Your Complete Guide to Audi Warning Lights

Nothing can stop you in your tracks faster than a little light shining on your Audi’s dashboard.

How long do I have before my car breaks down? Is the warning sign urgent or can it wait? What does that little light even mean?

Questions like these may race through your mind, and, unfortunately, there can be many different causes for concern. So, what do the different warning lights mean? Keep reading to see what the team at one of the leading California Audi dealers in Livermore has to say!

Stop, Caution, Go! Decoding Audi Warning Light Colors

Before we even begin to discuss the symbols on your dashboard, let’s talk about the different light colors. The lights on your dashboard will vary in color between green or blue, yellow or amber, and red.

Green dashboard lights act more as indicators, so you can see when systems are being used.

Yellow dashboard lights are there to let you know that something is amiss. While it pays to be cautious moving forward, a yellow light doesn’t mean you have to stop your journey altogether. When you receive a yellow warning light, proceed with caution and schedule an Audi maintenance appointment promptly.

Red is a common color to convey urgency or danger, and the same can be said for warning lights inside your vehicle. Red dashboard lights warn that there is a major issue with your car and one that could be dangerous if you continue driving. If you receive a red warning light, pull over as soon as you can to avoid a costly mistake later.

Understanding the Most Common Dashboard Warning Lights in Your Audi

The dashboard lights in Audi models are similar to those found in other vehicles, with a few specific to the brand itself. Here we will break down the most common dashboard lights by color.

Green Means Good to Go

Many of the dashboard lights that fall within this category are indicators to let you know when a feature is turned on, such as adaptive cruise control. When this feature is on, your dashboard will show a green outlined car. You may also see the following lights appear:

Car with another vehicle in the distance. Indicates a vehicle in front of you was detected but your vehicle is not moving.
Car with signals to another car. Indicates a vehicle in front of you was detected while the system maintains a safe distance.
Car with speedometer. Indicates that adaptive cruise control is in use.
Roadway. Indicates a change is coming up, such as a curve in the road or a different speed limit.
Multiple cars. indicates that traffic jam assist is on and that there are vehicles in front of you.

In addition to the adaptive cruise control symbols, other green lights on your dash may be various driver-assistance indicators. These can vary from a green-lit “MPH” to an image of a roundabout.

Slow Down for the Yellow

When you see a yellow light appear on your dashboard, it’s your car’s way of saying that there is something happening. While it may not be dangerous now, it could be if left ignored.

Some common yellow dashboard lights we see are the following:

Car with curved marks on the ground: This is the Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) light. A blinking light means the feature is working to keep your vehicle stable on the road ahead. However, if it remains on, it could indicate a malfunction.
Temperature gauge encased in a circle: This symbol indicates that the brakes are overheating, which could be caused by carrying too much weight.
An exclamation mark in an open-top circle: This symbol indicates low tire pressure. Adjust tire pressure as soon as possible or stop into an Audi service center near you for a tire inspection.
Two conjoined ovals: This light is the Audi glow plug warning light, which is found in diesel-fueled Audi models. If you see this light, it can mean that the glow plugs are working properly or that there is an issue.
Car encased in a dash-lined circle: This is the Audi-specific pre sense warning light. This light indicates that there is an error with the sensors.

Danger Ahead in the Red!

As we mentioned above, the red warning lights are not a suggestion of a problem but a statement of an underlying danger.

“BRAKE”: This clear statement warns you of a potential brake hazard. The brake fluid may be low or the brake pads may need to be replaced. Reach out to your Audi service center immediately to check the problem.
Thermometer symbol with waves below: This symbol indicates that the engine is overheating. When this light appears, turn off the engine, then check the coolant levels once the engine has cooled down. If you continue to drive with this light on, you risk harming the engine.
Battery: This symbol warns you that the battery is no longer being charged. Schedule an Audi battery service as soon as you can so a technician can diagnose the issue.
Car with the hood open: This indicates that the hood of your Audi is not secured. Before hitting the road, make sure the hood is completely closed!
An exclamation mark encased in a gear: This indicates there is an issue with the transmission. As soon as it is safe to do so, stop your vehicle and put it in Park. Then reach out to our Audi Livermore service center.
Dripping oil can: The oil can may indicate that more oil needs to be added. It can also mean the oil is too hot. Given that the oil lubricates your engine so it can run smoothly, ignoring the warning light may cause major harm. When you see this light, schedule an Audi oil change service for a quick and simple fix!

Reserve Your Spot for Expert Audi Service near San Francisco Today!

With so many warning lights housed within your dashboard, it can be overwhelming and scary when one lights up. But don’t worry — our team at Audi Livermore has you covered!

Whether you have a question about a warning light, need to schedule an Audi oil change, or just want a maintenance check-up, our trusted mechanics are here to help get your vehicle back on the road safely.

Have a used Audi in need of a new part? Whether you’re looking for Audi parts in San Francisco, San Jose, or beyond, you can find them here. We offer genuine OEM parts guaranteed to fit your Audi and provide peace of mind for the future. And did we mention a 12-month/12,000-mile warranty?

Don’t wait for a warning light! Schedule a maintenance appointment with our Audi Service Center today!