check engine light VOLKSWAGEN UP! 2012 Owners Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN, Model Year: 2012, Model line: UP!, Model: VOLKSWAGEN UP! 2012Pages: 211, PDF Size: 4.17 MB
Page 11 of 211

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 lampsyf $ Q D F R X V W L F Z D U Q L Q J L V D O V R J L Y H Q L Q
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 (tripyf V K R Z V W K H G L V W D Q F H W U D Y H O O H G V L Q F H W K H W U L S U H F R U G H U Z D V O D V W U H V H W 7 K H I L Q D O
digit shows distances of 100 m.
Outside temperature display
If the outside temperature falls below +4°C (+39°Fyf W K H G L V S O D \ D O V R V K R Z V D V Q R Z I O D N H V \ P E R O L F H
warningyf 7 K L V V \ P E R O I O D V K H V D Q G W K H Q U H P D L Q V F R Q V W D Q W O \ O L W X Q W L O W K H R X W V L G H W H P S H U D W X U H U L V H V
above +6°C (+43°Fyf ⇒.
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°Fyf D Q G
r ) \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 (Tiptronicyf R Q O \ W K H V H O H F W H G J H D U L V V K R Z Q ⇒ Changing gear.
Gear-change indicator (manual gearboxyf
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.
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Page 16 of 211

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 (CNGyf D Y D L O D E O H ) X H O ?
Are the correct engine oil (Engine oilyf D Q G R W K H U V H U Y L F H I O X L G V W K D W F R P S O \ Z L W K 9 R O N V Z D J H Q
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:
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Page 101 of 211

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 winteryf 7 K H E U D N H V P X V W E H G U L H G D V T X L F N O \ D V S R V V L E O H E \ F D U H I X O E U D N L Q J D W K L J K H U
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 distanceyf 7 K L V L V L Q G L F D W H G E \ W K H Z D U Q L Q J O L J K W . 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.
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Page 105 of 211

Before using a particular brake fluid, check that the specifications printed on the container
correspond to the vehicle requirements.
Brake fluid that is compliant with VW standard 501 14 is available from Volkswagen dealerships.
If this brake fluid is not available and it is necessary to use another high-quality brake fluid instead,
brake fluid that is compliant with DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 or US standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 can
be used.
Not all brake fluids that are compliant with DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 or US standard FMVSS 116
DOT 4 have the same chemical composition. Some of these brake fluids may contain chemicals
that can damage or destroy brake system components over time.
Volkswagen therefore recommends the use of brake fluid that is compliant with
VW standard 501 14 to ensure sustained optimal operation of the brake system.
Brake fluid that is compliant with VW standard 501 14 fulfils the requirements of DIN ISO 4925
CLASS 4 or US standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4.
Brake fluid level
The brake fluid level must always be between the MIN and MAX marking on the brake fluid
container or above the MIN marking ⇒.
The brake fluid level cannot be checked accurately in all models as engine components may
partially conceal the brake fluid container. If the brake fluid level cannot be read exactly, please
proceed to a qualified workshop.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used as the brake pads wear and the
brakes are automatically adjusted.
Changing the brake fluid
The brake fluid must be changed as indicated in the service schedule ⇒BookletService schedule,.
The brake fluid should be changed by a qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a
Volkswagen dealership for this purpose. Only brake fluid that conforms with the required
specification should be used.
Brake fluid can pollute the environment. Any spilt service fluids must be cleaned up and
disposed of properly.
Brake failure or reduced braking effect can be caused by the brake fluid level being too low or
by brake fluid that is too old or unsuitable.
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Page 110 of 211

Indicator lamps
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Lit upPossible causeSolution
The start/stop system is not available.
Automatic engine stop active.
The start/stop system is available, but an
automatic engine stop is not possible.
Check whether all technical requirements
have been fulfilled. If not, remedy any
shortfalls ⇒ Start/stop system.
Start/stop system cannot start the engine.
Start the engine again manually using the
vehicle key ⇒ Starting and stopping the
engine.
Fault in the alternator.⇒ Vehicle battery
FlashesPossible causeSolution
Start/stop system not available.Proceed to a qualified workshop.
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.
Start/stop system
Fig. 103 In the upper part of the centre console: button for the start/stop system
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
When the start/stop system is active, the engine is switched off whenever the vehicle is stationary.
The engine then restarts automatically as soon as it is required.
The function is automatically activated every time the ignition is switched on. The instrument cluster
display shows information about the current status ⇒ Indicator lamps.
Always switch off the start/stop system manually when driving through water.
Vehicles with a manual gearbox
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Page 126 of 211

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
segmentsyf
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
ayf
byf
Driving the vehicle when the fuel level is too low could lead to your vehicle breaking down in
traffic, accidents and serious injuries.
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Page 129 of 211

Windscreen washer fluid level Windscreen wiper and washer
Engine oil level Engine oil
Engine coolant level Coolant
Brake fluid level Braking, stopping and parking
Tyre pressure Wheels and tyres
equipment, service fluids and unsuitable tools are not available ⇒ Preparation for working in the
engine compartment! The work should be carried out by a qualified workshop if you are
uncertain. Please ensure that the following are checked regularly, preferably every time you fill
the tank:
Vehicle lighting necessary for traffic safety:
- Turn signals
- Side lights, dipped beam headlights and main beam headlights
- Tail light cluster
- Brake lights
- Rear fog light ⇒ Lights
Information on changing bulbs ⇒ Changing bulbs.
Fuel
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Petrol
⇒ Natural gas
Different engines require different fuels. The factory-fitted sticker on the inside of the tank flap
indicates the fuel type that is required for your particular vehicle.
Volkswagen recommends using low-sulphur or sulphur-free fuels, to help reduce fuel consumption
and prevent damage to the engine.
If the engine is not running smoothly or begins to judder, this can indicate poor or inadequate fuel
quality, e.g. water in the fuel. If these symptoms appear, reduce the vehicle speed immediately and
drive to the nearest qualified workshop at medium engine speeds, avoiding high engine loading. If
these symptoms occur immediately after the vehicle has been refuelled, switch the engine off as
soon as it is safe to do so and seek expert assistance. This can help to prevent further damage.
Additional information and warnings:
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Page 139 of 211

Coolant and coolant additives can pollute the environment. Spilt operating fluids must be
collected and disposed of properly and with respect for the environment.
Warning lamp for coolant
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
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.
Lit upPossible causeSolution
Engine coolant temperature is
too low in vehicles with natural
gas engine.
Avoid high engine speeds and heavy engine loads.
FlashesPossible causeSolution
Coolant temperature too high.
Do not drive on!
Stop the vehicle as soon as possible, and when
safe to do so. Switch off the engine, leave the
engine to cool down.
Coolant level too low.
Do not drive on!
After the engine has cooled down, check the
coolant level and refill engine coolant if the level is
too low ⇒ Checking the coolant level and refilling
coolant.
With display --.- in the
instrument cluster:
fault in the engine cooling
system.
Do not drive on!
Seek expert assistance.
In some vehicles, the coolant temperature display may be displayed on the screen of the
portable navigation device (delivered by Volkswagenyf ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs and
renewal of parts.
Coolant specification
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The cooling system is filled at the factory with a mixture of specially prepared water and at least
40yb F R R O D Q W D G G L W L Y H G 13 (TL-VW 774 Jyf 7 K H F R R O D Q W D G G L W L Y H L V G \ H G S X U S O H 7 K L V P L [ W X U H R I
water and coolant additive gives the necessary frost protection down to -25°C (-13°Fyf D Q G S U R W H F W V
the alloy parts of the cooling system against corrosion. The mixture also prevents scaling and
raises the boiling point of the coolant.
In order to protect the coolant system, the proportion of coolant additive must always be at least
40yb H Y H Q L I D Q W L I U H H ] H L V Q R W U H T X L U H G L Q Z D U P Z H D W K H U D Q G Z D U P F O L P D W H V .
If greater frost protection is required in very cold climates, the proportion of anti-freeze additive can
be increased. However, the percentage of coolant additive should not exceed 60yb D V W K L V Z R X O G
reduce the frost protection and the cooling effect.
When topping up the coolant, a mixture of distilled water and at least 40yb F R R O D Q W D G G L W L Y H - G 13 -
or - G 12 plus-plus - (TL-VW 774 Gyf E R W K R I Z K L F K D U H G \ H G S X U S O H \f must be used in order to obtain
the optimum corrosion protection ⇒. Mixing - G 13 - with the coolant additives - G 12 plus - (TL-
VW 774 Fyf - G 12 - (dyed redyf R U - G 11 - (dyed blue-greenyf Z L O O V L J Q L I L F D Q W O \ G H F U H D V H W K H O H Y H O R I
corrosion protection and should therefore be avoided ⇒.
Failure to observe the warning lamps could lead to your vehicle breaking down in traffic, and
to accidents and serious injuries.
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Page 140 of 211

Coolant and coolant additives can pollute the environment. Spilt operating fluids must be
collected and disposed of properly and with respect for the environment.
Checking the coolant level and refilling coolant
Fig. 123 In the engine compartment: marking on the coolant expansion tank
Fig. 124 In the engine compartment: coolant expansion tank cap
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The warning lamp for the engine coolant will light up if the engine coolant level is too low.
Preparation
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Page 143 of 211

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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