VOLKSWAGEN UP! 2012 Owners Manual

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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:
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Lit upPossible causeSolution
Start/stop system cannot start the
engine.⇒ Pull-away assist systems
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.
Checking the electrolyte level of the vehicle battery
Fig. 125 In the engine compartment: possible position of the window on top of the vehicle battery
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The electrolyte level of the vehicle battery should be checked regularly in high-mileage vehicles, in
hot countries and in older vehicle batteries. The vehicle battery is otherwise maintenance-free.
Vehicles with a start/stop system ⇒ Pull-away assist systems are fitted with special vehicle
batteries. For technical reasons, it might not be possible to check the electrolyte level in these
vehicle batteries.
Preparation
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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:
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How the vehicle battery discharges:
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In the interests of environmental protection, the vehicle should only be washed in specially
provided wash bays. This prevents waste water contaminated with oil, grease or fuel from entering
the sewerage system. In some countries, washing vehicles anywhere else may be prohibited.
Environmentally-friendly care products should be used.
Leftover car care products should not be disposed of with ordinary household waste. Read
the manufacturer's instructions.
Washing the vehicle
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The longer substances such as insects, bird droppings, resinous tree sap, road dirt, industrial
deposits, tar, soot or road salt and other corrosive materials remain on the vehicle, the more
damage they do to the paintwork. High temperatures (for instance in strong sunlightyfIXUWKHU
intensify the corrosive effect. The underside of the vehicle should also be cleaned thoroughly and
regularly.
Car washes
Please observe the signs on the automatic car wash. Before using an automatic car wash take
the usual precautions, such as closing all windows and folding in the exterior mirrors, in order to
avoid damage to the vehicle. You must consult the car wash operator if there are special parts on
your vehicle such as spoilers, roof luggage carrier systems or radio aerials ⇒.
The paint is hard-wearing enough for the car to be generally washed in an automatic car wash.
However, the effect on the paint depends to a large extent on the design of the car wash.
Volkswagen recommends the use of car washes without brushes.
To remove any waxy residue from the windows and to stop wipers rubbing, please note the
following ⇒ Cleaning windows and exterior mirrors.
Washing the car by hand
When washing by hand, first soften the dirt with plenty of water and rinse off as well as possible.
Then clean the vehicle with a soft sponge, a glove or a brush using only light pressure. Start with
the roof and work from the top to the bottom. Use a shampoo for very stubborn dirt only.
The sponge or glove should be wrung out thoroughly at regular intervals.
Clean the wheels, sill panels etc. last. Use a different sponge for this purpose.
Car care products can be toxic and hazardous. Unsuitable care products and incorrect
application of care products can cause accidents, serious injuries, burns or poisoning.
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Washing the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer when cleaning your vehicle using a high-
pressure cleaner. This applies in particular to the pressure and the spraying distance⇒.
Maintain sufficient distance to soft materials such as rubber hoses, insulation, and the ParkPilot
sensors. The ParkPilot sensors are located in the rear bumper ⇒.
Never use concentrated jet nozzles or dirt blasters⇒.
Parts of the vehicle with sharp edges can cause injury.
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Cleaning windows and exterior mirrors
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Cleaning windows and exterior mirrors
Moisten the windows and exterior mirrors with commercially available, alcohol-based glass cleaner.
Dry the glass surfaces with a clean chamois leather or a lint-free cloth. Chamois leathers that have
been used on painted surfaces are not suitable for use on glass surfaces. They will be soiled with
wax deposits which could smear the surfaces.
Use window cleaner or a silicone remover to clean off rubber, oil, grease and silicone deposits ⇒
.
Removing wax
Car washes and care products could leave wax deposits on the glass surfaces. Wax residue can
only be removed using a special cleaning product or cleaning cloths. Wax deposits on the
windscreen can cause the wiper blades to rub. Volkswagen recommends using a glass cleaning
cloth - G 052 522 A1 - to remove wax deposits from the windows and exterior mirrors each time the
vehicle is washed.
A window cleaner specifically for removing wax will stop the blades rubbing if added to the
windscreen wash water. Dilute the cleaner as instructed. Grease removing cleaners will not remove
wax deposits ⇒.
Special cleaners, glass cleaners and glass cleaning cloths are available from Volkswagen
dealerships.
Removing snow
Use a small brush to remove snow from the windows and exterior mirrors.
Removing ice
The best method for removing ice is to use a de-icer spray. If you use an ice scraper, do not move
it to and fro, but push it in one direction only. Moving the ice scraper backwards can cause dirt to
scratch the window.
The incorrect use of a high-pressure cleaner can cause visible and invisible long-term
damage to tyres and other materials. This can cause accidents and serious injuries.
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Cleaning and changing windscreen wiper blades
Fig. 126 Changing the windscreen wiper blades
Fig. 127 Changing the rear window wiper blade
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The factory-fitted windscreen wiper blades are coated with graphite. The graphite coating ensures
that the windscreen wiper blade moves quietly over the windscreen. If the graphite coating is
damaged, the windscreen wiper will become louder.
Check the condition of the wiper blades on a regular basis. Rubbing wiper blades should be
changed if damaged or cleaned if dirty ⇒.
Damaged wiper blades should be replaced immediately. Windscreen wiper blades can be bought
from a qualified workshop.
Cleaning windscreen wiper blades
Note for the front windscreen wiper: move the wiper arms to the service position before lifting
them ⇒ Windscreen wiper and washer.
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