Audi A1 / S1 Dashboard Warning Symbols / Lights

As with the majority of modern cars, the Audi A1 and Audi S1 has various sensors located around the vehicle that monitor electronics to ensure systems are running optimally and also to alert the driver of any malfunctions and faults.

The Audi A1 / S1 uses dashboard warning symbols and lights to alert the driver if a fault is detected and the colour and action of the light signifies the urgency or the problem. For example, green and blue lights are informational lights and inform the driver that a utility is operational. Yellow or amber light symbol colours are used to alert the driver that something requires attention, but is not urgent or hazardous to safety.

Red lights and in particular red flashing lights are used to alert the driver that something requires immediate attention and failure to do so may result in damage to the vehicle, or vehicle, driver or passenger safety may be compromised. Detailed are the Audi A1, A1 Sportback, Audi S1 / S1 Sportback dashboard warning symbols / lights with a description of their meaning along with the appropriate action to be taken.

Low Oil Pressure Symbol

This red ‘oil can’ symbol illuminates on your A1 / S1 dashboard indicating low oil pressure. Continued driving with low oil pressure can cause significant engine damage. As soon as safe to do so, stop and turn off the engine. For possible causes of the low engine oil pressure light, see why is the oil pressure light on.

Low Oil Level Symbol

The Audi A1 low oil level symbol, unlike the low oil pressure, this amber / yellow low oil level symbol is not quite as urgent but will require attention as soon as possible. When this symbol illuminates on the dashboard, the engine has the minimum level of oil to operate efficiently. Top up with the correct oil to avoid potential damage. See how to check engine oil.

Audi A1 Engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp Symbol

The engine malfunction lamp (MIL) illuminates when a engine fault has been detected on the Audi A1 / S1. The fault is often related to exhaust emissions, or catalytic converter issues, but the light can also come on for other faults where a dedicated light is not present. Diagnostics equipment is required to determine the specific fault.

Audi A1 / S1 EPC Dashboard Fault Light

The EPC (Electronic Power Control) light will illuminate in yellow / orange indicating a fault with the ignition and engine management system. Various other systems within your Audi also use EPC such as stability control and cruise control and as such, other warning lights may also come on simultaneously. A fault with the EPC is likely to disable other systems which rely on it. Due to so many potential fault reasons, a diagnostic scan is required to determine the specific fault and whether the vehicle is safe to drive. See EPC dashboard light meaning for further information.

Traction Control Dashboard Light

This is the usual symbol for traction control, though depending on the year of manufacture, your Audi A1 / S1 may have a yellow triangle containing an exclamation mark surrounded by a circular arrow. Certain Audi models may show an ‘ESP’ light instead of the car skidding symbol. ESP is part of the same system and stands for ‘Electronic Stability Program’. The traction control light comes on either because it has been manually disabled or to indicate a fault with the system. Traction control typically works alongside ABS and when it detects that a wheel is spinning, brakes are applied to that wheel to prevent wheelspin. Traction control can help to prevent loss of control so it’s important to have the fault diagnosed quickly.

ABS Dashboard Symbol

The Audi A1 / S1 anti-lock braking system, or ‘ABS’ is a safety aid that helps to prevent the wheels from locking up under heavy braking or whilst braking on a slippery road surface. Locked wheels do not steer, so the benefits of ABS is that it allows you to steer whilst braking. If this symbol comes on, there’s a fault with the ABS system. It’s important to understand that whilst diagnosis and repair should be made quickly for safety reasons, normal brakes will remain unaffected.

Audi A1 Airbag SRS Dashboard Light

The airbag symbol illuminating in red indicates a fault with the SRS – Supplemental Restraint System, the airbag deployment unit or components associated with the airbag system. For further information on the possible faults, see why is the airbag light on? It’s important to have this fault fixed not only for safety purposes, but having this light on during an MOT will result in a failure.

Tyre Pressure Warning Light

The Audi A1 / S1 is equipped with a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that is integrated into the Electronic Stability Program and is also part of the ABS, traction control etc. The system that Audi uses has no sensors in the tyres. If pressure loss in one or more tyres is detected, the TPMS light will illuminate. Driving with under-inflated tyres will increase fuel consumption and will reduce braking and vehicle stability. Correct tyre pressures for your Audi A1 / S1 can be found on the tyre pressure sticker. If the light stays on, see tyre pressure light keeps coming on. After inflating tyres, you may need to reset the TPMS. For help with this, see Reset Audi A1 tyre pressure light.

Diesel Glow Plug Dashboard Symbol

Under good working conditions, your diesel Audi A1 glow plug light will illuminate and go out when the engine is ready to start. If the light comes on or if the Audi A1 glow plug light is flashing whilst driving, it indicates a fault. There are many potential faults in which vehicle diagnostics code reader would diagnose, though often if the preheating glow plug light flashes, it can relate to the brake pedal switch in need of replacement.

Audi A1 Engine Coolant Temperature Warning

This symbol indicates a problem with the engine overheating. You may not have enough engine coolant, or there’s a fault with the cooling system. Stop the car and switch off as soon as possible else engine damage may occur. Leave the engine off for 20-30 minutes and then check coolant levels / top up if required. If coolant levels are sufficient, it’s likely you’ll need to call out an engineer. See engine coolant light explained for further information.

Diesel Particulate Filter Light

Audi A1 / S1 diesel particulate filter (DPF) required regeneration. To do this, drive at a speed or 60 km/h (37 mph) or more for around 15 minutes. Keep engine revs at around 2000 rpm. This may require you driving in 3rd or 4th gear. Once the regeneration (cleaning) process has been completed, the symbol will go out. If the DPF light stays on, this indicates a fault which will require diagnostic equipment by an Audi specialist.

Yellow Battery Warning Light

The Audi A1 yellow battery warning light indicates a low voltage issue. This isn’t serious and simply requires driving for 30 minutes or so to charge the battery Avoid charging USB equipment and keep electrical consumption to a minimum. You may also see a notice on the instrument panel informing you that the battery voltage is low. Lots of short journeys in the car and use of electrical systems such as heating, air con can cause the battery voltage to drop.

Red Battery Warning Light

The Audi A1 red battery warning light indicates a fault with either the battery, alternator or charging system. This is a more serious issue as your vehicle may stop running shortly. It’s advisable to keep driving and to locate the nearest repair station. Whilst doing so, turn off any in-car equipment that consumes electric as this may increase your distance. For possible fault reasons, see why is the car battery light on?

 

Brake Dashboard Warning Light

The Audi A1 brake dashboard warning light and the circle containing an exclamation mark both indicate a problem with vehicle brakes. Check first that the parking brake (electronic or manual) is fully released. If either of these symbols illuminate in red, braking ability may be impaired. Check brake fluid levels and top up if required. If frequent top ups are required, it’s likely there’s a leak in the braking system. If brake fluid levels are correct, there is a fault elsewhere in the braking system which requires immediate attention before driving. For additional help, see why is the brake warning light on?

 

Transmission Failure Dashboard Warning Light

The Audi A1 gear or cog symbol containing an exclamation mark is an indication that your vehicle’s transmission is malfunctioning. It is advisable to have the fault looked at immediately else continued driving may increase damage.

Central Indicator Message Symbol

On your Audi A1 or Audi S1, a red triangle with an exclamation point / mark in the middle of it means that there’s a message waiting for you in your instrument cluster panel.

Engine Service Symbol

On your Audi A1, at a certain mileage a spanner symbol may appear along with a service message for a short time when you switch the engine on. The amount of time and distance before the service required will also show. When the service is due on your Audi A1, the spanner symbol will flash and stay (steady) on. If you intend on servicing your Audi A1 yourself, or the engineer forgot to reset it, see how to reset Audi A1 service light.

Seat Belt Warning Light

The Audi A1 will illuminate a seat belt warning light until the driver and front passenger belts have been fastened. When you reach a certain speed, an audible chime will signal. You experience problems where the symbol stays illuminated even when belts are secured. For help with this, see seat belt light staying on.