AT THE TOUCH OF A BUTTON, CHOOSE YOUR JARDINE SELECT VEHICLE

BUY ONLINE. CLICK & COLLECT. NATIONWIDE HOME DELIVERY.

Find Out More

Volkswagen Warning Lights | Your Complete Guide

Volkswagen are at the forefront of vehicle safety system and your new or used Volkswagen's dashboard has many symbols that show you exactly how your car is doing. If the lights are:

RED, then be sure to pull over as soon as it is safe and call for roadside assistance, as you may have a serious problem with your car.

YELLOW, then this means that an action is required, and it is recommended that you book a service with an authorised repairer at one of our Volkswagen dealerships.

GREEN, then this is simply information and does not require immediate action, although you should keep an eye on them.


Worried about your Audi? Checkout our complete guide to Audi Warning Lights.

Worried about your Mercedes-Benz? Checkout our complete guide to Mercedes Warning Lights.




Volkswagen Brake System Warning

Brake System

If this light is illuminated , check the handbrake is not applied. If it is applied, take it off and continue driving.

If it is not applied or the light remains illuminated then check the brake fluid level. If it is at an incorrect level, top it up to the correct level. If you require help to do this, call roadside assistance.

If the light remains illuminated, contact roadside assistance.


Volkswagen Engine Cooling System Warning

Engine Cooling System

If this light illuminates, immediately pull over as soon as is safe, stop the engine and do not drive any further.

Check if the engine coolant level is OK. If it is, then there is likely a wider problem with the cooling system, so contact roadside assistance.

If the coolant level is not OK, add more coolant. For assistance with this, consult the user manual or contact roadside assistance. If the warning light remains illuminated even after this, contact roadside assistance.

Volkswagen Engine Oil Pressure Warning

Engine Oil Pressure

If this light illuminates, pull over as soon as is safe and immediately switch off the engine and do not restart. Check the oil level.

If the oil level is OK, contact roadside assistance as there may be further issues with the pressure system. If the oil level is not OK, top up oil until it is OK. Consult the user’s manual for instruction or seek roadside assistance. Start the engine again for five seconds and if the lamp goes out within that time, you may continue driving. If it does not, seek roadside assistance.

Volkswagen Power Steering System Warning

Power Steering System

If this light illuminates, pull over as soon as is safe and stop the engine. Remove the ignition key. Wait 30 seconds and restart the engine. If the light remains illuminated, test the steering and see if you can safely drive. If so, drive directly to an authorised repairer. If not, contact roadside assistance.

Volkswagen Airbag and Seat Belt System ​ Warning

Airbag and Seat Belt System ​

If this light illuminates, drive

carefully to an authorised repairer and have the fault diagnosed and resolved.

Issues with these systems may not affect the function of the car, but are very

important to your safety.

Volkswagen Vehicle Charging System  Warning

Vehicle Charging System

If you can start the engine when this light is illuminated, drive directly to an authorised repairer as there is a problem with the electrical components of the car. Avoid using any excess electrical equipment to not drain the battery. If you can not start the engine, contact roadside assistance.

Volkswagen ​Steering Lock ​Warning

​Steering Lock ​

If this light illuminates red, contact an authorised repairer.

If it illuminates yellow then the malfunction is less serious and you may drive yourself to an authorised repairer to have the system examined, although do drive carefully on your way there. 


Volkswagen Ignition Switch Warning

Ignition Switch

If this light illuminates red, then do not switch the engine off as it may not turn on again. If the light is illuminated red or yellow, drive to an authorised repairer to have the issue diagnosed and resolved.

Volkswagen Seat Belt Buckles Warning

Seat Belt Buckles

If this light illuminates, check if yourself and all passengers have their seatbelts fastened properly. If they are not, ensure they are fastened properly.

If the light has still not gone out, contact an authorised repairer.



Volkswagen Doors Warning

Doors

Ensure all doors are closed properly. If the light remains illuminated, contact an authorised repairer.

Volkswagen ​Bonnet​ Warning

​Bonnet​

Ensure the bonnet is closed properly. If the light remains illuminated, contact an authorised repairer. 

Volkswagen Boot Lid Warning

Boot Lid

Ensure the boot lid is closed properly. If the light remains illuminated, contact an authorised repairer.

Vlkswagen Recharge AdBlue​ Warning

Recharge AdBlue​

This light indicates there is no AdBlue range left. If the car is turned off with this light illuminated, it will not turn back on. This is the standard operation of the system and the car requires a full AdBlue top up is required for the car to restart. More information is available in the user’s manual. 
Volkswagen Front Assist Warning

Front Assist

This light indicates an accident is imminent. Apply the

brakes or steer the car to avoid a collision. If the light illuminates when

there is no risk of an incident, contact an authorised repairer.

Volkswagen Electronic Parking Brake

Electronic Parking Brake

If this light is illuminated, the electronic parking brake

is engaged while driving. Pull over as soon as is safe, disengage the brake and

continue. If the light remains illuminated, contact an authorised repairer.

Volkswagen Emissions Control Lamp​

Emissions Control Lamp​

If this light illuminates solidly, turn off the engine and remove the key. Wait 30 seconds and restart the engine.

If the light remains illuminated or is flashing, drive to an authorised repairer or, if the vehicle if vibrating or sluggish, contact roadside assistance. 

Volkswagen ​​​Diesel Particulate Filter​

​​​Diesel Particulate Filter​

Ensure the car has fuel and that there are no other warning lights on. If there are multiple warning lights on, contact roadside assistance.

If the car is fuelled and the light remains illuminated, drive above 60km/h and between 1800-2500rpm until the light goes out. If the light does not go out within 15 minutes, drive to an authorised repairer if safely possible or contact roadside assistance. 

Volkswagen Engine Management Lamp​

Engine Management Lamp​

Drive carefully to an authorised repair for this issue to be

resolved.


Volkswagen Engine Management Lamp​

Engine Management Lamp​

This lamp normally appears for a few seconds when the

ignition is on, but if the lamp appears while the engine is running then drive

safely to an authorised repairer for the engine to be investigated and the

issue resolved

Volkswagen Engine Oil Level​

Engine Oil Level​

If this light illuminated solidly, top up the engine oil. The user’s manual contains further information on how to do this.

If this light is flashing then the sensor may be faulty. Drive to an authorised repairer.

Volkswagen Anti-Lock Brake System​

Anti-Lock Brake System​

A fault with the anti-lock brake system has occurred. The

car will still brake normally but ABS and ESP may not engage when needed. Drive

safely to an authorised repairer to have the issue diagnosed and resolved.

Volkswagen Electronic Stabilisation Programme ​

Electronic Stabilisation Programme ​

If this light is flashing while you are driving, this is normal functionality. The light lets you know that traction control or ESP is intervening.

If it is constantly illuminated, you may have pressed the ‘ESP off’ button. This can be reactivated by turning the car on and off again.

If the light remains illuminated, contact an authorised repairer for the issue to be diagnosed and resolved.

Volkswagen Tyre Pressure Monitoring

Tyre Pressure Monitoring

Check the tyre pressure and adjust if necessary. If the light remains illuminated, check all tyre pressures again. If they are OK, store them using the menu display and if the light remains on drive safely to an authorised repairer to have the system examined. If the tyre pressures have changed again, have the offending tyre repaired or replaced.


In need of replacement tyres? Our Jardine tyre experts are here to help and can provide information about the durability and performance of different tyres.

ENQUIRE NOW

Volkswagen Front Assist System​

Front Assist System​

The Front Assist is deactivated and will not alert you of potential collision risks. If you are unable to reactivate it, contact your nearest authorised repairer. 

Volkswagen ​Adaptive Cruise Control​

​Adaptive Cruise Control​

The Adaptive Cruise Control is NOT currently active. Pull over when it is safe to do so and turn off the engine. Restart the car and check for any thing obstructing the radar such as dirt or ice. If the light remains illuminated and visit your nearest authorised repairer. 
Volkswagen Electronic Stabilisation Programme

Electronic Stabilisation Programme

The Electronic Stabilisation Programme is disabled. If you turn it back on and the light remains illuminated, then call an authorised repairer.

Volkswagen Blind Spot Monitor​

Blind Spot Monitor​

If this is activated briefly, it is activated. If it remains illuminated an object has been detected in your blind spot, be extra careful when performing manoeuvres such as lane changes or parking. If it remains on constantly, go to an authorised repairer. 
Volkswagen Electronic Parking Brake

Electronic Parking Brake

There is a fault with the electronic parking brake. Pull over once it becomes safe to do so and contact an authorised repairer for further instructions.

Volkswagen ​Tyre Pressure Monitoring​

Tyre Pressure Monitoring

Check the tyre pressure and adjust if necessary. If the

light remains illuminated, check all tyre pressures again. If they are OK, store them using the menu display and if the light remains on drive safely to an authorised repairer to have the system examined. If the tyre pressures have changed again, have the offending tyre repaired or replaced.


In need of replacement tyres ? Our Jardine tyre experts are here to help and can provide information about the durability and performance of different tyres.

ENQUIRE NOW

Volkswagen Power Steering System​

Power Steering System​

If the vehicle has recently been jump started or the battery

has been disconnected or discharged, turn the steering fully right, then fully

left and drive briefly between 15-20 km/h. If the light does not go out, drive

safely to an authorised repairer.


Volkswagen Brake Pad Monitoring​

Brake Pad Monitoring​

The brake pads are worn. Contact an authorised repairer.
Volkswagen Airbag and Seat Belt System​

Airbag and Seat Belt System​

If this light illuminates, there is a fault in the airbag or

seatbelt system. Drive safely to an authorised repairer to have the issue

diagnosed and resolved.

Volkswagen Automatic Gearbox​

Automatic Gearbox​

This light is usually accompanied by a message on the infotainment system. ‘You can continue driving’, ‘Reverse gear not available’, Please stop the vehicle and select P’ or ‘Please press brake pedal and select gear again’ when the hand brake is not on requires you to contact an authorised repairer. If the infotainment system says ‘Please brake pedal and select gear again’ while the handbrake is off or ‘Please adapt your driving style’, you may continue driving. 
Volkswagen Fuel Warning

Fuel

The fuel tank cap has not been closed correctly. When safe to do so, stop the car and close the cap. If the light remains illuminated, contact an authorised repairer.

Volkswagen Adaptive Suspension Dampers​

Adaptive Suspension Dampers​

Contact an authorised repairer or roadside assistance. 

Volkswagen Air Suspension

Air Suspension

​There is an issue with air suspension system. The car may drive differently with handling, stability and ground clearance potentially being affected. Drive safely to an authorised repairer to have this issue diagnosed and resolved. 

Volkswagen Rear spoiler​

Rear spoiler​

​The rear spoiler is malfunctioning. Drive to an authorised repairer and do not exceed 120km/h. 

Volkswagen Bulb monitoring​

Bulb monitoring​

​Check all bulbs and ensure they are functioning. If any are broken or malfunctioning, replace it as soon as possible. 

Volkswagen Brake lights​

Brake lights​

​Ensure all brake lights are working properly. If any are broken or malfunctioning, replace them as soon as possible. 

Volkswagen Rain and Light sensor​

Rain and Light sensor​

​If this light is illuminated, the wipers and lights will not turn on and off automatically. They can still be turned on and off manually. Contact an authorised repairer to resolve this issue.

Volkswagen Headlight Range Control​

Headlight Range Control​

​The headlight range control system is not working correctly. Contact an authorised repairer.

Volkswagen Adaptive light system ​

Adaptive light system ​

​If this light is illuminated, the headlights will not adapt automatically. They can still be dipped manually. To resolve, contact an authorised repairer.

Volkswagen Towing hitch

Towing hitch ​

​Ensure the towing hitch is correctly engaged. If the light does not go out, contact an authorised repairer.

Volkswagen Convertible roof ​

Convertible roof ​

​This lamp will illuminate when the roof is either opening or closing.If it is on at any other time, first fully reopen and close the roof. If the light remains on, contact an authorised repairer.

Volkswagen Key not in vehicle

Key not in vehicle ​

​For vehicles with keyless entry, this light illuminates when they key is not in the vehicle and the engine is running.

Make sure the key is in the vehicle so you can restart the engine. 

Volkswagen Lane assist

Lane assist

This light illuminates when the lane assist system is operating but can not detect road markings. If the light illuminates with the message ‘System Fault’, contact an authorise repairer.

Volkswagen Press clutch pedal ​

Press clutch pedal ​

​Press brake pedal and move gear lever out of park position.

Volkswagen Windscreen washer fluid level

Windscreen washer fluid level ​

​If this light illuminates, the windscreen washer fluid level needs refilling. Consult the owners manual for further information on this process.

Volkswagen Rear fog lights ​

Rear fog lights ​

​This light indicates the rear fog lamp is on. Only have the rear fog lights on in foggy conditions.

Volkswagen Low fuel level ​

Low fuel level ​

​The fuel tank is nearly empty and has reached the reserve level. Fill up the tank as soon as possible.

Volkswagen Recharge AdBlue ​

Recharge AdBlue ​

​This light illuminates when the AdBlue range is approx.. 1000 miles. The light will illuminate every 31 miles along with a noise. If the AdBlue is not recharged, the light will eventually turn red and the car will not turn on.

Volkswagen Recharge AdBlue

Recharge AdBlue 

This light will illuminate when the AdBlue range is approx.. 1500 miles. The light will illuminate every 62 miles along with a noise. If the AdBlue is not recharged, the light will turn yellow at the 1000 mile range and then red and the car will not turn on.

Volkswagen Front Assist​

Front Assist​

​This light will illuminate when Front Assist is deactivated. You will not receive warning when potential collisions are detected.

Volkswagen Adaptive Cruise Control ​

Adaptive Cruise Control ​

​If this light is illuminated, Adaptive Cruise Control is not available. Pull over and stop the car when safe to do so. Restart the engine and check the ACC radar for any obstructing material such as dirt or ice. If the light remains illuminated, contact an authorised repairer.

Volkswagen Electronic Stabilisation Programme ​

Electronic Stabilisation Programme ​

​This light illuminates when the ESP has been manually disabled. Consult the user manual for instructions on how to restart the system. If the light remains illuminated, contact an authorised repairer.

Volkswagen Blind Spot Monitor ​

Blind Spot Monitor ​

​If this light illuminates briefly, the feature is activated and you will be alerted to objects in your blind spot. If it remains illuminated, there is an object in your blind spot. Pay particular attention to the light while performing manoeuvre​s such as lane changes or turns. If the light remains on and there is no object, contact an authorised repairer. 

Volkswagen Electronic Parking Brake ​

Electronic Parking Brake ​

​If this light illuminates there is an issue with the EPB. Pull over and stop the car as soon as is safe to do so and contact an authorised repairer.

Volkswagen Passenger Airbag ​

Passenger Airbag ​

​The front passenger’s airbag is disabled. If this is correct, ignore the warning. If not consult the user’s manual for more information on how to reactivate the airbag. If the light remains on even after reactivation, contact an authorised repair.

Volkswagen Tank Cap Yellow Warning ​

Tank Cap Yellow Warning ​

​If this light illuminates, the fuel cap has not been properly closed. Pull over as soon as is safe to do so and replace the cap. If the light remains on after this, contact an authorised repairer.

Volkswagen ​Water in the fuel tank warning ​

​Water in the fuel tank warning ​

​If this light illuminates, drive carefully and conservatively to an authorised repairer. If the light illuminates after you have just refilled, turn off the engine and contact an authorised repairer. 

Volkswagen Fuel Warning

Fuel​

​The car is running low on fuel. A red arrow along with this light being illuminated means that the reserve tank is in use. Refill the car as soon as possible. If the light remains illuminated after refilling, contact an authorised repairer.

Volkswagen Cruise Control​ Active

Cruise Control​

​This light indicates that cruise control is engaged. 

Volkswagen Press Brake Pedal​ Active

Press Brake Pedal​

​This light is only on automatic vehicles. This light indicates that the brake pedal must be pressed before moving the gear stick in to the park position. 

Volkswagen Land Assist Active

Lane Assist

This light indicates that the lane assist system is on.

Volkswagen Adaptive Cruise Control Active

Adaptive Cruise Control

This light indicates that the Adaptive Cruise Control is engaged. If it is flashing, you are exceeding your maximum set speed, reduce your speed.

Volkswagen Electronic Parking Brake​ Active

Electronic Parking Brake​

​The car is being held by the Auto Hold function, which can be disabled manually. Consult the manual for further information.

*Refer to owner’s manual or seek professional assistance.

The information on warning lights on this page does not apply to electric cars. Please consult your owner's manual.