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Warning lights and driver messages
Warning lights and driver messages
Engine, lubrication and cooling
Glow plug lamp – preheating before starting · multiple meanings of the same symbol
Glow plug lamp – preheating before starting
Yellow / amber · Operating information · Steady
Meaning
On a diesel engine it lights during preheating. This normal state before starting is not itself a fault.
Recommended action
Wait for the lamp to go out before starting, as instructed in the vehicle’s manual.
Key indication
This is an example of an indication. Check its meaning for your specific model and equipment against the exact message and your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Diesel preheating and management
Yellow / amber · Information / warning depending on state
Meaning
Brief illumination before starting can be normal preheating. Illumination or flashing while running can indicate an engine management fault.
Recommended action
Follow the message and arrange inspection. The symbol does not automatically identify defective glow plugs.
Key indication
Brief illumination before starting; illumination or flashing while running.
Engine oil pressure
Red · Warning
Meaning
The warning indicates insufficient engine oil pressure. A correct oil level alone does not confirm adequate lubrication pressure.
Recommended action
Stop safely and switch off the engine. Do not leave it idling. Further steps, including any restart, must follow the specific vehicle manual; if unsure, obtain professional assistance.
Key indication
Do not confuse this with a yellow oil level warning. The source describes a conditional procedure after topping up; this is not general permission to restart.
Combustion engine cooling system
Red · Warning
Meaning
May indicate overheating, an incorrect coolant level or a cooling system fault.
Recommended action
Stop safely, switch off the engine and follow the vehicle message. Check coolant as instructed only after safe cooling. Do not open a hot expansion tank.
Key indication
Visible coolant in the reservoir does not by itself resolve the warning. This entry does not cover electric-drive cooling.
Engine management and emissions – MIL
Yellow / amber · Warning
Meaning
The control system detected an engine management or emissions fault. The lamp alone does not identify a failed component.
Recommended action
Distinguish steady illumination from flashing. On relevant versions, flashing can indicate misfiring. If the engine shakes, vibrates or loses power markedly, stop safely and contact professional assistance. Otherwise follow the message and vehicle manual.
Key indication
Clearing a fault code does not remove the cause. This entry does not give universal permission to continue driving.
Diesel particulate filter – DPF
Yellow / amber · Warning
Meaning
On relevant diesel versions it indicates accumulated soot and a need for filter regeneration.
Recommended action
Check regeneration driving conditions in your specific manual. If other warnings appear or engine operation is abnormal, do not follow a universal internet regeneration procedure.
Key indication
No single speed, duration or engine speed applies to all engines. Petrol GPF/OPF requires separate verification.
Brakes and stability systems
ESC / TCS intervention · multiple meanings of the same symbol
ESC / TCS intervention
Yellow / amber · Operating information · Flashing
Meaning
Flashing indicates that stability or traction control is intervening. It does not by itself indicate a fault.
Recommended action
Adapt speed and driving style to available grip and traffic conditions. The system cannot overcome physical limits.
Key indication
This is an example of an indication. Check its meaning for your specific model and equipment against the exact message and your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
ESC fault or system-induced deactivation
Yellow / amber · Warning · Steady
Meaning
A lamp that stays on after the initial check may indicate a fault or system-induced deactivation. This differs from flashing during intervention.
Recommended action
Read the message and follow the cited manual. If the lamp remains on, arrange professional inspection; do not rely on stability control being available.
Key indication
This is an example of an indication. Check its meaning for your specific model and equipment against the exact message and your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Brake system
Red · Warning
Meaning
Depending on the version, the symbol may relate to an applied parking brake, low brake fluid or a brake system fault.
Recommended action
The exact symbol and message are decisive. If the warning remains after releasing the parking brake or the vehicle reports a brake fault, stop safely and obtain professional assistance.
Key indication
Topping up brake fluid does not repair the cause of its loss. Distinguish a fault warning from the normal parking brake indication.
Brake pad wear
Yellow / amber · Warning
Meaning
Brake wear monitoring indicates that the brake pads require inspection.
Recommended action
Arrange brake inspection. The lamp does not reliably indicate the kilometres remaining before replacement.
Key indication
Do not confuse it with a red brake system fault warning.
ABS – anti-lock braking system
Yellow / amber · Warning · Steady
Meaning
A fault has been detected in the anti-lock braking system.
Recommended action
Follow the vehicle message and have the brake system inspected. If a red brake warning also appears or braking behaves abnormally, stop safely and obtain professional assistance.
Key indication
Braking behaviour can change; a yellow ABS lamp does not universally confirm safe onward driving.
Steering, chassis and tyres
Tyre pressure
Yellow / amber · Warning
Meaning
The symbol warns of incorrect tyre pressure. The symbol alone does not identify a particular leak. Fault-flashing behaviour is not documented here; check the model-specific manual.
Recommended action
Stop safely and check tyres and pressures. Store reference values only after proper inspection and adjustment using the manufacturer’s procedure.
Key indication
Acknowledging or resetting the warning does not repair a puncture or leak. Direct sensors and indirect wheel-speed-based monitoring can require different learning procedures.
Airbags and safety systems
Airbags and belt tensioners
Yellow / amber · Warning
Meaning
The restraint system reports a fault. Protection in an accident may be restricted.
Recommended action
Arrange professional inspection promptly. Do not attempt repairs to airbags or belt tensioners yourself.
Key indication
Distinguish it from a separate passenger airbag OFF operating indication.
Seat belts
Red · Warning
Meaning
The lamp reminds an occupant to fasten the seat belt.
Recommended action
Ensure all occupants fasten their seat belts correctly before driving. Follow the vehicle’s seat occupancy information.
Key indication
Indications can differ by seat and equipment; the symbol alone is not a diagnosis of a sensor fault.
Lighting and visibility
Main beam headlights
Blue · Operating information · Steady
Meaning
Main beam or the headlight flasher is on.
Recommended action
Use them considerately and dip in good time to avoid dazzling others.
Key indication
This is an example of an indication. Check its meaning for your specific model and equipment against the exact message and your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Turn signals or hazard warning lights
Green · Operating information · Flashing
Meaning
Flashing indicates turn signals or hazard warning lights in operation. A faster rate may indicate a failed turn signal on the listed versions.
Recommended action
Check that the lights work correctly. Use hazard lights as appropriate when securing the vehicle.
Key indication
This is an example of an indication. Check its meaning for your specific model and equipment against the exact message and your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Exterior lighting fault
Yellow / amber · Warning
Meaning
The vehicle reports a fault in one or more exterior lights.
Recommended action
Check the message and lighting function. Arrange repair of the affected light; the lamp does not itself identify the required part.
Key indication
Different light sources and systems require the procedure for the specific vehicle.
Headlight range control
Yellow / amber · Warning · Steady
Meaning
The amber indicator in the cited general Volkswagen UK source indicates a fault in the headlight range control system.
Recommended action
Contact an authorised repairer.
Key indication
Steady amber illumination; the general page does not state a flashing variant. This is specifically headlight range control, not a generic lighting fault or automatic proof of a failed level sensor. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the meaning applicable to your specific vehicle.
Rear fog light
Yellow / amber · Operating information
Meaning
The rear fog light is switched on.
Recommended action
Use it according to visibility and traffic rules and switch it off when no longer needed.
Key indication
This is an operating indication, not an engine fault.
Main-beam control – enabled, white A (Golf)
White · Operating information · Steady
Meaning
In this Golf edition, white A indicates enabled main-beam control. Actual main-beam illumination is confirmed by the separate blue main-beam indicator.
Recommended action
Monitor actual lighting and switch manually if needed. Poorly lit road users, an obscured camera, weather or road layout can restrict automatic operation.
Key indication
Colour is documented by the original white rendition in this exact edition’s symbol overview. The section also describes three confirmation flashes during sensitivity adjustment in some markets; their colour is not independently assumed and the flashes are not represented as a fault.
Driver assistance systems
Lane Assist active and available
Green · Operating information · Steady
Meaning
The system has detected conditions for lane keeping assistance. The green lamp does not indicate autonomous driving.
Recommended action
Watch traffic, keep your hands on the wheel and be ready to steer at all times. Observe lane detection limits and vehicle instructions.
Key indication
This is an example of an indication. Check its meaning for your specific model and equipment against the exact message and your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Lane Assist steering correction
Yellow / amber · Operating information · Steady
Meaning
In this version, the yellow symbol indicates a corrective steering intervention. It differs from the fault symbol with an additional marking.
Recommended action
Watch traffic, keep your hands on the wheel and be ready to steer at all times. Observe lane detection limits and vehicle instructions.
Key indication
This is an example of an indication. Check its meaning for your specific model and equipment against the exact message and your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
ACC unavailable
Yellow / amber · Function restricted · Steady
Meaning
Distance regulation is unavailable. Possible causes include an obstructed radar view, misalignment or a fault; the symbol alone does not identify a defective sensor.
Recommended action
Control speed and distance yourself. Check accessible sensor areas as instructed; arrange professional inspection if the problem persists.
Key indication
This is an example of an indication. Check its meaning for your specific model and equipment against the exact message and your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Cruise control actively regulating
Green · Operating information · Steady
Meaning
Cruise control is switched on and maintaining the selected speed. This does not confirm distance regulation.
Recommended action
Always adapt speed and safe distance to the situation yourself. Watch traffic, be ready to take control and do not use cruise control in unsuitable conditions.
Key indication
This is an example of an indication. Check its meaning for your specific model and equipment against the exact message and your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Cruise control on, not regulating
Grey · Operating information · Steady
Meaning
Cruise control is switched on but is not currently regulating speed. The grey symbol differs from active green regulation.
Recommended action
Always adapt speed and safe distance to the situation yourself. Watch traffic, be ready to take control and do not use cruise control in unsuitable conditions.
Key indication
This is an example of an indication. Check its meaning for your specific model and equipment against the exact message and your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Take-over steering request
White · Information / warning depending on state · Steady
Meaning
The vehicle asks the driver to take over steering. This does not confirm that the system can handle the situation independently.
Recommended action
Safely take over steering, monitor traffic and follow the exact vehicle message. Be ready to brake.
Key indication
The indicator illuminates white and an accompanying prompt appears; the reviewed chapters do not state flashing. The red request has higher urgency. Association with Travel Assist, Emergency Assist or Lane Assist depends on equipment and the cited manual.
Take over steering immediately
Red · Warning · Steady
Meaning
The vehicle requests immediate driver steering control.
Recommended action
Safely take over steering immediately, monitor traffic and follow the exact vehicle message. Be ready to brake.
Key indication
The indicator illuminates red with an accompanying message; depending on the situation, a sound or steering-wheel vibration follows. The reviewed chapters do not state flashing. Association with Travel Assist, Emergency Assist or Lane Assist depends on equipment and the cited manual.
Lane Assist – unavailable, symbol with exclamation mark
Yellow / amber · Function restricted · Steady
Meaning
The amber Lane Assist symbol with exclamation mark and message means the assistant is unavailable. Camera-view limitations, damage or faults may be responsible; the symbol alone does not identify a failed sensor.
Recommended action
The driver must steer. Follow the manual to inspect and clean the camera view and remove obstructions or stickers. Seek a qualified workshop if the problem persists; follow vehicle messages.
Key indication
The documented state is the steady amber car-between-lanes variant with an exclamation mark and unavailable message: Golf 5H0 11.2020, ID.4 11.2021, Terramar CS 11.25 and Tarraco DE 06.2023. Amber without an exclamation mark may mean corrective intervention, switched-on inactive operation or undetected markings in another precisely cited state; amber alone does not prove a fault.
Battery and electrical system
Electrical system and charging
Red · Warning
Meaning
On a combustion vehicle the warning can indicate a charging or electrical system fault. It does not automatically mean a defective battery.
Recommended action
Read the accompanying message and follow the manual. With additional warnings or restricted functions, stop safely and obtain professional assistance.
Key indication
An electric vehicle’s 12 V system needs a separately verified explanation; it must not be described as a conventional alternator failure.
Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids
e-Sound / AVAS warning sound fault
Yellow / amber · Function restricted · Steady
Meaning
The electronic vehicle sound is not working. Other road users may not hear the approaching vehicle.
Recommended action
Drive with particular care and arrange prompt professional inspection as directed by the cited manual and any further messages.
Key indication
This is an example of an indication. Check its meaning for your specific model and equipment against the exact message and your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Electric drive – reduced available power
Yellow / amber · Function restricted · Steady
Meaning
Available power is restricted and may decrease further depending on conditions. Charge level or high-voltage battery temperature may be involved; this is not an automatic diagnosis of battery failure.
Recommended action
Follow the message and power display and adapt driving to reduced acceleration. If charge is low, follow the manual and charge the battery. If safe driving is not possible, stop safely and obtain help.
Key indication
No remaining range is guaranteed. Red turtle indications have separate model-specific explanations; changing the colour does not preserve the procedure.
ID.4 – battery depleted, drive shutdown imminent · multiple meanings of the same symbol
ID.4 – battery depleted, drive shutdown imminent
Red · Warning · Symbol with message
Meaning
While driving, a red turtle with the corresponding message indicates a very low high-voltage battery charge and imminent vehicle immobilisation. Power is reduced.
Recommended action
Pull over and park safely as traffic permits; use a charging station only if it can be reached safely. Follow the full message and manual. Do not infer remaining range from the symbol.
Key indication
ID.4 11/2021 distinguishes a red turtle while driving with a depleted battery from a red turtle before starting when the battery is too cold. This entry concerns depletion while driving; the exact message is decisive.
ID.4 – battery too cold, driving not possible
Red · Warning · Symbol with message
Meaning
On the cited ID.4, the red symbol with this message indicates very low high-voltage battery temperature and insufficient power for normal driving.
Recommended action
Do not continue normal driving. Secure the vehicle safely and follow the exact message and manual; charge the battery if its state of charge is low. Follow the manual for cold-weather battery preparation.
Key indication
This entry applies to the stated ID.4 edition. It is not electric-drive overheating or a universal meaning of a red turtle on every EV.
Infotainment and control symbols
Media
Albums
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Indicates the album category.
Artists
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Indicates the performer category.
Audiobooks
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Indicates the audiobook category.
Media via Bluetooth
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Selects the device connected via Bluetooth as the media source.
Favorites list · multiple uses of the same symbol
Favorites list
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Displays a list of favorites.
Station presets
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Displays station presets.
Genres
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Indicates a category of music genres.
Music tracks
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Indicates the category of music tracks.
My media
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Selects the My Media source where connected USB devices can be selected.
Next track
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Skips to the next track.
Pause
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Pauses playback.
Play
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Starts playback.
Playlists
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Indicates a category of playlists.
Podcasts
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Indicates the podcast category.
Previous track
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Skips to the previous track.
Repeat all tracks
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Repeats all tracks.
Repeat the song
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Turns on repeat of the current track.
The topmost folder of a media source
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Returns to the top-level folder of the media source.
Random order
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Turns on random playback.
Streaming services
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Opens the settings for available streaming services. Already set services are displayed with their own logo.
Videos
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Indicates the video category.
Full screen video
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Displays the video in full screen mode.
Minimize video playback
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Shrinks the view of the video being played.
Radio
DAB reception is not possible
Status information
Meaning and function
Indicates a state where DAB reception is not possible.
List of FM and DAB stations
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Displays a list of FM and DAB radio stations.
Manual FM frequency selection
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Displays the band for manual FM frequency selection. The function is available when the merged station list is turned off.
Next station
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Selects the next station from the list or the station on the next preset.
Previous station
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Selects the previous station from the list or the station on the previous preset.
Navigation
Search destination by address
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Opens the detailed entry of the destination address.
Navigation guidance volume
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Control volume of navigation instructions.
Automatic map display
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Turns on fully automatic map mode: orientation in direction of travel, position, zoom and tilt.
Close route plan
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Closes the route plan.
Current navigation destination
Status information
Meaning and function
Indicates the destination of the current route.
Saved destinations
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Displays saved destinations.
End navigation
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Terminates the current guidance to the destination.
Additional navigation options · multiple uses of the same symbol
Additional navigation options
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Shows additional route options.
Search for a contact
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Opens the contact search input.
Map scale
Status information
Meaning and function
Indicates the scale of the map.
North oriented map
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Rotates the map north up.
Bank
Map point or information
Meaning and function
Indicates a bank on the navigation map.
Charging station
Map point or information
Meaning and function
Indicates a charging station on the navigation map.
Gas station
Map point or information
Meaning and function
Indicates a gas station on the navigation map.
Parking lot
Map point or information
Meaning and function
Indicates the parking lot on the navigation map.
Restaurant
Map point or information
Meaning and function
Indicates a restaurant on the navigation map.
Tourist information
Map point or information
Meaning and function
Indicates a tourist information point on the navigation map.
Railway station
Map point or information
Meaning and function
Indicates a railway station on the navigation map.
Repeat the navigation instruction
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Repeats the last voice navigation command.
Route options window
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Displays an additional window with route options.
Overview and route alternatives
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Displays an overview of the route and alternative routes to the currently selected destination.
Navigation map
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Displays the navigation map.
Show current location
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Displays the current location of the vehicle.
Saved contact addresses · multiple uses of the same symbol
Saved contact addresses
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Opens the saved addresses in the contact list of the connected mobile device.
Contacts
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Opens contacts.
Traffic accident
Traffic information
Meaning and function
Indicates a traffic accident in navigation traffic information.
Traffic jam
Traffic information
Meaning and function
Indicates a traffic jam in navigation traffic information.
Phone and messages
Call control
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Displays the call and its controls.
Call lists
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Displays lists of incoming and outgoing calls.
Conference call
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Adds a participant to a conference or starts a conference call.
Dial the number
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Opens the phone number dialer.
End or reject the call
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Ends an ongoing call or rejects an incoming call.
Put the call on hold
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Puts the call on hold.
Incoming call
Status information
Meaning and function
Indicates an incoming call in the call list.
Messages
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Opens SMS text messages and emails according to available functions.
Missed call
Status information
Meaning and function
Indicates a missed call in the call list.
Mobile phone number
Status information
Meaning and function
Indicates the mobile phone number of the contact.
Mute handsfree
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Mutes the hands-free device during a call.
Outgoing call
Status information
Meaning and function
Indicates an outgoing call in the call list.
Select an active phone
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Selects the active device from two or more connected mobile phones.
Phone settings
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Opens the phone interface settings.
Voicemail
Control symbol
Meaning and function
Opens voicemail.
Unsure what an indicator means?
When contacting the workshop, tell us the model, production year, powertrain and exact message. A photograph of the entire instrument cluster message and whether the lamp is steady or flashing will help. Take photographs only with the vehicle safely parked.
Workshop hours: Mon–Fri 9:00–18:00.
Office and bookings: +420 605 399 448
Workshop: +420 608 313 437
This is not a 24-hour breakdown service. A photograph alone is not sufficient to diagnose a fault.