Why Do the Triangle Warning Light and ABS Light Turn On in Cold Weather on the Audi A3 Dashboard?
Owners of the 2016 Audi A3 may notice that the triangle with an exclamation mark and the ABS light appear together on the dashboard, especially in cold weather. Although this may seem temporary, it can indicate an underlying issue. Similar complaints are frequently reported on sources like Audi A3 forums.
Why Do the Triangle and ABS Lights Turn On Together?
These two symbols often indicate a problem with the ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) and ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). Since the ASR system works in conjunction with ABS, a malfunction can trigger warning lights for both systems.
1 What Is the Effect of Cold Weather?
The appearance of these lights in cold or humid conditions is often related to increased resistance in sensor connections. This is commonly referred to as a sensor issue in Audi A3. If the lights turn off once the vehicle warms up, this theory is further supported.
2 Possible Fault: Wheel Speed Sensor
One of the most common causes is a wheel speed sensor failure. This sensor is critical for the proper operation of the ABS and ASR systems. A faulty sensor may send incorrect data to the system, triggering the warning lights.
What Should You Do?
A professional diagnostic tool is required to accurately identify such issues. Devices like VCDS, used in authorized service centers, can read error codes. Even if the warning lights turn off, an Audi A3 ABS fault may still be stored in the memory and retrievable.
3 What You Should Know Before Visiting the Service
Among all Audi A3 warning lights, this combination is one of the most frequently observed. It usually points to a recurring but seemingly temporary issue. Since it may involve a safety system malfunction, the vehicle should definitely be checked by a professional technician.
Conclusion: Don’t Ignore the Issue
Even if the lights only appear during cold weather and disappear after the vehicle warms up, this still means the Audi A3 triangle warning should not be ignored. Especially for braking safety, a professional inspection is highly recommended.






