2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT lights

NOTICE
Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
Applicable only in the United States and Canada
AdBlue information

WARNING
The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a potentially dangerous area and can cause
serious personal injury.
x Always use extreme caution when doing any work in the engine compartment. Always
follow commonly accepted safety practices and use common sense. Never risk personal
injury.
x Never perform any work in the engine compartment unless you know exactly how to carry
out the job and have the correct technical information and the correct tools.
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. Serious personal injury may
result from improperly performed work.
x Never open or close the engine hood if steam or coolant is escaping. Hot steam or coolant
can cause serious burns. Always wait until you no longer see or hear steam or coolant
escaping from the engine.
x Always let the engine cool down completely before carefully opening the hood.
x Hot parts of the engine and the exhaust system will burn skin on contact.
x When the engine has cooled down and you are ready to open the hood:
– Firmly apply the parking brake and shift the transmission into Park (P) (automatic) or
Neutral (manual only).
– Take the vehicle key out of the ignition.
– On vehicles with Keyless Access, make sure that the remote control vehicle key is out
of range of the vehicle and that the vehicle cannot be started by depressing the starter
button.
– Always keep children and others away from the engine compartment and never leave
them unsupervised.
x The engine coolant system is under pressure when the engine is hot. Never unscrew the
coolant expansion tank cap when the engine is hot. Hot coolant can spray out and cause
severe burns and other serious injuries.
– Turn the cap slowly and very carefully in a counterclockwise direction while applying
light downward pressure on the top of the cap.
– Always protect your face, hands, and arms from hot escaping coolant or steam by
covering the cap with a large, thick rag.
x Never spill fluids on the engine or exhaust system when refilling. Spilling fluids onto hot
parts of the engine or exhaust system can cause a fire.
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.

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 Mexico and the AGCC
Indicator lights

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.