2021 VOLKSWAGEN UP! light

Practical tips
Frequently asked questions
If you suspect that there is a fault in the vehicle or if your vehicle has been damaged, read and
observe the following information before contacting a Volkswagen dealership or qualified
workshop. You may also find useful information in the index under the headings Things to note or
Checklist.
IrregularitySome possible causesPossible solution
Engine does not start.
Vehicle battery is discharged.
– Jump start the engine ⇒ Starting the
engine with jump leads.
– Recharge the vehicle battery
⇒ Vehicle battery.
An incorrect vehicle key is
being used.
Use a valid vehicle key ⇒ Vehicle key
set.
The fuel level is too low.Fill the tank ⇒ Filling the tank.
Vehicle cannot be locked
or unlocked with the
vehicle key.
– The battery in the vehicle
key is discharged.
– The vehicle key is too far
away from the vehicle.
– Replace battery ⇒ Vehicle key set.
– Move closer to the vehicle.
– Synchronise vehicle key ⇒ Vehicle
key set.
– Unlock or lock vehicle manually
⇒ Manual opening and closing.
Unusual noises.
Cold engine, brake assist
systems, electronic steering
column lock, auxiliary heater,
filling up with natural gas.
Refer to the index under entries for
Noises.
Unusual handling.
Assist systems are active.Refer to the index under entries for
Assist systems.
An incorrect tyre pressure is
being used.
Check tyre pressure ⇒ Wheels and
tyres.
Damage to the tyre or wheel.
Check the rims and tyres regularly for
damage ⇒ Wheels and tyres and
replace as necessary ⇒ Changing a
wheel.
The vehicle has no
vehicle jack, spare wheel
or breakdown set.
Equipment depends on type
of vehicle.
No direct solutions possible as it
depends on the equipment level.
Contact a Volkswagen dealership if
necessary ⇒ Vehicle toolkit.
The road ahead is not lit
up properly.
– Headlight has been masked
for driving on the left or on the
right.
– Headlight not adjusted
correctly.
– Bulbs have failed.
– Dipped beam headlight not
switched on.
– Mask the headlights accordingly for
driving on the left or right ⇒ Lights.
– Adjust headlight range ⇒ Lights.
– Change bulbs ⇒ Changing bulbs.
– Switch dipped headlights on
⇒ Lights.
Electrical consumers not
working.
Low vehicle battery charge.Recharge vehicle battery ⇒ Vehicle
battery.
Low fuel level.Fill the tank ⇒ Filling the tank.
Fuse blown.Check fuse and replace as necessary
⇒ Fuses.
Fuel consumption is
higher than indicated.
– Short distances driven.
– Uneven acceleration.
– Avoid driving short distances.
– Think ahead when driving.
– Accelerate evenly.
An electrical consumer is
switched on.
Switch off all consumers that are not
needed.
Fault in engine management
system.
Have the fault rectified ⇒ Engine
management system and exhaust
purification system.
Tyre pressure too low.Adjust the tyre pressure ⇒ Wheels
and tyres.
Driving in hilly regions.No direct solutions possible.
Driving with a heavy load.No direct solutions possible.
Driving at high engine speed.Select a high gear.
In an emergency
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Making you and your vehicle safe
⇒ First aid kit, warning triangle and fire extinguisher
Additional information and warnings:

Stop the vehicle at a safe distance away from moving traffic and on a suitable surface .
Switch on the hazard warning lights using the button .
Apply the handbrake firmly Braking, stopping and parking.
Select the neutral position or move the selector lever to N Changing gear.
Stop the engine and remove the vehicle key from the ignition .
Ensure that all occupants exit the vehicle away from moving traffic and proceed to a safe
position, e.g. behind the safety barrier.
Take all vehicle keys with you when you leave the vehicle.
Place the warning triangle in position to draw the attention of other road users to your
vehicle.
Allow the engine to cool down and, if necessary, seek expert assistance.
•Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ Braking, stopping and parking
•Manual opening and closing ⇒ Manual opening and closing
•Vehicle toolkit ⇒ Vehicle toolkit
•Changing a wheel ⇒ Changing a wheel
Making you and your vehicle safe
Fig. 140 In the upper part of the centre console: button for switching the hazard warning lights on
and off
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Observe any legislation concerning the safety of broken-down vehicles. For example, many
countries stipulate that you have to switch on the hazard warning lights and wear a high-visibility
waistcoat ⇒ First aid kit, warning triangle and fire extinguisher.
Checklist
To ensure your own safety and that of your passengers, observe the following actions in the
specified order ⇒:
When the hazard warning lights are switched on, for example if you are being towed, you can still
indicate a change in direction or lane change by operating the turn signal. The warning lights will be
interrupted temporarily.
Switch on the hazard warning lights:
•When traffic ahead suddenly starts moving more slowly or you reach the tail end of a traffic jam,
to will warn vehicles behind you.
•When there is an emergency.
•When the vehicle breaks down.
•When tow-starting or towing.
Always follow local regulations for the use of the hazard warning lights.
If the hazard warning lights are not working, use an alternative method of drawing attention to the
broken-down vehicle. This method must comply with traffic legislation.
Broken-down vehicles increase the risk of accidents in road traffic – both for you and other
road users.
•Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so. Park the vehicle at a safe
distance from moving traffic in order to lock all doors securely in an emergency. Switch on
the hazard warning lights to warn other road users.
•Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone in the vehicle when the doors
are locked. This may mean that they are locked in the vehicle in an emergency. People
locked in the vehicle may be subjected to very high or very low temperatures.
WARNING

The vehicle battery will discharge if the hazard warning lights are left on over a long period of
time – even when the ignition is switched off.
If you brake hard at speeds over approximately 80 km/h (50 mph), the brake lights will flash
to warn the traffic behind. If you then continue to brake, the hazard warning lights will be switched
on automatically at speeds under approximately 10 km/h (6 mph). The brake light will light up
continuously. Once the vehicle starts to accelerate, the hazard warning lights will switch off again.
First aid kit, warning triangle and fire extinguisher
Fig. 141 In the luggage compartment: warning triangle stowage compartment under the floor
covering
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Warning triangle
In some vehicle models, a warning triangle like the one shown may be stowed in a compartment in
the luggage compartment under the floor covering ⇒ Fig. 141.
First aid kit
The first aid kit must comply with legal requirements. Comply with the expiry dates of the contents.
Fire extinguisher
A fire extinguisher may be located in a holder in the footwell in front of the front passenger seat.
The fire extinguisher must comply with the valid legal requirements. It must be fully functional and
checked regularly. See the test certificate on the fire extinguisher.
Manual opening and closing
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Locking or unlocking the driver door and front passenger door manually
⇒ Locking the front passenger door and rear doors manually
⇒ Unlocking the tailgate manually
If the vehicle key or central locking system fails, the doors and tailgate can be locked and, to a
certain extent, unlocked manually.
Additional information and warnings:
Ignoring any of the items on this important safety checklist can lead to accidents and severe
injuries.
•Always follow the instructions in the checklist and observe the general safety procedures.
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system become very hot. This can cause fires and serious
injuries.
•Park the vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can come into contact with any
inflammable material underneath the vehicle, e.g. dry grass, fuel.
WARNING
In the event of a sudden driving or braking manoeuvre or accident, loose objects can be flung
though the vehicle and cause severe injuries.
•Always secure or stow the fire extinguisher, high-visibility waistcoat, first aid kit and
warning triangle safely in the vehicle.
WARNING

In the event of a flat tyre, park your vehicle on a firm and level surface at a safe distance
from the flow of traffic.
Apply the handbrake firmly Braking, stopping and parking.
With an automated manual gearbox, move the selector lever to D or R with the ignition on
Changing gear.
Stop the engine and remove the vehicle key from the ignition Starting and stopping the
engine.
Manual gearbox: select a gear Changing gear.
Ensure that all vehicle occupants exit the vehicle and proceed to a safe position, e.g.
behind the safety barrier.
Chock the wheel opposite the wheel being worked on with a stone or a similar object.
Remove any items of luggage in the luggage compartment.
Remove the spare wheel or temporary spare wheel and vehicle toolkit from the luggage
compartment.
Remove the hubcaps Hubcaps.
⇒ Lifting the vehicle with the jack
⇒ Changing a wheel
⇒ After changing a wheel
Some models are delivered without a factory-fitted jack or box spanner. If this is the case, the wheel
should be changed by a qualified workshop.
The vehicle jack supplied with the vehicle is only designed for changing a wheel when one vehicle
tyre is damaged and has to be replaced. Seek expert assistance if both tyres on one side of the
vehicle, both tyres on one axle, or all tyres are damaged.
Only change the wheel yourself when the car is parked in a safe place, you are familiar with the
necessary steps and safety procedures and you have access to all the correct tools. Seek expert
assistance if this is not the case.
Additional information and warnings:
•Exterior views ⇒ Exterior views
•Vehicle key set ⇒ Vehicle key set
•Wheels and tyres ⇒ Wheels and tyres
•In an emergency ⇒ In an emergency
•Vehicle toolkit ⇒ Vehicle toolkit
•Hubcaps ⇒ Hubcaps
Preparation for changing a wheel
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Checklist
The following actions must always be carried out in the given order in preparation for changing
the wheel ⇒:
Changing a wheel can be dangerous, especially when carried out at the side of a road. Please
note the following steps in order to reduce the risk of serious injuries:
•Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so. Park the vehicle at a safe
distance from moving traffic in order to carry out the wheel change.
•All passengers and children in particular must be at a safe distance and away from your
area of work during the wheel change.
•Switch on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users.
•The ground should be firm and level. If necessary use a large, strong board or similar
support for the vehicle jack.
•Only change the wheel yourself if you feel confident carrying out the procedure. If not,
seek expert assistance.
•Always use suitable and undamaged tools to change the wheel.
•Always switch off the engine, firmly apply the handbrake and move the selector lever to D
or R with the ignition switched on, or select a gear on a manual gearbox in order to reduce
the risk of unintended vehicle movement.
•The wheel bolt tightening torque should be checked with a torque wrench immediately
after changing a wheel.
WARNING

Dispose of used or out-of-date sealant in accordance with legal requirements.
You can get a new tyre filler bottle from a Volkswagen dealership.
Observe the separate instructions from the manufacturer of the breakdown set.
Contents of the breakdown set
Fig. 157 The breakdown set
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The breakdown set may be located underneath the floor covering in the luggage compartment. It
includes the following components ⇒ Fig. 157:
Valve core extractor
Sticker with the maximum permitted speed max. 80 km/h or max. 50 mph
Filler hose with plug
Air compressor
Tyre filler hose
Tyre pressure display
Air bleed screw
ON and OFF switch
Using the breakdown set can be dangerous, especially if the tyres are inflated at the roadside.
Please note the following steps in order to reduce the risk of serious injuries:
•Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so. Park the vehicle at a safe
distance from moving traffic in order to fill the tyre.
•Ensure that the ground is firm and level.
•All passengers, and children in particular, must be at a safe distance and away from your
area of work.
•Switch on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users.
•The breakdown set should only be used if you feel confident with carrying out the
procedure. If not, seek expert assistance.
•Tyres repaired with the breakdown set are intended for temporary, emergency use only.
They should only be used until you can reach the nearest qualified workshop.
•Tyres that have been repaired using the breakdown set should be replaced as soon as
possible.
•Sealant is hazardous to health and must be washed off immediately if it gets onto the skin.
•The breakdown set must be stored out of the reach of children.
•Never use a vehicle jack, even if it is approved for the vehicle.
•Always switch off the engine, firmly apply the handbrake and move the selector lever to D
or R with the ignition switched on, or select a gear on a manual gearbox in order to reduce
the risk of unintended vehicle movement.
WARNING
Tyres that have been filled with sealant will not handle in the same way as a standard tyre.
•Never drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mph).
•Avoid full acceleration, sudden braking and fast driving through bends in the road.
•Drive for just 10 minutes at no more than 80 km/h (50 mph) and then check the tyre.
WARNING
1)
2)

If you get a flat tyre, park your vehicle on a firm and level surface at a safe distance from
the flow of traffic.
Apply the handbrake firmly Braking, stopping and parking.
With an automated manual gearbox, move the selector lever to D or R with the ignition on
Changing gear.
Stop the engine and remove the vehicle key from the ignition Starting and stopping the
engine.
Manual gearbox: select a gear Changing gear.
Ensure that all vehicle occupants exit the vehicle and proceed to a safe position, e.g.
behind the safety barrier.
Switch on the hazard warning lights and position the warning triangle In an emergency.
Observe any legal requirements.
Check whether the puncture can be repaired with the breakdown set The tyre sealant must
not be used:.
Remove any items of luggage in the luggage compartment.
Take the breakdown set out of the luggage compartment.
Take the sticker ② from the breakdown set and stick it on the dash panel within the
driver's field of vision.
Do not remove foreign objects (e.g. screws or nails) from the tyre.
12-volt plug
Tyre filler bottle with sealant
Spare valve core
There is a slot on the lower end of the valve core extractor ① for the valve core. This is required
for extracting and fitting the tyre valve. This also applies to the spare valve core ⑪.
Could also be integrated in the compressor.
This function may be carried out by a button in the compressor instead.
Preparation
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Checklist
The following actions must always be carried out in the given order in preparation for filling a
tyre ⇒:
Sealing and inflating tyres
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Sealing a tyre
•Unscrew the cap from the tyre valve.
•Use the valve core extractor ⇒ Fig. 157① to screw the valve core out of the tyre valve. Place
the core on a clean surface.
•Shake the tyre filler bottle ⇒ Fig. 157⑩ vigorously up and down several times.
•Screw the filler hose ⇒ Fig. 157③ tightly onto the tyre filler bottle in a clockwise direction. The
plastic foil on the plug is pierced automatically.
•Remove the plug from the filler hose ⇒ Fig. 157③ and place the open end fully on the tyre
valve.
•Hold the bottle upside down and inject the entire contents of the tyre filler bottle into the tyre.
•Remove the empty tyre filler bottle from the valve.
•Use the valve core extractor ⇒ Fig. 157① to screw the valve core back onto the tyre valve.
Inflating the tyre
•Screw the tyre filler hose ⇒ Fig. 157⑤ of the air compressor tightly onto the tyre valve.
•Check that the bleed screw ⇒ Fig. 157⑦ is closed.
•Start the engine and let it run.
1)
1)
2)
Ignoring any of the items on this important safety checklist can lead to accidents and severe
injuries.
•Always follow the instructions in the checklist and observe the general safety procedures.
WARNING

Several electrical consumers could share a single fuse. Conversely, a single consumer could have
more than one fuse.
Therefore fuses should only be replaced when the cause of the fault has been rectified. If a new
fuse blows shortly after insertion, have the electrical system checked by a qualified workshop as
soon as possible.
Additional information and warnings:
•Preparation for working in the engine compartment ⇒ Preparation for working in the engine
compartment
Fuses in the vehicle
Fig. 158 Under the dash panel on the driver side: open the fuse box cover
Fig. 159 In the engine compartment: remove the fuse box cover
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Fuses must always be replaced by a new fuse with the same amp rating (same colour and
markings) and size.
High voltages in the electrical system can cause electric shocks, serious burns and death.
•Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
•Avoid causing short circuits in the electrical system.
WARNING
Using unsuitable or repaired fuses and bridging an electrical circuit without fuses can cause a
fire and serious injuries.
•Never fit fuses that have a higher fuse protection limit. Fuses must always be replaced by
a new fuse with the same amp rating (same colour and markings) and size.
•Never repair a fuse.
•Never use a metal strip, paper clip or similar objects to replace a fuse.
WARNING
•To avoid damage to the electrical system in the vehicle, switch the ignition, the lights and
all electrical consumers off and remove the vehicle key from the ignition before changing a
fuse.
•You can damage another position in the electrical system by using a fuse with a higher
amp rating.
•Fuse boxes must be protected from dirt and moisture when opened. Dirt and moisture in
the fuse boxes can damage the electrical system.
NOTICE

Colour coding of fuses under the dash panel
ColourAmp rating
Purple3
Light brown5
Brown7.5
Red10
Blue15
Yellow20
White or clear25
Green30
Orange40
Opening and closing the fuse box under the dash panel
•Opening: push the locking lever ⇒ Fig. 158① until the cover can be opened.
•Fold the cover down.
•Closing: push the cover up in the opposite direction to the arrow until it perceptibly engages in
the locking lever ①.
Opening the fuse box in the engine compartment
•Open the bonnet ⇒ Preparation for working in the engine compartment.
•Press the release buttons in the direction of the arrow (thin arrow) ⇒ Fig. 159 to release the
fuse box cover.
•Lift off the cover.
•To fit, place the cover over the fuse box. Press the release buttons down in the opposite
direction to the arrow until the release buttons click into place.
This chapter does not refer to all the fuses located in the vehicle. These should be changed
only by a qualified workshop.
Changing a blown fuse
Fig. 160 A blown fuse
Fig. 161 Removing or fitting a fuse using the plastic pliers ①
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
•Remove the covers for the fuse boxes carefully and install them again properly so as to
avoid damage to the vehicle.
•Fuse boxes must be protected from dirt and moisture when opened. Dirt and moisture in
the fuse boxes can damage the electrical system.
NOTICE