Engine Warning Light Question - 2011 Touareg TDI

colegar · Jul 22, 2011

Rung Sat Vet said:
Is it the cushion itself or that too long lever on the side of the seat for adjusting the seat back position ? I am always partially sitting on that and causing the seat back to go down.

The seat cushion is not rounded off at the front corners. There is no way to rest your legs on the cushion without those corners (especially the left side) pushing against the underside of your leg. As I have posted on this forum many times, that becomes a real annoyance on long trips. My Touareg is the base model (Sport) with leatherette seats. Maybe the premium models with leather are not as firm at the front cushion corners.

The problem you mentioned with the front seat lever inadvertently reclining the seat backs is universal. Many complaints have been posted about it. I just automatically know that I need to adjust it back to the upright position virtually every time I get in the vehicle. Lousy seat design!

Rung Sat Vet · Jul 22, 2011

Mine is the Sport model also - didn't particularly notice seat cushion to be bothersome coming across country. My 2011 was purchased in February. Wonder if they listened and made an engineering change just as they did to start shipping with U.S trailer wiring programming rather than European standard as one 2010 owner said was an issue with his.

brothernot · Aug 25, 2011

Standed 4 hrs from home 2010 Touareg TDI

This is my first post, so I might just be venting! This past weekend I took a 4 hour drive to upstate NY. Upon arrival the glow ignitor trouble light appeared on the dashboard (coiled wire?) and the engine trouble light (motor symbol) came on. I was hoping it was just a warning that I could ignore until I returned home but I wasn't that lucky. The car wouldn't go faster than 30 mph. I knew now I was in a bit of trouble. I had to have it towed to the nearest VW dealer.This is the second time. The first time it was in the shop for four days, but at least I was close to home. This time it took two days to repair. I had to get a hotel room for two nights. I was told by the VW dealer that it was the particulate sensor and loose connection each time. My question is this, is this something other treg owners are dealing with and is this something that I will have to worry about happening over and over again? The car is 10 months old, with 9600 miles on it. Do I have a lemon?

colegar · Aug 26, 2011

REPLYING TO BROTHERNOT

My 2011 Touareg is approaching 28,000 miles and the only issues of significance that I have encountered have to do with warning lights. First, it was a yellow check engine light that gave some false codes when the dealer hooked it up to their computer. They zeroed out all codes and it has not reoccurred. Recently, the glow igniter light came on and I knew that it was a false reading because it was 101 degrees that day which would mean that the glow igniter would not need to be activated to start the engine. I turned off the engine, restarted it, and the light no longer stayed on.

This may or may not be accurate but I have been told that when a warning light comes on that is yellow, it is safe to drive the vehicle until you can get it to a dealer, but that when it glows red, you should shut it down immediately. When your Touareg went into the "limp home mode" that constrained it to 30MPH, did the check engine light glow yellow or red?

As I have said in previous posts, Germans build very good vehicles but they never get the electronics right. I have owned several Mercedes, BMW's and VW's and I am yet to own a German brand that did not have electrical glitches. In fact, Germans can't even make headlight/foglight bulbs that are dependable! They try to explain the electronic problems away by claiming that their car's have much more sophisticated systems than other brands. That is a bunch of hooey! Many brands have every electronic bell and whistle, including sophisticated engine electronics and infotainment systems and they very seldom flash warning lights.

I sure hope that you do not have to tolerate more episodes that keep your Touareg in the shop!

strokethis2 · Aug 26, 2011

brothernot said:
This is my first post, so I might just be venting! This past weekend I took a 4 hour drive to upstate NY. Upon arrival the glow ignitor trouble light appeared on the dashboard (coiled wire?) and the engine trouble light (motor symbol) came on. I was hoping it was just a warning that I could ignore until I returned home but I wasn't that lucky. The car wouldn't go faster than 30 mph. I knew now I was in a bit of trouble. I had to have it towed to the nearest VW dealer.This is the second time. The first time it was in the shop for four days, but at least I was close to home. This time it took two days to repair. I had to get a hotel room for two nights. I was told by the VW dealer that it was the particulate sensor and loose connection each time. My question is this, is this something other treg owners are dealing with and is this something that I will have to worry about happening over and over again? The car is 10 months old, with 9600 miles on it. Do I have a lemon?

Could possibly be what I ran into a few months back. I had the same lights, and it also went into limp mode as you describe. If you were quick enough to notice, you would have seen an Oil Pressure Switch Malfunction error flash (1 time very fast) also. See this post:

I have not had trouble since they replaced the sensor. There have been other posts about this same issue happening with other 2009-2010 TDI's. I think the only thing that is sour is your service department. Do you have anyone else close?

Adam4651 · Aug 26, 2011

2012 VW Touareg V6 TDI Problems

So, two weeks ago we bought a brand new 2012 vw Touareg TDI out of the showroom. The third day we drove it to the grocery store. As we were leaving the parking lot, the system notification light came on. It stated that the adBlue could only go 700 more miles before running dry. Two days later it wasnt there. This week we just recieved a letter in the mail saying that we could make our appontment for a inspection to see how everything with this NEW car with only 846 miles on it was going. So I called the dealer where I bought it from which is two hours from here up. He said the car should not be doing that and not have to come in till 90 day or 5,000 miles. He told us to bring it in anyways. Took the touareg to the dealerthe next day. Tech looked at it and said that there was something wrong with the adBlue system and that it was heating or cooling that diesel or adBlue. I have no idea what he said. He just gave me a loaner car and told me he will call me when he figures it out. Ok... So he just called me and said that the on board computer was alll messed up too. He had to order a ton of new parts. He has no idea when they will come in. In the mean time, i am driving this little plain jain golf. So I told the dealer on the phone that I am going to need a bigger car than a golf if you are keeping my car. He cant even give me a passat cc or even a jetta for crying out loud. I am so mad. I am about to tell them to keep the car and take there loaner and that they should give me a brand new touareg that i custom order.

Muzza12 · Apr 2, 2013

REPLYING TO BROTHERNOT

Hi Guys

I had the exact same problem over the weekend, Particulate Filter warning came on, then the Engine Warning light came on with the Glow Plug symbol, The vehicle then went into limp home mode 50 km/h max. I pulled over and turned the vehicle off, waited 10 second restarted with no warning lights. I think the Particulate filter was a bit clogged I took the car for a good run up the freeway to clear it out. No problems since..

Awesome car I love it however a temperamental.

colegar said:
REPLYING TO BROTHERNOT

My 2011 Touareg is approaching 28,000 miles and the only issues of significance that I have encountered have to do with warning lights. First, it was a yellow check engine light that gave some false codes when the dealer hooked it up to their computer. They zeroed out all codes and it has not reoccurred. Recently, the glow igniter light came on and I knew that it was a false reading because it was 101 degrees that day which would mean that the glow igniter would not need to be activated to start the engine. I turned off the engine, restarted it, and the light no longer stayed on.

This may or may not be accurate but I have been told that when a warning light comes on that is yellow, it is safe to drive the vehicle until you can get it to a dealer, but that when it glows red, you should shut it down immediately. When your Touareg went into the "limp home mode" that constrained it to 30MPH, did the check engine light glow yellow or red?

As I have said in previous posts, Germans build very good vehicles but they never get the electronics right. I have owned several Mercedes, BMW's and VW's and I am yet to own a German brand that did not have electrical glitches. In fact, Germans can't even make headlight/foglight bulbs that are dependable! They try to explain the electronic problems away by claiming that their car's have much more sophisticated systems than other brands. That is a bunch of hooey! Many brands have every electronic bell and whistle, including sophisticated engine electronics and infotainment systems and they very seldom flash warning lights.

I sure hope that you do not have to tolerate more episodes that keep your Touareg in the shop!

DBSmith · Apr 10, 2013

brothernot said:
This is my first post, so I might just be venting! This past weekend I took a 4 hour drive to upstate NY. Upon arrival the glow ignitor trouble light appeared on the dashboard (coiled wire?) and the engine trouble light (motor symbol) came on. I was hoping it was just a warning that I could ignore until I returned home but I wasn't that lucky. The car wouldn't go faster than 30 mph. I knew now I was in a bit of trouble. I had to have it towed to the nearest VW dealer.This is the second time. The first time it was in the shop for four days, but at least I was close to home. This time it took two days to repair. I had to get a hotel room for two nights. I was told by the VW dealer that it was the particulate sensor and loose connection each time. My question is this, is this something other treg owners are dealing with and is this something that I will have to worry about happening over and over again? The car is 10 months old, with 9600 miles on it. Do I have a lemon?

See the extensive post about my experience in December of 2012 -- I had the same symptoms you describe -- in an earlier post. Of course, my issue was not the particulate sensor but a grenaded fuel pump and subsequent HPFP failure. The warning light came on and the vehicle limped for 30-40 miles; when I pulled off the highway to have a look, it wouldn't re-start.

Hope your issue is, in fact, something else. My car was in the shop for 3 weeks and ran up a parts bill of about $8000 before being fixed! (all warranty)

mikeli123 · Jun 12, 2013

Rung Sat Vet said:
My 2011 TDI had the first episode of the engine symbol light staying on last week. I read the manual page by page plus the 2011 supplement manual and could NOT find a picture of this symbol nor any explanation. I concluded that it is a throwback to the old idiot lights that meant check for problems but no more detail than that. One thing I did notice was that it lights along with the other symbols in the display as it is supposed to but then momentarily goes out with the others only to come back on and stay on. I wonder if this is purely an electronic glitch and means nothing about an actual engine problem. The other perhaps related, perhaps not, puzzle is the ADBlue warning flashing once in a while. This makes no sense to me because I took my TDI to a VW dealer just last week with 6000 miles on it. The dealer dutifully added 2 gallons of the urea so I know the tank is full. More electronic gremlins ?

I am having exactly the same issue here this morning, had the car serviced at 30K, topped up AdBlue. Interestingly, I got several AdBlue "warnings" despite the tank is full. While I was driving to the dealer for wheel alignment this morning, the yellow check engine light turned on (what a timing!). Just hope there is nothing wrong with the engine but some faulty sensor of the AdBlue tank.

Rung Sat Vet · Jun 12, 2013

AdBlue Light

My 2011 TDI kept telling me I had only 600 plus miles before being out of AdBlue. Dealer found plenty of AdBlue and after 2 days with help from a factory service rep who happened to be there, they discovered that the AdBlue pump itself was failing. They first tried a software upgrade but eventually replaced the pump. That was a year and 10,ooo plus miles ago.
Incidently, there was another software upgrade last Fall which resolved an engine warning light issue.

Niner · Jun 12, 2013

DBSmith said:
See the extensive post about my experience in December of 2012 -- I had the same symptoms you describe -- in an earlier post. Of course, my issue was not the particulate sensor but a grenaded fuel pump and subsequent HPFP failure. The warning light came on and the vehicle limped for 30-40 miles; when I pulled off the highway to have a look, it wouldn't re-start.

Hope your issue is, in fact, something else. My car was in the shop for 3 weeks and ran up a parts bill of about $8000 before being fixed! (all warranty)

Did you ever request a labor quote in hours on that, as well as labor $, if that incident had been on your dime? Curious minds want to know, for future reference.

Kelliefix · Sep 28, 2013

Rung Sat Vet said:
My 2011 TDI had the first episode of the engine symbol light staying on last week. I read the manual page by page plus the 2011 supplement manual and could NOT find a picture of this symbol nor any explanation. I concluded that it is a throwback to the old idiot lights that meant check for problems but no more detail than that. One thing I did notice was that it lights along with the other symbols in the display as it is supposed to but then momentarily goes out with the others only to come back on and stay on. I wonder if this is purely an electronic glitch and means nothing about an actual engine problem. The other perhaps related, perhaps not, puzzle is the ADBlue warning flashing once in a while. This makes no sense to me because I took my TDI to a VW dealer just last week with 6000 miles on it. The dealer dutifully added 2 gallons of the urea so I know the tank is full. More electronic gremlins ?

Our 2011 TDI has the same engine light intermittently coming on. Next service is in approx 11K according to the engine management system on touch screen.

One day it is on then next day light is off coupled with the fact the orange light does not appear anywhere in manual.

Any ideas what the issue is?? Does it have to go in to VW service before taking car on a highway trip??

TDI_Fan · Oct 1, 2013

Hi Kelliefix

My 2011 TDI (176kW) had the same engine light intermittently coming on also.
Took it in for diagnostic, by the time I made it in, the light had cleared.
Turned out to be the EGR valve. ( over 30 faults on it stored in computer according to service department) no symptoms of engine misbehaving. Not sure how critical it is to replace with urgency( of course you may have a different issue)
Not a stocked part in Victoria so booked it in for replacement. (Drove it for a week, light came on again)
My car is still under warranty( about 60,000 km )
Replaced (several hours work apparently) I'm still waiting on the paper work, told It takes a month for VW Aus to process warranty work.

Kelliefix · Oct 7, 2013

Thanks TDI fan for the feedback. The light has again disappeared after taking it on a 2k journey and similarly the engine has not missed a beat.

I, against my will, will take car into VW service centre and get them to check diagnostic on their computer. Would not surprise me for them to tell me needs engine replaced or some other spectacular fault.

Have had VW Passat before Touareg and experiences at this dealer, all under warranty were mind boggling.

Once I find out the reason for the yellow engine light intermittently coming on I will post on forum.

Regards mjh

Hollywood68 · Nov 28, 2013

Hi,
My engine warning light came on this morning. (2011 V6 TDI). Taking it in to a VW dealer tomorrow. Stand by!!

Rung Sat Vet · Nov 28, 2013

Warning Light Odd Behavior

Had my 2011 TDI serviced by VW Dealer in Massachusetts.
One week later started on 2900 mile trip to Arizona. Seventy miles into trip light came on ( yellow ). Told my wife if it turns red, STOP - otherwise we keep going. Got to destination 2900 miles away - light still yellow.
A day later it went out and hasn't reappeared except at start as it is supposed to do. I have no idea what is going on.
My Son told me that next time I have it serviced the history in the VW computer will tell what caused the yellow light.
My only thought is that Massachusetts is very damp compared to Arizona.
A mystery

TonyH · Dec 7, 2013

Solid Yellow Warning Light

Hi, hoping someone can shed some light on why this has happened. Yellow warning light on my 2008 Touareg last night. Will contact my mechanic but wondered if anyone else has had this problem. Supposed to head off Monday towing a 3k caravan, that might not be happening now! Any advice greatly appreciated.

Hollywood68 · Dec 8, 2013

My problem was an emission system problem. ERG valve which was replaced within a day.

Rung Sat Vet · Dec 8, 2013

Yellow Light

My light was on for 2900 miles and then went out and has not come back on. The safest thing for you to do is have a VW dealer read the computer message indicated by the light and tell you if it is just some quirky and pretty much meaningless sensor or something that requires repair now to prevent a serious failure.
The only reason I let mine go for 2900 miles is because we had just started a cross country trip and really didn't want to sit around away from home at some VW dealer. If it turned red, we would have stopped immediately and called a tow truck.

bobk3597 · Dec 11, 2014

I own a 2011 TDI which has a tad over 50K miles. Since my owners manual has no reference to this symbol I asked by email to the service manager of the VW dealer from whom I purchased the car to provide me written documentation as to what the light means along with the various colors it can turn. No response to date. Who has seen this on an official VW document ? Send me a copy if you have it.

Engine Warning Light Question - 2011 Touareg TDI

colegar

Rung Sat Vet

brothernot

colegar

strokethis2

Adam4651

Muzza12

DBSmith

mikeli123

Rung Sat Vet

Niner

Kelliefix

TDI_Fan

Kelliefix

Hollywood68

Rung Sat Vet

TonyH

Hollywood68

Rung Sat Vet

bobk3597

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