Get Cleaning and maintenance -> Coolant Guide for Volkswagen Up 4 Door First Generation (2011-2019)

Changing engine oil

First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒

Introduction

The engine oil must be changed regularly in accordance with the data given in the service

schedule.

The engine oil and filter should always be changed, and used oil disposed of, by a qualified

workshop due to the special tools and knowledge required. Volkswagen recommends using a

Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.

More details on the service intervals can be found in the service schedule.

Additives in the engine oil can cause new engine oil to discolour quickly. This is normal and does

not mean that the engine oil should be changed more frequently.

WARNING

If, in exceptional cases, you have to carry out an oil change yourself, please note the

following:

•

Always wear eye protection.

Always allow the engine to cool down completely to avoid burns.

Keep your arms horizontal when removing the oil drain plug with your fingers to help

prevent oil from running down your arm.

•

Use a suitable container when draining the used oil. It must be at least large enough to

hold the entire quantity of engine oil required for refilling.

Never store engine oil in empty food containers, bottles or any other non-original

containers as people finding these containers may not know that they contain engine oil.

Engine oil is toxic and must be stored out of the reach of children.

Before changing the engine oil, first find out where old oil can be disposed of properly near

you.

Used oil must be disposed of in accordance with regulations governing the protection of the

environment. Never dispose of old oil in locations such as gardens, woods, sewerage systems, on

streets and roads, or in rivers and waterways.

Coolant

Introduction

This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:

⇒ Warning lamp for coolant

⇒ Coolant specification

⇒ Checking the coolant level and refilling coolant

Never carry out any work on the engine coolant system if you are not familiar with the requisite

procedures, or if you do not have access to the correct tools, operating equipment and fluids ⇒

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.

Additional information and warnings:

•

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

WARNING

Engine coolant is toxic.

•

Engine coolant should only be kept in sealed original containers in a safe place.

Never store engine coolant in empty food containers, bottles or any other non-original

containers as people finding these containers may then drink the engine coolant.

•

The engine coolant must be stored out of the reach of children.

Please note that the amount of correct coolant additive used must be sufficient for the

lowest ambient temperature that you expect the vehicle to be exposed to.

•

Coolant can freeze at extremely cold outside temperatures, causing the vehicle to break

down. Vehicle occupants with inadequate winter clothing could then freeze to death as the

heating will also no longer function.

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 up Possible cause

Solution

Engine coolant temperature is

too low in vehicles with natural

gas engine.

Avoid high engine speeds and heavy engine loads.

Flashes Possible cause

Solution

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 temperature too high.

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.

Coolant level too low.

With display --.- in the

instrument cluster:

fault in the engine cooling

system.

Do not drive on!

Seek expert assistance.

WARNING

Failure to observe the warning lamps could lead to your vehicle breaking down in traffic, and

to accidents and serious injuries.

•

Always observe any warning lamps that are lit up.

Never ignore any warning lamps that are lit up.

Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so.

NOTICE

Failure to observe the illuminated indicator lamps could lead to the vehicle being damaged.

In some vehicles, the coolant temperature display may be displayed on the screen of the

portable navigation device (delivered by Volkswagen) ⇒ 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

40% coolant additive G 13 (TL-VW 774 J). The coolant additive is dyed purple. This mixture of

water and coolant additive gives the necessary frost protection down to -25°C (-13°F) and protects

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

40%, even if anti-freeze is not required in warm weather and warm climates.

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 60%, as this would

reduce the frost protection and the cooling effect.

When topping up the coolant, a mixture of distilled water and at least 40% coolant additive - G 13 -

or - G 12 plus-plus - (TL-VW 774 G) (both of which are dyed purple) must be used in order to obtain

the optimum corrosion protection ⇒

VW 774 F), - G 12 - (dyed red) or - G 11 - (dyed blue-green) will significantly decrease the level of

corrosion protection and should therefore be avoided ⇒

. Mixing - G 13 - with the coolant additives - G 12 plus - (TL-

WARNING

Insufficient anti-freeze in the coolant system can cause the engine to break down and cause

serious injuries.

•

Please note that the amount of correct coolant additive used must be sufficient for the

lowest ambient temperature that you expect the vehicle to be exposed to.

•

Coolant can freeze at extremely cold outside temperatures, causing the vehicle to break

down. Vehicle occupants with inadequate winter clothing could then freeze to death as the

heating will also no longer function.

NOTICE

Never mix genuine coolant additives with other coolants that have not been approved by

Volkswagen. Mixing other coolants could cause serious damage to the engine and cooling

system.

•

If the liquid in the coolant expansion tank is brown instead of purple, for example, - G 13 -

has been mixed with another unsuitable engine coolant. The coolant must be changed as

soon as possible if this is the case. Failure to observe this point can result in serious faults

or engine damage.

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

•

Park the vehicle on a firm and level surface.

Allow the engine to cool down ⇒

Open the bonnet ⇒ .

The coolant expansion tank has the

symbol on its cap ⇒ Fig. 124.

Checking the coolant level

•

Check the coolant level at the side marking of the expansion tank when the engine is cold

⇒ Fig. 123.

•

Refill the coolant if the liquid level is below the minimum marking (min). When the engine is

warm, the coolant level may be slightly above the top end of the marked area.

Refilling coolant

•

Always protect your hands and arms from hot coolant or steam by placing a suitable cloth on

the cap of the coolant expansion tank.

•

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.

WARNING

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.

NOTICE

•

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!

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.

Cleaning and maintenance -> Coolant for Your Volkswagen Up 4 Door First Generation (2011-2019)

Related Topics

Cleaning and maintenance

Popular Owner Manuals

Latest Owner Manuals