 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, the onboard diagnostic system detects a problem with the engine, the EVAP system, or, in some cases, the transmission. If the check engine light is flashing, it 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 must 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. This means that 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, which is 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 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 VWs 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, the vehicle may no longer start. |
AdBlue No Restart Warning The read AdBlue symbol means 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 is 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 on the dashboard should show which light has burned out. You can also turn on the light and inspect 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. It does not tell you if the rear or front brakes need to be replaced. An inspection is necessary to determine which brakes need to be replaced. |
Bulb Failure If this light stays on all the time, it indicates a burned light bulb. If the blown bulb light flashes, it could indicate 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 means 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 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 the 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 the traction 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 If you add fuel and forget to install the gas cap or tighten it, this light comes on 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, a large EVAP leak may be 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 remember 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 running low… |
