Don't go looking at Touaregs that you're considering buying without VCDS (not just some amazon code reader)

 

That's fair enough... I'm going to look into it but I'd still like to know the answer to my concern 😅
I expect you must know how the gauge cluster functions

 

What I do know, is that the Touareg is a very complex vehicle, with lots of systems and components. Any gauge\warning light on its cluster is just a very vague indicator. Unless you're looking at speed or RPM, it's vague and for generic information only. If you truly want to know what's going on, you need a full diagnostic.

I've had mine for 8 years now, and I've never once sat there to see what light come on, stay on, go off, etc. When there's a warning, I either ignore it (like most people and dismiss it by saying "it's a VW thing") or I start diagnosing what's causing it.

 

Very good point. For anyone that may stumble across this thread, I managed to find many videos reviewing new Touaregs online showing that indeed, the engine light stays on, and for relevant models, the EPC light as well, all the way until the engine is started. As per the user manual excerpt I posted above, warning lights should be assessed with the engine running. But as @SaVAGeSoot states, the best way, I expect, will always remain to check the engine codes via a relevant OBD scanner.

Thanks for the help!

 

Also consider that you're only looking at critical system faults by only evaluating what the cluster is warning you about. There are many, many controllers and sub systems in a modern vehicle such as a Touareg, and you can have all sorts of things failed, faults, etc which would never alert you on the dash.... buy blindly, and see how well that works out for you.

 

My '11 does the same. They go off when the engine is running. I believe it's normal.
The only fault code I have @ this point is in the 5F module which was from updating the firmware of the RNS850 myself.

 

They’re on with ignition on. If they’re out when engine running that’s normal.