2015 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT warning and indicator lights

Driver side overview

Fig. 5 Driver side overview.
Key to fig. 5:
(1) Instrument cluster:
– Instruments
– Display
– Warning and indicator lights
(2) Headlight switch

Outside temperature display
At outside temperatures below about +39 °F (+4 °C), a “snowflake symbol” appears in the display. The
symbol flashes at first, then stays on until the outside temperature rises above +43 °F (+6 °C) ⇒ .
When the vehicle is not moving or when you are driving at very low speeds, the temperature displayed may be slightly higher than the actual outside temperature.
The measurement range is from -40 °F (-40 °C) to +122 °F (+50 °C).
Compass display (if applicable)
On vehicles equipped with compass display, the current compass direction is indicated in the instru-
ment cluster display when the ignition and navigation system are switched on ⇒ page 15, Compass.
Selector lever positions
The selector lever position is shown both on the side of the selector lever and in the instrument cluster display. The respective gear may also be shown in the instrument cluster display in Drive D and Sport Drive S, as well as in Tiptronic® mode.
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 Park the vehicle at a safe distance from moving traffic and where no part of the hot cata-lytic converter and exhaust system can come into contact with flammable materials under the vehicle, such as dry grass, brush, spilled fuel, etc.
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.
WARNING
Roads and bridges may be dangerously icy even if the outside air temperature is above freez-ing.
x If you use the outside temperature display to tell you about frost conditions, remember that roads can even ice over at temperatures above +39 °F (+4 °C). Always remember: even if the “snowflake symbol” is not displayed, there could still be black ice on the road.
x Never rely exclusively on the outside temperature display.
NOTICE
Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
The instrument cluster displays and their arrangement may vary depending on the vehicle model and engine. For displays without warning and information messages, malfunctions are only signaled with indicator lights.
If there are multiple warning messages, the symbols are displayed for several seconds in order of importance. The symbols are displayed until the cause has been corrected.

WARNING
Vehicle health reports do not replace the information provided by the vehicle warning and indicator lights. 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 Park the vehicle at a safe distance from moving traffic and where no part of the hot cata-lytic converter and exhaust system can come into contact with flammable materials under the vehicle, such as dry grass, brush, spilled fuel, etc.
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.
x Before opening the engine hood, always switch off the engine and let the engine cool down.
x Always be very careful when working in the engine compartment, which is a potentially dangerous area in any motor vehicle and can cause serious personal injury.
NOTICE
Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
Volkswagen collects, processes, transmits, uses and shares information about you and your vehicle in accordance with the Volkswagen Car-Net Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. See the Volkswagen Car-Net Terms of Service and Privacy Policy at http://www.vw.com/carnet for more de-tails.
Volkswagen Car-Net services use a system based on a wireless communication network. If all technical and other conditions are met and Volkswagen Car-Net still does not work properly, please try using the service again later.
Features

WARNING
Refer to your vehicle's warning and indicator lights for the most current diagnostic infor-mation. Always consult this manual for maintenance guidelines. 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 Park the vehicle at a safe distance from moving traffic and where no part of the hot cata-lytic converter and exhaust system can come into contact with flammable materials under the vehicle, such as dry grass, brush, spilled fuel, etc.
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.
The Volkswagen Car-Net website (http:// www.vw.com/carnet) contains the most up-to-date information and instructions about Volkswagen Car-Net services.
x Please regularly visit the website to learn about changes to services and new features.
x Volkswagen Car-Net features can be modified, discontinued, deactivated, reactivated or expanded without any further notice.
Application software (“apps”)

Lights up Possible cause Proper response
OR icon appears in the display

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.
If a door is not closed properly, the  or  red warning light lights up in the instrument cluster or the vehicle icon appears in the instrument cluster display showing an open door.
Depending on vehicle options, the red warning light or icon may still be displayed even after the igni-tion is switched off as long as the key has not been taken out of the ignition. The icon in the instrument cluster display goes out about 15 seconds after the vehicle has been locked.
Child safety lock

Fig. 42 In the left rear door: Child safety lock A deactivated, B activated.

Fig. 43 In the right rear door: Child safety lock A deactivated, B activated.

Function Action for seat heating ⇒ fig. 70
Switch on: Press the A button. Seat heating is switched on to maximum.
Adjust the heating level: Press the button A repeatedly until the desired heating level is set.
Switch off: Press the button A repeatedly until all indicator lights in the button are off.

Special seat heating features
On the driver and the passenger side, the seat heating will resume at the setting that was set when the ignition was switched off. However, this feature only works if the key is not taken out of the ignition switch, or, for vehicles with Keyless Access, the driver door is not opened or the vehicle is not locked.
People suffering from a low level of perceived pain or a lowered awareness of pain as from medica-
tion, paralysis, or chronic illness (e.g. diabetes) should NEVER use the seat heating feature ⇒  !
The use of seat heating by persons with these conditions could result in burns to the back, buttocks, and legs that may take a long time to heal and may never heal completely. If you have any of these conditions, you should take regular breaks and get out of the vehicle, particularly on long trips. Consult your doctor for advice regarding your specific condition.
WARNING
Certain medical conditions, such as paralysis and diabetes, and certain medications can increase the risk of serious burns when the seat heating feature is switched on.
x Vehicle occupants who have a low level of perceived pain or a lowered awareness of pain can receive serious burns to the back, buttocks, and legs that take a long time to heal or may never heal completely.
x Never use the seat heating feature if you or your passengers are at risk of being burned because of a medical condition. Take regular breaks and get out of the vehicle, particularly on long trips. Consult your doctor for advice regarding your specific condition.
x Never let exposed skin remain in contact with the seat upholstery when the seat heating is being used.
WARNING
A wet seat can cause the seat heating to malfunction and increase the risk of serious burns.
x Always make sure the seats are dry before using the seat heating.
x Never sit on the seat with wet clothes.
x Never put damp or wet things including clothes on the seat.
x Never spill liquids on the seats.
NOTICE
x To help prevent damage to electrical and other parts in the seat, do not kneel on the front seats or apply concentrated pressure to a small area of the seat or backrest.

Lights up Possible cause Proper response
Y Not enough windshield washer fluid. Refill windshield washer reservoir at the next opportunity

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.
Windshield wiper lever

Fig. 106 Operating the front windshield wiper.

The auto-dimming feature can be switched on and off with the switch on the inside mirror (2). When auto-dimming is activated, the indicator light (1) is on.
If the ignition is switched on, the sensor (3) automatically darkens the inside mirror depending on the amount of light shining into the vehicle from the rear.
The auto-dimming feature is deactivated when you shift the transmission into reverse or switch on the interior lights or the reading light.
Do not attach external navigation devices to the windshield or in the vicinity of the auto-dimming inside
mirror ⇒ .
WARNING
The illuminated display on an external navigation device can cause the auto-dimming inside mirror to malfunction, which can result in crashes and serious injuries.
x Malfunctions in the auto-dimming function can result in the inside mirror being unable to evaluate the exact distance of vehicles in the rear or other objects.
If the light striking the sensor is filtered or blocked (such as by a sunshade), the auto-dimming inside mirror will not work properly or may not work at all.
Outside mirrors

Fig. 113 In the driver door: Adjusting knob for outside mirrors.