Violations of primary importance (red pictograms) (VW Passat B5)

The following messages may indicate abnormal operation or warnings of high priority:

oil pressure too low;

brake system failure;

coolant level too low or coolant temperature too high;

problems with the braking system and anti-lock braking system.

These pictograms are of primary importance and warn of danger. Therefore, you should stop and turn off the engine!



Correct the problem. If necessary, seek qualified technical assistance.

If multiple high priority violations are detected, the icons appear one after the other for approximately 2 seconds each. The icons flash until the violation is corrected.

Engine oil pressure

Text message: "STOP! OLSTAND PRUFEN" ("STOP! CHECK OIL LEVEL").

If this occurs while driving, you must stop and turn off the engine. Check the engine oil level and add oil if necessary.

If the pictogram is flashing despite the engine oil level being normal, you must not continue driving. The engine must not run even at idle speed – qualified assistance is required.

Brake system

Text message: "STOP! BREMSFLUSSiGKEIT PRUFEN" ("STOP! CHECK BRAKE FLUID").


The icon appears when the brake fluid level is too low.

It is necessary to stop the car and check the brake fluid level.

If the brake fluid level in the reservoir has dropped below the "MIN" mark, you can still proceed with extreme caution to the nearest Volkswagen service center.

If the ABS malfunctions, the regulation of the braking force of the rear brake mechanisms is stopped. Therefore, the brake mechanisms tend to lock the rear wheels earlier.

Warning: If the brake fluid level is normal, the ABS may not function properly. This may cause the rear wheels to lock early when braking. Under certain circumstances, this may cause the rear brakes to fail.

It is necessary to immediately and with extreme caution proceed to the nearest Volkswagen service center to have the malfunction corrected.

Coolant temperature/coolant level

Text message: "STOP! KUHLMITTEL PRUFEN" ("STOP! CHECK COOLANT").

If the icon lights up or flashes while driving, the coolant temperature may be too high or the coolant level may be too low.

View the original on the website (VWManual)

You should stop, turn off the engine and check the coolant level. If necessary, add coolant.

If the coolant level is normal, the cooling system malfunction may be caused by a faulty fan. Check the fan fuse and replace it if necessary.

If the indicator lamp does not go out, although the coolant level is normal and the fan fuse is in good condition, do not continue driving - qualified assistance is required.

If the cause is a faulty fan and the coolant level is normal and the text message on the display has disappeared, you can continue driving to the nearest Volkswagen service center. In order to use the oncoming air flow to cool the liquid, you should avoid idling the engine and driving at very low speeds.

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Text message: "STOP! ABS STORUNG" ("STOP! ABS FAILURE").

The pictogram indicates problems with the anti-lock braking system and the anti-skid system with braking of the slipping wheel.

If there is a fault in the ABS, the following may occur:

• if only one anti-lock brake system indicator lamp is lit, the vehicle may still be braked by one normally functioning service brake system without the anti-lock system. Contact a Volkswagen service centre as soon as possible.
• if the ABS warning light comes on together with the brake warning light, this means that not only is there a fault with the ABS, but changes in the normal operation of the brake system should also be expected.

Traction control system with brake intervention of the slipping wheel (EDS)

The traction control system with braking of the slipping wheel works together with the anti-lock braking system. A malfunction in the traction control system is indicated by the ABS indicator lamp lighting up. It is necessary to contact a Volkswagen service center as soon as possible.