If the warning lamp lights up while the vehicle is moving, this indicatesa fault in the engine management system. The engine should be serviced by a qualifiedworkshop without delay.
The indicator lamp lights up to show that the glow plugs are preheating.
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic glow plug system.
The indicator lamp 
lights up while
- • If the glow plug indicator lamp should start flashing while the vehicleis moving, this indicates a fault in the engine management system. The engineshould be serviced without delay.
- • If the indicator lamp fails to light up when the ignition is switchedon, this can mean that the glow plug system is defective. The engine shouldbe serviced.
Electronic stabilisation program (ESP)
This warning lamp monitors the electronic stabilisation program.
The warning lamp 
has the following
- • It flashes when the ESP or traction control system (ASR) intervenes whilethe vehicle is in motion.
- • The warning lamp will light up continuously if the ESP or the tractioncontrol system (ASR) has been switched off using the ESP OFF button.
- • It lights up when the ignition is switched on and should go out againafter about 2 seconds. This signals that the lamp is working properly.
- • It will light up continuously if there is a malfunction in the ESP.
- • It will also come on if a fault should occur in the ABS because the ESPoperates in conjunction with the ABS.
If the battery has been disconnected, if the battery voltage is very low, orif the engine has been started from an outside power source, the ESP system willperform an initialisation of the various on-board sensors while you drive the firstfew metres. The warning lamp will light up during this period. It will go out whenthe initialisation has been completed.
If the warning lamp lights up and stays on after the engine is started, thismay mean that the control system has temporarily switched off the ESP. In this casethe ESP can be reactivated by switching the ignition off and then on again. If thewarning lamp goes out, this means the system is fully functional.
For further information on the ESP.
Airbag system
This warning lamp monitors the airbag and seat belt tensioner system.
The warning lamp 
should light up
If the warning lamp does not go out, or if it lights up, flashes or flickerswhen the vehicle is moving, this indicates a malfunction in the system. This isalso the case if the warning lamp does not light up when the ignition is switchedon.
WARNING
If a malfunction should occur, have the system checked immediately by a qualifiedworkshop. If this is neglected, there is a risk that the airbag system and/or belttensioners may not be activated in an accident.
Tyre pressure monitoring
The tyre pressure should be corrected as soon as possible if it is too low.
If the 
symbol flashes for about
Turn signals
Depending on which turn signal is operated, either the left
or right
indicator lamp flashes. Both indicator
If one turn signal should fail, the indicator lamp will start flashing twiceas fast.
This does not apply when towing a caravan or trailer. The indicator lamp willstop flashing if one of the turn signals on the vehicle or the caravan/trailer shouldfail. For further information on the turn signals.
Trailer turn signals
The indicator lamp flashes when the turn signals are operated while towing acaravan or trailer.
The indicator lamp 
flashes when
The indicator lamp will not flash if one of the turn signals on the trailer fails.
Seat belt warning lamp
The warning lamp acts as a reminder to fasten the seat belts.
After switching on the ignition, the warning lamp
will remain lit until the driver and
For further information on the seat belts.
Emission control system
If the warning lamp lights up continuously
If the warning lamp flashes drive on at reduced speed and seek professional helpin order to avoid damage to the catalytic converter.
For further information on the catalytic converter. Applies to vehicles: withlane assist
lane assist (active)
The indicator lamp confirms that
For more information on the lane assist system, please see.
lane assist (inactive)
The warning lamp indicates that
Main beam headlights
The indicator lamp 
lights up when
Cruise control
The indicator lamp 
in the instrument
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
The warning lamp monitors the ABS and the electronic differential lock (EDL).
The warning lamp 
lights up for a
There is a fault in the ABS if:
- • the warning lamp
does notlight up when the ignition is switched on, - • the warning lamp does not go out again after a few seconds,
- • the warning lamp lights up when the vehicle is moving.
The vehicle can still be braked in the normal way (except that the ABS controlfunction is out of action). Please take the vehicle to a qualified workshop as soonas possible. For further information on the ABS.
If a fault occurs in the ABS, the ESP warning lamp will also light up.
Fault in the main brake system
If the ABS warning lamp lights up
.
If there is a malfunction in the brake system the symbol will light up in the instrument cluster.
Fault on the electronic differential lock (EDL)
The EDL works in conjunction with the ABS. If a malfunction should occur in theEDL, this is indicated by the ABS warning lamp. Please take the vehicle to a qualified
WARNING
- • Before opening the bonnet and checking the brake fluid level, observethe warning information on, “Working on components in the engine compartment”.
- • If the brake warning lamp should light up together
with the ABS warning lamp , stop the vehicle immediatelyand check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. If the fluid level has droppedbelow the "MIN" mark you must not drive on - otherwise there may be an increasedaccident risk. You should obtain professional assistance. - • If the brake fluid level is OK, the fault in the brake system mayhave been caused by a failure of the ABS control function. As a result the rearwheels can lock relatively easily when braking. This could cause the tail ofthe vehicle to skid sideways. Drive carefully to the nearest qualified workshopand have the fault rectified.
Audi hold assist
This warning lamp monitors the Audi hold assist function. Audi hold assist helpsthe driver to keep the vehicle stationary while the engine is running, for instanceon steep gradients, at traffic lights or in stop-and-go traffic. When the Audi holdassist function is on, you don't have to keep your foot on the brake to preventthe vehicle from accidentally rolling away. Once it detects that the vehicle isstopped, Audi hold assist keeps the vehicle stationary. The green symbol
in the instrument cluster indicates
When the vehicle has been stationary for an extended period, Audi hold assistwill automatically apply the parking brake. In this case, the green symbol will change to red
.
Electro-mechanical parking brake
This warning lamp monitors the electro-mechanical parking brake.
The warning lamp lights up when
The warning lamp should go out when the parking brake is released.
If the warning lamp flashes continuously after the parking brake has been applied,the brake may not be strong enough to hold the vehicle on a slope. This may be dueto the brakes overheating. Please note the following points:
- • If the gradient is too steep to park the vehicle safely, the display willshow the message Caution: Vehicle parked too steep.
- • In the event of a fault in the parking brake system the symbol will also appear in the instrument
cluster display together with the message Parking brake! You should have thefault corrected by a qualified workshop without delay.
will also appear in the instrumentBrake system
The warning lamp flashes if the brake fluid level is too low or if there is afault in the ABS system or the parking brake.
If the warning lamp 
flashes, there in the instrument cluster display will
will light up together with the brake ⇒.
WARNING
- • Before opening the bonnet and checking the brake fluid level, observethe warning information on, “Working on components in the engine compartment”.
- • If the brake warning lamp does not go out, or if it lights up whendriving, the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low – this may causean increased accident risk. Stop the vehicle and do not drive on. You shouldobtain professional assistance.
- • If the brake warning lamp lights up together with the ABS warninglamp, this can mean that the control function of the ABS is out of action. Asa result the rear wheels can lock relatively easily when braking. This couldcause the tail of the vehicle to skid sideways. Drive carefully to the nearestqualified workshop and have the fault rectified.
FAQs
What is the malfunction indicator lamp on the Audi a4? ›
The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is part of the On Board Diagnostic system (OBD II). The indicator light will turn on when the ignition is switched on and turn off again once the engine is started and running at a steady idle speed.
What is the triangle with exclamation mark on Audi warning light? ›Central Indicator Light: A triangle with an exclamation mark in the middle is the central indicator light. When this light turns on, check the instrument cluster display for more information.
Is it OK to drive your car when the malfunction indicator lamp light turns on? ›Just be sure to have your car inspected as soon as possible after the light turns on. Don't neglect needed engine repair! If nothing seems out of the ordinary, you can continue driving the car. The cause could be anything from a faulty oxygen sensor to a bad MAF sensor.
What does Audi malfunction indicator lamp mean? ›The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is also known as the Check Engine Light. The purpose of this warning light is to indicate a detected problem with the car and alert the driver about the issue.
How do I clear my dashboard warning lights? ›The first thing you can try, to turn off the car, then restart the engine. The second step is to disconnect your battery, wait for a few minutes then reconnect the battery. Another option is to continue to drive your car, and hope the light will reset itself.
How do you reset the instrument cluster on an Audi A4? ›How do you reset an Audi a4 instrument cluster? Push and hold the Sel/Reset knob (on the instrument panel by the fuel gauge), or the Sel/reset button on the right hand of the steering wheel below the Multi-Information Display Info button.
Will Audi check engine light reset itself? ›Will the check engine light reset itself? The check engine light on your Audi will usually shut itself off if the issue or code that caused it to turn on is fixed. For example, if the cause of your check engine light coming on was a loose gas cap, if it's tightened, the light will turn itself off.
What is the yellow light on my Audi a4? ›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.
What is the yellow key warning on my Audi? ›The key light
The key warning light indicates that there is a fault with your Audi's engine start system. Do not turn the engine off as you may not be able to restart it and take your Audi for a service immediately. This light also appears as an amber warning if the fault is less severe.
Red circle containing a red exclamation mark - If this light illuminates whilst driving, it either indicates that the parking brake is engaged or that there is a fault within the braking system. This system monitors the airbag and seat belt tensioner system.
What does this light on my dash with and exclamation point mean? ›
The bright red circle with an exclamation mark inside indicates an issue with your brake system. This could be a routine warning or a sensor detecting depleted brake pads or low brake fluid.
What does it mean when the light on your dash looks like an exclamation point? ›Newer model vehicles are equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) to warn drivers that at least one of their tires is underinflated. The dashboard light looks like an exclamation point inside of a horseshoe and, if illuminated, should be addressed immediately.
What does icon triangle with exclamation mark mean? ›Your phone may display an exclamation mark in a triangle on a black screen. This screen is called recovery mode, and is usually accessed from the bootloader menu on an Android device. The most common cause of issues with recovery mode is when the device has been rooted; or having installed a custom ROM.
What is the most serious warning light in a car? ›The check engine light is usually the most serious and feared warning because of the kind of damage it can signal. This warning often indicates the potential for serious engine damage. When ignored, your vehicle could suffer from a blown head gasket or a seized engine.
What are the 3 main warning lights in a car? ›- Red warning lights mean you should stop the car as soon as it's safe.
- Yellow warning lights mean that action is required.
- Green warning lights are for information only.
What is the MIL? A dashboard light that comes on when the vehicle's computer finds a problem that could cause excess pollution. Often this means you should repair your vehicle to avoid costly damage in the future. If the light is blinking or flashing, have your vehicle serviced at once.
What is the difference between check engine light and malfunction indicator light? ›The check engine light — more formally known as the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) — is a signal from the car's engine computer that something is wrong. The light could be a minor issue, such as a faulty gas cap, or it could mean something more serious, such as a misfiring engine.
What is the alternator warning light on Audi? ›A red battery light indicates a definite problem with your Audi's battery, alternator, or charging system. If the alternator is not charging the battery, your Audi may only run for a brief time off the battery then shut off. The battery warning light may go away randomly if there is a loose connection.
What would cause the malfunction indicator lamp to illuminate and remain on? ›When the malfunction indicator light is steady, there is a possibility you have a problem with the ignition or emissions system. In this case, the best thing you can do is to have the vehicle checked, before it gets more complicated.
What are the 2 main types of dashboard warning lights? ›There are two main types of dashboard warning lights: red and orange. A red warning light generally indicates a serious issue with your car. You should act quickly if your dashboard warning light is red – it could be an overheating engine, low engine oil pressure or a braking system problem.
What causes multiple warning lights on dash? ›
When all your dashboard lights turn on at once, it most commonly indicates an issue with the alternator or the charging system. It is common for all the dash lights to come on with no alternator output; low voltage can cause unusual electrical issues. The alternator should be tested at the time of battery replacement.
What should you do if a dashboard warning light comes on while you re driving? ›- Find a safe place to stop and pull over.
- Assess the cause of the light and the severity of this issue.
- Take appropriate action; either call for breakdown support, drive to a garage or continue on your journey.
- Fix the issue.
How much does it cost to get the instrument cluster repaired? The cost of instrument cluster repair can vary depending on the severity of the issue and the make and model of your car. On average, you can expect to pay between $100 and $300 for the repairs. A small but functioning cluster is very important in a car.
What causes instrument cluster failure? ›A blown fuse may cause a complete loss of instrument cluster functions. If you suspect the instrument cluster fuse is blown, the first step is identifying and inspecting the correct fuse(s). In some vehicles, more than one fuse can impact the operation of the instrument cluster.
What happens when an instrument cluster goes bad? ›Most common reported malfunctions include incorrect or total loss of gauge readings, dim or no backlighting, LCD pixelation or no operation and even complete failure to turn on and communicate with the rest of the vehicle.
Can I drive my Audi with the engine management light on? ›If your check engine light is solid amber, you can continue driving to your destination, but you should book a car diagnostic as soon as possible. A car diagnostic will identify the fault so that the mechanic can amend the problem before it potentially becomes more serious or causes serious damage.
Why is my engine light on but nothing seems wrong? ›The reasons for a check engine light turning on can range from something minor like a loose gas cap to something more serious like a faulty catalytic converter. It could even be a sign of internal engine failure. Ignoring the problem can turn a potentially quick fix into a costly and time-consuming repair.
How many miles do I need to drive to reset my check engine light? ›To make sure the check engine light does not reappear, it's recommended that you drive your car 30 to 100 miles. This enables the vehicle's “Drive Cycle” to reset, as the various sensors need time to recalibrate.
What does orange engine light mean Audi A4? ›A flashing orange light means that there is a problem that could affect how the car drives or handles, such as an engine misfire. You might be able to feel your car shake, or the engine could suddenly sound different. If this light comes on, you should take your car to be inspected immediately.
What is engine management light for Audi A4? ›If the check engine light in your Audi A4 starts blinking, that means that the problem needs urgent attention and your Audi should be brought in immediately. This blinking light usually indicates a severe engine misfire allowing unburned fuel to be dumped into the exhaust system.
What does yellow exclamation mark in parentheses mean on car light? ›
Brake system warning light. The dashboard light that looks like a circle inside a set of parenthesis with an exclamation point in the middle represents your brake system – and if it comes on while driving, you need to pay immediate attention to it.
What does red light on dashboard mean? ›If you see a red light on the car's dashboard, this means there's a safety issue or something is seriously wrong with your car. Safely pull over, turn off the engine, and call a repair service or shop to see if your car is safe to drive or if it needs service and you need a tow.
What does low oil light look like? ›This light looks like a genie lamp with a drop coming out of the end, but in some models it is a red light that says OIL. Any red warning light that your vehicle displays is an indication that your vehicle needs maintenance as soon as possible to avoid serious damage.
What does transmission light look like? ›It's a visible light with a distinct symbol, so you'll be hard-pressed to miss it — a gearwheel encircling a thermometer or exclamation point is pretty common. Certain vehicles may have a simple text string alerting you of an issue, while others may not even have a transmission light.
What are the symbols of exclamation marks? ›The exclamation mark (!), known informally as a bang or a shriek, is used at the end of a sentence or a short phrase which expresses very strong feeling. Here are some examples: What a lovely view you have here! That's fantastic!
How do you fix a yellow triangle with an exclamation mark? ›- Click the Start Menu icon and select PC Settings.
- Select Update & Security and then click the Troubleshoot option on the left.
- Click the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter on the right-hand side. Finally, press the Run the troubleshooter button and follow the on-screen instructions.
The Master Warning light is used to notify you of a potential problem with one or more of your vehicle's advanced systems. It will be accompanied by a message in your car's vehicle information display with a more detailed system message.
What causes engine malfunction light to come on? ›The emissions/exhaust system is the most likely culprit for many check engine lights being illuminated. There could be an exhaust leak or a problem with the catalytic converter. The mass airflow sensor (MAF) is another sensor that is easily tripped or can fail.
What is the use of malfunction indicator lamp? ›Formally known as the malfunction indicator lamp, it is a signal from the vehicle's engine computer that something's wrong. The light could be a minor issue, such as a faulty gas cap, or it could mean something more serious, such as a misfiring engine.
What does the engine malfunction light indicate? ›Why is your check engine light on? When your car's internal computer identifies a problem with the engine or transmission, it turns on the check engine light. The reasons for a check engine light turning on can range from something minor like a loose gas cap to something more serious like a faulty catalytic converter.
Is the malfunction indicator light serious? ›
What is the MIL? A dashboard light that comes on when the vehicle's computer finds a problem that could cause excess pollution. Often this means you should repair your vehicle to avoid costly damage in the future. If the light is blinking or flashing, have your vehicle serviced at once.
What does the engine symbol on the dashboard mean? ›The check engine light means that one of the many sensors monitoring your car has noticed a problem with the engine. It can be anything from a spark plug fault to the failure of something major such as the intake manifold or low compression.
What warning light indicates there is a problem with the electrical system of the vehicle? ›It works in the same way: an amber light warns of a problem with the electrical system, which could include the batteries, motors or wiring, a red light indicates a more serious fault, so the car may shut down or operate with reduced power.
For what reason might the indicator warning light on the dashboard flash too quickly? ›If the dashboard indicator light is flashing faster than usual, something isn't right. In most cases, it's simply that one of the bulbs has blown and needs to be replaced.
What is the most important indicator or warning light in a car? ›The check engine light is usually the most serious and feared warning because of the kind of damage it can signal. This warning often indicates the potential for serious engine damage. When ignored, your vehicle could suffer from a blown head gasket or a seized engine.
What are the codes for malfunction indicator light? ›The P0650 code indicates that something has malfunctioned within the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL), also called the check engine light.
What is the flash code of malfunction indicator lamp? ›P0650 code definition
In this case, it means that a malfunction has been found in the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) control circuit (also known as the check engine light).
Loose Gas Cap
This is the first item you should check. The gas cap seals the fuel system ensuring proper pressure is maintained in the gas tank.
So how do you know when you have an emergency? You can judge how serious an issue is by looking at the warning light. The check engine light can show up in two ways: Solid yellow/amber light: Indicates a less urgent issue. Flashing light or red: Indicates a severe problem that needs immediate attention.