Volkswagen Tiguan (2015 year). Instruction

WARNING

Operating fluids and some materials in the engine compartment can catch fire easily, causing
burns and other serious personal injuries!

  Do not smoke.
  Never work next to open flames or sparks.
  Never pour or spill operating fluids or other flammable liquids on the engine. These fluids

can ignite on hot engine parts and cause injuries.

If work on the fuel system or the electrical system is necessary:

– Always disconnect the 12 Volt vehicle battery. Make sure the vehicle is unlocked when
you disconnect the battery, or the alarm will go off. Never touch the electrical wiring of the
ignition system.

– Never work near heaters, water heaters, or other open flames.

Always have a functional, approved fire extinguisher nearby.

NOTICE

When changing or topping off fluids, make sure that you pour the fluids into the correct
reservoirs. Adding the wrong type of operating fluids will cause serious malfunctions and
engine damage.

Fluid leaks are harmful to the environment. Regularly check the ground underneath your vehicle

for this reason. If you find spots of oil or other fluids, have your vehicle checked by your authorized
Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Dispose of leaked operating fluids
properly.

Warning light

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

Lights up

Possible cause

Proper response

Engine hood not properly closed.

Stop!

Close the engine hood.

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.

If the engine hood is open or not closed properly, the warning light lights up in the instrument cluster.

Depending on your vehicle's equipment and options, a symbol showing that the hood is not properly
closed may appear in the instrument cluster display instead of the warning light. The symbol will still
be displayed even after the ignition is switched off. The display goes out about 15 seconds after the
vehicle has been locked with the doors closed.

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.

Working in the engine compartment

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

Checklist

Before any work in the engine compartment, carry out the following steps in the order in which they

are listed

⇒

Park the vehicle in a safe place on a firm, level surface.

Hold the brake pedal down until the engine is switched off.

Apply the electronic parking brake to help prevent the vehicle from moving

⇒ Braking and parking.

Shift the transmission into Park (P) (automatic) or Neutral (manual only)

⇒ Shifting.

Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition switch

⇒ Starting and stopping the engine.

Let the engine cool down sufficiently.

Keep children and others away from the vehicle.

Make sure the vehicle cannot move unexpectedly.

WARNING

Disregarding the safety-related checklist may result in serious injuries.

Always review and follow the checklist. Follow accepted safety practices and use common

sense.

Opening and closing the engine compartment

Fig. 167 A: Inside engine hood release in the footwell on the driver side. B: Outside engine hood release in
the radiator grille.

Fig. 168 A: Bracket for hood support in the engine compartment. B: Hood propped open.

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

Opening the engine hood

Before you open the hood, make sure that the windshield wiper arms are resting on the windshield

⇒

Open the driver door and pull the inside hood release lever in the direction of the arrow

⇒

fig. 167

A. The engine hood is released from its latch by a spring

⇒

Push the outside hood release lever

⇒

fig. 167

B (arrow) and lift the hood all the way up.

Pull the hood support out of its bracket in the direction of the arrow

⇒

fig. 168

C and insert it into

the opening in the hood

⇒

fig. 168

Closing the engine hood

Lift the hood slightly

⇒

Take out the hood support and clamp it in place in its bracket

⇒

fig. 168

Lower the hood by hand until it is about 1 ft. (30 cm) above its latch and then let it drop into place

to latch it. Do not push down on it afterwards!

If the hood does not close completely, open it again and close it properly.

When the hood is properly closed, you can see that it fits flush with the other body parts. The indicator
light in the instrument cluster will go out

WARNING

If the hood is not closed properly, it could fly up and block your view while you are driving.
This can lead to a crash and serious personal injuries.

After closing the engine hood, check that the hood release lever is properly latched into

the hood latch. The engine hood must be flush with the surrounding auto body parts.

If you ever notice that the hood latch is not properly secured when the vehicle is moving,

stop at once and close it.

Never let anyone get in the way of the hood when closing it.

NOTICE

Make sure the windshield wipers are switched off and the windshield wiper arms are resting

on the windshield before you open the hood. Otherwise, the windshield wipers and the hood
may be damaged.

Always put the windshield wiper arms down against the windshield before driving the

vehicle.

NOTICE

Before opening or closing the engine hood, make sure there is enough room to do so, for
example when the vehicle is in a garage.

Engine oil

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Warning and indicator lights

Engine oil specifications

Engine oil capacities

Checking the engine oil level and adding oil

Engine oil consumption

Changing engine oil

More information:

⇒ Booklet

Warranty and Maintenance booklet

Working in the engine compartment
Parts, accessories, repairs and modifications

WARNING

Improper handling of engine oil can cause severe burns and other serious injuries.

  Always wear eye protection.
  Engine oil is poisonous and must be stored out of the reach of children.
  Store engine oil only in the closed original container. This also applies to used oil until

disposal.

To reduce the risk of poisoning, never drain the oil into empty food or beverage

containers that might mislead someone into drinking from them.

Continuous contact with used engine oil is harmful to your skin. Always protect your skin

by washing thoroughly with soap and water.

Engine oil becomes extremely hot when the engine is running and can cause severe

burns. Always let the engine cool down to the touch.

Like all other operating fluids, engine oil can pollute the environment. Collect leaked or spilled

operating fluids and dispose of them properly in accordance with applicable environmental laws and
regulations.

Warning and indicator lights

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

Lights

Possible cause

Proper response

Engine oil level too low.

Stop the engine. Check the engine oil level

Flashes

Possible cause

Proper response

Engine oil pressure too low.

Stop!

Switch off the engine. Check the engine oil

level.

– If the warning light flashes although the oil
level is normal, do not continue driving or let
the engine idle. Otherwise, the engine could

be damaged. Contact an authorized
Volkswagen dealer or an authorized

Volkswagen Service Facility.

Engine oil system malfunction.

Have the engine oil sensor checked by an

authorized Volkswagen dealer or an

authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

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.

Engine oil specifications

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

The engine oil used must conform to exact specifications.

Using the proper engine oil is important for the functionality and service life of the engine. Your engine
was factory-filled with a high-quality multi-grade oil which can usually be used throughout the entire
year.

Engine oils are constantly being improved. Authorized Volkswagen dealers and authorized
Volkswagen Service Facilities are always up-to-date regarding new developments and changes.
Volkswagen therefore recommends that you have the engine oil changed by an authorized
Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Engine oil quality is based not only on requirements for engines and exhaust treatment systems, but
also on fuel quality. Engine oil comes into contact with fuel and fuel residue in all internal combustion
engines, causing engine oil to age and its lubricating qualities to deteriorate.

Your engine was factory-filled with a high-quality, “synthetic” all-season engine oil that meets strict
Volkswagen oil quality standards and has a viscosity grade of SAE 5W-40 or SAE 5W-30. You can
use this oil for normal driving in all temperatures.

If you need to add oil between oil changes, use only a high quality oil that expressly complies with the
Volkswagen oil quality standard specified for your vehicle's engine:

Engines

Engine oil specification

All gasoline engines

VW 502 00,
VW 503 00,

VW 504 00

At the time this Manual was printed, the engine oils available in the U.S. that meet these Volkswagen
standards are “synthetic” oils. This does not mean, however, that any “synthetic” engine oil will meet
Volkswagen standards. Always use an approved oil that expressly complies with the Volkswagen oil
quality standard that applies to your vehicle's engine.

General recommendations:

If “synthetic” oil that meets the applicable Volkswagen oil quality standard with viscosity grade SAE
5W-40 or SAE 5W-30 is not available in your area, be sure to use a viscosity grade suitable for the
climate, season, and operating conditions that exist where the vehicle is used. Make sure the oil meets
the quality standard listed in

NOTICE

If you need to add oil and there is none available that meets the Volkswagen oil quality

standard your engine requires, you may add a total of no more than 1/2 quart (0.5 liter) of a
high-quality “synthetic” oil that meets ACEA A3 specifications and has a viscosity grade of
SAE 5W-40 or SAE 5W-30.

Use only a high quality engine oil that expressly complies with the Volkswagen oil quality

standard specified for your vehicle's engine. Using any other oil can cause serious engine
damage that will not be covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.

Do not mix any lubricants or other additives into the engine oil. Doing so can cause engine

damage! Damage caused by these kinds of additives are not covered by any Volkswagen
Limited Warranty.

Engine oil capacities

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

Engines

Engine oil capacity (with filter)

Gasoline engines

About 4.9 quarts (4.7 liters)

Checking the engine oil level and adding oil

Fig. 169 Oil dipstick with engine oil level marks.

Fig. 170 In the engine compartment: Engine oil filler cap.

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

Checklist

Perform the steps in the order listed

⇒

1. With the engine at operating temperature, park the vehicle on a level surface to help prevent an

incorrect oil level reading.

2. Switch off the engine and wait a few minutes for the engine oil to flow back into the oil pan.

3. Open the engine hood

⇒

4. Find the oil filler opening and the dipstick. You can identify these by the

symbol on the engine

oil filler cap

⇒

fig. 170

and the colored handle on the dipstick. If you are not sure where the cap and

the dipstick are located, see your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service
Facility for assistance.

5. Remove the dipstick from the guide tube and wipe the dipstick off using a clean cloth.

6. Reinsert the dipstick into the guide tube and push it all the way in. If there is an alignment tab on

the engine oil dipstick, make sure it lines up with the notch in the guide tube, and that the dipstick
goes all the way in.

7. Remove the dipstick again and read the oil level on the dipstick

⇒

fig. 169

as described below:

(A)

: Do not add any oil

⇒

. Continue with step 15.

(B)

: Oil may be added (about 1 pint / 0.5 liter). Continue with step 8 or step 15.

(C)

: You must add oil (about 1 quart / 1.0 liter). Continue with step 8.

8. After reading the oil level, reinsert the dipstick back into the guide tube and push it all the way in.

9. Remove the cap on the engine oil filler opening

⇒

fig. 170

10. Only add engine oil that Volkswagen has approved for that engine. Add the oil gradually in small

quantities (no more than 1 pint / 0.5 liter).

11. To avoid overfilling, you must wait about one minute each time you add oil so that the oil can flow

into the oil pan up to the marking on the dipstick.

12. Read the oil level on the dipstick again before adding another small amount, if necessary. Never

add too much oil

⇒

13. After adding oil, the level must at least be in the center of the

⇒

fig. 169

(B)

area, but never above

(A)

⇒

14. After adding oil, securely install the cap on the engine oil filler opening. Otherwise, oil could leak

out while the engine is running.

15. Insert the oil dipstick back in the guide tube and push it all the way in.

16. Close the hood

⇒

Engine oil level ranges

fig. 169

Required action according to the respective engine oil level:

Range

(A)

Do not refill oil

⇒

Range

(B)

You may add oil (about 1 pint / 0.5 liters). The oil level may go into the

(A)

range, but not above the

(A)

range.

Range

(C)

You must add oil (about 1 quart / 1.0 liter). After adding oil, make sure that the

oil level is about in the middle of the

(B)

range.

WARNING

Engine oil can ignite when it touches hot engine parts. This can cause fires, burns, and other
severe injuries.

Never spill oil on the engine. Oil spilled on a cold engine can also cause a fire when the

engine warms up

Always make certain that you screw the cap of the engine oil filler opening back on tightly

after adding oil and that the dipstick has been pushed all the way back into the in the guide
tube. This helps prevent engine oil from leaking onto the hot engine when the engine is
running.

NOTICE

Do not start the engine if the engine oil level is above range

(A)

. Contact an authorized

Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Otherwise the catalytic
converter and engine can be damaged!

When changing or topping off fluids, make sure that you pour the fluids into the correct

reservoirs. Adding the wrong type of operating fluids will cause serious malfunctions and
engine damage.

The engine oil level should never be above range

(A)

. Otherwise oil can be drawn in by the

crankcase ventilation system and enter the atmosphere via the exhaust system.

Engine oil consumption

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

To provide effective lubrication and cooling for internal engine parts, all internal combustion engines
use some oil. Oil consumption varies from engine to engine and may change over the life of the
engine. Engines tend to use more oil during the break-in period than they do afterward, when oil
consumption has stabilized.

Under normal conditions, the rate of oil consumption depends on oil quality as well as viscosity, engine
speed (rpm), outside temperature, road conditions, the amount of oil dilution caused by condensed
water or fuel residue, and oxidation of the oil. Oil consumption may increase with engine wear over
time, until replacement of worn engine parts may become necessary.

Volkswagen recommends that you to check the engine oil level at regular intervals, preferably every
time you fill the fuel tank, and always before a long trip. Your vehicle may consume engine oil
depending on several variables. A maximum of 1 quart per 1200 miles (1 liter per 2000 km) would be
considered normal. New vehicles may consume more oil over the first 3000 miles (5000 km).

The oil pressure warning light is not an indicator of low engine oil level. If the warning light
stays on or flashes while driving (above 1500 rpm), a chime will sound. It indicates that the oil
pressure is too low. Stop the engine immediately, check the engine oil level and add oil if
necessary. If the engine oil level is normal, but the light continues to flash, do not keep driving
or let the engine idle, as damage may occur.

If you believe your engine uses too much oil, we recommend that you consult your authorized
Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility so that the cause of your concern can
be properly diagnosed. Please keep in mind that accurate measurement of oil consumption requires
great care and may take some time. Your authorized Volkswagen dealer and authorized Volkswagen
Service Facility have instructions for how to measure oil consumption accurately.

Depending on the way the vehicle is driven and the operating conditions, oil consumption can be

up to 1 quart per 1200 miles (0.5 liter per 1000 km). Consumption may be higher for new vehicles
during the first 3000 miles (5000 km).

Changing engine oil

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

The engine oil must be changed according to the intervals specified in your

⇒ Booklet

Warranty and

Maintenance.

Changing oil at regular intervals is very important because the lubricating properties of oil decrease
gradually during normal vehicle use. If you are not sure when to have the oil changed, ask your
authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Sometimes, engine oil should be changed more often than specified for normal use. Change oil more
frequently if you often drive short distances, in dusty areas or in stop-and-go traffic, or if you use your
vehicle where temperatures stay below freezing for long periods.

Volkswagen recommends that you have your oil and oil filter changed by an authorized Volkswagen

dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility

⇒

. They have the required expertise and

special tools and will dispose of the old oil properly.

Detergent additives in the oil will make fresh oil look dark after the engine has been running a short
time. This is normal and no reason to change engine oil more often.

WARNING

If you must change the engine oil yourself, be sure to take the following precautions:

Always wear eye protection.
To reduce the risk of burns from hot engine oil, let the engine cool down completely

before beginning.

When removing the oil drain plug with your fingers, stay as far away as possible. Always

keep your forearm parallel to the ground to help prevent hot oil from running down your arm.

Drain the oil into a container designed for this purpose, one large enough to hold at least

the total amount of oil in your engine.

To reduce the risk of poisoning, never drain the oil into empty food or beverage

containers that might mislead someone into drinking from them.

Engine oil is poisonous and must be stored out of the reach of children.
Continuous contact with used engine oil is harmful to your skin. Always protect your skin

by washing thoroughly with soap and water.

Before changing the oil, first make sure you know where you can properly dispose of the old oil.

Dispose of the old oil an environmentally-responsible manner. Never dump the old oil on garden

soil, in wooded areas, in the street, into streams, rivers, or bodies of water, or down sewage drains.

Recycle used oil by taking it to a collection facility for used engine oil in your area, or contact an

authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Volkswagen recommends that you always have your oil and oil filter changed by an authorized

Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. They have the required expertise
and special tools and will dispose of the old oil properly.

Engine coolant

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Warning light and engine coolant temperature gauge

Engine coolant specifications

Checking engine coolant level and topping off

Never do any work on the coolant system unless you

know exactly how to carry out the job,
have the correct technical information and the proper tools, supplies, and operating fluids, and

are familiar with the necessary safety precautions

⇒

If you are uncertain in any way, have the work done by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Serious personal injury may result from improperly performed work.

More information:

  Trailer towing
  Working in the engine compartment
  Parts, accessories, repairs and modifications

WARNING

Engine coolant is poisonous!

Always keep the coolant in its original container stored in a safe place.
To reduce the risk of poisoning, never store engine coolant in empty food or beverage

containers or in any other containers that might mislead someone into drinking from them.

Always keep engine coolant out of reach of children.
Always make sure there is enough of the correct coolant additive to provide proper

antifreeze protection at the coldest temperatures that can be expected where the vehicle will
be used.

At extremely cold temperatures, the coolant could freeze, causing the vehicle to break

down. The heater would also not work, and vehicle occupants could be without protection at
subfreezing temperatures.

Coolant and coolant additives can pollute the environment. Collect leaking operating fluids and

dispose of them properly in accordance with applicable environmental laws and regulations.

Warning light and engine coolant temperature gauge

Fig. 171 Engine coolant temperature gauge in the instrument cluster: A Engine cold; B Normal temperature
range; C Warning zone.

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

If the indicator in the engine coolant temperature gauge is located in the cold range

(A)

, the engine

has not reached operating temperature. High engine speeds and heavy engine loads should be
avoided.

Under normal driving conditions, the needle should be in the middle of the gauge. The temperature
may go higher when the engine is working hard, especially in hot weather.

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.

The following table explains what to do if the engine coolant warning light does not go out a few
seconds after the engine is started or lights up or starts flashing while driving.

Flashes

Temperature

gauge needle

⇒

fig. 171

Possible cause

Proper response

(C)

Warning zone

Engine coolant
temperature too high.

Stop!

Pull off the road and stop as soon as you
can do so safely. Stop the engine and let it
cool down until the temperature needle is in
the normal range again. Check the engine
coolant level and add coolant if needed
If the engine coolant level is correct or the
problem continues after adding coolant and
driving a short distance, do not drive any
farther. Contact the nearest authorized
Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility.
If the coolant level is correct, the
overheating may be caused by a radiator
fan fault. Check the fuses and replace as
necessary

Flashes

Temperature

gauge needle

⇒

fig. 171

Possible cause

Proper response

(B)

Normal range

Engine coolant level too
low.

Check the engine coolant level after the
engine has cooled down and add engine
coolant if low
If the engine coolant level is correct or the
problem continues after adding coolant, do
not drive any farther. Contact an
authorized Volkswagen dealer or
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
These instructions apply only when the
coolant temperature stays in the normal
range. Stop immediately if the needle goes
into the red warning zone

(C)

–

Engine coolant system
malfunction.

Stop!

Get assistance from an authorized
Volkswagen dealer, an authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility, or another
qualified workshop.

–

(A)

Cold range

The engine has not yet
warmed up.

Do not drive at high engine speeds or with
heavy engine loads until the engine warms
up.

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.

Engine coolant specifications

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

The engine cooling system is filled at the factory with a mixture of specially conditioned water and at
least 40 percent of Volkswagen engine coolant additive G 13 (TL-VW 774 J). This engine coolant
additive is pink.

This mixture provides antifreeze protection down to -13 °F (-25 °C). It also helps to protect the light
alloy parts in the engine cooling system against corrosion. In addition, the mixture helps prevent
calcium deposits and increases the boiling point of the engine coolant.

To protect the engine, the mixture must always contain at least 40% coolant additive even in warm
weather or climates where antifreeze protection is not needed.

If more antifreeze protection is needed for climate conditions, the percentage of coolant additive can
be increased. However, the coolant additive percentage must never be more than 60%; otherwise,
antifreeze protection is reduced and the ability of the mixture to cool the engine is also reduced.

When adding engine coolant, use a mixture of distilled water and at least 40% coolant additive G 13

or G 12 plus-plus (TL-VW 774 G) for optimum corrosion protection

⇒

Do not mix G 13 with G 12 plus or G 11. Mixing these coolant additives together significantly reduces

corrosion protection

⇒

and can lead to engine damage that is not covered by any Volkswagen

Limited Warranty.

WARNING

Too little antifreeze protection in the engine cooling system can cause engine failure and
severe injuries.

Always make sure there is enough of the correct coolant additive to provide proper

antifreeze protection at the coldest temperatures that can be expected where the vehicle will
be used.

At extremely cold temperatures, the coolant could freeze, causing the vehicle to break

down. The heater would also not work, and vehicle occupants could be without protection at
subfreezing temperatures.

NOTICE

Never mix original Volkswagen engine coolant additives with other additives not approved by
Volkswagen. Mixing Volkswagen coolant additives with coolant additives made by other
manufacturers can seriously damage the engine and the engine cooling system.

If the fluid in the engine coolant reservoir is any color but pink, then G 13 was mixed with a

different engine coolant. If this is the case, the engine coolant must be replaced immediately.
Otherwise serious malfunctions or engine damage can occur!

Engine coolant and engine coolant additives can pollute the environment. Collect leaking

operating fluids and dispose of them properly in accordance with applicable environmental laws and
regulations.

Checking engine coolant level and topping off

Fig. 172 Coolant expansion tank in the engine compartment.

Fig. 173 Coolant expansion tank cap in the engine compartment.

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

If the coolant level drops too low, the engine coolant level/temperature warning light lights up.

Preparations

Park the vehicle on level ground.

Always let the engine cool down

⇒

Open the engine hood

⇒

There is a symbol on the cap of the engine coolant expansion tank

⇒

fig. 173

Checking engine coolant level

When the engine is cold, check the engine coolant level relative to the marking on the side of the

expansion tank

⇒

fig. 172

If the coolant level in the tank is below the minimum mark (“min”), add coolant. When the engine is

warm, the engine coolant level may be slightly above the upper edge of the marked range.

Volkswagen Tiguan (2015 year). Instruction - part 21