Phantom Idiot Lights

TouaregRoadie · Dec 26, 2024

Over the past few days, my 2016 TDI has been throwing seemingly "phantom" idiot lights. They appear once, then don't reappear. In each instance, I don't believe they are accurate.

I received one brake pad warning (have not checked them yet) One "add coolant"warning (checked, and the level is full), and one AdBlue warning.

I don't believe any of them are true and accurate.

Any idea what this could be coming from?

rgh0 · Dec 27, 2024

scan and see it they have left any intermittent faults anywhere

New2Tregs · Dec 27, 2024

TouaregRoadie said:
Over the past few days, my 2016 TDI has been throwing seemingly "phantom" idiot lights. They appear once, then don't reappear. In each instance, I don't believe they are accurate.

I received one brake pad warning (have not checked them yet) One "add coolant"warning (checked, and the level is full), and one AdBlue warning.

I don't believe any of them are true and accurate.

Any idea what this could be coming from?

These Tregs usually don't throw up warning lights without a reason. Especially unrelated random ones.
Could be a battery on it's way out, could be a wiring (possible corrosion due to water intrusion) issue.
Best to do as mentioned and do an auto-scan and post it here by code wrapping it.

amirhz · Dec 27, 2024

Does it struggle to start like does it start slow? I know someone with a Cayenne from the same era with the same engine who had random lights to do with overfilled oil (even though it was slightly below full) that struggled to start as it needed a battery as New2Tregs mentioned

volkswagens-for-life · Dec 27, 2024

TouaregRoadie said:
Over the past few days, my 2016 TDI has been throwing seemingly "phantom" idiot lights. They appear once, then don't reappear. In each instance, I don't believe they are accurate.

I received one brake pad warning (have not checked them yet) One "add coolant"warning (checked, and the level is full), and one AdBlue warning.

I don't believe any of them are true and accurate.

Any idea what this could be coming from?

Your first Volkswagen? Nothing here seems out of line.

TouaregRoadie · Dec 27, 2024

I will check codes. Also the battery is original--so interesting theory there. I have an oil change at dealer this week so will have them check.

Kiwikev · Dec 27, 2024

Did the coolant level warning come on when the engine was cold? Did you check the level when the engine was cold or warm?

TouaregRoadie · Dec 27, 2024

Kiwikev said:
Did the coolant level warning come on when the engine was cold? Did you check the level when the engine was cold or warm?

Yes it was soon after starting.

So were the other quick idiot light displays as well.

Kiwikev · Dec 28, 2024

Check the coolant level after it has been sitting overnight, before you start it. I'm sure you'll find it's at the minimum. Check the brake pads too. The inner pads usually wear faster than the outer, that's what's likely causing that warning to come on.
Did you try adding AdBlue to see if the warning will go away.

Phantom Idiot Lights

TouaregRoadie

rgh0

New2Tregs

amirhz

volkswagens-for-life

TouaregRoadie

Kiwikev

TouaregRoadie

Kiwikev

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