What Your VW Dashboard Warning Lights Mean
Dashboard Indicator Lights
Something unusual appear on your dash? The rules for indicator lights are the same for traffic lights: If it's yellow, be cautious and check it out as soon as possible. If it's red, pull off the road safely-then stop the engine and call for assistance.
Below are the possible warning lights you may experience with your Volkswagen and what they mean. **If you have any concerns call our Service Department immediately. And if you are looking for items to accessorize your Volkswagen, like floor mats, mud guards, cargo liners and WeatherTech products, be sure to head to our VW Accessory Shop.
Antilock Braking System (ABS) Malfunction
If there is an ABS malfunction, the ABS warning light comes on in combination with the brake warning light.
Automatic Transmission Malfunction
Have the system checked immediately by a Volkswagen authorized dealer or service facility.
Daytime Running Lights
Daytime running lights on.
Particulate Filter (Diesel Engines)
Filter blocked with soot. See owner's manual.
Low Fuel Level
Please refuel (1x audible warning).
Steering
Stop the vehicle and do not continue to drive (3x audible warning).
- Yellow Solid: Power steering assist reduced
- Yellow Flashing: Malfunction in the electronic steering column lock
- Red Solid: Power steering assist failure
- Red Flashing: Malfunction in the electronic steering column lock - 1x audible warning
AdBlue Level Warning
Refill AdBlue tank or AdBlue system malfunction.
Brake Light Bulb Failure
One or more brake lights burned out.
DSG Transmission Too Hot
Stop! Do not continue driving (allow the transmission to cool with the gear shifter in park position).
Fuel Cap Off Or Missing
Fuel cap off or missing.
Oil Pressure Warning
Stop - no oil pressure, turn engine OFF. See owner's manual (3x audible warning).
Tire Pressure Monitoring
Tire pressure low or system failure (1x audible warning).
AdBlue System Malfunction Warning
AdBlue system malfunction or not filled to standard AdBlue.
Brake Pad Wear Indicators
Check brake pad.
Electric Parking Brake Warning Light
Parking brake error. See owner's manual.
Hood Open
Stop! Engine hood is open or not closed properly.
Oil Level Low
- Check oil level
- Oil sensor - bring in for service as it may be time for an oil change
Washer Fluid Low
Fill with washer fluid (1x audible warning).
AdBlue No Restart Warning
No engine restart possible - not enought AdBlue or AdBlue system malfunction.
Bulb Failure
- Solid: Bulb failure
- Flashing: Headlamp leveling or AFS defective
Engine Malfunction (On-board Diagnostics)
Engine emission malfunction - bring in for service.
Hybrid Drive System Malfunction
- Yellow: Hybrid system malfunction (See service facility)
- Red: Stop the vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible
Parking Brake
- Parking brake is applied
- ABS malfunction (ABS light on, too): See owner's manual
- Low brake fluid: Stop! (1x audible warning)
Airbag
Airbag or belt tensioning system faulty or passenger airbags deactivated.
Coolant Level Low Coolant Temperature Hig
Stop! Check coolant level. See owner's manual (3x audible warning).
Electronic Power Control (Exhaust Gas)
Engine malfunction - bring in for service.
Immobilizer
Incorrect Key. Key not adapted to vehicle.
Rain Sensor Malfunction
Switch the ignition off and on again. If the light stays on, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or service facility.
Alternator Low Voltage Output
Charging system failure.
Diesel Engine Pre-Glow Before Engine Start-Up
- Solid: Diesel engine pre-glow system is switched on
- Flashing: Malfunction in the diesel engine
ESP/ASR
- Solid: ESP/ASR inactive
- Flashing: ESP/ASR event
License Bulb License Plate Bulbe Failure
One or more license plate lights burned out.
Shift Lock
Brake must be applied to shift vehicle into gear.