Volkswagen Tiguan Owners Manual: Warning and indicator lights

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Lights up	Possible cause or meaning ⇒	Proper response
	Brake system malfunction.	Stop! Get professional assistance immediately ⇒ Brake system malfunction .
	Brake fluid level too low.	Stop! Check the brake fluid level ⇒ Brake fluid level .
	Together with ABS indicator light or : there is an ABS failure.	See an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. The vehicle brakes will work without ABS.
	The electronic parking brake is set.	To begin driving, press the brake pedal to release the electronic parking brake ⇒ Electronic parking brake .
	Brake pads worn.	If you believe that it is safe to do so, immediately take the vehicle to an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Check, and if necessary replace, all brake pads.
	Lights up: ESC malfunctioning or switched off by the system.	Switch ignition off and on again. You may have to drive a short distance.
	See an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
	Together with the ABS indicator light or : ABS malfunction.	See an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. The vehicle brakes will work without ABS.
Vehicle battery has been reconnected.	Drive a short distance at a speed of 10 – 12 mph (15-20 km/h. If the indicator light stays on, see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility, ⇒ Vehicle battery
	ASR switched off.	Automatically switch on ASR by turning the ignition on and off.
	Together with ESC indicator light : ABS malfunction.	See an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. The vehicle brakes will work without ABS.
	Together with the , or warning light: ABS failure.
	Together with a blinking or warning light: there is an electronic parking brake malfunction.	See an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
	Brake pedal not depressed.	Depress the brake pedal to select a gear or drive position.
		Depress the brake pedal to release the electronic parking brake ⇒ Electronic parking brake .

Flashes	Possible cause ⇒	Solution
	Electronic parking brake malfunction.	Do not continue driving Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.
	ESC or ASR regulating.	Take foot off accelerator pedal. Adapt driving to road conditions.
	The release button in the selector level is not engaged in position.	Engage the Automatic Shift Lock (ASL) ⇒ Automatic Shift Lock (ASL) .

When the ignition is switched on, several warning and indicator lights come on briefly for a function check. They go out after a few seconds.

Warning

Failure to heed warning lights and instrument cluster text messages can cause the vehicle to break down in traffic and result in a collision and serious personal injury.

• Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.

• Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

Warning

Driving with bad brakes can cause a collision and serious personal injury.

• If the brake warning light or does not go out, or comes on when driving, either the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low or there is a fault in the brake system. Stop the vehicle as soon as you can do so safely and get expert assistance ⇒ Brake fluid .

• If the brake warning light or comes on at the same time as the ABS warning light or , the ABS may not be working properly. This could cause the rear wheels to lock up relatively quickly during braking. Rear wheel brake lock-up can cause loss of vehicle control.

• If you believe the vehicle is safe to drive, drive slowly and very carefully to the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility or other qualified workshop and have the brake system inspected. Avoid sudden hard braking and steering.

• If the ABS indicator light or does not go out, or if it comes on while driving, the ABS system is not working properly. The vehicle can then be stopped only with the standard brakes (without ABS). You will not have the protection ABS provides. Contact your authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility as soon as possible.

• If the symbol or lights up in the instrument cluster display, whether alone or together with a text message, immediately contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility to have the brake pads checked and, if necessary, replaced.

Note

Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.