What Your VW Dashboard Is Trying to Tell You

If communication is the key to a happy relationship, that might explain why so many people love Volkswagen.

“Volkswagen vehicles like to communicate more than some other makes and models,” says Megan Closset, Sales Curriculum Designer for the Volkswagen Academy.

Case in point: your VW’s large vocabulary of dashboard indicator lights. Learn to speak “Volkswagen” using Closset’s tips, and you’ll soon know the range of things they can tell you about your vehicle—everything from low fuel to an engine malfunction.

Start with your owner’s manual. It explains your vehicle’s indicator lights, what they mean and what to do when each appears. This is especially important for Volkswagen TDI® or hybrid vehicles, which may have some lights that are unfamiliar. Here are a few examples: [1]

Particulate filter light

This light alerts drivers of Volkswagen TDI® Clean Diesel vehicles when the particulate filter is blocked by soot. The particulate filter is “kind of like a self-cleaning oven that burns off the particulate matter from our Clean Diesel models,” Closset says. “If you see this light, you need to keep driving in order to bring your diesel up to operating temperature, so that it can generate enough heat in the exhaust system for the particulate filter to regenerate itself—about 15 minutes of driving of at least 30 miles per hour.”

Apply brake light

According to Closset, this is a symbol that’s often misunderstood. It appears whenever a driver needs to apply the brake in order to shift from “Park” to “Reverse,” “Neutral” or “Drive.” It’s a safety lockout that prevents you from shifting into gear by accident from “Park” in a vehicle with an automatic transmission.

Immobilizer light

This indicator is part of your Volkswagen vehicle’s security system. If it illuminates, you may be using the incorrect key to try to start your vehicle.

Check engine light

You’re probably familiar with this indicator, but do you know what it really means? “The check engine light with all manufacturers is a very generic, all-purpose warning light that means any minor to major thing could be awry for a car,” Closset says. If your check engine light is flashing or your vehicle is driving noticeably different, she recommends having the issue diagnosed by your dealer at your earliest convenience. A light that’s red or flashing is more urgent.

Consider the color. A light’s color can tell you the potential severity of the alert.

• Green lights are usually reminders rather than warnings. For example, a green DRL means your Daytime Running Lights are on.
• Yellow lights generally are an early warning of a potentially serious problem, like low oil pressure. They also may signal issues drivers need to be aware of, like a burnt-out lamp. Have yellow lights checked out by your dealer sooner rather than later.
• Red lights typically warrant immediate attention but don’t always indicate an emergency. “The parking brake light is red, as are the door- and trunk-ajar lights,” Closset says. “Neither is an emergency, but it’s something you should be aware of before driving off.” However, if the red light is flashing or accompanied by an audible signal, stop driving as soon as it’s safely possible and see your Volkswagen dealer.

Look at handling. If a warning light appears and your car is driving differently, Closset recommends pulling over and dialing Volkswagen Roadside Assistance at 800.411.6688. [2]

Having your vehicle regularly serviced by a Volkswagen technician can help keep indicators from lighting up your dash. But if one does appear, don’t panic. “If you’re not familiar with what a light means and it gives you reason to pause, pull over to a safe place and look in your owner’s manual,” Closset says. “Once you determine the cause of the light, then you can comfortably continue driving, call your dealership or call Volkswagen Roadside Assistance.”

Courtesy of Das Auto Magazine