2021 VOLKSWAGEN UP! charging

If you have to drive a right-hand drive vehicle in a left-hand drive country, or vice versa, the
asymmetric dipped beam headlights may dazzle oncoming traffic.
Therefore you may have to apply stickers to certain parts of the headlight lenses if you are driving
abroad. A qualified workshop can provide you with further information. Volkswagen recommends
using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Stickers may only be used on the headlights for a limited period. Please contact a qualified
workshop for a permanent alteration. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for
this purpose.
Headlight range control, instrument and switch lighting
Fig. 63 Next to steering wheel: headlight range control
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Headlight range control
Depending on what level it is set to, the headlight range control ⇒ Fig. 63 adjusts the position of the
light cones in the headlights according to the load level of the vehicle. This gives the driver the best
visibility possible and means that oncoming traffic will not be dazzled ⇒.
The headlights can only be adjusted when the dipped beam headlights are switched on.
To adjust, turn the control ⇒ Fig. 63:
SettingVehicle load level
–Front seats occupied and luggage compartment empty.
1All seats occupied and luggage compartment empty.
2All seats occupied and luggage compartment fully loaded.
3Only the driver seat occupied and luggage compartment fully loaded.
Instrument and switch lighting
The instrument and switch lighting will have a constant brightness setting if the side lights or dipped
beam are switched on.
If you have different loads, you can select a position between the settings.
Interior and reading lights
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Button or positionFunction
Switching off the interior light.
Switching on the interior light.
Switching door contact switch on (central position).
The interior light is switched on automatically when the vehicle is
unlocked, a door is opened or the key is removed from the ignition
lock.
The light will go out a few seconds after all the doors are closed, the
vehicle is locked or the ignition is switched on.
Switching the individual reading lights on or off.
The interior lighting and reading lights switch off when the vehicle is locked or after a delay of
a few minutes when the vehicle key is removed from the ignition lock. This prevents the battery
from discharging.
a)
Heavy objects in the vehicle can cause the headlights to dazzle and distract other road users.
This can lead to accidents and serious injuries.
•The light cone should always be adjusted to the load level of the vehicle to ensure that
other road users are not dazzled.
WARNING
a)

Do not leave the engine running when the vehicle is stationary.
Using electrical appliances with the engine switched off and the ignition switched on will
drain the battery.
Unshielded devices can cause interference with radio reception and vehicle electronics.
Interference with AM radio reception could occur if electrical devices are used in the vicinity
of the aerial.
Socket in the vehicle
Fig. 92 Front centre console: 12-volt socket in the stowage compartment
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Maximum power rating
Electrical socketMaximum power rating
12-volt120 watts
The maximum power rating of the sockets may not be exceeded. The power rating of each device
is stated on its type plate.
If two or more devices are connected at the same time, ensure that the overall power consumption
of all connected electrical devices never exceeds 190 watts ⇒.
12-volt socket
The 12-volt socket is located in the ashtray in the front centre console ⇒ Fig. 92 and works only
when the ignition is switched on.
Using electrical appliances with the engine switched off and the ignition switched on will drain the
battery. Electrical consumers should therefore only be plugged into the sockets when the engine is
running.
To prevent damage due to voltage fluctuation, switch off any connected devices before switching
the ignition or engine on or off.
Improper use of the socket and electrical accessories can cause fires and other severe
injuries.
•Never leave children in the vehicle unattended. The socket and the devices connected to it
can be used when the ignition is switched on.
•If the electrical device gets too hot, switch off the device immediately and disconnect it
from the socket.
WARNING
•In order to prevent damage to the electrical system, never connect equipment that
generates electricity, such as solar panels or battery chargers for charging the vehicle
battery, to the 12-volt socket.
•Only use accessories that have been approved in accordance with current guidelines
concerning electromagnetic compatibility.
•In order to avoid damage due to voltage fluctuation, always switch off any electrical
consumers connected to the 12-volt socket before switching the ignition or the engine on
or off. When the start/stop system automatically switches off and restarts the engine, it is
not necessary to switch off any connected electrical consumers.
•Never connect electrical devices requiring more electrical power to a 12-volt socket. The
vehicle's electrical system can be damaged if the maximum power output is exceeded.
NOTICE

•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

•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

•Unscrew the cap carefully ⇒.
•Refill only new coolant according to the Volkswagen specification (⇒ Coolant specification) ⇒
.
•The coolant level must be between the marks on the expansion tank ⇒ Fig. 123. Do not fill up
over the top line of the marked area⇒!
•Close the cap tightly.
•If in an emergency you do not have access to the coolant of the required specification
(⇒ Coolant specification), do not use any other coolant additive. Instead, initially refill with
distilled water⇒ only. Then add the correct proportion of coolant additive as soon as
possible ⇒ Coolant specification.
Vehicle battery
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Warning lamp
⇒ Checking the electrolyte level of the vehicle battery
⇒ Charging, replacing, disconnecting and connecting the vehicle battery
The vehicle battery is a component of the electrical system in the vehicle.
Never carry out any work on the electrical system if you are not familiar with the necessary
procedures and the general safety requirements and only unsuitable tools are available ⇒. The
work should be carried out by a qualified workshop if you are uncertain. Volkswagen recommends
using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose. Serious injuries can be caused if work is carried
out incorrectly.
Location of the vehicle battery
The vehicle battery is located in the engine compartment.
Hot steam or engine coolant can cause serious burns.
•Never open the bonnet if you can see or hear steam or engine coolant coming out of the
engine compartment. Always wait until no escaping steam or coolant can be seen or
heard.
•Always allow the engine to cool down completely before carefully opening the bonnet. Hot
components can burn the skin.
•Before opening the bonnet once it has cooled down:
- Apply the handbrake fully and move the selector lever to position N or move the
manual gear lever to the neutral position.
- Remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock.
- Always keep children away from the engine compartment and never leave the
vehicle unattended.
•The engine cooling system is under pressure when the engine is hot. Never open the cap
of the coolant expansion tank when the engine is hot. Coolant may spray out and cause
serious burns and injuries.
- Turn the cap slowly and very carefully anticlockwise while exerting some downward
pressure on the cap.
- Always protect the face, hands and arms from hot coolant or steam with a large,
thick cloth.
•When refilling, do not spill any service fluids on engine components or on the exhaust
system. The spilt service fluids can start a fire. In certain circumstances, the ethylene
glycol in the engine can catch fire.
WARNING
•Refill only with distilled water. All other types of water can cause corrosion in the engine
due to the chemical components contained therein. This can also lead to engine failure. If
any other type of water is refilled, the fluid in the engine cooling system should be
completely replaced immediately by a qualified workshop.
•Do not fill coolant above the top of the marked area ⇒ Fig. 123. Otherwise the excess
coolant will be pressed out of the cooling system when the engine is hot and could cause
damage.
•If a large amount of coolant has been lost, do not refill the coolant until the engine has
cooled completely. Heavy coolant loss is an indication of leaks in the engine cooling
system. The engine cooling system should be checked by a qualified workshop as soon as
possible. Failure to do so can result in engine damage.
•When refilling operating fluids, please ensure that the correct container is filled. The use of
incorrect operating fluids could result in serious malfunctions and engine damage!
NOTICE

Explanation of the warnings on the vehicle battery
SymbolMeaning
Always wear eye protection!
Electrolyte is very corrosive and caustic. Always wear protective gloves
and eye protection!
No fires, sparks, naked lights or smoking!
A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the vehicle battery
is charging!
Always keep children away from acid and the vehicle battery!
Additional information and warnings:
•⇒BookletService schedule,
•Pull-away assist systems ⇒ Pull-away assist systems
•Preparation for working in the engine compartment ⇒ Preparation for working in the engine
compartment
•Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs
and renewal of parts
After starting the engine with a discharged vehicle battery, or after the battery has been
changed, system settings (time, date, personal convenience settings and programming) may have
been changed or deleted. Check and correct the settings as necessary once the vehicle battery has
been sufficiently charged.
Warning lamp
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Lit upPossible causeSolution
Fault in the alternator.Proceed to a qualified workshop. The
electrical system should be checked.
Switch off all electrical equipment that is not
required. The vehicle battery will not be
charged by the alternator while the vehicle is
in motion.
Any work on the vehicle battery and the electrical system can cause serious chemical burns,
fire and electric shocks. Always read the following warnings and safety information before
carrying out any kind of work:
•Switch off the ignition and all electrical consumers before carrying out any work on the
vehicle battery and also disconnect the negative cable from the vehicle battery.
•Children should always be kept away from electrolyte and the vehicle battery.
•Always wear eye protection.
•Electrolyte is very aggressive. It can burn the skin and can cause blindness. When
working with the battery, protect your hands, arms and particularly your face from acid
spillages.
•Do not smoke during the work, and never work near naked flames or sparks.
•When handling cables and electrical equipment, avoid generating sparks and electrostatic
charge.
•Never short circuit the battery poles.
•Never use a damaged vehicle battery. It can explode. Damaged vehicle batteries must be
replaced as soon as possible.
•Damaged or frozen vehicle batteries must be replaced immediately. Discharged vehicle
batteries can even freeze at temperatures of around 0°C (+32°F).
WARNING
•Do not allow direct sunlight onto the vehicle battery for an extended period as the UV rays
could damage the battery housing.
•If the vehicle is left standing in cold conditions for a long period, protect the vehicle battery
from frost. If it freezes it will be damaged.
NOTICE
Operation of the vehicle for a very long time at very high outside temperatures can lead to
vehicle battery damage.
NOTICE

Charging, replacing, disconnecting and connecting the vehicle battery
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Charging the battery
The vehicle battery should be charged by a qualified workshop, as the technology used in factory-
fitted batteries requires voltage-limited charging ⇒. Volkswagen recommends using a
Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Replacing a vehicle battery
The battery has been developed to suit the conditions of its location and has special safety
features. If a vehicle battery has to be replaced, discuss the electromagnetic compatibility, size and
necessary servicing, output and safety requirements for the new vehicle battery with a Volkswagen
dealership before purchase. Volkswagen recommends that the vehicle battery is changed by a
Volkswagen dealership.
Only maintenance-free vehicle batteries compliant with the standards TL 825 06 and VW 7 50 73
should be used. These standards must be dated April 2008 or later.
Vehicles with start/stop system ⇒ Pull-away assist systems are equipped with a special vehicle
battery. These vehicle batteries may only be replaced by a vehicle battery with the same
specifications.
Disconnecting the vehicle battery
Please note the following if the vehicle battery has to be disconnected from the electrical system in
the vehicle:
•Switch off all electrical consumers and the ignition.
•Unlock the vehicle before disconnecting the battery in order to avoid triggering the alarm.
•First disconnect the negative cable and then the positive cable ⇒.
Connecting the vehicle battery
•Switch off all electrical consumers and the ignition before reconnecting the vehicle battery.
•First reconnect the positive cable and then the negative cable ⇒.
Various indicator lamps may light up after the vehicle battery has been connected and the ignition is
switched on. They will go out if you drive a short distance at a speed of 15–20 km/h (10–12 mph). If
the indicator lamps remain lit up, the vehicle should be checked by a qualified workshop.
If the vehicle battery was disconnected for long periods, the system may not able to calculate or
correctly display the time when the next service is due ⇒ Instruments. Comply with the maximum
permissible service intervals ⇒BookletService schedule,.
Automatic switch-off for electrical consumers
The intelligent vehicle electrical system automatically implements a range of measures to prevent
the battery from discharging under high loads:
•The idling speed is increased so that the alternator provides more electricity.
•The performance of large electrical consumers may be reduced or they may be switched off
completely.
•The power supply to the 12-volt socket and the cigarette lighter is interrupted temporarily while
the engine is being started.
The vehicle electrical system cannot always prevent the vehicle battery from discharging. For
example when the ignition is switched on for an extended period with the engine off, or when the
side or parking lights are on when the vehicle is parked for an extended period.
Any work on the vehicle battery can cause serious chemical burns, explosions and electric
shocks.
•Always wear eye protection and protective gloves.
•Electrolyte is very aggressive. It can burn the skin and can cause blindness. When
working with the battery, protect your hands, arms and particularly your face from acid
spillages.
•Never tilt the vehicle battery. Electrolyte may spill out of the battery vents and cause
chemical burns.
•Never open a vehicle battery.
•If acid is splashed onto your skin or into your eye, rinse immediately for several minutes
with cold water. Then consult a doctor immediately.
•If acid is swallowed, consult a doctor immediately.
WARNING