How do i identify what a warning light means without the handbook? its a 2002 vw golf and looks like an orange tyre 3 bars coming off either side.

Looks like a brake related warning like brake fluid or parking brake.

bulb failure warning,check your brake lights.

Measure your oil at normal operating temp, without the engine running of course. This will give you a more accurate reading once the oil has circulated in the system.

The system works like this:

• With the ignition on, the oil pressure indicator light on the dash should come on and flash. Once the engine is started, the light should go out and stay out as long as the engine is running.
• If the oil pressure drops below approximately 0.3 bar or 5 psi when the engine is running below 2000 rpm, the light will flash.
• If the oil pressure drops below approximately 1.8 bar or 27 psi when the engine is running above 2000 rpm for more than 3 seconds, the indicator light will flash and the buzzer will sound.

If either this two warnings occur:

• The engine should be switched off immediately and the oil level should be checked.
  

check your handbook for all dash lights.some are important.....(you dont say what colour)red is danger/yellow is info...

it should be on a sticker on the inside of your door jamb

Well, get the codes read, and, why do you not think it's the ABS? Have you had work done there recently?

From what describe, the orange light is a "brake pad wea"r warning light
John

if yellow this is most likely your tyre inflation indicator warning.
this means that one or more of your tyres has defated or inflated outside expected limits (do not worry)
1. check your tyre pressures are correct.
2. switch on the engine and let light come on.
3. press and hold the reset button with the same horseshoe icon which is situated near your gear lever in the middle console after several seconds the light should go and and your tyre pressure warning system is reset and ready for any change in prssure. if this does not work consult your nearest certified VW dealer they will be happy to assist.

What colour is this light.
The Golf mk4 sdi certainly should have brake pad wear sensors front and rear and the light on dash for this is orange with a similar symbol to what you describe.
The ABS light is orange with ABS printed on it
John

Without knowing the model of radio fitted to your car I would make the following assumptions

The CD Player is Locked Out:

Either

Because the battery has been disconnected and the clearing sequence in your handbook was not followed correctly you may have to wait several hours between attempts to unlock it and you will need the original code at hand as a fail safe

Or

The CD player is from another VW car and the on-board code in the memory does not match that one.

Resume:

You need to look out the little book that came with the car and read up on clearing the code for that particular model.

Last resort is a VW Dealer who should provide assistance free of charge , according to the handbook