2021 VOLKSWAGEN UP! catalytic converter

SymbolMeaning ⇒See
Do not drive on!
The electromechanical steering is faulty or not working.
Driver or front passenger seat belt not fastened.
⇒ Seat belts
There are objects on the front passenger seat.
Fault in the alternator.⇒ Vehicle battery
Vehicles with start/stop system: manual engine start
required.
⇒ Pull-away assist
systems
Fault in the automated manual gearbox.⇒ Changing gear
Lit up: there is a fault in the ESC, or it has been switched of
for system-related reasons
OR: together with the ABS indicator lamp : ABS fault.
OR: the vehicle battery has been reconnected.
⇒ Braking, stopping
and parking
Flashing: ESC/TCS is taking corrective action.
Lit up: Traction Control fault or switched off for system-
related reasons.
Flashes: Traction Control active.
ABS faulty or not functioning.
The rear fog light is switched on.⇒ Lights
Lit up or flashing: catalytic converter fault.⇒ Engine
management
system and exhaust
purification system
Engine management system fault (Electronic Power
Control).
Electromechanical steering function reduced.⇒ Steering
Petrol tank nearly empty.⇒ Filling the tank
Natural gas tank nearly empty.⇒ Filling the tank
Fault in airbag and belt tensioner system.⇒ Airbag system
Automated manual gearbox overheated, or the gears
cannot be selected correctly.⇒ Changing gear
Flashing: vehicle with an automated manual gearbox is not
secured from rolling away.
Changing gear
⇒ Changing gear
Braking, stopping
and parking
⇒ Braking, stopping
and parking
Turn signal left or right.⇒ Lights
Hazard warning lights switched on.⇒ In an emergency
Cruise control system is controlling the speed.⇒ Cruise control
system (CCS)
Depress the brake pedal.
Changing gear
⇒ Changing gear
Braking, stopping
and parking
⇒ Braking, stopping
and parking
Main beam is switched on or the headlight flasher is being
operated.⇒ Lights
Engine coolant temperature is too low in vehicles with
natural gas engine.⇒ Coolant
Seat belt fastened for a rear seat passenger.
⇒ Seat belts
Seat belt not fastened for a rear seat passenger.
Immobilizer active.⇒ Starting and
stopping the engine
After switching on the ignition: Display to indicate that a
service is due soon.
⇒ Instruments
Black ice warning. The outside temperature is below
+4°C (+39°F).
Flashing quickly: City emergency brake function braking
automatically or has braked automatically.
⇒ City emergency
brake function
Flashing slowly: City emergency brake function currently
not available.
City emergency brake function has been switched on
manually. Switches off after approx. 5 seconds.
City emergency brake function has been switched off
manually.
Lit up: start/stop system is available.
Flashing: start/stop system is not available.⇒ Pull-away assist
systemsStart/stop system is available, but an automatic engine stop
is not possible.

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

Starting the engine
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The steps should only be carried out in the specified order.
Manual gearboxAutomated manual gearbox
1.Depress the brake pedal and hold it until
step 5 has been completed.Turn the vehicle key to position ⇒ Fig. 93①.
2.Fully depress the clutch pedal until the
engine has been started.
Depress the brake pedal and hold it until
step 5 has been completed.
3.Shift the gear stick to a neutral position.Place the selector lever in position N.
4.Turn the vehicle key in the ignition lock to position ⇒ Fig. 93② – do not depress the
accelerator.
5.Release the vehicle key once the engine has started.
6.If the engine does not start, stop the procedure and repeat it after approximately one minute.
7.Release the handbrake if you wish to pull away ⇒ Braking, stopping and parking.
Natural gas engines
The gas engine will only start with gas. It is possible to start the engine with petrol under the
following conditions:
•Very low outside temperatures.
•The mixture adjustment after filling is not yet complete.
•Natural gas tank is empty.
Do not warm up the engine by running it while the vehicle is stationary. Instead, pull off as
soon as there is good visibility through the windows. This helps the engine to reach operating
temperature more quickly and reduces emissions.
Components with a high power consumption are switched off temporarily when the engine is
started.
When starting from cold, the engine may be a little noisy for the first few seconds. This is
quite normal, and no cause for concern.
Stopping the engine
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The steps should only be carried out in the specified order.
Manual gearboxAutomated manual gearbox
1.The vehicle must be completely stationary ⇒.
2.Depress the brake pedal and hold it until step 4 has been completed.
3.Place the selector lever in position D or R.
4.Apply the handbrake firmly ⇒ Braking, stopping and parking.
5.Turn the vehicle key to position ⇒ Fig. 93⓪.
6.Select 1st gear or reverse gear.
Never leave the vehicle with the engine running. The vehicle could move suddenly,
particularly if a gear or position is selected, and cause accidents and serious injuries.
WARNING
A start booster can explode or suddenly cause the engine to run at high revs.
•Never use a start booster.
WARNING
•The starter and the engine can be damaged if you attempt to start the engine while the
vehicle is in motion or if the engine is started again immediately after it has been switched
off.
•When the engine is cold, avoid high engine speeds, driving at full throttle and overloading
the engine.
•Do not push-start or tow-start the engine. Unburnt fuel can damage the catalytic converter.
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.

Fig. 115 In the instrument cluster: variant A: fuel gauge for petrol, variant B: fuel gauge for petrol
Fig. 116 In the instrument cluster display: fuel gauge for petrol
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The fuel gauge can vary according to the vehicle equipment level ⇒ Fig. 115 or ⇒ Fig. 116.
Lit upNeedle position
⇒ Fig. 115
Possible cause ⇒Solution
Red marking ①
Fuel tank nearly empty.
Reserve quantity is being used
⇒ Capacities.
Fill the tank with petrol
as soon as possible ⇒
.
Blue marking ②
Natural gas fuel tank nearly
empty.
Reserve quantity is being used.
Refuel with natural gas
as soon as possible ⇒
.
Flashes for
approximately
10 seconds
Position of the
bar ⇒ Fig. 116
Possible cause ⇒Solution
Reserve fuel
marking flashes for
approximately 10
seconds (four small
segments)
Fuel tank nearly empty.
Reserve quantity is being used
⇒ Capacities.
Fill the tank as soon as
possible ⇒.
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.
Natural gas engines
Things to note: if the vehicle is parked for an extended period directly after refuelling, it may well
occur that the pointer for the natural gas engine does not indicate the fuel level shown directly after
refuelling. This does not mean that there is a leak in the system but but rather that, for technical
reasons the pressure has been decreased in the natural gas tank.
The small arrow next to the petrol pump symbol ⇒ Fig. 115 in the display instrument shows
you the side of the vehicle on which the tank flap is located.
Only applies for vehicles with a fuel gauge in the instrument cluster ⇒ Fig. 115.
Only applies for vehicles with a fuel gauge in the instrument cluster display ⇒ Fig. 116.
Filling the tank with petrol
a)
b)
Driving the vehicle when the fuel level is too low could lead to your vehicle breaking down in
traffic, accidents and serious injuries.
•When the fuel level is too low, the fuel supply to the engine could be irregular, especially
when driving up or down hills and inclines.
•The steering, all driver assist systems and brake assist systems will not function if the
engine sputters or stops completely due to a lack of fuel or irregular fuel supply.
•Always fill the tank when it is still 1/4 full. This reduces the risk of running out of fuel and
breaking down.
WARNING
•To avoid damage to your vehicle, always observe the indicator lamps and associated
warning texts.
•Do not run the tank empty. Irregular filling periods can cause backfiring and allow unburnt
fuel to enter the exhaust system. This could cause damage to the catalytic converter!
NOTICE
a)
b)

than the engine requires. However, this does not provide any advantage in terms of fuel
consumption or engine output.
Volkswagen recommends using fuel with a low sulphur content or sulphur-free fuel for petrol
engines in order to achieve reduced fuel consumption.
Petrol additives
The quality of petrol influences the running properties, performance and service life of the engine.
This is why the vehicle should be refuelled with good quality petrol that has only non-metallic
additives pre-added by the petroleum industry. These petrol additives help to prevent corrosion,
keep the fuel system clean, and prevent the build-up of deposits in the engine.
If good quality petrol containing non-metallic additives is not available, or if engine problems arise,
the necessary petrol additives must be added to the petrol when refuelling ⇒.
Not all petrol additives are effective. The use of unsuitable petrol additives can cause considerable
damage to the engine and catalytic converter. Metallic additives should be avoided at all times.
Petrol additives on sale that are intended to improve knock resistance or increase the octane
number can also contain metallic additives ⇒.
Volkswagen recommends genuine Volkswagen or Audi fuel additives for petrol engines. These
additives and information on how to use them are available from your Volkswagen dealership.
Natural gas engines
Run the petrol tank empty every 6 months until the indicator lamp  lights up. This is necessary to
maintain the required system function for petrol mode and fuel quality.
Natural gas
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Natural gas
Natural gas can be delivered in compressed or liquefied form.
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is produced by rapid cooling of the natural gas. This decreases the
volume considerably in comparison to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). A vehicle equipped with a
natural gas engine may not be refilled directly with liquefied natural gas as the gas would expand
too much once in the tank in the vehicle.
Vehicles fitted with a natural gas engine may therefore only be refilled and driven using
compressed natural gas ⇒.
Natural gas quality and consumption
Natural gas is available in two grades: H-gas and L-gas.
H-gas has a higher calorific value and a lower nitrogen and carbon dioxide content. The higher the
calorific value of the natural gas the lower the levels of consumption.
The calorific value and the nitrogen or carbon dioxide values may, however, vary within one quality
group. For this reason, the vehicle consumption may vary when using natural gas of the same
quality.
•Before filling up with petrol, check whether the fuel corresponds to the vehicle's
requirements according to the fuel standard information at the pump.
•Only use fuel that complies with EN 228 or DIN 51626-1 and has the correct octane
number. Otherwise, the engine and the fuel system can suffer considerable damage. The
engine can also lose power or fail.
•The use of unsuitable petrol additives can cause considerable damage to the engine and
catalytic converter.
•If, in an emergency, you have to use petrol with an octane number lower than the
recommended number, drive at medium engine speeds and avoid high engine loading.
Avoid high engine speeds and heavy engine loads. Failure to do so can result in engine
damage. Fill the tank with petrol with the correct octane number as soon as possible.
•Fuels that are identified at the fuel pump as containing metallic additives may not be used.
LRP fuel (lead replacement petrol) also contains high concentrations of metallic additives.
Risk of engine damage!
•Just one tankful of leaded fuel, or fuel containing other metallic additives, can seriously
impair the efficiency of the catalytic converter and can also cause considerable damage to
the catalytic converter and engine.
NOTICE

With the engine at operating temperature, park the vehicle on a level surface to ensure
that the engine oil reading is correct.
Switch off the engine and wait a few minutes for the engine oil to flow back into the sump.
Open the bonnet .
Identify the engine oil filler cap and oil dipstick. The engine oil filler opening bears the
symbol  on the cap and the oil dipstick has a coloured handle. If you cannot find the cap
and dipstick please contact a qualified workshop.
Pull the dipstick out of the guide tube and wipe it off with a clean cloth.
Insert the oil dipstick into the guide tube again as far as it will go. If there is a marking on
the oil dipstick, this marking must fit in the corresponding groove at the top end of the
guide tube when inserting.
After reading the oil level, push the oil dipstick back into the guide tube as far as it will go.
Unscrew the engine oil filler opening cap .
Using only the engine oil approved by Volkswagen expressly for this engine, top up the oil
in small gradual amounts (no more than 0.5 l).
To avoid overfilling, wait for approximately one minute after each pour to allow the engine
oil to flow into the oil sump up to the marking on the engine oil dipstick.
Read the engine oil level from the dipstick again before refilling with a further small
quantity of engine oil. Never overfill engine oil .
After the refilling procedure, the engine oil level should be at least in the centre of area Ⓑ,
but never above area Ⓐ .
After refilling, screw the engine oil filler cap back on correctly.
Reinsert the oil dipstick correctly into the guide tube as far as it will go.
Close the bonnet correctly .
Checklist
Carry out the steps in the specified order ⇒:
Pull the dipstick out again and read the engine oil level on the dipstick as follows: Ⓐ: do not
refill oil . Proceed to step 15. Ⓑ: oil can be refilled (approximately 0.5 l). Proceed to step 8
or 15. Ⓒ: oil must be refilled (approximately 1.0 l). Proceed to step 8.
The engine oil level must never be above area ⇒ Fig. 121Ⓐ. Otherwise oil can be drawn in
through the crankcase breather and escape into the atmosphere via the exhaust system.
Engine oil consumption
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Engine oil consumption can vary from engine to engine and can change during the working life of
an engine.
Depending on how you drive and the conditions in which the car is used, oil consumption can be up
to 1.0 litre/2,000 km – and is likely to be higher for the first 5,000 km for new vehicles. The engine
oil level must therefore be checked at regular intervals, preferably when refuelling and before long
journeys.
When the engine is working hard the oil level must be kept within the area shown in ⇒ Fig. 121Ⓐ,
for instance during long motorway cruising in summer or climbing mountain passes.
Engine oil can ignite if it comes into contact with hot engine components. It can cause fires,
burns and other serious injuries.
•If engine oil is spilt on cold engine parts it can heat up and ignite when the engine is
running.
•Always ensure that the engine oil filler cap is securely tightened after refilling, and that the
dipstick is properly inserted back into the guide tube. This will prevent the engine oil from
draining out on to hot engine components when the engine is running.
WARNING
•Do not start the engine if the engine oil level is above area ⇒ Fig. 121Ⓐ. Seek expert
assistance. The catalytic converter and the engine could otherwise be damaged.
•When refilling or changing operating fluids please ensure that the fluids are in the correct
container. Incorrect operating fluids can cause serious functional problems and engine
damage.
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