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 at 518-864-3610. 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.
Common Red Warning Lights - Common Yellow Warning Lights - Common Green Warning Lights
Car Door Open/Ajar
This light comes on when a door is open or not closed properly.
Engine Hood Open
Stop! Make sure that your hood is closed properly.
Trunk Open
Stop! Trunk lid is open or not closed properly.
Ignition Malfunction Light
Ignition with malfunction or immobilizer activated.
Steering System Malfunction Light
Lights up: Steering system malfunction. Flashes: Electronic steering column lock malfunction.
Steering System Malfunction Light
Stop! Lights up: Steering system malfunction. Flashes: Electronic steering column lock malfunction.
Seat Belt Light
Driver and/or passenger safety belts not buckled.
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
Stop! Electronic parking brake engaged.
Brake System Warning Light
Stop! Brake system malfunction or fluid level too low. OR: Together with the ABS Indicator light ABS failure.
Brake Pad Warning Light
Brake pads worn. Have the brake pads checked and, if necessary, replaced.
Coolant Level Low Coolant Temperature High
Stop! Engine coolant level too low, engine coolant temperature too high, or engine coolant system malfunction.
Oil Pressure Warning
Stop! Engine oil pressure too low.
Alternator Malfunction
Alternator malfunction. OR: Deactivation of electrical consumers.
Cruise Control Warning
Cruise control malfunctioning.
Depressed Brake Pedal Warning
Brake! Depress brake pedal. ACC driver intervention warning.
Front Assist Forward Collision Warning
Brake or take action to avoid the vehicle ahead.
Differential Lock Malfunction Warning
Differential lock malfunction.
AdBlue No Restart Warning
No engine restart possible. Not enough AdBlue. OR: AdBlue system malfunction.
Hybrid Drive System Malfunction
Error in the hybrid system: stop vehicle at a safe location.
Central Warning Light
Central warning light: Read and follow the text messaged in the instrument cluster display.
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.
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.
Fuel Cap Off Or Missing
Fuel cap off or missing.
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.
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).
Bulb Failure
- Solid: Bulb failure
- Flashing: Headlamp leveling or AFS defective
Engine Malfunction (On-board Diagnostics)
Engine emission malfunction - bring in for service.
Airbag
Airbag or belt tensioning system faulty or passenger airbags deactivated.
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.
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.
Daytime Running Lights
Daytime running lights on.
Still unsure what your dashboard light means? We can help. Give our Service Department a call at 518-864-3610 and we'll quickly let you know what your car may be telling you.