2017 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN check engine light

Depending on the vehicle equipment level, symbols may be displayed in the instrument cluster
instead of warning lamps.
Some warning and indicator lamps are not available in all markets.
For details on indicator lamps which light up in the light switch, see Chapter Lights ⇒ Lights.
SymbolMeaning
Central warning lamp. Observe the additional information on the
instrument cluster display.
Do not drive on!
The electronic parking brake is switched on ⇒ Electronic parking 
brake.
Do not drive on!
Brake fluid level too low or fault in the brake system ⇒ Brake fluid.
Do not drive on!
Coolant level too low ⇒ Engine coolant, engine coolant temperature
too high or fault in the cooling system ⇒ Coolant temperature display.
Do not drive on!
Engine oil pressure too low ⇒ Engine oil.
Flashing: Do not drive on! Fault in the electronic steering column
lock ⇒ Steering.
Lit up: electromechanical steering has failed ⇒ Steering.
Driver or front passenger seat belt not fastened ⇒ Seat belts.
OR: there are objects on the front passenger seat ⇒ Seat belts.
Brake or take evasive action.
Collision warning from area monitoring system (Front Assist) ⇒ Area 
monitoring system (Front Assist).
OR: collision warning from Pedestrian Monitoring ⇒ Pedestrian 
Monitoring.
Depress the brake pedal. ⇒ DSG dual clutch gearbox, ⇒ Adaptive 
Cruise Control (ACC).
Fault in the alternator ⇒ 12-volt vehicle battery.
Front brake pads worn. Go to a qualified workshop immediately. All
brake pads should be checked and renewed as necessary
⇒ Information on the brakes.
Central warning lamp. Observe the additional information on the
instrument cluster display.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ⇒ Brake support systems.
Traction control system (TCS) ⇒ Brake support systems.
OR: off-road driving profile active ⇒ Driving profile selection and 
4MOTION Active Control.
Anti-lock brake system faulty or not functioning ⇒ Brake support 
systems.
Electronic parking brake fault ⇒ Electronic parking brake.
Rear fog light switched on ⇒ Lights.
Partial or complete failure of the vehicle lighting, excluding cornering
light ⇒ Changing bulbs.
Lit up: there is a fault that affects the exhaust emissions
⇒ Troubleshooting.
Flashing: misfiring, which damages the catalytic converter
⇒ Troubleshooting.
Engine management system fault (Electronic Power Control)
⇒ Troubleshooting.
Engine speed limited (protection against overheating)
⇒ Troubleshooting.
Lit up: electromechanical steering reduced
OR: the 12-volt battery has been disconnected and reconnected
⇒ Steering.
Flashing: steering column is wound-up or is not unlocked/locked
⇒ Steering.
Lit up: tyre pressure too low ⇒ Tyre monitoring systems.
Flashing: fault in tyre monitoring system ⇒ Tyre monitoring systems.
Fault in the rain/light sensor ⇒ Wipers.
Fault in wipers ⇒ Wipers.
Washer fluid level too low ⇒ Wipers.
Fuel tank almost empty ⇒ Fuel gauge.
Lit up: engine oil level too low ⇒ Engine oil.
Flashing: engine oil system fault ⇒ Engine oil.
®

Check that all lights and turn signals are working properly.
Check the tyre pressure and fuel level Wheels and tyres, Fuel types and refuelling.
Ensure that you have a good, clear view through all of the windows.
Air intake to the engine must not be obstructed, and the engine must not be covered with
any kind of insulating materials In the engine compartment.
Secure any objects and luggage in the stowage compartments, the luggage compartment
or on the roof Transporting.
Ensure that you are able to operate the pedals freely at all times.
Secure any children travelling in the vehicle in a restraint system suitable for their weight
and size Safe transport of children.
Adjust the front seats, head restraints and mirrors properly in accordance with the size of
the occupants Sitting position, Mirrors.
Wear shoes that provide good grip for your feet when using the pedals.
The floor mat in the footwell on the driver side must leave the pedal area free and must be
securely fastened.
Assume a correct sitting position before setting off and maintain this position while driving.
This also applies to all passengers Sitting position.
Fasten your seat belt correctly before setting off and keep it properly fastened throughout
the journey. This also applies to all passengers Seat belts.
Each vehicle occupant must sit in a seat of their own and must have their own seat belt.
Never drive if your driving ability is impaired, e.g. by medication, alcohol or drugs.
Do not allow yourself to be distracted from the traffic, e.g. by passengers, telephone calls,
opening menus and making adjustments to settings.
Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions.
Observe traffic regulations and speed limits.
Take regular breaks when travelling long distances – at least every two hours.
Secure animals in the vehicle using a system that is suitable for their weight and size.
Does the vehicle need any technical modifications for driving abroad, e.g. masking or
switching the headlights over?
Are the necessary tools, diagnostic equipment and spare parts available for service and
repair work?
Are there any Volkswagen dealerships in the destination country?
•Vehicles without Keyless Access: vehicle key used to unlock the vehicle.
•Vehicles with Keyless Access: vehicle key that is identified first by the personalisation function
upon opening the driver door.
Personalised vehicle setup
The vehicle equipment and functions that can be personalised include the following:
•Open and close (single door unlocking, window convenience opening etc.)
•Light and vision (daytime running lights, cornering light, convenience turn signal etc.)
•Air conditioning system (temperature settings, ventilation etc.)
•Assistance systems (Park Distance Control, ACC, Dynamic Road Sign Display etc.)
•Driver profile selection (driver profiles etc.)
•Multifunction display and instrument cluster (selection of displays)
•Infotainment system (brightness and saved stations)
•Seat setup (seat position)
A new vehicle key will be assigned to the current user account. To assign the vehicle key to
a different user account, select the user account you want and manually assign it to the vehicle key.
Safety
General notes
Checklist
Observe the following information both before and during every journey to ensure your own
safety, and the safety of all passengers and other road users ⇒:
Checklist
In some countries, special safety standards and emissions-related regulations apply that the
vehicle may not comply with. Volkswagen recommends that you visit your Volkswagen
dealership before travelling abroad to find out about any legal requirements and the
following issues at your destination:

If fuel in the adequate quality available Fuel and emission control?
Are the correct service fluids that comply with Volkswagen specifications available in the
destination country Service fluids and consumables?
Will the navigation function in the factory-fitted Infotainment system and the navigation
data available work in the destination country?
Are special tyres necessary for travelling in the destination country?
Is a fire extinguisher prescribed in your destination country?
Which requirements must be observed regarding reflective vests?
Windscreen washer fluid level Wipers.
Engine oil level Engine oil.
Engine coolant level Engine coolant.
Brake fluid level Brake fluid.
Tyre pressure Wheels and tyres.
Checklist
Therefore, do not do any work in the engine compartment unless you know exactly how to
carry out the jobs, are aware of the general safety procedures and have the correct
equipment, service fluids and suitable tools to hand ⇒ In the engine compartment! In any
other case all work must be carried out by a qualified workshop. Make sure that the
following are checked regularly:
Vehicle lighting Lights required for the vehicle to be roadworthy:
- Turn signals
- Side lights, dipped beam headlights and main beam headlights
- Tail light cluster
- Brake lights
- Rear fog light
- Number plate light.
Servicing the vehicle is not only about vehicle maintenance – it also ensures that your
vehicle remains roadworthy and in perfect working order. You should therefore have your vehicle
serviced according to Volkswagen guidelines. Some work may have to be carried out before the
due date of the next service if the vehicle is subjected to severe operating conditions. Severe
operating conditions are, for example, regular stop and go driving or driving in areas with high
levels of dust. Further information can be obtained from your Volkswagen dealership or a qualified
workshop.
Sitting position
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Dangers of assuming an incorrect sitting position
⇒ Correct sitting position
Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, medication or narcotics can cause serious
accidents and fatal injuries.
•Alcohol, drugs, medication and narcotics can severely impair perception, reaction
times and driving safety. This could cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
WARNING
Always observe current traffic regulations and speed limits, and think ahead when driving.
Correct interpretation of a driving situation can make the difference between reaching
your destination safely and having an accident with serious injuries.
WARNING
Volkswagen is not responsible for any vehicle damage caused by low-quality fuel,
inadequate servicing work or lack of Genuine Parts.
NOTICE
Observe the instructions and information relating to vehicles with N1 approval
⇒ Information about vehicles with N1 approval (light commercial vehicle).
NOTICE

Stop the vehicle at a safe distance away from moving traffic and on a suitable surface .
Switch on the hazard warning lights using the button Centre console.
Switch on the electronic parking brake Electronic parking brake.
Move the gear lever to neutral position or move the selector lever to P, Manual gearbox:
selecting a gear and DSG® dual clutch gearbox.
Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition Starting and stopping the engine.
Ensure that all occupants exit the vehicle and go straight to a safe place away from
moving traffic, e.g. behind the safety barrier. Heed the country-specific regulations
concerning high-visibility waistcoats.
Take all vehicle keys with you when you leave the vehicle.
Place the warning triangle in position to draw the attention of other road users to your
vehicle.
Allow the engine to cool down and seek expert assistance.
Making you and your vehicle safe
Observe any legislation concerning the safety of a broken-down vehicle. For example, many
countries stipulate that you have to switch on the hazard warning lights and wear a high-visibility
vest ⇒ Equipment for an emergency.
Checklist
To ensure your own safety and that of your passengers, observe the following actions in the
specified order ⇒:
When the hazard warning lights are switched on, for example if you are being towed, you can still
indicate a change in direction or lane change by operating the turn signal. The warning lights will be
interrupted temporarily.
Examples of when to switch on the hazard warning lights:
•When traffic ahead suddenly starts moving more slowly or you reach the tail end of a traffic jam,
to will warn vehicles behind you.
•When there is an emergency.
•When the vehicle breaks down.
•When tow-starting or towing.
Always follow local regulations for the use of the hazard warning lights.
If the hazard warning lights are not working, you must use an alternative method of drawing
attention to the broken-down vehicle. This method must comply with traffic legislation.
Any broken-down vehicle poses a high accident risk for the vehicle occupants and for
other road users.
•Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so.
•Park the vehicle at a safe distance from moving traffic.
•Switch on the hazard warning lights.
•Never leave other persons alone in the vehicle, particularly children or people requiring
assistance. This applies in particular when the doors are locked. People locked in the
vehicle may be subjected to very high or very low temperatures.
WARNING
Ignoring any of the items on this important safety checklist can lead to accidents and
severe injuries.
•Always follow the instructions in the checklist and observe the general safety
procedures.
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system become very hot. This can cause fires and serious
injuries.
•Park the vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can come into contact with any
inflammable material underneath the vehicle, e.g. dry grass, fuel.
WARNING
When pushing the vehicle by hand, do not press on the rear lights, the rear spoiler or large
panels. This could damage the vehicle and loosen the spoiler.
NOTICE

Behaviour after a collision with active bonnet
Fig. 59 Triggered active bonnet.
In the event of a collision at the front of the vehicle, the active bonnet will be triggered by sensors in
the front bumper in the speed range from around 25 to 55 km/h (15 to 34 mph). As a result, the
bonnet is lifted by a few centimetres in front of the windscreen in order to create an additional
crumple zone above the engine, e.g. in the head area of a pedestrian who has been hit.
The active bonnet system can trigger properly only if the bonnet has not previously been deformed
by external influences.
In some cases, the system may trigger even though the collision has not been with a pedestrian.
The system can be triggered in the following situations:
•Frontal collision with a marker post, street lantern, pillar etc.
•Frontal collision with an animal.
•Driving into a mound of snow.
•Bottoming of the vehicle when driving on very poor roads.
When the active bonnet has been triggered, the bonnet is moved up by a few centimetres in front of
the windscreen ⇒ Fig. 59. Special hinges lock the bonnet in open position ⇒ Fig. 59 (close-up).
The warning lamp also remains lit in the instrument cluster until the system has been repaired.
The following applies if the active bonnet has been triggered:
•It is necessary to go directly to a qualified workshop.
•The system must be repaired by the qualified workshop.
•It is permitted to continue driving only when the vehicle is roadworthy.
•It is not permitted to drive faster than up to 80 km/h (50 mph).
•The seat position must be adjusted if necessary. In spite of the active bonnet having triggered,
there must always still be unrestricted visibility through the windscreen ⇒ Sitting position.
If the active bonnet has been triggered, the warning lamp in the instrument cluster lights up.
Warning lamp
DisplayPossible causeAction
Active bonnet has been triggered.Go to a qualified workshop immediately and
have the system repaired.
Active bonnet: system fault.Go to a qualified workshop to have the
system checked immediately.
With some vehicle equipment levels, a symbol which indicates that the active bonnet has been
triggered may be shown in the instrument cluster instead of a warning lamp.
Repairing the triggered active bonnet
A triggered active bonnet must be repaired only by a qualified workshop⇒. Volkswagen
recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
In the event of a sudden driving or braking manoeuvre or accident, loose objects could be
flung though the vehicle and cause severe injuries.
•Always secure the first aid kit, warning triangle and fire extinguisher safely in the
holders in the vehicle.
•Stow the high-visibility waistcoat in the stowage compartments so that it is easily
accessible.
WARNING

Depending on the mirror function set in the Infotainment system, the exterior mirrors fold out
when the vehicle is unlocked using the sensor on the door handle of the driver of passenger door
and surround lighting is switched on.
If there is no valid vehicle key in the vehicle or if it is not detected, a corresponding display
will be shown on the instrument cluster display. This may occur if the vehicle key is obstructed by
another radio signal or is covered by another item, e.g. a mobile telephone accessory or an
aluminium suitcase ⇒ Starting and stopping the engine.
The sensors may have limited functionality if they become very dirty.
If the vehicle has a DSG dual clutch gearbox, it can be locked only if the selector lever is in
position P.
The entire vehicle will be unlocked if the sensor is touched twice, even if a single door has
already been unlocked.
SAFELOCK
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Depending on the vehicle equipment, the vehicle may have an anti-theft alarm and SAFELOCK
⇒ Anti-theft alarm.
The SAFELOCK deactivates the door release levers if the vehicle has been locked. This makes it
more difficult to break into the vehicle. The doors can no longer be opened from the inside ⇒.
•Press the button on the vehicle key once⇒ Central locking system.
•Press the button on the vehicle key twice in quick succession ⇒ Central locking system.
•Vehicles with the keyless locking and starting system Keyless Access: touch the sensor on the
outside of the door handle twice⇒ Locking and unlocking the vehicle with keyless access.
•Press the central locking button in the driver door once ⇒ Central locking system.
Depending on the vehicle equipment level, there may be an indication of the activated SAFELOCK
in the display of the instrument cluster (Check SAFELOCK! or SAFELOCK).
Deactivating SAFELOCK
The SAFELOCK can be deactivated in one of the following ways:
•Switch on the ignition.
•OR: deactivate interior monitoring and the anti-tow alarm.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, temporarily deactivate interior monitoring and the anti-tow
alarm using the Infotainment system ⇒ Operation and display in the Infotainment system before
locking the vehicle.
The following applies when SAFELOCK is deactivated:
•The vehicle can be unlocked and opened from the inside using the door release lever.
•The anti-theft alarm ⇒ Anti-theft alarm is active.
Depending on the equipment, the interior monitoring and anti-tow alarm will be activated or
deactivated via the Infotainment system ⇒ Operation and display in the Infotainment system.
Anti-theft alarm
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Depending on the vehicle equipment level, the vehicle may have an anti-theft alarm and
SAFELOCK ⇒ SAFELOCK.
Always take care when using the SAFELOCK as you could cause serious injuries.
•Never leave anybody in the vehicle if the vehicle has been locked using the vehicle key.
The doors can no longer be opened from the inside once the SAFELOCK is activated.
•Locked doors make it more difficult for emergency service personnel to gain access to
the vehicle and provide assistance when needed. In an emergency, people locked
inside the vehicle would not be able to leave the vehicle by unlocking the doors.
WARNING

situations should be avoided that create a heavy load on the brakes, e.g. when driving up close to
the vehicle ahead.
The rate of wear of the brake pads depends to a great extent on the conditions under which the
vehicle is operated and the way in which the vehicle is driven. If the vehicle is used for regular
urban trips, short journeys, and is driven with a sporty driving style, the brake pads must be
regularly checked by a qualified workshop.
When driving with wet brakes, for example after driving through water, after heavy rainfall or after
washing the vehicle, the braking effect may be delayed as the brake discs will be wet, or possibly
iced up (in winter). The brakes must be dried as quickly as possible by careful braking at higher
speed. Please ensure that no following vehicle and no other road user is put at risk as a result of
this action ⇒.
Any salt layer accumulating on the discs and pads will delay the braking effect and increase the
braking distance. If the brakes on the vehicle have not been applied for a long time on roads that
have been gritted with salt, the layer of salt must be reduced through careful braking ⇒.
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt in the brake pads are facilitated through long periods of
inactivity, low mileage and low load levels. If the brake pads have been hardly used, or if they are at
all corroded, Volkswagen recommends that the brake discs and brake pads be cleaned by braking
strongly several times from high speed. Please ensure that no following vehicle and no other road
user is put at risk as a result of this action ⇒.
Brake servo
The brake servo will only function when the engine is running and reinforces the pressure applied
by the driver on the brake pedal.
If the brake servo is not functioning or the vehicle is being towed, the brake pedal will have to be
depressed more forcefully as the braking distance will be increased due to the lack of assistance for
the brake system ⇒.
Driving with worn brake pads or with a faulty brake system can cause accidents and
serious injuries.
•If the warning lamp lights up either alone or together with a text message in the
instrument cluster display, go to a qualified workshop immediately to have the brake
pads checked and the worn brake pads replaced.
WARNING
New brake pads will not have the optimal braking effect when first fitted.
•New brake pads cannot generate the full braking effect during the first 300 km (186
miles) and must first be run in. A reduced braking effect can be increased by applying
more pressure to the brake pedal.
•You must drive particularly carefully when driving with new brake pads in order to
reduce the risk of accidents, serious injuries and loss of control of the vehicle.
•Never drive too close to other vehicles when running in new brake pads, and never
create a driving situation that will place a heavy load on the brakes.
WARNING
Overheated brakes reduce the braking effect and considerably increase the braking
distance.
•When driving downhill the brakes are placed under particular strain and become hot
very quickly.
•Before driving down a long, steep gradient, reduce speed and change to a lower gear
(with manual gearboxes or in Tiptronic mode with the DSG dual clutch gearbox). This
will make use of the engine braking effect and relieve the load on the brakes.
•Non-standard or damaged front spoilers could restrict the airflow to the brakes and
cause them to overheat.
WARNING

Warning lights and text messages are shown on the instrument cluster display. These warnings
may be accompanied by acoustic signals.
Front brake pads worn. Go to a qualified workshop immediately. All brake pads should be
checked and renewed as necessary.
Malfunction in the brake system
A brake circuit may have failed if you have to reduce speed and the vehicle does not brake as
normal (sudden increase in braking distance). This is indicated by the warning lamp and in
some cases by a text message. Go to the nearest qualified workshop immediately to have the fault
corrected. Drive at low speed when doing this and anticipate much longer braking distances and an
increase in the pressure required on the pedal.
Starting and stopping the engine
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Ignition lock
⇒ Starter button
⇒ Starting the engine
⇒ Stopping the engine
⇒ Electronic immobiliser
⇒ Troubleshooting
Push-starting or tow-starting
For technical reasons, your vehicle must not be push-started or tow-started. Use jump leads to
start the engine instead ⇒ Jump starting.
Ignition lock
Switching the engine off while the vehicle is moving makes it more difficult to stop the
vehicle. This can lead to loss of control of the vehicle and to accidents and severe injuries.
•Braking and steering support systems, the airbag system, the belt tensioners and other
items of safety equipment in the vehicle are only active when the engine is running.
•Never switch the engine or ignition off while the vehicle is in motion.
WARNING
The risk of serious injury can be reduced with the engine running or when starting the
engine.
•Never start or run the engine in unventilated or closed rooms. The exhaust fumes
contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless toxic gas. Carbon monoxide
can cause people to lose consciousness. It can also cause death.
•Never start or run the engine if oil, fuel or any other highly flammable fluids are under
or near the vehicle, or are leaking out of the vehicle, e.g. as the result of damage.
•Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running, particularly if a gear or
position has been selected. The vehicle could move suddenly or something
unexpected may happen that may cause damage, fire and serious injuries.
•Never use a start booster. Start boosters may explode and cause the engine to
suddenly run at high revs.
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system become very hot. This can cause fires and serious
injuries.
•Never park the vehicle where parts of the exhaust system can come into contact with
inflammable material underneath the vehicle, e.g. undergrowth, leaves, dry grass, spilt
fuel.
•Never apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the exhaust pipes,
catalytic converters, heat shields or particulate filter.
WARNING