Volkswagen Warning Lights: What Do They Mean?

Modern Volkswagen vehicles come with sophisticated onboard diagnostics and advanced driver-assist systems. When Volkswagen indicator symbols light up your dashboard while you drive around the greater Irwin region, they’re communicating vital information. Knowing what these Volkswagen warning lights mean allows you to respond quickly and confidently, protecting your vehicle’s performance, safety, and long-term reliability as you drive in Monroeville and the neighboring communities.

What Do Volkswagen Indicator Lights Represent?

The meaning of these Volkswagen indicator lights depends on the color and symbol displayed. In general, urgency determines the category of your dashboard warning light. For example, red indicates that immediate attention is required, yellow or amber lights caution or indicate that service is needed soon, and green typically confirms that a feature is active. See a non-exhaustive list below:

Volkswagen Red Warning Lights

• Car w/ Door(s) Open: When this is on, at least one door is ajar or not closed properly.
• Car w/ Hood Up: This shows that the engine hood is open or not closed properly.
• Key: This lets you know the ignition is malfunctioning or the immobilizer is activated.
• Steering Wheel: When lit consistently, it indicates a steering system malfunction. A flashing indicator signals an electronic steering column lock malfunction.
• Seatbelted Passenger: This alerts you to unfastened driver and/or passenger safety belts.
• “BRAKE” w/ An Exclamation Mark: This provides an alert that the brake system is malfunctioning or the brake fluid is low.
• Oil Can: An oil can tells you the engine oil pressure is too low.
• Battery: This is a sign that the alternator is malfunctioning.

Volkswagen Yellow (Amber) Warning Lights

• Tire w/ An Exclamation Mark: When lit consistently, at least one tire’s air pressure is too low. A flashing indicator signals a malfunction in the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
• Key: The ignition switch or starter button (keyless access) is malfunctioning when this is lit.
• Gas Pump: This alerts you to the fact that the fuel tank is nearly empty.
• Light Bulb w/ An Exclamation Mark: When lit consistently, one or more exterior lights are burned out. A flashing icon indicates a malfunction in the exterior or cornering lights.
• Engine: When lit consistently, an engine control malfunction has occurred. A flashing indicator means an engine misfire has occurred.
• License Plate w/ A Light Bulb: One or more license plate lights have burned out when this light pops on. 
• Turtle: The vehicle is operating with limited power in absolute reserve mode if you notice this light on the dashboard.

Volkswagen Green Warning Lights

• Headlamp w/ Wavy Lines: This simply tells you the fog lights are currently on.
• “DRL” Alongside A Headlamp w/ Wavy Lines: The Daytime Running Lights are active if this light appears.
• Speedometer w/ Arrow: This light shows that Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Front Assist are switched on and active.
• Steering Wheel w/ Wavy Lines: The steering wheel heater is active if it is lit.
• Road Lane: Lane Assist is enabled and active when this light appears.
• Car Going Downhill w/ Speedometer: Your Hill Descent Ascent system is on if you notice this light. Flashing indicates that Hill Descent Assist is both enabled and active.

Schedule A Service Appointment In Greensburg

Even if you’re driving far out in Ligonier or beyond, if a warning light illuminates, schedule a service appointment with the certified technicians at Sendell Volkswagen. We use OEM parts to diagnose and resolve issues accurately. Rest assured that when you get your Volkswagen inspected at our Greensburg auto center, you can expect speedy repairs and excellent customer service.