SymbolIndex

Dashboard Warning Lights: What the Colors and Symbols Mean

Published · Reviewed by Rokas

Short answer: Dashboard light colors signal urgency, but each brand defines them. On Volkswagen, the red central warning triangle means do not drive on, while the yellow one means have the fault checked soon. Škoda uses its red triangle for a serious hazard. BMW treats orange or red lights as warnings to take seriously. On Audi, the green automatic hold light shows the system is on and working.[1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

What do dashboard warning light colors mean?

Several car brands use color to show how urgent a light is, but each defines it in its own manual. Read the color together with the symbol and any message in the instrument cluster.[4, 2, 3, 1]

  • Central warning (red triangle) symbolRed: On Volkswagen, the red central warning is a priority 1 warning: do not drive on, stop when safe and get expert help. On Škoda, the red triangle is the central warning for a serious hazard.[3, 1]
  • Central warning (amber triangle) symbolAmber or yellow: On Volkswagen, the yellow triangle is a priority 2 warning, so check the fault soon and have a workshop look at it. On Škoda, the amber triangle indicates a warning and a cluster message explains the cause.[6, 2]
  • Active Cruise Control warning symbolOrange or red on BMW: BMW's dealer guide describes orange or red lights as a fault or hazard warning that should be taken seriously.[4, 7, 8]
  • Automatic hold active, A (green) symbolGreen: On Audi, the green automatic hold light (a letter A) means the brake hold is switched on and working.[5]
  • Audi side assist unavailable (white) symbolWhite: On Audi, a white side assist light can simply mean the system is unavailable, although Audi's side assist light points to a fault whatever its color.[9]
  • Blue: The verified facts in this guide do not cover blue lights, so check your own owner's manual.

The same symbol can appear in more than one color. On some Audi models the airbag symbol lights red instead of amber, and on Volkswagen the ABS light shows yellow when ABS has failed or has a fault.[10, 11]

What does the warning triangle on the dashboard mean?

The triangle is a central or master warning that points you to a message or a second light. On Audi, the red triangle on its own does not identify a component, so read the full message straight away.[12, 6, 3]

  • Central warning (red triangle) symbolRed triangle on Volkswagen: Priority 1. It lights or flashes, sometimes with a chime, other symbols and a text message. Do not drive on; stop when safe and get expert help. Cluster menus cannot be opened while it is active.[1]
  • Central warning (amber triangle) symbolYellow triangle on Volkswagen: Priority 2. It lights or flashes, sometimes with a chime or other symbols. Have it checked by a workshop soon, because low fluid levels or faults can damage the car.[2]
  • Central warning (red triangle) symbolRed triangle on Škoda: A serious hazard. It may light alone or with another red light; read the message and follow the instruction for the accompanying light.[3]
  • Central warning (amber triangle) symbolAmber triangle on Škoda: A warning, alone or with another amber light. Follow the instruction for the accompanying light.[6]
  • Central warning (red triangle) symbolRed triangle on Audi: Draws attention to an urgent message. Read the message or second symbol in the driver display and follow its instruction.[12]

Brake lights: ABS, BRAKE, pad wear and overheating

  • ABS warning symbolABS warning: On Volkswagen, the brakes still work but without ABS; drive carefully and have it checked. On Audi, ABS will not step in, so leave more braking distance and have the car checked soon; stability functions that depend on ABS can also be affected.[11, 13]
  • ABS warning symbolABS plus red brake light: On Škoda, this means a fault in the brake system and ABS, so do not continue driving. On Audi, stop safely and get assistance if the red brake warning also comes on or the pedal feels different.[14, 13]
  • Brake warning (BRAKE) symbolBrake warning (BRAKE): On European Audis, the word BRAKE warns of a problem with the basic brake system; if the parking brake is released, stop when safe and contact a workshop. On BMW, have the braking system inspected as soon as possible.[15, 8]
  • Brake pad wear warning symbolBrake pad wear warning: On Škoda, the pads have reached their limit, so drive with extra care to a garage. On Volkswagen, it lights yellow and you should go to a workshop straight away. On Audi, the light does not show how much is left on each pad.[16, 17, 18]
  • Brake overheating (red) symbolBrake overheating (red): On Audi, the discs and pads are overheating. Pull over when safe and let them cool, because the brake fluid can boil and braking pressure can be lost.[19]

Airbag and restraint system lights

Airbag lights warn that occupant protection may not work as designed. On BMW, the airbags may not deploy properly in an accident, so have the system checked as soon as possible.[7, 10]

  • Airbag warning symbolAirbag warning on Audi: An airbag or another part of the restraint system has a fault; have a dealer or authorised workshop repair it soon. Do not unplug seat or airbag wiring to make the light go out.[20, 10]
  • Airbag fault (AIR BAG) symbolAIR BAG text warning: A text version used by some European makers, including on Audi. One of the airbags has failed and only a dealer or authorised workshop can repair it.[21]
  • Airbag / belt tensioner fault (amber seated occupant) symbolAirbag / belt tensioner fault on Volkswagen: Lit continuously yellow means a fault; have it checked straight away. It also lights briefly at ignition on as a function check.[22]
  • Airbag fault warning symbolAirbag fault on Škoda: Lit with the passenger airbag OFF light, the airbag switch is faulty and the passenger airbag will not deploy; have it checked immediately.[23]
  • Airbag / belt tensioner fault (amber seated occupant) symbolLit 4 seconds, then flashing 12 seconds: On Volkswagen and Škoda, an airbag or belt tensioner was switched off with a diagnostic tool.[22, 23]

Battery and charging lights

  • Charging / battery warning symbolCharging / battery warning on BMW: The battery is not being charged properly; have the charging system checked by a workshop soon.[24]
  • Charging / battery warning symbolRed battery light on Volkswagen: With a message, the 12-volt system may fail. Do not drive on; stop safely, switch off unnecessary consumers and the ignition, and get expert help.[25]
  • Charging / battery warning symbolRed battery light on Škoda: With a 48V network or 12V not-charging message, park safely and get help. With the red coolant light and red triangle, it indicates an engine fault: stop and do not continue.[26]
  • Battery / charging warning (amber) symbolAmber battery light on Škoda: With a weak or discharged 12V battery message, drive several kilometres or use a charger; with a not-charging or 12V fault message, seek a garage.[27]
  • Battery / charging warning (amber) symbolBattery warning on Audi: Read the message; it can mean low charge that driving will restore, or that the engine may not restart. Stop if told to, or if there is smoke, overheating or the steering assistance fails.[28, 29]

Other common lights: AdBlue, fuel cap, bonnet and driver assistance

  • AdBlue warning symbolAdBlue warning: On Audi, AdBlue needs topping up or the system has a fault; act before any no-restart countdown reaches zero. A refill does not fix dosing or sensor faults.[30]
  • AdBlue level low, bottle (red) symbolRed AdBlue bottle: On Volkswagen, the level is too low, the engine cannot be restarted, and you need to add at least the minimum quantity.[31]
  • Check fuel cap symbolCheck fuel cap: On Audi, tighten the cap until it clicks; ignoring it can bring on the engine warning.[32, 33]
  • Bonnet not closed symbolBonnet not closed: On Audi, pull over and shut it firmly; if it looks shut and the warning stays, have the latch and sensor inspected.[34]
  • All-wheel drive fault symbolAll-wheel drive fault: On Škoda, switch off, wait about 10 minutes and restart; if the light stays on after a short drive, seek a garage.[35]
  • Auto Start/Stop fault symbolStop/Start fault: On BMW, the system is malfunctioning and needs attention at a workshop.[36]
  • Active Cruise Control warning symbolDriver assistance: On BMW, the Active Cruise Control warning means pay closer attention or put your hands back on the wheel. On Audi, a red pre sense warning means a collision hazard and needs an immediate reaction.[4, 37, 38]

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with the ABS light on?
On Volkswagen, the brakes still work but without ABS, so drive carefully and have it checked. On Škoda, continue driving carefully and seek a specialist garage. If the red brake light comes on with it on a Škoda, do not continue driving.[11, 14]
Is a green dashboard light a warning?
Not on the example verified here: on Audi, the green automatic hold light means the brake hold is switched on and working. For other green lights, check your own manual.[5]
Why does my airbag light flash after starting the car?
On Volkswagen and Škoda, lighting for about 4 seconds and then flashing for about 12 seconds means an airbag or belt tensioner was switched off with a diagnostic tool.[22, 23]
What happens if I ignore the AdBlue warning?
On Volkswagen, if the yellow warning is ignored the red AdBlue light comes on and the engine cannot be restarted until you add at least the minimum quantity.[31]
Can a loose fuel cap turn on the engine light?
On Audi, yes: a loose cap lets air into the fuel system and the engine warning may come on next. Tighten it until it clicks, and see a workshop if that does not help.[32, 33]

Symbols referenced

  1. 1.Central warning (red triangle) — Do not drive on (red central warning) (Volkswagen cars).
  2. 2.Central warning (amber triangle) — Priority 2 warning (yellow central warning) (Volkswagen cars).
  3. 3.Central warning (red triangle) — Serious hazard (red central warning) (Škoda cars).
  4. 4.Active Cruise Control warning — Active Cruise Control: take over (BMW cars).
  5. 5.Automatic hold active, A (green) — Automatic hold on (Audi cars).
  6. 6.Central warning (amber triangle) — Warning (amber central warning) (Škoda cars).
  7. 7.Airbag warning — Airbag fault (BMW cars).
  8. 8.Brake warning (BRAKE) — Brake system fault (BMW cars).
  9. 9.Audi side assist unavailable (white) — Audi side assist fault or unavailable (Audi cars).
  10. 10.Airbag / restraint system warning (amber) — Airbag or restraint system fault (Audi cars).
  11. 11.ABS warning — ABS fault (Volkswagen cars).
  12. 12.Central warning (red triangle) — Central warning (Audi cars).
  13. 13.ABS warning — ABS fault (Audi cars).
  14. 14.ABS warning — ABS fault (Škoda cars).
  15. 15.Brake warning (BRAKE) — Brake system fault (BRAKE) (Audi cars).
  16. 16.Brake pad wear warning — Brake pads worn (Škoda cars).
  17. 17.Brake pad wear warning — Brake pads worn (Volkswagen cars).
  18. 18.Brake pad wear warning — Brake pad wear (Audi cars).
  19. 19.Brake overheating (red) — Brakes overheated (Audi cars).
  20. 20.Airbag warning — Airbag fault (Audi cars).
  21. 21.Airbag fault (AIR BAG) — Airbag fault (Audi cars).
  22. 22.Airbag / belt tensioner fault (amber seated occupant) — Airbag or belt tensioner fault (Volkswagen cars).
  23. 23.Airbag fault warning — Airbag system fault (Škoda cars).
  24. 24.Charging / battery warning — Battery not charging (BMW cars).
  25. 25.Charging / battery warning — 12-volt power supply fault (Volkswagen cars).
  26. 26.Charging / battery warning — Electrical system fault (red) (Škoda cars).
  27. 27.Battery / charging warning (amber) — 12V battery or electrical fault (amber) (Škoda cars).
  28. 28.Battery / charging warning (amber) — Battery or charging warning (Audi cars).
  29. 29.Charging / battery warning — Electrical charging fault (Audi cars).
  30. 30.AdBlue warning — AdBlue level or system (Audi cars).
  31. 31.AdBlue level low, bottle (red) — AdBlue empty, engine start disabled (Volkswagen cars).
  32. 32.Check fuel cap — Fuel cap loose (Audi cars).
  33. 33.Check fuel cap (text) — Check fuel cap (Audi cars).
  34. 34.Bonnet not closed — Bonnet not secured (Audi cars).
  35. 35.All-wheel drive fault — All-wheel drive fault (Škoda cars).
  36. 36.Auto Start/Stop fault — Stop/Start system fault (BMW cars).
  37. 37.Audi pre sense collision warning (red) — Collision danger (Audi cars).
  38. 38.Audi pre sense warning — pre sense limited or unavailable (Audi cars).

How this guide was made: drafted with AI assistance strictly from Symbol Index's verified records, then checked and approved by a human reviewer. Each numbered reference links to the symbol page with the full meaning.