Volkswagen Dashboard Lights Explained

Volkswagen dashboard lights provide important information about their vehicles. They can tell drivers which headlight setting they’re on and remind them to schedule a service. These dashboard lights are just one of the many features of your Volkswagen.

Read on to learn more about your car’s various Volkswagen dashboard symbols and what they mean.

Color Indications on VW Dashboard Symbols

There are three main colors used for VW dashboard symbols:

• Green/white/blue: An indication light only. Green means a feature or function is currently activated. No action is necessary. White indicates one of your vehicle functions is in standby or waiting mode. A common example is the automatic high-beam light, which is white until the high beams are activated, at which time it turns blue.
• Orange: Orange or amber warning lights are warning or notice lights. Usually, amber VW dashboard lights indicate something you should be aware of but don’t need to take immediate action about.
• Red: Red warning lights are generally more urgent and mean there’s something you should attend to before you continue driving.

List of Volkswagen Dashboard Symbols

• Antilock Braking System (ABS) malfunction: This means your ABS requires attention or repair
• Battery light: Indicates a problem with your charging system or the need for a battery replacement
• Blind spot: This dashboard symbol means that your blind-spot monitor is active
• Check engine light: If illuminated, there is an issue with your fuel, ignition, or emissions system, and you should consult a VW technician. If flashing, stop driving immediately and contact a certified Volkswagen service center 
• Cruise control: If white, it means cruise control is ready but not engaged; if green, cruise control is engaged
• Door, hood, or trunk light: One or more of your vehicle’s doors or hatches is open
• DRL light symbol: Your daytime running lights are engaged
• Engine temperature: This means your engine temperature is dangerously high
• ESC: If solid, this light means your electronic stability control or traction control systems are turned off. If the traction control light flashes, it means your TC is currently active
• Fog light symbol: This light means your fog lights are illuminated
• Fuel: Fuel level is low
• Fuel cap: The fuel cap is left open
• High beam: High beams are on (blue), or automatic high beam is engaged and waiting (white)
• Lane keep assist: This symbol means your lane-keep system is active when green. Yellow means you’re straying from your lane, and white means the system is waiting
• Light out indicator: This symbol indicates that one or more of your light bulbs are out and need to be replaced
• Oil light: This means your oil pressure or oil level is too low
• Parking brake light:
  • Parking brake is applied
  • ABS malfunction (if shown with the ABS light)
  • Low brake fluid warning—in this case, you will hear an audible alert, and you should stop driving immediately
• Service due: This VW symbol means to schedule a service as soon as possible
• Tire pressure: If solid, one or more tires are low. If flashing, you have a severe flat and should stop driving immediately. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light may also illuminate if your sensors have failed
• Transmission light: Indicates a malfunction in your transmission

Consult our Service Center to Learn More

If you have a Volkswagen check engine light or dashboard symbol you’re unsure about, bring your VW to the Elgin Volkswagen service center. Our trained technicians have the knowledge, tools, and genuine Volkswagen parts to service or repair your VW. Schedule your service today at Elgin Volkswagen.