2013 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG ESP

.WARNING
Driving with a fuel tank that is almost empty can lead to stalling in traffic, a collision, and
serious personal injuries.
x When the fuel tank is almost empty, fuel supply to the engine can be interrupted,
especially when driving up an down hills. The interruption in fuel flow could stall the engine
during a maneuver in difficult terrain and make you lose control of the vehicle.
x Steering and braking assistance as well as ESC and related systems will not work if the
engine “sputters” or stalls due to lack of fuel.
x Always refuel when the tank is 1/4 full to reduce the risk of running out of fuel and stalling
in traffic.
.NOTICE
x Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
x Never drive until the fuel tank is completely empty. The irregular fuel supply can cause the
engine to misfire. This allows unburned fuel to get into the exhaust system and damage the
catalytic converter or the diesel particulate filter.
.NOTICE
If the fuel tank venting system malfunctions and the fuel tank cannot be properly vented before
refueling:
x Gasoline fumes can escape from the fuel filler neck, resulting in temporary odors.
x The fuel nozzle may shut off during refueling and it will take longer to refuel the vehicle.
Only in this situation can you continue to CARefully refuel your vehicle after the fuel nozzle
shuts off.
x See your Authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility to have
your vehicle checked.
.The small arrow next to the gas pump symbol in the fuel gauge shows the side of the vehicle
with the fuel filler flap.
Misfueling guard for diesel vehicles

Fig. 278 With open fuel cap: Misfueling guard in the fuel filler neck
.

The fuel filler neck of diesel vehicles is equipped with a misfueling guard ⇒ fig. 278. The misfueling
guard helps prevent filling the fuel tank of a diesel vehicle with gasoline, because the guard makes it
difficult to insert any type of filler nozzle other than the type commonly used for diesel fuel.
Damaged, worn out, or incorrect nozzles, as well as other means of refueling (portable fuel
containers, for example) will generally not open the misfueling guard and fuel from these sources
cannot easily flow into the tank. Using these incorrect or non-standard nozzles to refuel your diesel
vehicle can cause fuel spills, which can cause fires, explosions, burns, and other severe injuries.
The misfueling guard can generally only be properly opened with a correct nozzle from a standard
diesel fuel pump. Under certain circumstances it may be necessary to turn the nozzle back and forth
slightly with light pressure to open the misfueling guard. If the misfueling guard cannot be opened this
way, see the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility and
have the fuel system checked.
.WARNING
Spilled fuel can cause fires, explosions, burns, and other severe injuries.
x Do not refuel from devices other than correct, undamaged standard diesel fuel pump
nozzles.
x Always stop refueling once the pump nozzle switches off so that the tank does not
overflow.
.NOTICE
x It is your responsibility to put the right fuel in your vehicle and any damage that results is
not covered under the Emissions warranties or any other Volkswagen Limited Warranty.
x If you put any amount of the incorrect fuel in the fuel tank, do not start the engine under any
circumstances. Immediately contact the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.
x If diesel fuel should get on any rubber hose, it must be wiped off immediately. The same
applies if diesel fuel gets onto other parts of the vehicle, especially paint, tires, or a plastic
part. Wash the contaminated vehicle parts right away with soap and warm water to help
prevent leaks and serious damage.
x Never force a fuel nozzle in the misfueling guard. If you have problems inserting a fuel
nozzle, first check to make sure you are using the correct diesel fuel. If you are, go to a pump
with the standard diesel nozzle. Forcing a fuel nozzle in the misfueling guard can damage it so
that it can no longer help prevent misfueling.
Fuel capacities
.

Cold diesel engines normally produce louder noises during winter conditions than during warmer
periods. In addition, the exhaust gases may be light blue in color until the engine has warmed up. The
exhaust gas volume varies depending on the outside temperature.
Do not let your diesel engine idle unnecessarily after a cold start. Driving off slowly will shorten the
warm-up period.
.WARNING
Starting fluids can explode and cause a run-away vehicle condition.
x Never use starting assist fluids.
.NOTICE
x The vehicle's diesel engine was designed solely for use with ULSD fuel. For this reason,
never use gasoline, heating oil, or other fuels that have not been expressly approved for use
with the diesel engine. These fuels contain substances that will severely damage the fuel
system and the engine. Such damage will not be covered by any Volkswagen Limited
Warranty.
x If you put any amount of the incorrect fuel in the fuel tank, do not start the engine under any
circumstances. Immediately contact the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.
x If diesel fuel should get on any rubber hose, it must be wiped off immediately. The same
applies if diesel fuel gets onto other parts of the vehicle, especially paint, tires, or a plastic
part. Wash the contaminated vehicle parts right away with soap and warm water to help
prevent leaks and serious damage.
x The vehicle is designed to run on diesel fuel containing methyl ester bio diesel in
concentrations of 5% or less. Never use methyl ester bio diesel in blend levels higher than 5%
(5% methyl ester blends are sometimes designated or labeled as B5). The properties of methyl
ester bio diesel blends in levels greater than 5% may cause serious damage to the fuel
injection system and to the engine. This could lead to expensive repairs that will not be
covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.
x Damage to the engine and fuel system and performance problems caused by using fuels
that are different from those specified above or by using “starting assist fluids” are not the
responsibility of Volkswagen and are not covered under the Emission warranties or any other
Volkswagen Limited Warranty.

Lights up Possible cause or meaning ⇒  Proper response
b No engine restart possible! AdBlue fill
level too low.
Stop the vehicle at a safe and appropriate
place with level pavement and refuel
AdBlue
b
No engine restart possible! AdBlue-
system malfunction.
Have the system checked by an authorized
Volkswagen dealer or an authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility.
together
with
>
b AdBlue level is low.
Refill the AdBlue tank within the indicated
number of miles or kilometers Volkswagen
recommends going to an authorized
Volkswagen dealer or an authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility.
b
AdBlue system malfunctioning or not
filled standard AdBlue.
Have the system checked by an authorized
Volkswagen dealer or an authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility.
together
with
>
b AdBlue level is low.
Refill the AdBlue tank within the indicated
number of miles or kilometers Volkswagen
recommends taking the vehicle to an
authorized Volkswagen dealer or an
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
b
AdBlue system malfunctioning or not
filled standard AdBlue.
Have the system checked by an authorized
Volkswagen dealer or an authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility.
together
with
>

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.
.WARNING
Failure to heed warning lights and instrument cluster text messages can cause the vehicle to
break down in traffic and result in a collision and serious personal injury.
x Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.
x Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
.NOTICE
Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
AdBlue information
.

.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.
.NOTICE
x Use only AdBlue that has been explicitly approved by Volkswagen. Using other types of
AdBlue can damage your vehicle's engine.
x Never mix water or any other substances or additives with AdBlue. Damage caused by such
additives will not be covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.
x Never put AdBlue into the diesel fuel tank! Otherwise the engine may be damaged!
x Do not CARry a refill container in the vehicle all the time or routinely. Due to temperature
fluctuations and damage, the container could start leaking and the AdBlue could damage the
vehicle interior.
.Dispose of the refill container in an environmentally-responsible manner.
.Appropriate AdBlue refill containers can be obtained from an authorized Volkswagen dealer or
an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

.WARNING
Inadequate experience and knowledge of the demands of off-road driving can lead to critical
situations and cause serious personal injury.
x Never take routes or risks that could put you or your passengers in danger. If you cannot
go on, or have doubts about the safety of your route, turn back and take a new route.
x The intelligent technology of the vehicle cannot change the laws of physics. Despite the
ABS, adverse terrain can cause instability through blocked wheels – for example, if you
brake hard when driving on a loose gravel road. Difficult terrain may also prevent the ESC
from doing its job.
x Never operate the vehicle at the limit of its performance ability. Always leave a good
safety margin.
x To reduce the risk of loss of control and serious personal injury, never use the cruise
control when driving off-road.
x Even terrain that looks easy can be difficult and dangerous, putting you and your
passengers in a critical situation. It is often best to check an area out on foot first.
x Drive with special CARe and think ahead in off-road terrain. If you drive too fast, or fail to
maneuver the vehicle properly, you could cause personal injury and damage the vehicle.
x Never drive faster than is appropriate for the prevailing terrain and the road, traffic, and
weather conditions.
x Never drive too fast across embankments, ramps, or slopes. The vehicle could become
airborne. If that happens, you will not be able to steer and can lose control.
x If your vehicle becomes airborne, always keep the front wheels pointing straight ahead. If
the wheels are not pointing straight ahead when the vehicle lands, it could roll over.
x Never allow people to stand in front of or behind the vehicle if you have put items such as
stones or pieces of wood under the wheels to improve traction on slippery ground. Spinning
wheels can turn these items into dangerous flying objects causing serious personal injury.
x Even areas that look harmless can be dangerous. Potholes, ditches, trenches, drop-offs,
different kinds of obstacles, and soft or swampy ground often cannot be seen and can be
partially or fully covered by water, grass, branches, or other things. Driving over such terrain
can cause accidents and severe injuries. Before crossing an unknown area, CARefully
explore the route you plan to take on foot.
.WARNING
Never drive off-road if you are low on fuel. Too little fuel in the tank can cause an accident
and serious injuries. You can also run out of fuel in a remote area where getting help is
difficult or impossible.
x When the fuel tank is almost empty, fuel supply to the engine can be interrupted,
especially when driving over bumps, across slopes, and up and down hills. The interruption
in fuel flow could stall the engine during a maneuver in difficult terrain and make you lose
control of the vehicle.
x Steering and braking assistance as well as ESC and related systems will not work if the
engine “sputters” or stalls due to lack of fuel. This can cause loss of vehicle control,
especially in difficult terrain.
x Always refuel when the tank is 1/4 full to reduce the risk of running out of fuel.
.NOTICE
If the power sunroof or the windows are open when it rains or snows, the interior of the vehicle
will get wet and the vehicle may be damaged. Always keep the windows and the power sunroof
closed when driving off-road.

Before driving off-road the first time
Before you drive your vehicle off-road, we urge you to take an appropriate off-road driving course.
Taking a course is especially important if you have little or no experience driving off-road. Even more
experienced off-roaders can benefit from an off-road driving course.
A good course can show you how to handle the vehicle in a wide range of off-road situations and how
to more safely deal with difficult terrain Driving off-road demands a different attitude and very different
skills compared with highway driving. Your safety and that of your passengers will depend on your
knowledge, skill, and caution as a driver ⇒ .
.WARNING
Disregarding the safety-related checklist may lead to accidents and serious personal injuries.
x Always review and follow the checklist above. Follow commonly accepted safety
practices and use common sense.
x All occupants must sit properly and wear safety belts whenever the vehicle is moving.
General rules and good driving practices
.

.WARNING
Off-road driving can be dangerous, can lead to accidents, vehicle damage, stranding in
remote areas, and serious personal injury.
x Never drive too fast or for terrain and weather conditions.
x Always adjust your speed and driving style to road, terrain, traffic, and weather
conditions.
x Always avoid sudden, sharp maneuvers that increase the risk of loss of vehicle control or
getting stuck.
x When driving off-road look and think ahead, expect the unexpected.
x To reduce the risk of loss of control and serious personal injury, never use the cruise
control when driving off-road. Cruise control is designed for highway use. It is completely
unsuitable for off-road situations and can even be dangerous when used off-road.
.NOTICE
Always make sure the vehicle has enough ground clearance. Severe damage to the underbody
can occur if the vehicle bottoms out. The damage could disable the vehicle and leave you
stranded.
.“Tread lightly” is an educational program designed to increase public awareness of land use
regulations and responsibilities in our nation's wilderness areas. Volkswagen supports the U.S. Forest
Service and the Bureau of Land Management in encouraging you to preserve our national forests and
other public and private lands by “treading lightly”.
Technical terms explained

Fig. 281 Illustration of grade (gradient angle) A and lateral angle B.
.