2021 VOLKSWAGEN UP! check engine light

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

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

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

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

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

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

Park the vehicle on a firm and level surface at a safe distance from the flow of traffic.
Apply the handbrake firmly Braking, stopping and parking.
Turn the light switch to position 0 Lights.
Shift the turn signal lever to neutral Lights.
Automated manual gearbox: move the selector lever to D or R Changing gear.
Stop the engine and remove the vehicle key from the ignition Starting and stopping the
engine.
Manual gearbox: select a gear Changing gear.
Leave the defective bulbs to cool down.
Check to see if a fuse has blown Fuses.
Follow the instructions to change the affected bulb . Always use identical bulbs with the
same designation. The designation is inscribed on the bulb, either on the glass part or on
the base.
Do not touch the glass part of the bulb with unprotected fingers. The heat of the bulb would
cause the fingerprint to evaporate and condense on the reflector. This will impair the
brightness of the headlight.
After changing the bulb, check to ensure that the bulb is working properly. If the bulb is not
working properly, the bulb may not have been inserted properly or may have failed again,
or the connector may have been inserted incorrectly.
Any time you change a bulb in the front of the vehicle, the headlight settings should be
checked by a qualified workshop.
Information on changing bulbs
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Checklist
Always carry out the following actions for changing a bulb in the given order ⇒:
Accidents can occur if roads are not sufficiently illuminated and other road users have
difficulty seeing the vehicle, or cannot see it at all.
WARNING
Changing the bulb incorrectly can cause accidents and serious injuries.
•When working in the engine compartment, always read and observe the safety warnings
⇒ Preparation for working in the engine compartment. The engine compartment of any
motor vehicle is a dangerous area. Serious injuries can be sustained here.
•H4, HB4 and H7 bulbs are pressurised and could explode when they are being changed.
•Only change the defective bulb once it has had time to cool down completely.
•Never change a bulb unless you are familiar with the procedure. If you are uncertain of
what to do, the work should be carried out by a qualified workshop.
•Do not touch the glass part of the bulb with unprotected fingers. When the light is switched
on, heat will cause fingerprints to evaporate on the bulb, which in turn will cause the
reflector to dim.
•There are sharp-edged parts in the headlight housing in the engine compartment and on
the tail light cluster housing. Protect your hands when changing bulbs.
WARNING
Damage to the electrical system could be caused by water entering the system if the rubber
cover on the headlight housing is not properly mounted.
NOTICE
Ignoring any of the items on this important safety checklist can lead to accidents and severe
injuries.
•Always follow the instructions in the checklist and observe the general safety procedures.
WARNING
Always take care when removing or fitting lights to prevent damage to the paintwork or to
other vehicle parts.
NOTICE

Changing bulbs in the front headlights
Fig. 162 In the engine compartment: rear view of the left-hand front headlight with rubber cover: ①
dipped beam and main beam, ② side lights and daytime running lights, ③ turn signal and
retaining clip ④
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The front headlight does not need to be removed when changing bulbs.
The actions should only be carried out in the specified order:
⇒ Fig. 162①②③
Dipped beam and
main beam
headlights
Side lights and
daytime running
lights
Front turn signal
1.Observe and follow the instructions on the checklist ⇒ Information on changing
bulbs.
2.Open the bonnet ⇒ Preparation for working in the engine compartment.
3.
Remove the connector
from the H4 bulb. Pull off
rubber cover using the
tabs.Turn the bulb holder anticlockwise as far as it will go
and pull it out to the rear along with the bulb.Push retaining clip ④ in
the direction of the arrow
to the front, unhook at
side and fold away.
4.Remove bulb from bulb holder. If necessary, press the catch on the bulb holder.
5.Replace the defective bulb with a new bulb of the same type.
6.
Fit the new bulb, fold back
the retaining clips ④ and
hook in.
Insert the bulb holder into
the headlight and turn it
clockwise as far as it will
go.
Insert the bulb holder into
the headlight and turn it
clockwise as far as it will
go.
7.
Put the rubber cover on
and check if it is fitted
securely. Attach
connector to the H4 bulb.
The illustrations show the left-hand headlight from the rear. The right-hand headlight is a
mirror image of the one shown.
Changing bulbs in the front bumper
Fig. 163 In the wheeI housing front right: removing the securing bolts (arrows) and the spreader
rivet Ⓐ