Volkswagen Dashboard Warning Lights

Antilock Braking System ABS Malfunction

This light means there is a problem with the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS). The light may show up as yellow or red. In most cases, this light is triggered due to a faulty ABS wheel speed sensor. In addition to the ABS light, you may also get traction control and stability control lights to come on because those systems depend on ABS to work properly.

Get an ABS Scanner and follow this guide to find out how to troubleshoot VW ABS light.

Engine Malfunction (On-Board Diagnostics)

If the check engine light stays on constantly, it means the onboard diagnostic system has detected a problem with the engine, EVAP system, or in some cases, the transmission.

If the check engine light is flashing, it means the is an engine misfire. Engine misfires are often caused due to worn spark plugs or ignition coils.

To find out why your VW check engine light stays on, you will need to use an OBD-II scanner to read the Engine Control Unit’s codes. 

Airbag Problem

The airbag light may show up as read in most cases or as SRS. It means the airbags have been disabled due to a problem with the airbag system. The problem could be low system voltage, a damaged crash sensor, a faulty clock spring, or a faulty passenger seat sensor, a widespread issue.

To troubleshoot the airbag light on a VW, use an OBD-II that can read Airbag Codes.

Coolant Level Low / Coolant Temperature High

If the temperature light stays on or flashes, you must immediately pull over and shut off the engine. Wait until the engine cools down completely, then check the engine coolant level.

Add coolant if the level is low. Do not continue to drive if the engine keeps overheating, or you will ruin your engine. Call a mechanic or VW dealer for advice. The vehicle may need to be towed.

TPMS – Tire Pressure Low

This light means tire pressure is low for one or more tires. Check the tire pressure and add air if needed. Your Volkswagen’s recommended tire pressure is printed on a sticker that you can see when you open the driver’s door. Typically the recommended tire pressure for most VW is 35 PSI.

If the TPMS light comes on with an exclamation mark in the center, the TPMS system has a problem. One of the TPMS sensors may be bad, or the TPMS system itself may be bad.

AdBlue Level Warning

Add AdBlue fluid as soon as possible. If you keep driving with no AdBlue fluid vehicle may no longer start.

AdBlue No Restart Warning

The read AdBlue symbol means that the vehicle may not start due to a low AdBlue fluid level or a system problem.

AdBlue System Malfunction Warning

This light means there is a problem with AdBlue. It may also come on if you don’t use the recommended AdBlue.

Automatic Transmission Malfunction

The gear symbol with an exclamation mark indicates a problem with the automatic transmission. A Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) that provides more information on this problem gets stored in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU). Transmission may get stuck in gear, limp mode, or refuse to go in gear.

You will need an OBD-II scanner that can read transmission codes to troubleshoot this problem. Follow this guide to troubleshoot VW transmission problems.

Battery Error: Alternator Low Voltage Output

The battery light means that there is a problem with the charging system. You may have a bad battery, worn alternator, or defective voltage regulator. Sometimes, this light may come on because the serpentine belt breaks.

Do not drive with the battery light on because the vehicle may shut off while driving, leading to an accident. Call an auto mechanic to get help with this problem.

Brake Light Bulb Failure

This light means that you have a burned light bulb. An error message should display on the dashboard telling you which light has burned out. You can also turn on the light and inspect all the vehicle’s exterior, including license plate lights.

Brake Pad Wear

This light means the brake pads are worn out and must be replaced immediately. This light does not tell you if the rear or front brakes need to be replaced. An inspection is necessary to find out which brakes need to be replaced.

Bulb Failure

If this light stays on all the time, it means there is a burned light bulb. If the blown bulb light flashes, there could be a problem with headlight leveling or defective AFS.

B-X 32 License Plate Bulb Failure

The yellow light that shows B-X 32 means the license plate light bulbs are burned out. Replace the license plate light bulbs.

Daytime Running Lights (DRL)

DRL light on mean that your daytime running lights are on.

Diesel Engine  Glow Light

This light comes on when you turn on the ignition. It stays on for about five seconds to warm up the cylinders, then turns off. It would be best to wait for the glow plug light to turn off before starting the engine. This is a normal operation for a diesel engine.

If the glowing light stays on all the time or flashes, there is a problem with the glow plug. Typically one of the glow plugs goes bad and needs to be replaced.

Transmission Too Hot

If this light comes on, it means the automatic transmission has overheated—a common problem with Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG)  transmission when driven aggressively or when you are towing.  Pullover immediately places the shifter in Park, allowing the transmission to cool down.

Electronic Power Control (EPC)- Exhaust Gas

The EPC warning light stands for Electronic Power Control. If the EPC light stays on or flashes, there is a problem with either the throttle pedal, throttle body, traction control, or cruise control.

ESP / ASR (Electronic Stabilization Program / Anti-Slip Regulation)

This light means that the traction control and stability control systems are disabled due to problems. Besides, the ABS light may also come on. In most cases, the problem is a faulty ABS wheel speed sensor.

To find out why the ESP/ASR light stays on, you can use an OBD-II ABS scanner to read the ABS and ESP control modules’ codes. 

Fuel Cap Off Or Missing

This light comes on if you add fuel and forget to install the gas cap or tighten it properly. Pull over and make sure that the gas cap is on and tight.

If the gas cap is left off for a long time, it will trigger the check engine light.

If the gas cap is on, but this light comes on, there may be a large EVAP leak present.

Hood Open

This light means the hood is open. Pull over, and try to close the hood. Sometimes, this light may come on because the switch that detects if the hood is closed or open is damaged or disconnected.

Hybrid Drive System Malfunction

This light means there is a problem with the hybrid system. If the light is red, pull over in a safe location and turn off the vehicle. It is important to keep in mind that the vehicle may not restart.

Call an auto mechanic to get help with this problem. The vehicle may need to be towed.

Immobilizer

This light means the vehicle is not detecting the key. You may be using the wrong key; the key is defective, or most likely, the batteries in the key fob are weak and need to be replaced.

Low Fuel Level

This light means that the vehicle is getting low on fuel. Please fuel the vehicle at the next gas station stop.

Oil Level Low

This light means that the oil level is too low. Pull over as soon as possible, turn off the engine, wait 5 minutes, and then check the engine oil level. Add engine oil if the level is low.

If the oil level is correct, but the oil level light stays on, you may have a faulty oil level sensor or low oil pressure. Do not drive with this light on.

Oil Pressure

If you see the red oil light come on and stay on, you should pull over immediately and turn off the engine. There is no oil in the engine, or the oil pressure is too low. Wait a few minutes, then check the oil level.

If the oil light stays on, do not drive or keep the engine running. Call a mechanic to get help with this problem. The vehicle will likely have to be towed to the nearest auto repair shop.

Parking Brake

This light means there is a problem with the electronic parking brake. For example, the electric motor for the parking brake may have failed.

Parking brake

This light means that there is a problem with the brake system. Check the brake fluid level first. If the ABS light comes on too, the ABS may be a problem. 

Do not drive with this light on. 

Diesel Particulate Filter (Diesel Engines)

This light means that the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) needs to be cleaned or replaced due to high soot content.

Rain Sensor Malfunction

This light means there is a problem with the rain sensor. Pull over and clean the area at the top of the windshield. Restart the engine and check if the light turns off.

If the light remains on, you will need to troubleshoot the problem by reading faulty codes with a VW All System Scanner.

Shift Lock

This light reminds you to press the brake pedal to shift the shifter to Drive.

Steering

If the yellow steering wheel light stays on, there is a reduced steering assist. If the yellow steering flashes, there is a problem with the electronic steering assist. If the steering light is red or flashing, the power steering has failed.

Washer Fluid Low

This light means that you need to add windshield washer fluid. Follow this guide on how to add windshield washer fluid on a Volkswagen.