Volkswagen Tiguan (2015 year). Instruction

slush or snow, ESC cannot perform the same way it would on a dry surface. If the vehicle
“hydroplanes” (rides on a cushion of water instead of the road surface), ESC will not be able to help
you steer the vehicle because contact with the pavement has been interrupted and the vehicle cannot
be braked or steered. During fast cornering, particularly on winding roads, ESC cannot always deal as
effectively with difficult driving situations as it can at lower speeds. When towing a trailer, ESC is not
able to help you regain control as it would if you were not towing a trailer.

Always adjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic, and weather conditions. ESC
cannot override the vehicle's physical limits, increase the available traction, or keep a vehicle on the
road if road departure is a result of driver inattention. Instead, ESC improves the possibility of keeping
the vehicle under control and on the road during extreme maneuvers by using the driver's steering
inputs to help keep the vehicle going in the intended direction. If you are traveling at a speed that
causes you to run off the road before ESC can provide any assistance, you may not experience the
benefits of ESC.

ESC includes and/or works together with the ABS, BAS, ASR, and EDL systems (see below). ESC is
switched on all the time and cannot be switched off.

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)

ABS helps to keep the wheels from locking up and helps to maintain the driver's ability to steer and
control the vehicle. This means the vehicle is less likely to skid, even during hard braking:

Push the brake pedal down hard and hold it there. Don't take your foot off the pedal or reduce the

force on the pedal!

  Do not “pump” the brake pedal or let up on it!
  Steer the vehicle while pushing down hard on the brake pedal.
  ABS stops working if you release or let up on the brake.

When ABS is doing its job, you will notice a slight vibration through the brake pedal and hear a
noise. ABS cannot shorten the stopping distance under all conditions. The stopping distance may
even be longer, for instance, when driving on gravel or on newly fallen snow covering an icy or
slippery surface.

When driving forwards on loose surfaces, a special off-road ABS is automatically activated. In this
mode, the front wheels could lock briefly. This shortens the braking distance in off-road situations as
the wheels dig into loose surfaces. This occurs only when driving straight ahead. When the front
wheels are turned, the normal ABS is activated.

Brake Assist (BAS)

The Brake Assist System can help to reduce stopping distances. If you press the brake pedal very
quickly, BAS detects an emergency situation. It then very quickly builds up full brake system pressure,
maximizing braking power and reducing the stopping distance. This way, ABS can be activated more
quickly and efficiently.

Do not reduce pressure on the brake pedal! BAS switches off automatically as soon as you release or
let up on the brake.

Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)

ASR reduces engine power directed to spinning wheels and adjusts power to the road conditions.
Even under poor road conditions, ASR can make it easier to get moving, accelerate, and climb hills.

ESC and ASR can help when driving on loose surfaces (such as gravel) and in deep snow. If you get
stuck in deep snow, you may be able to get going again by “rocking” the vehicle back and forth. ESC
and ASR recognize this special driving situation and automatically increase the speed of the front
wheels. Keep pressing the accelerator and let ESC increase the speed of the front wheels to help you
keep moving or get moving again.

Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)

EDL is applied during regular straight-line acceleration. EDL gently brakes a drive wheel that has lost
traction (spinning) and redirects the drive force to other drive wheels. In extreme cases, EDL

automatically switches off to keep the brake from overheating. As soon as the brake has cooled down,
EDL automatically switches on again.

WARNING

Driving fast on icy, slippery, or wet roads can lead to a loss of control and result in serious
personal injury for you and your passengers.

Always adjust your speed and driving style to road, traffic, weather, and visibility

conditions. Never let the additional safety that ESC, ABS, BAS, ASR, and EDL can provide
tempt you into taking extra risks.

Braking assistance systems cannot overcome the laws of physics and always prevent

loss of vehicle control. Slippery and wet roads are still dangerous even with ESC and the
other systems!

Driving too fast on wet roads can cause the wheels to lose contact with the road and

“hydroplane.” A vehicle that has lost road contact cannot be braked, steered, or controlled.

These systems cannot reduce the risk of accident, for example if you drive too fast for

conditions or if you do not keep your distance from the vehicle in front of you.

Although these systems are very effective and can help you control the vehicle in many

difficult situations, always remember that your vehicle handling control is limited by tire
traction.

When accelerating on a slippery surface, for example on ice and snow, depress the

accelerator carefully. Even with these systems, the wheels may start to spin, leading to a loss
of vehicle control.

WARNING

The effectiveness of ESC can be significantly reduced if other components and systems that
affect vehicle dynamics, including but not limited to brakes, tires, and other systems
mentioned above, are not properly maintained or functioning.

Always remember that vehicle alterations or modifications can affect the functioning of

the ABS, BAS, ASR, EDL and ESC systems.

Changing the vehicle suspension or using an unapproved tire/wheel combination can

change the way the ABS, BAS, ASR, EDL and ESC systems work and reduce their
effectiveness.

The effectiveness of ESC is also determined by the tires fitted

⇒ Tires and wheels.

All 4 wheels must be equipped with identical tires in order for ESC and ASR to work properly.

Differences in the tread circumference of the tires can cause the system to reduce the engine power
when it is not expected.

If ABS is not working, ESC, ASR, and EDL will also not work.

You may hear noises when these systems are active.

Switching Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) on and off

Fig. 145 In the center console: Button to manually switch ASR on and off.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) only works when the engine is running. This system includes
ABS, EDL and ASR.

ASR can be switched off by pressing button

⇒

fig. 145

while the engine is running. Switch off ASR

only in situations where there is not enough traction, such as the following:

When driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces.
When “rocking” the vehicle back and forth when you are stuck.

Afterward, reactivate ASR by pressing the button again.

Brake fluid

Fig. 146 In engine compartment: Brake fluid reservoir cap

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Brake fluid absorbs water from the air over time. Too much water in the brake fluid will damage the
brake system. Water also lowers the boiling point of the brake fluid. Too much water in the brake fluid
can cause vapor lock during heavy brake use or hard braking. Vapor lock reduces braking
performance, increases stopping distances and can even cause total brake failure. Your safety and

the safety of others depends on brakes that are working properly at all times

⇒

Brake fluid specifications

Volkswagen has developed a special brake fluid that is optimized for the brake system in your
Volkswagen. Volkswagen recommends that you expressly use brake fluid that conforms to quality
standard VW Standard 501 14 for optimum performance of the brake system. Check the information
on the container for the brake fluid you want to use to make sure it meets the requirements for your
vehicle.

Brake fluid that complies with VW Standard 501 14 can be purchased from your authorized
Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

If this special brake fluid is not available you may – under these circumstances – use another high-
quality brake fluid that complies with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 116 DOT 4
⇒

Please note, however, that not all brake fluids that comply with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 have the same chemical composition. Some of these brake fluids can
contain chemicals that could, over time, degrade or damage internal parts of the vehicle’s brake
system.

Volkswagen therefore recommends that you use brake fluid that expressly complies with VW
Standard 501 14 for optimum brake system performance over the long term.

Brake fluid level

The fluid level in the transparent brake fluid reservoir must always be between the MIN and MAX

marking

⇒

On some vehicles, engine components block the view of the brake fluid reservoir and make it
impossible to see the brake fluid level. If you cannot clearly see the brake fluid level in the brake fluid
reservoir, please see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used as the brake pads wear and the
brakes are automatically adjusted.

Changing brake fluid

Brake fluid must be changed according to the service schedule in your

⇒ Booklet

Warranty and

Maintenance. Have the brake fluid checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized

Volkswagen Service Facility. Refill only with new brake fluid that meets the standards listed above.

WARNING

Brake failure and reduced brake performance can be caused by not having enough brake
fluid in the reservoir or by old or incorrect brake fluid.

Check the brake system and brake fluid level regularly.
Always change the brake fluid according to the service schedule in your

⇒ Booklet

Warranty and Maintenance.

Hard braking with old brake fluid may cause vapor lock. Vapor lock reduces braking

performance, increases stopping distances and can even cause total brake failure.

Always make sure that only the correct brake fluid is used. Only use brake fluid that

expressly conforms to VW Standard 501 14 or if it is not available, only use a high-quality
brake fluid that conforms to U.S. Standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 requirements.

Using another brake fluid, or one that is not of high quality, can impair the function of the

brake system and reduce its effectiveness. If the container does not say that the brake fluid
complies with VW Standard 501 14, or U.S. Standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4, do not use it.

The brake fluid must be new.

WARNING

Brake fluid is poisonous.

To reduce the risk of poisoning, never use food, beverage or other non-original containers

to store brake fluid. Someone might be misled by the original label on the container, or by the
shape of the container, and drink the brake fluid. This could occur even if you relabel the
container as “brake fluid.”

Only store brake fluid in the closed, original container and keep it out of the reach of

children.

NOTICE

Brake fluid will damage vehicle paint, plastic parts and tires. Wipe any brake fluid off vehicle
paint and other vehicle parts immediately.

Brake fluid can pollute the environment. Brake fluid that has leaked out must be collected and

disposed of properly, following all applicable environmental regulations.

Saving fuel and helping the environment

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Efficient driving style

Fuel-efficient driving

Fuel consumption, environmental impact, and wear and tear on engine, brakes and tires depend
mainly on the following 3 factors:

  Your personal driving style.
  External conditions (weather, road conditions).
  Technical requirements.

You can reduce fuel consumption by up to 25% by using a few simple techniques and adjusting your
driving style.

WARNING

Always adjust your speed and the distance you keep between you and the vehicles ahead of
you to the road, traffic, weather, and visibility conditions.

Efficient driving style

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Shifting faster

As a rule, the following applies: The higher gear is always the most efficient gear. The rule of thumb
for most vehicles is to drive in 3rd gear at 20 mph/30 km/h, 4th gear at 25 mph/40 km/h, 5th gear at
30 mph/50 km/h, and 6th gear at 36 mph/60 km/h.

If traffic and driving conditions permit, “skipping” gears when upshifting also saves fuel.

Do not run the gears up to their limit. Use 1st gear only to start moving and then smoothly shift into
2nd gear. Avoid kick-downs in vehicles with automatic transmissions.

Coasting

If you take your foot off the accelerator, fuel delivery to the engine is interrupted, which lowers fuel
consumption.

Therefore, when nearing a red stop light, for instance, allow the vehicle to coast without using the
accelerator. Press the clutch pedal and release it only if the vehicle moving too slowly or the coasting
distance is too long. The engine will then continue to run at idle.

In situations where the vehicle will be stopped for a longer period of time, such as at a railroad
crossing, physically switch off the engine.

Defensive driving and “flowing” with traffic

Frequent braking and acceleration increases fuel consumption significantly. Just by driving defensively
and keeping a sufficiently large distance away from the vehicle in front of you can make up for the
speed fluctuations caused by taking your foot off the accelerator. Active braking and accelerating is
then not necessarily required.

Calm and smooth driving

Consistency is more important than speed. The more smoothly you drive, the less fuel the vehicle
consumes.

When driving on the highway or freeway, a constant, moderate speed is more efficient and economical
than constantly accelerating and braking. Usually you can reach your destination just as quickly by
driving at a moderate, but steady speed.

The cruise control system can assist in maintaining a uniform driving style.

Moderate use of extra electrical loads

Comfort inside the vehicle is nice and important, but it is important to use them in an environmentally
conscious manner.

Some devices can increase fuel consumption when activated (examples):

Climate control system (air conditioner): If the air conditioner has to produce starkly contrasting

temperatures, it requires a large amount of energy, which is generated by the engine. The temperature
in the vehicle should therefore not be extremely different from that of the outside temperature. It may
be helpful to ventilate the vehicle before driving and then to drive a short distance with the windows
open. After that, switch on the air conditioner with the windows closed. Keep the windows closed when
driving at high speeds. Open windows increase fuel consumption.

Switch off seat heating once it has served its purpose.
Switch off the rear window defroster as soon as the windows are free of fog and ice.

Additional factors that increase fuel consumption (examples):

  Malfunctioning engine control.
  Driving in the mountains.
  Towing a trailer.

NOTICE

Never let the vehicle coast or roll down a hill in Neutral (N), especially when the engine is not
running. The transmission will not be lubricated and will be damaged.

Fuel-efficient driving

Fig. 147 Fuel consumption in mpg at 2 different outside air temperatures.

Fig. 148 Fuel consumption in l/100 km at 2 different outside air temperatures.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Driving defensively and economically can easily reduce fuel consumption by 10 to 15%.

The vehicle consumes the most fuel when accelerating. Defensive driving requires less braking and
therefore less acceleration. If possible, coast the vehicle to a stop, for example, when you can see that
the next traffic light is red or is about to turn red.

Avoid traveling short distances

A cold engine consumes significantly more fuel immediately after starting. It takes a few miles (km)
before the engine is warmed up and fuel consumption is stabilized.

To reduce fuel consumption and the emission of pollutants effectively, the engine and catalytic
converter must reach their optimal operating temperature. Critical in this context is also the outside
air temperature.

fig. 147

and

fig. 148

display the varying fuel consumption rates for the same distance driven, once at

+68 °F (+20 °C) and once at +14 °F (-10 °C).

Therefore, avoid driving short distances unnecessarily and consolidate routes.

Under the same conditions, the vehicle consumes more fuel in winter than in summer.

“Letting the engine run to warm up” is not only illegal in some places, but also technically not
necessary and wastes fuel.

Adjust the tire pressure

The proper tire pressure helps reduce rolling resistance as well as fuel consumption.

When purchasing new tires, always make sure that the tires are optimized for lower rolling resistance.

Use low viscosity engine oil

Fully “synthetic,” low viscosity engine oils that expressly comply with Volkswagen oil quality standards
reduce fuel consumption. Low viscosity engine oils reduce the frictional resistance on the engine and
are distributed more evenly and quickly, particularly when cold-starting the engine. The effect is
particularly apparent in vehicles that frequently travel short distances.

Always ensure the right engine oil level is maintained and keep to the scheduled service intervals
(engine oil changes).

Make sure the engine oil that you purchase expressly complies with Volkswagen oil quality standards
and is the oil approved by Volkswagen for your vehicle.

Avoid unnecessary weight

The lighter the vehicle, the more economical and eco-friendly it will be. For example, an extra 220 lbs
(100 kg) of weight increases fuel consumption by up to 1 pint per 60 miles (0.3 l/100 km).

Cruise control

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Warning and indicator lights

Cruise control operation

The cruise control helps maintains an individually stored constant speed when driving above 12 mph
(20 km/h).

The cruise control slows down the vehicle only by reducing the flow of fuel to the engine, not by

braking

⇒

More information:

Shifting
Parts, accessories, repairs and modifications

WARNING

Using the cruise control when it is not possible to drive safely at a constant speed can be
dangerous and can lead to an accident and serious personal injuries.

Never use cruise control when driving in heavy or varying traffic or when you cannot keep

a safe distance between you and the vehicles ahead of you.

Never use cruise control on steep, winding, or slippery roads (such gravel roads, wet

roads, or snowy or icy roads) or on roads with standing water.

Never use cruise control when driving off-road or on unpaved roads.
Always adjust your speed and the distance you keep between you and the vehicles ahead

of you to the road, traffic, weather, and visibility conditions.

To help prevent unintended operation of cruise control, switch the system off when it is

not being used.

It is dangerous to use the Resume feature when the previously set speed is too high for

the existing road, traffic, or weather conditions.

When going downhill, the cruise control may not be able to maintain a constant speed.

The vehicle will speed up because of its own weight. Downshift and/or use the foot brake to
slow the vehicle.

Warning and indicator lights

Fig. 149 In the instrument cluster display: Cruise control status indications.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Display

Different cruise control versions are available. The stored speed is shown in the instrument cluster
display on some equipment versions.

Status

fig. 149

(A)

Cruise control temporarily deactivated. Stored speed in small numbers.

(B)

System malfunction. See an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen
Service Facility.

(C)

Cruise control activated. No speed stored in memory.

(D)

Cruise control is active. Stored speed in large numbers.

Indicator lights

Lights up

Possible cause

Cruise control is regulating the speed.

When the ignition is switched on, several warning and indicator lights come on briefly for a function
check. They go out after a few seconds.

WARNING

Failure to heed warning lights and instrument cluster text messages can cause the vehicle to
break down in traffic and result in a collision and serious personal injury.

Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.
Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

NOTICE

Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.

Cruise control operation

Fig. 150 On the left side of the steering column: Cruise control buttons and switches.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

In order to:

You must:

⇒

fig. 150

Result:

Switch on cruise control.

Move switch

(2)

to position.

System is switched on, but does

not regulate vehicle speed until

a speed is set.

Set cruise control to

current vehicle speed.

Press button

(3)

Current vehicle speed is set;

cruise control helps to maintain

this speed.

Temporarily deactivate

cruise control.

Move switch

(2)

to the

position.

OR: depress the brake or clutch pedal.

Cruise control is temporarily

deactivated. The speed is still

stored in the memory.

Resume speed stored in

cruise control.

Press button

(1)

Cruise control resumes speed

previously set.

Increase set speed

(while cruise control is

actively controlling

vehicle speed).

Press the button

(1)

briefly to

increase the set speed in small steps.
briefly to increase the stored speed in

small steps of 1 mph (1 km/h) each.

The vehicle will accelerate until

the new higher speed is reached
and saves the new higher speed

in the memory.

Press and hold button

(1)

to increase

the set speed until the higher desired

speed is reached and button is

released.

Reduce set speed (while

cruise control is actively

controlling vehicle

speed).

Press the button

(3)

briefly to decrease the stored speed in

small steps of 1 mph (1 km/h) each.

Cruise control will slow the

vehicle down without braking by

reducing the flow of fuel to the

engine until the new lower

speed is reached and saves the

new lower speed in the memory.

Press and hold button

(3)

to reduce

the set speed until the lower desired

speed is reached and the button is

released.

Switch off cruise control.

Move switch

(2)

in the

position.

System is switched off. The set

speed is deleted.

Driving downhill with cruise control

If cruise control cannot maintain constant speed while driving downhill, slow the vehicle with the foot
brake and downshift if necessary.

Automatic deactivation

Cruise control speed regulation is automatically deactivated or temporarily interrupted:

  If the system detects an error that could affect the function of the cruise control.
  If the vehicle has accelerated and goes faster than the stored speed for a longer time.
  If the brake or clutch pedal is depressed.
  If the vehicle shifts gear (manual transmission).
  If an airbag deploys.

Rear View Camera system

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Operation

Parking

There is a camera in the luggage compartment lid to assist the driver while backing up or
maneuvering. The camera image is shown together with the orientation lines projected by the system
on the screen of the factory-installed radio or navigation system.

Rear View may take a few seconds to bring up the camera image.

More information and warnings:

Exterior views
Parts, accessories, repairs and modifications

⇒ Booklet

Radio or ⇒ Booklet Navigation system

WARNING

Rear View is not able to give you a clear and undistorted view of all areas behind the vehicle.

The camera has blind spots in which it cannot detect people and objects.
Always be careful and look around you when parking. The camera cannot show people,

animals, and objects in certain situations. Watch out for small children and animals in
particular.

Due to the screen resolution or in low-light conditions, the camera may not pick up thin

posts, chain-link fences and similar fences, and other objects, or it may not show them
clearly.

The camera lens enlarges and distorts the field of vision and causes objects on the screen

to appear altered and imprecise.

Always keep the camera lens clean and free of snow and ice; do not cover the lens.

WARNING

Rear View Camera system technology cannot overcome the laws of physics and the limits of
the system. Careless or unintentional use of the Rear View Camera system may result in
accidents and severe injuries.

Always adjust your speed and driving style to road, traffic, weather, and visibility

conditions.

Always keep an eye on the parking direction and the vehicle surroundings. The front of

the vehicle swings out more than the rear of the vehicle.

Never pay so much attention to the graphics shown on the screen that you fail to notice

what is going on around you.

Always watch for people, especially small children, animals, and objects, because the

camera may not always be able to detect them.

The system may not be able to clearly show everything behind the vehicle.
Use the Rear View Camera system only when the luggage compartment lid is completely

closed.

NOTICE

The camera shows only two-dimensional images on the screen. Due to the lack of depth of

field, it may be difficult or impossible to identify protruding objects or recesses in the road, for
example.

Things like thin rods, fences, posts, and trees may not be detected by the camera and could

damage the vehicle.

Operation

Fig. 151 In the luggage compartment lid: Location of the Rear View camera.

Fig. 152 Rear View Camera display.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

In order to

Operation

Automatically activate display:

Shift into Reverse (R) when the ignition is switched on or the

engine is running.

Manually deactivate display:

Press a function selection button on the radio or the

navigation system

⇒ Booklet

Radio or ⇒ Booklet Navigation

system.

OR: Switch off the ignition. The Rear View Camera display

turns off after a few seconds.

In order to

Operation

Switch off display by shifting out of

Reverse (R):

The display switches off after about 10 seconds.

Deactivate display by driving

forward:

Drive forward faster than about 10 mph (15 km/h).

Special considerations

1) Do not use the Rear View Camera system in the following situations:

– When an incorrect or unclear image is displayed, such as when there is poor visibility or the lens is

dirty.

– If the area behind the vehicle cannot be seen clearly or completely.

– If the rear of the vehicle is heavily loaded.

– When the luggage compartment lid is open.

– If the driver is not familiar with the system.

– If the position or angle of the camera has changed, such as after a rear-end collision. Have the

system checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

2) Examples of optical distortion by the camera

The Rear View Camera system displays only two-dimensional images. Recesses and protruding

objects on the ground or protruding parts on other vehicles are difficult or impossible to identify due

to the lack of depth of field.

Objects or another vehicle may seem closer or farther away on the screen than they really are:

– When driving from a level surface onto an upward or downward slope.

– When driving up or down a slope onto a level surface.

– If the rear of the vehicle is heavily loaded.

– When approaching protruding objects. These objects can disappear from the field of view when

backing up.

Cleaning the camera lens

Keep the camera lens clean and free of snow and ice:

  Engage the parking brake.
  Switch on the ignition.
  Select the Reverse (R) gear.

Wet the camera lens with a commercially available alcohol-based glass cleaner and clean with a

dry cloth

⇒

Remove snow with a brush.

Remove ice with deicer spray

⇒

NOTICE

Never use abrasive cleaning agents to clean the camera lens.
Never remove snow or ice on the camera lens with warm or hot water. This can damage the

camera lens.

Volkswagen recommends practicing parking with Rear View Camera system in a safe place with

little or no traffic or in a parking lot under good visibility and weather conditions in order to familiarize
yourself with the system, the orientation lines and the way they work.

Rear View Camera system does not work when the luggage compartment lid is open.

Parking

Fig. 153 On the screen: Static orientation lines for the parking space behind the vehicle.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Orientation lines overview

The yellow area displayed stops about 2 yards (meters) behind the vehicle on the road.

Meaning of the orientation lines on the screen

⇒

fig. 153

(1)

Safety distance: Area up to about 16 inches (40 cm) behind the vehicle on the road.

(2)

Projection of the vehicle (widened somewhat) toward the rear. The middle markers are about
40 inches (1 meter) behind the vehicle on the road.

Parking

Position the vehicle in front of a parking space and shift into Reverse (R).

Slowly back up and steer so that the yellow orientation lines lead into the parking space

(2)

Align the vehicle in the parking place so that the yellow orientation lines are parallel with the

parking space.

All distances of the orientation lines refer to a vehicle that is on a level surface.

Volkswagen Tiguan (2015 year). Instruction - part 17