Audi Warning Lights Explained
Audi shares the Volkswagen Group's telltales but presents them on its Virtual Cockpit, which backs most symbols up with a written message and a countdown. Whether you drive an A3, A4, A6, Q3 or Q5 — quattro or front-wheel drive — the lights mean the same thing. This guide explains each one with what to do next.
Red — stop & investigate
A red light means stop as soon as it is safe. Continuing to drive can cause expensive damage or become unsafe.
Oil pressure
StopEngine oil pressure has dropped too low. On an A3 or A4 this often appears with a stop-engine chime.
What to do: Stop as soon as it is safe and switch off. Check the oil level; do not continue with this light on.
Coolant / temperature
StopThe engine is overheating. The Virtual Cockpit usually adds a written warning before it turns critical.
What to do: Pull over and let it cool fully before opening the cap. Check the coolant level and have the system inspected.
Battery / charging
StopThe battery is not being charged — typically an alternator or drive-belt fault.
What to do: Switch off non-essential electrics and reach safety. The car may stop once the battery is flat.
Brake (red)
StopLow brake fluid or a serious brake fault. quattro models share the same telltale as front-wheel-drive cars.
What to do: Check the fluid if the handbrake is off. If the pedal feels soft, stop and arrange recovery.
Airbag / SRS
StopA fault in the airbag or seatbelt system.
What to do: Drive carefully and book it in promptly.
Amber — check soon
Amber means something needs attention. It is usually safe to drive gently, but don't ignore it — book the car in for diagnosis.
EPC (Electronic Power Control)
CautionA VW Group-specific amber light signalling an engine-management or electronic-throttle fault, common across the A3, A4, A6, Q3 and Q5 ranges.
What to do: Drive gently and book diagnostics. The car may run in reduced power until it's checked.
Engine management (MIL)
CautionAn emissions-related fault is stored. The Virtual Cockpit normally pairs it with a short message.
What to do: Drive gently and book diagnostics. A flashing light points to a misfire — ease off the throttle.
Service wrench
CautionA service is approaching or due. The Virtual Cockpit shows the countdown in kilometres or days before the spanner turns solid.
What to do: Book the service before the countdown reaches zero. See our VW Group service-indicators guide for how the interval is calculated.
Oil change service
CautionVW Group splits routine work into an oil-change service and a fuller inspection — the oil-can telltale flags the oil change.
What to do: Book an oil service. The correct oil specification matters on Audi engines.
ABS
CautionAnti-lock braking is off. On quattro cars ESP/ASR is usually lost at the same time.
What to do: Allow longer stopping distances and get it diagnosed — often a wheel-speed sensor.
ESP / ASR
CautionStability or traction control is off or has a fault. On quattro models it affects the torque-split logic too.
What to do: If you switched it off, fine. If it came on alone, have it checked.
Tyre pressure / TPMS
CautionOne or more tyres are significantly under-inflated.
What to do: Check pressures at the next stop. If it flashes, stop and check for a puncture.
DPF (diesels)
CautionThe diesel particulate filter is blocked or a regeneration has failed.
What to do: Complete the handbook regeneration drive. If it persists, book a check to avoid a blocked filter.
AdBlue / DEF (diesels)
CautionAdBlue is low or a system fault exists. Audi counts down the remaining range before a no-start lockout.
What to do: Top up AdBlue promptly. If it's a fault, get it diagnosed to avoid being unable to restart.
Glow plugs (diesels)
CautionPreheat or a glow-plug fault.
What to do: Wait for it to go out before starting. If it stays lit, get it checked.
Green & blue — information
Green and blue lights tell you a system is switched on or working normally. No action needed.
Indicators / hazards
InfoIndicators or hazard lights are active.
What to do: Normal operation.
Lights on
InfoSide or dipped lights are switched on.
What to do: Normal operation.
Cruise / speed limiter
InfoCruise or a speed limiter is engaged.
What to do: Normal operation.
RELATED GUIDES & SERVICES
Audi uses the same VW Group systems as Volkswagen, Škoda, SEAT and CUPRA, so the diagnosis is identical across the group. JVS is an independent VW Group specialist in Telford — not an authorised Audi dealer and not affiliated with Audi. Always confirm against your handbook.
NEXT STEP
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