VW Golf Mk7 manualsGolf Mk7 / manual

Volkswagen Golf Mk7 Owners Manual: Warning and indicator lamps

Three critical Volkswagen Golf Mk7 brake warnings covered together: the electronic parking brake switched on while driving, a brake system fault requiring immediate professional assistance, and low brake fluid level. This page gives the exact meaning and required action for each — none of them safe to ignore.

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings 

Lit up Possible cause   Solution
The electronic parking brake is switched on. Do not drive on!
Switch off electronic parking brake   .
Brake system fault. Do not drive on!
Obtain professional assistance immediately   .
Brake fluid level is too low. Do not drive on!
Check brake fluid level   .
Together with ABS indicator lamp : ABS not functioning. Proceed to a qualified workshop. The vehicle can be braked without ABS.
Front brake pads worn. Go to a qualified workshop immediately. All brake pads should be checked and renewed as necessary.
ESC switched off by the system. Switch the ignition on and off. If necessary, drive a short distance.
ESC fault. Proceed to a qualified workshop.
In conjunction with ABS indicator lamp : ABS fault. Proceed to a qualified workshop. The vehicle can be braked without ABS.
Vehicle battery has been reconnected. Drive a short distance at a speed of 15 – 20 km/h (10 – 12 mph). If the indicator lamp remains lit up, the vehicle should be checked by a qualified workshop   .
TCS switched off manually. OR:
TCS and ESC switched off manually. 		Switch on TCS/ESC   . Switch on TCS/ESC automatically by switching the ignition off and on.
In conjunction with ESC indicator lamp : ABS fault. Proceed to a qualified workshop. The vehicle can be braked without ABS.
In conjunction with warning lamp : ABS not functioning.
Brake pedal not depressed. To select a position, press the brake pedal.
Flashes Possible cause Solution
ESC/TCS is taking corrective action. Remove foot from accelerator pedal. Adapt driving style to suit road conditions.

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.

WARNING

Failure to observe illuminated warning lamps and text messages can lead to your vehicle breaking down in traffic, and can cause accident and serious injury.
  • Never ignore any illuminated warning lamps or text messages.
  • Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so.

WARNING

Driving with poor brakes can result in accidents and serious injuries.
  • If the brake warning lamp does not go out, or if it lights up when driving, the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low or there is a fault in the brake system. Stop the vehicle immediately and seek expert assistance   .
  • If the brake warning lamp lights up together with the ABS indicator lamp , the control function of the ABS may have failed. This can cause the rear wheels to lock quickly when you brake. Locked rear wheels can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle. If possible, reduce your speed and drive carefully at low speed to the nearest qualified workshop in order to have the brake system tested. Avoid sudden braking and driving manoeuvres on the way.
  • The ABS is not functioning correctly if the ABS indicator lamp does not go out or comes on while the vehicle is in motion. The vehicle can be stopped using the normal brakes only (without ABS). The protection provided by ABS is no longer available. Go to a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
  • If the warning lamp lights up either individually or together with a text message in the display of the instrument cluster, go to a qualified workshop immediately to have the brake pads checked or any worn brake pads replaced.

NOTICE

Failure to observe illuminated indicator lamps and text messages can lead to your vehicle being damaged.

    Questions & answers

    Warning and indicator lamps — Volkswagen Golf Mk7

    What does the Golf Mk7 brake warning lamp mean?
    A red brake lamp can indicate the parking brake is on, a brake system fault, or low brake fluid level. If it appears while driving (with the parking brake off), stop immediately and seek assistance.
    What does the Golf Mk7 ABS warning lamp mean?
    An amber ABS lamp means the anti-lock system is not functioning. Normal braking still works, but ABS will not prevent wheel lock-up. Have it checked promptly.
    What should I do if multiple brake warning lamps light up on the Golf Mk7?
    Stop the car safely as soon as possible. Multiple brake warnings suggest a serious fault. Do not continue driving — call roadside assistance.
    Introduction
    This chapter contains information on the following subjects:  → Warning and indicator lamps    → Electronic parking brake    → Parking    → Information on the b ...

    Electronic parking brake
    Fig. 141 In lower part of centre console: button for the electronic parking brake First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings The electronic parking brake replaces ...

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