Displays

Fig. 12 A: bonnet open, B: tailgate open, C: front left door open, D: right rear door open (only in four-door vehicles)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings
Depending on the vehicle equipment level, a variety of information can be displayed in the instrument cluster or :
- Open doors, bonnet and tailgate
- Warning and information messages
- Mileage displays
- Time
- Outside temperature
- Selector lever positions
- Gear change indicator
- Multifunction display (MFD) and menus for various settings
- Service interval display
- Speed warning for winter tyres
- Second speed (Setup menu)
- Status display for active cylinder management (ACT®)
- Symbols for driver assist systems
- Fuel gauge
Open doors, bonnet and tailgate
The instrument cluster display indicates if any doors, or the bonnet or tailgate, are open once the vehicle has been unlocked, and while the vehicle is in motion. In some cases, a signal tone is also given. Different instrument cluster designs will have different displays.
| Key for | See | |
|---|---|---|
| A | Do not drive on! Bonnet open or not properly closed. |
|
| B | Do not drive on! Tailgate open or not closed properly. |
|
| C, D | Do not drive on! Vehicle door open or not properly closed. |
|
The system checks certain components and functions in the vehicle when the ignition is switched on or while the vehicle is in motion. Functional faults are indicated by red and yellow symbols with warning and information messages on the instrument cluster display ( ). An acoustic warning is also given in certain cases. Different instrument cluster designs will have different displays.
| Type of message | Symbol colour | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Priority 1 warning report. | Red | The symbol flashes or lights up – sometimes together with a signal tone. Do not drive on! Danger! Check function and resolve problem. Seek expert assistance if necessary. |
| Priority 2 warning report. | Yellow | The symbol flashes or lights up – sometimes together with a signal tone. If there is a fault, or if service fluids are running low, your vehicle could be damaged or break down . Check the fault as soon as possible. Seek expert assistance if necessary. |
| Information message. | – | Information about various procedures within the vehicle. |
Mileage displays
The odometer registers the total distance travelled by the car.
The trip recorder (trip) shows the distance travelled since the trip recorder was last reset. The final digit shows distances of 100 m.
Time
- Press the
button to mark either the hours or minutes display or .
- Press the
button to set the time or . Press and hold to scroll through quickly.
- Press the
button again to finish setting the clock.
Outside temperature display
If the outside temperature falls below +4 °C, the display also shows a snowflake symbol (ice warning). This symbol flashes and then remains constantly lit until the outside temperature rises above +6 °C .
When the vehicle is stationary or travelling at very low speeds, the temperature displayed may be slightly higher than the actual outside temperature as a result of the heat radiated from the engine.
The measuring range lies between -40°C (-40°F) and +50℃ (+122°F).
Selector lever positions
The gear selected is displayed on the side of the selector lever and can also be displayed in the instrument cluster. The display may show which gear has been selected if the lever is in D or S, or in Tiptronic mode.
Gear change indicator
While the vehicle is in motion, the instrument cluster may show which gear should be selected to reduce fuel consumption .
Second speed display (mph or km/h)
In addition to the tachometer display, the speed can also be displayed in another unit of measurement (mph or km/h) while you are driving. To do this select the menu option Alt. speed dis. in the Settings menu .
Vehicles without menu display on the instrument cluster:
- Start the engine.
- Press button
3 times. The odometer in the instrument cluster display flashes.
- Press the
button once. The vehicle speed in km/h or mph is shown briefly in the display instead of the odometer.
- This activates the second speed display. It can be deactivated in the same manner.
It is not possible to switch off the second speedometer display in those countries where the law stipulates that the display cannot be deactivated.
Start/stop system status display
The instrument cluster display shows information about the current status .
Status display for active cylinder management (ACT®)
Depending on equipment levels, some vehicles will indicate the current number of active cylinders in the instrument cluster display, e.g. 2 cylinders mode or 4 cylinders mode.
For this purpose, the menu option Current fuel consumption, Average consumption or Range must be selected in the menu MFI .
Failure to observe illuminated warning lamps and text messages can lead to your vehicle breaking down in traffic, and can cause accident and serious injury. - Never ignore any illuminated warning lamps or text messages.
- Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so.
- Broken-down vehicles increase the risk of accidents, both for you and for other road users. If the situation requires, switch on the hazard warning lights and set up the warning triangle as a warning to other road users.
- Stop the vehicle at a safe distance away from moving traffic and ensure that no part of the exhaust system can come into contact with any inflammable material underneath the vehicle, e.g. dry grass or fuel.
Streets and bridges can also be iced over at outside temperatures above zero degrees.- There may be black ice on the roads at outside temperatures above +4 °C and also when no snowflake symbol is displayed as a black ice warning.
- You should never rely solely on the outside temperature display!

NOTICE
Failure to observe illuminated indicator lamps and text messages can lead to your vehicle being damaged. 

Test yourself
A quick Volkswagen Polo quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.
Do not drive on!