2017 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN tow bar

If a lurching motion is detected, the trailer stabilisation function automatically helps to reduce the
trailer's rocking motion using counter steering assistance.
Requirements for trailer stabilisation
•The vehicle is a factory-fitted towing bracket or a compatible towing bracket is fitted.
•Electronic Stability Control and the traction control system (TCS) are active. The indicator lamp
or in the instrument cluster is not lit up.
•The trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle via the trailer socket.
•The vehicle speed is higher than approximately 60 km/h (37 mph).
•The maximum drawbar load is being carried.
•The trailer must have a rigid drawbar.
•Trailers with brakes must have a mechanical overrun system.
Retrofitting a towing bracket
Fig. 194 Dimensions and attachment points for retrofitting a towing bracket.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Do not let the extra safety afforded by the trailer stabilisation function tempt you into
taking any risks when driving – this can cause accidents.
•Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions.
•Accelerate carefully on slippery surfaces.
•Take your foot off the accelerator if one of the systems is active.
WARNING
The trailer stabilisation function may not be able to detect all driving situations correctly.
•Trailer stabilisation is switched off when ESC is deactivated.
•Light trailers that are snaking will not be recognised by the trailer stabilisation function
and stabilised accordingly in all cases.
•A trailer can still jack-knife on slippery roads with little grip, even if the towing vehicle
is equipped with trailer stabilisation.
•Trailers with a high centre of gravity might tip over before snaking starts.
•Sudden braking procedures could occur automatically in extreme driving situations if
the trailer socket is being used without a trailer (e.g. for a bicycle carrier with lighting).
WARNING

Volkswagen recommends having the towing bracket retrofitted by a qualified workshop. The cooling
system may need to be modified or heat shields may need to be fitted. Volkswagen recommends
using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Dimensions
The dimensions ⇒ Fig. 194 must be adhered to for the retro-fitting of a towing bracket. Always
observe the minimum distance given from the middle of the ball coupling Ⓕ to the surface of the
road. This also applies when the vehicle is fully laden, including maximum drawbar load.
Attachment points
989 mm
595 mm
348 mm
At least 65 mm
350 – 420 mm
1,061 – 1,066 mm
Only use towing brackets which have been approved by Volkswagen for your vehicle type.
Troubleshooting
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The ball head on the towing bracket is not locked. Check towing bracket lock ⇒ Electrically 
adjustable ball coupling.
Fuel and emission control
Electrical accessories that are not connected properly can cause malfunctions in the
entire vehicle electronics system and also cause accidents and serious injuries.
•Never connect the trailer's electrical system directly to the electrical connections of the
tail lights or to other unsuitable sources of electricity. Only a suitable connector may
be used to connect the trailer.
•A towing bracket should be retrofitted to the vehicle by a qualified workshop.
WARNING
The trailer can become detached from the towing vehicle if the towing bracket is
unsuitable or incorrectly fitted. This can cause serious accidents and fatal injuries.
WARNING

Notes on tow-starting and towing
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Tow rope, tow bar
It is easier and safer to tow a vehicle with a tow bar. Only use a tow rope if you do not have a tow
bar.
The tow rope should be slightly elastic to reduce the strain on both vehicles. It is advisable to use a
tow rope made of synthetic fibre or similarly elastic material.
Only attach the tow rope or tow bar to the specially provided towing eyes or to the towing bracket.
Vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket must only use tow bars that are specially designed
to fit a ball head ⇒ Trailer towing.
Tow-starting
Vehicles should not be tow-started wherever possible. Instead have the vehicle jump-started
⇒ Jump starting or collected by a recovery vehicle.
However, if the vehicle still has to be tow-started:
•Engage second or third gear.
•Keep the clutch pressed down.
•Switch on the ignition and the hazard warning lights.
•Once both vehicles are in motion, release the clutch.
•As soon as the engine starts, press the clutch and put the gear into neutral. This helps to
prevent driving into the towing vehicle.
When should your vehicle not be towed?
•The vehicle gearbox is damaged or does not contain any lubricant.
•The 12-volt vehicle battery is discharged. The steering system is still locked and the electronic
parking brake and electronic steering column lock, if applied, cannot be released.
•The distance to be towed is further than 50 km.
Never tow a vehicle that has no power supply.
•Never remove the vehicle key from the ignition or switch off the ignition using the
starter button during towing. This could cause the mechanical steering column lock
(steering lock) or the electronic steering column lock to engage suddenly. You will no
longer be able to steer the vehicle. This can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle,
accidents and serious injuries.
•If the power supply to the towed vehicle is disconnected, stop towing immediately and
seek expert assistance.
WARNING
If a vehicle is being towed, the vehicle handling and braking effect will change
significantly. Please note the following in order to reduce the risk of an accident or serious
injuries:
•Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle:
- You will need to depress the brake pedal more vigorously than normal as the
brake servo is not working. Always be careful not to drive into the vehicle that is
pulling your vehicle.
- You will need to turn the steering wheel more vigorously as the power-assisted
steering function is not working.
•Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
- Accelerate carefully and gently.
- Avoid sudden braking and driving manoeuvres.
- Brake earlier than normal by pressing lightly on the brake pedal.
WARNING
•Remove and install the cover and the towing eye carefully so as to avoid damage to the
vehicle, e.g. the paintwork.
•Unburnt fuel can enter the catalytic converter and damage it while the vehicle is being
towed.
NOTICE

•The steering function or the operating clearance of the wheels cannot be ensured after an
accident.
If your own vehicle has to be towed:
•Switch on the ignition.
•Select the neutral position or move the selector lever to N⇒ DSG dual clutch gearbox.
•Do not allow the vehicle to be towed at speeds faster than 50 km/h (30 mph).
•Do not allow the vehicle to be towed further than 50 km.
•Vehicles with a DSG dual clutch gearbox may only be towed by the breakdown truck with the
front wheels raised.
Towing vehicles with four-wheel drive (4MOTION)
Vehicles with four-wheel drive (4MOTION) may be towed with a tow bar or tow rope. If the vehicle
is towed with the rear or front axle raised, the engine must be switched off otherwise the drive train
could be damaged.
Please comply with the following when towing another vehicle:
•Comply with legal regulations.
•Comply with the information on towing contained in the owner's manual for the other vehicle.
The vehicle can only be towed when the electronic parking brake is switched off and, if
applicable, when the electronic steering column lock is released. If the power supply fails or if there
are faults in the electrical system, you may need to use jump leads to start the engine to release the
electronic parking brake and the electronic steering column lock.
Fitting the rear towing eye
Fig. 219 On the right-hand side of the rear bumper: screwed-in towing eye.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The mount for the screw-in towing eye is located behind a cover ⇒ Fig. 219① on the right-hand
side of the rear bumper. In vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket there is no mount for the
screw-in towing eye behind the cover. To tow, swivel out or fit and use the ball head ⇒ Trailer 
towing⇒.
Comply with the notes on towing ⇒ Notes on tow-starting and towing.
Fitting the rear towing eye
•Remove the towing eye from the vehicle tool kit in the luggage compartment ⇒ Vehicle toolkit.
•Press at the bottom of the cover ⇒ Fig. 219① (arrow) to release the cover fastener.
•Remove the cover and leave it hanging from the vehicle.
•Insert the lower locking lug in the opening in the bumper and push on the upper area of the
cover until the upper locking lug engages in the bumper.
•If necessary clean the towing eye and place them back in the vehicle tool kit in the luggage
compartment.
®
®
When tow-starting, unburnt fuel can enter the catalytic converter and damage it.
NOTICE
When pushing the vehicle by hand, do not press on the tail light clusters, the side spoilers
on the rear window, the rear spoiler or large panels. This could damage the vehicle and
loosen the spoiler.
NOTICE

Fitting the front towing eye
Fig. 220 In the front bumper, right-hand side: towing eye.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The towing eye is screwed into a threaded hole behind a cover on the right of the front bumper
⇒ Fig. 220.
The towing eye must always be kept in the vehicle.
Observe the notes on towing ⇒ Notes on tow-starting and towing.
Fitting the towing eye at front
•Remove the towing eye from the vehicle tool kit in the luggage compartment ⇒ Vehicle toolkit.
•Press the side of the cover ⇒ Fig. 220① (arrow) to release the cover fastener.
•Remove the cover and leave it hanging from the vehicle.
•Turn the towing eye ⇒ Fig. 220② as shown by the arrow into the threaded hole and tighten as
far as possible ⇒. Use a suitable object to screw the towing eye fully and securely into the
mounting.
•After you have finished towing, remove the towing eye by unscrewing it in the opposite direction
to the arrow using a suitable object.
•Insert the outer tab of the cover into the opening in the bumper and push on the upper area of
the cover until the lug clicks into place in the bumper.
•If necessary clean the towing eye and place them back in the vehicle tool kit in the luggage
compartment.
Fitting the front towing eye (R-Line)
Fig. 221 In the right-hand side of the front bumper: cover for the towing eye mounting.
•The towing eye must always be screwed firmly into the mounting. Otherwise, the
towing eye can be ripped out of the mounting when the vehicle is being tow-started or
towed.
•Vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket must use only tow bars that are specially
designed for fitting to a ball head. If you use an unsuitable tow bar, the ball head and
the vehicle could be damaged. You should use a tow rope instead.
NOTICE
The towing eye must always be screwed firmly into the mounting. Otherwise, the towing
eye can be ripped out of the mounting when the vehicle is being tow-started or towed.
NOTICE

•Insert the 12-volt plug ⇒ Fig. 249⑨ into one of the vehicle's 12-volt sockets ⇒ Electrical 
sockets.
•Use the on/off switch ⇒ Fig. 249⑤ to switch on the air compressor.
•Run the air compressor until the tyre pressure has reached 2.0 – 2.5 bar (29 – 36 psi /
200 – 250 kPa) ⇒. The maximum running time is eight minutes⇒.
•Switch off the air compressor.
•If a pressure level of 2.0 – 2.5 bar (29 – 36 psi / 200 – 250 kPa) cannot be achieved, unscrew
the tyre filler hose from the tyre valve.
•Drive (or reverse) the vehicle approximately ten metres so that the sealing compound is more
evenly distributed in the tyre.
•Screw the tyre filler hose for the air compressor firmly back onto the tyre valve and inflate the
tyre again.
•If the required pressure still cannot be reached, the tyre is too badly damaged. The tyre cannot
be sealed with the breakdown set. Do not drive on. Seek expert assistance ⇒.
•Disconnect the air compressor and unscrew the tyre filler hose from the tyre valve.
•Drive the vehicle no faster than 80 km/h (50 mph) if a tyre pressure of 2.0 – 2.5 bar (29 – 36 psi
/ 200 – 250 kPa) has been reached.
•Check the tyre pressure after driving for ten minutes⇒ Test after driving for 10 minutes.
Test after driving for 10 minutes
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Reconnect the tyre filler hose ⇒ Fig. 249⑧ and read off the tyre pressure on the tyre pressure
display ⑦.
1.3 bar (19 psi / 130 kPa) and lower:
•Do not drive on! The tyre cannot be sealed adequately with the breakdown set.
•Seek expert assistance ⇒.
1.4 bar (20 psi / 140 kPa) and higher:
•Adjust the tyre pressure back to the correct value ⇒ Useful information about wheels and tyres.
•Resume your journey to the nearest qualified workshop. Do not exceed a maximum speed of
80 km/h (50 mph).
•The damaged tyre should be replaced at the qualified workshop.
Maintenance
Service
Service work and digital service schedule
The vehicle data attached to the inside cover of this owner's manual help ensure that you can
have the correct Volkswagen Genuine Parts installed in your vehicle whenever required. The data
also determine which type of service applies to your vehicle.
The tyre filler hose and the air compressor can get hot during inflation.
•Protect your hands and skin from the hot components.
•Do not place the hot tyre filler hose or the hot air compressor on any inflammable
materials.
•Allow the device to cool down fully before stowing.
•If the tyre will not inflate to at least 2.0 bar (29 psi / 200 kPa), the tyre is too damaged.
The sealant is unable to seal the tyre. Do not drive on. Seek expert assistance.
WARNING
Switch the air compressor off after a maximum of 8 minutes to avoid overheating. Let the
air compressor cool down for a few minutes before switching it back on.
NOTICE
Driving with an unsealed tyre is dangerous as it can cause accidents and serious injuries.
•Do not carry on driving if the tyre pressure is 1.3 bar (19 psi / 130 kPa) or lower.
•Seek expert assistance.
WARNING
®

If the vehicle exceeds the permitted gross weight or axle load for the rear axle, a speed of 80 km/h
must not be exceeded when towing a trailer. This also applies to countries where higher speeds are
permitted. Always obey speed limits. In some areas speed limits for vehicles towing trailers are
lower than for vehicles without trailers.
Any permitted excess loads for the vehicle are entered in the vehicle documents. If no permitted
excess load is entered, the permitted driving speed limit is 100 km/h taking into account country-
specific legislation.
Technical data
Refer to the vehicle documents for the technical data.
Technical data
Information on technical data
Unless otherwise indicated or listed separately, the technical data for the basic model apply.
Optional equipment, different vehicle equipment, special vehicles and country-specific vehicle
equipment levels can result in different values. All data in the official vehicle documents take
precedence over these data.
Observe the instructions and information relating to vehicles with N1 approval ⇒ Information about 
vehicles with N1 approval (light commercial vehicle).
Engine
The vehicle data sticker or the vehicle registration documents show which engine is installed in your
vehicle.
Weight
The values for the kerb weight in the following tables apply to the road-ready vehicle with driver
(75 kg), service fluids including fuel tank carrying 90% of its capacity and, if applicable, tool kit and
spare tyre ⇒. Additional equipment and retrofitted accessories increase the kerb weight stated
and reduce the maximum permitted load accordingly.
The load comprises the weights of the following:
•Vehicle occupants
•All luggage
•Roof load including the mounts or roof bars and the load carrier system
•Drawbar load when towing a trailer ⇒ Trailer towing.
Performance figures
For reasons of vehicle registration and vehicle taxation, the power output and performance of some
engines may vary in some countries from the information given in this booklet.
In certain vehicles with heavy duty suspension, the engine could be governed to provide a
maximum speed of 210 km/h.
Danger of injuries and electric shock from exposed cables.
•Have the luggage compartment completed at the latest after delivery so that the cables
in the rear area of the vehicle are covered during use of the vehicle.
WARNING
Danger of serious injury due to incorrect transport of persons.
•Never transport a person or child in the middle of the rear bench seat.
•The lack of restraint systems such as seat belt and head restraint can result in serious
or fatal injury in the event of an accident.
WARNING
Danger of serious and fatal injury.
•Do not transport people in the luggage compartment.
•Observe the safety instructions and information on the luggage compartment and
transporting items ⇒ Transporting.
WARNING