2021 VOLKSWAGEN UP! warning lights

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.
Pedals
Fig. 94 Pedals in vehicles with a manual gearbox: ① accelerator, ② brake pedal, ③ clutch pedal
Fig. 95 Pedals in vehicles with an automated manual gearbox: ① accelerator, ② brake pedal
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The operation and freedom of movement of all pedals must never be impaired by objects or floor
mats.
Only use floor mats that leave the pedal area free and can be securely fastened in the footwell.
If a brake circuit fails, you will have to depress the brake pedal further than normal in order to bring
the vehicle to a stop.
Manual gearbox: selecting a gear
Failure to observe illuminated warning lamps and text messages can lead to your vehicle
breaking down in traffic, and can cause accident and serious injury.
•Never ignore any illuminated warning lamps or text messages.
•Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so.
•If the vehicle is stationary or has to be parked for repairs, always park the vehicle at a safe
distance from the road, switch on the hazard warning lights, switch off the engine and take
other precautionary measures in order to warn traffic behind you.
WARNING
Failure to observe illuminated indicator lamps and text messages can lead to your vehicle
being damaged.
NOTICE
Objects in the driver footwell can hinder pedal operation. This can lead to loss of control of the
vehicle and increase the risk of serious injury.
•Please ensure that all pedals can always be operated without any hindrance.
•The foot mats must always be properly secured in the footwell.
•No additional foot mats or other floor coverings should be placed over the fitted foot mat.
•Ensure that no objects can enter the driver footwell while the vehicle is in motion.
WARNING
The pedals must be freely operable at all times. For example, the braking distance to fully stop
the vehicle will be longer if a braking circuit is faulty. The brake pedal will have to be
depressed further and harder than normal.
NOTICE

Lit upPossible cause ⇒Solution
In conjunction with warning lamp :
ABS and EBV not functioning.
Do not drive on!
Seek expert assistance immediately ⇒ Fault
in the brake system.
Brake pedal not depressed.To select a position, press the brake pedal.
FlashesPossible causeSolution
ESC/TCS is taking corrective action.Remove foot from accelerator pedal. Adapt
driving style to suit road conditions.
Traction Control active.
Remove foot from accelerator pedal. Adapt
driving style to suit road conditions
⇒ Traction Control System (TCS) or
Traction Control (TC).
Flashing: vehicle with an automated
manual gearbox is not secured from
rolling away.
Apply the handbrake.
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.
Handbrake
Fig. 100 Handbrake between the front seats
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Applying the handbrake
•Pull the handbrake lever up firmly with the locking button ⇒ Fig. 100 (arrow) pressed.
•The handbrake is applied when the indicator lamp lights up in the instrument cluster
⇒ Warning and indicator lamps.
Releasing the handbrake
•Lift the handbrake lever up slightly and press the lock button ⇒ Fig. 100 (arrow).
•Guide the handbrake lever down whilst the lock button is pressed.
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
Driving with poor brakes can result in accidents and serious injuries.
•If the brake warning lamp does not go out, or if it lights up when driving, the brake
fluid level in the reservoir is too low or there is a fault in the brake system. Stop the vehicle
immediately and seek expert assistance ⇒ Brake fluid.
•If the brake warning lamp lights up together with the ABS indicator lamp , the
control function of the ABS may have failed. This can cause the rear wheels to lock quickly
when you brake. Locked rear wheels can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle. If
possible, reduce your speed and drive carefully at low speed to the nearest qualified
workshop in order to have the brake system tested. Avoid sudden braking and driving
manoeuvres on the way.
•The ABS is not functioning correctly if the ABS indicator lamp does not go out or
comes on while the vehicle is in motion. The vehicle can be stopped using the normal
brakes only (without ABS). The protection provided by ABS is no longer available.
Proceed to a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
WARNING
Failure to observe the illuminated indicator lamps could lead to the vehicle being damaged.
NOTICE

•The cooling function of the air conditioning system: if the air conditioning system is set to a very
high or low temperature it will require a lot of energy, which is generated by the engine.
Therefore the temperature setting in the vehicle should not vary too much from the outside
temperature. It may be a good idea to air the vehicle before setting off and then to travel a short
distance with the windows open. The air conditioning system should then be switched on once
the windows have been closed.
•Keep the windows closed when driving at high speeds. Having the windows open increases fuel
consumption.
•Switch the seat heating off as soon as it has served its purpose.
•Switch the rear window heating off as soon as the window has defogged and is clear of ice.
Other factors that increase fuel consumption (examples):
•Fault in engine management.
•Driving in hilly regions.
Driving in a fuel-efficient manner
Fig. 102 Fuel consumption in litres per 100 km at two different outside temperatures
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
By adopting an economical driving style and anticipating the traffic situation ahead, you can easily
reduce fuel consumption by 10-15 %.
Cars use most fuel when accelerating. If you think ahead when driving, you will need to brake less
and thus accelerate less. Wherever possible, let the car roll slowly to a stop, for instance when you
can see that the next traffic lights are red.
Avoid short journeys
Directly after a cold start, the engine has a very high fuel consumption. The engine reaches its
working temperature after a few kilometres, when fuel consumption will return to a normal level.
The engine and catalytic converter need to reach their proper working temperature in order to
minimise fuel consumption and emissions. The outside temperature is a key factor.
The different rates of fuel consumption for the same distance at both +20°C (+68°F) and at -
10°C (+14°F) are shown in ⇒ Fig. 102.
Therefore, avoid making too many short journeys and car share whenever possible.
Under the same conditions, the vehicle will use more fuel in winter than in summer.
Not only is it illegal in some countries to warm up the cold engine by running it while the vehicle is
stationary, it is also technically unnecessary and a waste of fuel.
Adjust the tyre pressure
The correct tyre pressure reduces rolling resistance and therefore also fuel consumption.
Ensure that any new tyres purchased have optimum rolling resistance.
Using low viscosity engine oils
Fully synthetic low viscosity engine oils reduce fuel consumption. Low viscosity engine oils
decrease frictional resistance in the engine and spread better and more quickly, especially for cold
starts. They are especially effective in vehicles that make a lot of short journeys.
Always ensure that the engine oil level is correct and that you keep to the service intervals (oil
change intervals).
When buying engine oil, always ensure that it complies with engine oil norms and has been
approved by Volkswagen.

•Depress the clutch pedal to restart the engine.
Important preconditions for automatic engine switch-off
•The driver is wearing their seat belt.
•The driver door is closed.
•The bonnet is closed.
•A minimum engine temperature has been reached.
•The vehicle has been moved since the engine was last switched off.
•The defrost function of the air conditioning system is not switched on.
•The charging state of the vehicle battery is sufficient.
•The temperature of the vehicle battery is not too low or too high.
•The vehicle is not on a steep incline.
•Reverse gear is not engaged.
Conditions for an automatic restart
The engine can start automatically under the following conditions:
•If the vehicle rolls on.
•If the voltage of the vehicle battery falls.
Conditions that make a key start necessary
The engine has to be started manually with the vehicle key in the following conditions:
•If the driver unfastens their seat belt.
•If the driver door is opened.
•If the bonnet is opened.
Switching the start/stop system on and off
•Press the button in the centre console ⇒ Fig. 103.
•If start/stop system has been deactivated, the indicator lamp in the button lights up.
If the start/stop system has switched the engine off, the engine will start again as soon as the
system has been switched off manually with the button.
In some cases, it will be necessary to restart the engine manually with the vehicle key. Take
note of the corresponding indicator lamp in the instrument cluster.
Hill Hold Assist
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The Hill Hold Assist function actively holds the vehicle when pulling away on an incline.
The Hill Hold Assist function is automatically activated if the following
conditions are met
Points 1 to 3 must be fulfilled at the same time:
Manual gearboxAutomated manual gearbox
1.On an incline, the stationary vehicle must be held in position with the footbrake until the
vehicle starts moving.
2.The engine is running smoothly.
3.
Fully depress the clutch pedal and move the
gear stick to the 1st gear position if you want
to drive forwards up a hill or to the R position
if you want to reverse up a hill.
Position D is selected when driving forwards
up an incline or position R is selected for
driving in reverse up an incline.
The brake servo and the electromechanical steering will not function if the engine is switched
off.
•Never allow the vehicle to roll if the engine is switched off.
•The start/stop system must be switched off if work is to be carried out in the engine
compartment.
WARNING
If the start/stop system is used in very high outside temperatures over a long period, the
vehicle battery can be damaged.
NOTICE

Switching city emergency brake function on and off
Fig. 109 In lower part of centre console: button for the city emergency brake function
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Switching the city emergency brake function on and off
•Press the ⇒ Fig. 109 button in the centre console.
When the city emergency brake function is switched off, the indicator lamp lights up
when the vehicle is travelling at 5 – 30 km/h (3 – 19 mph).
Switch off the city emergency brake function in the following situations
The city emergency brake function should be switched off in the following situations ⇒:
•If the vehicle is being towed.
•If you are driving the vehicle through an automatic car wash.
•If the vehicle is on a rolling road test bed.
•If the laser sensor is faulty.
•If the laser sensor has been hit or moved with force.
•If the vehicle is being driven off-road (e.g. through low-hanging branches).
•If there are protruding objects in the area above the bonnet, e.g. a load on the roof that sticks
out at the front.
•If the windscreen is damaged in the area around the laser sensor.
•Driving with tailgate open.
•In the event of multiple unwanted interventions.
The beam from the laser sensor could cause severe damage to the eyes.
•Never use optical devices, such as a rangefinder camera, microscope or magnifying glass,
to look into the laser sensor from a distance of less than 100 mm.
•Please be aware that the laser beam may still be active even if the city emergency brake
function is switched off or unavailable. The laser beam is not visible to the human eye!
WARNING
The city emergency brake function may not work if the area on the windscreen around the
laser sensor is iced over, dirty or covered, for example from rain, spray or snow or by roof
loads protruding over the front of the vehicle.
•Always keep the area around the laser sensor free from dirt and ice and do not cover it.
•Remove snow with a brush, and remove ice preferably with a solvent-free de-icer spray.
NOTICE
The city emergency brake function may fail to work if the windscreen is damaged in the area
around the laser sensor.
•Have the windscreen replaced if it is scratched, cracked or chipped in the area around the
laser sensor. Only use windscreens that have been approved by Volkswagen. Do not
simply have the windscreen repaired (for example, if it has been damaged by stone
chipping).
•When changing the windscreen wiper blades only use wiper blades that are the same
production quality as the factory-fitted wiper blades.
•Do not paint the windscreen in the area around the laser sensor or cover the area with
stickers, deposits or similar.
NOTICE

General information on the heating and fresh air system
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The required interior temperature cannot be lower than the outside temperature as the heating and
fresh air system cannot cool or dehumidify the air.
Settings for optimal road visibility
•Set blower ⇒ Fig. 112② to level 1 or 2.
•Open and position all vents on the dash panel ⇒ Vents.
•Turn the air distribution controller ⇒ Fig. 112③ to the defrost position.
Information on the air conditioning system
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The cooling system for the vehicle interior only works when the engine is running and the blower is
switched on.
The air conditioning system operates most effectively with the windows and the electric panorama
sliding and tilting glass roof closed. However, if the vehicle has heated up after standing in the sun
for some time, the air inside can be cooled more quickly by opening the windows and the electric
panorama sliding and tilting glass roof for a short time.
Settings for optimal road visibility
Switching the cooling system on not only reduces the temperature of the vehicle interior, but also
the humidity. This improves comfort for the vehicle occupants and prevents the windows from
misting when the outside humidity is high.
•Switch off air recirculation mode ⇒ Air recirculation mode.
•Set the blowers to the required level.
•Open and position all vents on the dash panel ⇒ Vents.
•Turn the air distribution controller to the defrost position.
•Press the button to switch the cooling system on. The indicator lamp in the button
lights up.
The cooling system cannot be switched on
The following criteria may prevent the cooling system from being switched on:
•The engine is not running.
•The blower is switched off.
•The air conditioning system fuse has blown.
•The ambient temperature is lower than approximately +2℃ (+36°F).
•The compressor has been temporarily switched off because the coolant temperature is too high.
•There is a different fault in the vehicle. The air conditioning system should be checked by a
qualified workshop.
Things to note
If the humidity and temperature outside the vehicle are high, condensation can drip off the
evaporator in the cooling system and form a pool underneath the vehicle. This is normal and does
not indicate a leak.
The windscreen may mist up after starting the engine due to residual humidity in the air
conditioning system. Switch the defrost function on in order to clear the windscreen of condensation
or mist as quickly as possible.
Vents
Fig. 114 In the dash panel: vents
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction

Fig. 117 Open tank flap with tank cap attached to the holder
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Switch off the engine, ignition and the mobile telephone before filling the tank and leave them
switched off during the process.
Opening the tank cap
•The tank flap is at the rear of the vehicle on the right.
•Open the tank cap by the moulding to the rear.
•If necessary, fold the key bit out of the vehicle key ⇒ Vehicle key set.
•Insert the vehicle key in the tank flap lock and turn anticlockwise.
•Turn the tank cap anticlockwise and hook it on top of the tank flap ⇒ Fig. 117.
Filling the tank
The correct fuel grade for your vehicle is shown on a sticker on the inside of the tank flap ⇒ Fuel.
•The fuel tank is full when the (properly operated) automatic filler nozzle clicks off for the first
time ⇒.
•Do not continue filling the tank after it switches off. The expansion space in the fuel tank will
otherwise fill up and the fuel could spill out. This could also happen when the fuel warms up and
expands.
Closing the tank cap
•Turn the tank cap clockwise into the fuel filler neck until it perceptibly engages.
•Turn the vehicle key in the lock cylinder of the tank flap clockwise and pull it out.
•Close the tank flap. The tank flap must be flush with the vehicle bodywork.
Natural gas engines
Run the petrol tank empty every 6 months until the indicator lamp  lights up. This is necessary to
maintain necessary system function for petrol mode and fuel quality.
Fuels can pollute the environment. Any spilt service fluids must be cleaned up and disposed
of properly.
Filling the tank with natural gas
Fig. 118 With the tank flap open: tank cap ①, gas filler neck ②, gas filler neck seal ③
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Do not continue filling the tank once the filler nozzle stops automatically. The fuel tank could
be overfilled. This can cause fuel to splash out and overflow. This can cause fires, explosions
and serious injuries.
WARNING
Remove spilt fuel from all vehicle components as quickly as possible in order to avoid damage
to the wheel housing, tyres and vehicle paint.
NOTICE

Windscreen washer fluid level Windscreen wiper and washer
Engine oil level Engine oil
Engine coolant level Coolant
Brake fluid level Braking, stopping and parking
Tyre pressure Wheels and tyres
equipment, service fluids and unsuitable tools are not available ⇒ Preparation for working in the
engine compartment! The work should be carried out by a qualified workshop if you are
uncertain. Please ensure that the following are checked regularly, preferably every time you fill
the tank:
Vehicle lighting necessary for traffic safety:
- Turn signals
- Side lights, dipped beam headlights and main beam headlights
- Tail light cluster
- Brake lights
- Rear fog light ⇒ Lights
Information on changing bulbs ⇒ Changing bulbs.
Fuel
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Petrol
⇒ Natural gas
Different engines require different fuels. The factory-fitted sticker on the inside of the tank flap
indicates the fuel type that is required for your particular vehicle.
Volkswagen recommends using low-sulphur or sulphur-free fuels, to help reduce fuel consumption
and prevent damage to the engine.
If the engine is not running smoothly or begins to judder, this can indicate poor or inadequate fuel
quality, e.g. water in the fuel. If these symptoms appear, reduce the vehicle speed immediately and
drive to the nearest qualified workshop at medium engine speeds, avoiding high engine loading. If
these symptoms occur immediately after the vehicle has been refuelled, switch the engine off as
soon as it is safe to do so and seek expert assistance. This can help to prevent further damage.
Additional information and warnings:
•⇒BookletService schedule,
•Filling the tank ⇒ Filling the tank
•Engine management and exhaust system ⇒ Engine management system and exhaust
purification system
Petrol
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Petrol types
Vehicles with a petrol engine must be run on unleaded petrol in compliance with the European
standard EN 228 or DIN 51626-1 ⇒. Fuels with a maximum ethanol content of 10% (E10) can
be used for refuelling.
Petrol types are categorised according to their octane number, e.g. 91, 95, 98 or 99 RON (RON =
Research Octane Number). The vehicle may be filled with petrol that has a higher octane number
Incorrect handling of fuel can cause explosions, fire and serious burns and injuries.
•Fuel is highly explosive and inflammable.
•Never handle fuel near open flames, sparks or glowing matter (e.g. cigarettes).
•Keep naked flames, hot parts and sparks at a safe distance.
•Switch off your mobile telephone or two-way radio when dealing with fuel. Electromagnetic
radiation can generate sparks which can in turn start a fire.
•Avoid electrostatic discharge and electromagnetic radiation in the direct vicinity of fuels.
•Never spill fuel in the vehicle or in the luggage compartment.
•Comply with any relevant safety information and legislation concerning the handling of
fuels.
WARNING