2021 VOLKSWAGEN UP! tow

•Switch on the ignition and the hazard warning lights.
•Once both vehicles are in motion, release the clutch.
•As soon as the engine starts, press the clutch and put the gear into neutral. This helps to
prevent driving into the towing vehicle.
However, if the vehicle still has to be tow-started (automated manual
gearbox):
•Switch on the ignition and the hazard warning lights.
•Place the selector lever in position N.
•When both vehicles are in motion and the brake pedal indicator lamp goes out, move the
selector lever to position D.
•As soon as the engine starts, press the brake pedal and move the selector lever to position N.
This helps to prevent driving into the towing vehicle.
Notes on towing
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Tow rope or tow bar
It is easier and safer to tow a vehicle with a tow bar. Only use a tow rope if you do not have a tow
bar.
The tow rope should be slightly elastic to reduce the strain on both vehicles. It is advisable to use a
tow rope made of synthetic fibre or similarly elastic material.
Only attach the tow rope or tow bar to the specially provided towing eyes or to the towing bracket.
When a vehicle with a manual gearbox has to be towed:
Check whether the vehicle can be towed ⇒ When should your vehicle not be towed?.
•Move the gear stick to neutral ⇒ Changing gear.
•Do not allow the vehicle to be towed at speeds faster than 50 km/h (30 mph).
•Do not have the vehicle towed further than 50 km (30 miles).
When a vehicle with an automated manual gearbox has to be towed:
Check whether the vehicle can be towed ⇒ When should your vehicle not be towed?
•Switch on the ignition.
•Move the selector lever to N⇒ Changing gear.
•Check whether the automated manual gearbox is really in neutral. To do this drive the car a few
metres as a test. The automated manual gearbox is in neutral if the vehicle can be easily
moved.
•Seek expert assistance if the automated manual gearbox cannot be put into neutral ⇒.
•Do not allow the vehicle to be towed at speeds faster than 50 km/h (30 mph).
•Do not have the vehicle towed further than 50 km (30 miles).
•If a breakdown truck is used, the vehicle must be towed with the front wheels raised.
When should your vehicle not be towed?
•If, due to damage, the vehicle gearbox no longer contains any lubricant.
•If the automated manual gearbox cannot be put into neutral ⇒.
•If the distance to be towed is further than 50 km - applies to vehicles with an automated manual
gearbox only.
•If the steering function or the operating clearance of the wheels cannot be ensured, e.g. after an
accident.
The vehicle can only be towed when the handbrake and steering lock are not engaged.
Fitting the front towing eye
When tow-starting, unburnt fuel can enter the catalytic converter and damage it.
NOTICE
Never tow a vehicle with automated manual gearbox if the automated manual gearbox cannot
be put into neutral. Otherwise, the gearbox and engine can suffer considerable damage.
NOTICE

Fig. 173 On the right-hand side of the front bumper: releasing and removing the cover
Fig. 174 Front bumper, right-hand side: screwing in the towing eye
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The towing eye is screwed into a threaded hole behind a cover on the right of the front bumper
⇒ Fig. 173.
The towing eye must always be kept in the vehicle.
Comply with the notes on towing ⇒ Notes on towing.
Fitting the towing eye at front
•Remove the towing eye from the vehicle toolkit in the luggage compartment ⇒ Vehicle toolkit.
•Press at the bottom of the cover ⇒ Fig. 173① to release the cover.
•Pull the cover forwards to remove it ② and leave it to hang on the vehicle.
•Turn the towing eye anticlockwise into the threaded hole and tighten as far as possible
⇒ Fig. 174⇒. Use a suitable object to screw the towing eye fully and securely into the
mounting.
•After you have finished towing, remove the towing eye by unscrewing it clockwise.
•Insert the lower locking lug in the opening in the bumper and guide the upper locking lug
carefully over the edge of the opening. If necessary, press the upper locking lug from above.
•Push on the upper area of the cover until the lower locking lug engages in the bumper.
Driving tips when towing
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Towing requires some experience, especially when using a tow rope. Both drivers should be
familiar with the technique required for towing. Inexperienced drivers should not attempt to tow.
When driving, ensure that you do not pull too hard on the towing vehicle and take care to avoid
jerking movements. When towing on an unpaved road, there is always a risk of overloading and
damaging the anchorage points.
You can still use the turn signals if your vehicle is towed with the hazard warning lights and ignition
switched on. Move the turn signal lever to signal the required direction. The hazard warning lights
will not flash while the turn signal is being used. The hazard warning lights will start flashing
automatically as soon as the turn signal lever is moved back to the neutral position.
Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle:
•Leave the ignition switched on to prevent the steering wheel from locking, and so that the turn
signals, horn, windscreen wipers and washers can be used.
•As the power assisted steering does not work if the engine is not running, you will need more
strength to steer than you normally would.
The towing eye must always be screwed firmly into the mounting. Otherwise, the towing eye
can be ripped out of the mounting when the vehicle is being tow-started or towed.
NOTICE

•You will need to depress the brake pedal more vigorously than normal as the brake servo is not
working. Do not drive too close to the towing vehicle.
•Read and comply with the information and notes in the owner's manual of the towing vehicle.
Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
•Accelerate carefully and gently. Avoid any sudden driving manoeuvres.
•Brake earlier than normal by pressing lightly on the brake pedal.
•Read and comply with any information and notes in the owner's manual of the towed vehicle.
AbbreviationDefinition
rpmRevolutions per minute – engine speed.
ABSAnti-lock brake system.
AG55-speed automated manual gearbox.
TCSTraction control system.
BASBrake Assist system.
ccmCubic centimetres. Unit of displacement.
CNGCompressed Natural Gas.
COCarbon dioxide.
DINGerman Standards Authority (Deutsches Institut für Normung).
DRLDaytime running lights.
EBDElectronic brake pressure distribution system.
EDLElectronic differential lock.
EUEuropean Union.
ENEuropean standard.
EPCEngine management system (electronic power control).
ESCElectronic stabilisation programme.
EECEuropean Economic Community.
VINVehicle identification number
g/kmCarbon dioxide emissions in grams per kilometre.
CCSCruise control system.
kNKilonewton, pulling power.
kpKilopond, pulling power.
kPaKilopascal, value for tyre inflation pressure.
kWKilowatt, engine power.
LEDLight-emitting diode.
MFDMultifunction display.
ECEngine code.
NmNewton metres, unit of engine torque.
RONResearch octane number, indication of the knock resistance of petrol.
MG55-speed manual gearbox.
TCTraction control.
TINT Tyre identification number (TIN).
tripTrip recorder.
TWITread wear indicator.
Volkswagen AG works continuously to develop and improve its vehicles. Please understand that we
must therefore reserve the right to alter any part of the vehicle and its equipment or technical
specifications at any time. The data provided concerning scope of delivery, appearance,
performance, dimensions, weights, fuel consumption, standards and vehicle functions are all
correct at the time of going to print. Some of the equipment described might not yet be available in
a particular vehicle (information can be provided by your local Volkswagen dealership), and some
equipment may not be available in certain countries. No legal commitment may be inferred from the
information, illustrations or descriptions in this manual.
No part of this manual may be reprinted, reproduced or translated without the written permission of
Volkswagen AG.
All rights under the laws of copyright are expressly reserved by Volkswagen AG. Subject to
alteration and amendment.
Printed in Germany.
© Volkswagen AG 2012
This paper was bleached without the use of chlorine.
Abbreviations
2