2021 VOLKSWAGEN UP! ignition

When an airbag is triggered, it is inflated by a gas generator. This causes the airbag covers to
break, and the airbags inflate forcefully to cover their deployment zones within milliseconds. Once a
vehicle occupant wearing a seat belt starts to sink into the inflated airbag, the gas inside the airbag
starts to escape to cushion the occupant and slow down their movement. This can reduce the risk
of severe and fatal injuries. A triggered airbag will not always prevent other injuries such as
swelling, bruising and grazing. Deployment of a triggered airbag can also result in frictional heat.
Airbags provide no protection for the arms or lower body.
The most important factors for triggering the airbag are the type of accident, the angle of impact,
the vehicle speed and the type of object with which the vehicle collides. Therefore, visible damage
to the vehicle does not always mean that the airbag should have been triggered.
The triggering of the airbag system depends on the vehicle deceleration rate caused by the collision
and registered by the electronic control unit. If this rate is below the reference value programmed
into the control unit, the airbags will not be triggered, even though the vehicle may be badly
damaged as a result of the collision. Vehicle damage, repair costs or even the lack of vehicle
damage in an accident do not necessarily give an indication of whether an airbag should inflate or
not. It is not possible to define a range of vehicle speeds and reference values, since the
circumstances will vary considerably between one collision and another. It is therefore impossible to
cover every possible kind and angle of impact that would trigger the airbags. Important factors in
the triggering of the airbag include the nature (hard or soft) of the object that the vehicle hits, the
angle of impact, and the vehicle speed.
Airbags only serve as a supplement to the three-point seat belt in some accident situations when
the vehicle braking is sufficient to trigger the airbags. Airbags can only be triggered once and only
in certain situations. The seat belts are always there to provide protection in situations in which the
airbags are not triggered or have already been triggered. For example, if the vehicle collides with a
further vehicle following the initial collision, or is hit by another vehicle.
The airbag system is part of the vehicle's overall passive safety concept. The airbag system can
only work effectively when the occupants are wearing their seat belts correctly and have assumed a
proper sitting position ⇒ Adjusting the seat position.
Components of the vehicle safety concept
The following vehicle safety equipment makes up the vehicle's safety concept to reduce the risk of
severe and fatal injuries. Some of this equipment may not be fitted in your particular vehicle. It may
not be available at all in some countries.
•Optimised seat belts for all seats.
•Belt tensioners for driver and front passenger.
•Belt tension limiters for driver and front passenger.
•Warning lamp .
•Front airbags for driver and front passenger.
•Side airbags for driver and front passenger.
•Airbag indicator lamp .
•Control units and sensors.
•Head restraints optimised for rear impact.
•Adjustable steering column.
•If fitted, ISOFIX anchor points for child seats on the rear outer seats.
•If applicable, securing points for the top tether for child seats.
Situations in which the front and side airbags will not be triggered:
•If the ignition is switched off during a collision.
•If the level of deceleration measured by the control unit is too low during a collision at the front
of the vehicle.
•During a minor side collision.
•During rear collisions.
•If the vehicle rolls over.
•If the speed in a collision is lower than the reference value specified in the control unit.
Front airbags

Fig. 56 On the front passenger side: key switch for disabling and enabling the front airbag on the
front passenger side
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The front passenger front airbag must be switched off when securing a rear-facing child seat to
the front passenger seat.
Disabling the front passenger front airbag
•Switch off the ignition.
•Open the door on the front passenger side.
•Fold out the key bit of the vehicle key ⇒ Vehicle key set.
•Use the open key bit to turn the key switch ⇒ Fig. 56 to the OFF position.
•Close the door on the front passenger side.
•When the ignition is switched on, the PASSENGER AIR BAG  indicator lamp will light
up permanently in the dash panel ⇒ Indicator lamps.
Enabling the front passenger front airbag
•Switch off the ignition.
•Open the door on the front passenger side.
•Fold out the key bit of the vehicle key ⇒ Vehicle key set.
•Use the open key bit to turn the key switch ⇒ Fig. 56 to the ON position.
•Close the door on the front passenger side.
•Check that the PASSENGER AIR BAG  indicator lamp in the dash panel does not
light up when the ignition is switched on ⇒ Indicator lamps.
Identifying characteristics for a disabled front passenger front airbag
A disabled front passenger front airbag is identified only when the PASSENGER AIR BAG
indicator lamp is displayed in the dash panel ( lights up yellow continuously)
⇒ Indicator lamps.
If the indicator lamp  in the dash panel is not lit up steadily, or if it lights up at the same
time as indicator lamp in the instrument cluster, do not attach any child restraint system to the
front passenger seat for safety reasons. The front passenger front airbag may trigger during an
accident.
Side airbags
Fig. 57 On left-hand side of vehicle: deployment zone of the side airbag (variant A). On the side of
the front seat: location and deployment range of the side airbag (variant B)
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The front passenger front airbag should only be switched off in exceptional circumstances.
•To prevent damage to the airbag system, only switch the front passenger front airbag on
and off when the ignition is switched off.
•It is the driver's responsibility to ensure that the key-operated switch is set to the correct
position.
•Only switch the front passenger front airbag off if, in exceptional circumstances, a child
seat has to be attached to the front passenger seat.
•Switch the front passenger front airbag back on again as soon as the child seat on the
front passenger seat is no longer being used.
WARNING

 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Indicator lamps
⇒ Turn signal and main beam lever
⇒ Switching lights on and off
⇒ Lights and vision – functions
⇒ Attaching adhesive strips to headlights
⇒ Headlight range control, instrument and switch lighting
⇒ Interior and reading lights
Observe any country-specific regulations when using vehicle lighting.
The driver is responsible for the correct headlight position and the correct headlight setting.
Additional information and warnings:
•Exterior views ⇒ Exterior views
•Volkswagen information system ⇒ Volkswagen information system
•Changing bulbs ⇒ Changing bulbs
Indicator lamps
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Lit upPossible causeSolution
The rear fog light is switched on.⇒ Fog lights:.
Left or right turn signal.
The indicator lamp will flash twice as fast if
one of the turn signals on the vehicle is not
working.
If necessary, check the vehicle
lighting.
Main beam is switched on or the headlight
flasher is being operated.⇒ Turn signal and main beam lever.
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.
Turn signal and main beam lever
Accidents and serious injuries can occur if roads are not sufficiently illuminated and other
road users have difficulty seeing the vehicle, or cannot see it at all.
•Always switch the dipped beam headlights on if it is dark, raining or visibility is poor.
WARNING
Setting headlights too high, and the incorrect use of the main beam, could distract and dazzle
other road users. This can lead to accidents and serious injuries.
•Always ensure that the headlights are adjusted correctly.
•Never use the main beam or the headlight flasher if other road users could be dazzled.
WARNING
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.
•Stop the vehicle at a safe distance away from moving traffic and so that no part of the
exhaust system can come into contact with any inflammable material underneath the
vehicle, e.g. dry grass, fuel, oil etc.
•Broken-down vehicles increase the risk of accidents, both for you and for other road users.
If necessary, switch on the hazard warning lights and set up the warning triangle to warn
other road users.
WARNING
Failure to observe the illuminated indicator lamps could lead to the vehicle being damaged.
NOTICE

Fig. 61 Turn signal and main beam lever in the basic position
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Move the lever into the required position:
Right turn signal ⇒.
Left turn signal ⇒.
Switch on the main beam ⇒. When the main beam is switched on, an indicator lamp
in the instrument cluster lights up.
Operate the headlight flasher or switch off the main beam. The headlight flasher comes on
for as long as the lever is pulled. The indicator lamp lights up.
Return the lever to the basic position to switch off the current function.
Lane change flash
To operate the lane change flash, push the lever up or down to the point where you incur resistance
and then release the lever. The turn signal flashes three times.
This lane change flash function can be deactivated at a qualified workshop.
The turn signal will only work when the ignition is switched on. The hazard warning lights
also work when the ignition is switched off ⇒ In an emergency.
If one turn signal fails, the indicator lamp will start flashing twice as fast.
The main beam headlights can only be switched on if the dipped beam headlights are
already on.
Switching lights on and off
Fig. 62 Next to the steering wheel: examples of the various light switches
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Observe any country-specific regulations when using vehicle lighting.
Incorrect use of turn signals, a failure to use turn signals, or forgetting to switch off a turn
signal can confuse other road users. This can lead to accidents and serious injuries.
•Always activate the turn signal in good time when changing lanes and performing
overtaking or turning manoeuvres.
•Always switch off the turn signal once the lane change or overtaking or turning manoeuvre
has been completed.
WARNING
Incorrect use of the main beam headlights can lead to accidents and serious injuries as the
main beam headlights can distract and dazzle other road users.
WARNING

Turn the light switch to the required position ⇒ Fig. 62:
ItemWhen the ignition is switched
off
When the ignition is switched on
The fog lights, dipped beam headlights
and side lights are switched off.
Lights switched off, daytime headlights are
switched on.
The side lights are switched on.The side lights are switched on.
The dipped beam headlights are
switched off. The side lights may still
light up for a short time.
The dipped beam headlights are switched
on.
Fog lights:
The indicator lamps or in the light switch or instrument cluster indicate that the fog lights
are switched on.
•To switch the fog light on, pull the light switch out of the position  or to the first
stop.
•To switch the rear fog light on, pull the light switch out of position or as far as it
will go.
•To switch the fog lights off, press the light switch or move it to position .
Acoustic warnings if lights are not switched off
If the key is removed from the ignition lock and the driver door is opened, an acoustic warning will
sound in any of the following situations. This will remind you to switch off the lights as necessary.
•Permanent parking light on both sides of the vehicle ⇒ Lights and vision – functions.
•If the light switch is in position  or .
•If the light switch is in position .
Lights and vision – functions
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Permanent parking light on both sides of the vehicle
When the light switch is in position with the ignition switched off and the vehicle has been
locked from the outside, both headlights and the rear lights light up.
Daytime running lights
There are separate lights in the headlights for the daytime running lights.
Only the separate lights light up when the daytime running lights are switched on ⇒.
When the light switch is in position , the daytime running lights are switched on every time the
ignition is switched on.
In cool or damp weather, the interior of the headlights, rear lights and turn signals may mist
up briefly. This is normal and does not affect the service life of the lights on your vehicle.
Attaching adhesive strips to headlights
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The side lights or daytime running lights are not bright enough to illuminate the road ahead
and to ensure that other road users are able to see you.
•Always switch the dipped beam headlights on if it is dark, raining or visibility is poor.
WARNING
Accidents can occur if roads are not sufficiently illuminated and other road users have
difficulty seeing the vehicle, or cannot see it at all.
•Never drive with daytime running lights if the street is not sufficiently lit due to weather and
lighting conditions. The daytime running lights are not bright enough to illuminate the road
ahead and to ensure that other road users are able to see you.
•The rear lights will not be switched on with the daytime running lights. If the rear lights are
not switched on, the vehicle may not be visible to other road users if it is dark, raining, or if
visibility is poor.
WARNING

If you have to drive a right-hand drive vehicle in a left-hand drive country, or vice versa, the
asymmetric dipped beam headlights may dazzle oncoming traffic.
Therefore you may have to apply stickers to certain parts of the headlight lenses if you are driving
abroad. A qualified workshop can provide you with further information. Volkswagen recommends
using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Stickers may only be used on the headlights for a limited period. Please contact a qualified
workshop for a permanent alteration. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for
this purpose.
Headlight range control, instrument and switch lighting
Fig. 63 Next to steering wheel: headlight range control
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Headlight range control
Depending on what level it is set to, the headlight range control ⇒ Fig. 63 adjusts the position of the
light cones in the headlights according to the load level of the vehicle. This gives the driver the best
visibility possible and means that oncoming traffic will not be dazzled ⇒.
The headlights can only be adjusted when the dipped beam headlights are switched on.
To adjust, turn the control ⇒ Fig. 63:
SettingVehicle load level
–Front seats occupied and luggage compartment empty.
1All seats occupied and luggage compartment empty.
2All seats occupied and luggage compartment fully loaded.
3Only the driver seat occupied and luggage compartment fully loaded.
Instrument and switch lighting
The instrument and switch lighting will have a constant brightness setting if the side lights or dipped
beam are switched on.
If you have different loads, you can select a position between the settings.
Interior and reading lights
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Button or positionFunction
Switching off the interior light.
Switching on the interior light.
Switching door contact switch on (central position).
The interior light is switched on automatically when the vehicle is
unlocked, a door is opened or the key is removed from the ignition
lock.
The light will go out a few seconds after all the doors are closed, the
vehicle is locked or the ignition is switched on.
Switching the individual reading lights on or off.
The interior lighting and reading lights switch off when the vehicle is locked or after a delay of
a few minutes when the vehicle key is removed from the ignition lock. This prevents the battery
from discharging.
a)
Heavy objects in the vehicle can cause the headlights to dazzle and distract other road users.
This can lead to accidents and serious injuries.
•The light cone should always be adjusted to the load level of the vehicle to ensure that
other road users are not dazzled.
WARNING
a)

The windscreen wipers will only function when the ignition is switched on.
The interval wipe for the windscreen depends on the speed of the vehicle. The wipers will
wipe more frequently as the vehicle moves faster.
The rear window wiper is switched on automatically if the front windscreen wipers are
switched on and reverse gear is engaged.
Windscreen wiper functions
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Windscreen wiper response in various situations:
When the vehicle is
stationary:
When switched on, the wipers will temporarily be switched to the next
setting down.
When the interval wipe is
switched on:
The wiper intervals are adjusted depending on the vehicle speed.
The faster the vehicle is travelling, the shorter the interval.
The wiper will try to wipe away any obstacles that are on the windscreen. The wiper will stop
moving if the obstacle blocks its path. Remove the obstacle and switch the wiper back on again.
Service position for the front windscreen wipers
Fig. 67 Wiper blades in service position
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The windscreen wiper arms can be lifted off the windscreen when in the service position ⇒ Fig. 67.
Carry out the following steps to move the windscreen wipers to the service position:
•The bonnet must be closed ⇒ Preparation for working in the engine compartment.
•Switch the ignition on and then off again.
•Briefly press down the windscreen wiper lever ⇒ Fig. 65④.
Place the windscreen wiper arms back onto the windscreen before driving away. Briefly press the
windscreen wiper lever down to bring the windscreen wiper arms back to the original position.
Lifting the windscreen wiper blades
•Move the wiper arms to the service position before lifting ⇒.
•When lifting a wiper arm hold it only by the wiper blade mounting.
If the ignition is switched off while the windscreen wiper is switched on, the windscreen wiper
will continue to wipe on the same setting when the ignition is switched on again. Frost, snow
and other obstructions on the windscreen can cause damage to the windscreen wipers and
wiper motor.
•Remove any snow and ice from the wipers and the windows before setting off.
•Carefully loosen wiper blades that have become frozen onto the windscreen. Volkswagen
recommends using a de-icer spray for this.
NOTICE
Do not switch on the windscreen wipers when the window is dry. Using the wiper blades when
the rear windscreen is dry could cause damage to the rear windscreen.
NOTICE

Opening and closing the ashtray
To open, lift the ashtray cover in the direction of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 90.
To close, push the ashtray cover down as far as it will go.
Emptying the ashtray
•Lift the ashtray out of the drink holder.
•Once it has been emptied, place the ashtray back into the drink holder from above.
Cigarette lighter
Fig. 91 In the front centre console: cigarette lighter
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
•With the ignition switched on, press in the knob on the cigarette lighter ⇒ Fig. 91.
•Wait for the lighter to pop out.
•Pull out the cigarette lighter and light the tobacco product on the glowing spiral ⇒.
•Insert the cigarette lighter back into the socket.
The opening for the cigarette lighter can also be used as a 12-volt socket ⇒ .
Socket
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Socket in the vehicle
Electrical equipment can be connected to the socket in the vehicle.
All devices connected must be in good condition and fault-free.
Additional information and warnings:
•Cigarette lighter ⇒ Ashtray and cigarette lighter
•Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs
and renewal of parts
•Consumer information ⇒ Consumer information
Improper use of the cigarette lighter can cause fires, burns and other serious injuries.
•Always use the cigarette lighter properly, and only use it to light tobacco products.
•Never leave children in the vehicle unattended. The cigarette lighter can be used when the
ignition is switched on.
WARNING