2021 VOLKSWAGEN UP! airbag

•Adjust the steering wheel so that you can hold it on the outside of the ring (at the 9 o'clock and
3 o'clock positions) with both hands and slightly bent arms.
•Push the lever up firmly until it lines up with the steering column ⇒.
Adjust the correct distance between the driver and the steering wheel ⇒ Fig. 35 using the control
elements on the driver seat ⇒ Controls on the front seats.
Seat functions
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Seat heating
Additional information and warnings:
•Adjusting the seat position ⇒ Adjusting the seat position
•Seat belts ⇒ Seat belts
•Airbag system ⇒ Airbag system
•Child seats (accessories) ⇒ Child seats (accessories)
•Exterior mirrors ⇒ Mirrors
Seat heating
Fig. 41 In upper part of centre console: buttons for the front seat heating
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The front seat seat cushions and backrests can be heated electrically when the ignition is switched
on.
Do not switch on the seat heating if one of the following conditions applies:
•The seat is not in use.
•The seat is fitted with a protective cover.
•A child seat is installed on the seat.
•The seat cushion is damp or wet.
•The interior or exterior temperature is above 25 ℃ (77 °F).
Incorrect use of the steering column position adjustment and incorrect adjustment of the
steering wheel can cause serious or fatal injuries.
•After adjusting the steering column, always move lever ⇒ Fig. 40① up so that it engages
securely. This prevents the steering column from moving spontaneously while the vehicle
is in motion.
•Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is in motion. If you determine that a
readjustment is necessary, stop the vehicle safely and adjust the steering wheel to the
correct position.
•The steering wheel must always point towards the chest and not towards the face. This
ensures that the driver front airbag provides maximum protection in the event of an
accident.
•While driving, always keep both hands on the outside of the steering wheel, at the 9
o'clock and 3 o'clock positions. This reduces the risk of injury if the driver front airbag is
triggered.
•Never hold the steering wheel at the 12 o'clock position, or in any other manner, e.g. on
the hub of the steering wheel. If the driver airbag is triggered, you could receive severe
injuries to the arms, hands and head.
WARNING
Incorrect use of the seat functions can cause serious injuries.
•Always assume a correct sitting position before you drive and maintain this position
throughout the trip. This also applies to all passengers.
•Keep hands, fingers, feet and other body parts away from the moving parts of the seats.
WARNING

Switch off the seat heating when the seat is not occupied.
FunctionAction ⇒ Fig. 41
Switching onPress the  button. The seat heating is switched on at the
highest setting. All indicator lamps light up in the button.
Adjusting the heating
outputPress the button again until the required heating level is set.
Switching offPress the button until the indicator lamps in the button go out.
If the second temperature level has been switched on for more than 15 minutes, it will automatically
switch to the first temperature level. Only one indicator lamp will be lit up.
The seat heating should be switched off as soon as it is no longer needed. Fuel is otherwise
wasted.
Seat belts
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Warning lamp
⇒ Frontal collisions and the laws of physics
⇒ What happens to vehicle occupants who have not fastened their seat belts
⇒ Seat belt protection
⇒ Using seat belts
⇒ Fastening and unfastening seat belts
⇒ Seat belt routing
⇒ Automatic belt retractor, belt tensioner, belt tension limiter
⇒ Service and disposal of belt tensioners
Check the condition of all seat belts regularly. If the belt webbing, belt connections, belt retractor or
seat belt buckle become damaged, the seat belt in question should be replaced immediately by a
qualified workshop ⇒. The qualified workshop must use correct spare parts that are compatible
with the vehicle, equipment level and model year. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen
dealership for this purpose.
Additional information and warnings:
•Adjusting the seat position ⇒ Adjusting the seat position
•Airbag system ⇒ Airbag system
•Child seats (accessories) ⇒ Child seats (accessories)
•Stowage ⇒ Stowage area
•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
Anyone experiencing reduced sensitivity to pain or temperature due to medication, paralysis
or chronic illness (e.g. diabetes) could sustain burns on the back, buttocks and legs when
using the seat heating. These burns may take a long time to heal or may never heal fully.
Please consult a doctor to determine your own level of health.
•Anyone experiencing reduced sensitivity to pain or temperature should never use the seat
heating.
WARNING
Wet upholstery can cause a fault in the seat heating and increase the risk of burns.
•Ensure that the seat cushion is dry before the seat heating is used.
•Do not sit on the seat when wearing damp or wet clothing.
•Do not set any damp or wet objects or items of clothing on the seat.
•Do not spill any liquids on the seat.
WARNING
•To avoid damaging the heating elements, do not kneel on the seat or apply sharp pressure
at a single point on the seat cushion and backrest.
•Liquids, sharp objects and insulating materials (such as a protective cover or child seat) on
the seat could damage the seat heating.
•If the system starts to emit a smell, switch the seat heating off immediately and have it
checked by a qualified workshop.
NOTICE

Passengers not wearing seat belts are not connected to the vehicle. In the event of a frontal
collision they will continue to move forwards at the same speed at which the vehicle was travelling
before impact, until something stops them. Because the passengers in our example are not
restrained by seat belts, the entire amount of kinetic energy will only be released at the point of
impact against the wall ⇒ Fig. 45.
Even at speeds of approximately 30 km/h (18 mph) to approximately 50 km/h (30 mph), the forces
acting on bodies in a collision can easily exceed one tonne (1,000 kg). These forces are even
greater at higher speeds.
This example applies not only to frontal collisions, but to all accidents and collisions.
What happens to vehicle occupants who have not fastened their seat
belts
Fig. 46 An unbelted driver is thrown forwards
Fig. 47 The unbelted rear passenger is thrown forwards, hitting the belted driver
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Many people believe that they can brace their weight with their hands in a minor collision. This is
not true.
Even at low speeds, the forces acting on the body in a collision are so great that occupants cannot
brace themselves with their arms and hands. In a frontal collision, unbelted vehicle occupants are
thrown forwards and will make unchecked contact with parts of the vehicle interior, e.g. the steering
wheel, dash panel, or windscreen ⇒ Fig. 46.
The airbag system is not a substitute for the seat belts. When triggered, the airbags only provide
additional protection. Airbags are not triggered in all kinds of accidents. Even if the vehicle is
equipped with an airbag system, all vehicle occupants, including the driver, must fasten their seat
belt and wear it correctly while the vehicle is in motion. This reduces the risk of severe or fatal
injuries in the event of an accident – regardless of whether an airbag is fitted for the seat.
An airbag can only be triggered once. To achieve best possible protection, seat belts must always
be worn properly. This also ensures that protection is provided in accidents in which the airbag is
not triggered. Any vehicle occupants not wearing a seat belt can be thrown out of the vehicle and
sustain more severe or even fatal injuries as a result.
It is also important for the rear seat occupants to wear seat belts properly, as they could otherwise
be thrown forwards violently in an accident. Rear passengers who are not wearing seat belts
endanger not only themselves and the driver, but also other people in the vehicle ⇒ Fig. 47.
Seat belt protection

Check the condition of all seat belts regularly.
Keep the seat belts clean.
Never let any foreign bodies or fluids get on to the seat belt, the latch plate or into the slot
for the seat belt buckle.
Do not trap or damage the seat belt and latch plate, for example when closing the door.
Never remove, modify or repair the seat belt or any part of the belt fixture system.
Always fasten the seat belt correctly before every journey and keep it fastened while the
vehicle is in motion.
Fig. 48 Driver restrained by a properly positioned seat belt during a sudden braking manoeuvre
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Correctly fastened seat belts can make a major difference. When fastened properly, seat belts hold
the vehicle occupants in the correct sitting positions and considerably reduce the kinetic energy in
the event of an accident. Seat belts also help to prevent uncontrolled movements that could lead to
severe injuries. In addition, wearing seat belts properly reduces the risk of being thrown from the
vehicle ⇒ Fig. 48.
Passengers wearing seat belts correctly benefit greatly from the ability of the belts to reduce the
kinetic energy. The front crumple zones and other passive safety features (such as the airbag
system) are also designed to reduce kinetic energy. The amount of energy generated will thus
decrease, thereby reducing the risk of injury.
The examples describe frontal collisions. Of course, properly worn seat belts substantially reduce
the risk of injury in all other types of accidents. This is why seat belts must be fastened before every
trip – even if you are only planning to drive a very short distance. Ensure that all passengers also
wear their seat belts properly.
Accident statistics have shown properly worn seat belts to be an effective means of substantially
reducing the risk of injury and improving the chances of survival in a serious accident. Furthermore,
properly worn seat belts improve the protection provided by airbags in the event of an accident.
This is why wearing a seat belt is a legal requirement in most countries.
Although the vehicle is equipped with airbags, the seat belts must be fastened and worn. For
example, the front airbags will only be triggered in certain types of frontal collision. The front airbags
will not be triggered during minor frontal collisions, minor side collisions, rear collisions, rolls or
accidents in which the airbag trigger threshold in the control unit is not exceeded.
Therefore, always wear your seat belt and ensure that your passengers have fastened their seat
belts properly before you drive off.
Using seat belts
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Checklist
Using seat belts ⇒:
Twisted seat belt
If it is difficult to remove the seat belt from the belt guide, the seat belt may have become twisted if
it was returned too quickly into the side trim:
•Take hold of the latch plate then slowly and carefully pull out the seat belt.
•Untwist the seat belt and guide it back slowly by hand.
Fasten the seat belt even if you are unable to undo the twist. However, the twist should not be in
part of the seat belt that comes into direct contact with the body. The twist should be corrected
immediately by a qualified workshop.
Fastening and unfastening seat belts
Using seat belts incorrectly increases the risk of severe or fatal injuries.
•Regularly check to see if the seat belt and its related parts are in perfect condition.
•Always keep the seat belt clean.
•Do not allow the belt webbing to become jammed, damaged or to rub on any sharp edges.
•Always keep the latch plate and slot in the buckle free from foreign bodies and liquids.
WARNING

Fig. 52 Correct seat belt routing during pregnancy
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Seat belts only provide an optimum level of protection during an accident when they are routed
correctly. Correct seat belt routing reduces the risk of severe or fatal injuries. Correct seat belt
routing also holds the vehicle occupants in position so that an inflating airbag can offer the
maximum level of protection. Therefore you must always fasten your seat belt and ensure that the
seat belt routing is correct.
Assuming an incorrect sitting position can cause severe or fatal injuries ⇒ Adjusting the seat
position.
Correct seat belt routing
•The shoulder part of the seat belt must always lie on the centre of the shoulder, never across
the neck, over or under the arm or behind the back.
•The lap part of the seat belt must always lie across the pelvis, never across the stomach.
•The seat belt must always lie flat and snugly on the body. Tighten the belt if necessary.
For pregnant women the seat belt must be positioned evenly over the chest and as low as possible
over the pelvis. It must lie flat so that no pressure is exerted on the lower body – this applies in
every stage of pregnancy ⇒ Fig. 52.
Correct seat belt routing according to height
The following equipment can be used to adjust the seat belt routing:
•Height-adjustable front seats ⇒ Adjusting the seat position.
If a person's physical build prevents them from routing the seat belt properly, contact a
qualified workshop to find out about any special modifications so that the seat belts and airbags can
provide the optimum level of protection. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership
for this purpose.
Automatic belt retractor, belt tensioner, belt tension limiter
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The seat belts in the vehicle are part of the vehicle safety concept ⇒ Airbag system and include the
following important functions:
Automatic belt retractor
Every seat belt is equipped with an automatic belt retractor on the shoulder part of the belt. Full
freedom of movement is made possible when the shoulder belt is pulled slowly or when the vehicle
is travelling at normal speeds. However, if the belt is pulled out quickly or during sudden braking,
during travel in mountains or bends and during acceleration, the automatic belt retractor is locked.
Belt tensioners
The seat belts for the front seat occupants are equipped with belt tensioners.
Incorrect seat belt routing can cause severe injuries in the event of an accident or a sudden
braking or driving manoeuvre.
•The seat belts only offer best protection when the backrests are in an upright position and
the seat belts have been fastened properly.
•The seat belt itself or a loose seat belt can cause serious injuries if the seat belt shifts from
harder body parts in the direction of softer body parts (e.g. the stomach).
•The shoulder part of the seat belt must lie on the centre of the shoulder and never under
the arm or across the neck.
•The seat belt must lie flat and snugly on the chest.
•The lap part of the seat belt must lie across the pelvis and never across the stomach. The
seat belt must lie flat and snugly on the pelvis. Tighten the belt if necessary.
•For pregnant women, the lap part of the seat belt must be as low as possible over the
pelvis and lie flat around the bulge of the belly.
•Do not twist the belt webbing while the seat belt is being worn.
•Never hold the seat belt away from the body by hand.
•The belt webbing should not lie over hard or fragile objects, such as glasses, pens or keys.
•Never use seat belt clips, retaining rings or similar items to alter the seat belt routing.
WARNING

The belt tensioners are activated by sensors during severe frontal, side and rear collisions. They
tighten the seat belts against the direction in which they are pulled. A loose seat belt is retracted,
which can reduce the forward movement or the movement of the vehicle occupants in the direction
of the impact. The belt tensioner works together with the airbag system. If the side airbags are not
activated, the belt tensioner will not be activated if the vehicle rolls over.
A fine dust may be produced when the airbags are triggered. This is quite normal and does not
mean that there is a fire in the vehicle.
Belt tension limiter
The belt tension limiter reduces the pressure exerted by the seat belt on the body during an
accident.
All safety requirements must be observed when the vehicle or components of the system are
scrapped. Qualified workshops are familiar with these requirements ⇒ Service and disposal of belt
tensioners.
Service and disposal of belt tensioners
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Seat belts may become damaged during any work on the belt tensioners or while removing or
refitting any vehicle parts in conjunction with any other repair work. This damage will not always be
noticeable. The consequence may be that the belt tensioners could function incorrectly, or not
function at all, in the event of an accident.
Regulations must be observed to ensure that the effectiveness of the belt tensioner is not reduced
and that removed parts do not cause any injuries or environmental pollution. Qualified workshops
are familiar with these requirements.
The airbag modules and belt tensioners may contain perchlorate. Please comply with
legislation regarding disposal.
Airbag system
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Types of front passenger front airbag system
⇒ Indicator lamps
⇒ Description and function of the airbags
⇒ Front airbags
⇒ Switching the front passenger front airbag on and off manually using the key-operated switch
⇒ Side airbags
The vehicle is equipped with a front airbag for the driver and front passenger. The front airbags can
provide front seat occupants with additional chest and head protection if the seat, seat belts, head
restraints and, in the case of the driver, steering wheel are adjusted and used correctly. Airbags are
meant only for additional protection. The airbags are not a substitute for seat belts. Seat belts must
always be worn, even when the front seats are equipped with front airbags.
Additional information and warnings:
•Driving tips ⇒ Driving tips
•Central locking system ⇒ Central locking system
•Correct sitting position ⇒ Adjusting the seat position
•Seat belts ⇒ Seat belts
•Child seats (accessories) ⇒ Child seats (accessories)
•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
•Consumer information ⇒ Consumer information
The risk of severe or fatal injuries may be increased if the seat belts, automatic belt retractors
and belt tensioners are not used correctly, or if they are repaired by a non-professional. As a
result, the belt tensioners may not be triggered when they should, or they may be triggered
unexpectedly.
•Any repairs, adjustments or removal and refitting of parts in the belt tensioners or seat
belts should always be carried out by a qualified workshop and never by yourself
⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts.
•Belt tensioners and automatic belt retractors cannot be repaired. They must be replaced.
WARNING

Types of front passenger front airbag system
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Never rely solely on the airbag system for your protection.
•Even if an airbag is triggered, it only offers auxiliary protection.
•The airbag system offers the best level of protection, and reduces the risk of injury, when
seat belts are properly worn ⇒ Seat belts.
•Before every trip, each vehicle occupant must adopt the correct sitting position, correctly
fasten the seat belt belonging to their seat and keep it fastened properly throughout the
trip. This applies to all vehicle occupants.
WARNING
The risk of injury increases if there are any objects located between the vehicle occupants
and the deployment area of the airbag when it is triggered. This will alter the deployment zone
of the airbag, or the objects will be flung against the body.
•Never hold any objects in your hand or on your lap while the vehicle is in motion.
•Never transport any objects on the front passenger seat. The objects could enter the
deployment zone of the airbag during sudden braking or driving manoeuvres and then be
flung dangerously through the vehicle interior if the airbag is activated.
•Occupants of the front seats and rear seats must never carry any people, pets or objects
in the deployment space between them and the airbags. Ensure that children and
passengers keep to this rule.
WARNING
The airbag system can only be triggered once. The system will have to be replaced if the
airbags have been triggered.
•Airbags that have been triggered, and any affected system parts, must immediately be
replaced with new parts that are approved by Volkswagen for the vehicle.
•Repairs and modifications to your vehicle should only be carried out by a qualified
workshop. Qualified workshops have the necessary tools, diagnostic equipment, repair
information and qualified personnel.
•Never use recycled airbag components or components that have been taken from end-of-
life vehicles in your vehicle.
•Never alter any components of the airbag system.
WARNING
A fine dust may develop when the airbags trigger. This is normal and does not mean that
there is a fire in the vehicle.
•The fine dust can cause irritation to the skin and eye membranes and cause breathing
difficulties, particularly for people suffering from asthma or people who have (had) other
respiratory problems. To help reduce breathing difficulties, get out of the vehicle or open
the windows or doors for more fresh air.
•If you come into contact with the dust, you should wash your hands and face with a mild
soap and water before eating.
•Do not let the dust get into your eyes or into open wounds.
•If dust has entered your eyes, rinse them with water.
WARNING
Cleaning agents that contain solvents cause the surface of the airbag modules to become
porous. In an accident that triggers the airbag, loose plastic parts can cause serious injury.
•Never clean the dash panel or the airbag covers with cleansers that contain solvents.
WARNING

Volkswagen offers 2 different front airbag systems for front passengers:
AB
Features of the front passenger front
airbag that can only be switched off
by a qualified workshop.
Features of the front passenger front
airbag that can be switched off
manually using the key-operated
switch ⇒ Switching the front passenger front
airbag on and off manually using the key-
operated switch.
– Indicator lamp  in the instrument cluster.– Indicator lamp  in the instrument cluster.
– Front passenger front airbag in the dash
panel.
– Indicator lamp in the dash panel
PASSENGER AIR BAG .
– Key-operated switch in the dash panel on the
front passenger side.
– Front passenger front airbag in the dash
panel.
Name: airbag system.Name: airbag system with front
passenger front airbag deactivation.
Indicator lamps
Fig. 53 In the upper part of the centre console: indicator lamp for disabled front passenger front
airbag
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Lit upLocationPossible causeSolution
Instrument
cluster
Fault in airbag and belt
tensioner system.
Proceed to a qualified workshop to
have the system checked
immediately.
Dash panel
Fault in the airbag system.
Proceed to a qualified workshop to
have the system checked
immediately.
Front passenger front airbag
switched off.
Check whether the airbag should
stay switched off.
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.
If the indicator lamp PASSENGER AIR BAG is not continuously lit or if it lights up
together with the indicator lamp in the instrument cluster when the front passenger front airbag
is switched off, there may be a fault in the airbag system ⇒.
Description and function of the airbags
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The airbags can protect vehicle occupants during frontal and side collisions by reducing their
movement in the direction of the collision.
If there is a fault in the airbag system, the airbag may not trigger correctly, may not trigger at
all or may trigger unexpectedly. This can cause severe or fatal injuries.
•The airbag system should be checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
•Never fit a child seat to the front passenger seat or remove a child seat that is already
fitted. The front passenger front airbag may trigger during an accident in spite of the fault.
WARNING
To avoid damage to your vehicle, always observe the indicator lamps and associated warning
texts.
NOTICE