2012 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT check engine light

Lights up Possible cause Proper response
D
Power steering assist is reduced.
Stop, restart the engine, and drive a short distance. If the yellow warning light does not come on again, you do not need to have the steering system checked. Otherwise, have the steering checked immediately by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Vehicle battery was disconnected and has been reconnected. Drive a short distance at about 10–12 mph (15–20 km/h).

Flashes Possible cause Proper response
D Electronic steering column lock malfunction.

WARNING
Poor visibility increases the risk of collisions and other accidents that cause serious personal injuries.
x Always make sure all windows are clear of ice, snow and condensation for good visibility to the front, sides, and rear.
x Maximum heating output and defrosting performance are not possible until the engine has reached operating temperature. Wait until you have good visibility before driving off.
x Always make sure you know how to properly use the heating and ventilation systems as well as the rear window defroster that you will need for good visibility.
x Never use air recirculation for long periods of time. When the air conditioner is off and recirculation mode is on, condensation can quickly form on the windows and greatly reduce visibility.
x Always switch off recirculation mode when it is not needed.
WARNING
Stale air causes driver fatigue and reduces driver alertness, which can cause accidents, collisions and serious personal injury.
x Never switch off the fan for a long period of time and never use air recirculation a long period of time because no fresh air will enter the passenger compartment.
NOTICE
x If you think the air conditioner is not working properly or may be damaged, switch it off to help prevent more damage. Have the air conditioner checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
x Air conditioner repair requires specialized knowledge and special tools. Volkswagen recommends that you see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
x Do not smoke when air recirculation is switched on. Smoke drawn into the ventilation system can leave residue on the evaporator and on the dust and pollen active carbon filter, resulting in permanent odors whenever the air conditioner is switched on.
If the air conditioner is switched off, the fresh outside air will not be dehumidified. To help keep the windows from fogging over, Volkswagen recommends leaving the air conditioner (compressor) switched on. Press the A/C button. The indicator light in the button must come on.
When it is very hot and humid outside, water condensation can drip from the air conditioner evaporator and form a puddle under the vehicle. This is normal and does not indicate a leak.
Keep the air intake slots in front of the windshield free of ice, snow and leaves in order to maintain proper functioning of the heating and ventilation systems.
Maximum heating output and defrosting performance are not possible until the engine has reached operating temperature.

Lights up Possible cause or meaning ⇒  Proper response
b No engine restart possible! AdBlue fill level too low.
Stop the vehicle at a safe and appropriate place with level pavement and refuel AdBlue
b
No engine restart possible! AdBlue system malfunction.
Have the system checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
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b AdBlue level is low.
Refill the AdBlue tank within the indicated number of miles or kilometers. Volkswagen recommends taking the vehicle to an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
b
AdBlue system malfunctioning or not filled with standard AdBlue.
Have the system checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
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b AdBlue level is low.
Refill the AdBlue tank within the indicated number of miles or kilometers. Volkswagen recommends taking the vehicle to an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
b
AdBlue system malfunctioning or not filled with standard AdBlue.
Have the system checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
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When the ignition is switched on, several warning and indicator lights come on briefly for a function check. They go out after a few seconds.
WARNING
Failure to heed warning lights and instrument cluster text messages can cause the vehicle to break down in traffic and result in a collision and serious personal injury.
x Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.
x Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
NOTICE
Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.

WARNING
High voltage systems in the engine compartment can cause electrical shocks or even electrocution, severe burns, other serious injuries, and even death!
x Never short-circuit the electrical system. Be especially careful when using jumper cables. The vehicle's battery could explode!
x To reduce the risk of electrical shock and personal injury while the engine is running or being started:
– Never touch ignition cables. Never touch other components of the high voltage electronic ignition system.
– Never touch the wiring of the HID – High Intensity Discharge (Xenon) headlights.
x Read and heed the important information and warnings on cleaning the engine compartment
WARNING
Moving parts in the engine compartment can cause serious personal injury on contact.
x Never reach into the area around or touch the radiator fan. Contact with the blades can cause serious personal injury. Always remember that the radiator fan is temperature-controlled and can come on suddenly even when the engine has been switched off for a while and the key has been removed from the ignition.
x If you have to perform a check or repair when the engine is running, there are more risks from the rotating parts, such as the drive belts, alternator, radiator fan, etc., and from the high-voltage ignition system. Always use extreme care.
– Always make sure that jewelry, loose clothing and long hair do not get caught in rotating engine parts. Before starting any work remove your jewelry, take off your necktie, tie back and cover your hair, and do not wear clothing that can hang down and get caught in moving engine parts.
– Always use extreme caution if the accelerator pedal has to be depressed to perform a check. The vehicle will start to move even if the parking brake is on.
x Never leave any objects in the engine compartment, for example cleaning rags and tools. Objects left behind can cause malfunctions, engine damage, and even fires.
WARNING
Operating fluids and some materials in the engine compartment can catch fire easily, causing burns and other serious personal injuries!
x Do not smoke.
x Never work next to open flames or sparks.
x Never pour or spill operating fluids or other flammable liquids on the engine. These fluids can ignite on hot engine parts and cause injuries.
x If work on the fuel system or the electrical system is necessary:
– Always disconnect the 12 Volt vehicle battery. Make sure the vehicle is unlocked when you disconnect the battery, or the alarm will go off. Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
– Never work near heaters, water heaters, or other open flames.
x Always have a functional, approved fire extinguisher nearby.

NOTICE
When changing or topping off fluids, make sure that you pour the fluids into the correct reservoirs. Adding the wrong type of operating fluids will cause serious malfunctions and engine damage.
Fluid leaks and spills are harmful to the environment. Regularly check the ground underneath your vehicle for this reason. If you find spots of oil or other fluids, have your vehicle checked by your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Dispose of leaked operating fluids properly.
Warning light

Closing the engine hood
x Pull the hood down to overcome the resistance of the gas-pressure strut ⇒ .
x Let the engine hood drop into the hood latch – do not press it afterwards!
If the hood does not close completely, open it again and close it properly.
When the hood is properly closed, you can see that it fits flush with the other body parts. The indicator
light in the instrument cluster will go out ⇒ booklet Owner's Manual Passat Model Year 2013,
Chapter Warning and indicator lights.
WARNING
If the hood is not closed properly, it could fly up and block your view while you are driving. This can lead to a crash and serious personal injuries.
x After closing the engine hood, check that the hood release lever is properly latched into the hood latch. The engine hood must be flush with the surrounding auto body parts.
x If you ever notice that the hood latch is not properly secured when the vehicle is moving, stop at once and close it.
x Never let anyone get in the way of the hood when closing it.
NOTICE
x Make sure the windshield wipers are switched off and the windshield wiper arms are resting on the windshield before you open the hood. Otherwise, the windshield wipers and the hood may be damaged.
x Always put the windshield wiper arms down against the windshield before driving the vehicle.
NOTICE
Before opening or closing the engine hood, make sure there is enough room to do so, for example when the vehicle is in a garage.

Lights up
Temperature gauge needle
⇒ fig. 181
Possible cause Proper response
(B) Normal range Engine coolant level too low.
Check the engine coolant level after the engine has cooled down and add engine coolant if low If the engine coolant level is correct or the problem continues after adding coolant, do not drive any farther. Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. These instructions apply only when the coolant temperature stays in the normal range. Stop immediately if the needle goes into the red warning zone (C).
– Engine coolant system malfunction.

Undeployed battery isolator modules are classified as Perchlorate Material. Special handling may apply – see http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate. Obey all applicable legal requirements regarding handling and disposal of the vehicle or parts of its restraint system, including airbag modules and safety belts with pretensioners. Authorized Volkswagen dealers and authorized Volkswagen Service Facilities are familiar with the requirements, and we recommend that you have them perform this service for you.
Emergency starting and starting the engine with a very weak vehicle battery or after the vehicle battery has been replaced may change or delete settings (including time, date, personal convenience settings and programming). Check the settings and correct as necessary once the vehicle battery has built up a sufficient charge.
Warning light