2021 VOLKSWAGEN UP! steering

Starting the engine, changing gear and
parking
Starting and stopping the engine
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Ignition lock
⇒ Starting the engine
⇒ Stopping the engine
⇒ Electronic immobilizer
Immobilizer display
If the vehicle key is not valid or there is a fault in the system, then may be displayed in the
instrument cluster. The engine cannot be started ⇒ Electronic immobilizer.
Push-starting or towing
For technical reasons, your vehicle must not be push-started or tow-started. Use jump leads to
start the engine instead.
Additional information and warnings:
•Vehicle key set ⇒ Vehicle key set
•Changing gear ⇒ Changing gear
•Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ Braking, stopping and parking
•Steering ⇒ Steering
•Pull-away assist systems ⇒ Pull-away assist systems
•Filling the tank ⇒ Filling the tank
•Fuel ⇒ Fuel
•Manual opening and closing ⇒ Manual opening and closing
•Starting the engine with jump leads ⇒ Starting the engine with jump leads
•Tow starting and towing ⇒ Tow-starting and towing
•Observe the operating instructions for any device that you plug into the socket.
•Never exceed the maximum power rating as this could damage the whole vehicle electrical
system.
•12-volt socket:
- Only use accessories that have been approved in accordance with the relevant
guidelines on electromagnetic compatibility.
- Never feed electricity into the socket.
NOTICE
While driving

Ignition lock
Fig. 93 Vehicle key positions
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The steering lock can be activated when there is no vehicle key in the ignition lock.
Vehicle key positions ⇒ Fig. 93
Ignition switched off. The vehicle key can be removed.
Ignition switched on. The steering lock can be released.
Engine is started. Release the vehicle key as soon as the engine starts. Once released,
the vehicle key moves back to position ①.
If the vehicle key is left in the ignition for a long period with the engine switched off, the
vehicle battery could discharge.
Switching the engine off while the vehicle is moving makes it more difficult to stop the vehicle.
This can lead to loss of control of the vehicle and to accidents and severe injuries.
•Braking and steering support systems, the airbag system, the belt tensioners and other
items of safety equipment in the vehicle are only active when the engine is running.
•The engine should only be switched off when the vehicle is stationary.
WARNING
The risk of serious injury can be reduced with the engine running or when starting the engine.
•Never start or run the engine in unventilated or closed spaces. The exhaust fumes contain
carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless toxic gas. Carbon monoxide can cause
loss of consciousness and death.
•Never leave the engine running if you leave the vehicle unattended. The vehicle could
move suddenly or something unexpected may happen that may cause damage and
serious injuries.
•Never use a start booster. A start booster can explode and cause the engine to suddenly
run at high revs.
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system become very hot. This can cause fires and serious
injuries.
•Never park the vehicle where parts of the exhaust system can come into contact with
inflammable material underneath the vehicle, e.g. leaves, dry grass, spilt fuel.
•Never apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the exhaust pipes, catalytic
converters or heat shields.
WARNING
Always take care when using the vehicle key as you could cause accidents or serious injuries.
•Always take all vehicle keys with you every time you leave the vehicle. The engine can be
started and electrical equipment such as the window controls can be operated. This can
cause serious injury.
•Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone in the vehicle. They could
become trapped in the vehicle in an emergency and may not be able to get themselves to
safety. For example, locked vehicles may be subjected to very high or very low
temperatures, according to season. This can cause serious injuries and illness or
fatalities, especially for small children.
•Never remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock when the vehicle is in motion. The
steering lock may be activated and you will no longer be able to steer the vehicle.
WARNING

After the engine is switched off, the radiator fan in the engine compartment may run on for
some minutes, even if the ignition is switched off or the vehicle key has been removed. The radiator
fan will switch itself off automatically.
Electronic immobilizer
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The immobilizer helps to prevent the engine from being started and driven with an unauthorised
vehicle key.
There is a chip in the key. It automatically deactivates the immobilizer when the vehicle key is
inserted into the ignition lock.
The electronic immobilizer is automatically activated when the vehicle key is removed from the
ignition lock.
The engine can only be started using a genuine Volkswagen vehicle key with the correct code.
Coded vehicle keys are available from a Volkswagen dealership ⇒ Vehicle key set.
If a non-authorised vehicle key has been used, the display in the instrument cluster will show
. The vehicle cannot be used if this occurs. Remove the non-authorised vehicle key from
the ignition lock and used an authorised vehicle key.
The vehicle cannot be operated properly if you do not have a genuine Volkswagen key.
Changing gear
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Warning and indicator lamp
⇒ Pedals
⇒ Manual gearbox: selecting a gear
⇒ Automated manual gearbox: selecting a gear
⇒ Changing gear with Tiptronic
⇒ Driving with an automated manual gearbox
⇒ Fault in the automated manual gearbox
⇒ Gear-change indicator (manual gearbox)
The following will occur if reverse gear is selected and the ignition is
switched on:
•The reverse light comes on.
•The rear window wiper will move once when the windscreen wipers are switched on.
•The ParkPilot may switch on.
Additional information and warnings:
•Overview of the centre console ⇒ Overview of the centre console
•Instruments ⇒ Instruments
•Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ Braking, stopping and parking
•Pull-away assist systems ⇒ Pull-away assist systems
•ParkPilot ⇒ ParkPilot
•Engine management system and exhaust purification system ⇒ Engine management system
and exhaust purification system
Never switch off the engine while the vehicle is in motion. This can lead to a loss of vehicle
control, accidents and serious injuries.
•The airbags and belt tensioners will not work if the ignition is switched off.
•The brake servo will not work when the engine is switched off. More force is required on
the brake pedal to stop the vehicle.
•The power steering will not function if the engine is switched off, and more force will be
required to steer the vehicle.
•If the vehicle key is removed from the ignition, the steering lock can activate and you will
no longer be able to steer the vehicle.
WARNING
If the vehicle has been driven at high load for a long period, the engine could overheat when it
is switched off. In order to avoid damage to the engine, allow the engine to run in neutral for
approximately 2 minutes before switching it off.
NOTICE

Warning and indicator lamps
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Lit upPossible cause ⇒Solution
Handbrake is applied.⇒ Handbrake.
Brake system fault.
Do not drive on!
Seek expert assistance immediately ⇒ Fault
in the brake system.
Brake fluid level is too low.Do not drive on!
Check brake fluid level ⇒ Brake fluid level.
In conjunction with ABS indicator lamp
: ABS and EDV not functioning.
Do not drive on!
Seek expert assistance immediately ⇒ Fault
in the brake system.
ESC switched off by the system.Switch the ignition on and off. If necessary,
drive a short distance.
ESC fault.Proceed to a qualified workshop.
In conjunction with ABS indicator lamp
: ABS fault.
Proceed to a qualified workshop. The
vehicle can be braked without ABS.
Vehicle battery has been reconnected.
Drive a short distance at a speed of
15 – 20 km/h (10 – 12 mph). If the indicator
lamp remains lit up, the vehicle should be
checked by a qualified workshop ⇒ Vehicle
battery.
Traction Control fault or switched off for
system-related reasons.
Go to qualified workshop ⇒ Traction Control
System (TCS) or Traction Control (TC).
In conjunction with ESC indicator lamp 
: ABS fault.
Proceed to a qualified workshop. The
vehicle can be braked without ABS.
Driving with worn brake pads or with a faulty brake system can cause accidents and serious
injuries.
•If you have reason to believe that the brakes are worn down or the brake system is faulty,
go to a qualified workshop immediately and have the brake system checked and have any
worn brake pads replaced.
WARNING
Incorrect parking can cause serious injuries.
•Never remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock when the vehicle is in motion. The
steering lock may be activated and you will no longer be able to steer or control the
vehicle.
•Never park the vehicle where parts of the exhaust system can come into contact with
inflammable material underneath the vehicle, e.g. leaves, dry grass, spilt fuel.
•Always apply the handbrake fully when the vehicle is parked.
•Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone in the vehicle. They could
release the handbrake, move the selector lever or gearshift lever and thus set the vehicle
in motion. This can lead to accidents and serious injuries.
•Always take all vehicle keys with you every time you leave the vehicle. The engine can still
be started and electrical equipment such as the window controls still can be operated,
potentially causing serious injury.
•Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone in the vehicle. They could
become trapped in the vehicle in an emergency and may not be able to get themselves to
safety. For example, locked vehicles may be subjected to very high or very low
temperatures, according to season. This can cause serious injuries and illness or
fatalities, especially for small children.
WARNING
•To avoid unintentional movement when parking the vehicle, first apply the handbrake firmly
and then remove your foot from the brake pedal.
•Always take care when driving in car parks with protruding kerbstones or bollards. Objects
that protrude from the ground can damage the bumper and other components when
parking the vehicle. In order to avoid any damage, stop the vehicle before the wheels
touch the bollards or kerbs.
•Drive carefully through dips in the road, over driveways, ramps, kerbstones and other
objects. Low-lying vehicle components such as the bumper, spoiler and parts of the
running gear, engine or exhaust system could be damaged.
NOTICE

An acoustic warning is given if the car is driven faster than approximately 6 km/h (4 mph)
with the handbrake applied.
Parking
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Please adhere to relevant legislation when stopping and parking your vehicle.
Stopping the vehicle
The steps should only be carried out in the specified order.
•Stop the vehicle on a suitable surface ⇒.
•Depress and hold the brake pedal until the engine has stopped.
•Apply the handbrake firmly ⇒ Handbrake.
•With an automated manual gearbox, move the selector lever to position D or R.
•Switch off the engine and take your foot off the brake pedal.
•Remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock.
•Turn the steering wheel slightly if necessary to engage the steering lock mechanism.
•With a manual gearbox, select first gear for flat ground and uphill inclines, or reverse gear for
downhill inclines, and then release the clutch.
•Please ensure that all occupants, in particular children, leave the vehicle.
•Take all vehicle keys with you when you leave the vehicle.
•Lock the vehicle.
Additional points for ascending and descending inclines
Before switching off the engine, turn the steering wheel so that the front wheels will roll against the
kerb if the parked vehicle starts to move.
•When facing downhill, turn the wheels so that they face the kerb.
•When facing uphill, turn the wheels so that they face the centre of the road.
Incorrect use of the handbrake can cause accidents and serious injuries.
•The handbrake should never be used to brake the vehicle, except in emergencies. The
braking distance is considerably longer as only the rear wheels are braked. Always use
the foot brake.
•Never drive the vehicle with the handbrake lightly applied. This can overheat the brakes
and adversely affect the brake system. It can also cause premature wear to the rear brake
pads.
•Never activate the accelerator from the engine compartment if a position or gear has been
selected and the engine is running. The vehicle can start to move even if the handbrake is
applied.
WARNING
To avoid unintentional movement when parking the vehicle, first apply the handbrake firmly
and then remove your foot from the brake pedal.
NOTICE

to assist every time that there is a sudden change in the road surface quality. If a section of dry
road is suddenly covered with water, mud or snow, ESC will not be able to assist in the same
manner as on a dry road. If the vehicle aquaplanes (drives on a layer of water rather than on the
road surface), ESC will not be able to assist in steering the vehicle as the contact to the road
surface has been interrupted and it is therefore no longer possible to steer or brake the vehicle.
Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions. ESC
cannot defy the laws of motion, improve the available power output, or keep the vehicle on the road
if insufficient care and attention on the part of the driver causes the vehicle to leave the road.
Instead, ESC increases the possibility of keeping the vehicle under control and, in extreme on-road
driving situations, it assesses the driver’s steering input and helps the vehicle to continue in the
required direction. If the vehicle is driving at a speed that leads it to leave the road before the ESC
can provide any kind of support, the ESC will be unable to provide any assistance.
The ABS, BAS, TCS and EDL systems are integrated into the ESC. The ESC is always on.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
The ABS prevents the wheels from locking when the brakes are applied up until the point where the
vehicle is nearly stationary and assists the driver in steering the vehicle and keeping it under
control. This means that the vehicle is less likely to spin, even when the brakes are depressed fully:
•Depress and hold the brake pedal with force. Do not take your foot off the brake pedal or
reduce the force on the brake pedal!
•Do not pump the brake pedal or reduce the pressure on the brake pedal!
•Steer the vehicle while the brake pedal is fully depressed.
•The ABS will switch off when the brake pedal is released or if the pressure on the brake pedal is
reduced.
If the ABS is taking corrective action, there is a pulsing movement in the brake pedal and some
noise. However, ABS will not necessarily guarantee shorter braking distances in all conditions. The
braking distance could even be longer when braking on gravel or on fresh snow covering an icy or
slippery surface.
Electronic brake pressure distribution system (EBD)
Every vehicle's centre of gravity moves forwards whenever the brake is operated. This means that
the rear wheels are in danger of locking due to the lower traction. The electronic brake pressure
distribution system controls the brake pressure for the rear wheels and thereby ensures the
optimum distribution of brake pressure between the front and rear axles. Under normal conditions,
the system will prevent the rear from breaking away if too much brake pressure if applied to the rear
wheels. The electronic brake pressure distribution system is included in the ABS' scope of
functions.
Brake Assist system (BAS)
The brake assist system can help to reduce the braking distance. The brake assist system
reinforces brake pressure hydraulically when the driver depresses the brake pedal quickly in an
emergency situation. As a result, full braking power is made accessible very quickly, brake pressure
is increased and the braking distance reduced. In this way, the ABS is activated more quickly and
more effectively.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal. The brake assist system will switch off the
hydraulic brake servo automatically when the brake pedal is released or if the pressure on the
brake pedal is reduced.
Traction Control System (TCS) or Traction Control (TC)
The TCS or TC reduces the engine output if wheelspin occurs and adapts the output to suit road
surface conditions. TCS or TC helps the car to start moving, accelerate and climb gradients in
unfavourable road conditions.
Electronic differential lock (EDL)
The EDL is available for normal driving on straight roads. EDL brakes the wheel that has lost
traction and distributes the driving force to the other drive wheel. To prevent the disc brake of the
braked wheel from overheating, the EDL cuts out automatically if subjected to excessive loads. The
EDL will switch on again automatically when the brake has cooled down.

Avoid unnecessary loads
The lighter the vehicle, the more economical and environmentally-friendly it is. An extra weight of
100 kg can increase fuel consumption by up to 0.3 l/100 km.
Remove all unnecessary objects and loads from the vehicle.
Remove any unnecessary special equipment and accessories
The more aerodynamic a vehicle, the lower its fuel consumption. Special equipment and
accessories, such as roof carriers or bicycle carriers, make the vehicle less aerodynamic.
You should therefore remove any special equipment and luggage carriers that are not in use,
especially if you are going to be driving at high speeds.
Steering
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Warning and indicator lamps
⇒ Information on steering
Depending on its equipment level the vehicle may have power steering.
The power steering is not hydraulic. It is an electromechanical system. The advantage of this
steering system is that no hydraulic hoses, hydraulic oil, pumps, filter or other parts are required.
The electromechanical system reduces fuel consumption. A hydraulic system requires constant oil
pressure in the system, whereas an electromechanical steering system only needs an energy
supply while steering.
The power steering provided by the electromechanical steering system automatically adjusts to the
vehicle speed, steering wheel torque and steering wheel angle. The electromechanical steering
only functions when the engine is running.
Additional information and warnings:
•Starting and stopping the engine ⇒ Starting and stopping the engine
•Battery ⇒ Vehicle battery
•Tow-starting and towing ⇒ Tow-starting and towing
Warning and indicator lamps
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Lit upPossible causeSolution
The electromechanical steering is faulty
or not working.
The steering should be checked by a
qualified workshop as soon as possible.
Electromechanical steering function
reduced.
The steering should be checked by a
qualified workshop as soon as possible.
If the yellow warning lamp remains off after
the ignition has been restarted and you have
driven a short distance, you do not need to
consult a qualified workshop.
The vehicle battery has been
disconnected and reconnected.
Drive a short distance at a speed of
15 – 20 km/h (9 – 12 mph).
Several warning and indicator lamps will light up briefly as a functional check when the ignition is
switched on. They will go out soon afterwards.
If the power steering is not working, the steering wheel is difficult to turn, which makes it
difficult to steer the vehicle.
•The power steering only functions when the engine is running.
•Never allow the vehicle to roll if the engine is switched off.
•Never remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock when the vehicle is in motion. The
steering lock may be activated and you will no longer be able to steer the vehicle.
WARNING

Information on steering
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The steering should be locked every time you leave the vehicle to make it more difficult for the
vehicle to be stolen.
Mechanical steering column lock
The steering column is locked if the vehicle key is removed from the ignition lock when the vehicle
is stationary.
Activating the steering lockDeactivating the steering lock
Park the vehicle ⇒ Braking, stopping and
parking.Insert the vehicle key into the ignition lock.
Remove the vehicle key.Turn the steering wheel slightly to take the load
off the steering lock mechanism.
Turn the steering wheel slightly until the
steering lock clicks into place.
Hold the steering wheel in this position and turn
the ignition on.
Electromechanical steering
The power steering provided by the electromechanical steering system automatically adjusts to the
vehicle speed, steering wheel torque and steering wheel angle. The electromechanical steering
only functions when the engine is running.
You will need considerably more strength than normal to steer the vehicle if the power steering is
reduced or has failed completely.
Driver assist systems
Pull-away assist systems
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Indicator lamps
⇒ Start/stop system
⇒ Hill Hold Assist
Additional information and warnings:
•Volkswagen information system ⇒ Volkswagen information system
•Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ Braking, stopping and parking
•Battery ⇒ Vehicle battery
•Wheels and tyres ⇒ Wheels and tyres
•Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs
and renewal of parts
•Starting the engine with jump leads ⇒ Starting the engine with jump leads
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