Volkswagen Warning Lights to Look Out For

Alex Aviles • Sep 03, 2021

Volkswagen Warning Lights to Look Out For

Alex Aviles • Sep 03, 2021


As the owner of a Volkswagen vehicle, the last thing you’d want to see is an indicator on the dashboard revealing a potential problem with your car.

It’s great if you are aware of what these warning lights are all about. However, most Volkswagen owners are unfamiliar with these warning lights and can get rather unnerved when they occur. Knowing what these indicators mean will help prepare you and guide you in keeping your vehicle in the best shape possible. 

If you need any help, don’t hesitate to contact our Orlando VW repair shop.

Understanding Volkswagen Warning Lights

Just like how any driver on the road takes their cue from traffic lights, the same rules apply to Volkswagen warning lights. If it is green, it is just an informational indicator. If a yellow light comes on, it’s a signal for caution, and you best get it checked out as soon as you can. As for a red warning light, pulling over as safely as possible is what is needed.

In general, you can also keep to these guidelines when it comes to the warning lights in your Volkswagen. A green light indicates a system that has been activated, or must be activated to utilize the system. Yellow lights are generally warnings, alerting users to possible malfunctions, while red represents a failure that is likely dangerous to the user. As in most cases, do not ignore a red warning light.

Common Warning Lights

Before you get too frustrated trying to figure out the potential problems your new vehicle can have, here are some common indicators to know about:

Oil Level Low

A straightforward enough indicator, this means your Volkswagen needs more oil, and you should be bringing it in for a service inspection. 

Tire Pressure Monitoring

When this warning light comes up, your tire pressure may be too low for optimal performance. So be sure to check the pressure when you can and adjust your tire pressure.

Shift Lock

If you are trying to shift gears, this will remind you to apply the brake before doing so.

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Malfunction

This is an essential facet of your Volkswagen that you should address swiftly because it could indicate a system failure of your anti-lock brakes. Don’t delay in getting a technician to inspect and investigate the issue.

Engine Malfunction (Onboard Diagnostics)

An engine malfunction is never good, but there can be a myriad of reasons. You may need new spark plugs, or it could be as minute as a loose gas cap. So book in for a thorough check to keep yourself safe.

In total, there are about 33 different warning lights that could go off in your Volkswagen vehicle. 

The green lights are the fewest, with only the following two falling into this category:

  • Shift Lock
  • Daytime Running Lights (DRL)

As for yellow lights, they consist of:

  • Antilock Braking System (ABS) Malfunction
  • AdBlue Level Warning
  • AdBlue System Malfunction Warning
  • Airbag Problem
  • Automatic Transmission Malfunction
  • Brake Light Bulb Failure
  • Brake Pad Wear
  • Bulb Failure
  • Diesel Engine Pre-Flow Before Engine Start-Up
  • Engine Malfunction (Onboard Diagnostics)
  • Electronic Power Control (EPC) – Exhaust Gas
  • ESP/ASR (Electronic Stabilization Program/Anti-Slip Regulation)
  • Particulate Filter (Diesel Engines)
  • Fuel Cap Off or Missing
  • Hybrid Drive System Malfunction
  • Immobilizer
  • B-X 32: License Plate Bulb Failure
  • Low Fuel Level
  • Oil Pressure
  • Oil Level Low
  • Rain Sensor Malfunction
  • Steering
  • Tire Pressure Low
  • Washer Fluid Low

The important red warning lights are:

  • AdBlue No Restart Warning
  • Battery Error: Alternator Low Voltage Output
  • Coolant Level Low / Coolant Temperature High
  • Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG®) Transmission Too Hot
  • Parking Brake
  • Hood Open
  • Hybrid Drive System Malfunction
  • Oil Pressure
  • Parking Brake

Conclusion

You don’t have to be a professional mechanic to familiarize yourself with these common warning lights. Spending some time to understand these warning signals will help you feel calmer and know what to do when they come up.

If you’re unsure of any other warning lights in your Volkswagen, don’t hesitate to call us so we can help you with any advice, maintenance or repair needed.

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