Audi Dashboard Warning Lights: A comprehensive visual guide
Audi Dashboard Warning Lights
If you’re like most people, you probably freak the frak out when lights start flashing, buzzers start buzzing, or frogs rain down upon you from the firmament. And freaking out, certainly, is a reasonable reaction to any of those changes in your otherwise benign life, which, typically, is devoid of The Unknown.
Of course, if you want to mitigate (if not totally eliminate) some of the freak outs in your life, knowing the cause of certain external stimuli can be rather helpful. Scientists can only speculate as to why small amphibious creatures fall from the heavens, but I, my friend, can inform you of why certain lights appear and/or flash on the dashboard of your Audi. This, obviously, demonstrates that I am a much better and smarter person than the “scientists.”
While every generation and model of Audi will have slightly different dashboard warning lights, I have chosen to create a comprehensive guide to one of our newest and most technologically advanced models, the 2017 Audi Q7. The extensive chart below illustrates every warning light that you are likely to see, as well as a thorough description of what that light (and accompanying message) actually means. While this information was taken directly from the owner’s manual of a 2017 Q7, this guide is no substitute for your Audi’s actual owner’s manual. Keep that manual handy to double check the answers you find below.
Obviously, not all the lights listed below are “warning” lights, per se; some of them are, merely, “indicator” lights (i.e. informing the driver that a particular system has been engaged). As a general rule, the white and green lights connote such an indication. The yellow warning lights mean that an action should be taken in the near future, and red lights inform you that action needs to be taken immediately.
So, without further ado, Prestige Imports is pleased to present …
A Comprehensive Visual Guide to Audi Dashboard Warning Lights

The message Audi pre-sense and a warning tone will warn you about danger.

Stop the vehicle and check the brake fluid level. Contact your Audi dealer for assistance.
Brakes: malfunction! Please stop vehicle safely.
If this message appears, there is a malfunction in the brake booster. Do not continue driving. Contact your Audi dealer for assistance.
Parking Brake: malfunction! Safely stop vehicle. See owner’s manual.
Is the vehicle stationary? Try to release the parking brake. If you can’t, contact your Audi dealer for assistance. If you are able to release the parking brake, but the indicator stays on, contact your Audi dealer for assistance. If the indicator light and message appear while driving, the hill start assist or emergency braking function may be malfunctioning. Do not set the parking brake or park on a hill. Contact your Audi dealer for assistance.
Brake booster: restricted. You can continue driving. Please contact Service.
The brake booster is available, but its effectiveness is reduced. Drive carefully to your Audi dealer for assistance.


Do not continue driving, switch engine off, and check coolant level. If the coolant level is too low, add coolant (refer to your owners manual). Only continue driving when the indicator light turns off.
Coolant temperature: too high. Let engine run with vehicle stationary.
Let the engine run at idle for a few minutes to cool off, until the indicator light turns off. If it does not turn off, contact your Audi dealer for assistance.
Note: Do not continue driving if this indicator light turns on as this increases the risk of engine damage.

Stop the engine and do not continue driving. If the engine oil level is too low, add engine oil. Only continue driving once the indicator light turns off.
If the oil level is correct and the indicator light is still on, turn the engine off and do not continue driving. Contact your Audi dealer for assistance.

Add engine oil immediately (please refer to your owner’s manual for details.
Note: Add engine oil a half-quart at a time and re-check, you do not want to over-fill.

Do not continue driving and switch the engine off. Contact your Audi dealer for assistance.


The power steering may have failed. Do not continue driving. Contact your Audi dealer for assistance.
Steering: malfunction! Please stop vehicle. Pay attention to distance at side.
The all-wheel steering may have failed. Stop the vehicle in a safe location with enough space on the sides as soon as possible. Do not continue driving. Contact your Audi dealer for assistance.

There is a malfunction in the electronic steering lock. You cannot turn the ignition on. Do not tow your vehicle because it cannot be steered. Contact your Audi dealer for assistance.

Do not switch the ignition off because you may not be able to switch it on again. Drive to your Audi dealer immediately to have the malfunction corrected.

Do not continue driving. Select the “P” selector lever position and contact your Audi dealer for assistance.

The hood locking mechanism is not engaged correctly. Stop immediately and close the hood.

Adaptive cruise control – the automatic braking is not enough to maintain a sufficient distance to a vehicle driving ahead. You must intervene.


Due to a system malfunction, you vehicle’s ground clearance is very low at the front or rear axle. Contact your Audi dealer for assistance.
Air suspension: malfunction! You can continue driving slowly. Speed limited to max. 35mph
There is a malfunction that can result in restricted driving stability. Drive to your Audi dealer for assistance.
Air suspension: service mode. Vehicle can be moved but handling may be impaired
Carefully drive to your Audi dealer to have the service mode deactivated.



The AdBlue tank is empty. Fill the AdBlue or you will not be able to re-start the vehicle again once you stop it.

The system has determined that the tank was filled incorrectly or that there is a malfunction. Drive immediately to your Audi dealer or you will not be able to start the engine again once you stop it.


Stabilization control (ESC/ABS): malfunction! See owner’s manual
There is a malfunction in the ABS or electronic differential lock. This also causes the ESC to malfunction. ABS is not active. Drive carefully to your Audi dealer for assistance.

Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) was switched off using the “ESC Off” console button. Turn ESC back on by pressing the button again.

ESC and ASR are turned completely off. This is accomplished by pressing and holding the “ESC Off” console button for longer than three seconds. Press the “ESC Off” console button to turn them back on.

There is a heavy load on the brakes. Place the selector lever in the D/S position in order to use the engine braking effect and reduce the load on the brakes.

There is a malfunction in the ABS or electronic differential lock. This also causes the ESC to malfunction. ABS is not active. Drive carefully to your Audi dealer for assistance.


The brake pads are worn, please contact your Audi dealer to schedule maintenance.

There is a malfunction in the parking brake. Proceed to your Audi dealer to have the malfunction corrected.


When this message appears in conjunction with the Tire Pressure indicator light (above) it indicates that there is a TPMS system malfunction. Try to store the correct tire pressures in the Infotainment system. You may have to drive for a few minutes after storing the pressures before the indicator lights turn off. If the indicator doesn’t turn off, or comes on again, please contact your Audi dealer for assistance.

There is an engine control malfunction. Please drive slowly to your Audi dealer to have the engine checked.


Note: The most common cause for the MIL to turn on is an improperly closed fuel filler cap. If this light turns on, stop the vehicle, remove and replace the fuel filler cap, and resume driving. If this was the problem, the indicator light should go away shortly.

The diesel particulate filter requires regeneration. To support the filter’s self-cleaning function: Drive approximately 15 minutes at a speed over 37 mph with the selector lever (gear shift) in “S”, and maintain an engine speed of approximately 2,000 RPM. The indicator light will turn off when the cleaning has completed successfully. If it does not turn off after completing this process, proceed to your Audi dealer to have the malfunction corrected.

The engine speed is automatically limited to the speed displayed in the instrument cluster. The engine speed limitation deactivates once the engine is not in the critical temperature range and you have released the accelerator pedal once.
If the engine speed limitation was activated by an engine control malfunction, the “Engine Control” (car with exclamation point) indicator light also turns on. In this instance, make sure to keep your RPMs below the displayed speed and proceed carefully to your Audi dealer to have the malfunction corrected.

Add the amount of oil indicated in the display as soon as possible.

There is too much oil in the engine and there is a risk of damaging the catalytic converter and engine. Do not start the engine. Contact your Audi dealer to have the excess oil extracted.

Oil level sensor oil change necessary. Please contact Service
Fuel has entered the engine oil as a result of frequent short drives. Avoid high engine speeds, full acceleration and heavy engine loads. Proceed to your Audi dealer to have the oil changed.

Fuel has entered the engine oil, either from low outside temperatures or frequent short drives. Drive until the engine is warm so that the fuel in the engine oil will evaporate. Avoid high engine speeds, full accelerating and heavy engine loads when doing this.

The vehicle battery was disconnected from the electrical system and will no longer charge. Do not stop the engine, or you will not be able to start it again. Proceed to your Audi dealer for assistance.
Electrical system: malfunction! Please contact Service
The battery is discharging. Turn off all unnecessary electrical equipment (radio, A/C, etc.) Proceed to your Audi dealer for assistance.
Electrical system: low battery charge. Battery will be charged while driving
The starting ability may be impaired. If the message turns off after a little while, the vehicle battery is sufficiently re-charged. If the message does not turn off, Proceed to your Audi dealer to repair the malfunction.

There are about 2.6 gallons of fuel left in the tank.
Please refuel immediately
The fuel tank is almost empty. Refuel the vehicle immediately.
Tank system: malfunction! Please contact Service
There is a malfunction in the fuel tank system. Proceed to your Audi dealer to have the malfunction corrected.

Fill the washer fluid for the windshield washer system and the headlight washer system when the ignition is switched off.

There is a malfunction in the windshield wipers. Contact your Audi dealer to have the malfunction corrected.

The ignition key was removed from the vehicle while it was running. If the key is no longer in the vehicle, you cannot switch on the ignition or start the engine once you stop it. You also cannot lock the vehicle from the outside.

There is a malfunction in the driver’s door. Select the “P” selector lever position to secure the vehicle. Proceed to your Audi dealer to have the malfunction corrected.

Replace the battery in the remote control key. Please contact your Audi dealer or check your owner’s manual if you need assistance.

Vehicle lights: malfunction! Please contact Service
There is a malfunction in the headlights or the light switch. Proceed to your Audi dealer to have the malfunction corrected.

There is a malfunction in the headlight range control system, which may cause glare for other drivers. Contact your Audi dealer to have the malfunction corrected.

Adaptive light is not working. The headlights still function. Contact your Audi dealer to have the malfunction corrected.

Automatic wipers: malfunction! See owner’s manual
The light/rain sensor is malfunctioning. The low beams remain switched on at all times for safety reasons when the light switch is in the “AUTO” position. However you can continue to turn the lights on and off using the light switch. You can control all functions that are independent of the rain sensor through the windshield wiper lever. Contact your Audi dealer to have the malfunction corrected.

Audi active lane assist: malfunction! See owner’s manual
If this message appears, proceed to your Audi dealer to have the malfunction corrected

Audi side assist and exit warning: malfunction! Please contact Service
The system cannot guarantee that it will detect vehicles correctly and has switched off. The sensors have been moved or are faulty. Contact your Audi dealer to have the malfunction corrected.

This message appears when the pre sense function is affected. For example, this could be caused by a faulty sensor. Contact your Audi dealer to have the malfunction corrected.

The system cannot guarantee correct function and is switched off. Contact your Audi dealer for assistance.

Front park assist: malfunction! Obstacles cannot be detected
Park assist: malfunction! Obstacles cannot be detected
When one of the messages appears there is a system malfunction. The LED in the Park assist button also blinks when switching it on. The relevant message only appears again when you manually activate the parking aid with the button.

There is a system malfunction in the transmission. Proceed to your Audi dealer to have the malfunction corrected.
P button: malfunction! Auto P when engine off. Please contact Service
There is a malfunction in the “P” button on the selector lever. The transmission will automatically switch to park when the engine is turned off. Proceed to your Audi dealer to have the malfunction corrected.
Transmission: malfunction! Gear change only possible using both paddle levers. Please contact Service
There is a system malfunction in the transmission. You can continue driving with restricted function. The selector lever is not working. Gears can only be selected by tapping both shift paddles at the same time when the vehicle is stationary. Pay attention to the selected transmission position in the instrument cluster display. The parking lock engages automatically when you turn off the engine. Proceed directly to your Audi dealer to have the malfunction corrected.
Transmission: Please press brake pedal and select gear again
Press the brake pedal and select the desired selector lever position again. You can then continue driving.
Transmission: too hot. Please adapt driving style
The transmission temperature has increased significantly due to the sporty driving manner. Drive in a less sporty manner until the temperature returns to the normal range and the indicator light switches off.
Transmission: malfunction! You can continue driving. See owner’s manual
There is a system malfunction in the transmission. You may continue driving. Proceed to your Audi dealer to have the malfunction corrected.
Transmission: malfunction! You may continue driving in D until engine off
The transmission is switching to emergency mode. If you turn the engine off, you will not be able to select any other selector lever positions after starting the engine again. Proceed immediately to your Audi dealer to have the malfunction corrected.
Transmission: malfunction! You can continue driving with limited function. Please contact Service.
The transmission is switching to emergency mode. This mode only shifts into certain gears or will no longer shift at all. The engine may stall. Proceed immediately to your Audi dealer to have the malfunction corrected.
Transmission: malfunction! You may continue driving. No reverse gear
The transmission is switching to emergency mode. This mode only shifts into certain gears or will no longer shift at all. The engine may stall. You cannot engage the reverse gear. Proceed immediately to your Audi dealer to have the malfunction corrected.
Danger of rolling away! P not possible. Please apply parking brake
The parking lock was released using the emergency release, or the parking lock can no longer be engaged. Contact your Audi dealer to have the malfunction corrected.

There is a malfunction in the electronic steering lock. Proceed to your Audi dealer to have the malfunction corrected.

There is a malfunction in the engine starting system. Proceed to your Audi dealer to have the malfunction corrected.

Steering may be more difficult to move or more sensitive than usual. The steering wheel may also be at an angle when driving straight. Proceed carefully to your Audi dealer to have the malfunction corrected.
Steering: malfunction!Adapt driving style. Larger turning radius
The all-wheel steering may have failed. The vehicle will have a larger turning radius and the stability when turning a corner will be like that of a vehicle without all-wheel steering. The steering wheel may also be at an angle when driving straight. Proceed carefully to your Audi dealer to have the malfunction corrected.
Note: If the indicator light only stays on for a short time, you may continue driving

There is a system malfunction that can result in restricted driving stability or reduced ground clearance. Proceed to your Audi dealer to have the malfunction corrected.
Air suspension: vehicle too low. Limited ground clearance
The ground clearance is very low due to a system malfunction. Wait until the air suspension system has restored normal ground clearance. Otherwise, conditions such as an uneven road surface can lead to vehicle damage.

There is a adaptive damper malfunction. Proceed to your Audi dealer to have the malfunction corrected.

There is a malfunction. Proceed to your Audi dealer to have the malfunction corrected.
Sport differential: temperature too high. Please adapt driving style
The temperature has increased significantly due to the sporty driving manner. Drive in a less sporty driving manner until the temperature returns to the normal range and the indicator light switches off.

The second row seats are not folded down and locked into the floor. A warning tone will also sound.

You can only make an emergency call with restricted function. For example, you cannot call the emergency call center, but data may still be transmitted under certain circumstances. Proceed to your Audi dealer to have the malfunction corrected.
Emergency call function: malfunction! Function unavailable. Please contact Service
You cannot make an emergency call. Proceed to your Audi dealer to have the malfunction corrected.

This message appears when there is only enough AdBlue left to drive the indicated in the instrument cluster. Fill the AdBlue. Otherwise the engine will not start again if you stop it once the distance indicated has been driven.

This message appears when it is only possible to drive the distance indicated in the instrument cluster. Proceed immediately to your Audi dealer to have the malfunction corrected. Otherwise the engine will not start again if you stop it once the distance indicated has been driven.

If an indicator blinks twice as fast as usual, a turn signal bulb has failed. Carefully drive to your Audi dealer to have the malfunction corrected.

If a turn signal on the trailer or on the vehicle fails while in trailer mode, the indicator light will not blink twice as fast to indicate this.

















- The engine has not reached the minimum required temperature for Start/Stop mode.
- The interior temperature selected by the A/C system has not been reached.
- The outside temperature is extremely high/low.
- The windshield is being defrosted.
- The vehicle battery charge level is too low.
- The steering wheel is turned at a sharp angle or is moving.
- After engaging the reverse gear.
- On sharp inclines.
- At high altitudes.

It may not be possible to start the engine under certain circumstances, for example if the battery in the vehicle key is drained, if interference is affecting the key, or if there is a system malfunction.
Shift to P before leaving car, otherwise vehicle can roll away
This message appears if the driver’s door is opened while the ignition is switched on and the transmission has not been shifted to the “P” position.

This message appears when there is only enough AdBlue left to drive the distance indicated in the instrument cluster. Fill AdBlue.

There is a malfunction in the tiptronic mode. End tiptronic mode by pushing the selector lever to the left into the D/S position.

Air suspension: vehicle currently too low. Level control in progress
The message will turn off when the level control process is complete.

ACC with traffic jam assist:unavailable. See owner’s manualThe system cannot guarantee that it will detect vehicles correctly and it has switched off. The radar sensors have shifted or are faulty. Contact your Audi dealer to have the malfunction corrected.
ACC with traffic jam assist: currently unavailable. See owner’s manual
This message appears if the ACC cannot be activated, for example if the hood is open.
ACC with traffic jam assist: currently unavailable. Sensor vision restricted due to surroundings. See owner’s manual
This message appears if the radar sensor view is obstructed, for example by leaves, snow, heavy spray or dirt. Clean the sensors.
ACC with traffic jam assist: currently unavailable. Grade too steep
The road exceeds the maximum possible grade for safe operation. The systems cannot be switched on.
ACC with traffic jam assist: only available in D,S or M
Select the D/S or M selector lever position.
ACC with traffic jam assist: currently unavailable. Parking brake applied
The systems switch off if you set the parking brake. The system are available again after you release the parking brake.
ACC with traffic jam assist: currently unavailable. Stabilization control (ESC) input
This message appears if the Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) is taking action to stabilize the vehicle. The systems switch off in this scenario.
ACC with traffic jam assist:manual control!
This message appears if the vehicle rolls back when starting on a slight incline, even though the system are active. Press the brake pedal to prevent the vehicle from rolling or starting to move.
ACC with traffic jam assist: currently unavailable. Downhill assist activated
You cannot activate the system when hill hold assist is active.
ACC: efficiency assist not available in this country.
The adaptation to speed limits and routes ahead is not available in this country.
ACC: efficiency assist currently unavailable. See owner’s manual
The adaptation to speed limits and routes ahead switches off at speed limits under 20 mph. The message can also appear if the adaption to speed limits and routes ahead has a temporary failure. Have the system checked by your Audi dealer if the malfunction is continuous.

This message appears if the driver does not take over steering after multiple driver intervention requests and the system switches off. The vehicle brakes until it is stationary.
Traffic jam assist: unavailable. See owner’s manual
The system can no longer ensure that the vehicle will stay in the lane and switches off. Have your vehicle checked by your Audi dealer if the malfunction is continuous.
Traffic jam assist: Please take over steering!
This message appears as soon as the system stops detecting steering activity when the system limits are reached. Always keep your hands on the steering wheel so you can be ready to steer at any time.
Traffic jam assist: currently unavailable. Please fasten seat belt.
The system switches off when the driver’s safety belt is unfastened.

This message appears if the radar sensor and camera view is obstructed. Clean the sensors and the area around the camera
Audi pre sense: currently restricted. Towing mode
Pre sense rear and the pre sense city braking interventions switch off automatically when the electrical connector in the factory-installed trailer hitch is connected. There is no guarantee the functions will switch off when using a retrofitted trailer hitch.
Audi pre sense: currently restricted
This message appears if the ESC is restricted or switched off
Audi pre sense: currently restricted. See owner’s manual
This message appears when there is a temporary failure in a subsystem, such as the ESC. If this message appears repeatedly, contact your Audi dealer to have the malfunction corrected.
Audi pre sense: emergency braking system off
This message appears if the pre sense functions are switched off through the Infotainment system or if the system is not ready.

There is not enough braking force to hold the vehicle in place. The brakes have overheated. The vehicle could roll away even on a small incline.
Parking brake: applied
If this message appears, press the brake pedal first and then release the parking brake if necessary.
Parking brake: emergency braking
The emergency braking function was triggered.


There is a malfunction in the child safety lock. Press the child safety lock button again (the child safety lock buttons are just aft of the driver’s side power window controls). If the message stays on, proceed to your Audi dealer to have the malfunction repaired.


Audi active lane assist: currently unavailable. Camera view restricted due to surroundings. See owner’s manual
This message appears if the camera is unable to detect the lines due to a dirty, fogged, or ice covered camera, as well as poor road conditions.
Audi active lane assist: currently unavailable. See owner’s manual
There is a temporary active lane assist malfunction. Try switching the active lane assist on again later.
Audi active lane assist: Please take over steering!
This message appears if you are not steering by yourself. Active lane assist is activated, but is not ready to give warning.

Audi side assist and exit warning: currently unavailable. Sensor vision restricted due to surroundings.
The radar sensor vision is impaired. The area in front of the sensors must not be covered by bike racks, stickers, leaves, snow or any other objects. Clean the area in front of the sensors, if necessary
Audi side assist: currently unavailable. See owner’s manual
Audi side assist and exit warning: currently unavailable. See owner’s manual
Side assist cannot be switched on at this time because there is a malfunction (for example, the battery charge level may be too low).
Audi side assist: currently unavailable Trailer towing
Audi side assist and exit warning: currently unavailable. Towing mode
Side assist switches off automatically when the electrical connector in the factory-installed trailer hitch is connected. There is no guarantee the system will switch off when using a retrofitted trailer hitch. Do not use side assist and the exit warning when towing a trailer.

Function currently unavailable. Camera view restricted due to surroundings
This message appears if the camera’s visual field is covered. The system will switch itself off.
Traffic sign recognition: currently restricted. See owner’s manual
This message appears if there is a malfunction in the navigation system, for example. The speed limit display is limited, which increases the risk of an incorrect display.
Traffic sign based speed warning: currently unavailable. See owner’s manual
There is no warning when the set threshold is exceeded.
No traffic sign information available
There is no valid navigation data and no speed limits were detected. Or there is a recommended speed but there is not a speed limit (for example driving on and off the expressway).
Malfunction! See owner’s manual
The system cannot guarantee correct function and is switched off. Contact your Audi dealer for assistance
Function not available in this country
The vehicle is in a country where the function is not available.

The system cannot guarantee correct function at this time and is switched off.
Night vision assist: currently unavailable. Please turn on lights
Night vision assist only works when it is dark outside and the headlights are switched on.
Night vision assist: pedestrian highlighting currently unavailable. See owner’s manual
The pedestrian and wild animal marking was switched off by the system.

You can still switch the high beams on or off manually. Contact your Audi dealer to have the malfunction corrected.
Headlight assistant: currently unavailable. Camera view restricted due to surroundings. See owner’s manual
The camera view is blocked, for example by a sticker or debris. The sensor is located between the interior rearview mirror and the windshield. Do not place any stickers in this area on the windshield.

I hope you found this visual guide to Audi dashboard warning lights instructive. If you are out driving around the Denver metro area and any of the above warning lights (yellow or red) appear on your dashboard, and the situation cannot be self-remedied quickly and safely, I would strongly suggest making an appointment with our Audi Service Department so they can work their magic and get you back on the road as quickly as possible.
To schedule an appointment with an Audi certified-technician, simply call (833) 825-5423 to make arrangements with a Service Advisor. Remember, Prestige Imports is conveniently located near downtown Denver at 9201 West Colfax Avenue between Wadsworth and Kipling.
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Frog photo courtesy of Stig Nygaard / flickr
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