Control and signal lamps (VW Passat B6)

Airbag system

The indicator lamp lights up for a few seconds after the ignition is switched on. On vehicles with the front passenger airbag deactivated, the indicator lamp flashes for approximately 12 seconds.

If the light does not go out or starts to light, flash or flicker while driving, the airbag system is faulty. Such a system should be checked immediately by a Volkswagen service center.

Text message on the multifunction indicator display: "AIRBAG FEHLER", "MALFUNCTION IN THE AIRBAG SYSTEM"

Direction indicator when driving with a trailer

The indicator lamp flashes together with the direction indicators on the vehicle and trailer.

If one of the direction indicator lamps on the vehicle or trailer fails, the indicator lamp does not flash.

Cruise control

The indicator light comes on when the cruise control is on.

Reminder: Press the brake pedal and press the button in the selector (only with automatic transmission)



When the ignition is on, the selector is locked in the "P" and "N" positions. To move the selector out of these positions, press the brake pedal and press the button in the selector handle.

The following message appears on the multifunction indicator display: "BEIM EINLEGEN EINER FAHRSTUFE IM STAND FUSSBREMSE BETATIGEN". "WHEN SELECTING ONE OF THE DRIVING POSITIONS WITH THE VEHICLE STOPPED, PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL."

Rear fog light

After the rear fog light is switched on, the indicator lamp comes on.

Direction indicator

Depending on which side of the vehicle the turn signals are flashing, the left or right indicator lamp flashes simultaneously. If one of the turn signal lamps fails, the indicator lamp flashes twice as fast as normal. This does not happen when towing a trailer.

Brake pad wear indicator

The warning light comes on when the wear of the front brake pads has reached the maximum permissible value.

You should immediately contact a Volkswagen service center to check the condition of the brake pads.

Since the brake pad wear indicator only indicates significant wear on the front brake pads, we recommend that you check the condition of the rear brake pads at the same time as replacing the front brake pads.

Text message on the multifunction indicator display: "BREMSBELAG PRUFEN", "CHECK THE CONDITION OF THE BRAKE PADS".

High beam

The indicator lamp lights up when the high beam is on and when the headlight signal is on.

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

The indicator lamp warns of a malfunction in the anti-lock braking system and the traction control system.


The indicator lamp lights up after the ignition is turned on or during engine start-up for a few seconds. It goes out after the automatic system operability check is completed

If the indicator lamp does not light when the ignition is turned on, does not go out after a few seconds after the ignition is turned on, or lights up while driving, then the anti-lock braking system is not in order.

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

• if only the anti-lock braking system indicator light comes on while driving, the vehicle may still be braked by the normally functioning service brake system, without the anti-lock braking system. You should contact a Volkswagen service center as soon as possible;
• if the ABS warning light comes on together with the brake warning light, not only is there a problem with the ABS, but changes in the normal operation of the brake system should be expected.

Text message on the multifunction indicator display: "STOP! BREMSENFEHLER BETRIEBSANLEITUNG", "STOP! BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE".

Caution: After both indicator lights have come on (ABS and braking system) you should stop immediately and check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. If the level is below the "MIN" mark, you cannot continue driving - you need qualified assistance.

Caution: If the brake fluid level is normal, there may be a malfunction in the ABS. Due to a malfunction of the ABS, premature locking of the rear wheels is possible during braking. Under certain conditions, this may lead to skidding of the car.

Caution: It is necessary to proceed with extreme caution to the nearest Volkswagen service center to have the fault rectified.

Traction control system (EOS)

Traction control system (electronically controlled differential lock system) works together with ABS. A malfunction in the anti-skid system is indicated by the ABS indicator lamp lighting up. You should contact a Volkswagen service center as soon as possible.

Anti-theft system (built-in immobilizer)

When the ignition is switched on, the ignition key code is automatically requested. The data comparison is confirmed by a short flashing of the control lamp.

If an uncoded key is used, the indicator lamp starts to flash with short breaks. The car cannot be used.

Brake system

The indicator lamp lights when the parking brake is applied.

If the speed is higher than 6 km/h with the parking brake applied, an additional warning signal sounds once.

Text message on the multifunction indicator display: "HANDBREMSE ANGEZOGEN", "PARKING BRAKE IS APPLIED."

The indicator lamp lights up when the brake fluid level is too low.

Text message on the multifunction indicator display: "STOP! BREMSENFEHLER BETRIEBSANLEITUNG", "STOP! BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE".

On vehicles with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), the indicator lamp lights up for a few seconds after the ignition is turned on or the engine is started. If the ABS fails, the brake system indicator lamp lights up together with the ABS indicator lamp.

Text message on the multifunction indicator display: "STOP! BREMSENFEHLER BETRIEBSANLEITUNG", "STOP! BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE".

Caution: If the brake system warning light does not go out after releasing the parking brake or lights up while driving, this indicates that the brake fluid level in the tank is too low. Stop immediately. Do not continue driving - qualified assistance is required.

Caution: If the brake system warning light comes on together with the anti-lock brake system warning light, it is possible that there is a malfunction in the anti-lock brake system. When braking, the rear wheels may lock. Under certain circumstances, this may cause the vehicle to skid.

Battery charge

The indicator light comes on when the ignition is turned on. It should go out after the engine starts.

If the warning light is on, you can continue driving to the nearest Volkswagen service centre.

Since the battery is continuously discharging, all electrical consumers that are not required to be turned on should be switched off.

Text message on the multifunction indicator display: "GENERATOR WERKSTATT!", "LOW BATTERY! REPAIRS ARE NEEDED!"

Seat belts

The indicator light comes on after the ignition is turned on for about. It should go out after the engine starts.

If the seat belts are not put on, an audible signal sounds after the ignition is turned on. It stops after the seat belts are put on or after approximately 6 seconds.

Text message on the multifunction indicator display: "GURT ANLEGEN", "PUT ON YOUR SEAT BELTS."

Pre-heating (for diesel vehicles only)

When the engine is cold, the indicator lamp lights up when the ignition switch is turned to the driving position ("Ignition on").

If the control lamp does not light up, then there is a fault in the pre-heating system – qualified assistance is required.

After the indicator light goes out, you should start the engine immediately.

If, while driving a vehicle equipped with a diesel engine, there are any disturbances in the engine control, as indicated by a flashing control lamp, the engine should be checked immediately at a Volkswagen service centre.

Text message on the multifunction indicator display: "MOTORSTORG. WERKSTATT!", "ENGINE FAILURE. REPAIR NEEDED!"

Malfunctions in the engine management system

If any problems with engine control occur while driving a vehicle with a petrol engine, this warning light will come on – the engine should be checked immediately at a Volkswagen service centre.

Text message on the multifunction indicator display: "MOTORSTORG WERKSTATT!", "ENGINE FAILURE. REPAIR NEEDED!"

Coolant temperature/coolant level

The signal lamp lights up for several seconds when the ignition is turned on – checking the functionality.

If the warning light does not go out or lights up or starts flashing while driving, this indicates either too high a coolant temperature or too low a coolant level in the cooling system. As an additional warning, a sound signal sounds 3 times: stop the car, turn off the engine and check the coolant level. If necessary, top up the coolant.

Text message on the multifunction indicator display: "STOP! KUHLMITTEL PRUFEN BETRIEBS-ANLEITUNG", "STOP! CHECK 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 warning light 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 provided that the coolant level is normal and the warning light has gone out, 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.

Caution: Do not allow coolant to come into contact with hot exhaust system components or other hot components. The low-temperature additive in the coolant may ignite.

Engine oil pressure/level

The engine oil pressure and oil level indicator light comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is turned on to check the functionality.

If the indicator lamp does not go out, a warning signal sounds three times. The engine must not be started. Check the engine oil level and add oil if necessary.

The lamp flashes red (engine oil pressure too low).

If the control lamp flashes red while driving, and an additional warning signal sounds 3 times at engine speeds above 1500 min⁻¹. You should stop and turn off the engine. You should check the engine oil level and top up if necessary.

If the warning light flashes despite the engine oil level being normal, you must not continue driving. The engine must also not idle. Qualified assistance is required.

Text message on the multifunction indicator display: "STOP! OLDRUCK MOTOR AUS! BETRIEBSANLEITUNG", "STOP! NO OIL PRESSURE. TURN OFF ENGINE!"

The lamp lights up yellow/the engine oil level is too low).

At the latest, check the engine oil level at the next refueling and top up oil if necessary.

Text message on the multifunction indicator display: "STOP! OLSTAND PRUFEN", "STOP! CHECK THE OIL LEVEL."

After opening the engine hood, the control lamp goes out. If oil has not been added to the engine, then after a run of approximately 100 km, the lamp lights up again.

The lamp flashes yellow (oil level sensor is faulty).

If the oil level sensor is faulty, this is indicated by a sound signal and a flashing control lamp. In the period between the occurrence of the fault and the engine check, it is necessary to systematically, preferably at each refueling, check the oil level in the engine.

Text message on the multifunction indicator display: "OLSENSOR WERKSTATT", "OIL LEVEL SENSOR IS DEFECTIVE. REPAIR IS REQUIRED."

Open door or trunk lid indicator

The warning light should go out when all doors and the trunk lid are completely closed (on the second retainer).

On vehicles with a navigation system*, this warning lamp is replaced by a warning light in the multifunction display indicating that the doors are open and that the bonnet and boot lid are not completely closed.

This warning also appears when the ignition is off; approximately 15 seconds after the car doors are locked it disappears.

Low washer fluid level

The warning light comes on when the windshield washer fluid level in the reservoir is too low.

Text message on the multifunction indicator display: "WASCHWASSER AUFFULLEN", "TOP UP THE WASHER FLUID. "

Reserve fuel supply

The warning light comes on when the fuel level drops to approximately 8 litres. In addition, one warning signal sounds.

Text message on the multifunction indicator display: "BITTE TANKEN", "PLEASE REFUEL."

Engine malfunction causing increased exhaust toxicity

The warning light flashes: misfires are possible, which can lead to damage to the catalytic converter. The warning light is on continuously: when the car is moving, if there are problems with engine management, the toxicity of exhaust gases increases (for example, if the oxygen sensor fails).

In this case, you should not press the accelerator pedal too hard; it is necessary to drive at moderate speed to the nearest Volkswagen service center to have the engine control checked.

Anti-skid system

The indicator lamp lights up when the ignition is switched on and should go out after two seconds. The indicator lamp flashes when the anti-skid system (Electronic Stability Program – ESP) is activated. When the system is switched off or if there is a malfunction, the indicator lamp lights up continuously.

Since the anti-skid system works in conjunction with the anti-lock braking system, if the anti-skid system fails, the anti-skid system indicator light also comes on.