Volkswagen Dashboard Symbols And Warning Lights Meanings

ABS Light:

Yellow light. It will show up as "ABS" in big letters on your dash, typically on the speedometer side towards the top. This indicates that the vehicle's Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) is malfunctioning. It will flash on in combination with a brake warning light.

AdBlue Light (Part 1):

Yellow light. This warning looks like a water-filled water bottle that is pouring liquid. This light means your vehicle's AdBlue tank needs to be refilled or is malfunctioning.

AdBlue Light (Part 2):

Yellow light. If you see the previous symbol above the words "together with" and a wrench, it means the AdBlue system is malfunctioning. It's also possible that it was not filled with standard AdBlue fluid.

AdBlue Light (Part 3):

Red light. When the same water-bottle-like symbol is red, it means you cannot restart your engine due to AdBlue issues. Possible issues include insufficient AdBlue fluid or a malfunction.

Airbag Problem Light:

Yellow light. This symbol typically pops up on the left side of the speedometer on the dash. It looks like a person is strapped into their seat with a seatbelt, while a big circle hangs in front of their head. This means that the airbag or seatbelt system is faulty or that the airbags are deactivated for passengers.

Automatic Transmission Malfunction Light:

Yellow light. The automatic transmission malfunction light looks like a gear with an exclamation point in the middle. You'll want to have your car's system checked immediately by a Volkswagen service center.

Battery Error Light:

Red light. This warning looks like a rectangular battery with a plus and a minus symbol. It means your battery charging system is failing. It is usually on the top of the RPM side (tachometer).

Brake Light Bulb Failure Light:

Yellow light. If one or more of the brake lights on your vehicle are failing or burnt out, you'll see this indicator, which depicts an upside-down light bulb with parentheses around it.

Brake Pad Wear Light:

Yellow light. A circle with dotted parentheses around it indicates you should check your brake pads for wear and tear.

Bulb Failure Light:

Yellow light. When you see this upside-down light bulb on the dash of your Volkswagen, it means you have a burned-out light somewhere. It may be solid or flashing:

• Solid: When the symbol is solid, it indicates that bulb failure is occurring.
• Flashing: Flashing tells you that the leveling of the headlights or the AFS is defective.

Central Warning Light:

Red light. This symbol looks like a red triangle with an exclamation mark on the dashboard. Volkswagen central warning lights illuminate when there's an urgent message. Read and follow the text in the instrument cluster if you see this light.

Coolant Level Light:

Red light. This sign indicates that your coolant level is low or that your coolant temperature is too high. Stop and check levels immediately.

Diesel Engine Pre-Glow Light:

Yellow light. You'll see this light at the top left of the tachometer of your vehicle's gauge cluster. It looks like a curling line. When solid, it means the pre-glow system is on. If flashing, there is a malfunction in the diesel engine.

DRL Light:

Green light. This message says DRL in big, bold letters. It is simply letting you know your daytime running lights are on. It will typically be on the bottom right of the speedometer.

DSG Light:

Red light. The direct-shift gearbox (DSG) warning depicts a thermometer inside a gear. It means your DSG is too hot. Stay in park, and do not drive until the transmission has cooled.

Engine Malfunction Light:

Yellow light. It depicts a small engine to tell you that you're having powertrain issues and need to bring your car in for service. You'll see it to the left of your tachometer.

EPC Light:

Yellow light. It simply says EPC. It means your electronic power control is malfunctioning and your vehicle requires servicing. It will be on the left side of your tachometer.

ESC/ASR Light:

Yellow light. It depicts a car with squiggly lines behind the wheels and will read "ESC" underneath. It means your electronic stability control or anti-slip regulation system is inactive or malfunctioning. It'll be on the top or middle of your speedometer.

Fuel Cap Light:

Yellow light. It looks like the cap for your gas tank is flying off the car – and, no surprise, that's because it means your cap is gone or off.

Hood Light:

Red light. This symbol looks like a car with the hood open. You guessed it – it means your engine hood is open or that it was closed improperly. Close it before proceeding to drive.

Hybrid Drive Light:

Yellow or red light. This VW warning light shows a car with an exclamation point through it. If this light is yellow, your car may be experiencing a hybrid system malfunction and you should take it to be serviced ASAP. If the same symbol is red, stop the vehicle and seek assistance immediately.

Immobilizer Light:

Yellow light. It looks like a vehicle with a key on the bottom. It means the wrong key has been inserted; therefore, you can't move the car. You'll see this on the top of your tachometer.

License Plate Bulb Light:

Yellow light. This is also known as the B-X32 warning. It looks like a license plate with a "B-X 32" on it and a light above it. It means one or more license plates are burned out, depending on the model. Bring it to your local Volkswagen service center, and they can replace it with a genuine OEM bulb.

Low Fuel Light:

Yellow light. This light is quite common, you've likely spotted it on the dashboard. It means it's time for a fuel refill. Be aware that it's not advised to drive with your tank below 25 available miles.

Oil Pressure Light:

Yellow or red light. There are two versions of this light. The yellow one looks like your speedometer with an exclamation point to the left of it. The red one depicts an oil can with a drop coming out of it. If you see either, but especially the red one, we advise you to turn your engine off and contact your local dealership ASAP.

Oil Level Light:

Yellow light. It looks like an oil can with a zig-zagging line under it. It means you should check your oil level or oil sensor. You can periodically check your oil yourself, but if this light comes on, we recommend bringing it in for service.

Parking Brake Light (Part One):

Red light. It's an exclamation point in a circle with parentheses around the outside. It can mean multiple advisories, including the following:

• The parking brake is activated. You must remove the parking brake to drive.
• If this light comes on at the same time as the ABS signal, your car could be experiencing an ABS malfunction.
• Your car could have low brake fluid. Try undoing the parking brake and see if it goes away. You should hear an audible warning once you stop the car if it's your brake fluid. If the brake fluid is low, top it off right away.

Parking Brake Light (Part Two):

Red light. This symbol shows a P in a circle that is crossed out. It indicates that there is an error with your car's parking brake.

Particulate Filter Light:

Yellow light. This light looks like a rectangle with polka dots in it and a nozzle coming out of the right side. It indicates that it's time to check your car's diesel engine because it could be blocked with soot. It will likely appear on the left side of the tachometer.

Rain Sensor Light:

Yellow light. This light depicts a windshield with a light shining on it. Try turning your vehicle off and back on again. If the warning symbol is still there, see a service center.

Shift Lock Light:

Green light. This light looks like a shoe in a circle. It simply means the brake has to be applied to shift the vehicle into gear. It is usually found on the bottom left of the speedometer.

Steering Light:

Yellow or red light. This light looks like a steering wheel, and it has four potential meanings:

• If the symbol is solid yellow, it means your power steering is reduced.
• If the wheel is yellow and flashing, the electronic steering column is malfunctioning.
• If the symbol is solid red, your power steering assist is failing.
• If the wheel symbol is red and flashing, there is a major issue with the steering column lock.

VW Steering Wheel Light with Exclamation Mark:

Red light. If the VW steering wheel light exclamation mark is lit in red, it indicates a steering system malfunction. If it flashes red with an exclamation mark, there is a malfunction in your car's electronic steering column lock.

Tire Pressure Light:

Yellow light. This light is common, so don't worry if it pops up. It simply means the tire pressure is low in one or more tires. Pull over to check your tires for holes or punctures to avoid a flat. You can manually add air to the affected tire(s), but if the light persists, it's best to swap them for new ones.

Washer Fluid Light:

Yellow light. The symbol looks like a windshield wiper with some fluid in it. All this means is you need more washer fluid for your windshield wipers.