2013 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG warning

If the light switch is in the AUT O position, the outside vehicle lighting and the instrument lighting are
automatically switched on at dusk/nightfall and off in normal daylight in the following situations ⇒ :

Automatic activation: Automatic deactivation/change to daytime
running lights:
If the low-light sensor registers darkness, for
example when driving through a tunnel.
If sufficient brightness is registered.
If you drive faster than about 87 mph (140 km/h)
for several seconds.
If you drive slower than about 40 mph (65 km/h)
for several seconds.
If the rain sensor recognizes heavy rain and
switches the windshield wipers on.
If the windshield wipers have not moved for
several minutes.

Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)
The Adaptive Front Lighting System works only with the low beams switched on and only at speeds
above about 6 mph (10 km/h). The swivel-mounted lamps automatically improve road illumination
during cornering.
The Adaptive Front Lighting System can be switched on and off in the Infotainment System.
x Switch on the ignition.
x Press the CARInfotainment button.
x Tap the Assist systems function key on the screen.
x Select the menu item Light assistance (main beam control)from the list.
x Tap Adaptive front lighting system (AFS) to enable or disable this feature.
On some models, the headlights move independently of each other, even in straight-ahead driving.
They adapt to weather conditions and speed to better illuminate the roadway. The headlights return to
their original position after a delay, depending on the speed of the vehicle.
.WARNING
Crashes and other accidents can happen when you cannot see the road ahead and when you
cannot be seen by other motorists.
x Never use daytime running lights (DRL) to see where you are going. DRL are not bright
enough to light up the roadway and be seen by other motorists. You will not be able to see far
enough ahead for safety, especially at dusk or when it is dark. Always switch on the low
beam headlights at dusk or when it is dark.
x If automatic headlight control (AUTO) is switched on, the low beam headlights still may not
be switched on in fog or heavy rain. You have to switch on the low beam headlights yourself.
x The taillights do not come on when the daytime running lights are switched on. A vehicle
without taillights on cannot be seen by others in bad weather, at dusk, or when it is dark.
In cool or humid weather, the insides of the headlights, rear lights, and turn signals can
temporarily fog up. This is normal and does not affect the service life of the vehicle's lighting system.
“Coming home” and “Leaving home” feature (orientation lighting)

The lights stay on for about 10 seconds (lighting delay period). The “Coming home” and
“Leaving home” functions can be enabled and disabled in the Infotainment System.
If the “Coming home” feature is switched on and the driver door is opened, no acoustic warning
will sound to alert that the light is still on.
Instrument panel lighting , headlight range adjustment

Fig. 85 Next to the steering wheel: Control for instrument cluster lighting.

Lights
up
Possible cause Proper response
F Rain sensor malfunction.
Switch ignition off and on again. If the
indicator light comes on again and stays on,
contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or
an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility .
W Windshield and/or rear window wiper
malfunction.
Switch ignition off and on again. If the
indicator light comes on again and stays on,
contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or
an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Y Windshield and rear window washer fluid
level too low.
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.

If the box in the Rain sensorfunction 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. 94 (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. 95 In the engine compartment: Cap of the windshield washer fluid reservoir.

Recalling passenger side mirror settings
x Turn the adjusting knob for the side mirrors to the R position.
x Shift the transmission into reverse gear with the ignition switched on.
x The mirror moves back to the regular position when the vehicle moves forwards faster than about
10 mph (15 km/h) or the adjusting knob is turned to the O or L position.
.WARNING
Improper use of the folding outside mirrors can cause personal injury.
x Always make sure that nobody is in the way when folding the mirrors in or out.
x Make sure that you do not get your finger caught between the mirror and the mirror base
when moving the mirrors.
.WARNING
Incorrectly estimating distances with the right outside mirror can cause collisions and
serious injury.
x The right outside mirror has a convex (curved) surface. This widens your field of vision.
But vehicles or other objects seen in a convex mirror will look smaller and farther away than
they really are.
x If you use the right outside mirror to judge distances from vehicles behind you when
changing lanes, you could estimate incorrectly and cause a crash and serious injuries.
x Whenever possible, use the inside mirror to more accurately judge distance and size of
vehicles or other objects seen in the convex mirror.
x Always make sure you have a clear view to the rear of the vehicle.
.NOTICE
x Always fold in the outside mirrors when taking the vehicle through an automatic CAR wash.
x Never fold power mirrors in manually because doing so could damage the electrical drive.
To reduce fuel consumption, use outside mirror heating only when needed.
When first switched on, outside mirror heating works with maximum heat for about 2 minutes.
If power mirror adjustment does not work, the outside mirrors can be adjusted by hand by
pressing on the edges of the mirror surface.

.WARNING
Heavy loads will influence the way your vehicle handles and increase stopping distances.
Heavy loads that are not properly stowed or secured can cause loss of control and serious
injury.
x Secure the load properly to keep it from shifting.
x Always remember when transporting heavy objects that a change in the center of gravity
also changes the way your vehicle handles:
– Always distribute the load as evenly as possible.
– Secure heavy objects properly as far forward in the luggage compartment as possible.
– Always tie down heavy items securely with suitable straps using the tie-downs in the
luggage compartment.
x Securely latch the rear seat backrest in the upright position.
x Never exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating or the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating on the
safety compliance sticker on the left door jamb. Exceeding permissible weight can cause the
vehicle to skid and handle differently.
x Always adapt your speed and driving to the heavier load and the weight distribution in the
vehicle. Take road, weather, traffic, and visibility conditions into account as well.
x Drive especially carefully and accelerate gently.
x Always accelerate and avoid sudden braking and driving maneuvers.
x Always brake earlier than you would if you were not driving a loaded vehicle.
Stowing luggage

Driving with an open rear hatch can lead to serious personal injury. If you have to drive with an open
rear hatch, make sure that all objects and the lid itself are properly secured and take appropriate
measures to keep toxic exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle.
.WARNING
Driving with an unlatched or open rear hatch can lead to serious personal injuries.
x Never transport objects larger than those fitting completely into the luggage compartment,
because the rear hatch cannot be closed properly.
x After closing the lid, always pull up on it to make sure that it is properly closed and cannot
open suddenly when the vehicle is moving.
x Always stow all objects securely in the luggage compartment. Loose objects can fall out
of the luggage compartment and injure others on the road behind you.
x Drive CARefully; anticipate what other drivers will do.
x Avoid abrupt or sudden driving or braking maneuvers, because the unlatched rear hatch
can move suddenly.
x Always mark objects sticking out from the luggage compartment clearly for others to see.
Obey all applicable legal requirements.
x Never use the rear hatch to “clamp” or “hold” objects protruding from the luggage
compartment.
x Always remove any luggage rack or other rack mounted on the rear hatch (along with any
luggage on the rack) before driving with an open rear hatch.
.WARNING
Driving with an open rear hatch can cause poisonous CARbon monoxide in the engine
exhaust to get into the passenger compartment.
x CARbon monoxide causes drowsiness, inattentiveness, poisoning, and loss of
consciousness. It can lead to accidents and severe personal injuries.
x Always keep the rear hatch closed while driving to help keep poisonous exhaust fumes
from being drawn into the vehicle.
x Never transport objects that are too large to fit completely into the luggage area, because
then the rear hatch cannot be fully closed.
x If you absolutely must drive with an open rear hatch, do the following to reduce the risk of
CARbon monoxide poisoning:
– Close all windows and the power sunroof.
– Switch off the climate control system's air recirculation feature.
– Open all air vents in the instrument panel.
– Set the fresh air fan to the highest speed.
.NOTICE
The open rear hatch changes the vehicle's length and height.
Driving a loaded vehicle

x Securely stow all luggage .
x Drive especially carefully and accelerate gently.
x Avoid sudden braking and driving maneuvers.
x Brake earlier than you would if you were not driving a loaded vehicle.
x If applicable, observe information about driving with a trailer .
x If applicable, observe information about driving with a roof rack .
.WARNING
Heavy loads can change the way your vehicle handles and increase stopping distances.
Heavy loads that are not properly stowed or secured can shift suddenly, causing loss of
control and serious injury.
x Secure the load properly to keep it from shifting.
x Always remember when transporting heavy objects that they change the vehicle's center
of gravity and also the way it handles
– Always distribute the load as evenly as possible.
– Secure heavy objects properly as far forward in the luggage compartment as possible.
– Use your vehicle's luggage compartment tie-downs with suitable straps.
x Always tie down heavy items securely with suitable straps.
x Securely latch the rear seat backrest in the upright position.
x Never exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating or the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating on the
safety compliance sticker on the left door jamb. Exceeding permissible weight can cause the
vehicle to skid and handle differently.
x Always adapt speed and driving to the heavier load and the weight distribution in the
vehicle. Take road, weather, traffic, and visibility conditions into account as well.
x Always accelerate gently and avoid sudden braking and driving maneuvers.
x Always brake earlier than you would if you were not driving a loaded vehicle.
Weights and axle weights