Volkswagen Sharan Dashboard Symbols Explained

Your Volkswagen Sharan is a sophisticated piece of engineering, and like any complex machine, it communicates with you through a series of lights and symbols on the dashboard. Understanding what these indicators mean is crucial for maintaining your vehicle's health and ensuring your safety on the road. This guide aims to demystify the various warning lights, fault indicators, and operational symbols that may appear on your Sharan's dashboard, covering models from 1995 to 2022. Whether you're a seasoned mechanic or a new driver, this resource will help you troubleshoot and resolve potential issues.

Understanding Dashboard Symbol Colours

The colour of a dashboard warning light is often the first clue to the urgency of the situation. Generally, colours follow a traffic light system:

Common Volkswagen Sharan Warning Lights and Symbols

Engine and Powertrain Warnings

Check Engine Light

This is perhaps the most concerning light. The 'Check Engine' or 'Malfunction Indicator Lamp' (MIL) can illuminate for a vast array of reasons, from a simple loose fuel cap to a serious issue with the engine or transmission. Common culprits include a faulty oxygen sensor, spark plugs, catalytic converter issues, or even a misfire. While a loose fuel cap is an easy fix, other causes require professional diagnosis. If this light is illuminated, especially if it's flashing, it indicates a severe problem that could damage your engine, and you should reduce speed and have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.

Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light

Depicted as an oil can with a drip, this light signifies critically low engine oil pressure. This is a serious warning. It could mean your engine oil level is extremely low, or there's a more significant issue with the oil pump or lubrication system. Driving with low oil pressure can cause catastrophic engine damage. If this light appears, pull over safely and switch off the engine immediately. Check your oil level (once the engine has cooled sufficiently) and look for obvious leaks. It is highly recommended to have your vehicle towed to a mechanic.

High Radiator Coolant Temperature Warning Light

Represented by a thermometer in waves, this light indicates that your engine is overheating. Overheating can be caused by low coolant levels, a faulty thermostat, a malfunctioning water pump, or a leak in the cooling system. Continuing to drive an overheating vehicle can lead to severe engine damage, including a warped cylinder head. If you see this light, pull over safely, turn off the engine, and allow it to cool down. Do NOT open the radiator cap while the engine is hot, as pressurized hot coolant can cause severe burns. Once cool, check the coolant level and look for leaks. It's best to seek professional assistance.

Glow Plug Indicator (Diesel Models)

Exclusive to diesel Sharan models, this symbol (often a coiled filament) illuminates when the glow plugs are heating the combustion chambers to aid cold starting. When the engine is ready to start, the light will typically turn off. If this light stays on or illuminates while driving, it may indicate a fault with the glow plug system, affecting engine performance and starting in cold weather.

Braking System Warnings

Brake System Warning Light

This red symbol, often resembling an exclamation mark within a circle or the word 'BRAKE', can illuminate for several reasons. It might indicate that the parking brake is engaged, the brake fluid level is low, or there's a more serious fault within the braking system itself. If the light remains on after releasing the parking brake, check your brake fluid level. If the fluid is at the correct level, it suggests a potential issue with your brake pads, discs, or the hydraulic system, which requires immediate professional inspection.

ABS System Fault / ABS System Off

The ABS warning light (usually 'ABS' in a circle) indicates a problem with the Anti-lock Braking System. While your regular brakes will likely still function, the ABS feature, which prevents wheel lock-up during heavy braking, may not work. This can affect your ability to steer while braking hard. If this light illuminates, have your ABS system checked by a mechanic.

Check Brake Fluid

This symbol, often similar to the general brake warning light but specifically highlighting the fluid reservoir, means your brake fluid level is low. This is a critical safety issue. A low fluid level could indicate a leak in the brake lines or that your brake pads are severely worn, causing the brake fluid reservoir level to drop. You should top up the fluid and have the system inspected for leaks or wear.

Check Brake Pads

This symbol, sometimes an exclamation mark within parentheses (representing brake discs and pads), warns that your brake pads are worn down and need replacement. Worn brake pads significantly reduce braking efficiency and can damage the brake discs. It's advisable to have them checked and replaced promptly.

Safety and Airbag Warnings

Airbag Fault Light

The airbag warning light (typically showing a seated figure with a deployed airbag) indicates a fault within the airbag system. This could mean the airbags may not deploy in an accident, or they could deploy unexpectedly. Common causes include a faulty sensor, a loose connection, or a problem with the airbag control module. Due to the critical safety implications, you should have this system inspected by a specialist without delay.

Seatbelt Reminder Light

This symbol (a seated figure with a seatbelt fastened) illuminates when the driver or a passenger has not fastened their seatbelt. It is often accompanied by an audible chime. Fasten your seatbelt to make the light disappear.

Tyre and Wheel Warnings

Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Fault

This symbol, typically a tyre cross-section with an exclamation mark inside, warns that one or more of your tyres are significantly under-inflated, or there's a fault with the TPMS sensors. Low tyre pressure can affect handling, fuel economy, and tyre life. Check your tyre pressures immediately and inflate them to the recommended levels. If the light persists, a sensor may be faulty.

Check Wheel / Steering Wheel Locked

The 'Check Wheel' symbol (often a wheel with an exclamation mark) can indicate issues with wheel alignment, balance, or steering components. The 'Steering Wheel Locked' symbol (a steering wheel, often flashing) is an anti-theft indicator that flashes when the car is locked and should disappear once the ignition is turned on and the steering wheel is moved slightly.

Lighting and Visibility Warnings

Low Beam Lights On / High Beam Lights On

These symbols indicate the status of your headlights. A green light usually signifies low beams are active for general driving, while a blue light often indicates high beams are engaged. Be mindful of using high beams, as they can dazzle oncoming drivers and may result in fines if used inappropriately.

Automatic Low Beam Lights On / Automatic High Beam Lights On

These symbols indicate that your automatic headlights are active. The system uses sensors to turn headlights on or off based on ambient light conditions or to switch between low and high beams.

Automatic Lights Malfunction

If this symbol appears, it suggests a problem with the automatic lighting system, potentially a faulty light sensor. You can usually continue to drive by manually controlling your headlights.

Front Fog Lights Enabled / Rear Fog Lights Enabled

These symbols show when your fog lights are switched on. Fog lights are designed for visibility in poor weather conditions and should only be used when necessary, as misuse can be illegal and dazzle other drivers.

Bulb Not Working

This symbol, often a light bulb icon with an 'X' or exclamation mark, indicates that one of your exterior lights (headlight, taillight, brake light, etc.) has failed and requires a bulb replacement.

General Vehicle Operation and Assistance

Attention / Warning / Fault Detected

These general warning lights (often an exclamation mark or a triangle with an exclamation mark) are catch-all indicators that alert you to other dashboard warnings or a system fault. They often appear in conjunction with another specific warning light. They can also indicate that the parking brake is engaged.

Press Foot Brake

This symbol (a foot pressing a brake pedal) is a reminder to press the brake pedal, which is often necessary before you can shift the car out of 'Park' or start the engine.

Handbrake Engaged

This symbol (usually 'P' in a circle or a handbrake icon) illuminates when the parking brake (handbrake) is applied. It should turn off once the brake is released. If it remains on, double-check that the handbrake is fully disengaged. Some Sharans may have an electronic parking brake, activated by a button.

Hood / Bonnet Is Open / Truck / Boot Open

These symbols (a car silhouette with the bonnet or boot open) indicate that either the front hood or the rear trunk/boot is not properly closed. Ensure they are securely shut.

Parking Sensors

This symbol usually relates to the parking assistance system. When activated, you'll typically hear audible beeps as you approach obstacles.

ECO Mode On

This symbol indicates that the vehicle's fuel-saving 'ECO' mode is active. In this mode, the engine and throttle response are optimised for better fuel efficiency, potentially at the expense of sharp acceleration.

ESP / ESC Engaged

The ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) or ESC (Electronic Stability Control) warning light (often 'ESP' or 'ESC' in a car icon with swerving lines) illuminates when the system is actively intervening to prevent a loss of traction, such as during skidding on slippery surfaces. If it flashes intermittently, it's working. If it stays on, there might be a fault with the system.

Lane Assistant On

This symbol indicates that the lane-keeping assist system is active. It helps keep the vehicle centred within its lane, typically above a certain speed.

Front Radar Engaged

This symbol may relate to adaptive cruise control or autonomous emergency braking systems that use front-facing radar sensors.

Service Due Soon

This symbol (often a spanner or 'SERVICE') indicates that your vehicle is due for scheduled maintenance. It's a reminder to book your car in for a service at your earliest convenience.

Heated Seats / Heated Windscreen

These symbols indicate that the heated seat function or the heated windscreen (for demisting/defrosting) is activated.

Cruise Control Activated

This symbol (often 'CRUISE' or a speedometer icon) indicates that the cruise control system is engaged and ready, but not yet actively maintaining a set speed.

Air Suspension Fault

If your Sharan is equipped with air suspension, this symbol warns of a malfunction in the system, such as a leak or sensor issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Do I need a handbrake on my Volkswagen Sharan?

A1: Yes, all Volkswagen Sharans are equipped with a parking brake (handbrake) system to keep the vehicle stationary when parked. This can be a traditional lever, a foot-operated pedal, or an electronic button.

Q2: What does the flashing engine light mean?

A2: A flashing engine light typically indicates a severe misfire or a problem that could quickly cause significant damage to your catalytic converter and engine. You should reduce speed and have the vehicle inspected immediately.

Q3: Can I drive with the ABS light on?

A3: While you can usually drive with the ABS light on, your Anti-lock Braking System will not be functioning. This means your brakes may behave differently in an emergency stop. It is advisable to get the system checked as soon as possible.

Q4: What should I do if the coolant temperature warning light comes on?

A4: If the high coolant temperature light appears, pull over safely as soon as possible, switch off the engine, and let it cool down completely before checking the coolant level. Do not continue driving an overheating vehicle.

Q5: How do I reset the 'Service Due Soon' light?

A5: The procedure for resetting service indicators varies by model year and trim. Typically, it involves a sequence of ignition key turns and button presses. Consult your owner's manual or a qualified mechanic for the specific procedure for your Sharan.

Remember, your dashboard symbols are your car's way of talking to you. Paying attention to these indicators and understanding their meaning is key to safe driving and proactive vehicle maintenance. When in doubt, always refer to your Volkswagen Sharan's owner's manual or consult a trusted mechanic.