2021 VOLKSWAGEN UP! warning

•Unscrew the cap carefully ⇒.
•Refill only new coolant according to the Volkswagen specification (⇒ Coolant specification) ⇒
.
•The coolant level must be between the marks on the expansion tank ⇒ Fig. 123. Do not fill up
over the top line of the marked area⇒!
•Close the cap tightly.
•If in an emergency you do not have access to the coolant of the required specification
(⇒ Coolant specification), do not use any other coolant additive. Instead, initially refill with
distilled water⇒ only. Then add the correct proportion of coolant additive as soon as
possible ⇒ Coolant specification.
Vehicle battery
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Warning lamp
⇒ Checking the electrolyte level of the vehicle battery
⇒ Charging, replacing, disconnecting and connecting the vehicle battery
The vehicle battery is a component of the electrical system in the vehicle.
Never carry out any work on the electrical system if you are not familiar with the necessary
procedures and the general safety requirements and only unsuitable tools are available ⇒. The
work should be carried out by a qualified workshop if you are uncertain. Volkswagen recommends
using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose. Serious injuries can be caused if work is carried
out incorrectly.
Location of the vehicle battery
The vehicle battery is located in the engine compartment.
Hot steam or engine coolant can cause serious burns.
•Never open the bonnet if you can see or hear steam or engine coolant coming out of the
engine compartment. Always wait until no escaping steam or coolant can be seen or
heard.
•Always allow the engine to cool down completely before carefully opening the bonnet. Hot
components can burn the skin.
•Before opening the bonnet once it has cooled down:
- Apply the handbrake fully and move the selector lever to position N or move the
manual gear lever to the neutral position.
- Remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock.
- Always keep children away from the engine compartment and never leave the
vehicle unattended.
•The engine cooling system is under pressure when the engine is hot. Never open the cap
of the coolant expansion tank when the engine is hot. Coolant may spray out and cause
serious burns and injuries.
- Turn the cap slowly and very carefully anticlockwise while exerting some downward
pressure on the cap.
- Always protect the face, hands and arms from hot coolant or steam with a large,
thick cloth.
•When refilling, do not spill any service fluids on engine components or on the exhaust
system. The spilt service fluids can start a fire. In certain circumstances, the ethylene
glycol in the engine can catch fire.
WARNING
•Refill only with distilled water. All other types of water can cause corrosion in the engine
due to the chemical components contained therein. This can also lead to engine failure. If
any other type of water is refilled, the fluid in the engine cooling system should be
completely replaced immediately by a qualified workshop.
•Do not fill coolant above the top of the marked area ⇒ Fig. 123. Otherwise the excess
coolant will be pressed out of the cooling system when the engine is hot and could cause
damage.
•If a large amount of coolant has been lost, do not refill the coolant until the engine has
cooled completely. Heavy coolant loss is an indication of leaks in the engine cooling
system. The engine cooling system should be checked by a qualified workshop as soon as
possible. Failure to do so can result in engine damage.
•When refilling operating fluids, please ensure that the correct container is filled. The use of
incorrect operating fluids could result in serious malfunctions and engine damage!
NOTICE

Explanation of the warnings on the vehicle battery
SymbolMeaning
Always wear eye protection!
Electrolyte is very corrosive and caustic. Always wear protective gloves
and eye protection!
No fires, sparks, naked lights or smoking!
A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the vehicle battery
is charging!
Always keep children away from acid and the vehicle battery!
Additional information and warnings:
•⇒BookletService schedule,
•Pull-away assist systems ⇒ Pull-away assist systems
•Preparation for working in the engine compartment ⇒ Preparation for working in the engine
compartment
•Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs
and renewal of parts
After starting the engine with a discharged vehicle battery, or after the battery has been
changed, system settings (time, date, personal convenience settings and programming) may have
been changed or deleted. Check and correct the settings as necessary once the vehicle battery has
been sufficiently charged.
Warning lamp
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Lit upPossible causeSolution
Fault in the alternator.Proceed to a qualified workshop. The
electrical system should be checked.
Switch off all electrical equipment that is not
required. The vehicle battery will not be
charged by the alternator while the vehicle is
in motion.
Any work on the vehicle battery and the electrical system can cause serious chemical burns,
fire and electric shocks. Always read the following warnings and safety information before
carrying out any kind of work:
•Switch off the ignition and all electrical consumers before carrying out any work on the
vehicle battery and also disconnect the negative cable from the vehicle battery.
•Children should always be kept away from electrolyte and the vehicle battery.
•Always wear eye protection.
•Electrolyte is very aggressive. It can burn the skin and can cause blindness. When
working with the battery, protect your hands, arms and particularly your face from acid
spillages.
•Do not smoke during the work, and never work near naked flames or sparks.
•When handling cables and electrical equipment, avoid generating sparks and electrostatic
charge.
•Never short circuit the battery poles.
•Never use a damaged vehicle battery. It can explode. Damaged vehicle batteries must be
replaced as soon as possible.
•Damaged or frozen vehicle batteries must be replaced immediately. Discharged vehicle
batteries can even freeze at temperatures of around 0°C (+32°F).
WARNING
•Do not allow direct sunlight onto the vehicle battery for an extended period as the UV rays
could damage the battery housing.
•If the vehicle is left standing in cold conditions for a long period, protect the vehicle battery
from frost. If it freezes it will be damaged.
NOTICE
Operation of the vehicle for a very long time at very high outside temperatures can lead to
vehicle battery damage.
NOTICE

Lit upPossible causeSolution
Start/stop system cannot start the
engine.⇒ Pull-away assist systems
Several warning and indicator lamps will light up briefly as a functional check when the ignition is
switched on. They will switch off after a few seconds.
Checking the electrolyte level of the vehicle battery
Fig. 125 In the engine compartment: possible position of the window on top of the vehicle battery
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The electrolyte level of the vehicle battery should be checked regularly in high-mileage vehicles, in
hot countries and in older vehicle batteries. The vehicle battery is otherwise maintenance-free.
Vehicles with a start/stop system ⇒ Pull-away assist systems are fitted with special vehicle
batteries. For technical reasons, it might not be possible to check the electrolyte level in these
vehicle batteries.
Preparation
•Preparing the vehicle for working in the engine compartment ⇒ Preparation for working in the
engine compartment.
•Open the bonnet ⇒ .
Checking the electrolyte level
•Ensure that enough light is available for you to see the colours clearly. Never use naked flames
or glowing matter (e.g. cigarettes) as a light source.
•The colour display in the round window ⇒ Fig. 125 on the top side of the vehicle battery will
change according to the electrolyte level.
Colour displayAction
Light yellow or colourless
The electrolyte level of the vehicle is too low. The vehicle battery
should be checked and replaced by a qualified workshop if
necessary.
BlackThe electrolyte level of the vehicle battery is correct.
Failure to observe the warning lamps could lead to your vehicle breaking down in traffic, and
to accidents and serious injuries.
•Never ignore any warning lamps that are lit up.
•Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so.
WARNING
Failure to observe the illuminated indicator lamps could lead to the vehicle being damaged.
NOTICE

Charging, replacing, disconnecting and connecting the vehicle battery
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Charging the battery
The vehicle battery should be charged by a qualified workshop, as the technology used in factory-
fitted batteries requires voltage-limited charging ⇒. Volkswagen recommends using a
Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Replacing a vehicle battery
The battery has been developed to suit the conditions of its location and has special safety
features. If a vehicle battery has to be replaced, discuss the electromagnetic compatibility, size and
necessary servicing, output and safety requirements for the new vehicle battery with a Volkswagen
dealership before purchase. Volkswagen recommends that the vehicle battery is changed by a
Volkswagen dealership.
Only maintenance-free vehicle batteries compliant with the standards TL 825 06 and VW 7 50 73
should be used. These standards must be dated April 2008 or later.
Vehicles with start/stop system ⇒ Pull-away assist systems are equipped with a special vehicle
battery. These vehicle batteries may only be replaced by a vehicle battery with the same
specifications.
Disconnecting the vehicle battery
Please note the following if the vehicle battery has to be disconnected from the electrical system in
the vehicle:
•Switch off all electrical consumers and the ignition.
•Unlock the vehicle before disconnecting the battery in order to avoid triggering the alarm.
•First disconnect the negative cable and then the positive cable ⇒.
Connecting the vehicle battery
•Switch off all electrical consumers and the ignition before reconnecting the vehicle battery.
•First reconnect the positive cable and then the negative cable ⇒.
Various indicator lamps may light up after the vehicle battery has been connected and the ignition is
switched on. They will go out if you drive a short distance at a speed of 15–20 km/h (10–12 mph). If
the indicator lamps remain lit up, the vehicle should be checked by a qualified workshop.
If the vehicle battery was disconnected for long periods, the system may not able to calculate or
correctly display the time when the next service is due ⇒ Instruments. Comply with the maximum
permissible service intervals ⇒BookletService schedule,.
Automatic switch-off for electrical consumers
The intelligent vehicle electrical system automatically implements a range of measures to prevent
the battery from discharging under high loads:
•The idling speed is increased so that the alternator provides more electricity.
•The performance of large electrical consumers may be reduced or they may be switched off
completely.
•The power supply to the 12-volt socket and the cigarette lighter is interrupted temporarily while
the engine is being started.
The vehicle electrical system cannot always prevent the vehicle battery from discharging. For
example when the ignition is switched on for an extended period with the engine off, or when the
side or parking lights are on when the vehicle is parked for an extended period.
Any work on the vehicle battery can cause serious chemical burns, explosions and electric
shocks.
•Always wear eye protection and protective gloves.
•Electrolyte is very aggressive. It can burn the skin and can cause blindness. When
working with the battery, protect your hands, arms and particularly your face from acid
spillages.
•Never tilt the vehicle battery. Electrolyte may spill out of the battery vents and cause
chemical burns.
•Never open a vehicle battery.
•If acid is splashed onto your skin or into your eye, rinse immediately for several minutes
with cold water. Then consult a doctor immediately.
•If acid is swallowed, consult a doctor immediately.
WARNING

How the vehicle battery discharges:
•Long periods at a standstill in which the engine is not running, especially if the ignition is
switched on.
•The use of electrical consumers when the engine is switched off.
Dispose of the vehicle battery as required by legislation. Batteries may contain toxic
substances such as sulphuric acid and lead.
Electrolyte can pollute the environment. Clean up any service fluid leakages and dispose of
them properly.
Vehicle care and maintenance
Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Washing the vehicle
⇒ Washing the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner
⇒ Cleaning windows and exterior mirrors
⇒ Cleaning and changing windscreen wiper blades
⇒ Waxing and polishing the vehicle
⇒ Cleaning and caring for chrome and aluminium trim parts
⇒ Cleaning wheels
⇒ Care of rubber seals
⇒ De-icing the door lock cylinders
⇒ Underseal
⇒ Cleaning the engine compartment
Regular and expert care helps to maintain the value of the vehicle. Proper maintenance may also
be one of the requirements for the approval of warranty claims in the event of corrosion or paint
defects.
Suitable care products are available from Volkswagen dealers.
Additional information and warnings:
•Preparation for working in the engine compartment ⇒ Preparation for working in the engine
compartment
•Cleaning and caring for the interior ⇒ Cleaning and caring for the interior
•Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs
and renewal of parts
Incorrectly attaching the battery and using incorrect vehicle batteries can cause short circuits,
fire and serious injuries.
•Always use maintenance-free and leak-proof batteries that have the same properties,
specifications and dimensions as the factory-fitted vehicle battery.
WARNING
A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the vehicle battery is being charged.
•Vehicle batteries should only be charged in well-ventilated spaces.
•Never charge a vehicle battery once it has been frozen. Discharged vehicle batteries can
even freeze at temperatures of around 0°C (+32°F).
•A vehicle battery must be replaced if it has been frozen.
•Incorrectly connected cables can cause a short circuit. First connect the positive cable and
then the negative cable.
WARNING
•Never make or break connections between vehicle batteries if the ignition is switched on or
the engine is running. Never use a vehicle battery that does not correspond with the
vehicle's specifications. The vehicle's electrical system or electronic components could be
damaged, which could lead to electrical faults, for example in the start/stop system.
•Never connect equipment that provides electricity, such as solar panels or a battery
charger, to the 12-volt socket or to the cigarette lighter to charge the vehicle battery. This
can damage the vehicle electrical system.
NOTICE

In the interests of environmental protection, the vehicle should only be washed in specially
provided wash bays. This prevents waste water contaminated with oil, grease or fuel from entering
the sewerage system. In some countries, washing vehicles anywhere else may be prohibited.
Environmentally-friendly care products should be used.
Leftover car care products should not be disposed of with ordinary household waste. Read
the manufacturer's instructions.
Washing the vehicle
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The longer substances such as insects, bird droppings, resinous tree sap, road dirt, industrial
deposits, tar, soot or road salt and other corrosive materials remain on the vehicle, the more
damage they do to the paintwork. High temperatures (for instance in strong sunlight) further
intensify the corrosive effect. The underside of the vehicle should also be cleaned thoroughly and
regularly.
Car washes
Please observe the signs on the automatic car wash. Before using an automatic car wash take
the usual precautions, such as closing all windows and folding in the exterior mirrors, in order to
avoid damage to the vehicle. You must consult the car wash operator if there are special parts on
your vehicle such as spoilers, roof luggage carrier systems or radio aerials ⇒.
The paint is hard-wearing enough for the car to be generally washed in an automatic car wash.
However, the effect on the paint depends to a large extent on the design of the car wash.
Volkswagen recommends the use of car washes without brushes.
To remove any waxy residue from the windows and to stop wipers rubbing, please note the
following ⇒ Cleaning windows and exterior mirrors.
Washing the car by hand
When washing by hand, first soften the dirt with plenty of water and rinse off as well as possible.
Then clean the vehicle with a soft sponge, a glove or a brush using only light pressure. Start with
the roof and work from the top to the bottom. Use a shampoo for very stubborn dirt only.
The sponge or glove should be wrung out thoroughly at regular intervals.
Clean the wheels, sill panels etc. last. Use a different sponge for this purpose.
Car care products can be toxic and hazardous. Unsuitable care products and incorrect
application of care products can cause accidents, serious injuries, burns or poisoning.
•The care product must be kept in its original sealed container.
•Read the manufacturer's instructions.
•Never store car care products in empty food containers, bottles or any other non-original
containers as people finding these containers may not know that they contain care
products.
•Keep children away from care products.
•The products can give off harmful fumes during use. They should therefore only be used
outside or in well-ventilated spaces.
•Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, nail varnish remover or other volatile fluids to wash,
clean or care for your vehicle. These substances are toxic and highly inflammable.
WARNING
Incorrect care and cleaning of vehicle parts can impair the safety features of the vehicle and
thus cause serious injury.
•Vehicle parts must be cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions.
•Only use approved or recommended cleaning products.
WARNING
Cleaning agents that contain solvents attack the material and can cause damage.
NOTICE

Washing the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer when cleaning your vehicle using a high-
pressure cleaner. This applies in particular to the pressure and the spraying distance⇒.
Maintain sufficient distance to soft materials such as rubber hoses, insulation, and the ParkPilot
sensors. The ParkPilot sensors are located in the rear bumper ⇒.
Never use concentrated jet nozzles or dirt blasters⇒.
Parts of the vehicle with sharp edges can cause injury.
•Protect your hands and arms from cuts on sharp parts, for example when cleaning the
underbody or the inside of the wheel housings.
WARNING
After the car has been washed, the braking effect could set in later than normal and extend
the braking distance as the brake discs and brake pads will be wet, or iced up in winter.
•You can dry and de-ice the brakes by performing careful braking manoeuvres. Ensure that
you do not endanger any other road users or violate any legal regulations when doing so.
WARNING
•The water should be no warmer than +60°C (+140°F).
•Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight in order to avoid damage to the vehicle
paintwork.
•Never clean with insect sponges, rough kitchen sponges or similar products as these can
damage the surface.
•Never clean the headlights with a dry cloth or sponge. Always use a wet cloth or sponge. It
is best to use soapy water.
•Washing the vehicle in cold weather: if the vehicle is rinsed with a hose, do not direct the
water into the lock cylinders or the gaps round the doors, boot, or bonnet. The locks and
seals could freeze.
NOTICE
Observe the following guidelines before driving the vehicle into an automatic car wash in order
to avoid damage to the vehicle:
•Ensure that the gap between the guide rails in the car wash is sufficient for the vehicle
track. If the track is too narrow your wheels and tyres will be damaged.
•Switch off the city emergency brake function before driving the vehicle into an automatic
car wash.
•Check that the car wash is tall and wide enough for your vehicle.
•Fold in the exterior mirrors.
•In order to prevent damage to the paintwork on the bonnet, fold the windscreen wipers
back onto the windscreen after drying the wiper blades. Do not drop the wipers onto the
glass.
•Lock the tailgate to prevent it from opening accidentally in the car wash.
NOTICE

Cleaning windows and exterior mirrors
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Cleaning windows and exterior mirrors
Moisten the windows and exterior mirrors with commercially available, alcohol-based glass cleaner.
Dry the glass surfaces with a clean chamois leather or a lint-free cloth. Chamois leathers that have
been used on painted surfaces are not suitable for use on glass surfaces. They will be soiled with
wax deposits which could smear the surfaces.
Use window cleaner or a silicone remover to clean off rubber, oil, grease and silicone deposits ⇒
.
Removing wax
Car washes and care products could leave wax deposits on the glass surfaces. Wax residue can
only be removed using a special cleaning product or cleaning cloths. Wax deposits on the
windscreen can cause the wiper blades to rub. Volkswagen recommends using a glass cleaning
cloth - G 052 522 A1 - to remove wax deposits from the windows and exterior mirrors each time the
vehicle is washed.
A window cleaner specifically for removing wax will stop the blades rubbing if added to the
windscreen wash water. Dilute the cleaner as instructed. Grease removing cleaners will not remove
wax deposits ⇒.
Special cleaners, glass cleaners and glass cleaning cloths are available from Volkswagen
dealerships.
Removing snow
Use a small brush to remove snow from the windows and exterior mirrors.
Removing ice
The best method for removing ice is to use a de-icer spray. If you use an ice scraper, do not move
it to and fro, but push it in one direction only. Moving the ice scraper backwards can cause dirt to
scratch the window.
The incorrect use of a high-pressure cleaner can cause visible and invisible long-term
damage to tyres and other materials. This can cause accidents and serious injuries.
•Maintain sufficient distance between the washer jet and the tyres.
•Never clean the tyres with concentrated jet nozzles (dirt blasters). The tyres may incur
visible and invisible damage even if cleaned briefly with the spray at a distance.
WARNING
After the car has been washed, the braking effect could set in later than normal and extend
the braking distance as the brake discs and brake pads will be wet, or iced up in winter.
•You can dry and de-ice the brakes by performing careful braking manoeuvres. Ensure that
you do not endanger any other road users or violate any legal regulations when doing so.
WARNING
•The water may be no warmer than +60°C (+140°F).
•Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight in order to avoid damage to the vehicle
paintwork.
•The ParkPilot sensors in the bumpers must be kept clean and free of ice to guarantee
correct function. When cleaning with pressure hoses or steam cleaners, the sensors
should only be sprayed briefly and the steam/hose nozzle must be kept more than 10 cm
away.
•Do not clean windows that are iced over or covered in snow with a high-pressure cleaner.
•Washing the vehicle in cold weather: if the vehicle is rinsed with a hose, do not direct the
water into the lock cylinders or the gaps round the doors, boot, or bonnet. The locks and
seals could freeze.
NOTICE