2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT Engine lights

Lights
up Possible cause Proper response

Engine hood not properly closed.

Lights
up
Temperature
gauge needle
⇒ fig. 170
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.

Lights
up
Temperature
gauge needle
⇒ fig. 171
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.

Lights
up Possible cause Proper response
D Diesel engine pre-glow before engine
start-up.
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.

Applicable only in the United States and Canada
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 “Characteristics” and “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.
AdBlue fill level too low. Refill AdBlue.
Vehicle cannot be locked
or unlocked using vehicle
key.
– Battery in the remote control
vehicle key dead.
– Too far away from 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 do so
safely
Outside mirrors move
when vehicle is unlocked.
Convenience settings are
stored. Correct convenience settings.
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 adjusted too high.
– 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.

Description Possible causes among
others Possible remedy
Vehicle has run-flat or mobility
tires.
equipment. Contact an authorized
Volkswagen dealer or an authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility for
assistance.
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 adjusted too high.
– 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 malfunctioning. Have the malfunction corrected.
Tire pressure too low. Adjust tire pressure.
Driving in the mountains. No direct corrective action possible.
Towing a trailer. – Check use.
– Remove if not in use.
Driving with heavy payload. No direct corrective action possible.
Driving at high engine speed. Select a higher gear.

WARNING
Improper replacement of burned out headlights and other light bulbs can cause serious
personal injury.
x Stop! Always read and heed the WARNINGS before doing any work in the engine
compartment. The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a potentially dangerous area,
and work in this area can lead to serious personal injury.
x HID – High Intensity Discharge (Xenon) headlights get power from a high voltage source
that can cause severe personal injury and even death if handled improperly.
x H7 bulbs and HID – High Intensity Discharge (Xenon) headlights are under high pressure
and can explode if handled improperly.
x Always let a burned out light bulb cool down before replacing it.
x Never replace a light bulb unless you are familiar with all of the necessary procedures. In
particular, never remove a headlight unless you know exactly how to carry out the job and
have the correct tools and light bulbs.
x If you are uncertain about what to do, have the work performed by an authorized
Volkswagen dealer, an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility, or another qualified
workshop. Serious personal injury may result from improperly performed work.
x We strongly recommend that you always have HID – High Intensity Discharge (Xenon)
headlights and H7 bulbs replaced by a qualified technician.
x Do not touch the glass of light bulbs with your bare hands. Fingerprints left on the bulb
evaporate due to the heat when the bulb is switched on and cause the reflector to “cloud.”
x There are sharp edges on and around the headlight housing in the engine compartment
and the rear light housing. Wear hand protection if you replace bulbs.
NOTICE
After replacing a headlight bulb or other light bulb, always make sure that the rubber covers or
plastic caps have been properly and securely reinstalled to help prevent water from getting
into the electrical connections and headlight housing and damaging the electrical system.
Indicator light

Abbreviations
Abbreviation Meaning
5S manual 5-speed manual transmission
6S automatic 6-speed automatic transmission
6S manual 6-speed manual transmission
ABS Anti-lock Brake System
AFS Adaptive Front Lighting System
AKI Anti-Knock Index
ANSI American National Standards Institute
ASR Anti-Slip Regulation
ATA Anti-Theft Alarm system
BAS Brake Assist System
ccm Cubic centimeters - unit of measure for engine displacement
CCS Cruise Control System
CID Cubic inches - unit of measure for engine displacement
cm Centimeter - metric unit of measure for length
CO2 Carbon dioxide
DIN Deutsches Institut für Normung (German Institute for Standardization)
DPF Diesel Particulate Filter
DRL Daytime running lights
DSG® DSG® Direct Shift Gearbox automatic transmission
EDL Electronic Differential Lock
EN European Norm
EPC Engine control (Electronic Power Control)
ESC Electronic Stability Control
FSI Fuel Stratified Injection
g/km Generated carbon monoxide amount in grams per kilometer driven
GAWR Gross Axle Weight Rating
GVWR Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
HID High Intensity Discharge headlights (Xenon)
hp Horsepower - unit to measure engine power
kg Kilogram - metric unit for weight
kN Kilonewton - a measure of force
kp Kilopond - a measure of force
kPa Kilopascal - unit of measure for tire pressure
kW Kilowatt - engine rating