Vehicle overview

Warning and indicator lights

~4min read

Warning and indicator lights notify you of warnings ⇒ , malfunctions ⇒ or certain functions. Some warning and indicator lights come on when the ignition is switched on and should go out when the engine is running or when the vehicle is moving.

Additional text messages appear in the instrument cluster of appropriately equipped vehicles to give more information or prompt you to take certain actions ⇒ . ⇒ .

Depending on the vehicle options, a symbol may appear in the instrument cluster instead of a warning light.

In addition, a warning chime or other acoustic signal sounds when certain warning and indicator lights go on.

Symbol Meaning ⇒ ⇒ Refer to
Stop!

Parking brake engaged, brake fluid level too low, or brake system malfunction.
⇒ Braking, stopping, and parking
Stop!

Lights up: Engine coolant temperature too low, too high, or engine coolant system malfunction.

Flashes: Engine coolant system malfunction.
⇒ Engine coolant
Stop!

Engine oil pressure too low.
⇒ Engine oil
Stop!

At least one vehicle door is ajar or not closed properly.
⇒ Doors
Stop!

Engine hood is open or not closed properly.
⇒ Preparations for working in the engine compartment
Stop!

Rear hatch is open or not closed properly.
⇒ Rear hatch
Stop!

Lights up or flashes: Steering system malfunction.
⇒ Steering
Stop!

Lights up: Electronic parking brake engaged.
⇒ Braking, stopping, and parking
Driver and/or passenger safety belt not buckled. ⇒ Safety belts
Alternator malfunction. ⇒ Vehicle battery
Front brake pads worn. ⇒ Braking, stopping, and parking
Lights up: ESC malfunction or ESC switched off by the system.

Flashes: ESC or ASR is working.
ABS malfunction.
Electronic parking brake malfunction. ⇒ Braking, stopping, and parking
One or more driving lights burned out.
⇒ Changing light bulbs
Cornering light system malfunction. ⇒ Lights
Lights up or flashes: Engine control monitoring system malfunction (engine Malfunction Indicator Light - MIL). ⇒ Engine control and emission control system
Engine control malfunction.
Lights up or flashes: Problem with the steering. ⇒ Steering
Tire pressure is too low or Tire Pressure Monitoring System malfunction. ⇒ Tires and wheels
⇒ Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
Not enough windshield washer fluid. ⇒ Windshield wiper and washer
Fuel tank almost empty. ⇒ Refueling
Fuel filler cap not properly closed.
Lights up: Engine oil level too low. ⇒ Engine oil
Flashes: Engine oil system malfunction.
Airbag and safety belt pretensioner system malfunction. ⇒ Airbag system
Front passenger front airbag turned off

(PASSENGER AIR BAG ).
⇒ Airbag system
Turn signals, left or right. ⇒ Lights
Emergency flashers switched on. ⇒ In an emergency
Fog lights switched on (indicator on the headlight switch) ⇒ Lights
Daytime running lights (DRL) on.
Lights up: Depress brake pedal!

Flashes: The lock button in the selector lever is not engaged.
Changing gears ⇒ Shifting

Braking, stopping, and parking ⇒ Braking, stopping, and parking
Cruise control is regulating vehicle speed. ⇒ Cruise control system (CCS)
High beams switched on or headlight flashers in use. ⇒ Lights
Light assist or dynamic light assist is switched on.
Service reminder display. ⇒ Service reminder display
Mobile phone is connected via Bluetooth®to the factory-installed mobile phone package. ⇒BookletMobile Phone Package,
Charge level of the mobile phone battery. Applies only to models with a factory-installed mobile phone package.
Icy road warning. Outside temperature colder than +39 °F (+4 °C). ⇒ Instrument cluster
Failure to heed warning lights and instrument cluster text messages can cause the vehicle to break down in traffic and result in a collision and serious personal injury.
  • Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.
  • Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
  • Park the vehicle at a safe distance from moving traffic and where no part of the hot catalytic converter and exhaust system can come into contact with flammable materials under the vehicle, such as dry grass, brush, spilled fuel, etc.
  • A broken down vehicle presents a high accident risk for itself and others. Switch on emergency flashers and set up a warning triangle to warn oncoming traffic.
  • Before opening the engine hood, always switch off the engine and let the engine cool down.
  • Always be very careful when working in the engine compartment, which is a potentially dangerous area in any motor vehicle and can cause serious personal injury ⇒ Preparations for working in the engine compartment .
Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.

Test yourself

A quick Volkswagen Tiguan quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.