touareg cruise control warning light

Volkswagen Touareg Dashboard Warning Lights (All Models 2003 to 2024)

Welcome to the ultimate guide to all dashboard symbols, warning lights, errors and faults for the 2003 to 2024 Volkswagen Touareg SUV to assist in troubleshooting, diagnosis and solving these problems.

Please note: This guide covers every single possible symbol/warning light for ALL model variations for Volkswagen Touareg, including standard, premium and top-of-the-line models, plus variations in body shape. While this guide does cover your specific car , your car may not have all the symbols featured on this list.

Volkswagen Touareg Symbols and Warnings Guide

There are 25+ possible lights that may illuminate for a variety of reasons.

While this guide is helpful, please refer to your owner’s manual after reading through this list.

Volkswagen Touareg Engine Fault

There are hundreds of reasons why the check engine warning fault light comes on, and only your dealer or mechanic is qualified to address this.

Common reasons include a loose fuel cap, excess vibration, a blocked cylinder, a bad fuel mix, excessive heat and half power.

This may also highlight an issue with your transmission.

Volkswagen Touareg Check Engine Oil

This means your engine oil is running low or has been completely drained. Your engine may have an extensive oil leak and a mechanic will be required urgently.

At this stage, it’s not recommended that you drive your vehicle.

Volkswagen Touareg Attention / Warning / Fault Detected

Either of these two lights will illuminate to get your attention to other dashboard warning lights and symbols.

These lights can also mean that the handbrake is engaged.

Volkswagen Touareg Battery

This means your battery has low voltage and may need a replacing.

Should you choose to drive your vehicle with a faulty battery, you risk losing power to your battery at high speeds.

Many mechanics will prefer to visit your home to replace your car’s engine battery, rather than have you drive to them.

Volkswagen Touareg Press Foot Brake

This symbol is your Volkswagen Touareg telling you to press the foot brake.

This is required before starting the engine and moving the vehicle out of Park.

Volkswagen Touareg Handbrake Engaged

Your handbrake is engaged.

This can be disengaged by hand, or your vehicle may have a handbrake that is disengaged with your foot.

Volkswagen Touareg Airbag Fault

This means your driver’s side or passenger side airbag has a fault and may not deploy when required. However, it’s quite common for this light to illuminate due to a faulty sensor, rather than a faulty airbag.

Take your vehicle to your mechanic for inspection as soon as possible.

Volkswagen Touareg High Radiator Coolant Temperature

This symbol represents excessive heat from your engine’s radiator. If ignored, you risk overheating your engine very quickly.

Common reasons are a low coolant level and a leak in the radiator.

Call or visit a mechanic immediately.

Volkswagen Touareg Parking Sensors

This symbol represents the front or rear parking sensors. You will also hear an audible beep as you get closer to a wall, pole, tree or other object when reversing.

Volkswagen Touareg Bulb Not Working

This means one of your driving lights has stopped working and requires either a bulb replacement or fuse replacement.

Volkswagen Touareg Low Beam Lights On

This means your front standard driving lights are on.

These lights are used for 99.9% of driving.

Volkswagen Touareg High Beam Lights On

This means your front high-beam driving lights are on.

These lights are used for 0.01% of driving and typically for country roads late at night. Fines can apply for use of high beams in dense residential areas. Do NOT use high team driving lights within 400 metres (1,000 feet) of an oncoming car.

Volkswagen Touareg Automatic Low Beam Lights On

This means your front automatic standard driving lights are on.

These will illuminate by themselves on dusk, when entering tunnels and in other low light situations.

Volkswagen Touareg Automatic High Beam Lights On

This means your front automatic high-beam driving lights are on.

Please be wary that these lights do not turn themselves on automatically around other cars.

Volkswagen Touareg Automatic Lights Malfunction

Volkswagen Touareg’s come with automatic lights, however, these can malfunction.

This is often an issue with the front low-light sensor. You may continue to drive and simply use your normal on/off headlight function until you visit a mechanic.

Volkswagen Touareg Glow Plug Indicator Symbol

This is the Glow Plug Indicator symbol, which is found only in diesel-powered variants of Volkswagen Touareg. Diesel engines require heat in the cylinders to operate, which is supplied initially by its glow plugs when the engine is freezing cold.

When illuminating green, this is operating perfectly but when yellow, a fault may exist.

Volkswagen Touareg Vehicle Is In Park

This means your vehicle is in Park.

Volkswagen Touareg Hood / Bonnet Is Open

While your front hood/bonnet may appear closed, it may show open on the sensor.

Volkswagen Touareg Front Fog Lights Enabled

This means your Volkswagen Touareg front fog lights are engaged. A similar symbol exists for the rear warning lights.

Note: In some areas, it is illegal to use fog lights when it isn’t foggy. Please check with your local authority.

Volkswagen Touareg ABS System Fault / ABS System Off

Your vehicle’s ABS system has a fault and may not engage under heavy braking.

Please visit a mechanic as soon as possible.

Volkswagen Touareg ECO Mode On

ECO mode in a Volkswagen Touareg is an optimum driving mode.

Your throttle will not respond favorably to performance driving.

Instead, your fuel economy will be at its best, hence the term ‘Eco’.

Volkswagen Touareg Truck / Boot Open

While your rear trunk/boot may appear closed, it may show open on the sensor.

Volkswagen Touareg Front Radar Engaged

This means your front sensor is engaged.

This feature provides autonomous braking and adaptative cruise control.

Volkswagen Touareg Lane Assistant On

This means your lane-keeping assistant is on.

This feature allows your vehicle to remain straight within its lane.

This may only engage above 40km/h or 25mp/h.

Volkswagen Touareg ESP / ESC Engaged

This means your Volkswagen’s Electronic Stability Programme (or Electronic Stability Control in some countries) has been engaged.

This typically engages on wet, muddy or icy roads.

Volkswagen Touareg Check Brake Fluid

This means your brake fluid has become low and may require topping up.

Volkswagen Touareg Check Brake Pads

This means your brake pads have become low.

This may be difficult to check and may require visiting a mechanic as soon as possible.

Volkswagen Touareg Steering Wheel Locked

This means your steering wheel is locked.

This is an anti-theft symbol that flashes when your vehicle is locked.

Volkswagen Touareg Service Due Soon

This means your vehicle is due for servicing soon.

Your mechanic may have programmed an alert within your car’s computer to illuminate this symbol upon crossing a certain odometer reading.

Volkswagen Touareg Heated Seats

This means your heated seats are on.

The number of vertical lines represents the level of heat.

Volkswagen Touareg Cruise Control Activated

This means your cruise control has been activated and is ready to use.

However, your cruise control will not be on. It’s simply ready to switch on.

Cars often use 2-buttons to avoid accidentally turning on cruise control.

Volkswagen Touareg Check Wheel

This means you have an issue with your wheel.

This isn’t the rubber tire but the wheel itself.

Issues include alignment, steering and balance.

Volkswagen Touareg Heated Windscreen

This means your windscreen is being heated to melt frost or ice.

This may turn itself off automatically.

Volkswagen Touareg Air Suspension Fault

If your Volkswagen Touareg has air suspension, then this symbol represents a fault.

This could be a deflated rear suspension air bag, an air leak or a sensor issue.

Volkswagen Touareg Tire Air Pressure Fault

This means your tire pressure is either too low, or the sensor has faulted.

This requires calling or visiting your dealership as soon as possible.

Volkswagen Touareg Intermediate Windscreen Wipers On

This means your automatic windscreen wipers are on. No action is required.

Ultimately, your car is trying to tell you something. You should consult your owner’s manual and have your car inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.

Symbols Have Different Colors

Much like traffic lights, the color of your dashboard symbol light is just as important as what it means. The lights can also flash to draw your attention to a more severe and time-sensitive issue.

When a Volkswagen dashboard warning light is green or blue, they are simply telling you that one of your car’s features is being used, or has been activated. No action is required at this time.

When a light is yellow, your car is trying to tell you that a less common safety feature of the car is being used (such as stability control on wet roads), a mild fault has been detected or a repair may be required. If you’re unsure, you should seek the services of a mechanic or dealership as soon as possible.

Orange or Red

If the dashboard on your Volkswagen is orange or red, this can be a signal that your vehicle is experiencing a problem that needs urgent attention . You MUST call or visit your dealership or mechanic immediately.

This dashboard symbols guide is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and does not replace seeking professional advice from a certified technician or expert mechanic. Please consult with a certified technician or mechanic if you have specific questions or concerns relating to any of the topics covered herein. Under no circumstances will DashboardWarningsLights.com be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on any content on this website.

Joshua Lee is the writer, editor and owner of DashboardWarningLights. Joshua has a deep obsession with the automotive industry, for both passenger vehicles and trucks. When he isn't writing or driving, he enjoys exploring in the great outdoors!

Dashboard lights

What do Volkswagen dashboard lights mean? Explore the instrument cluster icon guide below to learn about your warning light symbols and indicators.

Warning and indicator lights guide

Explore our comprehensive warning lights guide to help you quickly identify what each indicator symbol means.  

It’s important to note that the interpretation of lights may vary across different models , so we recommend consulting your owner's manual for more detailed information .

Owner's manual Opens an external link

Schedule service Opens an external link

Red warning lights

Amber warning lights

Green warning lights

White warning lights

Blue warning lights

Schedule service

Keep your VW running great with quality care and original parts from certified Volkswagen technicians.

Find answers about your Volkswagen

The VW Help Center

Discover answers to frequently asked questions about our vehicles , the myVW app, and general information about Volkswagen . Explore a wealth of information to better understand our products and services .

Find a dealer

Owner's Manuals

• Forum Listing
• Marketplace
• Advanced Search
• Club Touareg Technical Forums
• General Maintenance & Repair

Cruise control stopped working

• Add to quote

I have an '04 V8 and my cruise control stopped setting. Pressing On/Off turns on the indicator in the dash but then it will not "Set". I thought I read somewhere that there is a procedure for resetting the cruise control module but maybe I was just dreaming. I was considering discharging the ECM by disconnecting the batt and touching + and - together but I see all kinds of stuff on the boards that makes think that would be a BAD thing to do. Any suggestions are appreciated. I have little faith in my dealer's service dept after 3 visits for other issues. So I'm hoping to find my own answer - the real answer.... All suggestions appreciated.  

Do you know anyone with VAGCOM? There might be an error code...  

Did this ever get fixed? I have the same problem, with my '04...  

Scroll down to bottom of page,other posts on topic,Marty  

Same thing issue happened to my Touareg. It worked when I purchased it but noticed the set button no longer functions. I searched the links below but didn't find any relevant data for VAG-COM to assist in "activating" the cruise control. I don't want to have the dealership to this. Any suggestions?  

Verify that the brake lights are operating correctly. Other then that you'll need to do some basic checks with a scan tool.  

i had similar problem , but pressing the button did not put icon on dash on and cruise never engaged so my vw service fixed it , it was a vag related problem and its worked ever since  

I believe I know the solution to your problem. Underneath the dash, attached to the brake pedal assembly, is a brake switch. The cruise control relies on this being functional to work, as it has to be able to sense braking action and disable itself as required. If this switch is defective, then the CC system will disable itself. The brake switch itself is likely faulty and needs to be replaced (easy DIY job) parts are about $20-30, and available at dealer and AutoZone. In my case the switch was still working for brake lights indication butthe CC terminal portion was shot. I had the exact same symptoms as you. One way to know this for sure is to check the other system that relies on this: the Auto tranny shifter interlock switch. Get in your Touareg and start it up. Without pressing the brake (IN A SAFE PLACE) try to shift from park into any gear. The transmission should allow the shift, bceause again, as a failsafe, if the signaal from the brake switch is dead it fails the shift interlock opn, else you would be SOL and not able to drive anywhere. I'm happy to assist further if needed.  

Wacky cruise control might = time for new battery Hey all: This is a reply to an old post but I wanted to share my success to this issue. I am not a DIY or car techie and these forums have saved countless hours and stress on my wallet...so I wanted to give something back to the community. IT MAY NOT BE THE BRAKE SWITCH BUT IT MIGHT BE THE BATTERY. Wife drives a '04 V6 'Reg which she loves. Her 'Reg was having issues since early 2010 with cruise not coming on consistently. Cruise light and activation controls would work in pre-ignition position but would be hit and miss once engine started. Also, low gear control wouldn't function properly or change consistently. Sometimes the icon of the Reg on an incline would display or even the dreaded "shop" message. Fast forward to to Spring '11, after I replaced the dying blower fan under the glove box (great step-by-step pics online here helped me replace it in 30 minutes, btw and saved $500!). I read these forums and the suggestion was to replace the brake switch - however, my tail lights still functioned and several other symptoms were not being experienced. I did notice that the starter didn't seem as "peppy" and began to notice that the awesome new fan ran a little faster when the engine RPM's were higher. I read that the voltage indicator does not display battery health, only alternator health and the alternator didn't look like the culprit. So, forward to last weekend. Starter continued to increasingly wane and blower speed behavior was more pronounced at idle. So, I decided to head down to a local parts store to get a battery check. Of course, the testing units at 3 places could not recognize the 'Reg and I was told I would need to have it tested at Stealer or specialty service shop who had proper testing (VAGCOM)... Since alternator was fine and the battery was the original (it lasted 6.75 years???), I made the executive decision to replace my own battery. http://www.clubtouareg.com/forums/f73/how-to-replace-your-stock-touareg-battery-16318.html So - why does a Touareg battery last so long, you ask? BECAUSE IT IS NOT IN THE ELEMENTS UNDER THE HOOD LIKE A NORMAL BATTERY, IT IS UNDER THE -DRIVER'S SEAT-. You have to remove the driver's seat to replace the battery, folks. :confused2:. After finding the needed tools and proper battery ($178.00 w/tax), I proceeded to study the DIY pictures and, using a netbook at my side for guidance, replaced the factory battery (which looked brand new except for slight corrosion on the - terminal) in around 45 minutes. This project was accomplished in a closed garage in Phoenix, Arizona. Outside Temp you ask? 113 degrees. Even with some fans, I had to stop 11 times to wipe the sweat and drink some water. I would have completed the task in 30 minutes in normal conditions. :-({|= Now the engine starts like a champ and...all of the cruise control and brake symptoms are gone! The low gear functions like new without errors. My wife swears the Xenons and dash lights are brighter. So, if your battery is over 5 years old and you have similar symtoms, I suggest starting there versus the brake switch.  

i just picked up an 04 v8 and found the cruise not working on my drive home... i will report back with my findings.  

Replaced the brake pedal switch, cruise control works now. Also see the foot on pedal light on the dash and the shifter lock works. Super easy repair. Next hurdle is figuring out why I get no heat from the passenger side vents...  

I too have an 04 V8 that the cruise control engages when it wants to. I will perform the check noted above on the brake switch. Just a note.. This is a fabulous vehicle to own and drive. Also, as per a check at my dealer, all four of my TPMS sensors are out. The cheapest I can find for them is around $100 each. Is anyone aware of cheaper ones out there?  

Wow, I have been scouring this site for this info, THANK YOU all for posting this. I think I have found the problem. Here is my issue: I have an 05 v8 and just recently had the issue where the thumb shifter would not go all the way in (could not shift out of park). After messing with it for a few mins it would finally shift out of P and everything worked like a champ. Just yesterday, I noticed the Cruise Control would turn on but not "set". So I started messing with it when I got home and then noticed I could start it WITHOUT putting my foot on the brake (and it would shift out of park without pushing the brake pedal). So based on the above responses, I either need to replace the battery (might still be original) or replace the brake switch (cheaper= hopefully this is the fix) . Am I missing anything? Thanks again everyone for posting!  

I also do not see the "foot on pedal" warning on the dash. I will search for the thread on how to replace the brake pedal switch (unless someone has the link) and will report back once I make these repairs.  

The brake switch is pretty simple to swap out. Just unplug the connector, twist the old switch out and install the new switch. My switch came with instructions so that made it a tad easier that what it was..  

Great, thanks! So of course I called the dealers and each one gives me a different part and price (wanted to pick it up if in stock). I got part# 7L6945511 for $24.30. Does this sound right for the brake pedal switch.  

Sounds right to me, I think mine was aroun  

So - why does a Touareg battery last so long, you ask? BECAUSE IT IS NOT IN THE ELEMENTS UNDER THE HOOD LIKE A NORMAL BATTERY, IT IS UNDER THE -DRIVER'S SEAT-. You have to remove the driver's seat to replace the battery, folks. perhaps but not necessarily. I hade a Mazda B2500 truck, 1998 and the battery lasted 11 years. I would take the battery out several times a summer and put it in my Allis Chalmers wd45 tractor and mow some serious acreage. 2 of the 11 years the truck seen little usage because I had a company truck and only used it on my personal hauling. I will say I did keep the truck in the garage or barn so in the severe cold it was protected somewhat. I do know of other instances of factory batteries lasting over 10 years and I would love to know why auto store batteries do not last as long,,, anyone know why?  

**update** I replaced the brake pedal switch last night and sure enough, the green foot pedal light comes on in the dash and I could shift out of Park. I could also hear the click at the shifter when you press the brake pedal to know that the mechanism is working. This really was an easy fix, remove the 2 bolts for the cover and the switch is right there, unplug the connector, turn it half a turn and out it comes. Had it changed out in 10 mins.  

^ Nice work!  

My cruise and my left rear tire pressure monitor quit working intermittently. The brake switch diagnostic steps all indicated a good brake light switch. It was the battery. New battery and now cruise and TPM are fine.  

For anyone searching here who has found this thread, can confirm that replacing the brake switch worked when cruise would turn on but not set, and the green "foot on brakes" symbol was absent in park. Replaced the switch and cruise is working, symbol is lit until I step on the brake, all is well. So much great info on this site! Dealer brought in the switch, under $30, twists and snaps in place as posted above. My brake lights were still working fine, BTW.  

Hello, sorry I have a problem with my 2005 Touareg. If Schiaccio on turns on the speedometer the cruise light, but it doesn't work, it doesn't keep the speed. The battery is new (110ah) and also the brake pedal switch, although it has changed these two elements it still does not work ... HELP  

• ?            
• 753.7K posts
• 98.3K members

Top Contributors this Month

• Forum Listing
• Marketplace
• Advanced Search
• Electronics

Cruise control problem

• Add to quote

Hi Guys, First time post. My cruise control doesn't work sometimes and this yellow sign appears on the display. Does anyone know what this light means? I have a 2.5L Touareg TDi 2007 Cheers JAmes  

Attachments

Hi James, and welcome to myTreg.com Please remember to provide some details about your vehicle (year and model are a good start) in your signature as it helps the members answer your questions. Your location(in your profile) is useful too - who knows? Help may be just round the corner... Some tips to make your visit here more enjoyable: If you haven't, please use the 'search' feature at the top right of the page or use google with; [ site:www.mytreg.com <search words> ] for your questions as they may have been asked before, please beware that the site search need 4 or more letter words, (no limit with the Google search). Please post your question once in the appropriate discussion forum appropriate to your model and use the topic title & description to briefly summarise the problem. This will assist others and provide for a quicker response. Be patient and a knowledgeable member or guest will address your question. New members and guests can use the ' View New Content ' link next to the 'Search' link top right of the info bar, as a great way to see all of the posts you have missed since you were last on the forum. Please feel free to post an introduction in the Introductions Forum and tell us about yourself. Every member has a gallery area in their profile and we love to see photos of your Touareg in action. Kind Regards The Admin Team.  

The warning symbol is indicating a fault on the system that is preventing the cruise from initiating. It may be something like one of the wheel speed sensors. Ideally you need to have the car scanned to read the faults logged against the module. Do you have an independent nearby?  

I have seen the same symbol + a text that says something like "sensors are unable to function properly for the moment" and also the lane assist goes down. It happens only when I drive down a curvy tunnel with some bright lights, and the system comes back "online" a few moments after exiting the tunnel. It does not always occure when I drive through that tunnel, but sometimes - and only there. I suppose it has something to do with either the tunnel lights or some reflective characteristics of the tunnel walls/ceiling that makes the radar and/or camera struggle to get correct readings. ps: I have the adaptive cruise control.  

James - even though you already have bought your Touareg, read the buyer's guide to get yourself up to speed if you haven't already done so as there's lots of useful info there. http://www.mytreg.com/index.php?/topic/10163-buying-a-used-touareg-what-to-look-for/  

• ?            
• 128.4K posts
• 19.7K members

Top Contributors this Month