►Audi A3 ►Controls and displays ►Instruments and warning/indicator lamps ◀Warning and indicator lamps
If the indicator lamp 
flashes while the vehicle is in motion, the ESC or traction control system (ASR) is intervening.
flashes while the vehicle is in motion, the ESC or traction control system (ASR) is intervening.If the indicator lamp lights up, the ESC system has been switched off for system reasons. In this case, the ESC can be reactivated by switching the ignition off and then on again. If the indicator lamp goes out, this means the system is fully functional.
lights up, the ESC system has been switched off for system reasons. In this case, the ESC can be reactivated by switching the ignition off and then on again. If the indicator lamp goes out, this means the system is fully functional.Stabilisation control (ESC): sport. Warning! Restricted stability
If the indicator lamp 
lights up, the ESC sport mode has been activated via the 
OFF button ►Link. You can switch the ESC system back on by pressing the OFF button again.
lights up, the ESC sport mode has been activated via the OFF button ►Link. You can switch the ESC system back on by pressing the OFF button again.Stabilisation control (ESC): off. Warning! Restricted stability
If the indicator lamp lights up, the ESC system has been partially or completely switched off via the OFF button ►Link. In addition, ESC OFF will appear. You can switch the ESC system back on by pressing the OFF button again.
lights up, the ESC system has been partially or completely switched off via the OFF button ►Link. In addition, ESC OFF will appear. You can switch the ESC system back on by pressing the OFF button again.The system is activated when you switch on the ignition. If the indicator lamp goes out, this means the system is fully functional.
goes out, this means the system is fully functional.Stabilisation control (ESC): fault! See owner's manual
Stabilisation control (ESC/ABS): fault! See owner's manual
ABS: fault! See owner's manual
If the indicator lamp and the ABS indicator lamp 
light up and the message appears, there is a malfunction in the anti-lock brake system or electronic differential lock. This will also cause an ESC malfunction. The vehicle can still be braked in the normal way (however the ABS control function will be out of action).
and the ABS indicator lamp light up and the message appears, there is a malfunction in the anti-lock brake system or electronic differential lock. This will also cause an ESC malfunction. The vehicle can still be braked in the normal way (however the ABS control function will be out of action).Drive to a qualified workshop without delay and have the fault rectified.
WARNING!
If the brake warning lamp 
lights up together with the ABS indicator lamp and the ESC indicator lamp, this can mean that the control function of the ESC/ABS is not working. Input from the functions that stabilise the vehicle is no longer available. This could cause the vehicle to skid sideways. Drive carefully to the nearest qualified workshop and have the fault rectified.
lights up together with the ABS indicator lamp and the ESC indicator lamp, this can mean that the control function of the ESC/ABS is not working. Input from the functions that stabilise the vehicle is no longer available. This could cause the vehicle to skid sideways. Drive carefully to the nearest qualified workshop and have the fault rectified.Note
For more information about the ESC and ABS systems, refer to ►Link.