Volkswagen of Ann Arbor
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Volkswagen Dashboard Warning Lights Chart

Volkswagen Dashboard Warning Lights

Has an unfamiliar icon appeared on the dashboard of your Volkswagen? A great rule of thumb for dashboard warning lights is to treat them like the colors of a stoplight. If a yellow icon appears, drive with caution and have it checked out as soon as possible. A red icon indicates a more serious problem, which means you should pull safely off of the road, stop the engine, and call for assistance. Volkswagen of Ann Arbor has assembled this helpful guide to help you understand what each dashboard indicator/warning light means.

 

VW Dashboard Warning Light Guide

Anti Lock Braking System (ABS) Malfunction
Anti Lock Braking System (ABS) Malfunction

If there is an ABS malfunction, the ABS warning light comes on in combination with the brake warning light.
Airbag
Airbag

Airbag or belt tensioning system faulty or passenger airbags deactivated.
Alternator Low Voltage Output
Alternator Low Voltage Output

Charging system failure.
Automatic Transmission Malfunction
Automatic Transmission Malfunction

Have the system checked immediately by a Volkswagen authorized dealer or service facility.
Brake Light Bulb Failure
Brake Light Bulb Failure

One or more brake lights burned out.
Brake Pad Wear Indicators
Brake Pad Wear Indicators

Check brake pad.
Bulb Failure
Bulb Failure

Solid: Bulb failure. Flashing: Headlamp leveling or AFS defective.
Coolant Level Low / Coolant Temperature High
Coolant Level Low / Coolant Temperature High

Stop! Check coolant level. See owner's manual.
DSG® Transmission Too Hot
DSG® Transmission Too Hot

Stop! Do not continue driving (allow the transmission to cool with the gear shifter in park position).
Electric Parking Brake Warning Light
Electric Parking Brake Warning Light

Parking brake error. See owner's manual.
Engine Malfunction (On-board Diagnostics)
Engine Malfunction (On-board Diagnostics)

Engine emission malfunction—bring in for service.
Electronic Power Control (Exhaust Gas)
Electronic Power Control (Exhaust Gas)

Engine malfunction—bring in for service.
ESP/ASR
ESP/ASR

Solid: ESP/ASR inactive. Flashing: ESP/ASR event.
Fuel Cap
Fuel Cap

Fuel cap off or missing.
Hood Open
Hood Open

Stop! Engine hood is open or not closed properly.
Immobilizer
Immobilizer

Incorrect Key. Key not adapted to vehicle.
License Bulb License Plate Bulb Failure
License Plate Bulb Failure

One or more license plate lights burned out.
Low Fuel Level
Low Fuel Level

Please refuel (1x audible warning).
Oil Pressure Warning
Oil Pressure Warning

Stop! No oil pressure, turn engine OFF. See owner's manual (3x audible warning).
Oil Level Low
Oil Level Low

Check oil level. Oil sensor—bring in for service.
Parking Brake
Parking Brake

Parking brake is applied. ABS malfunction (ABS light on, too). Low brake fluid. If ABS malfunction, see owners manual. If low brake fluid, stop!
Rain Sensor Malfunction
Rain Sensor Malfunction

Switch the ignition off and on again, if the light stays on, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or service facility.
Washer Fluid Low
Washer Fluid Low

Fill with washer fluid (1x audible warning).
Tire Pressure Monitoring
Tire Pressure Monitoring

Tire pressure low or system failure (1x audible warning).
Steering
Steering

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.
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