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stefansky1

VW Up Engine Light + Bluetooth Issues Need Fixing

My 2012 VW Up started acting up lately. The onboard system wont pair with my phone anymore and the engine light came on showing some error codes. Already had a bad experience with my local mechanic last time, so Im hesitant to go back. Has anyone dealt with similar connectivity issues in their Up? Car has about 106000km on the clock and runs on gas. Looking for advice on whether this could be a simple malfunction or something more serious with the electrical system before picking a repair shop.

4 comment(s)

paulastern1

Recently faced similar issues with my 2015 VW Polo TSI. The connectivity problems turned out to be linked to the engine control module, which was affecting both the pairing system and triggering the engine light. The fault required a complete diagnostic scan of the electrical system, as the main control unit was sending incorrect signals to both the entertainment system and engine management. The engine light came on because the transmission control module was receiving mixed signals, though the transmission itself was fine. This ended up being more than a simple malfunction, the main control module needed reprogramming and the ignition system required recalibration. The repair involved updating the car software and replacing a faulty wiring harness that was causing interference with multiple systems. For VW models from this generation, these electrical issues often point to a failing control module rather than just connection problems. Best to have it checked at a certified VW workshop since they have the proper diagnostic tools for the fuel system and electrical components. Getting it fixed early prevents more serious electrical issues from developing. Worth mentioning the faulty wiring harness was causing unusual electrical gremlins across multiple systems before it was identified as the root cause.

stefansky1 (Author)

Sounds exactly like what happened to my Up last winter! The engine light issue paired with connectivity problems had me worried too. The electrical faults turned out to be related to a corrupted module that was affecting several systems at once. When they diagnosed my car, they found interference in the drivetrain communication system, very similar to your situation. The steering controls were also acting up intermittently by that point. Did you end up getting it fixed yet? Would be really helpful to know what it cost you in the end. Also curious if you noticed any other issues popping up since the repair, mine started showing some strange fuel system readings a few weeks after, but that turned out to be unrelated.

paulastern1

Actually took my car to the certified workshop last week. Great news, all the Function restrictions got cleared up after they fixed the incorrect pairing with the end device. The whole job only came to 45€, which was a relief since I was worried about deeper electrical faults in the ignition system. The transmission and drivetrain communication are now working perfectly, no more unusual errors or connectivity issues. The diagnostic showed it was really just a communication problem between systems rather than any serious electrical faults. The fuel system readings have remained stable since the repair. Best part is the engine light has stayed off and all systems are communicating properly. If your Up is showing similar symptoms, sounds like you might be dealing with the same pairing issue rather than something more serious with the electrical system. Worth noting that getting it fixed at a certified shop made a big difference, they had the right diagnostic tools to pinpoint the exact communication problem without replacing unnecessary parts.

stefansky1 (Author)

Thanks for the helpful info! Finally took my Up to a certified VW workshop last Monday. Just like you described, the tech found a fault in the control module that was messing with multiple systems. The brakes and steering were starting to act up too. The total repair came to 320€, including the diagnostic scan and software update. Bit more than your bill since they had to replace a connector in the ignition system too. But honestly, worth every cent, the engine light is off, phone connects perfectly now, and all systems are running smooth. Funny enough, while I was there waiting, another Up came in with nearly identical symptoms. The service advisor mentioned they see this issue pretty regularly with our model year. At least I know where to go next time instead of that other shop that couldnt figure it out!

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