The Complete Guide to Audi Dashboard Warning Lights

It's always prudent to have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible when you notice any dashboard lights that are out of the ordinary. Let's explore a few of the most common warning lights you may see in your Audi.

Check Engine Light

The check engine light is a dashboard indicator covering a multitude of issues and will require your Audi to undergo a diagnostic to determine the exact problem triggering the light. Though your Audi's check engine light is on, it may not be as bad as you may think. A few of the most common reasons you may find setting off your check engine light include:

• A loose gas cap.
• Malfunctioning fuel injection system.
• Faulty head gasket.
• Faulty emissions control part.
• Damaged oxygen sensor.
• Dirty mass airflow sensor.
• Defective spark plugs.
• An old battery.
• Computer output circuit issues.
• Catalytic converter issues.

Typically you will want to have your Audi checked out when you first notice your check engine light is on, but there is a way to tell whether your Audi needs to be seen immediately or if it is something that will allow you time to plan for having your Audi in the shop.

If your check engine light lights up constantly, you may have some time before you need to have your Audi serviced. On the other hand, if your check engine light begins to flash, this is a sign your Audi needs immediate attention, and you won't be able to delay.

At Audi Mission Viejo, our service department will be glad to run diagnostics on your Audi to determine the exact cause of why your check engine light is on, and then recommend the type of services needed to get your vehicle running like new again. When you allow our highly trained technicians to service your Audi, they will perform a complimentary multi-point inspection. In many cases, diagnostic fees are waved when determining the cause of a check engine light.

Warning Lights

Check engine light aside, there are warning lights that work independently to inform you of issues your Audi may be having. If you pay close attention to your dashboard when starting your car, you may have noticed the many different warning lights initially flashing as your vehicle starts up. These warning lights are how your Audi lets you know when an issue needs to be addressed. A few of the most common warning lights you may encounter in your Audi include:

Brake System

Your Audi's braking system is the most critical safety feature of your vehicle. When this system is compromised, your Audi may not be safe to drive. Therefore, you will want to have your Audi checked out immediately if this warning light is on. When this warning light is on, you will see an illuminated BRAKE light along with an exclamation point in the middle of a circular icon.

Cooling System

The cooling system in your Audi keeps your engine at an optimal running temperature. When this system has low coolant or isn't functioning correctly, you will see a warning light on your dashboard. This light has wavy lines below what resembles a thermometer. Driving your Audi with low coolant can lead to an overheated engine. If left unchecked, you could ruin your Audi's engine, so when you see this warning light, have your coolant system checked out as soon as you can.

Central Indicator Light

The central indicator light is a general warning light to let you know something is wrong. When this light is on, it is an indicator you need to check your dashboard for more information. This light is an exclamation mark in the middle of a triangle.

Brake Pads

An essential part of the braking system, your Audi's brake pads will wear out over time. How often you will need to change your brake pads depends on your driving habits and how often you are in stop-and-go traffic. When your Audi senses your brake pads need to be changed, a warning light will show up on your dashboard. This light shows up as text or as a symbol. When in text form, it will show up as BRAKE WEAR. When in symbol form, it will be lines on either side of a circle.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Your Audi has a TPMS that monitors the air pressure in each of your tires. Whether you have one or multiple underinflated tires, the TPMS will light up a warning light to alert you of the situation. When this warning light shows up, you will need to check the air pressure in your tires as soon as you can. Underinflated tires can significantly affect your Audi's fuel economy and drivability, ultimately reducing your tires' tread life. In addition, tires are an expensive investment. Your Audi's TPMS will help ensure you get the most out of your investment.

Transmission

If you encounter this warning light in your Audi, you will need to seek professional service to determine the exact cause and correct the issue. A transmission warning light could be triggered by a multitude of reasons, with the most common being the fluid level, fluid pressure, or fluid temperature. This warning light is an exclamation point in the middle of what resembles a gear. To avoid further damage or catastrophic failure of the transmission, you will need to have the issue diagnosed as soon as you can.

Have Your Audi Serviced at Audi Mission Viejo

Our professionally trained technicians are eagerly waiting to provide your Audi with the excellent service it needs and deserves. Whether your check engine light or other warning lights are on, our service department can diagnose and repair your Audi. In addition, your Audi will benefit from a routine maintenance schedule.

Routine maintenance and service will ensure your Audi will provide you with years of enjoyable driving. Contact us or visit Audi Mission Viejo for more information concerning our service department. We are conveniently located in Mission Viejo, California. We proudly serve Newport Beach, Tustin, Irvine, Riverside, Anaheim, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach, Aliso Viejo, San Clemente, and San Juan Capistrano as well.