The Complete Guide: Audi Warning Lights

Read our helpful guide designed to give you an insight into what each Audi warning lights mean on your vehicle’s dashboard. We have included the red and yellow warning signs and advised on what action you should take if any of them occur.  

Red means there could be a potentially serious problem, and you should stop driving as soon as possible.

Yellow means that something isn’t working correctly, and you should get it checked out by a car specialist.

Green means that the system is currently working or is currently in use.

Brake System Warning Light

The brake system warning light should illuminate when your vehicle has the handbrake on and is stationary. This warning light should automatically turn off when you fully release the handbrake and begin driving. 

If the warning light is still showing, this may indicate that the brake fluid level is low. The fluid will need topping up with the correct brake fluid for your vehicle, which should result in the warning light going out. If you top up your brake fluid and the warning light remains on, then you could have a brake fluid leak. 

To check if there is a brake fluid leak, press down firmly on the brake pedal when parked in a safe place. If you notice your brakes feel soft or spongy, there could be a leak. 

Check under your car for any fluid pools. If you notice any, then it’s likely you have a leak. You will need an experienced technician to inspect your vehicle, and here at Walker Cutting, we offer specialist brake servicing for Audi vehicles. 

Battery Warning Light

This light indicates that the battery isn’t charging, possibly due to a problem with your car’s electrical system. You need to get your vehicle to a garage as soon as possible because your car will only run until the battery loses all its power. 

Bonnet Warning Light

The bonnet warning light lets you know if your bonnet hasn’t been closed properly. You should stop your vehicle safely and lift the bonnet before attempting to shut it again. Once the bonnet is shut correctly, the light will turn off. 

It is important not to drive with this warning light on, as it is dangerous to drive with an open bonnet. Continuing to drive could result in the bonnet being pushed in front of your windscreen and covering your view. 

Airbag Warning Light

When this warning light shows, it means that at least one element of the airbag safety system is not working correctly. This is dangerous to drive with because the airbags could potentially not go off in a crash or could deploy unexpectedly and cause a crash. If the airbag warning light goes off, get your vehicle inspected immediately.

Power Steering Warning Light

This warning light means that there is a problem with the power steering. For electric-powered systems, this issue should be able to be fixed quickly. 

Firstly, find a safe place to stop and try turning your car off and back on again after 30 seconds. However, if the warning light doesn’t turn off, you must get your vehicle checked as soon as possible. 

Coolant Warning Light

The coolant warning light will come on when the engine is overheating, which means the coolant level is running low. This could be due to a leak or a sign of a more severe problem. We recommend you get this inspected by an experienced technician as soon as possible to avoid causing more damage to your vehicle.

Oil Warning Light

The warning light can be red or yellow. A yellow oil warning light means the oil level is low and requires a top-up with the correct oil. 

The red oil warning light means that there is low oil pressure. Therefore, the vehicle should not be driven and should be inspected immediately. Failure to do this may cause major engine damage. 

Brake Pad Replacement Warning Light

When this warning light is showing, it means that the brake pads are too worn. The warning light will illuminate before the brake pads become dangerously too thin, giving you time to sort the issue before it’s a serious issue. Therefore, it would be best to get an experienced technician to replace the brake pads as soon as possible before they wear out altogether. Doing this will save you money in the long run and prevent you from damaging your vehicle any further.

What happens if you don’t replace brake pads?

Not getting your brake pads replaced would be very dangerous. This is because if your brakes are worn down, it will make it harder for your vehicle to slow and stop, resulting in a higher chance of a collision. 

If your brake pads are worn down to a certain point, you risk damaging your brake rotors. This is because when the pads are excessively worn, the exposed metal on the pads grinds against the rotors every time you brake. Which will make it more challenging for you to slow your vehicle down because you will need to put more pressure on the brakes to slow or stop the vehicle. All the hard braking can wear your tires down quickly or cause them to become unbalanced, leading to extra expenses that could have been avoided.

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light

The anti-lock brake system on your vehicle is designed to prevent the wheels from locking up if you have to slam the brakes on in an emergency or on a wet/slippery surface.

Can I drive my car with the ABS warning light on?

When the ABS warning light is on, your car’s brakes will still work. However, if you need to make an emergency stop, then the ABS might not work. This could be dangerous as your wheels may lock up, and you could lose control of your car. Therefore, we recommend getting your ABS inspected by an expert as soon as possible. 

Electronic Stability Problem (ESP) or Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)

The electronic stability problem or dynamic stability control is a safety technology in most modern cars. If you see the ESP symbol flash, then the ESP system is intervening when you are on a slippery road, which means it is doing its purpose. However, if this warning light stays on, it means that there could be an issue with the traction control. Therefore, it is recommended that you get your vehicle inspected by an experienced technician. 

Engine Management Warning Light

If the engine management warning light is showing, your engine could have a problem. There could be several faults, from minor to major mechanical issues. If the warning light is flashing, this is telling you there is a major fault. You should not drive the vehicle, and it requires immediate attention.

How long can you drive with the engine management light on?

As long as your car doesn’t show any other warning signs, you can continue driving to your destination. We do recommend you get your vehicle inspected as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your vehicle. However, if the light is flashing, this is a sign of a major fault, and immediate action is required. The vehicle is unsafe to drive, and an expert will need to inspect the car to find the cause of the problem.

Glow Plug Warning Light 

This warning light is only applicable in diesel Audi vehicles. You may notice this warning light in your diesel car in the winter when you start your vehicle up. This is no cause for concern because your engine may need some extra heating from the glow plug. However, if the warning light doesn’t turn off or begins flashing, this is a cause for concern. A solid warning light means you can still drive your car, although it should get checked out when possible. A flashing light is an urgent warning that requires immediate action.

Service warning light

A service warning light lets you know that your car is ready for a service. This light can be triggered when your oil needs changing, a filter needs replacing or when your engine has clocked a specific mileage. We recommend you get your vehicle serviced as soon as possible. As this will enhance the vehicle’s longevity and ensure it runs at its best. 

Audi Pre Sense Warning Light

Audi Pre Sense is a safety feature which predicts an impending crash. However, when the warning light shows, there is a problem with the sensors. An experienced technician will need to investigate what the problem is. 

Suspension Control Warning Light

The suspension systems make the ride smooth, so your vehicle remains in control. However, when the suspension control warning light comes on, you’ll notice a difference in how your car handles the road. Your car will feel less stable, especially when turning. We recommend you get a qualified technician to look at your vehicle.

Gearbox/Clutch Warning Light

This warning light is shown when there is a fault with the gearbox or clutch. Getting your vehicle checked out is essential because a minor fault could become an expensive rebuild or replacement if you continue to ignore the problem.

Diesel Particulate Filter Warning Light

This warning light only happens in diesel Audi cars. It is an indication that there is a problem with the exhaust particulate filter. The filter removes harmful soot from the exhaust gases, reducing emissions, and can get blocked up by soot. Get in touch with a garage to sort this problem, because leaving it can result in your car going into limp mode and other issues.

Tyre Pressure Warning Light

This warning light lets you know when your tyre pressure falls, this could be due to a puncture or lost pressure over time. It is important to ensure that your tires have enough pressure in them, we recommend you check your tyre pressure when possible.

Need Your Warning Light Inspecting?

Here at Walker Cutting, we are German Car Specialists. So if your Audi has any of these warning lights, get in touch, and one of our experienced technicians will be able to help!