H7 halogen bulbsfor H7 headlights Osram, Philips, Bosch
03 PY21W turn signal bulbs Osram, Philips, Bosch
04 P21/5W brake light and parking light bulbs Osram, Philips, Bosch
05 W5W parking light bulbs Osram, Philips, Bosch
06 Flat-type fuses Osram, Philips, Bosch

Tools

5
  • Helper or a reflective wall/garage
  • Torx and Phillips screwdrivers
  • set of spare bulbs and fuses
  • multimeter
  • tweezers or clean gloves for halogen bulbs
There's a full repair manual for this car Every system, wiring diagrams and torque specs — not just this job. Haynes and 10 more. See manuals →

Step by step

12 steps
  1. Park the car on level ground facing a wall at a distance of 5-10 m. Start the engine so the electrical system voltage is about 13.5-14.5 V. This will also show the condition of the charging system. With a weak battery, the lights dim and the readings are unreliable.
  2. Turn the ignition on, then switch on the parking lights. Walk around the car and check the front and rear parking lights, the license plate light and the instrument panel backlight. The light indicator on the instrument panel should work.
  3. Switch on the low beams, then the high beams. Check both headlights. Both spots of light on the wall should have the same brightness and shape, with no yellow or dim tint. The high beam indicator on the instrument panel should come on together with the high beams.
  4. Check the headlight flash function (pull the stalk toward you). If the high beam fails to work in only one of the modes, check the stalk switch and the relay.
  5. Switch on the left turn signal, then the right, then the hazard lights. Check the front, rear and side lamps on each side. The flashing rate should be even. If the flashing is faster on one side, a bulb on that side has burned out. If the signal does not flash at all, check the turn signal fuse and relay.
  6. Check the brake lights. Have a helper press the brake pedal while you look at both lights and the high-mounted third brake light, if fitted. The brake lights should come on with a small amount of pedal travel. If they do not light at all, check the brake light switch on the pedal assembly.
  7. Turn the ignition on, press the clutch pedal (if necessary) and shift into reverse with the engine off. Check both reverse lights. If they do not light, check the switch on the transmission and the fuse.
  8. Check the front and rear fog lights (if installed). They should turn on only when the parking lights or low beams are on. The rear fog light should not come on together with the front ones if your trim level's wiring diagram provides for them to be switched separately.
  9. If a bulb does not light, turn off the lights and unplug the connector from the bulb. Inspect the contacts for oxidation and melting. Replace the bulb with a new one. Handle a halogen bulb only by its base, without touching the glass.
  10. If the bulbs are good, check the fuses in the box under the dash or in the engine compartment. Then check for voltage at the connector with a multimeter and check the quality of the ground (the resistance between the connector's negative terminal and the body should be close to zero). Clean oxidized contacts and apply conductive grease.
  11. Check the headlight aim. Compare the cutoff line on the wall with the position specified by the manufacturer. Adjustment is made with the adjusting screws on the headlight. If necessary, leave this adjustment to a repair shop with an optical beam setter. On cars with a headlight leveling system, check the adjustment knob: the beam should move up and down.
  12. Inspect the headlight and taillight lenses for cracks, fogging and yellowing. A leaking lamp with moisture inside will lead to corrosion of the contacts and burned-out bulbs.

Common mistakes and warnings

  • Halogen bulbs are hot after use, so let them cool before replacing them
  • Do not touch the glass of the bulb with your fingers: skin oils shorten its life
  • Replace bulbs only with a bulb of the same type and wattage, otherwise the connector may overheat and the wiring may melt
  • If a fuse blows again, look for a short circuit instead of installing a fuse with a higher rating
  • If you lack experience, it is better to take the car to a repair shop for headlight adjustment and complex electrical diagnostics