2012 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG washer system

Wiper performance in different situations:
During automatic
wipe/wash:
While the washer system is working, the
climate control system switches to recircula-
tion for about 30 seconds to help prevent the
washer fluid odor from entering the vehicle
interior.
During intermittent wiping: Speed-dependent interval control: The high-
er the vehicle speed, the faster the wipers
move.

Heated washer nozzles
The heating thaws frozen washer nozzles, but not the fluid supply hoses. When the ignition is switched on, the heat applied to the washer nozzles is automatically regulated depending on the outside air temperature.
Headlight washer system
The headlight washer system cleans the headlight lens.
If the ignition and the headlights (high or low beams) are switched on, the headlights are cleaned the first time and every fifth time the front windshield washers are activated. This happens only when the low or high beams are on when the windshield wiper lever is pulled towards the steering wheel. How-ever, the headlights must still be washed by hand periodically (for instance, during fueling) in order to get rid of hard-to-remove dirt (like insect splatter).
To help make sure that the headlight washer system works during winter weather, always keep the headlight washer nozzles free of snow and remove any ice with a deicer spray before driving. Use a deicer spray to remove any ice.
If there is something on the windshield, the wiper will try to wipe it away. If it continues to block the wiper, the wiper will stop moving. Remove the obstacle and switch the wiper on again.

x Press the CAR Infotainment button.
x Tap the Assist systems function key on the screen.
x Tap the function key Rain sensor to enable or disable the rain sensor.
If the box in the Rain sensor function key is checked =, the feature is enabled.
Possible reasons for changes in the way the rain sensor works
The rain sensor may misread what is happening in the detection zone of its sensitive rain-sensor
surface ⇒ fig. 95 (arrow) and not work for a number of reasons, which include:
x Worn out wiper blades: Worn out wiper blades may leave a film of water or wiping streaks; this can cause the wipers to run longer, to wipe more often, or to wipe continuously at high speed.
x Insects: Insects hitting the sensor cause wiping.
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 in the windshield: If a stone hits and chips the sensitive surface 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 sensitive area of the rain sensor 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. 96 In the engine compartment: Cap of the windshield washer fluid reservoir.

x With the tire mobility set: If necessary, seal and inflate the damaged tire with the tire mobility set ⇒  Tire mobility set. Get assistance from an authorized Volkswagen dealer, an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility, or another qualified workshop.
x Check tire pressure and adjust if necessary.
Tire wear
Tire wear depends on several factors, including:
x Driving style.
x Unbalanced wheels.
x Wheel alignment.
Driving style – Fast cornering, hard acceleration and braking increase tire wear. If you experience increased tire wear under normal driving conditions, have the vehicle suspension checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Unbalanced wheels – The wheels on a new vehicle are balanced. When driving, however, various conditions can cause a wheel to become unbalanced. Unbalanced wheels can cause wear to the steering and suspension systems. Have all wheels rebalanced. A wheel must always be rebalanced if a new tire has been mounted.
Wheel alignment – Incorrect wheel alignment causes excessive and uneven tire wear, impairing vehicle safety. If you notice excessive or uneven tire wear, have the wheel alignment checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
WARNING
Unusual vibrations or pulling to one side can indicate tire damage.
x Reduce speed immediately and stop when it is safe to do so.
x Check tires and wheel rims for damage.
x Never drive with a damaged tire or rim. Get expert assistance instead.
x If no external damage is visible, slowly and carefully drive to the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility or other qualified workshop and have the vehicle checked.
Collapsible spare tire

Fig. 113 Under the luggage compartment floor panel: Collapsible spare tire with threaded retainer (left) and collapsible spare tire with fastening bolt and washer (right).

There are 2 radar sensors next to the fog lights on the vehicle front (3). These can detect moving vehicles up to 590 ft (180 m) in front of your vehicle.
The areas of the sensors (2) and (3) and the camera (1) must not be spray painted on or covered by stickers or other objects, since this can lead to a malfunction of the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and the Front Assist system.
NOTICE
If you notice that Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) or Front Assist doesn't work properly or the sensors are damaged, switch off ACC immediately.
x Go see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance and have the ACC system checked.
x The sensors can be damaged or become misaligned in low speed impacts and parking maneuvers. Damaged or misaligned sensors can cause ACC or Front Assist to malfunction.
x To help make sure that the system works properly, always keep the sensors clean, free of snow and ice; do not cover the sensors with stickers or other objects.
x When cleaning the sensors with power washers or steam cleaners, only spray the sensors directly for a very short time, and always keep the washer nozzle at least 4 inches (10 cm) from the sensors.
x For Declaration of Compliance to United States FCC and Industry Canada regulations
Always keep the area of the Front Assist camera clear of ice and snow.
Switching ACC on and off

Fig. 272 On the steering wheel column: Lever for Adaptive Cruise Control.

Fig. 273 Lever for Adaptive Cruise Control: Setting the distance (time intervals)

NOTICE
x Things like trailer draw bars, thin rods, fences, trees, and narrow painted vertical poles or posts may not be detected by the Park Distance Control and Optical Parking System sensors and could damage the vehicle.
x If you continue driving closer to an object that the Park Distance Control and Optical Park-ing Systems have already detected and reported, the object may disappear from the sensor range and may no longer be detected. This is especially true for low or high objects. The sys-tem will no longer sound warnings about these objects. Ignoring signals from the Park Dis-tance Control system could result in serious damage to the vehicle.
x The sensors in the bumper can be damaged or become misaligned in low speed impacts and parking maneuvers. Damaged or misaligned sensors cannot accurately detect or report objects that might be within range of the PDC system
x To help make sure that the system works properly, always keep the sensors in the bumpers clean, free of snow and ice; do not cover the sensors with stickers or other objects.
x When cleaning the sensors with power washers or steam cleaners, only spray the sensors directly for a very short time, and always keep the washer nozzle at least 4 inches (10 cm) from the sensors.
x Noise from rough roads, cobblestones, other vehicles and the surrounding area, for exam-ple, can prevent the Park Distance Control system from accurately detecting and reporting people and objects that may be within range of the system sensors.
x Aftermarket components such as bicycle racks can impair the function of the Park Distance Control system.
Volkswagen recommends practicing with the Park Distance Control and the Optical Parking System in a location or parking space with no traffic in order to become familiar with the system and how it works.
Park Distance Control

Fig. 297 On the front and rear bumper: Park Distance Control system sensors.

The air recirculation mode helps prevent outside air from entering the vehicle interior.
In very hot or cold outside temperatures, temporarily switch to manual air recirculation in order to cool or heat the vehicle interior faster.
For safety reasons, air recirculation is switched off if you push the  button ⇒ .
Switching air recirculation on and off manually
Switching on: Press the 3 button repeatedly until the indicator light in the button comes on.
Switching off: Press the 3 button repeatedly until the indicator light in the button goes out.
Switching air recirculation on and off automatically
x Press the CLIMATE Infotainment button.
x Tap the Extras function key.
x Switch automatic air recirculation on or off by tapping the Automatic air recirculation function key.
If the check box in the function key is checked =, automatic air recirculation is switched on.
What automatic air recirculation does
In automatic air recirculation mode, fresh air will enter the passenger compartment. If the system detects an increased concentration of pollutants in the outside air, it automatically switches to air recirculation. As soon as the pollutant level is back in the normal range, air recirculation is switched off.
Unpleasant odors cannot be detected by the system.
To keep the windows from fogging up, automatic air recirculation is not switched on automatically in certain circumstances.
WARNING
Stale air causes driver fatigue and reduces driver alertness, which can cause accidents, colli-sions and serious personal injury.
x Never use air recirculation mode over an extended period of time, since no fresh air will enter the passenger compartment.
x When the air conditioner is off and recirculation mode is on, condensation can quickly form on the windows and greatly reduce visibility.
x Always switch off recirculation mode when it is not needed.
NOTICE
Do not smoke when air recirculation is switched on. Smoke drawn into the ventilation system can leave residue on the evaporator and on the dust and pollen active carbon filter, resulting in permanent odors whenever the air conditioner is switched on.
When backing up and while the automatic wiper/washer is operating, air recirculation is briefly activated to avoid unpleasant odors in the passenger compartment. This feature only works if automat-
ic air recirculation is enabled ⇒  Switching air recirculation on and off automatically.
Heated steering wheel

x Fold up the luggage compartment floor panel ⇒ fig. 308 (1) and hook it open or, if you have a reversible luggage compartment floor panel, take this out
x Take out the collapsible spare tire (2)- Unscrew the fastening screw (3) with washer counterclock-wise and take out the collapsible spare tire.
x Pull off the plug (4) in the spare tire well.
x Unscrew the tank filler neck cap ⇒ fig. 309 (5) counterclockwise and remove.
Refilling AdBlue
Only use Volkswagen-approved AdBlue or any Diesel Exhaust Fluid that expressly conforms to International Organization for Standardization specification ISO 22241-1. Using a DEF that does not meet the requirements of ISO 22241-1 can seriously damage your vehicle’s engine. Only use fluid in original, unopened packaging.
x Read and heed the information provided by the AdBlue refill manufacturer ⇒ .
x Note the expiration date.
x Unscrew the cap of the refill container.
x Vertically insert the neck of the refill container (6) into the tank filler neck and turn clockwise to hand-tighten.
x Press the refill container down into the tank filler neck and hold it there.
x Add at least 1.5 gallons (5.7 liters) of AdBlue which is 3 refill bottles. Adding a smaller amount is not sufficient.
x Wait until the contents of the refill container has flowed into the AdBlue tank. Do not squeeze or damage the refill container!
x Unscrew the refill container counterclockwise and lift it out carefully ⇒ .
x AdBlue stops flowing from the refill bottle when the AdBlue tank is completely full.
Closing the fuel filler neck
x Screw in the fuel filler neck cap (5) clockwise until the cap locks into place.
x Put the plug ⇒ fig. 308 (4) back in the spare wheel recess and make certain it is properly placed and secure.
x Put the collapsible spare tire (2) back in the spare wheel recess and secure it with the fastening screw (3) and washer.
x Unhook the luggage compartment floor panel (1) and fold down or, if you have a reversible lug-
gage compartment floor panel, put this back in ⇒  Luggage compartment.
Things to do before driving again
x After refilling, switch on only the ignition.
x Leave the ignition switched on for at least 30 seconds so that system can detect the refill.
x Do not start the engine for 30 seconds!
WARNING
Store AdBlue only in its closed original container and in a safe place.
x To reduce the risk of poisoning, never keep AdBlue in empty food or beverage containers that might mislead someone into drinking from them.
x Always store AdBlue outside the reach of children.

Plenum chamber
The plenum chamber is located in the engine compartment between windshield and engine, under a perforated cover. Outside air is taken into the vehicle interior from the plenum chamber via the climate control system.
Regularly remove leaves and other loose objects from the plenum chamber cover by hand or with a vacuum cleaner.
WARNING
Injuries, scalding, electric shock, accidents and fire hazards can occur while working on the engine or in the engine compartment!
x Before working in the engine compartment, be sure to familiarize yourself with the neces-
sary procedures and generally accepted safety precautions ⇒ page 570, Working in the en-gine compartment.
x Volkswagen recommends having the work performed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
NOTICE
Spraying or pouring water (e.g. with power washer) into the plenum chamber can cause severe damage to the vehicle.
Wash the engine compartment only in special wash bays so that the oily dirt and fuel residue that are washed off the vehicle will not enter the sewage system. In some areas it illegal to wash the en-gine compartment anywhere other than at such specified locations.