2014 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG Electrical

necessary for the system to start the combustion engine even when the vehicle is not moving. With prolonged driving in traffic jams, the combustion engine will be switched on and off to charge the high-voltage battery for the following start-stop phase.
Sailing
If the accelerator is not depressed and the lever is in Drive (D), the internal combustion engine is switched off even at higher speeds. The vehicle then decelerates slower than conventional vehicles.
This feature can be used to help reduce fuel consumption when you keep traffic conditions in mind and can anticipate the vehicles power requirements. Even in this case, the rev counter in the instrument cluster displays zero engine speed (0 engine revolutions). The instrument cluster powermeter shows zero.
Brake energy regeneration (Recuperation/charge)
When the vehicle brakes, the electrical energy is generated by the electric motor, which works as an alternator and charges the high-voltage battery. The same thing occurs while the vehicle is coasting to a stop or driving downhill.
Energy regeneration is shown in the instrument cluster display or on the Infotainment System screen. The combustion engine may be switched off automatically in this situation. The instrument cluster tachometer will show zero engine speed (zero engine revolutions). The instrument cluster powermeter shows zero.
Automatic starting - combustion engine
The combustion engine is started automatically in a number of situations.
x Engine temperature is too low.
x Catalytic converter temperature is too low.
x High-voltage battery being charged at high rate when decelerating. The high-voltage battery cannot absorb any more energy and for this reason the electric motor cannot brake the vehicle. The combustion engine comes on to help slow the vehicle down (engine brake).
x Engine hood is open.
x Leaving the vehicle when the electric motor is still “live”. The status of the electric motor is not always obvious, particularly when the combustion engine is not running. The combustion engine will therefore start if the driver's safety belt is unlatched or the driver's door is opened when the
transmission is in Park (P) or Neutral (N) ⇒ Warning when leaving the vehicle.
Energy flow display

Fig. 261 Energy flow display (Variant 1). Left: Instrument cluster. Right: Infotainment System.

WARNING
The high-voltage hybrid electrical system is dangerous and can cause burns, other serious personal injuries, electrocution and death.
x Never open, service, repair, or disconnect the high-voltage hybrid battery.
x Never touch or let jewelry or other metal objects contact high-voltage cables or the high-voltage battery and battery poles, especially if the cables, battery, or battery poles have been damaged in a crash or in some other way.
x Always have work on the hybrid electrical system and on systems that could be indirectly affected by it done by qualified, trained technicians, who have the know-how, experience, documentation, and tools to do the work safely.
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
x Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
x If the 12 Volt vehicle battery is disconnected or dead or has been replaced, there is a possibility that the combustion engine will not automatically switch off when the vehicle is powered by the electric motor. If this situation persists for several days, take the vehicle to an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility that is qualified to do work on hybrid vehicles.
x Never transport water or other liquids or fluids in open containers, such as an aquarium. If liquid is spilled in the luggage compartment, this can cause short circuits or damage the high-voltage battery.
NOTICE
Never block or cover the cooling air vents for the high-voltage hybrid battery under the rear seat. Blocking or covering these vents can damage the high-voltage battery.
NOTICE
If the vehicle is not used for a longer period, the high-voltage battery will run down. To keep the high-voltage battery in good condition, the vehicle needs to be driven at least every 2 months for at least 30 minutes or 15 miles (20 km).
x If the high-voltage battery is dead, the gasoline engine will not start. Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer, an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility, or another qualified workshop for assistance.

Headlight washer system instructions
Do not use the headlight washer system when driving through water. Things in the water can enter into the openings when the washer nozzles are extended. This can prevent the washer nozzles from retracting to their normal position. If this should happen, carefully remove the objects.
After driving through water
x After crossing through deep water, stop the engine and check the oil dipstick. If there are beads of water on the oil dipstick or the oil level has increased, do not start the engine. Change the engine oil immediately. Depending on the amount of water in the oil, running or starting the engine can result in engine failure or serious engine damage.
x Always dry the brakes by braking a couple of times.
x After driving through water, have the vehicle drive train and electrical system thoroughly inspected for damage by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
WARNING
Flowing water is very powerful and can sweep your vehicle away. This can lead create an extremely dangerous situation and cause an accident with serious personal injuries.
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 Never stop in the water.
x If water gets into the engine, your vehicle can break down. You will lose control of a broken down vehicle, and it can be swept away.
x Soft surfaces, mud, underwater obstacles, and holes can cause accidents and can cause the vehicle to break down in the water. This can lead pose extreme danger.
x Rapidly flowing water can develop strong forces that can pull the vehicle downstream. This can cause accidents and fatal injuries.
x Drive through water only where the banks and bottom are firm enough and the water is shallower at all points than the maximum permissible fording depth for your vehicle
⇒ table 488.
NOTICE
x Vehicle components such as the engine, drive train, suspension or electrical system may be severely damaged by driving through water.
x Avoid stopping in deep water. This can let water get inside the vehicle.
x On soft ground, the tires dig into the surface. This reduces fording depth. Make sure that the ground is sufficiently firm.
x Avoid creating a bow wave in front of the vehicle while driving through water. A bow wave could force its way into the engine air intake duct and seriously damage the engine.
x If you even briefly exceed the maximum fording depth when driving through water, severe engine damage will result. This engine damage will lead to a vehicle breakdown. This can disable the vehicle in the water.
x Never drive over salt flats or through salt or salty water. Salt causes vehicle corrosion. Rinse all parts of the vehicle that were exposed to salt or salt water right away with fresh water.
Driving over snow-covered terrain

DANGER
The vehicle's high-voltage electrical system and high-voltage battery are dangerous and can cause burns, other serious personal injuries, electrocution, and death.
x Always assume that high-voltage battery and parts of the high-voltage system are fully charged and energized.
x Never touch or let jewelry or other metal objects contact high-voltage cables or the high-voltage battery and battery poles, especially if the cables, battery, and battery poles have been damaged in any way.
x Never do any work yourself on the high-voltage electrical system, the orange-colored high-voltage wiring, or on the high-voltage battery.
x Never open, service, repair, or disconnect any part of the hybrid electrical system.
x Never damage the orange-colored high-voltage cables. Never remove them and never disconnect them from the high-voltage electrical system.
x Never open or remove the orange-colored cover on the high-voltage battery.
x Always have work on the hybrid electrical system and systems that could be indirectly affected by it done by qualified, trained technicians who have the know-how, experience, documentation, and tools to do the work safely.
x All work on the high-voltage electrical system and the high-voltage battery must be done in compliance with Volkswagen standards and guidelines.
x Vehicle keys must be safely stored a safe distance from vehicle so that the ignition cannot be switched on and energize the electrical system.
x Gases vented or released from the high-voltage battery vapors are potentially poisonous and can burn.
x Physical damage to the vehicle or the high-voltage battery can result in immediate or delayed release of poisonous gases that can also cause a fire.
x Always avoid contact with leaking fluids and gases escaping from the battery, particularly one that has been damaged.
x Always tell emergency responders that the vehicle has a high-voltage battery.
WARNING
Unintended vehicle movement during maintenance work can cause serious personal injuries.
x Never work under the vehicle unless you have safely secured the vehicle from moving. If you must work under the vehicle with the wheels on the ground, always make sure that the vehicle is on level ground, that all 4 wheels are chocked to keep them from moving, and that the key is not in the ignition.
x If you must work under a vehicle raised on a floor jack, always make sure that the vehicle is safely supported on safety stands intended for that purpose that are strong enough to support the weight of the vehicle. The jack supplied with the vehicle is not strong enough for this purpose and can collapse causing serious personal injury.

WARNING
High voltage systems in the engine compartment can cause electrical shocks or even electrocution, severe burns, other serious injuries, and even death!
x Never short-circuit the electrical system. Be especially careful when using jumper cables. The vehicle's battery could explode!
x To reduce the risk of electrical shock and personal injury while the engine is running or being started:
– Never touch ignition cables. Never touch other components of the high-voltage electronic ignition system.
– Never touch the wiring of the HID – High Intensity Discharge (Xenon) headlights.
x Read and heed the important information and warnings on cleaning the engine
compartment ⇒ Cleaning the engine compartment.
WARNING
Moving parts in the engine compartment can cause serious personal injury on contact.
x Never reach into the area around or touch the radiator fan. Contact with the blades can cause serious personal injury. Always remember that the radiator fan is temperature-controlled and can come on suddenly even when the engine has been switched off for a while and the key has been removed from the ignition.
x If you have to perform a check or repair when the engine is running, there are more risks from the rotating parts, such as the drive belts, alternator, radiator fan, etc., and from the high-voltage ignition system. Always use extreme care.
– Always make sure that jewelry, loose clothing and long hair do not get caught in rotating engine parts. Before starting any work remove your jewelry, take off your necktie, tie back and cover your hair, and do not wear clothing that can hang down and get caught in moving engine parts.
– Always use extreme caution if the accelerator pedal has to be depressed to perform a check. The vehicle will start to move even if the parking brake is on.
x Never leave any objects in the engine compartment, for example cleaning rags and tools. Objects left behind can cause malfunctions, engine damage, and even fires.
WARNING
Operating fluids and some materials in the engine compartment can catch fire easily, causing burns and other serious personal injuries!
x Do not smoke.
x Never work next to open flames or sparks.
x Never pour or spill operating fluids or other flammable liquids on the engine. These fluids can ignite on hot engine parts and cause injuries.
x If work on the fuel system or the electrical system is necessary:
– Always disconnect the 12 Volt vehicle battery. Make sure the vehicle is unlocked when you disconnect the battery, or the alarm will go off. Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
– Never work near heaters, water heaters, or other open flames.
x Always have a functional, approved fire extinguisher nearby.

WARNING
Working on the batteries or the electrical system in your vehicle can cause serious acid burns, fires, explosions, or electrical shocks. Always read and heed the following WARNINGS and safety precautions before working on the batteries or the electrical system.
x Before working on the electrical system, always switch off the ignition and all electrical consumers and disconnect the negative (–) cable from the standard 12 Volt vehicle battery.
x When you change a light bulb, always switch off the light first.
x Always keep children away from battery acid and vehicle batteries in general.
x Always wear eye protection. Never let battery acid or lead particles come into contact with your eyes, skin, or clothing.
x Sulfuric battery acid is very corrosive. It can burn unprotected skin and cause blindness. Always wear protective gloves and eye protection. To reduce your risk of injury, never tilt the batteries, as this could spill acid through the vents and burn you.
x If you get battery acid in your eyes or on your skin, immediately rinse with cold water for several minutes and then get immediate medical attention. If you swallow any battery acid, get medical attention immediately.
x When disconnecting the batteries from the vehicle electrical system, always disconnect the negative cable (–) first and then the positive cable (+).
x Always switch off all electrical consumers before reconnecting 12 Volt vehicle batteries. Reconnect the plus cable (+) first and then the negative cable (–). Never reverse the polarity of the connections. This could cause a fire.
x A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the battery is being charged.
x Do not smoke and avoid fires, sparks, and open flames when working. 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.
x Never use or attempt to charge a damaged or frozen battery, or a battery that was frozen but has thawed. Charging a frozen or thawed battery could cause explosions and chemical burns! Replace damaged or frozen vehicle batteries immediately. A dead battery can freeze at temperatures around +32 °F (0 °C).
x If the battery has a vent line or tube, make sure that this it is properly connected to the battery.
x Always make sure that the vent line is securely attached to a vehicle battery that is located in the luggage compartment.
WARNING
California Proposition 65 Warning
x Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead components, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash your hands after handling.
NOTICE
x Do not expose the vehicle battery to direct sunlight for an extended period of time as ultraviolet rays may damage the battery housing.
x If the vehicle is left standing in the cold for a long time, protect the vehicle battery from freezing. A battery will be permanently damaged by freezing.

Charging the vehicle battery
Vehicle batteries should be charged by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility because the factory-installed battery requires a charger with overload
protection ⇒ .
Replacing the vehicle battery
The battery in your vehicle is specially developed for its location, with special dimensions and safety features. Before buying a new battery, ask an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility what batteries are suitable with regard to electro-magnetic compatibility, dimensions, required maintenance, performance, and safety specifications. Have the battery replaced by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Only use maintenance-free vehicle batteries meeting standards TL 825 06 and VW 7 50 73. These standards must date from August 2008 or later.
Checking the electrolyte level
The 12 Volt vehicle battery is located under the left front seat, do not check the electrolyte level. Specialized knowledge and tools are required to access the vehicle battery. For this reason, have an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility check the electrolyte level of the vehicle battery for you.
Disconnecting the vehicle battery
If the battery must be disconnected from the vehicle's electrical system, note the following:
x Switch off all electrical systems and devices and the ignition.
x Unlock the vehicle before disconnecting the battery; otherwise the alarm system will go off.
x First disconnect the negative cable (-) and then the positive cable (+) ⇒ .
Connecting the vehicle battery
x Prior to reconnecting the battery, switch off all electrical systems and devices and the ignition.
x Connect the positive cable (+) first and then the negative cable (-) ⇒ .
After the battery is connected and the ignition is switched on, different indicator lights may come on. They should go out after you drive a short distance at 10 – 12 mph (15 – 20 km/h). If the indicator lights do not go out , contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility and have the vehicle checked.
If the battery was disconnected for a long time, the next scheduled service may not be correctly calculated and displayed. The maximum permissible service and maintenance intervals are shown in
the ⇒ booklet Warranty and Maintenance.
Vehicles with Keyless Access
If the ignition will not start after reconnecting the vehicle battery, lock the vehicle from the outside and unlock it again. Then try to start the ignition again. If the ignition cannot be switched on, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer, an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility, or another qualified workshop for assistance.
Automatic electrical load deactivation
If the vehicle battery drain is high, the intelligent on-board electrical system management automatically takes steps to help prevent battery drain.
x The idle speed is increased so that the alternator provides more power.
x The power to devices that consume a lot of electricity is cut back or switched off completely.
x When the engine is started, the power supply to the 12 Volt sockets and the cigarette lighter is temporarily interrupted.

The on-board electrical system management cannot always keep the battery from being drained. For example, the battery will drain if the engine is not running, but the ignition is switched on or the parking lights are left on for a long time when parked.
Battery disconnection in an accident with airbag deployment
In vehicles with a battery in the luggage compartment, the electrical connection to the battery is disconnected automatically in a collision with airbag deployment. This helps to prevent a short-circuit.
What drains the vehicle battery?
x Long periods when the engine is not running, especially when the ignition is on.
x Using electrical systems or devices when the engine is switched off.
x Leaving the vehicle unlocked for several days when not in use.
x The selector lever is left for a long period of time in any position other than (P) when the ignition is
switched off ⇒ Automatic transmission: Selector lever.
WARNING
Failure to use the proper battery with proper mounting and connections may cause short circuits, fires, and serious personal injuries.
x Always use only maintenance-free or cycle-free, leak-proof batteries with the same specifications and dimensions as the original equipment battery. Specifications are listed on the battery housing.
WARNING
When the vehicle battery is charged, it produces highly explosive hydrogen gas.
x Charge vehicle batteries only in well-ventilated areas.
x Never charge a frozen or thawed battery. A dead battery can freeze at temperatures around +32 °F (0 °C). Always replace a battery that has frozen.
x You must replace the vehicle battery if it was frozen.
x Incorrectly connected cables can cause a short-circuit. First connect the positive cable (+) and then the negative cable (-).
NOTICE
x Never disconnect a vehicle battery or connect 2 vehicle batteries to each other when the ignition is switched on or the engine is running. Using the wrong battery can damage the electrical system or electronic components and cause electrical malfunctions.
x Never use a vehicle battery that does not meet specifications for the vehicle battery for your vehicle. Using the wrong battery can damage the electrical system or electronic components and cause electrical malfunctions.
x Never connect power generating equipment, such as a solar panel or battery charger, to the 12 Volt socket in order to charge the vehicle battery. This can damage the vehicle's electrical system.
Dispose of the vehicle battery according to regulations. Vehicle batteries contain poisonous substances such as sulfuric acid and lead.