Volkswagen ID Series (ID.3, ID.4, ID.5) Dashboard Warning Lights

The ID. series, comprising of the ID.3, ID.4, ID.4 GTX and the ID.5/ ID.5 GTX make up Volkswagen’s range of fully electric cars. The ID. series share many electronics and as such, the warning lights and symbols have the same meaning across the range. The following warning lights and information symbols are used on the Volkswagen ID.3, ID.4 and ID.5. Certain symbols can be model specific.

The Volkswagen ID. series warning and indicator lamps can light up individually or in combination and indicate warnings, faults or certain functions. Some warning and indicator lamps light up when the ignition is switched on and should go out after a while.

This guide explains the warning lights and dashboard symbols of all Volkswagen ID. ranges. Each symbol is displayed along with an explanation of its meaning and if it’s a warning light, a probable cause and action will also be provided.

Certain versions of the Volkswagen ID. may have a stop warning light. If the red octagonal stop warning light illuminates, it’ll light up along with a secondary fault warning light. If the stop warning light comes on, it may indicate that the vehicle is unsafe to drive, or that continued driving may cause damage. Do not drive on and arrange for recovery.

The priority 1 red warning light applies to the Volkswagen ID.3, ID.4 and ID.5. The red triangle containing an exclamation point is the Volkswagen ID. priority 1 warning light. This red central warning light may illuminate or flash by itself, along with another warning light and may be accompanied by an acoustic alert. The priority 1 warning light means that a serious fault has occurred and requires urgent attention.

The priority 1 red warning light applies to the Volkswagen ID.3, ID.4 and ID.5. The yellow triangle containing an exclamation point is the Volkswagen ID. priority 2 warning light. This yellow central warning light may illuminate or flash by itself, along with another warning light and may be accompanied by an acoustic alert. If this warning light comes on, it means that you should have the vehicle checked as soon as possible. Continued driving without checking may result in vehicle breakdown.

This red symbol next to the driving mode selector in the instrument cluster comes on when the electronic parking brake is switched on. To enable rolling capability of the vehicle, for example, going through a rolling car wash, ensure:

• The vehicle is stationary
• Brake pedal is pressed
• Neutral (N) is selected on the gear selector lever

You should see the message ‘Establish rolling capability’ message in the infotainment system. Alternatively, open the vehicle settings in the infotainment system, open the brakes submenu and switch the function on. To end rolling capability, simply press the parking brake button.

Electronic Parking Brake Fault

A fault with the electronic parking brake occurs if the red warning light remains lit constantly, even if you press the button to release it. Or, the warning 2 priority warning light along with the parking brake fault light comes on. If the electronic parking brake does not switch itself off, the charging connector may still be plugged in, or the 12 volt battery is discharged. In this instance, you may need to jump start the vehicle.

The red exhaustive discharge warning light means that the high voltage battery has been exhaustively discharged of energy due to a long standing time. Charge the high voltage battery immediately to avoid damage. The yellow symbol indicates a fault in the ID.’s range calculation and requires a qualified workshop.

The red brake fault light illuminates along with the stop symbol and requires you to stop the vehicle immediately. The following reasons for these symbols illuminating are:

• Brake System fault: A fault with the vehicle’s braking system has been detected.
• Electromechanical brake servo failure: The brake servo (vacuum booster) helps the driver by applying additional force to the brakes. Press the brake pedal firmly as the braking distance will increase due to the lack of brake servo.
• Low brake fluid level: The brake fluid level must always be between the MIN and MAX markings on the brake fluid reservoir. The brake fluid level drops slightly during vehicle operation as the brake pads wear and the brakes are automatically adjusted. Brake failure or reduced braking efficiency can be caused by the brake fluid level being too low. The brake fluid should be changed by a qualified workshop.

The red driver intervention prompt is part of the Volkswagen ID. Automatic Cruise Control (ACC). If automatic deceleration by the ACC system is not sufficient or the system limits have been reached, the ACC system will request you to also brake by a corresponding message and this red warning light on the instrument cluster. To ensure proper working of the ACC, ensure the radar sensor on the front of the vehicle is clean.

Coolant is used in the used in the Volkswagen ID. thermal management system to help maintain a constant temperature for the battery and some other electrical components. If the coolant warning light flashes, it means the coolant temperature is too high. The coolant light may flash along with the stop light.

• Stop the car.
• Deactivate the vehicle’s drive system.
• Allow the electric drive to cool down until the warning light goes out.
• Check the engine coolant level at the coolant expansion tank. The coolant is identified by the symbol.

If the coolant warning light illuminates along with the high system voltage fault light it means there’s a fault in the high-voltage coolant circuit. Stop the vehicle immediately and seek contact a Volkswagen workshop.

The red power steering warning light may come on or flash along with the stop light a fault in the electromechanical steering or electronic steering column lock. If the warning lamp lights up red, the steering may be stiff because the electromechanical steering has failed. If the warning lamp flashes red, it is not possible to unlock the steering column. The vehicle should not be towed away on its own four wheels and would require a flat bed tow truck.

If the power steering warning light lights up continuously, you may notice the steering is harder to operate or more sensitive than normal. Activate the vehicle’s drive system once again and drive a short distance slowly. If you have been actively using the steering such as when parking, this can sometimes be due to the motor overheating. Once cooled, steering will return to normal.

If the yellow power steering light flashes, turn the steering wheel to and fro. Switch the ignition off and then on again and observe any messages in the ID. cockpit dashboard. Do not continue your journey if the indicator lamp still flashes after the ignition is switched on. Seek expert assistance.

The car symbol with the exclamation point at the top is reference to the high voltage battery system. If the high voltage battery system warning light comes on with the stop light it means it’s not possible to charge the high voltage battery. Stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe and possible to do so and park in the open air and deactivate the vehicle’s drive system. This may also be reference to the electric drive overheating.

The yellow warning light is an indication of a fault in the electric drive system. Vehicle can still be driven, but have the problem check as soon as possible. If the yellow warning light comes on along with the ABS warning light it means there’s a fault in brake energy recuperation. Vehicle range will become limited.

The red 12 volt battery warning light comes on with the stop light along with the following messages:

• Message: Error: 12 V battery not charging. Stop vehicle safely!
• Message: Error: 12 V onboard supply. Stop vehicle safely! Consult vehicle wallet

This means there is a fault in the 12 volt vehicle electrical system and the 12 volt battery will not be charging whilst driving. Immediately switch off any electrical consumers that are not required and stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible. Contact a qualified Volkswagen workshop.

If the yellow battery warning light comes on along with the message:

• Message: Error: 12 V battery. Unable to restart. Please visit workshop.

This means there’s a fault in the connection between the vehicle electrical system and the 12 volt vehicle battery. If the vehicle’s drive system is deactivated in this situation it cannot be switched back on again. Start the vehicle using jump leads if necessary.

• Message: Error: 12V battery diagnostics. Please visit workshop, or
• Message: Error: 12 V onboard supply. Please visit workshop.

This means there’s a fault in the system for monitoring the 12- volt vehicle battery.

• Message: Error: Replace 12V battery. Please visit workshop.

The 12-volt vehicle battery has almost reached the end of its service life. Have the 12 volt vehicle battery tested and replaced if necessary.

• Message: Please have 12V battery checked. Please visit workshop.

This means there’s a fault in the connection between the vehicle electrical system and the 12-volt vehicle battery. Have the electrical system checked.

• Message: 12-V battery low. Charge by driving.

This means the 12 volt vehicle battery has poor charging capacity, caused for example by low temperatures. Drive a short distance to recharge the 12 volt vehicle battery. It may also mean that diagnosis of 12 volt vehicle battery stopped due to the vehicle being restarted, for example if the vehicle has been parked for a long period of time.

The red tortoise symbol means that the charge level of the high voltage battery is too low. When this symbol illuminates in red, it means the vehicle will break down in traffic imminently. In this state, the Volkswagen ID. can still be emergency-started twice and moved a short distance of up to 7 km/h (4 mph).

The red symbol can also indicate that the temperature of the high-voltage battery is too low. Only manoeuvring operation (up to 7 km/h (4 mph)) possible. If a departure is planned in cold weather, it’s recommended in performing stationary air conditioning of the vehicle before driving. The high-voltage battery is also heated when this takes place. This increases the vehicle power available immediately after the vehicle’s drive system is activated.

The yellow symbol indicates restricted power. The power is significantly reduced and may decrease further. Convenience functions of the air conditioning are restricted. Charge the high-voltage battery when the charge level is low.

If the CO2 concentration in the Volkswagen ID. interior is too high, this symbol lights up in red or yellow. The red symbol indicates the most urgent of attention. The following message may be displayed on the instrument dashboard display:

• Health risk! High CO2 concentration. Open windows! or
• Health risk! CO2 too high. Open all windows immediately!

The Volkswagen ID. Front Assist system detects a possible collision and prepares the vehicle for possible emergency braking. An acoustic warning sounds and the red warning lamp lights up. Brake or take avoiding action. If the driver does not react to the advance warning, the system may initiate a short braking jolt in order to draw attention to the increasing collision risk. If the driver also does not react to the urgent warning, the vehicle can be braked automatically

The illumination of the yellow symbol indicates the front assist system is not available. This may be due to the front camera locates at the top centre of the windshield, or the radar sensor located at the vehicle’s front grille are impaired by dirt, snow etc. The symbol with an egg timer means that the front assist system is starting up.

The white take over steering warning light comes on when you have released the steering wheel for a few seconds. Take hold of the steering wheel and take over vehicle control. If you release the steering wheel for an extended period of time, the red warning light illuminates along with an audible alert and the steering wheel may vibrate.

The Volkswagen ID. proactive occupant protection system is an assistance system that initiates action to protect vehicle occupants in dangerous situations. The following systems may be activated individually or together in critical driving situations, for example, in the event of emergency braking, understeer and oversteer or minor collisions:

• Reversible belt tensioning of the fastened driver and front passenger seat belts.
• Depending on the vehicle equipment, automatic closing of the side windows down to a small gap.
• Activation of the hazard warning lights.

This yellow symbol illuminates for around 4 seconds, then flashes for around 12 seconds when the airbag or seat belt tensioner system has been disabled by the onboard diagnostics system. Reasons for the airbag light remining on can include a sensor fault, airbag clock spring, airbag module or the pretensioner connections under the front seats becoming loose. A diagnostic scanner should be used to read fault codes.

If this warning light comes on, it means that the Volkswagen ID. front brake pads need replacing. Have the vehicle’s brake pads checked and replaced if necessary. See how long do brake pads last after the warning light for further information.

The Volkswagen ID. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is a system that helps to increase the stability of the vehicle and the traction of the tyres. Under normal driving conditions, ESC should be left on at all times. If for example, the vehicle is stuck in snow, switching off ESC may help to release the vehicle. When manually deactivated, the ESC OFF light illuminates.

If the ESC light comes on, it means there’s a fault with the system. If the ESC light flashes, the ESC or TCS (traction control) is performing control intervention. One of the most common fault with the ESC system is related to a damaged wheel speed sensor. Diagnostics tools are required to read fault codes.

The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) helps to prevent the wheels from locking up when under heavy braking. This, in turn means the driver can continue to steer the vehicle, where this would not be possible if the wheels were locked. If the ABS light remains constantly lit, there’s a fault with the system. The vehicle’s brake will continue to work as normal. One of the more common reasons for a malfunctioning ABS is due to a damaged wheel speed sensor. Diagnostics tools are required to read fault codes.

The Volkswagen ID. Travel Assist system combines Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with adaptive lane guidance. Within the system limits, this enables the driver to keep the vehicle at a preselected distance from the vehicle in front and stay in a predefined position within the lane.

The green symbol indicates that Travel Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and adaptive lane guidance are active. If the warning light is yellow, it mean that Travel Assist in not available, or that there’s a fault with the system, or that the systems limits have been exceeded. Deactivate and reactivate Travel Assist. This may also mean that there’s a fault with the sensor system. Clean the vehicle’s front-facing camera and radar unit at the front of the vehicle.

This warning light comes on when one or more of the vehicle’s exterior lights is not working, either partially or completely. You can normally change bulbs yourself, but if exterior lighting is LED technology, depending on model and vehicle equipment, it may not be possible for you to change the LED light units or individual LEDs yourself. If individual LEDs fail, this may be an indication that more LEDs are on the point of failure. Have your vehicle checked by a qualified workshop.

This symbol in yellow is the Volkswagen ID. air conditioning system not working. It can also be an indication that the CO2 concentration cannot be measured. In this instance, check the fuse in the air conditioning system and change the dust and pollen filter. Fuse location varies per vehicle. Check your specific owner’s manual for details.

This warning light illuminates when the light switch is set to auto, but the vehicle’s lighting is not switched on or off automatically. In this instance, switch the ignition off and on to reboot the system. Possible reasons why the wipers do not turn on automatically can include:

• Damaged wiper blades
• Insects hitting the windscreen
• Salt deposits in the winter
• Soiling from dry dust, wax or detergent deposits
• Windscreen damage

This warning light illuminates when there’s a fault with the windscreen wipers. Try turning the ignition off and on again to see if this rectifies the problem.

The Volkswagen ID. tyre pressure warning light comes on either due to one or more tyres becoming underinflated, or it flashes for 60 seconds, then remains lit due to a fault with the tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). The warning light comes on along with the stop light. The Volkswagen ID. tyre pressure system will not work if there’s a fault with the vehicle’s ABS or ESC system. The rolling circumference can change and cause the warning light to illuminate:

• If the tyre pressure has been changed.
• If the tyre pressure is too low.
• If the tyre has structural damage.
• If the vehicle is loaded more heavily on one side.
• If snow chains have been fitted.
• If a temporary spare wheel has been fitted.
• If one wheel per axle has been changed.

Resetting the Volkswagen ID. Tyre Pressure System

The Volkswagen ID. tyre pressure system will need to be reset under the following conditions:

• If the tyre pressures have been changed.
• If one or more wheels have been changed.
• If the wheels are swapped over, e.g. from front to rear.
• The tyre pressure warning light is flashing.

To reset the Volkswagen ID. tyre pressure system:

1. Switch on the ignition.
2. Switch on Infotainment system if necessary.
3. Touch in the Infotainment system.
4. Touch (left).
5. Touch .
6. Touch .
7. When all four tyre pressures correspond to the required values, touch .

After an extended driving time of at least 20 minutes and at different speeds, the system will automatically learn the new tyre values and monitor them.

This symbol lights up in yellow along with an acoustic warning when the electronic engine sound is not working. You can continue to drive the vehicle. Have the system checked as soon as possible.

The Volkswagen ID. speed limiter helps to prevent the vehicle from exceeding a speed that you have stored. The speed limiter is available when driving forwards at speeds from around 20 mph. The green symbol indicates that the speed limiter is switched on and active. The white symbol indicates that the speed limiter is switched on but inactive. The yellow symbol indicates a malfunction in the speed limiter, or that ESC has been switched off, or that the vehicle’s brakes have overheated.

The Volkswagen ID. cruise control system helps to maintain a speed set by the driver. When the green symbol is illuminates, cruise control is switch on and active and when the white symbol is illuminated, cruise control is switched on, but inactive. The yellow symbol with an exclamation mark indicates a fault with the cruise control system,

The Volkswagen ID. adaptive cruise control (ACC) maintains a constant speed that you have set. If the ID. approaches a vehicle in front, the ACC automatically adapts the speed so that a distance you have selected is maintained. The green symbol (1) means ACC has taken control; no vehicle detected ahead. Green symbol (2) means ACC has taken control; vehicle detected ahead. The yellow symbol with an exclamation mark indicates that ACC is not available. This can be due to:

• The radar sensor is dirty. Clean the radar sensor
• The view of the radar sensor is impaired due to the weather conditions, e.g. snow. Clean the radar sensor.
• Fault or malfunction. Deactivate and reactivate the vehicle’s drive system.

The Volkswagen ID. Emergency Assist system can detect a lack of activity on the part of the driver and keep the vehicle in the lane automatically, or brake the vehicle to a standstill if required. The system can therefore actively contribute to preventing or reducing the consequences of an accident. The Emergency Assist not available warning light illuminates when there’s a fault with the system. Try deactivating and reactivating the emergency assist system.

The Volkswagen ID. lane keeping system (Lane Assist) helps the driver to stay in lane. Using a camera in the windscreen, the lane keeping system detects road lane markings on the road. If the ID. moves too close to a recognised road lane marking, the system will warn the driver with a corrective steering intervention. The green symbol (1) means the system is active and ready to perform control intervention. The yellow symbol (2) means system intervention (corrective steering intervention). The yellow symbol with an exclamation mark means the lane keeping system is unavailable. This may be due to:

• The radar sensor is dirty. Clean the radar sensor
• The view of the radar sensor is impaired due to the weather conditions, e.g. snow. Clean the radar sensor.
• Fault or malfunction. Deactivate and reactivate the vehicle’s drive system.

The Volkswagen ID. lane change assist system (Side Assist) provides assistance when checking for traffic behind the vehicle. Radar sensors monitor the area behind the vehicle. The system measures the distance and speed difference in relation to other vehicles and informs the driver by means of warning lights in the door mirrors. This yellow symbol indicates a fault in the system. this may be due to:

• The radar sensors are dirty. Clean the sensors. Rear sensors are located on the rear door handle.
• The general conditions for system operation have not been met.
• Area around the sensors is damaged.

The Volkswagen ID. Rear Traffic Alert monitors crossing traffic when reversing out of a parking space or manoeuvring. Rear Traffic Alert functions using radar sensors in the rear bumper. The system detects approaching and moving objects in the rear and side areas around the vehicle and warns the driver about an obstacle. This warning light indicates that the system has a fault. Check to ensure the sensors on the rear bumper are clean and free of debris.

This yellow battery light comes on when the charge level of the high voltage battery is low or empty. Charge the battery immediately. Continued driving means the battery will reach the reserve range.

The Volkswagen ID. Adaptive Chassis Control allows you to quickly adjust its running gear to Comfort, Normal, Sport or Individual tuning. If this warning light comes on, it means there’s a fault in the adaptive chassis. The message: Fault: damper may display. In this instance, the various driving profiles may no alter as expected.

The Volkswagen ID. Auto Hold function secures the vehicle against rolling away when stationary, without the vehicle having to be held by the foot brake. When the grey symbol is illuminated, it means auto hold is switched on, but not currently holding the vehicle. The green auto hold symbol means auto hold is actively holding the vehicle from rolling.

The Volkswagen ID. predictive cruise control adapts the vehicle speed to detected speed limits and the course of the road ahead, for example bends, junctions, roundabouts. You may see the symbol informing you to take your foot off of the accelerator. The following symbols illuminate in green and speed will be regulated when predictive cruise control detects the the road layout ahead:

1. Bends in the road
2. Roundabouts
3. Junctions
4. Speed limit changes
5. Cancellation of speed limit
6. End of a traffic jam

The current charge level of the high-voltage battery is displayed in the digital instrument cluster. The displayed value is calculated and updated depending on the driving style and ambient conditions. When the vehicle reaches a remaining range of 50 km or less, the charge indicator changes to yellow and when the range reaches 30 km or less, it changes to red.

The Volkswagen ID. spanner symbol indicates that a vehicle service is due. For this scheduled service, an acoustic signal will be given when the ignition is switched on and the spanner symbol will be displayed for several seconds on the instrument cluster display. One of the following displays will also appear:

• Inspection now!
• Inspection in xx km!
• Inspection in xx days!

Resetting the Service Interval

The service interval display can only be reset as part of an inspection by a qualified workshop.

The distance warning system detects when safety is endangered by driving too close to the vehicle in front. The warning light comes on. Increase the distance. Speed range: around 65 km/h (around 40 mph) to around 250 km/h (around 155 mph).

When this symbol illuminates on the digital dash, it’s telling you to refer to your owner’s manual for further information.

The different Volkswagen ID. driving modes and profiles allow you to adapt vehicle characteristics to the current driving situation, to alter ride comfort and economy.

1. Eco driving profile: This mode allows you to drive the vehicle in a energy-saving manner.
2. Comfort Mode: This mode is suitable for everyday use.
3. Individual Mode: With this driving mode, you can adapt individual vehicle systems according to your personal wishes.
4. Sports Mode: This mode gives the vehicle a more sporty feel.
5. Traction Driving Profile: This profile distributes the drive power equally between the front and rear axles and adjusts the running gear to a softer setting. The Traction driving profile is available only in vehicles with all-wheel drive.