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 LightThis 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, it means 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 BulbThis 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 |
 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 LightIf 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 assists the driver in having 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. |
 Airbag
If 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) |
 Keyless Access System |
 Electronic Stabilization Control ESC ESC’s main purpose is to prevent your Audi slip. If the light is flashing while driving, the system tries to prevent the wheel from slipping. 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 |
 Fuel Vehicle ASAPThis light means that you are low on fuel. |
 Parking Brake or Brake System FailureThis 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 up 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 |
 Windshield Defrost This light means air will blow on the windshield to defrost the fog or frost. |
 Low Tire Pressure Check Tires |
 Fog LightsThis light means the fog lights are on. |
 High BeamThis light means the high beams are turned on. |
 Side Assist/ Blind Spot Monitor
The side assist helps you monitor the blind spots. It warns you if there are vehicles that are getting closer or are in your blind spots. If the light always stays on, there is a problem with the side assist. |
If we missed an Audi warning light, please leave a comment.
To diagnose any Audi warning light, you can use an Audi VW All System Scanner to retrieve the fault code via the diagnostic port under the dashboard. For more help, follow this guide on How to read Audi fault codes.
We hope you find this guide, “Audi Dashboard Warning Lights,” 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.