Driver checking a dashboard warning light on their phone – Volkswagen warning lights guide from Camerons Volkswagen, Perth
Camerons Volkswagen · Advice

Volkswagen warning lights explained by Camerons Volkswagen, Perth

A light has come on. Is it safe to keep driving? Here is what the most common Volkswagen dashboard lights mean and what to do next – with a fixed-price diagnosis if you need us.

Servicing and parts › Warning lights
Red, amber or green

What the colours mean

Volkswagen uses a traffic-light system. Red means stop as soon as it is safe and call us. Amber means something needs attention soon – drive carefully and book a check. Green or blue lights simply confirm a system is on, such as main beam or cruise control.

  • Red – stop safely, do not continue driving
  • Amber – have it checked within a few days
  • Green / blue – information only
  • When the engine is started every light illuminates briefly; that is normal
Book a diagnosis
Volkswagen Golf steering wheel and digital cockpit where warning lights appear – Camerons Volkswagen, Perth
Stop and call us

Red warning lights

Red Volkswagen brake system warning light
Brake systemLow brake fluid, a system fault or the parking brake is still on. If it stays on with the handbrake off, stop and call us.
Red Volkswagen engine oil pressure warning light
Engine oil pressureOil pressure is too low. Stop immediately, switch off the engine and do not restart – call Volkswagen Roadside Assistance.
Red Volkswagen engine cooling system warning light
Engine coolantCoolant is too hot or too low. Stop, let the engine cool and check the level. Do not open a hot expansion tank.
Red Volkswagen vehicle charging system (battery) warning light
Charging systemThe battery is not charging – usually the alternator or drive belt. Switch off anything you do not need and drive straight to us.
Red Volkswagen airbag warning light
AirbagA fault in the airbag or seat belt pre-tensioner system. The airbags may not deploy in a crash – book a diagnosis.
Red Volkswagen power steering warning light
Power steeringA fault with the electro-mechanical steering. Steering will feel heavy – stop and call us.
Red Volkswagen electronic parking brake warning light
Electronic parking brakeThe parking brake has a fault or is applied. If it flashes, the brake may not be holding – do not leave the car on a slope.
Volkswagen AdBlue warning light
AdBlueAdBlue is low or the system has a fault. Top up soon – if the tank runs empty the engine will not restart.
Have it checked soon

Amber warning lights

  • Engine management (EPC / check engine)

    An emissions or engine sensor fault. The car may go into limp mode; book a diagnosis within a few days.
  • Tyre pressure (TPMS)

    One or more tyres is low. Check the pressures; if the light stays on, book a tyre check.
  • ABS / ESC

    The anti-lock or stability system has a fault. The normal brakes still work but drive carefully.
  • Glow plug / diesel particulate filter

    Flashing glow plug means an engine fault; a DPF light means the filter needs a regeneration – a 20-minute drive at 50 mph often clears it.
  • Bulb failure

    A light has blown – check all lights and we can replace the bulb.
  • Service due

    A spanner symbol means a service or inspection is due. Book online.
  • Low fuel / washer fluid

    Top up when you can.
  • Front Assist / lane assist

    A sensor is blocked, dirty or faulty. Clean the badge and windscreen area; if it persists, book a check.
ID. and eHybrid models

Electric car warning lights

Electric Volkswagens have a few lights of their own. A red high-voltage symbol or “Electrical system fault” means stop and call us. An amber turtle symbol means reduced power – usually a very low or very cold battery. A green plug confirms the car is charging; a flashing one usually means a charging fault.

  • Red high-voltage fault – stop and call Volkswagen Roadside Assistance
  • Turtle – reduced power, find a charger
  • Yellow battery with “!” – 12V battery fault
Electric servicing
Volkswagen technician connecting a laptop to an ID.3 – electric vehicle diagnostics at Camerons Volkswagen, Perth
What to do next

Get it checked

A warning light is your Volkswagen telling you something. We will find out what, and give you a firm price before any work.

Broken down?

Roadside Assistance

If a red light has stopped you, Volkswagen Roadside Assistance is available 24 hours a day.

0330 100 3241
Volkswagen Roadside Assistance
Roadside assistance
Prevention

Regular servicing

Most warning lights are avoided by keeping up with servicing – from £299, or £199 for electric.

from £199
Fixed price servicing
Servicing and pricing
At a glance

Warning lights – quick reference

  • Red: Stop safely and call us – brakes, oil pressure, coolant, charging, steering, airbag
  • Amber: Book a check soon – engine management, ABS, TPMS, DPF, bulbs, service due
  • Green / blue: Information only – lights, cruise control, charging
  • Diagnosis: £150 fixed price at Camerons Volkswagen, Perth
  • Roadside: Volkswagen Roadside Assistance 0330 100 3241
  • Contact: 01738 636036 · 166 Dunkeld Road, Perth PH1 5AS
FAQs

Warning lights – your questions answered

Can I keep driving with an amber engine management light on?

Usually you can drive carefully to a garage, but have it checked within a few days. If the light flashes, or the car loses power, stop and call us – a flashing engine light can mean a misfire that damages the catalytic converter.

What does the EPC light mean on a Volkswagen?

EPC stands for Electronic Power Control – the throttle and engine management system. It often appears with the engine light and may reduce power. Book a diagnosis.

Why is my tyre pressure light on?

One or more tyres has lost pressure, or the system needs resetting after a tyre change. Check the pressures against the sticker in the fuel flap; if the light stays on, book a free tyre check.

What does the DPF light mean?

The diesel particulate filter is full of soot and needs a regeneration. A 20-minute drive at a steady 50 mph usually clears it. If the light stays on or turns red, book a diagnosis.

Why do all the lights come on when I start the car?

That is a self-check. They should all go out within a few seconds of starting; any that stay on need attention.

How much does it cost to find out what a warning light means?

Our fixed-price initial diagnosis is £150 (£125 + VAT). We call you with the fault and a firm quote before any repair.

Will a warning light fail my MOT?

Yes. Red or amber warning lights for brakes, airbags, ABS, engine management, power steering or electronic stability control are MOT failures. Have them fixed before your test.

Warning light on? We will find the fault

Book a fixed-price diagnosis online, or call 01738 636036 and describe what you are seeing.