Volkswagen Tiguan (2015 year). Instruction

Changing the vehicle's suspension system can change the way that the airbag system works in a
crash. For example, using tire-rim combinations not approved by Volkswagen, lowering the vehicle,
changing the stiffness of the suspension, including the springs, suspension struts, shock absorbers
etc. can change the forces that are measured by the airbag sensors and sent to the electronic control
unit. Some suspension changes can, for example, increase the force levels measured by the airbag
sensors and sent to the electronic control unit and make the airbag system deploy in crashes in which
it would not deploy if the changes had not been made. Other kinds of changes may reduce the force
levels measured by the sensors and prevent the airbag from deploying when it should.

Never install leather upholstery on a vehicle that originally had cloth upholstery. Never install cloth
upholstery on a vehicle that originally had leather upholstery. The weight-sensing mat for the
Advanced Airbag system will not work properly if different upholstery is installed on the passenger seat
than the upholstery originally installed on the vehicle when it was originally manufactured.

WARNING

Changing the vehicle's suspension including use of unapproved tire-rim combinations can
change airbag performance and increase the risk of serious personal injury in a crash.

Never install suspension components that do not have the same performance

characteristics as the components originally installed on your vehicle.

Never use tire-rim combinations that have not been approved by Volkswagen.

WARNING

Leaving the optional safety belt extender attached to the safety belt buckle on the front
passenger seat when the safety belt is not being used will prevent the Advanced Airbag
System from working properly and can increase the risk of serious personal injury in a
collision.

Leaving the extender attached to the safety belt buckle when the front seat is occupied

and the safety belt is not being used will signal to the airbag control unit that the front
passenger seat is occupied and that the safety belt is being used. The electronic control unit
for the airbag system will then receive incorrect information that will

– cause the safety belt pretensioner to deploy unnecessarily in collisions and

– cause the front passenger airbag to deploy later in collisions in which the front airbag
would otherwise be triggered earlier to help protect an unrestrained front seat passenger.

Always remove the safety belt extender when it is not needed and stow it safely.
Never use the safety belt extender to secure a child restraint.

WARNING

Items stored between the safety belt buckle and the center console can cause safety belt
buckle to send the wrong information to the airbag control unit and prevent the Advanced
Airbag System from working properly.

Always make sure that nothing can interfere with the safety belt buckles and that they are

not obstructed.

WARNING

Improper care and servicing, and improper modification and repair work, can increase the
risk of personal injury and death by preventing an airbag from deploying when needed or
deploying an airbag unexpectedly:

Never repair, adjust, or change any parts of the airbag system.
All work on the airbag system, steering wheel, instrument panel, front seats or electrical

system (including the installation of audio equipment, cellular telephones and CB radios,
etc.) should be performed by authorized Volkswagen dealers or authorized Volkswagen
Service Facilities. They have the necessary manuals, training, and special equipment.

The airbag system can be activated only once. After an airbag has inflated, it must be

replaced.

Use only original equipment airbags approved by Volkswagen. Have them installed by a

trained technician who has the necessary tools and diagnostic equipment to properly replace
any airbag in your vehicle and assure system effectiveness in a crash.

Never permit salvaged or recycled airbags to be installed in your vehicle.

Undeployed airbag modules and safety belt pretensioners are classified as Perchlorate

Material. Special handling may apply – see http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate. Obey
all applicable legal requirements regarding handling and disposal of the vehicle or parts of its restraint
system, including airbag modules and safety belts with pretensioners. Authorized Volkswagen dealers
and authorized Volkswagen Service Facilities are familiar with the requirements, and we recommend
that you have them perform this service for you.

Notice about data recorded by vehicle control modules

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

Your vehicle is not equipped with an Event Data Recorder (EDR).

EDRs, sometimes called “crash recorders,” are installed by some manufacturers for the express
purpose of capturing data for retrieval after an accident or crash event.

Some state laws restrict the retrieval or downloading of data stored by EDRs installed in a vehicle for
the express purpose of retrieving data after an accident or crash event without the owner's consent.

Although your vehicle is not equipped with an EDR, it is equipped with a number of electronic control
modules for various vehicle systems, such as engine management, emission control, airbags, and
safety belts.

These electronic control modules also record data during normal vehicle operation for diagnostic and
repair purposes. Their recording capability is limited to data (no sound is recorded). Only a small
amount of data is actually recorded over a very limited period of time, or stored when a system fault is
detected by a control module. Some of the data stored may relate to vehicle speed, direction, or
braking, as well as restraint system use and performance in the event of a crash. Stored data can only
be read and downloaded with special equipment.

Using the mobile phone without a vehicle integrated antenna - some
important things to know

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

Mobile or mobile telephones send and receive radio waves, sometimes called “radiofrequency energy”
(RF energy), both when they are being used and when they are in stand-by mode. Current scientific
literature indicates that radio waves that exceed a certain level can have effects on the human body.

Limits and guidelines have been established by governmental authorities and international committees
in an effort to keep the electromagnetic radiation from mobile phones at levels that will not cause
health problems. However, there is no scientifically based proof that wireless phones are absolutely
safe.

Therefore some experts recommend a precautionary approach regarding the use of mobile phones by
taking measures that lower the personal exposure to electromagnetic fields.

When using a mobile phone inside a motor vehicle without a proper connection to an integrated
vehicle telephone antenna, the personal exposure to electromagnetic fields will be higher than when
using the mobile telephone while properly connected to an integrated or other outside vehicle
telephone antenna.

Your vehicle may be equipped with an optional hands-free system that will permit many of the features
of compatible Bluetooth

enabled mobile telephones to be used for greater convenience and is

consistent with the laws of an increasing number of states and localities that prohibit the use of mobile
telephones without some kind of hands-free device.

The hands-free system in your vehicle can be used with certain mobile phones that are connected by
wire and hardware connector or via compatible Bluetooth

enabled phones with a cradle that is

designed to fit your mobile telephone. The special cradle offers several advantages: The phone cradle
must be safely secured to the base plate. Your phone is firmly attached to the instrument panel and is
within reach at all times. Placing the phone in its cradle permits it to be charged, but more importantly
connects the mobile phone to the vehicle's outside antenna. A mobile telephone that is properly
connected to the integrated or other outside vehicle telephone antenna will lower the personal
exposure to electromagnetic fields. You should also experience a better quality of service. Although a
mobile telephone can be used inside your vehicle without a cradle, the phone will not be securely
attached to the vehicle, will not be charged through the cradle wiring, and more importantly will not be
connected to the vehicle's integrated telephone antenna. The mobile phone will also not be recharged.
You might also experience more dropped calls and an overall impaired quality of the connection.

Therefore we strongly recommend that you use your mobile telephone in your vehicle only when it is
properly attached to an appropriate cradle mounted on a base plate on the instrument panel.

Because of the large number and variety of mobile telephones on the market and the frequency with
which new models are introduced, Volkswagen does not offer cradles for mobile telephones. Please
check with the manufacturer of the mobile telephone that you plan to use.

Bluetooth

is a registered trademark of Bluetooth

SIG, Inc.

WARNING

A mobile phone on the seat, instrument panel or in other places can be thrown around the
inside of the vehicle during a sudden braking maneuver, a crash or other accident and injure
vehicle occupants.

Never place or attach accessories or other objects (such as cup holders, telephone

brackets, notepads, navigation systems, large, heavy or bulky objects) on the doors, on the
windshield, over or near the area marked “AIRBAG” on the steering wheel, instrument panel,
backrests or between these areas and the occupant. Such objects could cause serious injury
in a collision, especially if an airbag inflates.

WARNING

Using a mobile phone or CB radio inside the vehicle without a properly installed and separate
outside antenna can be dangerous to your health and that of your passengers because the
electromagnetic radiation energy that mobile phones and CB radios emit may be above
established limits. This also applies if the outside antenna is not installed properly.

Always keep the mobile phone antenna at least 8 in (20 cm) away from pacemakers. Heart

specialists advise that mobile phones can adversely affect the way of pacemakers work.

Never carry a mobile phone that is switched on in the breast pocket directly over a

pacemaker.

If you suspect there may be interference with a pacemaker or other medical device, switch

the mobile phone off immediately.

Consumer information

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Operating your vehicle outside of the United States and Canada

Radio antenna and reception

Volkswagen service information

More information:

  Exterior views
  Technical data
  Parts, accessories, repairs and modifications

⇒ Booklet

Warranty and Maintenance

WARNING

Improper vehicle care and use, as well as improper changes to the vehicle, increase the risk
of accidents and injuries.

Obey all applicable legal requirements.

Read your Owner's Manual and heed all WARNINGS.

NOTICE

Improper vehicle care and use, as well as improper changes to the vehicle, can result in
damage to the vehicle.

Obey all applicable legal requirements.

Perform service according to the specifications in

⇒ Booklet

Warranty and Maintenance.

Read your Owner's Manual and heed all WARNINGS.

Operating your vehicle outside of the United States and Canada

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

Government regulations in the United States and Canada require that automobiles meet specific
emission regulations and safety standards. Therefore, vehicles built for the U.S. and Canada differ
from vehicles sold in other countries.

If you plan to take your vehicle outside the continental limits of the United States or Canada, there is
the possibility that:

  Unleaded fuels for vehicles with catalytic converters may not be available.
  Fuel may have a considerably lower octane rating and may cause engine damage.
  Service may be inadequate due to lack of proper service facilities, tools or testing equipment.
  Replacement parts may not be readily available.
  DVD navigation systems for vehicles built for the United States and Canada will not necessarily

work in Europe, and may not work in other countries outside of North America.

NOTICE

Volkswagen is not responsible for mechanical damage that may result from substandard fuel
or service or the unavailability of Genuine Volkswagen parts.

Volkswagen is not responsible if the vehicle does not meet the respective legal

requirements in other countries and continents.

Radio antenna and reception

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

If the radio and navigation systems were installed at the factory, the radio antenna may be installed in
different locations in the vehicle:

  On the inside of the rear window with the rear window defroster,
  On the inside of the rear side windows,
  On the inside of the windshield,
  On the vehicle roof.

Antennas on the insides of windows are thin wires.

NOTICE

Antennas installed on the insides of windows can be damaged by abrasive objects or by
corrosive or acidic cleaning agents or other chemicals. Do not place any stickers on the
windshield-integrated antenna and never clean the antenna with corrosive or acidic cleaning
agents or other chemicals.

If electrical devices are operated close to the integrated windshield antenna, interference with

AM radio reception may occur.

Volkswagen service information

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

Volkswagen service information is published as soon as possible after model introduction.

To order service information contact:

Volkswagen Technical Literature Ordering Center

http://www.vw.techliterature.com

WARNING

Improperly performed repairs and modifications can cause vehicle damage and malfunctions,
and can impair the efficiency of driver assistance systems and the airbag system. This can
lead to accidents and severe personal injuries.

Have repairs and vehicle modifications performed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or

an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Declaration of Compliance, Telecommunications and
Electronic Systems

Radio Frequency Devices and Radio communication Equipment User Manual Notice.

Radio-based equipment

  Mobile phone package
  Electronic immobilizer.
  Remote control vehicle key.
  Keyless Access with push button start.

These devices comply with:

FCC Part 15.19

These devices comply with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following 2
conditions:

(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and

(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.

FCC Part 15.21

CAUTION:

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void
the user's authority to operate the equipment.

These devices comply with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.

Operation is subject to the following 2 conditions:

(1) This device may not cause interference, and

(2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.

The manufacturer is not responsible for any radio or TV interference caused by unauthorized
modifications to this equipment.

Reporting Safety Defects

If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death,
you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition
to notifying Volkswagen of America, Inc. 3800 Hamlin Road, Auburn Hills, MI 48326.

If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect
exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot
become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer, or Volkswagen of America, Inc.

To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-
424-9153);

go to http://www.nhtsa.gov;

or write to:

Administrator

NHTSA

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.

Washington, D.C. 20590

You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from

http://www.safercar.gov.

Engine control and emission control system

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Indicator lights

Catalytic converter

More information:

  Shifting
  Refueling
  Fuel
  Engine oil
  12 Volt vehicle battery
  Notice about data recorded by vehicle control modules
  Towing

WARNING

The vehicle exhaust system and the catalytic converter or diesel particulate filter get very hot.
This can cause a fire and serious personal injury.

Never park where parts of the hot exhaust system and catalytic converter could ignite

flammable materials, such as brush, leaves, dry grass, spilled fuel, etc.

Never apply additional undercoating or rustproofing on or near the exhaust manifold,

exhaust pipes, catalytic converter, diesel particulate filter, or heat shields.

WARNING

California Proposition 65 Warning

Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit

chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects and
reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain products of
component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects and reproductive harm.

Indicator lights

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

Lights

Possible cause

Proper response

Engine control malfunction (Electronic

Power Control).

Have engine checked immediately by an

authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized

Volkswagen Service Facility.

Lights

Possible cause

Proper response

Engine control/monitoring system

malfunction (engine Malfunction Indicator

Light - MIL).

Ease off the accelerator. Carefully drive to the

nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or

authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Have

engine checked.

Flashes

Possible cause

Proper response

Misfire, which can damage the catalytic

converter.

Ease off the accelerator. Carefully drive to the

nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or

authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Have

engine checked.

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.

NOTICE

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

As long as the indicator lights

are on, expect engine malfunctions, increased fuel

consumption and loss of engine efficiency.

Catalytic converter

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

The catalytic converter provides exhaust gas after-treatment to help reduce pollutants in the exhaust
gas. To help ensure long service life of the exhaust system and gasoline engine catalytic converter:

Only use unleaded fuel.
Never completely empty the fuel tank.

Do not exceed the correct oil level

⇒ Engine oil.

Do not tow the vehicle to start it, but use a jump-start instead

⇒ Jump-starting.

If you experience misfires, loss of power or the engine is not running smoothly while driving, reduce
speed immediately and have the vehicle checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility. Otherwise, gasoline could reach the exhaust system and get into the
atmosphere. The catalytic converter could also be damaged by overheating!

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

If you suspect a malfunction or vehicle damage, read and follow the following advice before contacting
an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. You may also find
helpful information under “Characteristics” and “Checklist” in the index.

Description

Possible causes among

others

Possible remedy

Engine does not start.

Vehicle battery dead.

– Perform jump-start

– Charge vehicle battery

The wrong remote control

vehicle key is used.

Use a valid remote control vehicle key

Fuel level too low.

Refuel

Vehicle cannot be locked

or unlocked using remote

control vehicle key.

– Battery in remote control

vehicle key dead.

– Too far away from vehicle.

(out of range).

– Buttons have been pressed

too many times.

– Replace battery in the remote control

key

– Move closer to vehicle.

– Synchronize remote control vehicle

key

– Lock or unlock vehicle manually

Unusual noises.

Cold engine, braking support

systems, electronic parking

brake.

Check the “Noises” entry in the

keyword index.

Odd driving behavior.

Assistance systems activated.

Check the “Assistance systems” entry

in the index.

Driver seat and outside

mirrors move when

vehicle is unlocked.

Convenience settings are

stored.

Correct convenience settings

Memory-seat settings are

stored.

– Reassign seat setting

– Clear memory-seat memory

Front seats cannot be

adjusted with power

controls.

Vehicle battery dead.

Charge vehicle battery

Fuse blown.

Check fuse and replace if necessary

Features do not work as

described in this manual.

Settings were adjusted in the

Volkswagen Information

System.

Check and reset to factory settings if

necessary

Headlights do not light up

the road as they should.

– Headlights incorrectly

adjusted.

– Light bulbs burned out.

– Low beams not switched on.

Have the headlight range adjusted by

an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an

authorized Volkswagen Service

Facility. Adjust headlight range

– Change light bulbs

– Switch on low beams

Description

Possible causes among

others

Possible remedy

Electrical consumers do

not work.

Vehicle battery charge too low.

Charge vehicle battery

Remaining fuel level too low.

Refuel

Fuse blown.

Check fuse and replace if necessary

Fuel consumption higher

than indicated.

– Short hauls.

– “Jumpy accelerator pedal”.

– Avoid short distance driving.

– Drive defensively.

– Accelerate smoothly.

Electrical loads switched on.

Switch off unnecessary loads.

Engine control malfunctioning.

Have the malfunction corrected

Tire pressure too low.

Adjust tire pressure

Driving in the mountains.

No direct corrective action possible.

Towing a trailer or driving with

a roof rack.

– Check use.

– Remove if not in use.

Driving with heavy payload.

No direct corrective action possible.

Driving at high engine speed.

Select a higher gear.

Lift points for the vehicle

Fig. 179 Front lift point for workshop hoist or floor jack.

Fig. 180 Rear lift point for workshop hoist or floor jack.

The vehicle may only be raised at the lift points shown in illustrations

⇒

fig. 179

and

⇒

fig. 180

. If the

vehicle is lifted at different points, vehicle damage

⇒

and serious injuries may occur

⇒

Workshop hoists that use fluid cushions (receiving platforms) must not be used for lifting the vehicle.

There are many precautions that have to be followed when lifting a vehicle on a workshop hoist or
floor jack. Do not try to lift a vehicle on a workshop hoist or floor jack unless you have the training,
knowledge and experience to be able to do so safely.

Information about lifting the vehicle jack

⇒ Lifting the vehicle with the vehicle jack.

WARNING

Improperly lifting your vehicle with workshop hoist or a floor jack can cause the vehicle to fall
off and cause serious personal injury.

Always read and heed the operating instructions from the floor jack manufacturer and

legal regulations if necessary before using the floor jack to lift the vehicle.

Never let anyone stay in the vehicle when it is being lifted or when it is off the ground.
Always lift your vehicle only at the designated lift points shown in the illustrations

⇒

fig. 179

and

⇒

fig. 180

. Not using the designated lift points can cause the vehicle to fall off

the floor jack when heavy parts such as the engine or transmission are removed.

Always make sure that the vehicle's lift points lie as flat as possible and centered on the

carrier plates of the floor jack.

Never start the engine when you have raised the vehicle on the floor jack. The engine

vibrations and vehicle movements could knock the vehicle off the floor jack.

If you must work under a vehicle raised on a floor jack, always make sure that the vehicle

is safely supported on safety stands intended for that purpose that are strong enough to
support the weight of the vehicle.

Never use the floor jack as a ladder or step ladder.
Always make sure that the weight of the vehicle is not heavier than the lifting capacity of

the floor jack and safety stands being used.

NOTICE

To help prevent serious vehicle damage, never lift the vehicle by the engine oil pan,

transmission housing, or by the front or rear axles or suspension.

To help prevent damage to the underbody or chassis, always insert a rubber pad between

the hoist and the lifting points. In addition make sure the lifting arms have enough clearance.

The lifting arms should not touch side sills or other parts of the vehicle.

In an emergency

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Protecting yourself and the vehicle

More information:

  Braking and parking
  Emergency closing and opening
  Vehicle tool kit
  Changing a wheel

WARNING

A vehicle breakdown in traffic is dangerous and creates a great risk for you, your
passengers, and others.

Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Move the vehicle a safe distance off

the road where it is safe to park and, if necessary, lock all doors in an emergency. Turn on
the emergency flashers and set up another warning device about 25 yards (25 meters) behind
the vehicle to warn approaching traffic.

Never leave children, disabled persons, or anyone who cannot help themselves alone in

the vehicle when locking the doors. This could result in people being trapped in the vehicle in
an emergency. Depending on the time of year, people trapped in the vehicle can be exposed
to very high or very low temperatures.

Protecting yourself and the vehicle

Fig. 181 In the center of the instrument panel: Switch for emergency flashers.

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

Obey all legal requirements regarding protecting a broken-down vehicle. For example, turning on the
emergency flashers and wearing a safety vest are mandatory in many countries.

Checklist

For your own safety and that of your passengers, carry out the following steps in the order listed

⇒

1. Park the vehicle at safe distance from traffic and on a suitable surface

⇒

2. Switch on emergency flashers by pressing the

switch

⇒

fig. 181

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

⇒ Braking and parking.

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

5. Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition switch

⇒ Starting and stopping the engine.

6. Have all passengers exit and go to a safe location away from moving traffic, such as behind a

guard rail.

7. Take all vehicle keys with you when leaving your vehicle.

8. Set up a warning triangle or other warning device in order to alert other motorists and cyclists.

9. Let the engine cool down and get expert assistance if necessary.

If the emergency flashers are on, use the turn signal lever to indicate a direction or lane change, for
example when the vehicle is being towed. This temporarily interrupts the emergency flashers.

Switch on the emergency flashers when:

  Traffic suddenly slows down or stops in front of you to warn those approaching from behind.
  In any emergency situation.
  If the vehicle breaks down.
  When being towed.

Always obey traffic laws that govern the use of emergency flashers where you are driving.

If the emergency flashers are not working, a different method – as permitted by law – must be used to
alert other motorists and cyclists to the breakdown.

WARNING

Disregarding the safety-related checklist may lead to accidents and serious personal injuries.

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

sense.

WARNING

The vehicle exhaust system and the catalytic converter or diesel particulate filter get very hot.
They can cause fires and serious personal injury.

Never park where parts of the hot exhaust system or catalytic converter could ignite

flammable materials, such as dry grass, brush, leaves, spilled fuel, etc.

NOTICE

To help prevent damage to the vehicle if you should have to push it a short distance by hand,
never push against spoilers, lights, body panels, windows, or similar parts. Concentrating
force on these parts of the vehicle can cause expensive damage that may not always be
obvious right away.

Volkswagen Tiguan (2015 year). Instruction - part 24