If you drive an Audi or Volkswagen, there are a few dashboard lights that should never be brushed off. At Northside Autohaus, we regularly see what happens when critical warnings go unchecked. The result is often a bigger, more expensive repair that could have been prevented with a proper check-up.
Here’s what each of these warning lights means, what usually causes them, and what to do if one lights up while you’re driving.
5 Important Warning Lights to Watch for in Audi and VW Vehicles
1. Oil Pressure Warning
- Low or old engine oil
- Oil pump failure
- Internal engine wear
- Blocked oil pickup or sensor fault
- Stop the car immediately and turn off the engine
- Do not restart it
- Call for a tow as driving further could seize the engine
2. Coolant Temperature Warning
- Coolant leak
- Failing water pump
- Thermostat jammed shut
- Cooling fan or sensor fault
- Pull over as soon as it's safe
- Turn off the engine and let it cool
- Don’t open the coolant reservoir while it’s hot
- Arrange a check-up or tow if needed
Learn how we handle cooling faults and overheating during our Volkswagen servicing process.
3. Brake System Warning
- Worn brake pads
- Brake fluid leak or low fluid
- ABS control unit fault
- Parking brake malfunction
- If the pedal feels soft or the car pulls when braking, stop driving immediately
- If it drives normally, proceed slowly and book a check-up
- Don’t delay — brake issues can escalate quickly
4. EPC (Electronic Power Control)
- Faulty accelerator pedal sensor
- Throttle body problems
- Boost pressure irregularities (common in turbocharged VW/Audi engines)
- Wiring or ECU issues
- If the car enters limp mode or loses power, pull over
- Turn the car off and restart to reset
- Drive gently to a workshop if safe, or book a tow
Our European diagnostics tools allow us to pinpoint the exact EPC fault — no guesswork.
5. Check Engine Light (Optional Bonus)
- Oxygen sensor or MAF sensor fault
- Misfire or spark plug issue
- Fuel system irregularities
- Carbon build-up or turbo inefficiency
- If the light is solid and the car drives normally, book diagnostics
- If the light is flashing, stop immediately (could be a misfire or damage in progress)
Why Diagnostics Matter
Dashboard lights tell you something’s wrong. But they won’t tell you what or how serious it is.
At Northside Autohaus, we use manufacturer-approved tools like VCDS and ISTA to scan the exact fault codes, run system tests, and isolate the cause. Whether it’s a brake fault or an intermittent sensor, we can give you answers quickly — and quote only for what’s actually needed.
If a warning light just came on or your car feels off, don’t ignore it. Our specialists can identify the issue, explain your options, and prevent it from turning into a major repair. Book a diagnostics check with Northside Autohaus in Brookvale.
