Volkswagen Golf Mk7 Owners Manual: Indicator lamps and fuel gauge
Fig. 187 shows the fuel gauge for petrol and diesel in the Volkswagen Golf Mk7 instrument cluster. When the needle reaches the red marking, the tank is nearly empty and running on its reserve quantity — this page explains that warning and the recommendation to refill as soon as possible.

Fig. 187 In the instrument cluster: fuel gauge for petrol and diesel
First read and observe the introductory information
and safety warnings | Lit up |
Needle position |
Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Red marking (arrow) | Fuel tank nearly empty. Reserve quantity is being used . |
Fill the tank as soon as possible . |
|
– | The tank cap is not closed properly. | Stop the vehicle and close the tank cap properly. |
Several warning and indicator lamps will light up briefly as a functional check when the ignition is switched on. They will switch off after a few seconds.
When the indicator lamp
lights up, the supplementary
heating system and fuel-powered auxiliary heater switch off automatically.

WARNING
- When the fuel level is too low, the fuel supply to the engine could be irregular, especially when driving up or down hills and inclines.
- The steering, all driver assist systems and brake support systems will not function if the engine sputters or stops completely due to a lack of fuel or irregular fuel supply.
- Always refill the petrol or diesel tank when it is still a quarter full. This reduces the risk of running out of fuel and breaking down.

NOTICE
- To avoid damage to your vehicle, always observe the indicator lamps and associated warning texts.
- Do not run the tank empty. Irregular filling periods can cause backfiring and allow unburnt fuel to enter the exhaust system. The catalytic converter or diesel particulate filter can be damaged as a result.
The small arrow next to the petrol pump symbol in the display instrument shows you the side of the vehicle on which the tank flap is located.
Questions & answers
Indicator lamps and fuel gauge — Volkswagen Golf Mk7


