VW Up Dashboard Warning Lights

Detailed below are the dashboard warning lights for the Volkswagen Up! The most important warning lights are the red symbols. Right warning lights may stay illuminated, flash, or illuminate along with an audible signal. If a red warning light comes on, take immediate action. The VW Up dashboard warning lights are as follows:

Parking Brake
This warning light indicates that the VW Up parking brake / handbrake is applied. If you attempt to drive the vehicle with the parking brake applied, an audible alarm is given.

 

Brake Warning Light
The VW Up red brake warning light indicates the following:

1. Low brake fluid. Check brake fluid level. If low, top up. Check for fluid leaks in the brake circuit. The fault may possibly be to do with the brake fluid level sensor.
2. ABS fault. If the ABS warning light illuminates along with the brake warning light, it indicates a fault with the ABS. Drive with caution and avoid harsh braking.
3. Brake system fault. If the red brake warning light comes on, it may indicate a fault with the brake system. It’s advisable to not continue driving and seek the assistance of a VW workshop.

ABS Warning Light
The yellow ABS warning light means there’s a fault with the anti-lock braking system. ABS helps to prevent the wheels from locking during harsh braking and can help to reduce stopping distances. This warning light often comes on with the brake warning light. The fault often is due to one of the ABS sensors located at one of the wheel hubs. Drive with caution and have vehicle checked as soon as possible.

Red Coolant Warning Light
If the red coolant warning light comes on, it means the VW Up coolant level is too low, the engine coolant is too hot or there is a fault with the coolant system. The coolant warning symbol may also flash. Pull off the road as soon as possible and allow the coolant to cool down. Check levels and engine cooling fan (fuse). If levels and fan appear to be ok, do not continue driving and contact a VW workshop.

Blue Coolant Warning Light
The blue engine coolant warning light applies to versions of the VW Up that are powered by natural gas. Engine coolant temperature is too low. Avoid high engine speeds and heavy engine loads.

 

Oil Pressure Warning Light
This red warning light is an indication of oil pressure and not oil level. The low oil pressure warning light may stay on or flash and indicates that the VW Up oil pressure is too low. This can result in serious engine damage. Stop as soon as possible and switch off the engine. Check oil level and if after topping up, only continue if the warning light goes off. If the oil level is correct yet the warning light remains on, do not continue driving and contact VW workshop.

Red Transmission Warning Light
This red cog with an exclamation mark inside is a transmission fault warning light. The red light indicates a serious fault with the VW Up transmission and where the vehicle can no longer be driven. Avoid driving and contact VW workshop.

Yellow Transmission Warning Light
This yellow cog with an exclamation mark inside also indicates a fault with the VW Up transmission. In this instance you can continue driving. Try restarting the engine to see if the fault clears. This warning light may also indicate the transmission is overheating. Avoid high engine loads.

Battery Warning Light
The red battery warning light staying on means the VW Up battery is not being charged. Usual cause if a failed alternator or belt. If the light comes on while driving, immediately switch off any electrical utilities that are non-essential and make your way immediately to a repair workshop. If the battery warning light comes on along with the red coolant warning light, stop the vehicle and do not continue driving as this indicates a fault in the engine cooling system.

ESC Warning Light
Under normal operating conditions, this light flashes to indicate the ESC (Electronic Stability Control) system is working to help stabilize the vehicle. If the light stays on, it means there’s a fault with the VW Up ESC system. If the ESC and ABS light come on, it means there’s an ABS fault (usually the wheels sensors) or that the battery has been disconnected.

Traction Control Warning Light
The yellow ‘TC’ warning light stands for ‘traction control’ and is responsible for preventing wheel slip. If it flashes, it means the traction control system is operating. If it remains lit, it means there’s a fault with the system.

Emissions Control Warning Light
Often referred to as the ‘check engine’ warning light, this light comes on indicating a problem with the VW Up emissions control system. If the light stays on, you can still drive the car but the vehicle may operate under a reduced engine power mode to help protect components. There are many potential faults associated with this warning light and so the only option is to have diagnostic equipment connected that can read fault codes. If the warning light flashes, reduce speed and engine load. A flashing emissions control warning light may indicated an engine misfire which can result in damage to the catalytic converter.

EPC Warning Light
The VW Up EPC warning light comes on due to a engine management system fault  and means ‘Electronic Power Control’. You can continue driving but the engine may enter reduced power mode where there could be a noticeable reduction in power. Common faults that cause the EPC light to come on are due to the throttle pedal, throttle body, traction control, or cruise control.

Red Power Steering Warning Light
The red VW Up power steering warning light illuminates indicating total failure of the power steering system. Significant effort is required to turn the wheel.

 

Yellow Power Steering Warning Light
The yellow VW Up power steering warning light comes on indicating a partial failure of the power steering. Stop, switch off the ignition and restart the engine.

Airbag Warning Light
This warning light comes on when there’s a fault in airbag and seat belt tensioner system.

 

Low Tyre Pressure Warning Light
The low tyre pressure warning light comes on when the pressure in one or more tyres is below the set value. If the warning light flashes for around 60 seconds then remains on, it means there’s either a fault with the tyre pressure system or a tyre has been fitted that does not contain a sensor.

Risk of Rolling Warning Light
This warning light flashes when a version of the VW Up with an automated manual gearbox is not secured from rolling away. Apply the parking brake.

Snowflake Warning Light
The snowflake warning light illuminates on the VW Up dashboard due to a black ice warning. The outside temperature is below +4°C (+39°F).

 

InSP Warning Light
The VW Up InSP warning light stands for ‘Inspection’. It means a vehicle inspection / service is required.

 

SAFE Warning Light
The word SAFE illuminates when the immobilizer is active.

 

Start / Stop Warning Light
This warning light illuminates when the automatic engine start / stop system has activated. It flashes when the start stop system is not available.

Start / Stop Warning Light
This warning light means the start stop system is available but an automatic engine stop is not currently possible.

 

Information Warning Light
This warning light means there’s vehicle information available to read in the wallet.