2012 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN Owners Manual

Lights up Possible cause Proper response
Y Not enough windshield washer fluid. Refill windshield washer reservoir at the next opportunity

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.
Windshield wiper lever

Fig. 90 Operating the front windshield wiper.

Fig. 91 Operating the rear wiper.

Move the lever to the desired position ⇒ :
(B) z
Intermittent wiping for the windshield.
Adjust the interval settings with switch ⇒ fig. 90 (1) (vehicles without rain sensors) or the sensitivity of the rain sensor (vehicles with rain sensors).
(C) ,/7 Slow wiper speed.
(D) ()'( Fast wiper speed.
(E) x One-tap wiping – brief wiping. Hold the lever pressed down longer to wipe more often.
(F) W Pull the lever toward the steering wheel to activate the windshield washers, then release.
(G) Z Intermittent wiping for the rear window. The wiper wipes about every 6 seconds.
(H) \ Press the lever forward as far as it will go to activate the rear window washers, then release.

NOTICE
x To help prevent damage to the wiper blades and the wiper motor when it is cold outside, always make sure that blades are not frozen to the windshield before operating the wipers. Using the service position can be helpful in cold weather so the wipers do not freeze to the
windshield ⇒ Windshield wiper service position.
x If the ignition is switched off while the wipers are running, the wipers will continue at the same wiping speed when the ignition is switched on again. Frost, ice, snow, leaves, and other objects on the windshield can damage the wipers and the wiper motor.
x Remove snow and ice from the wipers before you begin driving.
x If the wiper blades freeze to the windshield, loosen them carefully. Volkswagen recommends using a deicing spray.
NOTICE
Never switch on the windshield wipers when the windshield is dry because the windshield can be scratched.
The windshield wipers work only if the ignition is switched on and the engine hood is closed. The windshield wipers turn off automatically when the engine hood is opened. The rear windshield wipers turn off automatically when the rear hatch is opened.
If the front wipers are on, the rear wiper is switched on automatically when backing up.
If the windshield wiper lever is in the rear window intermittent wiping position ⇒ fig. 91 (G) when the ignition is switched off and back on or the engine is started, rear window wiper action does not resume until the windshield wipers are activated. This is to keep the wiper from working when the

window is dry. By switching rear window intermittent wiping off and then back on, you can override this feature and activate the rear window wiper immediately.
The intermittent wiping for the front windshield depends on the driving speed. The higher the speed, the faster the wipers move.
If the wiper blades freeze to the windshield, loosen them carefully. Volkswagen recommends using a deicing spray.
Windshield wiper functions

Windshield wiper service position

Fig. 92 Windshield wiper in service position.

Rain sensor

Fig. 93 Windshield wiper lever: Adjusting rain sensor 1.

Fig. 94 Sensitive rain sensor surface.

x Salt streaks: Salt streaks on the windshield from winter driving can cause wiping more often or continuously on glass that is almost dry.
x Dirt: Caked-on dust, wax, any other buildup on the windshield (lotus effect), or car-wash detergent residue can lower the rain sensor's sensitivity and cause it to react too slowly or not at all.
x Crack or chip in the windshield: If a stone hits and chips the windshield while the rain sensor is on, this will trigger a wiper cycle. After that, the rain sensor will recognize the change and recalibrate itself to respond to the smaller detection zone. Depending on the size of the chip, the sensor's reaction pattern may or may not change.
WARNING
The rain sensor cannot always recognize rain and activate the wipers.
x Switch the wipers on manually when water on the windshield reduces visibility.
Clean the rain sensor's sensitive surface ⇒ fig. 94 regularly and check the wiper blades for wear or damage.
To remove wax and coats of polish safely, we recommend using an alcohol-based windshield cleaner.
Checking and refilling windshield washer fluid

Fig. 95 In the engine compartment: Cap of the windshield washer fluid reservoir.

x Refill with clear water (not distilled water) and an appropriate windshield washer fluid that is
recommended by Volkswagen ⇒ . Follow the directions on the container.
x In cold weather, always use a special windshield washer antifreeze solution that will help keep the
water from freezing ⇒ .
Recommended cleaners

x For the warmer months, Windscreen Clear SummerG 052 184 A1 or equivalent. Mixing ratio 1:100 (1 part concentrate to 100 parts water) in the windshield washer reservoir.
x All-season Windscreen ClearG 052 164 A2 or equivalent. the mixing ratio in winter to 0 °F (-18 °C) about 1:2 (1 part concentrate to 2 parts water), otherwise, mixing ratio 1:4 in the windshield washer reservoir.
Filling capacity
The windshield washer fluid reservoir holds about 3.2 qts. (3.0 liters).
WARNING
Never mix antifreeze or similar additives into the windshield washer reservoir. This could produce an oily film on the windshield, which would considerably reduce visibility.
x Use clear water (not distilled water) with a cleaning solution recommended by Volkswagen.
x If necessary, blend with a suitable windshield washer fluid antifreeze agent.
NOTICE
x Never mix cleaning solutions recommended by Volkswagen with other cleaning agents. If you do, this could cause sediments or other by-products that can clog the windshield wiper nozzles.
x When refilling, do not confuse one type of operating liquid with another! Otherwise serious malfunctions and engine damage can occur!

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