Volkswagen Polo Quiz
Starting the engine, changing gear and parking

Warning and indicator lamps

In this manual: Starting the engine, changing gear and parking
Vehicle exterior — 4Vehicle interior — 8Instrument cluster — 14Before setting off — 14Opening and closing — 35Sitting correctly and safely — 46Lights and vision — 26Transporting items — 29Practical equipment — 20Starting the engine, changing gear and parking — 34Driver assist systems — 18Air conditioning system — 8At the filling station — 14In the engine compartment — 24Vehicle care and maintenance — 66Practical tips — 2In an emergency — 5Manual opening and closing — 6Vehicle toolkit — 4Hubcaps — 4Changing a wheel — 9Breakdown set — 7Fuses — 4Changing a bulb — 13Starting the engine with jump leads — 4Tow-starting and towing — 7
~3min read
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings
Lit up Possible cause Solution
Handbrake is applied. Release the handbrake .
Brake system fault. Do not drive on!
Obtain professional assistance .
Brake fluid level is too low. Do not drive on!
Check brake fluid level .
Together with ABS indicator lamp : ABS not functioning. Go to a qualified workshop. The vehicle can be braked without ABS.
ESC switched off by the system. Switch the ignition on and off. If necessary, drive a short distance.
ESC fault. Go to a qualified workshop.
In conjunction with ABS indicator lamp : ABS fault. Go to a qualified workshop. The vehicle can be braked without ABS.
Vehicle battery has been reconnected. Drive a short distance at a speed of 15 – 20 km/h. If the indicator lamp remains lit up, the vehicle should be checked by a qualified workshop .
In conjunction with ESC indicator lamp : ABS fault. Go to a qualified workshop. The vehicle can be braked without ABS.
In conjunction with warning lamp : ABS not functioning.
TCS switched off manually. Switch on TCS with button . Switch on TCS automatically by switching the ignition off and on.
Brake pedal not depressed. To select a position, press the brake pedal .
Flashes Possible cause Solution
ESC/TCS is taking corrective action. Remove foot from accelerator pedal. Adapt driving style to suit road conditions.

Several warning and indicator lamps will light up briefly as a functional check when the ignition is switched on. They will switch off after a few seconds.

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.
Driving with poor brakes can result in accidents and serious injuries.
  • If the brake warning lamp does not go out, or if it lights up when driving, the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low or there is a fault in the brake system. Stop the vehicle immediately and seek expert assistance .
  • If the brake warning lamp lights up together with the ABS indicator lamp , the control function of the ABS may have failed. This can cause the rear wheels to lock quickly when you brake. Locked rear wheels can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle. If possible, reduce your speed and drive carefully at low speed to the nearest qualified workshop in order to have the brake system tested. Avoid sudden braking and driving manoeuvres on the way.
  • The ABS is not functioning correctly if the ABS indicator lamp does not go out or comes on whilst the vehicle is in motion. The vehicle can be stopped using the normal brakes only (without ABS). The protection provided by ABS is no longer available. Go to a qualified workshop as soon as possible.

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.