Knowing what each dashboard symbol means lets you react fast, avoid damage, and keep everyone safe. The lights act like a built-in early-warning system: red demands an immediate stop, amber asks for prompt attention, and green simply confirms a feature is active.
Quick Navigation
Red Lights — Stop Immediately
Engine Oil Pressure
Oil pressure too low or temperature too high; switch off engine, check oil, and call for help.
Brake System
Brake fluid low or hydraulic fault; pull over safely and arrange professional repair.
Battery/Alternator
Charging failure; engine may stall soon. Turn off accessories and head to a workshop.
Coolant Temperature
Engine overheating or coolant low; stop, let engine cool, and top up coolant if needed.
Power Steering Failure
Total steering assist loss; steering feels heavy. Do not continue driving.
Electronic Parking Brake
System fault; brakes may not hold. Park safely and seek service.
Seatbelt Reminder
Front seatbelt unbuckled while moving; stop and fasten belt immediately.
Airbag Fault
Airbag or pre-tensioner inactive; safety at risk. Drive only to a repair center.
Door Ajar
A door isn’t fully closed; stop and shut it firmly to prevent accidents.
Bonnet/Hood Open
Hood unsecured; pull over and latch properly to avoid vision loss or damage.
Boot/Liftgate Open
Rear hatch not closed; stop and secure to protect cargo and visibility.
Central Warning Lamp
Critical fault stored in cluster; read message and stop as instructed.
Transmission Overheat
DSG temperature too high; stop, select park, and let it cool down.
AdBlue “No Restart”
Additive empty; engine will not restart once turned off. Refill immediately.
Brake Fluid Low
Fluid below minimum; braking power compromised. Do not drive further.
Yellow / Amber Lights — Action Required Soon
Check Engine / Emissions
Engine or emissions fault; performance may drop. Book diagnostics promptly.
ABS
Anti-lock brakes disabled; braking distance may rise. Service soon.
ESP / ESC
Stability control fault or deactivated; drive cautiously and have it checked.
Tyre Pressure
One or more tyres under-inflated; inflate to spec and reset system.
Fuel Level Low
Range limited; refuel as soon as possible to avoid running dry.
Glow Plug (Diesel)
Pre-heat active or flashing fault; wait to start or arrange service if flashing.
DPF (Particulate Filter)
Filter clogged; drive at steady speed to regenerate or visit dealer.
Brake Pad Wear
Pads thin; braking efficiency falling. Replace soon.
Bulb Failure
Exterior light out; replace bulb to stay legal and visible.
Rain/Light Sensor Fault
Automatic wipers/lights offline; operate manually and seek repair.
Fuel Cap Missing
Cap loose or absent; tighten or replace to avoid vapor loss.
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission control issue; shifting may feel harsh. Get it diagnosed.
AdBlue Level Low
Additive nearly empty; refill to maintain emissions system.
Green Lights — Information Only
Turn Signals
Indicator active; confirms directional signal is on.
Cruise Control On
System ready; set speed to engage.
ACC Active
Adaptive cruise regulating speed and distance.
Lane Assist Active
Lane-keeping engaged; helps stay centred.
ECO Mode
Fuel-saving program selected; engine and climate adjust for economy.
DRL
Daytime running lights operating; no action needed.
Fog Lights Front
Front fog lamps switched on; remember to turn off in clear weather.
Fog Lights Rear
Rear fog lamp active; use only in poor visibility.
High Beam
Headlight high beams engaged; dip for oncoming traffic.
Parking Lights
Marker lights on while parked.
Auto Stop-Start
Engine stopped automatically at idle; releases on clutch/brake change.
Press Clutch Pedal
Prompt to depress clutch before starting; standard start-assist prompt.
Speed Limiter On
Maximum speed set; car won’t exceed selected limit.
Side Assist Active
Blind-spot monitoring turned on; system scanning adjacent lanes.
When looking at Volkswagen , make sure to check out our guides on models like the Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen Transporter, Volkswagen ID-Series , and Volkswagen T5-T6 Transporter. Understanding dashboard warning lights is essential. Our expert reviews break down what each light means, highlighting common alerts for these models and what they could signal about underlying issues, so you’re never left guessing behind the wheel.
