Pilot lamps

• 1 - traction control with engine torque reduction or electronic stabilization system,
• 2 - direction indicator when driving with a trailer,
• 3 - rear fog lights,
• 4 - electronic anti-theft system,
• 5 - direction indicator,
• 6 - high beam,
• 7 - airbag system,
• 8 - anti-lock braking system,
• 9 - parking brake,
• 10 - battery discharge,
• 11 - seat belts,
• 12 - coolant temperature / coolant level,
• 13 - engine oil pressure,
• 14 - brake system,
• 15 - wear of brake pads,
• 16 - washer fluid,
• 17fuel reserve,
• 18 - starting heater

The location of the indicator lamps on the instrument cluster depends on the vehicle model and engine version. The pictograms presented in this description are available on the corresponding control lamps.

1 - Traction control with engine torque reduction (ASR)

The control lamp lights up at inclusion of ignition and should go out approximately in 2 seconds. The lamp flashes when driving during the operation of the traction control system. When the traction control system is off or if there is a malfunction in its operation, the control lamp lights up constantly. Since this traction control works in conjunction with the anti-lock brake system and traction control with spinning wheel braking, if the anti-lock system malfunctions, the ASR warning lamp also lights up.

1 - Electronic stabilization system (ESP)

The control lamp lights up at inclusion of ignition and should go out approximately in 2 seconds. An electronic stabilization system complements the traction control system with a reduction in engine torque. The lamp flashes when driving during the operation of the electronic stabilization system or traction control with a decrease in engine torque. When the system is turned off or if there is a malfunction in its operation, the control lamp lights up constantly.

Since the electronic stabilization system works in conjunction with the anti-lock braking system and also with the traction control system with braking of the slipping wheel, when the anti-lock braking system fails, the control lamp of the electronic stabilization system also lights up.

2 - Direction indicator when driving with a trailer

The control lamp flashes together with the direction indicators on the vehicle and trailer. If one of the direction indicator lamps on the vehicle or trailer fails, the indicator lamp does not flash.

3 - Rear fog lights

After turning on the rear fog lights, the control lamp lights up.

4 - Electronic anti-theft system

When the ignition is switched on, the ignition key code is automatically requested. The comparison of data is confirmed by a short-term ignition of the control lamp. In the event that an unauthorized key is used, the control lamp lights up and flashes with short breaks. The car cannot be used.

5 - Direction indicator

Depending on which side of the vehicle the direction indicators are flashing, the left or right warning lamp flashes simultaneously. If one of the direction indicator lamps is out of order, the control lamp flashes twice as fast as usual. This does not happen when towing a trailer.

6 - high beam

The control lamp burns at the included main beam and at giving of a light signal.

7 - Airbag system

The control lamp burns after inclusion of ignition about 3 seconds. On vehicles with the front passenger airbag disabled, the warning light flashes for approximately 12 seconds.

If the lamp does not go out or lights up while driving, the airbag system is defective. Such a system must be checked by a Volkswagen workshop without delay.

8 - Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

The control lamp warns of a malfunction in the anti-lock braking system and in the traction control system with braking of a slipping wheel.


Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

The control lamp lights up after inclusion of ignition or during start of the engine for some seconds. It goes out after the end of the automatic system health check process.

If the control lamp does not light up when the ignition is switched on after a few seconds after the ignition is switched on, does not go out or lights up while driving, then the anti-lock braking system is not in order.

If there is a malfunction in the ABS, the following is possible:

• If only one anti-lock brake warning light comes on while driving, the vehicle may still be braked by one normally functioning non-anti-lock brake system. You should contact a Volkswagen service company as soon as possible.
• If the anti-lock brake system warning light comes on together with the brake system warning light, not only is there a malfunction in the ABS, but changes in the normal operation of the brake system should be expected.

Warning: After both warning lamps come on, the rear wheels may lock up prematurely when braking. It is necessary to immediately contact a Volkswagen service company.

Anti-slip system with braking of a slipping wheel (EDS)

Anti-slip system with braking of a slipping wheel (electronically controlled differential lock) works in conjunction with ABS. A malfunction in the traction control system with braking of a slipping wheel is indicated by the ignition of the ABS warning lamp. It is necessary to contact a Volkswagen service company as soon as possible.

9 - Parking brake

When the parking brake is applied and the ignition is on, the control lamp is on. It should go out when the parking brake is released.

10 - Battery discharge

The control lamp lights up when the ignition is switched on. It should go out after starting the engine. The generator is driven by a durable V-belt with ribs.

If the warning lamp lights up while driving, stop, turn off the engine and check the condition of the V-belt with ribs.

If the belt tension is loosened or the belt is broken, it is impossible to continue moving - the engine cooling system pump is no longer activated. The condition of the belt should be checked and the belt replaced if necessary.

If the warning lamp is on and the engine cooling pump drive belt is not loose or broken, you can continue driving to the nearest Volkswagen service center.

Since the battery is continuously discharging, turn off all those electrical consumers that do not need to be turned on.

11 - Seat belts

Pilot lamp (only on vehicles for export to selected countries) lights up after turning on the ignition for about 6 seconds as a reminder to wear seat belts.

If the seat belts are not worn after the ignition is switched on, an audible signal sounds. It subsides after putting on the seat belts or after about 6 seconds.

12 – Coolant temperature/coolant level

The control lamp lights up when the ignition is switched on for a few seconds - a performance check.

If the control lamp does not go out later or lights up or starts flashing while driving, this indicates either that the coolant temperature is too high or that the coolant level in the cooling system is too low. As an additional warning, the horn sounds 3 times and the vehicle should be stopped, the engine switched off and the coolant level checked. Top up coolant if necessary.

Warning: Never open the engine hood when you see steam or coolant escaping from the engine compartment - risk of burns!

Warning: Keep your hands out of the fan rotation area! The fan may suddenly start to rotate - even when the ignition is switched off!

Warning: To avoid burns due to high coolant temperatures, you should consider the following:

• be careful when opening the cap of the expansion tank of the cooling system! When the engine is hot, there is increased pressure in the cooling system. Therefore, before unscrewing the cap of the expansion tank, allow the engine to cool;
• to protect your face and hands from steam and hot coolant, cover the radiator cap with a sufficiently large piece of dense cleaning material.

Warning: Be careful not to get coolant on hot parts of the exhaust system or other hot components. The low temperature additive contained in the coolant may ignite.

If the coolant level is normal, the malfunction of the cooling system may be caused by a malfunction of the fan. Check fan fuse and replace if necessary.

If the control lamp does not go out, although the coolant level is normal and the fan fuse is good, you should not continue driving - qualified assistance is needed.

In the event that the cause lies in a malfunction of the fan and provided that the coolant level is normal and the control lamp goes out, you can continue driving to the nearest Volkswagen service company. In order to use the flow of oncoming air to cool the liquid, idling of the engine and movement at very low speed should be avoided.

13 – Engine oil pressure

The control lamp lights up for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on to check the operation.

If the warning lamp does not go out, an audible signal sounds 3 times as an additional warning. The engine must not be started! Check the engine oil level and add oil if necessary.

If the warning light comes on or flashes while driving, the horn sounds 3 times as an additional warning when the engine speed is over 1500 rpm. Stop and turn off the engine! Check the oil level and add oil if necessary.

If the control lamp flashes, despite the fact that the engine oil level is normal, you cannot continue driving. The engine should also not be idling.

The oil pressure warning light is not a means of monitoring the oil level in the engine! The oil level should therefore be checked regularly, ideally at every refueling.

14 - Brake system

The control lamp burns at too small level of a brake liquid.

The ignition must be switched on.

On vehicles with anti-lock braking system (ABS), the warning lamp comes on for a few seconds after the ignition is switched on or the engine is started. When the ABS fails, the brake system warning lamp lights up together with the ABS warning lamp.

Warning: If after starting the engine the control lamp does not go out or lights up while driving, this indicates that the level of brake fluid in the reservoir is too low. You should immediately look for the nearest Volkswagen service company and check the working brake system.

On the way there, you need to be prepared for the need to press the brake pedal harder when braking, to increase the braking distance and to increase the free play of the brake pedal.

If the brake system warning light comes on together with the anti-lock braking system warning light, the rear wheels may lock up prematurely when braking.

15 - Brake pad wear indicator

You should contact a Volkswagen service company to check the condition of the brake pads.

Since the brake lining wear indicator indicates a large wear of the linings of the front brake mechanisms only, we recommend that, simultaneously with the replacement of the front brake linings, check the condition of the rear brake linings.

16 - Washer fluid level

The control lamp lights up at too low level of a liquid for washing of a windshield in a tank.

17 - Fuel supply

The control lamp lights up when the fuel supply drops to about 8 liters.

18 - Preheater (only for vehicles with diesel engine)

With a cold engine, the control lamp lights up when the driving position is turned on ("Ignition on").

If the control lamp does not light up at the same time, then, therefore, there is a malfunction in the preheater.

After the control lamp has gone out, you should immediately start the engine.

When the engine is warmed up to operating temperature, the control lamp does not light up - you can immediately start the engine.

Warning: If, while driving a vehicle equipped with a diesel engine, an abnormality in engine control occurs, as indicated by a flashing warning lamp, the engine should be checked immediately by a Volkswagen service company.