Owner's manual*Owner's manual
Owner's manual
RCD 210, RCD 215
Replacement service schedule
Edition: 11.2012
Item number: 132.5R1.BUP.20
Refers to a section within a chapter that contains important information and safety
notes that should always be observed.
Indicates that the section is continued on the next page.
Indicates the end of a section.
Indicates situations in which the vehicle must be stopped as quickly as possible.
®Indicates a registered trademark. However, the absence of this symbol does not
constitute a waiver of the rights concerning any term.
⇒
Symbols like these refer you to warnings within the same section or on a given
page. They draw your attention to possible risks of accident or injury and explain
how they can be avoided.
⇒Cross reference to information about possible damage to your vehicle within the
same section or on a given page.
Texts with this symbol contain additional information on the protection of the environment.
Texts with this symbol contain additional information.
Thank you for choosing Volkswagen
By purchasing this Volkswagen, you have become the owner of a vehicle fitted with the most up-to-
date technology and a multitude of convenience functions for your use and enjoyment.
Before using your vehicle for the first time, please read and observe the information in this
owner's manual. It will quickly help you to become familiar with your vehicle and all of its
functions as well as making you aware of dangers to yourself and others and of how these
dangers can be avoided.
If you have any further questions about your vehicle, or if you think that the vehicle wallet has not
covered everything, please get in touch with your Volkswagen dealership. They will always be
happy to deal with your questions, suggestions or problems.
up!
Description of symbols
Texts with this symbol indicate dangerous situations which will lead to fatal or severe injuries
if you do not observe the warning.
DANGER
Texts with this symbol indicate dangerous situations which could lead to fatal or severe
injuries if you do not observe the warning.
WARNING
Texts with this symbol indicate dangerous situations which could lead to slight or severe
injuries if you do not observe the warning.
CAUTION
Texts with this symbol indicate situations which could cause vehicle damage if you do not
observe the warning.
NOTICE
Description of symbols
Thank you for choosing Volkswagen
About this owner's manual
Overview of the vehicle
Before the journey
While driving
Cleaning and maintenance
If and when
Abbreviations
Index
Epilog
We hope you enjoy driving your new vehicle. Happy motoring.
Volkswagen AG
•This owner's manual is valid for all models and versions of the up!.
•An alphabetical index is included at the end of this manual.
•A list of abbreviations at the end of the manual explains the abbreviations used.
•Directions and positions such as left, right, front and rear are normally relative to the vehicle's
direction of travel, unless otherwise indicated.
•Illustrations help with orientation and should be regarded as a general guide.
•This owner's manual was written for left-hand drive vehicles. In right-hand drive vehicles the
controls may sometimes be different to those displayed in illustrations or described in the text
⇒ Overview of the driver side.
•Any technical changes made to the vehicle after publication of this booklet are contained in a
supplement that is included with the vehicle wallet.
All equipment and models are described without indicating whether the equipment is optional or
specific to the model type. This means that your vehicle may not have some of the equipment
described, or it may only be available in certain markets. The scope of equipment fitted in your
vehicle can be found in the sales documentation and you can contact your Volkswagen dealership
for further information.
All data in this owner's manual correspond to the information available at the time of going to print.
Because the vehicle is constantly being developed and further improved, there may be differences
between your vehicle and the data in this owner's manual. No discrepancy in data, illustrations or
descriptions shall form the basis for any legal claim.
Please ensure that the complete vehicle wallet is always in the vehicle if you lend or sell the vehicle
to someone else.
Standard booklets in the vehicle wallet:
•Service schedule
•Owner's manual
Additional booklets in the vehicle wallet (optional):
•Supplements
•Radio
•Other supplements
Exterior views
Side view
Fig. 1 Overview of the driver side
Key for ⇒ Fig. 1:
Roof aerial ⇒ Consumer information
Tank flap ⇒ Filling the tank
About this owner's manual
Overview of the vehicle
If possible, stow the spare wheel, temporary spare wheel or the removed wheel safely in the
luggage compartment. In vehicles with a breakdown set, the removed wheel cannot be secured.
Tyre lettering
Fig. 134 International tyre lettering
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Tyre lettering (example)Meaning
Brand name, logoManufacturer
Product nameIndividual tyre lettering from manufacturer.
P215 / 55 R 18
Size designation:
PIdentification for passenger vehicle.
255Tyre width from wall to wall in mm.
55Height/width ratio in %.
RTyre construction: radial.
18Rim diameter in inches.
109 HLoad capacity index ⇒ Tyre load and speed index ⇒ Speed
index.
XLHeavy-duty tyres (reinforced).
M+S or M/S orDenotes winter tyres (mud and snow tyres) ⇒ Winter tyres.
RADIAL TUBELESSTubeless radial tyres.
E4 ...Certification of conformity with international regulations. The
number following (E) is the code number of the country that
Incorrect use of the spare wheel or temporary spare wheel can lead to a loss of control of the
vehicle, to collisions or other accidents and cause serious injuries.
•Never use a spare wheel or temporary spare wheel if it is damaged or worn down to the
tread wear indicators.
•In some vehicles, the spare wheel could be smaller than the standard wheel. The small
spare wheel has a sticker with the text 80 km/h or 50 mph. This is the maximum speed at
which you are permitted to drive with this tyre.
•Never drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mph). Do not accelerate quickly, brake suddenly or
drive at high speed through bends.
•Never drive further than 200 km with a temporary spare wheel if it is fitted to the drive axle.
•The temporary spare wheel should be exchanged for a normal wheel as soon as possible.
The temporary spare wheel is designed for a short period of use only.
•The temporary spare wheel must always be secured firmly with the wheel bolts supplied
by the factory.
•Never use more than one temporary spare wheel at a time.
•After fitting the temporary spare wheel, the tyre pressure must be checked as soon as
possible ⇒ Tyre pressure.
•Snow chains cannot be used on the temporary spare wheel.
WARNING
Tyre lettering (example)Meaning
granted approval. This is followed by the number of the type
approval certificate.
DOT BT RA TY5 1709
Tyre identification number (TIN – may be on the inner side of
the wheel) and manufacturer date:
DOT
The tyre complies with the legal requirements of the
USA Department of Transportation, responsible for tyre
safety standards.
BTCode identifier of the factory that manufactured the
tyre.
RATyre manufacturer's data on tyre size.
TY5Manufacturer's tyre characteristics.
1709Manufacture date: 17th week in 2009.
TWIIndicates the position of the tread wear indicator ⇒ Tread depth
and wear indicators.
Made in GermanyCountry of manufacture.
MAX LOAD 615 KGUS load data for the maximum load per wheel.
MAX INFLATION 350 KPA
(51 PSI)US limitation for the maximum air pressure.
SIDEWALL 1 PLY RAYONData on tyre sub-construction components:
1 layer of rayon (artificial silk).
TREAD 4 PLIES
1 RAYON + 2 STEEL +
1 NYLON
Data on the tread surface components:
In the example there are four layers under the tread surface:
1 layer of rayon, 2 steel belt layers and 1 nylon layer.
Information for the end user concerning comparative values for specified basic tyres
(standardised test procedure)⇒ Consumer information:
TREADWEAR 220Relative life expectancy for the tyre, with reference to a US-
specific standard test.
TRACTION AWet braking response of the tyre (AA, A, B or C).
TEMPERATURE ATemperature stability of the tyre at higher test speeds (A, B or
C).
Any other characters are internal codes used by the tyre manufacturer or are country-specific
codes, e.g. for Brazil or China.
Tyres with directional tread pattern
Tyres with directional tread pattern have been developed to roll in one direction only. An arrow on
the tyre sidewall indicates the direction of rotation on tyres with directional tread. The direction of
rotation must be adhered to. This guarantees optimum grip and helps to avoid aquaplaning,
excessive noise and wear.
If, however, the tyre is fitted in the opposite direction to the tread pattern, you must take more care
when driving as the tyre is now no longer being used according to its designation. This is
particularly important on wet roads. The tyres must be replaced as quickly as possible or be fitted
with the tread in the correct direction.
Tyre load
The load capacity index indicates how many kilograms can be loaded onto an individual tyre (tyre
load).
78425 kg81462 kg83487 kg85515 kg87545 kg91615 kg
Speed index
The speed index indicates the maximum permitted speed that may be driven when particular
wheels are fitted.
Pmax. 150 km/h (93 mph)Qmax. 160 km/h (99 mph)Rmax. 170 km/h (106 mph)Smax. 180 km/h
(112 mph)Tmax. 190 km/h (118 mph)Umax. 200 km/h (124 mph)Hmax. 210 km/h (130 mph)Vmax.
240 km/h (149 mph)Zover 240 km/h (149 mph)Wmax. 270 km/h (168 mph)Ymax. 300 km/h
(186 mph)
Some tyre manufacturers use the code ZR for tyres with a highest permitted speed of over
240 km/h (149 mph).
The TIN is the tyre serial number.
Winter tyres
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
In winter road conditions, winter tyres will considerably improve the car's handling. The design of
summer tyres (width, rubber compound, tread pattern) gives less grip on ice and snow. Volkswagen
urgently recommends the use of winter tyres or all-year tyres on all four wheels of the vehicle,
particularly if winter conditions are expected on the roads. Winter tyres will also improve the braking
response of the vehicle and will help to reduce braking distances in winter weather. Volkswagen
recommends that winter tyres be fitted to the vehicle at temperatures below +7°C (+45°F).
a)
a)
Winter tyres lose their effectiveness when the tread is worn down to a depth of 4 mm. Winter tyres
also largely lose their effectiveness through ageing – regardless of the tread depth.
The following applies when using winter tyres:
•Observe any country-specific legal requirements.
•Use winter tyres on all four wheels at the same time.
•Only use in winter road conditions.
•Only use the sizes of winter tyre that have been approved for the vehicle.
•Winter tyres must have the same type, size (rolling circumference) and the same tread pattern.
•Heed the maximum speed permitted by the speed index ⇒.
Speed limitation
Winter tyres have a speed limitation depending on the speed index ⇒ Tyre lettering.
In some vehicle versions, a speed warning can be set in the MFD (multifunction display) menu in
the instrument cluster ⇒ Volkswagen information system.
If you use V-rated tyres the speed limits and required tyre pressure will be determined by the
engine size. You must ask a Volkswagen dealership about the highest permitted speed and
required tyre pressure.
Summer tyres should be fitted in good time at the end of the winter. The vehicle handling is
better if summer tyres are fitted at temperatures above +7°C (+45°F). They are quieter, do not wear
so quickly and reduce fuel consumption.
Volkswagen dealerships can provide details on permissible winter tyre sizes.
Snow chains
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Please heed legislation and also the permitted speed when driving your vehicle with snow chains.
In winter conditions, snow chains will not only improve acceleration, but also braking response.
Snow chains may be fitted only to the front wheels. They may be fitted only to the following tyre
and wheel combinations:
Tyre sizeWheel
165 / 70 R 145 J x 14 offset 35
Volkswagen recommends that you ask your Volkswagen dealership for information about
appropriate wheel, tyre and snow chain size.
If possible, use snow chains with fine-pitch links which do not protrude more than 15 mm, including
the tensioner.
Remove wheel centre covers and trim rings before fitting snow chains ⇒. For safety reasons
cover caps must then be fitted over the wheel bolts. These are available from your Volkswagen
dealership.
Temporary spare wheel
For technical reasons, snow chains must not be used on the temporary spare wheel ⇒ Spare wheel
or temporary spare wheel.
If you have to use snow chains with the temporary spare wheel fitted, the temporary spare wheel
should be fitted to the rear axle even when a front wheel is damaged. You can then use the wheel
taken from the rear axle to replace the damaged front wheel. Please note the direction of rotation.
Volkswagen recommends fitting the snow chains before mounting the wheel on the car.
The improved winter driving characteristics afforded by the winter tyres should not encourage
you to take any risks.
•Adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
•Never exceed the top speed and load permitted for the winter tyres that are fitted.
WARNING
Practical tips
Frequently asked questions
If you suspect that there is a fault in the vehicle or if your vehicle has been damaged, read and
observe the following information before contacting a Volkswagen dealership or qualified
workshop. You may also find useful information in the index under the headings Things to note or
Checklist.
IrregularitySome possible causesPossible solution
Engine does not start.
Vehicle battery is discharged.
– Jump start the engine ⇒ Starting the
engine with jump leads.
– Recharge the vehicle battery
⇒ Vehicle battery.
An incorrect vehicle key is
being used.
Use a valid vehicle key ⇒ Vehicle key
set.
The fuel level is too low.Fill the tank ⇒ Filling the tank.
Vehicle cannot be locked
or unlocked with the
vehicle key.
– The battery in the vehicle
key is discharged.
– The vehicle key is too far
away from the vehicle.
– Replace battery ⇒ Vehicle key set.
– Move closer to the vehicle.
– Synchronise vehicle key ⇒ Vehicle
key set.
– Unlock or lock vehicle manually
⇒ Manual opening and closing.
Unusual noises.
Cold engine, brake assist
systems, electronic steering
column lock, auxiliary heater,
filling up with natural gas.
Refer to the index under entries for
Noises.
Unusual handling.
Assist systems are active.Refer to the index under entries for
Assist systems.
An incorrect tyre pressure is
being used.
Check tyre pressure ⇒ Wheels and
tyres.
Damage to the tyre or wheel.
Check the rims and tyres regularly for
damage ⇒ Wheels and tyres and
replace as necessary ⇒ Changing a
wheel.
The vehicle has no
vehicle jack, spare wheel
or breakdown set.
Equipment depends on type
of vehicle.
No direct solutions possible as it
depends on the equipment level.
Contact a Volkswagen dealership if
necessary ⇒ Vehicle toolkit.
The road ahead is not lit
up properly.
– Headlight has been masked
for driving on the left or on the
right.
– Headlight not adjusted
correctly.
– Bulbs have failed.
– Dipped beam headlight not
switched on.
– Mask the headlights accordingly for
driving on the left or right ⇒ Lights.
– Adjust headlight range ⇒ Lights.
– Change bulbs ⇒ Changing bulbs.
– Switch dipped headlights on
⇒ Lights.
Electrical consumers not
working.
Low vehicle battery charge.Recharge vehicle battery ⇒ Vehicle
battery.
Low fuel level.Fill the tank ⇒ Filling the tank.
Fuse blown.Check fuse and replace as necessary
⇒ Fuses.
Fuel consumption is
higher than indicated.
– Short distances driven.
– Uneven acceleration.
– Avoid driving short distances.
– Think ahead when driving.
– Accelerate evenly.
An electrical consumer is
switched on.
Switch off all consumers that are not
needed.
Fault in engine management
system.
Have the fault rectified ⇒ Engine
management system and exhaust
purification system.
Tyre pressure too low.Adjust the tyre pressure ⇒ Wheels
and tyres.
Driving in hilly regions.No direct solutions possible.
Driving with a heavy load.No direct solutions possible.
Driving at high engine speed.Select a high gear.
In an emergency
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Making you and your vehicle safe
⇒ First aid kit, warning triangle and fire extinguisher
Additional information and warnings: