Volkswagen Golf Owners Manual: Warning and indicator lamps

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings 

Lit up	Possible cause  	Solution
	The electronic parking brake is switched on.	Do not drive on! Switch off electronic parking brake   .
	Brake system fault.	Do not drive on! Obtain professional assistance immediately   .
	Brake fluid level is too low.	Do not drive on! Check brake fluid level   .
	Together with ABS indicator lamp : ABS not functioning.	Proceed to a qualified workshop. The vehicle can be braked without ABS.
	Front brake pads worn.	Go to a qualified workshop immediately. All brake pads should be checked and renewed as necessary.
	ESC switched off by the system.	Switch the ignition on and off. If necessary, drive a short distance.
	ESC fault.	Proceed to a qualified workshop.
	In conjunction with ABS indicator lamp : ABS fault.	Proceed to a qualified workshop. The vehicle can be braked without ABS.
	Vehicle battery has been reconnected.	Drive a short distance at a speed of 15 – 20 km/h (10 – 12 mph). If the indicator lamp remains lit up, the vehicle should be checked by a qualified workshop   .
	TCS switched off manually. OR: TCS and ESC switched off manually.	Switch on TCS/ESC   . Switch on TCS/ESC automatically by switching the ignition off and on.
	In conjunction with ESC indicator lamp : ABS fault.	Proceed to a qualified workshop. The vehicle can be braked without ABS.
	In conjunction with warning lamp : ABS not functioning.
	Brake pedal not depressed.	To select a position, press the brake pedal.

Flashes	Possible cause	Solution
	ESC/TCS is taking corrective action.	Remove foot from accelerator pedal. Adapt driving style to suit road conditions.

Several warning and indicator lamps will light up briefly as a functional check when the ignition is switched on. They will switch off after a few seconds.

WARNING

Failure to observe illuminated warning lamps and text messages can lead to your vehicle breaking down in traffic, and can cause accident and serious injury.

• Never ignore any illuminated warning lamps or text messages.

• Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so.

WARNING

Driving with poor brakes can result in accidents and serious injuries.

• If the brake warning lamp does not go out, or if it lights up when driving, the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low or there is a fault in the brake system. Stop the vehicle immediately and seek expert assistance   .

• If the brake warning lamp lights up together with the ABS indicator lamp , the control function of the ABS may have failed. This can cause the rear wheels to lock quickly when you brake. Locked rear wheels can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle. If possible, reduce your speed and drive carefully at low speed to the nearest qualified workshop in order to have the brake system tested. Avoid sudden braking and driving manoeuvres on the way.

• The ABS is not functioning correctly if the ABS indicator lamp does not go out or comes on while the vehicle is in motion. The vehicle can be stopped using the normal brakes only (without ABS). The protection provided by ABS is no longer available. Go to a qualified workshop as soon as possible.

• If the warning lamp lights up either individually or together with a text message in the display of the instrument cluster, go to a qualified workshop immediately to have the brake pads checked or any worn brake pads replaced.

NOTICE

Failure to observe illuminated indicator lamps and text messages can lead to your vehicle being damaged.