2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA HYBRID check engine light

Lights
up Possible cause Proper response
Fog lights switched on (indicator light on
the headlight switch or the instrument
cluster).




Left or right turn signal.
The indicator light blinks twice as fast if a
turn signal is not working on the vehicle.
Check the turn signals on the vehicle.
 Daytime running lights (DRL) on.
$2,
 High beams switched on or headlight
flashers in use.


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.
x Whenever stalled or stopped for repair, move the vehicle a safe distance off the road, stop
the engine, turn on the emergency flashers, and use other warning devices to warn
approaching traffic.
x Never park the vehicle in areas where the hot catalytic converter and exhaust system can
come into contact with dry grass, brush, spilled fuel, oil, or other material that can catch fire.
x A broken down vehicle presents a high accident risk for itself and others. Switch on
emergency flashers and set up a warning triangle to warn oncoming traffic.
NOTICE
Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights provide bright, uniform lighting to help you see and be
seen. The light comes from an electric arc between two electrodes in the gas-filled bulb. Over time,
the electrodes can wear down and the gap between them will get wider. The HID lamp’s control unit
then increases the voltage to keep the arc’s brightness constant. However, the commonly called
“Xenon” bulbs will also ultimately burn out. Before they burn out, HID lamps can flicker. A message
will then appear in the MFI. This is your reminder to see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an
authorized Volkswagen Service facility to check the headlights.

Warning messages
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 lights and text messages are shown in the instrument cluster display. Acoustic warnings may
also sound at the same time.

Lights up Warnings in the instrument cluster
display ⇒  Proper response
∋ Error: Hybrid system
Park vehicle!
Stop the vehicle in a safe place as soon as
it is safe to do so.
*∋ Error: Hybrid system
Contact dealer now!
See an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
*∋ Hybrid system:
Vehicle still ready to drive.
–
Hybrid system currently
not available.
Never leave the vehicle parked in the ready
position. Remove the remote control vehicle
key out of the ignition or, for vehicles with
Keyless Access, press the starter button.
Restart engine! Start the engine with the ignition switch or
starter button.
Hybrid battery charging
...Leave engine running!
While this message appears, do not stop
the engine.

Warning when leaving the vehicle
Switch off the ignition before leaving the vehicle unattended . In certain situations, a message
Ignition on appears in the instrument cluster display as you are leaving the vehicle. This message
warns you that the vehicle's electric drive is still enabled and that the combustion engine might start
automatically.
Always switch the ignition off, remove the key, and take it with you when leaving the vehicle ⇒ . As
a reminder to do so, the combustion engine may start automatically under the following conditions:
x The ignition is switched ON.
x AND: Electrical drive is functional (Ready).
x AND: The transmission is in Park (P) or Neutral (N).
x AND: The driver safety belt is not fastened OR The driver door is open.
The message in the instrument cluster display also reminds you to switch the ignition off. In addition,
always be sure to apply the parking brake, remove the key, and take it with you when leaving the
vehicle.
WARNING
A parked vehicle that is not properly parked can roll away and cause accidents or severe
injuries. When leaving the vehicle, always move the selector lever into Park (P) and engage
the parking brake.

Display text Proper response
Press button again to
refuel!

Fuel filler cap not properly closed ò
If the indicator light ò comes on or you see a text message in the instrument cluster display indicating
that the fuel filler cap is not properly closed, stop the vehicle in a safe place and switch off the engine
and the ignition.
Open the fuel filler flap and take the fuel filler cap off the filler neck. Then put the fuel filler cap back on
the filler neck and screw it on clockwise until you clearly hear a clicking sound. Close the fuel filler flap.
After switching on the ignition, the indicator light ò may stay on or the text message may still appear in
the instrument cluster display, even if the fuel filler cap is now properly closed. This is normal and no
reason to take your vehicle in for service.
If, however, the malfunction indicator light x also comes on, drive to your nearest authorized
Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility and have the fuel system and the
engine checked.
WARNING
Driving with a fuel tank that is almost empty can lead to stalling in traffic, a collision, and
serious personal injuries.
x When the fuel tank is almost empty, fuel supply to the engine can be interrupted,
especially when driving over bumps, across slopes, and up and down hills.
x Steering and braking assistance as well as ESC and related systems will not work if the
engine “sputters” or stalls due to lack of fuel.
x Always refuel when the tank is 1/4 full to reduce the risk of running out of fuel and stalling
in traffic.
NOTICE
x Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
x Never drive until the fuel tank is completely empty. The irregular fuel supply can cause the
engine to misfire. This allows unburned fuel to get into the exhaust system and damage the
catalytic converter.
NOTICE
If the fuel tank venting system malfunctions and the fuel tank cannot be properly vented before
refueling:
x Gasoline fumes can escape from the fuel filler neck, resulting in temporary odors.
x The fuel nozzle may shut off during refueling and it will take longer to refuel the vehicle.
Only in this situation can you continue to carefully refuel your vehicle after the fuel nozzle
shuts off.
x See your Authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility to have
your vehicle checked.
The small arrow next to the gas pump symbol in the fuel gauge shows the side of the vehicle with
the fuel filler flap.

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 Never smoke near the engine compartment.
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

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 .
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 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.

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 system 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

Lights
up Possible cause Proper response
B
Engine control/monitoring system
malfunction (engine Malfunction Indicator
Light - MIL)
Ease off the accelerator. Carefully drive to the
nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Have
engine checked.


Flashes Possible cause Proper response
B Misfire, which can damage the catalytic
converter.
Ease off the accelerator. Carefully drive to the
nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Have
engine checked.

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.
NOTICE
Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
As long as the indicator lights B or EPC are on, expect engine malfunctions, increased fuel
consumption, and loss of engine efficiency.
Catalytic converter

Frequently asked questions
If you suspect a malfunction or vehicle damage, read and follow the following advice before contacting
an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. You may also find
helpful information under “Special considerations” or “Checklist” in the index.

Description Possible causes, among
others Possible remedy
Engine does not start. Vehicle battery dead. – Perform jump-start .
– Charge vehicle battery .
The wrong vehicle key is used. Use a valid vehicle key
Fuel level too low. Refuel .
Vehicle cannot be
locked or unlocked
using vehicle key.
– Battery in the remote control
vehicle key is dead.
– Too far away from the vehicle
(out of range).
– Buttons have been pressed
too many times.
– Replace the battery in the remote
control vehicle key
– Move closer to vehicle.
– Synchronize vehicle key
– Lock or unlock vehicle manually .
Unusual noises. Cold engine, braking assist
systems, electronic steering
column lock.
Check the “Noises” entry in the index.
Odd driving behavior. Assistance systems activated. Check the “Assistance systems” entry in
the index.
DSG® Direct Shift Gearbox too
hot.
Stop vehicle as soon as you can safely
do so.
Front seats cannot be
adjusted with power
controls.
Vehicle battery dead. Charge vehicle battery .
Fuse blown. Check fuse and replace if necessary .
Features do not work
as described in this
manual.
Settings were adjusted in the
Volkswagen Information
System.
Check and reset to factory settings if
necessary
Headlights do not light
up the road as they
should.
– Headlights incorrectly
adjusted.
– Light bulbs burned out.
– Low beams not switched on.
– Have the headlight range adjusted by
an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
– Change light bulbs .
– Switch on low beams
Electrical consumers
do not work.
Vehicle battery charge too low. Charge vehicle battery .
Remaining fuel level too low. Refuel .
Fuse blown. Check fuse and replace if necessary .
Fuel consumption
higher than indicated.
– Short hauls.
– “Jumpy” accelerator pedal.
– Avoid short distance driving.
– Drive defensively.
– Accelerate smoothly.
Electrical loads switched on. Switch off unnecessary loads.
Engine control malfunction. Have the malfunction corrected .
Tire pressure too low. Adjust tire pressure .
Driving in the mountains. No direct corrective action possible.