Glow plug warning

Questions about the Glow plug warning symbol

What does the Glow plug warning symbol mean on BMW cars?

Orange or red: a fault or hazard warning that should be taken seriously; have the glow plugs checked.

What does the Glow plug warning symbol mean on Audi cars?

On a diesel it lights during normal preheating before starting: follow the starting instruction. If it flashes while driving it can point to an engine management problem; have it diagnosed, and do not assume the glow plugs alone are at fault. Mention any power loss, rough running or DPF warning.

What does the Glow plug warning symbol mean on Škoda cars?

Diesel cars: if the engine is not warm enough, pre-heating runs when the ignition is switched on and this light is lit. The engine starts when it goes out.

What does the Glow plug warning symbol mean on Volkswagen cars?

Diesel engines: lights for a few seconds while the engine is pre-heated; start the engine once it goes out. Flashing yellow, or lit while driving: fault in the glow plug system or engine management; have it checked.

What does the Glow plug warning symbol mean on Peugeot cars?

Orange. On diesel engines it may come on briefly when the ignition is switched on, up to about 30 seconds in severe weather, if conditions require preheating. Wait until it goes out before starting, then start with the clutch pressed (manual) or the brake pedal pressed (automatic).

What does the Glow plug warning symbol mean on Opel cars?

Lights while preheating of the diesel engine is active, which happens only at low outside temperatures. Start the engine when the light goes out.

What does the Glow plug warning symbol mean on Dacia cars?

On diesel versions, this light is expected to come on when the ignition is switched on, showing that the heater plugs are working. It goes out when preheating is complete, at which point the engine can be started.

What does the Glow plug warning symbol mean on CUPRA cars?

Lit yellow: the engine is preheating and can be started when the lamp goes out. Flashing yellow: there is a fault in the diesel engine management; have it checked soon.

What does the Glow plug warning symbol mean on Mazda cars?

On a diesel engine the light comes on when the ignition is switched ON and goes off when preheating is finished. If it does not come on, stays on or flashes, the glow plug maintenance period or a system problem may be indicated; have the vehicle inspected by an expert repairer.

Does the Glow plug warning symbol mean the same on every appliance?

No. On BMW cars it means: Glow plugs need checking. On Audi cars it means: Diesel glow plug light. On Škoda cars it means: Diesel pre-heating. On Volkswagen cars it means: Diesel pre-heating. On Peugeot cars it means: Diesel preheating. On Opel cars it means: Diesel preheating. On Dacia cars it means: Preheating warning light. On CUPRA cars it means: Diesel engine preheating or engine management fault. On Mazda cars it means: Diesel preheating.

What does the Glow plug warning symbol look like?

Amber horizontal looped coil. It is also called “diesel coil” and “preheating”.

Checked against the source · Nov 12, 2026 · How we verify

• 120 km/h warning light (amber)Dashboard lights
• 2H indicator (white)Dashboard lights
• 4H four-wheel drive indicator (amber)Dashboard lights
• ABS text (amber)Dashboard lights
• ABS warningDashboard lights
• ACC adapting to road courseDashboard lights
• ACC braking insufficientDashboard lights
• ACC junction adaptationDashboard lights

Guides that mention it

• BMW Dashboard Symbols Explained: Warning Lights and Colors →