Audi Warning Lights | Your Complete Guide

This guide has been designed to help you find out what each warning light on your Audi's dashboard means and what actions you should take if one or more of them illuminates. Your car is packed with sensors and safety mechanisms to ensure that your vehicle is working at its optimum performance whilst keeping you and your passengers safe. We know that when a warning light appears on your Audi, it can be daunting – especially if you are unsure what to do. We have created this simple guide to help you understand what each warning light on your new Audi or used Audi means and what steps you need to take. It is important that you know how to respond to each Audi warning light to reduce any additional damage to your vehicle and to ensure that your vehicle is safe. If you are unsure how to carry out an action or repair on your vehicle our car trained experts know your car better than anyone.


RED, then be sure to pull over as soon as it is safe and call for roadside assistance, as you may have a serious problem with your car.

YELLOW, then this means that an action is required, and it is recommended that you book a service with an authorised repairer at one of our Audi dealerships.

GREEN, then this is simply information and does not require immediate action, although you should keep an eye on them.


Servicing plans allow customers to fix the price of their vehicle's maintenance in advance - enabling customers to budget against future wear and tear or mechanical faults.

To enquire about Audi's service plans, contact your local dealer today.

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Red Lights​

Seat belt reminder

​Seat belt reminder

Seat belt is not fastened on the driver's side. The belt reminder is also active if a heavy objects are on the front passenger seat.

Check whether the seat belt has been fastened correctly.


Airbag system​

​Airbag System

Airbag system and belt tensioner may be faulty. Have the vehicle checked as soon as possible by the Service Centre.

​Handbrake, brake system

Handbrake, brake system

Parking brake is applied. Release parking brake by raising it slightly, pressing the knob and moving the lever down.

audi bonnet

Bonnet​

This indicates that the bonnet is not properly closed. Check the bonnet is properly closed and check if the warning light has gone out.

If a red bonnet light appears while you're driving you should stop the car as soon as it's safe to do so.​

Yellow Lights

​Anti-lock Brake System, ABS

Anti-lock Brake System, ABS

Avoid sharp braking as much as possible. Braking force reinforcement faulty. Carefully bring the car to a stop. Consider longer braking distance. Have checked by the Service Centre as appropriate.

Dynamic Stability Control, DSC

​Dynamic Stability Control, DSC

DSC prevents the driven wheels losing traction when you pull away from rest or accelerate.

Flashing: DSC is regulating the acceleration and braking forces. The vehicle is stabilised. Decrease speed and adjust driving profile to the road conditions.

Illuminating: DSC has failed. Have the system checked by your Service Centre.

​Dynamic Stability Control, DSC deactivated or Dynamic Traction Control, DTC activated

Dynamic Stability Control, DSC deactivated or Dynamic Traction Control, DTC activated

The DTC system is a variant of the DSC optimised for forward momentum.

The system guarantees maximum forward traction with simultaneous limited driving stability for special road conditions, e.g. snow-covered roads.

Activation: ​Press the button until the DSC OFF indicator light comes on in the speedometer and TRACTION is displayed in the revolution counter.

​Runflat indicator RPA

Runflat indicator RPA

The runflat indicator reports a pressure loss in a tyre. Reduce your speed and cautiously stop the car. Avoid violent or sudden braking and steering manoeuvres.

In need of replacement tyres? Our Audi tyre experts are here to help and can provide information about the durability and performance of different tyres.

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Steering system

​Steering system

Steering system faulty.

Have steering system checked by the Service Centre.​

​Engine functions

​​​Engine functions

Illuminating: vehicle generates increased exhaust emissions. You can continue your journey. Exhaust system faulty.

Flashing: increased engine load damages the catalytic converter. Drive on with decreased engine load. Possible engine fault. Have vehicle checked by the Service Centre.

​Rear fog lights

​Rear fog lights

Rear fog lights are switched on.

The low-beam headlights or sidelights with fog lights must be switched on.

audi pre sense

Audi Pre Sense

Audi Pre Sense is a technology system for predictive safety which activates when a potential collision is expected. If this light appears, please ensure that the sensors are clear and not obstructed by dirt.

If the light is still illuminated, please contact your nearest Audi dealership.

lane departure warning

Lane Departure Warning

The lane departure warning light will illuminate when the lane assist system is switched on and road markings cannot be detected. If this light does not turn off when driving or if it is accompanied by a 'system fault' message, please contact your nearest Audi dealership.

suspension control

Suspension Control

A fault has occur with the suspension on the vehicle which may impact handling, stability, and ground clearance of the vehicle.

If the light is illuminated, please contact your nearest Audi dealership.

gearbox, clutch

Gearbox/Clutch

This light will illuminate if there has been a malfunction with the gearbox. This message is normally be accompanied by a message in the information system highlighting the issue. If a red gearbox/clutch warning light appears, please stop the vehicle when safe to do so and contact an authorised repairer.

If the light is illuminated, please contact your nearest Audi dealership.

particulate filter

Particulate Filter

This light can often illuminate if you use your Audi for lots of short journey at low speed. A particulate filter removes soot from the exhaust which is then burnt off on longer drives. If a build up of soot occurs this can cause the light to illuminate.

If the light appears, it's recommended to do a journey between 10-30 minutes. If the light is still illuminated, please contact your nearest Audi dealership.

Green Lights

Turn indicator

​Turn indicator

Turn indicator on.

If the indicator light flashes more rapidly than usual, a turn indicator bulb has failed.

Side lights, low-beam headlights

​Side lights, low-beam headlights

Side lights or low-beam headlights are switched on.

Front fog lights

Front fog lights

The sidelights or low-beam headlights must be switched on. The green indicator light comes on when the fog lights are switched on.

If automatic driving lights control is activated, the low-beam headlights come on automatically when the front fog lights are switched on.

Cruise control

​Cruise control

The system is switched on. The speed set using the control functions on the steering wheel is maintained.

start/stop system

Start/Stop System

This indicates that the start/stop system is currently being used or is active.

If this light appears yellow, it will mean that it has been temporarily disabled due to the battery level which is heavily used by the start/stop system in traffic. If the light says illuminated, this may indicate a problem with the battery.

If this light still appears after 10 minutes of continuous driving, please contact your nearest Audi dealership.

dipped headlights

Dipped Head Lights

Dipped headlights are currently being used​

Blue Lights

High-beam headlights

High-beam headlights

High-beam headlights are switched on

General Lights

General Lights

At least one check control message is displayed or stored. The symbol is shown on the display of the instrument cluster.


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*Refer to owner’s manual or seek professional assistance.



Warning Light Frequently Asked Questions

What do Audi warning lights mean?

Audi has a multitude of different warning lights depending on the issue. They also have a simple colour system to help identify the severity of the problem. For example, green lights are simply information and do not require action. Yellow lights require action, and the car should be booked into a dealership. Red lights identify a serious issue, and you should pull over immediately and call roadside assistance.


How do I fix my Audi warning lights?

You can fix any Audi warning light issues here at Jardine Motors. If you see a red warning light, you should pull over as soon as possible, receive roadside assistance and have your Audi delivered to an approved Audi dealership. Get in touch to find your local approved Audi dealership at Jardine Motors.