2021 VOLKSWAGEN UP! check engine light

Warning and information displays
The system checks certain components and functions in the vehicle when the ignition is switched
on or while the vehicle is in motion. Functional faults are indicated by warning symbols on the
instrument cluster display (⇒ Warning and indicator lamps). An acoustic warning is also given in
certain cases. Different instrument cluster designs will have different displays.
Distance displays
The odometer registers the total distance travelled by the car.
The trip recorder (trip) shows the distance travelled since the trip recorder was last reset. The final
digit shows distances of 100 m.
Outside temperature display
If the outside temperature falls below +4°C (+39°F), the display also shows a snowflake symbol (ice
warning). This symbol flashes and then remains constantly lit until the outside temperature rises
above +6°C (+43°F) ⇒.
When the vehicle is stationary or travelling at very low speeds, the temperature displayed may be
slightly higher than the actual outside temperature as a result of the heat radiated from the engine.
The measuring range lies between -40℃ (-40°F) and +50 ℃ (+122°F).
Selector lever positions
The chosen selector lever position is indicated by luminous lettering on the selector lever. In
position D the selected gear and the current position are shown in the instrument cluster display. In
position (Tiptronic) only the selected gear is shown ⇒ Changing gear.
Gear-change indicator (manual gearbox)
While the vehicle is in motion, the instrument cluster may show which gear should be selected to
reduce fuel consumption ⇒ Changing gear.
Belt status display for the rear seats
Once the ignition has been switched on, the driver can see the belt status display in the instrument
cluster display and therefore can tell whether or not the rear passengers have fastened their seat
belts ⇒ Seat belts.
Start/stop system status display
The instrument cluster display shows information about the current status ⇒ Pull-away assist
systems.
The design and content of displays may vary, as different instrument clusters are available.
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.
•Broken-down vehicles increase the risk of accidents, both for you and for other road users.
If necessary, switch on the hazard warning lights and set up the warning triangle to warn
other road users.
•Stop the vehicle at a safe distance away from moving traffic and ensure that no part of the
exhaust system can come into contact with any inflammable material underneath the
vehicle, e.g. dry grass or fuel.
WARNING
Streets and bridges can be iced over at outside temperatures above freezing point.
•There may be black ice on the roads at outside temperatures above +4°C (+39°F) and
also when no snowflake symbol is displayed as a black ice warning.
•You should never rely solely on the outside temperature display!
WARNING
Failure to observe the illuminated indicator lamps could lead to the vehicle being damaged.
NOTICE

Check that all lights and turn signals are working properly.
Check the tyre pressure (Wheels and tyres) and fuel level (Filling the tank).
Ensure that you have a good, clear view through all of the windows.
Secure any objects and luggage in the stowage compartments, the luggage compartment
or on the roof Driving notes.
Ensure that you are able to operate the pedals freely at all times.
Secure any children travelling in the vehicle in a restraint system suitable for their weight
and size Child seats (accessories).
Adjust the front seats, head restraints and mirrors properly in accordance with the size of
the occupants Adjusting the seat position, Mirrors.
Wear shoes that provide good grip for your feet when using the pedals.
The floor mat in the footwell on the driver side must leave the pedal area free and must be
securely fastened.
Assume a correct sitting position before setting off and maintain this position while driving.
This also applies to all passengers Adjusting the seat position.
Fasten your seat belt correctly before setting off and keep it properly fastened throughout
the journey. This also applies to all passengers Seat belts.
Each vehicle occupant must sit in a seat of their own and must have their own seat belt.
Never drive if your driving ability is impaired, e.g. by medication, alcohol or drugs.
Do not allow yourself to be distracted from the traffic, e.g. by passengers, telephone calls,
opening menus and making adjustments to settings.
Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions.
Observe traffic regulations and speed limits.
When travelling long distances, stop and take a break regularly – at least every 2 hours.
Secure animals in the vehicle using a system that is suitable for their weight and size.
Additional information and warnings:
•Sitting correctly and safely ⇒ Sitting correctly and safely
•Transporting ⇒ Transporting
•Starting the engine, changing gear and parking the vehicle ⇒ Starting the engine, changing gear
and parking
•Driving with respect for the environment ⇒ Driving with respect for the environment
•Consumer information ⇒ Consumer information
Preparing for a journey and driving safely
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Checklist
Observe the following information both before and during the journey to ensure your own safety
and the safety of passengers and other road users ⇒:
Servicing the vehicle is not only about vehicle maintenance – it also ensures that your
vehicle remains roadworthy and in perfect working order. Servicing work should therefore be
carried out in accordance with the service schedule. Some work may have to be carried out before
the due date of the next service if the vehicle is subjected to severe operating conditions. Severe
operating conditions are, for example, regular stop and go driving and driving in areas with high
levels of dust. Further information can be obtained from your Volkswagen dealership or qualified
workshop.
Driving abroad
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, medication or narcotics can cause serious
accidents and fatal injuries.
•Alcohol, drugs, medication and narcotics can severely impair perception, reaction times
and driving safety. This could cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
WARNING
Always observe current traffic regulations and speed limits, and think ahead when driving.
Correct interpretation of a driving situation can make the difference between reaching your
destination safely and having an accident with serious injuries.
WARNING

Are any technical modifications required for driving the vehicle abroad, e.g. masking the
headlights?
Are the necessary tools, diagnostic equipment and spare parts available for service and
repair work?
Are there any Volkswagen dealerships in the destination country?
For petrol engines: is unleaded petrol with the correct octane number available?
And for gas engines: is compressed natural gas (CNG) available Fuel?
Are the correct engine oil (Engine oil) and other service fluids that comply with Volkswagen
specifications available in the destination country?
Will the portable navigation unit Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts
work with the navigation data available in the destination country?
Are special tyres necessary for travelling in the destination country?
Checklist
In some countries, special safety standards and emissions-related legislation apply that may
differ from the construction of the vehicle. Volkswagen recommends that you visit your
Volkswagen dealership before travelling abroad to find out about any legal requirements and
the following issues at your destination:
Driving through water on roads
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Please follow these rules to help prevent damage to your vehicle when driving through water, for
example if the road is flooded:
•Check the depth of the water before driving through it. The water level must be no higher than
the lower edge of the vehicle body ⇒.
•Do not drive faster than walking speed.
•Never stop the vehicle, reverse or switch off the engine while in water.
•Oncoming vehicles create waves that could increase the water level for your vehicle to such an
extent that it is not safe to drive through the water.
•When driving through water, always switch off the start/stop system ⇒ Pull-away assist
systems.
Technical data
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Vehicle identification data
⇒ Engine data
⇒ Dimensions
⇒ Performance figures
The vehicle data sticker in the service schedule or the vehicle registration documents show which
engine is installed in your vehicle.
All data in the official vehicle documents take precedence over these data. All data in this manual
apply to the basic model. The figures may be different if additional equipment is fitted, for different
models, for special vehicles and for other countries.
Volkswagen is not responsible for any vehicle damage caused by low-quality fuel, inadequate
servicing work or lack of Genuine Parts.
NOTICE
After driving through water, mud, slush etc., the brakes may react slowly and the braking
distance will be increased as the brake discs and pads will be wet, or possibly iced up in
winter.
•You can dry and de-ice the brakes by performing careful braking manoeuvres. Ensure that
you do not endanger any other road users or violate any legal regulations when doing so.
•Avoid abrupt and sudden braking manoeuvres directly after driving through water.
WARNING
•If you drive through water, parts of the vehicle, such as the engine, drive train, running
gear and vehicle electrics, could sustain severe damage.
•Never drive through salt water as salt can cause corrosion. Rinse all components that have
been exposed to salt water immediately with fresh water.
NOTICE

•Tow-starting and towing ⇒ Tow-starting and towing
Warning and indicator lamp
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Lit upPossible causeSolution
Fault in the automated manual gearbox.
Do not drive on!
Seek expert assistance. Failure to do so can
cause considerable damage to the gearbox
⇒ Fault in the automated manual gearbox.
Gears in the automated manual gearbox
cannot be selected correctly.
Switch the ignition on and off. If the indicator
lamp remains lit up, the automated manual
gearbox should be checked by a qualified
workshop .
Automated manual gearbox temporarily
overheated.
Allow the gearbox to cool down in selector
lever position . If the indicator lamp
remains lit up, the automated manual
gearbox should be checked by a qualified
workshop .
Selector lever for the automated manual
gearbox in position and the brake
pedal not depressed.
To select a position, press the brake pedal
⇒ Braking, stopping and parking.
In conjunction with the yellow indicator
lamp for gearbox temperature :
automated manual gearbox overheated.
Depress the break pedal ⇒ Braking, stopping
and parking and allow the gearbox to cool
down. Do not perform pulling-away
manoeuvres in the meantime. If the indicator
lamp remains lit up, the automated manual
gearbox should be checked by a qualified
workshop .
In conjunction with the flashing display
on the instrument cluster: the selector
lever for the automated manual gearbox
is not in position , prompt to start the
engine.
Move the selector lever to and start the
engine ⇒ Starting and stopping the engine.
FlashesPossible causeSolution
Flashing: vehicle with an automated
manual gearbox is not secured from
rolling away.
Apply the handbrake ⇒ Braking, stopping
and parking.
You are prompted in conjunction with
the indicator lamp to depress the brake
pedal : prompt to start the engine.
Move the selector lever to and start the
engine ⇒ Starting and stopping the engine.
During forward travel: attempt to place
automated manual gearbox selector
lever into position .
Stop the car and move the selector lever to
position so that it can then be moved to
position .
The selector lever for the automated
manual gearbox has been moved to
position or but the brake pedal
was not depressed.
Depress the brake pedal ⇒ Braking,
stopping and parking, move the selector
lever to position and then back to the
required position or .
Rapid acceleration can cause loss of traction and skidding, particularly on slippery roads. This
can cause you to lose control of the vehicle, which can lead to accidents and serious injuries.
•The kickdown function or fast acceleration should only be used if the visibility, weather,
road and traffic conditions permit.
WARNING
Never ride the brake pedal. Do not overuse the brake pedal. Constant braking will cause the
brakes to overheat. This can considerably reduce the brake effect, increase the braking
distance and, in certain circumstances, cause the brake system to fail completely.
WARNING
•Never let the brakes rub by applying light pressure to the brake when it is not necessary to
brake. This will increase levels of wear.
•Before driving down a long, steep gradient, reduce speed and change to a lower gear or in
vehicles with an automated manual gearbox in Tiptronic mode, 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

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

Fault in the automated manual gearbox
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Emergency programme
There may be a fault in the system if warning and indicator lamps for the automated manual
gearbox light up in the vehicle cluster ⇒ Warning and indicator lamp. When certain faults occur, the
automated manual gearbox runs in an emergency programme. The vehicle can still be driven in the
emergency programme, but only at reduced speed and not in all gears.
With an automated manual gearbox it may then be the case that the vehicle can no longer be
driven in all gears.
In all cases the automated manual gearbox should be checked by a qualified workshop
immediately.
Overheating in the automated manual gearbox
The automated manual gearbox can overheat, for example if the vehicle regularly pulls off from the
starting position or in stop-and-go traffic. Overheating is indicated by a warning lamp displayed
in the instrument cluster. An acoustic warning may also be heard. Stop the vehicle and allow the
gearbox to cool down ⇒.
The vehicle does not move forwards or backwards even though a position
has been selected
If the vehicle will not move in the required direction, the system may have selected the position
incorrectly. Depress the brake pedal and reselect the position.
If the vehicle still does not move in the required direction, there is a system fault. Seek expert
assistance and have the system checked.
Gear-change indicator (manual gearbox)
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
In some vehicles, the instrument cluster will show which gear should be selected while the vehicle
is in motion to reduce fuel consumption.
DisplayMeaning
The current gear is optimal.
A higher gear is recommended.
A lower gear is recommended.
Rapid acceleration can cause loss of traction and skidding, particularly on slippery roads. This
can cause you to lose control of the vehicle, which can lead to accidents and serious injuries.
•Always adjust your driving style in accordance with the flow of traffic.
•The kickdown function or fast acceleration should only be used if the visibility, weather,
road and traffic conditions permit.
•You should never endanger other road users through the acceleration of your vehicle or
through your driving style.
WARNING
If you stop the vehicle on an incline, do not attempt to stop it from rolling back by depressing
the accelerator while a position is still selected. The automated manual gearbox could
overheat and be damaged.
NOTICE
•If the display indicates that the gearbox is overheating for the first time, the vehicle will
have to be parked safely or driven faster than 20 km/h (12 mph).
•If the lamp signal and acoustic warning are repeated approximately every 10 seconds, the
vehicle must immediately be parked safely and the engine switched off. Allow the gearbox
to cool down.
•In order to prevent damage to the gearbox, you should not drive on until the lamp goes out.
You should not pull away or drive the vehicle at very low speeds while the gearbox is
overheated.
NOTICE

Information on the brakes
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
New brake pads cannot generate the full braking effect during the first 200 to 300 km and must first
be run in ⇒. However, you can compensate for the slightly reduced braking force by applying
more pressure to the brake pedal. During the run-in period, the braking distance is longer when
the brakes are depressed fully or during emergency braking than with brakes that have been fully
run in. In the run-in period, the brakes should not be depressed fully and situations that create a
heavy load on the brakes should be avoided. For example, when driving too close to the vehicle
ahead.
The rate of wear of the brake pads depends to a great extent on the conditions under which the
vehicle is operated and the way in which the vehicle is driven. With regular urban trips, short
journeys and a sporty driving style, the brake pads must be checked by a qualified workshop more
regularly than stated in the service schedule.
When driving with wet brakes, for example after driving through water, after heavy rainfall or after
washing the vehicle, the braking effect may be delayed as the brake discs will be wet, or possibly
iced up (in winter). The brakes must be dried as quickly as possible by careful braking at higher
speed. Please ensure that no following vehicle and no other road user is put at risk as a result of
this action ⇒.
Any layer of salt accumulated on the discs and pads will delay the braking effect and increase the
braking distance. If the brakes on the vehicle have not been applied for a long time on roads that
have been gritted with salt, the layer of salt must be reduced through careful braking ⇒.
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt in the brake pads are facilitated through long periods of
inactivity, low mileage and low load levels. If the brake pads have been hardly used, or if they are at
all corroded, Volkswagen recommends that the brake discs and brake pads be cleaned by braking
strongly several times from high speed. Please ensure that no following vehicle and no other road
user is put at risk as a result of this action ⇒.
Fault in the brake system
A brake circuit may have failed if you have to reduce speed and the vehicle does not brake as
normal (sudden increase in braking distance). This is indicated by the warning light . Go to the
nearest qualified workshop immediately to have the fault corrected. Drive at low speed when doing
this and anticipate much longer braking distances and an increase in the pressure required on the
pedal.
Brake servo
The brake servo will only function when the engine is running and reinforces the pressure applied
by the driver on the brake pedal.
If the brake servo is not functioning 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 ⇒.
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 any
inflammable material underneath the vehicle, e.g. leaves, dry grass, spilt fuel.
WARNING
•To avoid unintentional movement when parking the vehicle, first apply the handbrake firmly
and then remove your foot from the brake pedal.
•Always take care when driving in car parks with protruding kerbstones or bollards. Objects
that protrude from the ground can damage the bumper and other components when
parking the vehicle. In order to avoid any damage, stop the vehicle before the wheels
touch the bollards or kerbs.
•Drive carefully through dips in the road, over driveways, ramps, kerbstones and other
objects. Low-lying vehicle components such as the bumper, spoiler and parts of the
running gear, engine or exhaust system could be damaged.
NOTICE

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