Get In an emergency -> Tow-starting and towing Guide for Volkswagen Up 4 Door Second Generation (2019-2023)

The discharged vehicle battery must be properly connected to the vehicle's electrical system.

The vehicles must not touch. Otherwise electricity could flow as soon as the positive terminals are

connected.

Ensure that the battery clamps have good metal-to-metal contact with the battery terminals.

If the engine does not start immediately, switch off the starter after about 10 seconds and try again

after about half a minute.

The steps should only be carried out in the specified order.

Attaching the jump leads

•

Switch off the ignition in both vehicles ⇒ Starting and stopping the engine.

If necessary, open the battery cover in the engine compartment ⇒ Vehicle battery.

Connect one end of the red jump lead to the positive terminal ⇒ Fig. 171⊕ or ⇒ Fig. 172⊕ in

the vehicle with the discharged battery Ⓐ ⇒

•

Connect the other end of the red jump lead to the positive terminal ⊕ in the vehicle providing

assistance Ⓑ.

In vehicles without start/stop system: connect one end of the black jump lead to the negative

terminal ㊀ in the vehicle providing assistance Ⓑ ⇒ Fig. 171.

In vehicles with start/stop system: connect one end of the black jump lead Ⓧ to a suitable

earth connection, to a solid metal part that is securely bolted onto the cylinder or to the cylinder

block itself ⇒ Fig. 172.

•

Connect the other end of the black jump lead Ⓧ to a solid metal component bolted on to the

engine block, or onto the engine block in the vehicle with the discharged battery. Do not

connect it to a point near the battery Ⓐ ⇒

Position the leads in such a way that they cannot come into contact with any moving parts in the

engine compartment.

Starting the engine

•

Start the engine of the vehicle providing assistance and let it run at idle.

•

Start the engine of the car with the discharged vehicle battery and wait two or three minutes

until the engine is running smoothly.

Removing the jump leads

•

Before disconnecting the jump leads, switch off the dipped beam headlights if they are switched

on.

Turn on the heater blower and rear window heater in the vehicle battery with the discharged

battery. This helps minimise the voltage peaks generated when the leads are disconnected.

With the engines running, disconnect the jump leads in the exact reverse order to the

instructions given above.

Close the battery cover.

WARNING

Jump starting the vehicle incorrectly can cause the battery to explode, which can lead to

serious injuries. Please note the following in order to reduce the risk of the battery exploding:

•

All work on the vehicle battery and the electrical system can cause serious chemical

burns, fire and electric shocks. Always read the warnings and safety information before

carrying out any kind of work on the vehicle battery ⇒ Vehicle battery.

•

Always wear suitable eye protection and never lean over the vehicle battery.

Attach the connector cables in the correct order – the positive cable first, followed by the

negative.

•

Never connect the negative cable to parts of the fuel system or to the brake lines.

The non-insulated parts of the battery clamps must not be allowed to touch. The jump lead

attached to the positive vehicle battery terminal must not touch metal parts of the vehicle.

•

Check the window on the vehicle battery using a torch if necessary. If the display is light

yellow or colourless, do not jump start the vehicle. Seek expert assistance.

Avoid electrostatic discharge in the vicinity of the vehicle battery. The gas emitted from the

vehicle battery could be ignited by sparks.

Do not use jump leads to start the engine if the vehicle battery is damaged or if it is or has

ever been frozen.

Tow-starting and towing

Introduction

This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:

⇒

Notes on tow-starting

⇒ Notes on towing

⇒ Fitting the front towing eye

⇒ Driving tips when towing

Observe any legal requirements when towing or tow-starting.

For technical reasons, vehicles with a discharged battery must not be tow-started.

For technical reasons, vehicles with an automated manual gearbox must not be tow started

unless it has been ascertained that the gearbox is in position N⇒ When a vehicle with an

automated manual gearbox has to be towed:.

Towing a vehicle when the engine is switched off and the ignition is switched on discharges the

vehicle battery. In some vehicles battery charge level, the drop in voltage can be large enough after

just a few minutes that electrical consumers in the vehicle will no longer function, e.g. the hazard

warning lights.

Additional information and warnings:

•

Exterior views ⇒ Exterior views

Changing gear ⇒ Changing gear

Engine management system and exhaust purification system ⇒ Engine management system

and exhaust purification system

•

Starting the engine with jump leads ⇒ Starting the engine with jump leads

WARNING

Never tow a vehicle that has no power supply.

•

Never remove the key from the ignition. This could cause the steering lock to engage

suddenly. You will no longer be able to steer the vehicle. This can lead to a loss of control

of the vehicle, accidents and serious injuries.

•

If the power supply to the towed vehicle is disconnected, stop towing immediately and

seek expert assistance.

WARNING

If a vehicle is being towed, the vehicle handling and braking effect will change significantly.

Please note the following in order to reduce the risk of an accident or serious injuries:

•

Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle:

- You will need to depress the brake pedal more vigorously than normal as the brake

servo is not working. Always be careful not to drive into the vehicle that is pulling your

vehicle.

- You will need to turn the steering wheel more vigorously as the power-assisted

steering function is not working.

•

Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle

- Accelerate carefully and gently.

- Avoid sudden braking and driving manoeuvres.

- Brake earlier than normal by pressing lightly on the brake pedal.

NOTICE

•

Remove and install the cover and the towing eye carefully so as to avoid damage to the

vehicle, e.g. the paintwork.

•

Unburnt fuel can enter the catalytic converter and damage it while the vehicle is being

towed.

You will not be able to fit a towing eye onto the rear bumper. The vehicle is not suited for

towing other vehicles.

Notes on tow-starting

First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒

Introduction

Vehicles should not be tow-started wherever possible. Use jump leads to start the engine

instead⇒ Starting the engine with jump leads.

For technical reasons, the following vehicles cannot be tow-started:

•

If the vehicle battery has discharged, the engine control unit will not function properly.

However, if the vehicle still has to be tow-started (manual gearbox):

•

Engage 2nd or 3rd gear.

•

Keep the clutch pressed down.

•

Switch on the ignition and the hazard warning lights.

Once both vehicles are in motion, release the clutch.

As soon as the engine starts, press the clutch and put the gear into neutral. This helps to

prevent driving into the towing vehicle.

However, if the vehicle still has to be tow-started (automated manual

gearbox):

•

Switch on the ignition and the hazard warning lights.

Place the selector lever in position N.

When both vehicles are in motion and the brake pedal indicator lamp

selector lever to position D.

goes out, move the

•

As soon as the engine starts, press the brake pedal and move the selector lever to position N.

This helps to prevent driving into the towing vehicle.

NOTICE

When tow-starting, unburnt fuel can enter the catalytic converter and damage it.

Notes on towing

First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒

Introduction

Tow rope or tow bar

It is easier and safer to tow a vehicle with a tow bar. Only use a tow rope if you do not have a tow

bar.

The tow rope should be slightly elastic to reduce the strain on both vehicles. It is advisable to use a

tow rope made of synthetic fibre or similarly elastic material.

Only attach the tow rope or tow bar to the specially provided towing eyes or to the towing bracket.

When a vehicle with a manual gearbox has to be towed:

Check whether the vehicle can be towed ⇒ When should your vehicle not be towed?.

•

Move the gear stick to neutral ⇒ Changing gear.

Do not allow the vehicle to be towed at speeds faster than 50 km/h (30 mph).

Do not have the vehicle towed further than 50 km (30 miles).

When a vehicle with an automated manual gearbox has to be towed:

Check whether the vehicle can be towed ⇒ When should your vehicle not be towed?

•

Switch on the ignition.

Move the selector lever to N⇒ Changing gear.

Check whether the automated manual gearbox is really in neutral. To do this drive the car a few

metres as a test. The automated manual gearbox is in neutral if the vehicle can be easily

moved.

•

Seek expert assistance if the automated manual gearbox cannot be put into neutral ⇒

Do not allow the vehicle to be towed at speeds faster than 50 km/h (30 mph).

Do not have the vehicle towed further than 50 km (30 miles).

If a breakdown truck is used, the vehicle must be towed with the front wheels raised.

When should your vehicle not be towed?

•

If, due to damage, the vehicle gearbox no longer contains any lubricant.

If the automated manual gearbox cannot be put into neutral ⇒

If the distance to be towed is further than 50 km - applies to vehicles with an automated manual

gearbox only.

•

If the steering function or the operating clearance of the wheels cannot be ensured, e.g. after an

accident.

NOTICE

Never tow a vehicle with automated manual gearbox if the automated manual gearbox cannot

be put into neutral. Otherwise, the gearbox and engine can suffer considerable damage.

The vehicle can only be towed when the handbrake and steering lock are not engaged.

Fitting the front towing eye

Fig. 173 On the right-hand side of the front bumper: releasing and removing the cover

Fig. 174 Front bumper, right-hand side: screwing in the towing eye

First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒

Introduction

The towing eye is screwed into a threaded hole behind a cover on the right of the front bumper

⇒ Fig. 173.

The towing eye must always be kept in the vehicle.

Comply with the notes on towing ⇒ Notes on towing.

Fitting the towing eye at front

•

Remove the towing eye from the vehicle toolkit in the luggage compartment ⇒ Vehicle toolkit.

Press at the bottom of the cover ⇒ Fig. 173① to release the cover.

Pull the cover forwards to remove it ② and leave it to hang on the vehicle.

Turn the towing eye anticlockwise into the threaded hole and tighten as far as possible

⇒ Fig. 174⇒

mounting.

. Use a suitable object to screw the towing eye fully and securely into the

•

After you have finished towing, remove the towing eye by unscrewing it clockwise.

Insert the lower locking lug in the opening in the bumper and guide the upper locking lug

carefully over the edge of the opening. If necessary, press the upper locking lug from above.

•

Push on the upper area of the cover until the lower locking lug engages in the bumper.

NOTICE

The towing eye must always be screwed firmly into the mounting. Otherwise, the towing eye

can be ripped out of the mounting when the vehicle is being tow-started or towed.

Driving tips when towing

First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒

Introduction

Towing requires some experience, especially when using a tow rope. Both drivers should be

familiar with the technique required for towing. Inexperienced drivers should not attempt to tow.

When driving, ensure that you do not pull too hard on the towing vehicle and take care to avoid

jerking movements. When towing on an unpaved road, there is always a risk of overloading and

damaging the anchorage points.

You can still use the turn signals if your vehicle is towed with the hazard warning lights and ignition

switched on. Move the turn signal lever to signal the required direction. The hazard warning lights

will not flash while the turn signal is being used. The hazard warning lights will start flashing

automatically as soon as the turn signal lever is moved back to the neutral position.

Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle:

•

Leave the ignition switched on to prevent the steering wheel from locking, and so that the turn

signals, horn, windscreen wipers and washers can be used.

•

As the power assisted steering does not work if the engine is not running, you will need more

strength to steer than you normally would.

•

You will need to depress the brake pedal more vigorously than normal as the brake servo is not

working. Do not drive too close to the towing vehicle.

Read and comply with the information and notes in the owner's manual of the towing vehicle.

Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle

•

Accelerate carefully and gently. Avoid any sudden driving manoeuvres.

Brake earlier than normal by pressing lightly on the brake pedal.

Read and comply with any information and notes in the owner's manual of the towed vehicle.

Abbreviations

Abbreviation Definition

rpm

ABS

AG5

TCS

BAS

ccm

CNG

CO₂

DIN

DRL

EBD

EDL

Revolutions per minute – engine speed.

Anti-lock brake system.

5-speed automated manual gearbox.

Traction control system.

Brake Assist system.

Cubic centimetres. Unit of displacement.

Compressed Natural Gas.

Carbon dioxide.

German Standards Authority (Deutsches Institut für Normung).

Daytime running lights.

Electronic brake pressure distribution system.

Electronic differential lock.

European Union.

European standard.

EPC

ESC

EEC

VIN

g/km

CCS

Engine management system (electronic power control).

Electronic stabilisation programme.

European Economic Community.

Vehicle identification number

Carbon dioxide emissions in grams per kilometre.

Cruise control system.

Kilonewton, pulling power.

Kilopond, pulling power.

kPa

Kilopascal, value for tyre inflation pressure.

Kilowatt, engine power.

LED

MFD

Light-emitting diode.

Multifunction display.

Engine code.

Newton metres, unit of engine torque.

Research octane number, indication of the knock resistance of petrol.

5-speed manual gearbox.

RON

MG5

Traction control.

TINT

trip

Tyre identification number (TIN).

Trip recorder.

TWI

Tread wear indicator.

Volkswagen AG works continuously to develop and improve its vehicles. Please understand that we

must therefore reserve the right to alter any part of the vehicle and its equipment or technical

specifications at any time. The data provided concerning scope of delivery, appearance,

performance, dimensions, weights, fuel consumption, standards and vehicle functions are all

correct at the time of going to print. Some of the equipment described might not yet be available in

a particular vehicle (information can be provided by your local Volkswagen dealership), and some

equipment may not be available in certain countries. No legal commitment may be inferred from the

information, illustrations or descriptions in this manual.

No part of this manual may be reprinted, reproduced or translated without the written permission of

Volkswagen AG.

All rights under the laws of copyright are expressly reserved by Volkswagen AG. Subject to

alteration and amendment.

Printed in Germany.

This paper was bleached without the use of chlorine.

In an emergency -> Tow-starting and towing for Your Volkswagen Up 4 Door Second Generation (2019-2023)

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