Audi A4 Dashboard Lights and Engine Warning Symbols

Contained in this section are many of the dashboard warning lights, engine management lights and fault symbols associated with the Audi A4.

Each warning or information symbol is similar or identical to those found on the Audi A4 dashboard and included is the meaning of the light symbol. Dashboard lights may vary depending on the version of the Audi A4 and the country in which it was manufactured.

As a general rule the colour of the illuminated symbol illustrates the severity of the issue. Symbols that are red once illuminated indicate an issue that required immediate attention. Orange will typically indicate a less urgent issue, for example a vehicle service required.

Other symbol colours such as blue and green provide the driver with information such as lights and indicators. Flashing warning lights inform the driver of an urgent issue.

Audi A4 engine management fault dashboard warning light
Audi A4 engine management fault dashboard warning light
Engine management light for Audi petrol engines
Engine management light for Audi petrol engines

Engine management light

The light should illuminate with the ignition turned on and go out once the engine has started. If the light remains on or flashes whilst driving, take your vehicle to an authorised Audi technician. Light may indicate an issue with emissions control or the catalytic converter. The Electronic Power Control (EPC) is an alternative to the engine management light as seen above used on Audi cars.

Audi Hold Assist activation dashboard light
Audi Hold Assist activation dashboard light

Audi Hold Assist light

This circle in brackets symbol is a system that monitors the Audi Hold Assist function. Audi Hold Assist helps to keep the vehicle stationary whilst the engine is running. Example can be whilst stopping on a hill at traffic lights. When the light is on, the system is activated and you do not need to keep your foot on the brake.

Audi A4 low battery charge dashboard warning light
Audi A4 low battery charge dashboard warning light

Low battery charge

If the battery power drops to a level where problems may be encountered when starting the engine, the low battery power charge light will illuminate. If the light comes on for a period of time whilst driving and goes out, it means the engine has sufficiently charged the battery. If the light comes on and does not go out whilst driving, the battery power is not being sufficiently regenerated. Starting reliability issues may arise. Consult an authorised Audi technician.

Audi A4 dynamic steering dashboard warning light
Audi A4 dynamic steering dashboard warning light

Dynamic steering light

Light illuminates with ignition activation and goes out a few second after. If the warning light stays on after the engine has started, it indicates a malfunction within the system. Driving can continue at a reduced speed until seen by a qualified Audi Technician. Steering may feel unresponsive and heavy and may also the steering wheel may not be central when driving in a straight line.

Audi A4 airbag system monitor warning light
Audi A4 airbag
system monitor warning
light

Airbag system light

This system monitors the airbag and seat belt tensioner system. The dashboard warning light should go on when the ignition is activated and go off after a few seconds. If the light does not go out or illuminates whilst driving, it indicates a malfunction within the system. If the light does not illuminate when the ignition is turned on, it also signifies a malfunction. Failure to get the fault remedied may result in airbag or seat belt tensioner failure. For further information about airbags and possible faults, see why is the airbag light on?

Audi A4 lane assist active dashboard warning light
Audi A4 lane assist active dashboard warning
light

Lane assist active

This system warns you if your vehicle is about to cross lane markings. The lane assist dashboard warning light is illuminated green to signify it is active. The symbol is illuminated amber to signify the system is inactive.

Audi A4 cooling system fault warning dashboard symbol
Audi A4 cooling system fault
warning dashboard
symbol

Cooling system fault

This system monitors the engine temperature. If the cooling system fault light illuminates whilst driving, stop the engine as soon as is safely possible. This may indicate the engine is overheating. Wait till the engine has cooled down and check engine coolant levels. If light remains on, seek assistance from a qualified Audi workshop. See what is engine coolant and how to check engine coolant for further details.

Audi A4 anti-lock brakes (ABS) test / fault dashboard warning light
Audi A4 anti-lock brakes (ABS) test / fault dashboard warning light

Anti-lock brakes light

The anti-lock brakes (ABS) light illuminates for a few seconds with the ignition being switched on and extinguishes once it has run through the automatic test. Test also monitors the electronic differential lock (EDL). If the light does not illuminate with the ignition, extinguish after a few seconds or comes on whilst driving, there is a fault. Normal braking is not effected, though the ABS will not function. See the Anti-Lock Braking System guide for understanding what ABS is and how it works.

Parking brake dashboard warning light
Parking brake dashboard warning light

Parking brake light

When the vehicle has been stationary for an extended period of time, Audi Hold Assist will detect this and apply the parking brake. When this happens the light will change from green (see left) to red. If the light begins to flash, the parking brake may not be strong enough to hold the vehicle. This may be due to worn or overheated brakes. A fault with the system is indicated on the dashboard by a yellow symbol in conjunction with the parking brake symbol.

Audi A4 electronic Stability Program (ESP) dashboard warning light
Audi A4 electronic Stability Program (ESP) dashboard warning light
ESP light version two
ESP light version
two

Electronic Stability Program

Yellow circle, with triangle and exclamation mark – The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) dashboard light flashes if the ESP or traction control is activated whilst driving. If ESP or traction control has been switched off, it will light up continuously. If ESP or traction control is not turned off and the warning light illuminates continuously, it indicates a problem and malfunction with either ESP or traction control.

Audi A4 parking brake warning light
Audi A4 parking
brake warning
light

Brake warning light

Red circle containing a red exclamation mark – If this light illuminates whilst driving, it either indicates that the parking brake is engaged or that there is a fault within the braking system. For further information, see why is the brake light on in my car?

Audi A4 tyre pressure monitoring system warning light
Audi A4 tyre pressure monitoring system warning light

Tyre Pressure Warning Light

Tyre containing yellow exclamation point – Tyre pressures should be corrected as soon as possible if the pressure is too low. See tyre legal limit for information on having too high and too low pressure in tyres. If this symbol flashes for around 1 minute and remains illuminated, it signifies a fault within the system. If you are experiencing problems, see tyre pressure warning light keeps coming on.

Audi A4 engine oil pressure warning dashboard symbol
Audi A4 engine oil pressure warning dashboard
symbol

Engine oil pressure

The system monitors the engine oil pressure. If this symbol illuminates, it signifies low engine oil pressure. Switch off the engine as soon as safely possible. Engine oil should be checked and if light remains on, seek assistance from a qualified Audi workshop as soon as possible. See how to check engine oil for further information.

Audi A4 brake pads worn dashboard warning light
Audi A4 brake pads worn dashboard warning
light

Brake pads worn light

When this symbol illuminates it signifies that the brake pads on the vehicle are worn. Worn brake pads reduce effective braking and increase braking distances. Seek assistance from a qualified workshop to change brake pads.

Electronic immobilizer dashboard symbol
Electronic immobilizer dashboard symbol
Cruise control activated dashboard light
Cruise control activated dashboard light
Trailer attached - turn signals light
Trailer attached – turn signals light
Seat belt reminder warning symbol
Seat belt reminder warning symbol
Direction indicators lights and hazard warning
Direction indicators
lights and hazard warning
Main beam headlights activated warning light
Main beam headlights activated warning light
Side lights and headlights activated warning light
Side lights and headlights activated warning light
Engine management / coil glow plug system light symbol for diesel engines
Engine management / coil glow plug system light symbol for diesel engines
Door or boot lid open warning symbol
Door or boot lid open warning symbol
Light bulb failure dashboard symbol
Light bulb failure dashboard symbol
Window washer level low warning light
Window washer level low
warning light

 

21 thoughts on “Audi A4 Dashboard Lights and Engine Warning Symbols”

  1. Hobbs Neville

    What is the icon that appears when your key is first inserted? It looks like a sky dish!
    A4 2014.

  2. Terrry C

    Should oil pressure warning light come on before staring on 2011 A4 1.8t

  3. Terry C,
    As long as this is BEFORE starting, then this is perfectly normal – it’s a bulb test, plus there’s no oil pressure in the engine when it’s turned off. If it comes on whilst the engine is on, then that’s very different and is cause for concern.

  4. Don Lane

    Syncing your clock with a satellite.

  5. Saikrishna

    I have losed my dashboard audi a4

  6. Dean Dale

    Hi, I recently replaced the cluster on my B6 A4 and it is not showing an Electronic immobilizer dashboard symbol.The car does not start.
    Please advise

  7. Nathi

    morning team
    could you please help me to find out this warning sign light on cluster
    warning sign is Bulb failure
    I checked all the bulb are fin but the light is still on
    please what can I do to clear the light in cluster

  8. Hi Nathi,
    Sometimes it can be a bulb that is on its way out, or a minor electrical fault in one of the units.

  9. vinny

    What is the plus sign on my dashboard, (right side above speedometer) in my 2019 Audi A4 for?
    P.S. – There is also a minus sign on the left side of dashboard.
    Thank you for any help.

  10. Tai

    How come I have a cR light with a key under it coming up on my dashboard?

  11. Ronaldo

    Hi there,on my gear selection at the bottom of the digital display.All of the gear options are flickering.Turning red but flashing on and off.What could be wrong or what is the car telling me?

  12. Chris.S

    On our 2012 A4 gas – turbo. We have a light that no one seems to know what it is .. A gas pump with a drip coming off it in a red box .. Under the gas mileage range area of the screen ? Anyone know what this could be please .. Many thanks in advance

  13. Hi Chris. I thought it might be something to do with the fuel efficiency program, but I’m not sure. Perhaps someone else will post if they know.

  14. Gabriel Kaunda

    I can’t find the symbol appearing on my car dash board

  15. Mike

    Symbol has a circle and says ( 1MPG )..

  16. Peter Williamson

    How do I know how many miles i have left after i fill up with diesel

  17. Natalie

    Does anyone know what mpg 2 means in the warning kifht

  18. Hi Natalie,
    It’s to do with the trip computer settings. You have trip 1 and trip 2. Trip 1 is the single journey memory which processes information on a journey until the ignition is switched off. The long distance (trip 2) calculates the same stuff as trip 1, but is not automatically reset, or erased. This needs to be done manually. With trip 2, you can determine how long you wish the computer to supply data.

  19. when I switch on i see tis message Stabilisation programme fault see Owners manual

  20. Hi Abdulmanan,
    A fault with the vehicle’s stabilisation system is most commonly due to a damaged wheel speed sensor. However, you’ll need diagnostics to scan for fault codes to confirm the fault.

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