Warning lights on your Tiggy
In late September 2024, Volkswagen unveiled its latest update of the very popular Tiguan. The Tiguan represents some of the best engineering from Wolfsburg and is a fantastic car to drive with a near-perfect balance of build and ride quality.
Related: Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 TSI 110kW R Line DSG (2024) video review
Like all manufacturers, VW follows an ISO standard for the warning lights that appear on. When things go wrong, the dashboard warns you of impending issues with your prized ride. If you see one of these warning lights, you should address the issue as soon as possible, but if you don't know what they mean, fixing the problem may be harder than it needs to be. Here is our quick guide to the most common warning lights you will see, if there is one that you don't or can't recognise you can consult your owners manual or take the vehicle to your nearest dealership for diagnostics.
Volkswagen Tiguan pricing vs Omoda C9 vs Subaru Forester
Yellow triangle with an exclamation point
This is the main warning light that lets you know that an alert error has been logged and will be illuminated until you acknowledge that you have seen it. It logs every alert and stores them in the vehicle's ECU.
Petrol pump
This alert lets you know that you are running low on fuel or that the vehicle's fuel delivery system is malfunctioning.
Crossed out person
This alert lets you know the driver or passengers have not buckled their seatbelts. It may come as a single indicator or the vehicle may have a layout that shows which seatbelt is unbuckled.
Floating key
This floating key indicates a thermometer and alerts you if the vehicle's coolant level is too hot. Some vehicles will have colour-changing versions indicating if the coolant is below freezing. This often warns you that the car is overheating or the cooling system is malfunctioning.
Wheel spinning car
If the traction control system is deactivated or actively functioning, this alert will go off. It prevents the car from losing traction or allows the driver to actively break traction.
ABS circle
This alert will go off if the anti-lock braking system is malfunctioning or will flash rapidly if it actively prevents the brakes from locking up under heavy braking.
Circle with an exclamation point or P
This alert will illuminate if the handbrake is activated or if there is a problem with the brakes. If you release the handbrake, electrical or manual, this alert should disappear. If it does not, there is a problem with the braking system, and you should not drive the car at all.
Battery
This warning light will come on if there is a problem with the car's battery or if there is a problem with the car's charging system.
Engine
This warning light will illuminate if there is a problem with the car's sensor array that controls the engine (ECU). If it stays illuminated, the sensor malfunctions, and the engine will not run properly.
Oil Can
Sadly, it is too late if this warning light comes on and stays on. It means the engine's oil level is below operating levels, and you are running low on oil. You risk serious engine damage if you continue operating without checking and refilling oil.
U-shape with an exclamation point
This warning light points toward the TPMS, or Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. This alert will come on if one or more of your car's tyres run below operating pressure. It could indicate a puncture or an underinflated wheel.
