Warning lights of the Audi A1: what each light means
In the 2 generations of the Audi A1, the documented faults light up 6 warning lights on the dashboard. The most frequent: overheating (4 faults), engine warning light (3 faults) and DPF warning light (2 faults). Overheating and coolant light call for stopping as soon as possible.
Which warning lights the faults of the Audi A1 trigger
Red ones first, and those that call for stopping. Below each warning light, the documented faults that trigger it, with their pages.
Overheating or temperature warning light
Urgency: As soon as possibleRedSymbol: thermometer over wavy lines (coolant)
The temperature needle climbs towards the red zone or the coolant warning light comes on. It usually points to a lack of coolant, a leak, or a failing thermostat or water pump. Driving on can warp the cylinder head or damage the gasket.
What to do: Stop as soon as you can and switch the engine off. Do not open the coolant reservoir cap while it is hot. If coolant is missing, do not set off again until you have found the leak.
4 documented faults that trigger it in the Audi A1
- High severity: Timing belt and water pump · 1.6 TDI engine · I
- High severity: Timing belt and water pump · 1.4 TDI engine · I
- Medium severity: Water pump and thermostat housing leak (EA211) · 1.2 and 1.4 TSI engine · I
- Medium severity: Coolant leaks from the water pump and thermostat module · 1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI engine · I and II
Coolant warning light on (low level or temperature)
Urgency: As soon as possibleRedSymbol: thermometer over wavy lines (fluid)
It is the symbol of a thermometer over wavy lines, which warns of a problem in the cooling circuit: low fluid level or excessive temperature. The colour changes by brand (red, yellow or blue) and the seriousness of the warning depends on it.
What to do: Slow down, stop on level, safe ground and switch the engine off. With the engine cold, check the level in the expansion tank and look for leaks; if the level drops again or the light persists, do not keep driving and call for assistance.
1 documented fault that triggers it in the Audi A1
- Medium severity: Coolant leaks from the water pump and thermostat module · 1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI engine · I and II
Airbag warning light on
Urgency: Garage soonRedSymbol: a seated person wearing a seat belt with a circle (the inflated airbag) in front; in some cars, the letters SRS or AIRBAG
The airbag warning light means the system has detected a fault and an airbag or seatbelt pretensioner may not deploy in a crash. Causes range from a connector under the seat to the control unit or the airbag itself.
What to do: Have it diagnosed as soon as possible and check with the VIN whether the car has any outstanding airbag recall.
1 documented fault that triggers it in the Audi A1
- Critical severity: Airbags and pretensioners with out-of-specification ignition mix (campaign for July to December 2016) · outside the engine · I
Engine fault warning light (check engine)
Urgency: Garage soonYellow or amberSymbol: outline of an engine seen from the side, in yellow or orange
The orange engine-shaped warning light comes on when the ECU detects a fault affecting combustion or emissions. If it flashes, it usually points to misfires that can damage the catalytic converter.
What to do: If it stays on steadily, you can drive gently to a garage and ask for a fault code read-out. If it flashes or you notice a loss of power, slow down and get to a garage as soon as possible.
3 documented faults that trigger it in the Audi A1
- Critical severity: Timing chain stretch and tensioner failure (EA111) · 1.2 and 1.4 TSI engine · I
- Critical severity: Piston breakage and oil consumption in the 1.4 TSI twincharger · 1.2 and 1.4 TSI engine · I
- Medium severity: Turbo wastegate actuator failure · 1.2 and 1.4 TSI engine · I
Particulate filter warning light (DPF)
Urgency: Garage soonYellow or amberSymbol: particulate filter symbol on the dashboard, normally amber; its design varies by manufacturer
On modern diesels it means the particulate filter is clogged with soot and has not been able to regenerate. It is common in cars used mostly for short town journeys, although it can also be caused by a sensor or by an injection or EGR fault.
What to do: If the handbook allows it, a 20-minute drive on a motorway at a steady speed can complete the regeneration. If the light stays on or you lose power, go to a garage.
2 documented faults that trigger it in the Audi A1
- Medium severity: Clogged particulate filter (DPF) · 1.6 TDI engine · I
- Medium severity: Clogged particulate filter (DPF) · 1.4 TDI engine · I
EPC warning light on
Urgency: Garage soonYellow or amberSymbol: the letters EPC, in yellow or orange
EPC stands for Electronic Power Control. It is the yellow or orange warning light that Volkswagen group cars use to warn of a fault in the electronic system that governs the engine and the throttle. The ECU may then limit power and speed to protect the car.
What to do: Slow down, stop somewhere safe, switch the engine off and restart it. If the light stays on, ask a garage for a fault code read-out before replacing any part.
1 documented fault that triggers it in the Audi A1
- Medium severity: Turbo wastegate actuator failure · 1.2 and 1.4 TSI engine · I
Frequently asked questions
Which warning lights come on most in the Audi A1?
Overheating: 4 documented faults, such as timing belt and water pump. Engine warning light: 3 documented faults, such as timing chain stretch and tensioner failure (EA111). DPF warning light: 2 documented faults, such as clogged particulate filter (DPF).
Which warning light of the Audi A1 is the most serious?
Overheating and coolant light: its urgency is “as soon as possible”. Stop the car as soon as it is safe; on each warning light's page, at the top, you will find what to do.
Which generation of the Audi A1 has the most faults that trigger warning lights?
Audi A1 I (12 faults) and Audi A1 II (2 faults).
A warning light has come on in the Audi A1: what should I do?
Find which warning light it is on this page and check its urgency. With overheating and coolant light, stop as soon as possible somewhere safe. For the others, book an appointment at a garage and have them read the fault code with an OBD reader: it shows which system has failed.