Audi Dashboard Warning Lights Meaning
Have trouble with the warning lights and different symbols on your dashboard? Take a look at this guide and learn the meaning of the warning light and the cause of why it is on.
 Check Engine Light
This light means there is a problem with the engine. Read the codes with an OBD-II scanner as soon as possible. The fuel economy may decrease. |
 Engine OverheatingIf the red temperature light turns on or flashes while driving or stays on at startup, the engine cooling level is low or overheating. Below the thermometer symbol, you will see the words coolant.
Do not continue to drive your Audi if the engine is overheating. |
 Oil Level Sensor
This symbol is related to the engine oil level. If the light stays on when the engine is running, the oil level is low or has low oil pressure. Turn the vehicle OFF, and do not drive if this light remains on. If you let your engine run with the oil light on, it may cause severe engine damage.
If the symbol shows MIN, the engine oil level is low. Add engine oil to bring the level to the recommended level. If the symbol shows SENSOR, it means there is a malfunction with the oil level sensor. |
 Defective Light Bulb
This symbol indicates that at least one light bulb is burned out or an incorrect bulb type has been installed. For example, you install an LED lamp where a halogen bulb is required. |
 Worn Brake Pads
The yellow circle with two dashed lines indicates that your Audi brake pads are worn. BRAKE light may also turn on at the same time. |
 BrakeIf the indicator light illuminates, it means either your brake fluid is low or there is a malfunction in the brake system. The light also appears when the parking brake is applied.
Be sure to release the parking brake before driving. If the light appears while driving, press the brake pedal lightly to check the pressure and verify the brakes are operational. If normal, pull over and check the brake fluid level. |
 Oil Warning LightIf this light comes on and is red, there is low oil pressure or little oil in the engine. Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and check the oil level.
Add oil if the level is too low. If the oil warning light doesn’t turn off, do not continue driving the vehicle. Call a mechanic and get your Audi diagnosed. |
 Battery Warning Light
If the battery symbol appears on the dashboard, there is a problem with the charging system. The battery is not getting charged, or the alternator is not generating enough power. If you continue to drive with the light on, the car may eventually die, and you won’t restart the vehicle. |
 ABS (Anti-lock braking system)An anti-lock braking system gives the driver control when driving on slippery roads. If the ABS indicator light comes On, there is a problem with your braking system.
Your braking capability may or may not operate normally, but ABS will definitively be disabled. |
 AirbagIf the airbag indicator light comes on, it indicates that the Airbag system and the seat belt tensioner are malfunctioning. Airbags may not deploy in case of an accident. |
 Electronic Power Steering (EPC)If the indicator light illuminates your electric power steering while driving, there is a problem. Check power steering fluid if your Audi has hydraulic power steering. Fully electronic power steering (EPC) vehicles do not have power steering fluid.
If this light remains on, the steering wheel may be heavier and more difficult to turn. |
 Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
If the light comes On blinking or stays On, it indicates that one of the tires has a low pressure. This light may also stay on if there is a problem with either your TPMS or your spare tire is not installed. Have your tires inflated according to the vehicle’s specifications and reset the TPMS. |
 Keyless Access System
When the key light illuminates, the keyless access system is not functioning properly, or the key is not recognized. Try locking and unlocking the car again, then try to start it. |
 Electronic Stabilization Control ESC
ESC’s main purpose is to prevent your Audi slip. The system tries to prevent the wheel from slipping if the light flashes while driving. During cornering, the ESC system stabilizes the car if the vehicle slips than desired.
When driving on loose or slippery roads, the ESC system assists the driver in maintaining road traction. If the indicator light illuminates, it indicates a problem with the ESC system.
If both the ESC and ABS lights stay on, there is a malfunction with the ABS. Brakes may work properly but without ABS. |
 Fasten the Seat Belt
This is a reminder to fasten the seat belt. |
 Fuel Vehicle ASAP
This light means that you are low on fuel. |
 Parking Brake or Brake System Failure
This light means that there is a problem with the brake system. Pull over immediately and check the brake fluid level. Do not drive with this light on without consulting a mechanic. |
 Glow Plug Indicator (Diesel)
Wait for It to Turn Off, then Start
This light means the glow plugs are warming when you first turn on the ignition. If this light stays on all the time, there is a problem with one of the glow plugs. |
 Hazard Lights
This light means that all turn signals are flashing, indicating an emergency. |
 Windshield Defrost
This light means air will blow on the windshield to defrost the fog or frost. |
 Low Tire Pressure Check Tires
This light means one or more tires have low tire pressure. Inflate tires to the recommended pressure. Typically 35-40 PSI. |
 Fog Lights
This light means the fog lights are on. |
 High Beam
This light means the high beams are turned on. |
 Side Assist/ Blind Spot MonitorThe side assist helps you monitor the blind spots. It warns you if vehicles are getting closer or are in your blind spots.
If the light always stays on, there is a problem with the side assist. |
To diagnose any Audi warning light, you can use a YOUCANIC Full System Scanner to retrieve the fault code via the diagnostic/scanner port under the dashboard. For more help, follow this guide on How to read Audi fault codes.
We hope you find this “Audi Dashboard Warning Lights” guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Audi vehicle.
One of the trickiest lights is the ‘Check Engine Light’
The fix is not always easy. If you check with a Scanner things might get even more complicated. For Audi Sedans such as A4, the general rule is try and not drive the car if the Check Engine light appears.. as many deem it to be dangerous.
Some people go as far as saying that it is better to get the car towed to a dealership than to drive it. I won’t go as far as that, but is always a cause of concern.
The most common issue can be an Engine misfire, which can be bad for the engine if not fixed quickly.