So, what is that light on your dashboard? What follows is easily the most complete list available of symbols and warnings that may appear in and on your car’s dashboard or instrument cluster.
The following are warning lights and indicators found in vehicles built by Audi. Click the link to the right of each one to learn more.
How They Are Presented
They are roughly ordered by importance, which tends to be by color (red, amber, yellow, orange, green, blue, gray), but there are nearly 130 of them, so be patient!
Need the symbols for another manufacturer? Click here!
Models examined include the A1, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, Q2, Q3, Q4, Q5, Q7, Q8, RS, S3, S4, S5, and TT.
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Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.
These posts are for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.
Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.
The author has 25 years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s College, ME: MS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY
Finally, if you need another manufacturer, click here.
Early Audi models use a slot in the dashboard but do not use a Start/Stop button. The fob itself is pushed to start or stop the car. If the key fob battery is dead, the vehicle will already recognize the fob when inserted.
Audi and Volkswagen models that use the Start/Stop button and have a slot in the dashboard, as shown, insert the fob into the dashboard slot and press it to start while depressing the brake pedal as if the fob were the Start/Stop button. The actual Start/Stop ignition button is disabled.
In models that do not feature a slot for the fob, look for the symbol of a key with lines radiating from it, as shown. It will be to the right of the steering column on the dashboard (Audi) or on the right side of the steering column itself (VW).
In the latest Audi Q7, the symbol is just in front of the center console storage area. Touch the tip or the back of the fob to the symbol – or in the case of Q7 simply drop the fob on the symbol – and press the Start/Stop button while depressing the brake pedal, all at the same time.
In 2018, the mark is moved to the driver’s side cup holder in the Audi A5 and Q5. This is also true of the A3 and Q3 beginning about 2021. The all electric eTron GT uses this mark as well. The mark is smaller and shaded and so a bit difficult to see. As with the Q7, the key fob can be dropped into the cup holder, and starting the car becomes a one hand (and one foot) operation. Press the Start/Stop button while stepping on the brake. It took two tries to before the key fob was recognized in our test car, but it did work.
However, in 2019, the A5 now has the mark at the front of the center console storage area, as shown to the right. Again the key fob can be dropped onto the spot, and starting the car needs only a single hand (and foot). Press the Start/Stop button while stepping on the brake. Our test car started first time in this case.
The new (2019) Q8, and now the Q7, also has the marking in a cup holder. It is the front one in this case. However, we noted a slot between the cup holders adjacent to the 12 volt power outlet and shaped very much like the key fob, Sure enough, the fob was recognized when placed inside the slot.
Models are now being electrified. The e-tron GT uses the front cup as in the images above. However, the original e-tron and e-tron Sportback the mark is found in front of the of the cup holders (right). We have not had access to all electric models, but a back up location will likely be found in or near the cup holders.
By 2023, the A4 and S4 models sport the mark on the center console, just in front of the console storage area.
All this is to say that there will be a mark somewhere in all Audi and VW models, and in all likelihood if it is not found on the dashboard or the side of the steering column, it is most likely to be found somewhere on the console area.
The mark in Volkswagen’s new ID4 EV, the mark is moved to the front area of the center console. This follows the trend in Audi models. Originally, the front area is for storage and has removeable spacers. We found the mark by removing the front spacer (first image). Later, the same area was converted to cup holders. The mark is found in the first cup holder (closest to the driver) (second image).
Note: If you have made an attempt to start the vehicle without success, there may be residual pressure in the brake system and a new warning light may appear (left) or text message to Step on the Brake. Press the brake pedal very, veryhard when trying to start the vehicle again to be sure that the release switch behind the pedal is engaged. Or wait a few minutes and try again.
Click here for video help with VW and Audi models and key fobs.
Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.
These posts are for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.
Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.
The author has 25 years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s College, ME: MS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY
How to Open, Start and Replace Fob Batteries in Audi and Volkswagen Vehicles
We now have 21 videos offering help to Audi and VW drivers who’s key fobs or remote controls have gone dead
This video covers A3 and Q3 models, 2020 and newer, hiding the key hole.
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This demonstrates replacing the battery in a late model VW flip key key fob.
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This is a 2022 update of Volkswagen with new start procedures in new model, including the ID.4.
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This one updates (in 2020) Volkswagen using a new Atlas model. The start procedure is changed somewhat and we cover difficulties encountered when trying to get at the key hole in an Atlas and a Golf.
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This video covers replacing the battery in a Volkswagen key fob. This one features an embedded mechanical key.
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Here we have a 2020 update for the Audi Q7.
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This video consolidates all we have on Audi models — through 2018.
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So, we did the compilation above and Audi creates a new key fob and new back up locations. Q8 up first.
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This video covers the new Audi A5, which features a new back up start location.
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Fixing an Audi flip key remote that won’t work after replacing the battery.
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This one covers the battery replacement in flip key key fobs.
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Here is the latest (2018) Q5 and A5 procedures. New back-up spot.
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This video handles Audi A3 and Q3 through 2019 models introduced to North America in the 2015 model year.
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This video covers the 2017 Audi Q5, which stays old school. It holds our first view of an Audi emergency key.
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Video help for Volkswagens, including help with a hidden key hole.
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This one covers most pre-2016 Audi models.
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A video exclusive to the new Audi Q7.
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A video of us replacing the battery in an Audi dead key fob or remote control.
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Replacing the battery in an updated Audi key fob or remote control.
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This one covers replacing the battery in a new generation (2019) key fob from Audi.
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Replacing the battery in a VW flip key dead key fob or remote control.
Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.
These posts are for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.
Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.
The author has 25 years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s College, ME: MS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY
Finally, if you need another manufacturer, click here.
Retrieving the mechanical key
There are three general styles of key fobs in use with Volkswagen and Audi models. With the older style shown to the right, press the chrome button on the back of the key fob (remote control or ‘clicker’) to release the spring-loaded mechanical key, which remains attached to the key fob.
Newer Volkswagen and Audi models use what they called an Advanced Key, shown to the left. The mechanical key is separated from the fob (or remote control or ‘clicker’) by pressing the button on the back side of the fob, shown with the arrow, while pulling on the same key ring end.
Audi introduced a third Advanced Key fob style in 2016 that for some reason requires pushing two buttons at the same time. They are on either side of the key ring end, as shown. Push them both while pulling the key ring out to retrieve the mechanical key.
And yet a fourth key fob from Audi has a chrome button on the back, similar to the unit above, but below the chrome end. push the button and pull on the key ring end to remove the mechanical key. We saw it first in the new 2019 Q8.
Getting Inside
On some models, the lock cylinder (keyhole) at the back of the door handle will be visible. If so, simply use the key blade to unlock the door.
If the keyhole at the back of the driver’s door handle is hidden, press the key blade about a half inch straight up in the hole on the underside of the keyhole cover (a). If you are in the dark, you may need to feel for the hole. This action will loosen the cover and pulling on the door handle will allow you to remove it. Yes, you must remove a piece of the car. Use the mechanical key in the now-exposed lock to unlock the driver’s door.
Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.
These posts are for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.
Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.
The author has 25 years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s College, ME: MS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY