Volkswagen Tiguan (2015 year). Instruction

Different models may have different lights, and the location and design of covers, bulb holders,

and bulbs may be in a different location than shown in the illustrations.

You cannot replace the LEDs in LED daytime running lights. Contact your authorized

Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.

Replacing light bulbs in the front bumper

Fig. 206 In right front bumper: Removing light assembly.

Fig. 207 Replacing light bulb in headlight.

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

Please carry out each step only in the order specified:

Please review and follow the checklist

Remove the wire bracket from the vehicle tool kit and secure it in the opening in the cover

⇒

fig. 206

. Pull the cover upward in the direction of the arrow.

Please carry out each step only in the order specified:

Remove the screw

(1)

using the flat blade of the screwdriver in the vehicle tool kit

Remove the headlight.

Release the connector

⇒

fig. 207

(1)

and disconnect it.

Turn the bulb holder

(2)

counterclockwise in the direction of the arrow until it stops and
remove it toward the rear with the bulb.

Replace the burned out light bulb with a new bulb of the same type.

Insert the bulb holder into the headlight assembly and turn it clockwise until it stops.

Connect the connector

(1)

on the bulb holder

(2)

. You must hear the connector click into

place.

10.

Insert the headlight.

11.

Tighten the screw

⇒

fig. 206

(1)

with the screwdriver.

12.

Install cover in the bumper

⇒

fig. 206

Replacing light bulbs in the rear hatch

Fig. 208 In the rear hatch: Removing the cover and the bulb holder.

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

Please carry out each step only in the order specified:

Please review and follow the checklist

Open the rear hatch

Please carry out each step only in the order specified:

Using the screwdriver from the vehicle tool kit carefully pry the cover off with the flat blade

of the screw driver inserted in the opening

⇒

fig. 208

A (arrow).

Remove the red locking mechanism

(2)

B as illustrated and disconnect the electrical

connector with the lever pressed down

(1)

Press the locking tab

(4)

B in the direction of the arrow and remove the bulb holder

(3)

Replace burned out rear light bulb with a bulb that is identical to the one being replaced.

Insert the bulb holder. You must hear the locking tab click into place.

Insert the electrical connector into the bulb holder until it clicks into place. Press the red

locking mechanism

(2)

B back in.

Insert the cover. The cover must lock into place and be secure.

LEDs in the rear lights

Changing LEDs is not possible without dismantling vehicle components. Contact an authorized
Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Taillights with LEDs may also have some “standard” light bulbs. These bulbs can be replaced.

Different models may have different lights, and the location and design of covers, bulb holders,

and bulbs may be in a different location than shown in the illustrations.

Replacing light bulbs in the vehicle body

Fig. 209 In the side of the luggage compartment: Releasing the tail light, removing the trim panel and
removing the screws.

Fig. 210 Removed tail light: Removing the bulb holder and replacing the tail light and brake light bulb 3 or turn
signal bulb 4.

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

Please perform these steps only in the order listed.

Removing the tail lights

Please review and follow the checklist

Open the rear hatch

Insert the wire bracket from the vehicle tool kit into the small hole in the trim panel

⇒

fig. 209

(2)

B. Remove the trim panel in the direction of the arrow using the wire bracket.

Open the side storage compartment in the luggage compartment

Using the Phillips screwdriver from the vehicle tool kit, turn the locking mechanism

(1)

90° counterclockwise until it stops.

Remove the screws

(3)

Pull the tail light out of the body carefully until the electrical connector is visible.

Remove the red locking mechanism

⇒

fig. 210

(1)

D as illustrated and disconnect the

electrical connector with the lever

(2)

D pressed down.

Lay the tail light on a clean and level surface.

Replacing light bulbs

10.

Remove the screws

(4)

11.

Remove the bulb holder

(3)

E from the tail light.

12.

Replace burned out tail light, brake light

(5)

F or turn signal bulbs

(6)

F with bulbs that are

identical to the ones being replaced.

13.

Insert the bulb holder in the tail light and screw it in

⇒

fig. 210

Installing the tail lights

14.

Turn the locking mechanism

⇒

fig. 209

(1)

A 90° clockwise until it stops.

15.

Insert the electrical connector into the bulb holder until it clicks into place. Press the red

locking mechanism

⇒

fig. 210

(1)

D back in.

16.

Insert the tail light into the opening on the body carefully.

17.

Hold the tail light in the correct position with one hand and tighten the screws with the other

hand

(3)

18.

Insert the trim panel

⇒

fig. 209

(2)

B into its original position, first at the bottom and then at

the top.

19.

Close the side storage compartment in the luggage compartment.

20.

Close the rear hatch

LEDs in the rear taillights

Changing LEDs is not possible without dismantling vehicle components. Contact an authorized
Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Taillights with LEDs may also have some “standard” light bulbs. These bulbs can be replaced.

Different models may have different lights, and the location and design of covers, bulb holders,

and bulbs may be in a different location than shown in the illustrations.

Replacing license plate lights

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

Your vehicle is equipped with LED license plate lights. Individual LED lights cannot be replaced. It is
not possible to replace the LED unit without dismantling vehicle components. Please see an
authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.

Replacing the light bulb in the backup lamp

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

The light bulbs for the backup lights are “Lifetime” bulbs with a very long service life. If the bulb is
defective, you cannot change it yourself because other vehicle components must be removed.
Defective backup light bulbs should be changed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service facility.

Jump-starting

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Using jumper cables

If your engine does not start because the vehicle battery is dead, your vehicle's battery can be
connected to the battery of another vehicle to start your engine (jump-starting). Check the battery acid

level indicator window before jump-starting

⇒ 12 Volt vehicle battery.

You must use jumper cables that meet recognized industrial standards (check information provided by
the jumper cable manufacturer). For vehicles with gasoline engines, the cross-section of the jumper
cable wire must be at least 0.038 in

(25 mm

), or about 3 ga. (AWG).

More information:

Working in the engine compartment
12 Volt vehicle battery

WARNING

Working on the batteries or the electrical system in your vehicle can cause serious acid
burns, fires, or electrical shock.

Always keep children away from battery acid and vehicle batteries in general.
Sulfuric battery acid is very corrosive and can cause blindness and damage to

unprotected skin. Never let battery acid or lead particles contact your eyes, skin, and
clothing.

Never lean over a vehicle battery. Always wear protective gloves and eye protection. To

reduce your risk of injury, never tilt the batteries; acid could spill out through the vents and
burn you.

A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the battery is being charged.
Always avoid fires, sparks, open flame, and smoking. Never create sparks or electrostatic

charges when handling cables and electrical equipment. Never short-circuit the battery
terminals. High-energy sparks can cause serious personal injury.

If you get battery acid in your eyes or on your skin, immediately rinse with cold water for

several minutes and get medical attention immediately. If you swallow any battery acid, get
medical attention immediately.

WARNING

Improper use of jumper cables when jump-starting a vehicle with a dead battery can cause
the battery to explode, leading to serious personal injury. To help reduce the risk of battery
explosion:

All work on the batteries or the electrical system in your vehicle can cause serious acid

burns, fires, or electrical shocks. Always read and heed the following WARNINGS and safety

precautions before working on the batteries or the electrical system

⇒ 12 Volt vehicle

battery.

Always make sure that the battery providing starting assistance (the booster battery) has

the same voltage as the dead battery (12 V) and about the same amperage capacity (see
battery label).

Never jump-start a vehicle with a thawed or frozen vehicle battery. The battery can

explode. A dead battery can freeze at temperatures around +32 °F (0 °C).

A battery that is frozen or was frozen, but has since thawed, must be replaced.
When the vehicle battery is jump-started, it gives off hydrogen gas, which is highly

explosive! Always keep fire, sparks, open flame, and smoking materials far away from vehicle
batteries. Never use a mobile telephone while connecting or disconnecting jumper cables.

Jump-start batteries only in well-ventilated areas. Batteries give off highly explosive

hydrogen gas during jump-starting.

Always route the jumper cables so that they cannot get caught in any moving parts in the

engine compartment.

Never short out the battery terminals by connecting the positive terminal (+) and negative

(-) terminals with each other.

Never connect the negative cable from the other vehicle directly to the negative terminal

of the dead battery, as this may cause the hydrogen gas given off by the dead battery to
explode.

Never attach the negative cable from the vehicle providing starting assistance to any part

of the fuel system or to the brake hoses or brake lines.

Never allow the non-insulated parts of the battery clamps to touch.
Never allow the jumper cable attached to the positive battery terminal to contact metal

parts of the vehicle.

Always follow the instructions of the jumper cable manufacturer.

NOTICE

To help prevent extensive damage to the vehicle electrical system, read and heed the
following:

Connecting jumper cables improperly can cause a short circuit and do expensive damage

to the vehicle's electrical system.

Do not let the vehicles touch each other while the jumper cables are connected. If they do,

electrical current may flow between the vehicles when the positive (+) terminals are connected,
causing electrical system damage.

Using jumper cables

Fig. 211 Diagram for attaching the jumper cables: Dead battery 1 and booster battery 2.

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

The dead battery must be properly connected to the vehicle's electrical system.

Make certain that the vehicles are not touching each other. Otherwise, electric current could flow as
soon as the positive terminals (+) are connected. Use longer jumper cables if necessary.

The clamps on the jumper cables must have good contact to bare metal on the battery terminals.

If the engine does not start, stop the process after 10 seconds and repeat after about one minute.

The procedure for attaching and for removing the jumper cables is described below. Perform each of
the following steps only in the order described, which follow the letters shown in the illustration
⇒

fig. 211

A – B – C – D.

Attaching the jumper cables

1. Switch off the ignition in both vehicles.

2. If necessary, open the battery cover in the engine compartment

⇒ 12 Volt vehicle battery.

3. Attach one end of the red jumper cable to the positive terminal

(+)

of the dead battery

(1)

⇒

4. Attach the other end of the red jumper cable to the positive terminal

(+)

of the good battery

(booster battery)

(2)

5. Attach one end of the black jumper cable to the negative terminal

(–)

of the booster battery:

Battery

(2)

⇒

fig. 211

6. Attach the other end of the black jumper cable

(3)

to a bare metal part of the vehicle with the

dead battery. This part should be connected directly to the engine block. You may also attach the
cable to the engine block itself. Attach the clamp to a point that is as far away as possible from the

dead battery

(1)

⇒

7. Route the jumper cables so that they cannot get caught in any moving parts in the engine

compartment of either vehicle.

Starting the engine

Start the engine of the vehicle with the good battery that is providing help and let it run at idle

speed.

Turn the ignition of the vehicle with the dead battery. If the engine starts, wait 2 to 3 minutes until it

“runs smoothly” before removing the jumper cables as described below

⇒

. If the engine does not

start within about 10 seconds, turn off the ignition and wait at least one minute; then try again.

Before removing the jumper cables

1. Switch off the headlights (if they are on).

2. In the vehicle with the dead battery, switch on the heater fan and the rear window defroster. This

helps to minimize voltage spikes when the cables are disconnected.

Removing jumper cables

With the engine running, remove the jumper cables in reverse order to the way they were connected.

1. Disconnect the black (-) cable from the vehicle with the dead battery.

2. Disconnect the black (–) cable from the other vehicle (vehicle with the good battery).

3. Disconnect the red (+) cable from the other vehicle (vehicle with the good battery).

4. Disconnect the red (+) cable from the vehicle with the dead battery.

5. Close the battery cover as the case may be.

WARNING

Improper use of jumper cables when jump-starting a vehicle with a dead battery can cause
the battery to explode, leading to serious personal injury. To help reduce the risk of battery
explosion:

All work on the batteries or the electrical system in your vehicle can cause serious acid

burns, fires, or electrical shocks. Always read and heed the following WARNINGS and safety

precautions before working on the batteries or the electrical system

⇒ 12 Volt vehicle

battery.

Always wear proper eye protection. Never lean over the vehicle batteries.
Attach the jumper cables in the correct order: first the positive cable, then the negative

cable.

Never connect the negative cable from the vehicle providing starting assistance to parts

of the fuel system or to the brake hoses or brake lines.

Never allow the non-insulated parts of the battery clamps to touch.
Never allow the jumper cable attached to the positive battery terminal to contact metal

parts of the vehicle.

Check the battery acid level indicator window on the vehicle battery. Use a flashlight,

never a match, cigarette lighter, or other open flame. If you cannot see the color of the
window clearly, or if it is light yellow or colorless, do not jump-start the vehicle. Get expert
assistance.

Avoid electrostatic discharge in the vicinity of the vehicle battery. Sparks may cause the

hydrogen gas escaping from the vehicle battery to ignite.

Never jump-start a vehicle with a battery that is damaged or frozen or that was frozen and

has thawed. The battery can explode. Replace the battery instead.

Always follow the instructions of the jumper cable manufacturer.
Always make sure that the battery providing starting assistance has the same voltage as

the dead battery (12 V) and about the same capacity (see battery label).

Batteries give off explosive hydrogen gas. Always keep fire, sparks, open flame and

smoking materials away from batteries.

Never connect the negative cable from the other vehicle directly to the negative terminal

of the dead battery. The hydrogen gas from the battery is explosive.

Never short out the battery terminals by connecting the positive (+) and negative (–)

terminals with each other.

Towing

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Towing on a commercial tow truck

Tips on towing

Installing the front towing eye

Installing the rear towing eye

Installing the rear towing eye (R-Line)

Driving tips while towing

Observe legal requirements when towing.

Your vehicle is equipped with a trailer package.

For technical reasons:

A vehicle with a dead battery must never be towed; Jump-start the vehicle instead.
It is not possible to tow-start or push-start your vehicle; Jump-start the vehicle instead.

Vehicles with Keyless Access may only be towed with the ignition on.

Towing the vehicle when the engine is turned off and the ignition is turned on drains the vehicle
battery. Depending on the charge level of the vehicle battery, it is possible that even after just a few
minutes, electrical devices such as the emergency flashers may not have the power necessary to

function. The steering wheel might lock in vehicles with Keyless Access

⇒

More information:

  Exterior views
  Shifting
  Engine control and emission control system
  Jump-starting

WARNING

Never tow a vehicle without any electrical power.

Never remove the remote control vehicle key from the ignition switch while the vehicle is

moving. The electronic steering column lock could suddenly engage, and you would not be
able to steer or control the vehicle. You can lose control of the vehicle, crash, and seriously
injure yourself and others.

If the vehicle loses power while it is being towed, stop towing the vehicle immediately and

contact your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for
assistance.

WARNING

Towing a vehicle changes the way it handles and brakes. To help reduce the risk of an
accident and serious personal injury, note the following:

The driver of the vehicle that is being towed:

– Since the brake booster also does not work when the engine is stopped, you will need
to press harder on the brake pedal to slow down or stop. Always be alert so as not to rear-
end towing vehicle.

– Will have to use considerable more force to turn the steering wheel because the power
steering is not working.

The driver of the vehicle that is doing the towing:

– Must accelerate gradually and gently and avoid jerking movements.

– Must not brake hard or steer sharply.

– Must brake earlier and more gently than in normal driving.

NOTICE

Be careful not to damage the paint when installing and removing the towing eye and the

cover for the threaded hole behind the bumper.

Unburned fuel can get into the catalytic converter during towing and damage it.

NOTICE

The vehicle may be damaged if it is towed with a tow rope or a tow bar.

Never let the vehicle be towed with a tow rope or a tow bar unless it is absolutely

necessary.

If the vehicle breaks down, it can only be towed by a special tow truck.

Towing on a commercial tow truck

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

To help avoid damaging the vehicle, have it towed only by a professional towing company. Read and
heed the following information:

General information

Never let the vehicle be towed at speeds above 30 mph (50 km/h).

Never let the vehicle be towed for more than 30 miles (50 km).

Towing manual transmission vehicles

  Release the parking brake.
  Shift the transmission into Neutral (N).
  If possible, have the vehicle towed with the front wheels off the ground.

If necessary, the vehicle can also be towed with the rear wheels off the ground

⇒

Towing automatic transmission vehicles

Release the parking brake.
Shift the transmission into Neutral (N).

Tow the vehicle only with its front wheels off the ground

⇒

Special towing instructions for vehicles with all-wheel drive (4MOTION)

To help prevent unnecessary damage, vehicles with all-wheel drive (4MOTION) must be

transported on a flat-bed truck.

To load the vehicle on the flat bed, use the towing eye found in the vehicle tool kit and attach it to

the front anchorage

When not to tow your vehicle

If there is little or no oil in the transmission because of damage to your vehicle, it must be moved with
the drive wheels off the ground. The vehicle can only be towed if its ignition is switched on and its
electrical system is operating. In the following situations, the vehicle cannot be towed at all and must
be transported on a flatbed truck or trailer:

If the front and rear wheels cannot turn.
If the vehicle battery is dead (because the steering is locked and the electronic parking brake and

the electronic steering column lock cannot be released if engaged).

If you have to tow an automatic transmission vehicle more than 30 miles (50 km).

WARNING

It is not safe for children or other persons to ride in a vehicle that is being towed.

Never let children or anyone else remain in the vehicle while it is being towed.

NOTICE

The drive axle rotates while the vehicle is being towed with its rear wheels off the ground. This
can damage the automatic transmission.

Never tow automatic transmission vehicle with the rear wheels off the ground.
Tow manual transmission vehicles with the rear wheels off the ground only if it is certain

that no transmission fluid can leak out.

Tips on towing

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

Towing eye; tow rope or tow bar

A towing eye is included in your vehicle's tool kit. This can be inserted in a threaded hole in the front
bumper and used when your vehicle is being towed by another vehicle. On most vehicles, there is
another threaded hole in the rear bumper, so you can use the towing eye to tow other vehicles as well.
Towing a vehicle with a tow bar is safer and easier on both vehicles than using a tow rope. A tow rope
should be used only if a tow bar is not available.

The tow rope should be flexible enough to help protect both vehicles from damage. Use a synthetic
fiber rope or similar rope.

Attach the tow rope or tow bar only to the towing eye included in the vehicle tool kit for this purpose, or
to a trailer hitch.

Towing manual transmission vehicles

Check whether your vehicle can be towed at all; see below When not to tow your vehicle.

If yes, note the following for the towed vehicle:

  Shift the gearshift lever to Neutral
  Do not tow faster than 30 mph (50 km/h).
  Do not tow more than 30 miles (50 km).

Towing automatic transmission vehicles

Check whether your vehicle can be towed at all; see below When not to tow your vehicle.

If yes, note the following for the towed vehicle:

  Put the transmission in Neutral (N).
  Do not tow faster than 30 mph (50 km/h).
  Do not tow more than 30 miles (50 km).
  When a commercial tow truck is being used, the vehicle must only be towed with the front wheels

lifted off the ground.

Follow the special instructions for towing vehicles with all-wheel drive (4MOTION).

Towing vehicles with all-wheel drive (4MOTION)

Vehicles with all-wheel drive (4MOTION) should be towed with a tow bar or a tow rope. If the vehicle is
towed with the front or rear axles lifted off the ground, the engine must be switched off. Otherwise the
powertrain may be damaged.

When not to tow your vehicle

In the following situations, the vehicle cannot be towed and must be transported on a flatbed truck or
trailer:

If transmission fluid has leaked out of the transmission.
If there is little or no oil in the transmission because of damage to your vehicle, it must be moved

with the drive wheels off the ground.

If the front and rear wheels cannot turn.
When the vehicle battery is dead, since the steering may remain disabled, and it may not be

possible to release the electronic steering column lock and the electronic parking brake.

If you have to tow an automatic transmission vehicle more than 30 miles (50 km).

Towing other vehicles

Obey all legal requirements.
Read and heed all towing information in the owner’s manual for the other vehicle.

A vehicle can be towed only if the electronic parking brake and the electronic steering column

lock can be released. In case of a power loss or malfunctions of the electrical system, the engine may
have to be jump-started in order to release the electronic parking brake and the electronic steering
column lock.

Installing the front towing eye

Fig. 212 In the right front bumper: Cover.

Fig. 213 In right front bumper: Screwing in towing eye.

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

The attachment point for the towing eye is located on the right in the front bumper.

Always keep the towing eye in the vehicle and stow it securely.

Read and follow the notes about towing

⇒ Tips on towing.

Installing the towing eye

Take the towing eye, the lug wrench, and the screwdriver out of the vehicle tool kit in the luggage

compartment

⇒ Vehicle tool kit.

Push the outboard edge of the cover (arrow)

⇒

fig. 212

Reach behind the cover, pull it off, and let it hang from the vehicle.
Screw the towing eye counterclockwise into the threaded hole as far as it will go (arrow)

⇒

fig. 213

⇒

. Use the lug wrench to turn and tighten the towing eye.

When towing is complete, unscrew the towing eye clockwise to remove it and replace the cover.
Clean the towing eye and lug wrench if necessary and put them back in the vehicle tool kit in the

luggage compartment.

NOTICE

Always make sure the towing eye is screwed all the way into threaded hole so that it is secure.
Otherwise, it could be ripped out while your vehicle is being towed.

Installing the rear towing eye

Fig. 214 On the right in the rear bumper: Cover.

Fig. 215 On the right in the rear bumper: Screwing in the towing eye.

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

The attachment point for the towing eye is located behind a cover on the right rear of the bumper
⇒

fig. 214

. In vehicles with a factory-equipped trailer hitch there is no attachment point for the

removable towing eye behind the cover. To tow, fit and use the ball mount

⇒

Read and follow the notes about towing

⇒ Tips on towing.

Fitting the towing eye at the rear (vehicles without factory-equipped trailer hitch)

  Take the towing eye and screwdriver out of the tool set in the luggage compartment
  Insert the flat blade of the screwdriver into the slot between the cover and the bumper.
  Carefully pry out the cover. A slightly stronger force might be required. Leave the cover hanging.

Screw the towing eye counterclockwise into the threaded hole

⇒

fig. 215

as far as it will go

⇒

Use the lug wrench to turn and tighten the towing eye.

When towing is complete, unscrew the towing eye clockwise to remove it and replace the cover.
Clean the towing eye and lug wrench if necessary and put them back in the vehicle tool kit in the

luggage compartment.

Alternatively you can also use the towing bracket instead of the towing eye for towing

⇒

NOTICE

The towing eye must always be screwed firmly into the mounting. The towing eye could

otherwise be ripped out of the mounting when the vehicle is being towed.

Vehicles with a factory-equipped trailer hitch can also tow with the trailer hitch. In this case,

you may only use a tow-bar that is specially designed to fit on a ball mount. If you use an
unsuitable tow bar, the ball mount, trailer hitch, and the vehicle could be damaged.

Installing the rear towing eye (R-Line)

Fig. 216 On the right rear bumper: Removing the cover.

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

The attachment point for the towing eye is located behind a cover on the right rear of the R-Line

bumper

⇒

fig. 216

. In vehicles with a factory-equipped trailer hitch there is no attachment point for the

removable towing eye behind the cover. To tow, fit and use the ball mount

⇒

Read and follow the notes about towing

⇒Tips on towing.

Fitting the towing eye at the rear (vehicles without factory-equipped trailer hitch)

Screw the towing eye counterclockwise into the threaded hole as far as it will go

⇒

. Use the

lug wrench to turn and tighten the towing eye.

When towing is complete, unscrew the towing eye clockwise to remove it and replace the cover.
Clean the towing eye and lug wrench if necessary and put them back in the vehicle tool kit in the

luggage compartment.

Alternatively you can also use the towing bracket instead of the towing eye for towing

⇒

NOTICE

The towing eye must always be screwed firmly into the mounting. The towing eye could

otherwise be ripped out of the mounting when the vehicle is being towed.

Vehicles with a factory-equipped trailer hitch can also tow with the trailer hitch. In this case,

you may only use a tow-bar that is specially designed to fit on a ball mount. If you use an
unsuitable tow bar, the ball mount, trailer hitch, and the vehicle could be damaged.

Volkswagen Tiguan (2015 year). Instruction - part 27