2021 VOLKSWAGEN UP! tow

If the front brake pads are tested, the rear brake pads should be tested at the same time.
Regularly check the thickness of the brake pads through the openings in the rims or from the
underside of the vehicle. If necessary, remove the wheels to carry out a comprehensive check.
Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Brake assist systems
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The brake assist systems ESC, ABS, EBV, BAS, TCS, TC and EDL will only function when the
engine is running. They make a considerable contribution to active driving safety.
Electronic stability control (ESC)
The ESC helps to reduce the risk of skidding and to improve driving stability by braking individual
wheels in certain driving situations. The ESC detects critical driving situations such as oversteer,
understeer and wheelspin. The system supports the stabilisation process for the vehicle by targeted
braking or by reducing engine torque.
ESC has its limitations. It is important to realise that ESC cannot overcome the laws of physics.
ESC will not be able to assist in every situation faced by a driver. For example, ESC will not be able
New brake pads will not have the optimal braking effect when first fitted.
•New brake pads cannot generate the full braking effect during the first 320 km and must
first be run in. A reduced braking effect can be increased by applying more pressure to the
brake pedal.
•You must drive particularly carefully when driving with new brake pads in order to reduce
the risk of accidents, serious injuries and loss of control of the vehicle.
•Never drive too close to other vehicles when running in new brake pads, and never create
a driving situation that will place a heavy load on the brakes.
WARNING
Overheated brakes reduce the braking effect and considerably increase the braking distance.
•When driving downhill the brakes are placed under particular strain and become hot very
quickly.
•Before driving down a long, steep gradient, reduce speed and change to a lower gear or
move the selector lever to a lower position. This will make use of the engine braking effect
and relieve the load on the brakes.
•Non-standard or damaged front spoilers could restrict the airflow to the brakes and cause
them to overheat.
WARNING
Wet brakes or brakes coated with ice or road salt react more slowly and require longer
braking distances.
•Carefully apply the brakes to test them.
•Always dry brakes and clean off any coating of ice and salt with a few cautious
applications of the brake when visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions permit.
WARNING
Driving without the brake servo can considerably increase the braking distance and thus
cause accidents and serious injuries.
•Never allow the vehicle to roll if the engine is switched off.
•If the brake servo does not function or the vehicle is being towed, the brake pedal will have
to be depressed more forcefully as the braking distance will be increased due to the lack
of assistance for the brake system.
WARNING
•Never let the brakes rub by applying light pressure to the brake when it is not necessary to
brake. Continual pressure on the brake pedal will overheat the brakes. This can
considerably reduce the brake effect, increase the braking distance and, in certain
circumstances, cause the brake system to fail completely.
•Before driving down a long, steep gradient, reduce speed and change to a lower gear or
move the selector lever to a lower position. This will make use of the engine braking effect
and relieve the load on the brakes. The brakes could otherwise overheat and possibly fail.
The brakes should only be used to slow or stop the vehicle.
NOTICE

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

FunctionWhat to do when the ignition is switched on
Switching the display
off manually
If applicable, press the portable navigation unit screen (delivered by
Volkswagen)
Switching off the
ParkPilot
automatically:
After shifting out of reverse gear.
Things to note about ParkPilot
•In some cases, the ParkPilot registers water and ice on the ultrasound sensors as an obstacle.
•The acoustic signal will become quieter after a few seconds if the distance remains the same.
The volume will remain constant if the acoustic warning is continuous.
•As soon as the vehicle moves away from the obstacle again, the intermittent acoustic warning is
switched off automatically. If the vehicle approaches the obstacle again, the acoustic warning is
switched on automatically.
•A Volkswagen dealership can adjust the volume of the acoustic signals.
If there is a function fault in the ParkPilot, an acoustic warning is emitted for approximately 3
seconds when switched on for the first time. The ParkPilot should be immediately checked by a
qualified workshop.
Acoustic and optical ParkPilot signals at the rear of the vehicle
Fig. 105 ParkPilot screen display on portable navigation unit (delivered by Volkswagen)
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Key
⇒ Fig. 105Meaning
ⒶScanned area behind the vehicle.
Yellow segment depicts an obstacle.
Red segment depicts an obstacle located close to the vehicle.
Depending on equipment level the areas to the rear of the vehicle that are scanned by the
ultrasound sensors are shown in the display of the portable navigation system (delivered by
Volkswagen). The positions of potential obstacles are displayed relative to the vehicle ⇒.
Acoustic signals and screen
Acoustic signals are given when the vehicle approaches an obstacle located to the rear. An
intermittent acoustic warning is given if there is sufficient distance between the vehicle and an
obstacle. The shorter the distance, the shorter the intervals. The acoustic warning will sound
continuously if the obstacle is very close.
If you continue to drive the vehicle closer to the obstacle despite the continuous acoustic warning,
the system will no longer be able to measure the distance.
Depending on the vehilcle equipment level, the scanned areas are displayed as several segments
in a display ⇒ Fig. 105. The closer the vehicle drives towards an obstacle, the closer the segment
will move to the vehicle in the display. The collision area has been reached when the penultimate
segment is displayed, if not before. Do not drive on!
Area of the vehicleDistance of the
vehicle from an
obstacle
Acoustic
signal
segment colour
when obstacle is
detected
Ⓐ
Rear centreapprox. 31 – 150 cmIntermittent
toneYellow
Rear sideapprox. 31 – 60 cm
Obstacle close
to the vehicleapprox. 0 – 30 cmConstant
toneRed
Do not allow the images shown on the screen to distract you from the traffic around you.
WARNING

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

•If vehicles are travelling towards you in the same lane.
•If the surrounding vehicles are very dirty and therefore not very reflective.
•If there is a lot of dust.
Air conditioning system
Heating, ventilating, cooling
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Controls
⇒ General information on the heating and fresh air system
⇒ Information on the air conditioning system
⇒ Vents
⇒ Air recirculation mode
Dust and pollen filter
The dust and pollen filter reduces the level of impurities in the outside air entering the vehicle.
The dust and pollen filter must be changed regularly to avoid impairing the performance of the air
conditioning system.
The dust and pollen filter must be changed more frequently than stated in the service schedule if
the efficiency of the filter declines prematurely due to the vehicle being used in areas with high
levels of air pollution.
Additional information and warnings:
•Exterior views ⇒ Exterior views
•Volkswagen information system ⇒ Volkswagen information system
•Windscreen wiper/washer ⇒ Windscreen wiper and washer
•Cleaning and caring for the vehicle exterior ⇒ Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior
If the cooling system is switched off, the outside air that is drawn into the vehicle is not
dehumidified. To prevent the windows misting over, Volkswagen recommends that you leave the air
conditioning (compressor) switched on. Press the button. The indicator lamp in the button
must light up.
Maximum heat output, which is needed to defrost the windows as quickly as possible, is only
available when the engine has reached its operating temperature.
Poor visibility through all windows increases the risk of collisions and accidents, which can
cause serious injuries.
•Always ensure that all windows are free of ice, snow and mist to ensure good visibility.
•Maximum heat output, which is needed to defrost the windows as quickly as possible, is
only available when the engine has reached its operating temperature. Do not start your
journey until you have good visibility.
•Always ensure that the heating and fresh air system or the air conditioning system and the
heated rear window are used correctly in order to have good visibility.
•Never use the air recirculation mode for an extended period. If the cooling system is
switched off, the windows can mist up very quickly in air recirculation mode and reduce
visibility considerably.
•Always switch off the air recirculation mode when it is not required.
WARNING
Stale air can quickly cause tiredness and lack of concentration in the driver, which in turn can
cause collisions, accidents and serious injuries.
•Never switch off the blowers or switch on the air recirculation mode for an extended period
as this prevents fresh air from entering the vehicle interior.
WARNING
•Switch off the air conditioning system if you suspect that it has been damaged. This can
help to prevent further damage. The air conditioning system should be checked by a
qualified workshop.
•Repairs to the air conditioning system require specialist knowledge and special tools.
Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
NOTICE

•Preparation for working in the engine compartment ⇒ Preparation for working in the engine
compartment
Fuels can pollute the environment. Any spilt service fluids must be cleaned up and disposed
of properly.
Indicator lamps and fuel gauge
Filling the tank incorrectly and incorrect handling of fuel can cause explosions, fire and
serious burns and injuries.
•Always ensure that the tank cap is properly closed, to prevent the evaporation and spillage
of fuel.
•Fuel is highly explosive and inflammable and can cause serious burns and other injuries.
•Fuel can spill out if the engine is not switched off or the filler nozzle is not fully inserted
into the fuel filler neck when filling the tank. This can cause fires, explosions and serious
burns and injuries.
•When filling the tank with fuel, the engine and the ignition must be switched off for safety
reasons.
•When filling the tank, always switch off your mobile telephone and two-way radio or any
other radio equipment. Electromagnetic radiation can generate sparks which can in turn
start a fire.
•Never get back into the vehicle while filling the tank. If in exceptional cases you have to
enter the vehicle, close the door and touch a metal object before touching the filler nozzle
again. This will remove any electrostatic charge from you. Failure to do so could generate
a spark. Sparks can cause a fire when filling the tank.
•Never fill the tank or fill up a spare canister near open flames, sparks or glowing matter
(e.g. cigarettes).
•Electrostatic discharge and electromagnetic radiation must be avoided when filling the
tank.
•Follow all applicable safety information provided by the filling station when filling the tank.
•Never spill fuel in the vehicle or in the luggage compartment.
WARNING
For safety reasons, Volkswagen does not recommend carrying a spare fuel canister in the
vehicle. Fuel can spill out of the full or empty canister and catch fire, especially in the event of
an accident. This could cause explosions, fire and injuries.
•If, in exceptional circumstances, you have to transport a spare fuel canister, please note
the following:
- When refilling never place the canister in or on top of the vehicle, for example in the
luggage compartment. There may be an electrostatic charge during refilling causing
the fuel fumes to ignite.
- Always place the spare fuel canister on the ground.
- When filling a spare fuel canister, place the filler nozzle as far as possible into the
filler opening.
- If the spare fuel canister is made of metal, the filler nozzle must have constant
contact with the canister in order to avoid static charging.
- Please follow all legislation concerning the use, stowage and transport of a spare
fuel canister.
- Ensure that the spare fuel canister is accordance with the industry standard, such
as ANSI or ASTM F852-86.
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.
•Filling the tank with diesel in a vehicle with a petrol engine can cause serious and
expensive engine damage and cause damage to the fuel system that is not covered by any
Volkswagen guarantee. Do not start the engine under any circumstances if you have
refilled using the incorrect fuel. Seek expert assistance. The substances in these fuels can
cause serious damage to the fuel system and to the engine itself if it is switched on.
NOTICE

recommends that the protective coating on the underside of the vehicle and on the running gear
should be checked regularly and repaired if necessary.
Cleaning the engine compartment
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a hazardous area ⇒ Preparation for working in the
engine compartment.
The engine compartment should be cleaned by a qualified workshop. An incorrect cleaning
procedure could possibly remove corrosion protection and damage electrical components.
Furthermore, water could enter the vehicle interior directly via the plenum chamber ⇒.
If the engine compartment is very dirty, we recommend that you always proceed to a qualified
workshop to have it cleaned by a professional mechanic. Volkswagen recommends using a
Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Plenum chamber
The plenum chamber is located in the engine compartment between the windscreen and the engine
and has a perforated cover. Air from outside is drawn in from the plenum chamber and is passed
into the vehicle interior via the heating and air conditioning system.
Leaves and other loose objects must be removed from the cover of the plenum chamber at regular
intervals using a vacuum cleaner or by hand.
In the interests of environmental protection, the engine compartment should be washed only
in specially provided wash bays. This prevents toxic waste water containing oil, grease and fuel
from entering the sewerage system. In some districts, washing the engine compartment anywhere
else may be prohibited.
Cleaning and caring for the interior
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Seat covers
⇒ Cleaning cloth seat covers, fabric trim and Alcantara upholstery
⇒ Cleaning and caring for natural leather covers
⇒ Cleaning leatherette upholstery
⇒ Cleaning stowage compartments, drink holders and ash trays
⇒ Cleaning and caring for the dash panel, wooden trims and plastic parts
⇒ Cleaning seat belts
Modern fabrics, such as dark denim, are often not colourfast. Light-coloured upholstery (soft
materials or leather) is particularly sensitive to staining caused by these fabrics, even if you are
careful. This is not caused by a fault in the upholstery, but by the non-colourfast nature of the
garments.
Leaving stains, dirt and other deposits on the surface of vehicle components and cloth seat covers
for a long time can make it difficult to clean and treat them. Stains, dirt and deposits may become
impossible to remove, particularly if left for a long time.
Additional information and warnings:
•Cleaning and caring for the vehicle exterior ⇒ Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior
Underseal and anti-corrosion coatings can ignite on the hot exhaust system or on other hot
engine parts.
•Never apply underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the exhaust pipes, catalytic converter,
heat shields or other vehicle components that become hot.
CAUTION
All work in the engine compartment carries the risk of injury, scalding, accidents and fire.
•Before carrying out any work ensure that you are familiar with the requisite procedures
and general safety regulations ⇒ Preparation for working in the engine compartment.
•Volkswagen recommends having the work carried out by a qualified workshop.
WARNING
Water that has entered the plenum chamber via a manual process (e.g. from a high-pressure
cleaner) can cause considerable damage to the vehicle.
NOTICE

However, slight colour variations will arise in normal use.
Mild soap solution: two tablespoons neutral soap diluted in one litre of water.
Cleaning leatherette upholstery
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Please observe the following notes prior to cleaning the leatherette upholstery ⇒ Cleaning
upholstery on seat cushions with seat heating, electrically adjustable seats, or seats containing
airbag components.
Only use water and neutral detergents to clean the leatherette upholstery.
Cleaning stowage compartments, drink holders and ash trays
Fig. 128 In the centre console: stowage compartment with drink holder
Fig. 129 Ashtray with snuffer, removed and opened
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Cleaning stowage compartments and drink holders
•Moisten a clean, lint-free cloth with water and clean the parts.
•If this does not provide satisfactory results, use a special solvent-free plastic cleaning product.
Cleaning the ashtray
•Remove and empty the ashtray.
•Wipe the ashtray with a cloth to clean it.
To clean the snuffer ⇒ Fig. 129, use a toothpick or similar object to pick out the ashes.
•Do not use solvents, wax polish, shoe cream, spot removers or similar products on leather.
•Stains cannot be removed if they has been left on the leather for a long time and have
penetrated the surface.
•Spilt liquids should be cleaned immediately using an absorbent cloth as the leather surface
and the stitching absorb liquids quickly.
•If the car is left standing outdoors for long periods, the leather should be protected against
direct sunlight to prevent it from fading.
NOTICE
a)
Do not use solvents, wax polish, shoe cream, spot removers or similar products on the
leatherette upholstery. These may cause the material to become hard and brittle prematurely.
NOTICE