Audi Dashboard Symbols: What Each Warning Light Means

What do the Audi brake and ABS warning lights mean?

Brake-related lights on an Audi range from a worn-pad reminder to a warning that you should stop as soon as it is safe. Here is what each one means and what to do.^{[7, 8]}

• ABS text (amber): the anti-lock braking system has probably failed. Normal braking still works, but the wheels can lock under hard braking. Take extra care on slippery roads and see a dealer or workshop soon.^[1]
• ABS warning: ABS may not be working, and stability functions that depend on it can be affected too. Leave more braking distance and have the car checked soon. If the red brake warning also comes on, or the pedal feels different, stop safely and get assistance.^[9]
• Brake warning (BRAKE): on European Audis, the word BRAKE warns of a problem with the basic brake system. If the parking brake is released, stop as soon as it is safe and contact a workshop, because driving on could be dangerous.^[8]
• Brake overheating (amber): the brake discs and pads are getting too hot. Stop when safe and let them cool, because overheated brake fluid can boil and leave the brakes without pressure.^[10]
• Brake overheating (red): the discs and pads are overheating. Pull over as soon as you safely can and let them cool, since braking pressure can be lost if they stay hot.^[3]
• Brake pad wear warning: the pads are worn. Have the brakes inspected soon, before the worn pads start damaging the discs. Grinding, pulling or a change in braking makes this more urgent. The light does not show how much is left on each pad.^[7]

Audi AdBlue symbols: low level, empty and fault

AdBlue is the urea fluid that the diesel exhaust-cleaning (SCR) system needs. Audi's AdBlue symbols drop the word AdBlue because a text message comes with them, so read that message as well as the light.^{[11, 12]}

• AdBlue low (white bottle or white text): the fluid is running low and needs topping up. A message usually shows how far the car can still be driven.^{[11, 12]}
• AdBlue low (amber, with or without text): the level is low and only a short distance can be driven before it runs out. Refill soon.^{[13, 14]}
• AdBlue refill needed (red text): fluid has to be added to the AdBlue tank. Without it, the engine's exhaust emissions will be far too high.^[15]
• AdBlue empty (red bottle): the car will not start again until AdBlue has been added. Refill the tank.^{[4, 12]}
• AdBlue fault (amber, or white with a wrench): either the wrong fluid has gone into the AdBlue tank or a fault has been found in the system, and a text message explains which. Trained technicians must purge or repair the system.^{[16, 17, 18]}
• AdBlue fault (red): the problem is serious and the car cannot be started. Carrying on risks damage to the engine or its exhaust-cleaning system, and only a dealer or qualified workshop can repair it.^{[19, 17, 20]}

A distance countdown may be shown, so act before any no-restart countdown reaches zero. Use the specified fluid and amount. Refilling does not fix dosing or sensor faults, and red no-start messages need the exact procedure for your vehicle.^[21]

What does the airbag light mean on an Audi?

• Airbag / restraint system warning (amber): there may be a fault in the airbag or restraint system, so occupant protection could be reduced. Have it inspected promptly with suitable diagnostic equipment. On some models the same symbol lights red.^[22]
• Airbag fault (AIR BAG): a text version of the airbag warning. One of the airbags has failed, and only a dealer or authorized workshop can repair it.^[23]
• Airbag warning: one of the airbags or another part of the restraint system has a fault. Have it repaired by a dealer or authorized workshop as soon as possible.^[24]

The airbag fault light is not the same as the passenger airbag OFF status. Do not unplug seat or airbag wiring to make the light go out.^[22]

Audi driver assistance symbols: pre sense, side assist and cruise control

• Audi pre sense collision warning (red): pre sense has detected a collision hazard. It warns with visual, sound and haptic signals and can brake partly or fully, tighten the seat belts, close the windows and sunroof and switch on the hazard lights. React immediately.^[25]
• Audi pre sense fault (amber): pre sense has a problem. It may need servicing, or a sensor may simply be dirty, so cleaning the car is a sensible first step. Normal driving is not affected.^[2]
• Audi pre sense warning: a collision-assistance function is limited or unavailable. Stay fully attentive and check the display for the reason. Clean sensors only where the manual allows, and remember the assistance never takes over the driver's responsibility.^[26]
• Audi side assist fault (amber): shown as a car inside a mirror. If it stays on, the system is not working and will not warn about vehicles next to the car. Restarting or cleaning the sensors may clear it; otherwise have a dealer or authorized workshop check it soon.^[27]
• Audi side assist unavailable (white): in white it can simply mean the system is unavailable, though the light points to a fault whatever its colour. If it stays on, vehicles alongside are not detected, so visit a dealer soon.^[28]
• Adaptive cruise control following distance (white): shows the gap adaptive cruise control will keep to the vehicle ahead. More lines between the cars means a longer distance. It appears briefly when you change the distance setting.^[29]
• Car will not drive off automatically (green): in stop-and-go traffic with adaptive cruise assist, the car will not move off by itself when the vehicle ahead pulls away. Re-engage the system by pulling the left-hand stalk towards you.^[30]
• Automatic hold active, A (green): automatic brake hold is on, so the brakes stay applied when the car is stopped. They release when you press the accelerator with a drive gear selected.^[31]

Battery, bonnet, central warning and other Audi lights

• Central warning (red triangle): draws attention to an urgent message shown with it, but on its own it does not identify a component. Read the full message or second symbol in the driver display straight away and follow its instruction.^[5]
• Battery / charging warning (amber): comes with a message in the instrument cluster. It can mean the battery charge is low and driving will recharge it, or it can warn that the engine may not restart if switched off.^[6]
• Charging / battery warning: the car may not be keeping up its electrical supply. Move to a safe place, and stop if told to or if there is smoke, overheating or the steering assistance fails. Arrange help promptly rather than relying on the battery for a long journey.^[32]
• Bonnet not closed: the bonnet is not shut or the latch sensor cannot confirm it is locked. Pull over somewhere safe and shut it firmly. If it looks shut and the warning persists, have the latch and sensor inspected.^[33]
• Active roll stabilization fault (amber): roll stabilization, part of the air suspension that limits body roll, has been switched off because of heavy load. If it stays on for a long time or returns after an ignition restart, the system needs servicing.^[34]
• Adaptive headlamp fault (amber): the curved arrow stands for the headlamps swivelling left and right. There is a malfunction in this system, and a dealer is needed for the repair.^[35]
• Auto start/stop off (white): the automatic engine start/stop system is off, so the engine will not shut down at stops. Switch it back on with the dashboard button carrying a similar symbol.^[36]

What if your Audi symbol is not listed here?

This guide covers only the Audi symbols listed above. If you see a light that is not described here, check the owner's manual for your own Audi model and read the message shown in the driver display.