This article will help you identify the dashboard light symbols and what they mean in VW Passat.
The status of some functions inside the vehicle and vehicle components are checked when the ignition is switched on or while driving. Malfunctions are indicated by red and yellow warning symbols in the instrument cluster display and may also be signaled audibly in some cases. The appearance of texts and symbols may vary depending on the instrument cluster version.
The warning and indicator lights can turn on individually or in combination with each other and indicate warnings, malfunctions and certain functions in VW Passat. Some warning and indicator lights come on when you switch the ignition on and must turn off after some time.
Fasten safety belt
The driver or front passenger has not fastened their safety belt. Fasten all safety belts. When the ignition is switched on, several warning and indicator lamps light up temporarily as a function check. They then turn off after a few seconds. A chime also sounds. When the ignition is switched on, the red warning light comes on for six seconds. A chime also sounds for up to six seconds if the driver safety belt is not fastened. The chime ends when the driver fastens their safety belt. The warning lamps and chime go off when the driver and front passenger have fastened their safety belts.
Electronic parking brake
If the electronic parking brake is switched on, the red indicator light comes on in the instrument cluster.
Brake system malfunction
A malfunction is detected in the braking system. Immediately contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.
Brake fluid level too low: The symbol will also appear if brake fluid level is too low. The brake fluid level must always be between the MIN and MAX markings on the brake fluid reservoir
Brake pad wear indicator
The warning light flashes or turns on red or yellow. The front brake pads are worn. Have all brake pads inspected and replaced, if necessary.
Take over steering and be ready to brake
Driver intervention request: If automatic deceleration by the ACC is not sufficient or the system limits are reached, the ACC will prompt you – with a message in the instrument cluster – to also apply the brakes. The red warning light will also turn on and a warning tone will sound. Take over steering and be ready to brake.
Engine oil level too low
The red warning light blinks. A message is shown in the instrument cluster display. Do not continue driving! Engine damage could result. Stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Stop the engine. Check the engine oil level. If necessary, top up the engine oil gradually in small quantities (not more than 0.5 qt in total) or observe the top-up recommendation in the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit. If the warning light lights up, do not continue driving or let the engine run, even if the oil is at the correct level. Engine damage could result. Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.
Engine oil pressure too low
The red warning light blinks. A message is shown in the instrument cluster display. Do not continue driving! Engine damage could result. Stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Stop the engine. Check the engine oil level. If the warning light flashes, do not continue driving or let the engine run, even if the oil is at the correct level. Engine damage could result.
Engine coolant system malfunction
The red central warning light turns on. A message also appears in the instrument cluster display. Or: the warning light blinks red. The engine coolant level is incorrect or the engine coolant system is malfunctioning. Do not continue driving! Stop the vehicle, stop the engine, and let it cool down. Check the engine coolant level
Rear Traffic Alert has detected an obstacle to the rear
If there is an obstacle, a warning signal will sound. Depending on the vehicle equipment, a color indication of the obstacle zone appears in the Infotainment system and/or a warning or indicator light appears in the instrument cluster along with a message. If the driver does not respond, automatic braking support may kick in.
12 V energy supply malfunction
The red warning light turns on. A message is shown in the instrument cluster display. Do not continue driving! Possible failure of the electrical system. Stop the vehicle immediately and park it safely. Turn off electrical equipment that is not needed. Switch the ignition off. Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance. When the red warning light is illuminated, the start-stop system is switched off. The start-stop system will only be automatically switched on again after the engine is restarted.
Collision warning
Front Assist detects a possible collision and prepares the vehicle for possible emergency braking. A warning tone sounds and the warning light turns on. Apply the brakes or maneuver to avoid the collision.
Airbag system or safety belt pretensioner malfunction
Airbag system or safety belt pretensioner malfunction: The yellow indicator light stays on. There may also be a message in the instrument cluster display. A malfunction has been detected in at least one of the airbags or safety belt pretensioners.
Airbag system or safety belt pretensioners deactivated with diagnostic equipment: After the ignition is switched on, the yellow indicator light turns on for about four seconds and then blinks for about twelve seconds. There may also be a message in the instrument cluster display. At least one airbag or safety belt pretensioner has been deactivated by a diagnostic device.
Front passenger’s airbag disabled
The yellow indicator light stays on. The front passenger’s front airbag has been deactivated. Check whether the front passenger’s front airbag has to be deactivated. If the front passenger’s front airbag is incorrectly deactivated, there may be a malfunction in the airbag system.
Emergency Call Service limited / malfunction
Emergency Call Service limited: The red indicator light in the emergency call button comes on and remains on . The message Emergency call function limited. Service vehicle may also be displayed in the instrument cluster. The Emergency Call Service function has restricted availability. For example, you cannot make a voice call to the VW Car-Net® call center.
Emergency Call Service malfunctioning: The red indicator light in the emergency call button comes on and remains on . The message Error: Emergency call function. Service vehicle may also be displayed in the instrument cluster. There is a system error with the Emergency Call Service. You may not be able to make an emergency call.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction or in operation
Flashes: Electronic Stability Control (ESC) or Anti-slip regulation (ASR) in operation: ESC is regulating the vehicle to reduce the risk of skidding and improve driving stability. The indicator light flashes yellow. Or, ASR is regulating the vehicle to reduce the risk of the wheels spinning. The indicator light flashes yellow. ASR reduces drive power at wheels that are spinning and adapts the drive power to the road conditions. ASR makes it easier to start, accelerate, and drive up hills
Comes on: Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction: The yellow indicator light turns on. ESC has been switched off. There is a fault or malfunction. Switch the ignition off and on. Drive a short distance at a speed of approximately 15 km/h (approx. 9 mph) to 20 km/h (approx. 12 mph). If the indicator light stays on, contact a suitably qualified professional.
/ Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) malfunction
ABS failure or malfunction. The yellow indicator light turns on. The vehicle can be braked without ABS.
Engine oil level too low / high
The yellow indicator light turns on. A message is shown in the instrument cluster display. Stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Stop the engine. Check the engine oil level. If necessary, top up the engine oil gradually in small quantities (not more than 0.5 l (0.5 qt) in total) or observe the top-up recommendation in the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit. If the indicator light comes on, do not continue driving or let the engine run, even if the oil is at the correct level. Engine damage could result.
/ Engine oil system malfunction
The indicator light flashes yellow. A message is shown in the instrument cluster display. Contact a suitably qualified professional.
Fuel tank almost empty
The yellow indicator light turns on. The reserve supply is being used. Refuel at the next opportunity. Never drive with a completely empty fuel tank. Irregular fuel supply can result in misfiring and unburnt fuel entering the exhaust system.
Fuel tank cap not closed
The yellow indicator light turns on. Close the fuel tank cap.
Driving light failure
The yellow indicator light turns on. The headlights have completely or partially failed. Check the lights and replace any bulbs as necessary.
Washer fluid level too low
The yellow indicator light turns on. Fill the washer fluid reservoir
Steering malfunction
The yellow indicator light turns on or flashes. The steering is stiffer or more sensitive than usual.
The indicator light comes on permanently: Restart the engine and drive the vehicle slowly for a short distance. If the indicator light stays on, contact a suitably qualified professional and have the system checked.
The indicator light blinks: Turn the steering wheel back and forth slightly. Switch the ignition off and back on. Pay attention to the messages in the instrument cluster display. If the indicator light continues to flash after switching the ignition back on, do not continue driving.
Tire pressure low / malfunction
The yellow indicator light turns on. The tire pressure of one or more tires has decreased or the tire is structurally damaged. Do not continue driving! Check and correct all tire pressures. Replace damaged tires. Recalibrate the Tire Pressure Monitoring System. If the malfunction persists, contact a suitably qualified professional.
The yellow indicator light flashes for approximately one minute and then stays on. There is a system malfunction. Do not continue driving! Switch the ignition off and back on again. Recalibrate the Tire Pressure Monitoring System. If the malfunction persists, contact a suitably qualified professional.
Front Assist is switched off
If you switch off Front Assist, the advance warning and distance warning will also be switched off. The yellow indicator light turns on in the instrument cluster display.
/ Adaptive cruise control (ACC) not available
The indicator light comes on yellow or red.
- The radar sensor is dirty. Clean the radar sensor.
- The visibility of the radar sensor is limited due to weather conditions, such as snow, or from soap residue or coatings. Clean the radar sensor.
- Radar sensor visibility is limited by attachments, decorative frames on license plate holders, or stickers. Clear the area around the radar sensor.
- The radar sensor is misaligned or damaged, for example as a result of damage to the front of the vehicle. Check if there is noticeable damage.
- Malfunction or fault. Stop the engine and restart.
- Painting work was carried out on or structural modifications were made to the front of the vehicle.
- The original Volkswagen emblem is not used. Volkswagen recommends the use of Volkswagen original parts or Volkswagen original accessories, which you can acquire from an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
- If the problem persists, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Lane Assist in control
Lane Assist system in operation (corrective steering intervention).
Blind Spot Monitor malfunction
System is malfunctioning. Clean the radar sensors and remove the sticker or attachments from the radar sensors, mirror glass and the bumper. Check if there is any noticeable damage.
Rear Traffic Alert brakes
Automatic braking intervention by Rear Traffic Alert.
Engine control malfunction
The yellow indicator light turns on. Engine control is malfunctioning. Pay attention to any text shown in the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit display. Have the engine checked immediately by suitably qualified professionals.
The driving performance has been limited to prevent the engine control components from overheating. A corresponding indicator may appear in the instrument cluster display. It is possible to continue driving with reduced driving performance. The driving performance limitation is removed in the following scenarios: The engine control components are no longer within a critical temperature range.
Exhaust system malfunction
The yellow indicator light turns on: An exhaust-related component is malfunctioning, which could damage the vehicle. Contact a suitably qualified professional and have the engine and the exhaust system checked.
The indicator light flashes yellow: There is misfire which could damage the vehicle.
Particulate filter clogged with soot
The yellow indicator light turns on. The particulate filter is clogged with soot and a regeneration is necessary. Prerequisite for the regeneration drive: The engine is at operating temperature.
Drive at a speed of at least 50 mph (80 km/h). Take your foot completely off the accelerator pedal for a few seconds to let the vehicle roll with a gear engaged. Repeat this process of accelerating and letting the vehicle roll until the indicator light turns off. If the indicator light does not turn off after some time, immediately consult an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Engine RPM limited
The engine speed has been limited to reduce the risk of the engine overheating. The instrument cluster display shows the engine speed. The engine speed limitation is removed in the following scenarios: The engine is no longer within a critical temperature range. The driver’s foot is removed from the accelerator pedal.
together with Engine speed limitation due to engine control malfunction: The yellow indicator lights turn on. The engine speed limitation is triggered by an engine control malfunction. Make sure the displayed RPM is not exceeded. Have the engine checked immediately by suitably qualified professionals.
12 volt battery malfunction
The yellow indicator light turns on. A message is shown in the instrument cluster display. Messages about the battery charge level of the 12 V vehicle battery. Let the engine run so that the 12 V vehicle battery can be recharged. If the message about the battery charge level of the 12 V vehicle battery does not disappear after a few minutes despite the measures having been taken, the battery may need replacement or may not be getting charged properly due to a faulty alternator, get it checked by a professional.
Transmission malfunction / overheating
The yellow indicator light turns on. An audible warning may also sound. Where applicable, a message will appear in the instrument cluster display. The DSG® automated transmission can become heated, for example to frequent start-ups, allowing the vehicle to “creep” forward for long distances, or in stop-and-go traffic.
Press the brake pedal
The green indicator light turns on: The brake pedal was not pressed, for example when trying to shift to another gear using the selector lever. Press the brake pedal to select a gear.
The green indicator light blinks: Driving is restricted by the lock button. The lock button in the selector lever is not engaged. Check if the lock button is locked. Lock the lock button into place if necessary.
Cruise control switched on, regulation active
If the CCS is switched on, the instrument cluster display indicates the stored speed and the status of the CCS: Green symbol displays if cruise control is switched on and regulating speed.
Outside temperature is below +39 °F (+4 °C)
When outside temperatures are colder than approximately +4°C (+39°F), a snowflake symbol also appears on the outside temperature display. This symbol remains on until the outside temperature rises above +43 °F (+6 °C).
Service due
When an oil change service or an inspection service is due, a chime will sound when switching on the ignition and you can then see a wrench symbol for a few seconds in the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit together with one of the following displays: Inspection now! Oil change now! Oil change service and inspection now!
Distance warning
Front Assist detects if there is a safety hazard from following the vehicle ahead too closely. The indicator light turns on. Increase the distance.
Mobile phone battery charge level
The symbol also indicates the charge level of the mobile device.
Conclusion
Failure to respond to illuminated warning lights and messages may result in a vehicle breakdown, accidents and serious injuries. Never ignore illuminated warning lights and messages. Stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.