2017 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN engine compartment

Tow-starting or towing
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Notes on tow-starting and towing
⇒ Fitting the rear towing eye
⇒ Fitting the front towing eye
⇒ Fitting the front towing eye (R-Line)
⇒ Driving notes when towing
Tow-starting is where a vehicle is started from it being set in motion by a vehicle that is hitched up
to it.
Towing is where a vehicle that cannot be driven is pulled away with the aid of another vehicle.
Observe any legal requirements when towing or tow-starting.
For technical reasons, vehicles with a discharged 12-volt battery must not be towed.⇒ Jump 
starting
Vehicles with Keyless Access must only be towed with the ignition switched on.
Towing a vehicle when the engine is switched off and the ignition is switched on discharges the 12-
volt vehicle battery. Depending on the charge level of the 12-volt vehicle battery, the drop in voltage
can be large enough after just a few minutes that electrical consumers in the vehicle will no longer
function, e.g. the hazard warning lights.
Jump starting the vehicle incorrectly can cause the 12-volt vehicle battery to explode,
which can lead to serious injuries. Please observe the following in order to reduce the risk
of the 12-volt vehicle battery exploding:
•All work on the 12-volt vehicle battery and the electrical system can cause serious
chemical burns, fire or electric shocks. Always read the warnings and safety
information before carrying out any kind of work on the 12-volt vehicle battery ⇒ 12-
volt vehicle battery.
•Always wear suitable eye protection and gloves and never lean over the 12-volt vehicle
battery.
•Attach the connector cables in the correct order – the positive cable first, followed by
the negative.
•Never connect the negative cable to parts of the fuel system or to the brake lines.
•The non-insulated parts of the battery clamps must not be allowed to touch. The jump
lead attached to the positive terminal on the 12-volt vehicle battery must not touch
electrically conductive parts of the vehicle.
•m/k/a995MK Vehicles with battery in the engine compartment: check the battery
window on the 12-volt vehicle battery. Use a torch for this if necessary. If the display is
light yellow or colourless, do not jump start the vehicle. Seek expert assistance.
•Avoid electrostatic discharge in the vicinity of the 12-volt vehicle battery. The explosive
gas emitted from the 12-volt vehicle battery could be ignited by sparks.
•Do not carry out jump starting if the 12-volt vehicle battery is damaged or if it is or has
ever been frozen.
WARNING
Once the vehicle has been successfully jump-started, go to a qualified workshop and have
the 12-volt vehicle battery checked.
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

Fig. 222 Front bumper, right-hand side: screwing in the 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. 221.
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.
•Push the area of the cover pointing towards the vehicle ⇒ Fig. 221 in the direction of the arrow
to release the cover fastener.
•Remove the cover and leave it hanging from the vehicle.
•Turn the towing eye anti-clockwise into the threaded hole and tighten as far as possible
⇒ Fig. 222⇒. 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 with a suitable object
clockwise.
•Insert the lug on the cover on the opening pointing towards the vehicle side in the bumper and
push on the opposite area of the cover until the lug engages in the bumper.
•If necessary clean the towing eye and place them back in the vehicle tool kit in the luggage
compartment.
Driving notes when towing
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Towing requires some experience, especially when using a tow rope. Both drivers should be
familiar with the technique required for towing. Inexperienced drivers should not attempt to tow.
When driving, remember not to pull too hard on the towing vehicle and take care to avoid jerking
movements. When towing on an unpaved road, there is always a risk of overloading and damaging
the anchorage points.
It is still possible to activate the turn signals in a vehicle that is being towed, even if the hazard
warning lights are switched on. To do this, operate the turn signal lever in the required direction
while the ignition is switched on. The hazard warning lights will not flash while the turn signal is
being used. The hazard warning lights will start flashing automatically as soon as the turn signal
lever is moved back to the neutral position.
Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle:
•Leave the ignition of the vehicle being towed switched on to prevent the steering wheel from
locking, to enable the electronic parking brake to be switched off, and to ensure that the turn
signals, wipers and washer system can be used.
•As the power assisted steering does not work if the engine is not running, you will need more
strength to steer than you normally would.
•You will need to depress the brake pedal more vigorously than normal as the brake servo is not
working. Do not drive too close to the towing vehicle.
•Read and comply with the information and notes in the owner's manual of the towing vehicle.
Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle:
•Accelerate carefully and gently. Avoid any sudden driving manoeuvres.
•Brake earlier than normal by pressing lightly on the brake pedal.
•Read and comply with any information and notes in the owner's manual of the towed vehicle.
Checking and refilling
In the engine compartment
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

Safety notes for working in the engine compartment
Always park the vehicle on a level and stable surface before carrying out any work in the engine
compartment.
The engine compartment of a motor vehicle is a hazardous area. You should only carry out work on
the engine, and in the engine compartment, if you know exactly how to perform the required tasks,
are aware of the general safety procedures and have access to the correct equipment, service
fluids and suitable tools. Failing to carry out work correctly can cause serious injuries ⇒. The
work should be carried out by a qualified workshop if you are uncertain. Volkswagen recommends
using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Unintentional vehicle movements during service work can cause serious injury.
•Never work underneath a vehicle if it is not secured against rolling away. If you are
working underneath the vehicle while the wheels are on the ground, the vehicle must
be on a level, the wheels chocked, and the vehicle key removed from the ignition lock
as required.
•If you have to work underneath the vehicle, use suitable stands to provide extra
support for the vehicle. The vehicle jack is not sufficient for this task and can fail,
which can lead to serious injuries.
•The start/stop system must have been deactivated.
WARNING
The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a dangerous area. Serious injuries can be
sustained here.
•The utmost care and attention must be paid when carrying out any work and you must
follow the general safety rules. Never take any risks.
•Never do any work on the engine or in the engine compartment unless you know
exactly how to carry it out. If you are uncertain of what to do, the work should be
carried out by a qualified workshop. Serious injuries can result from work that has not
been carried out properly.
•Never open the bonnet if you see steam or coolant escaping from the engine
compartment. Hot steam or hot coolant can cause serious burns. Always wait until you
can no longer see or hear steam or coolant coming from the engine compartment.
•Always allow the engine to cool down before opening the bonnet.
•Hot parts of the engine or exhaust system can burn the skin.
•Observe the following points before opening the bonnet once the engine has cooled
down:
- Switch on the electronic parking brake and move the selector lever to position P
or move the gear lever to the neutral position.
- Switch off the ignition and remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock.
- Always keep children away from the engine compartment and never leave the
vehicle unattended.
•The cooling system is under pressure when the engine is hot. Never open the cap of
the coolant expansion tank when the engine is hot. Coolant may spray out and cause
serious burns and other injuries.
- Slowly and carefully turn the cap on the coolant expansion tank anticlockwise
while exerting gentle downward pressure on the cap.
- Always protect the face, hands and arms from hot coolant or steam with a large,
thick cloth.
•When refilling, do not spill any service fluids on engine components or on the exhaust
system. The spilt service fluids can start a fire.
WARNING
High voltages in the electrical system can cause electric shocks, burns, serious injuries
and death!
•Never short circuit the electric system. The 12-volt battery could explode.
•Please note the following guidelines to help reduce the risk of an electric shock and
serious injuries while the engine is running or being started:
- Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
- Never touch the electrical wiring and connections of gas discharge bulbs.
WARNING

Park the vehicle on a level and stable surface.
Depress and hold the brake pedal until you have switched off the ignition.
Switch on the electronic parking brake Electronic parking brake.
Select the neutral position Manual gearbox: selecting a gear or move the selector lever to
position P DSG® dual clutch gearbox.
Switch off the ignition and remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock Starting and
stopping the engine.
Service fluids leaks are harmful to the environment. So you should regularly check the
ground underneath your vehicle. If there are spots of oil or other service fluids on the ground, the
vehicle should be inspected by a qualified workshop. Any spilt service fluids must be disposed of
properly.
Preparing the vehicle for working in the engine compartment
Checklist
The following steps should always be carried out in the specified order before working in
the engine compartment ⇒:
There are rotating components in the engine compartment that can cause serious injury.
•Never place your hand near these components or in the radiator fan. Touching the
rotary blades can result in serious injuries. The fan is temperature-controlled and can
start automatically, even if the ignition has been switched off and the vehicle key has
been removed from the ignition lock.
•If any work has to be performed when the engine is started or with the engine running,
there is an additional, potentially fatal, safety risk from the rotating parts, such as the
poly V-belts, alternator, radiator fan etc., and from the high-voltage ignition system.
Always be particularly careful.
- Always ensure that no body parts, jewellery, ties, loose items of clothing or long
hair can be caught up in rotating engine components. Before starting work,
remove any jewellery and ties, tie up long hair and pull clothes in tightly to avoid
them getting caught in the engine compartment.
- Always take due care and attention when depressing the accelerator. The vehicle
could move, even if the electronic parking brake is applied.
•Always ensure you have not left any objects, such as cleaning cloths and tools, in the
engine compartment. Any forgotten items can cause malfunctions, engine damage and
fires.
WARNING
Additional insulating materials such as covers in the engine compartment could disrupt
the operation of the engine, start fires and lead to severe injuries.
•Never cover the engine with any insulating materials.
WARNING
Service fluids and some materials in the engine compartment are highly flammable and
can cause fires and serious injuries!
•Never smoke in the vicinity of the engine compartment.
•Never work near naked flames or sparks.
•Never spill fluids onto the engine. They could ignite on hot engine components and
hence cause injuries.
•Please note the following when carrying out any work on the fuel system or the
electrical system:
- Always disconnect the 12-volt vehicle battery. Ensure that the vehicle is
unlocked when the 12-volt vehicle battery is disconnected as otherwise the anti-
theft alarm will be activated.
- Never work in the direct proximity of heating systems, water heaters or any other
open flames.
•Always have a fully functional and tested fire extinguisher to hand.
WARNING
When topping up or changing service fluids, ensure that you pour the correct service
fluids into the correct openings. The use of incorrect service fluids could result in serious
malfunctions and engine damage.
NOTICE

Allow the engine to cool sufficiently.
Children and other people should be kept well away from the engine compartment.
Ensure that the vehicle cannot roll away unexpectedly.
Opening and closing the bonnet
Fig. 223 In the footwell on the driver's side: release lever for the bonnet.
Fig. 224 Above the radiator grille: bonnet control lever.
Opening the bonnet
•Ensure that the wiper arms are positioned on the windscreen before opening the bonnet ⇒.
•Open the driver door and pull the release lever in the direction of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 223. The
bonnet is released from its lock by a spring mechanism ⇒.
•Lift the bonnet at the opening lever ⇒ Fig. 224 (arrow) and open fully. The bonnet is held in the
open position by the gas strut.
Closing the bonnet
•To close the bonnet, pull it down to overcome the gas strut pressure ⇒.
•Let the bonnet drop into the catches from a height of about 30 cm – do not press it down!
If the bonnet has not closed properly, lift it and then close it again.
The bonnet sits flush with the body parts around it when it is closed properly. The bonnet is no
longer highlighted in the instrument cluster display ⇒ Display or the display goes out.
Ignoring any of the items on this important safety checklist can lead to severe injuries.
•Always follow the instructions in the checklist and observe the general safety
procedures.
WARNING

Leaking service fluids can pollute the environment. Spilt service fluids must be collected in
suitable containers and disposed of properly and with respect for the environment.
Washer fluid
Fig. 226 In the engine compartment: cap of washer fluid reservoir.
The windscreen washer fluid level should be checked regularly and topped up as necessary.
A filter can be found in the feed throat of the washer fluid reservoir. The filter keeps large dirt
particles away from the windscreen washer jets when refilling. The filter should only be removed for
cleaning. If the filter is damaged or is not present, dirt particles can enter the system and will block
the washer jets.
•Open the bonnet ⇒ In the engine compartment.
•The washer fluid reservoir is identified by the symbol on the cap ⇒ Fig. 226.
•Check whether there is enough windscreen washer fluid in the reservoir.
•To top up, mix clean water (not distilled water) with a washer fluid recommended by
Volkswagen ⇒. Observe the dilution instructions on the packaging.
•At low temperatures, add a special anti-freeze agent so that the fluid cannot freeze ⇒.
Capacities
The washer fluid reservoir has a capacity of between 3 and 5 litres depending on the vehicle
equipment level.
Unsuitable service fluids and consumables, and the incorrect use of these fluids and
consumables, can cause accidents, serious injuries, burns or poisoning.
•Service fluids must be kept in their original sealed container.
•Never store service fluids in empty food containers, bottles or any other non-original
containers as people finding these containers could drink them.
•Keep children away from all service fluids and consumables.
•Always read and follow the information and warnings on the service fluid packaging.
•When using products that give off harmful fumes, always work outdoors or in a well-
ventilated area.
•Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, nail varnish remover or other volatile fluids for
vehicle care. They are toxic and highly flammable. They could cause fires and
explosions.
WARNING
•Only use suitable service fluids for refilling. Never use the wrong service fluid. Failure
to observe this warning can result in serious malfunctions and engine damage.
•Optional equipment and other accessories in front of the air inlet reduce the cooling
effect of the coolant. The engine may overheat at high ambient temperatures and high
engine loads.
NOTICE

The use of engine oils compliant with the VW 504 00, VW 507 00 and VW 508 00 specifications
requires a fuel quality compliant with EN 228 (petrol) and EN 590 (diesel), or fuel of an equivalent
quality. Engine oils compliant with VW 504 00, VW 507 00 and VW 508 00 are therefore
unsuitable for use in a large number of markets.
If the engine has been filled with engine oil in accordance with the standards W 502 00, VW 504 00
and VW 507 00, a sticker with the relevant information will be located on the lock carrier in the
engine compartment. Observe this information!
Permitted engine oil specifications ⇒Alternative engine 
oil 
specifications⇒
Engine typeFlexible
service QI6
(LongLife)
Fixed service QI1,
QI2, QI3, QI4, QI7
(based on
time/distance
travelled)
Only in the EU, 
Switzerland, 
Norway, Japan 
and Australia.
Petrol engines
VW 508 00
Alternatively:
VW 504 00
VW 502 00VW 504 00
Diesel engines with
diesel particulate
filter
VW 507 00VW 507 00–
Diesel engines
without diesel
particulate filter
VW 507 00VW 505 01VW 507 00
Volkswagen recommends . Volkswagen recommends Volkswagen genuine engine
oils.
Alternative engine oil specifications may only be used in fixed services QI1, QI2, QI3, QI4 and
QI7, and only when fuel of a quality compliant with EN 228 (petrol) and EN 590 (diesel), or fuel of
an equivalent quality, is available in the particular country.
The engine oil VW 502 00 must be used if the fuel grade does not comply with EN 228.
Using VW 504 00 instead of VW 508 00 may cause the vehicle's emissions values to increase
slightly.
You can also check with a qualified workshop if you are unsure whether your vehicle is equipped
with a diesel particulate filter. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this
purpose.
Changing the engine oil
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The engine oil must be changed on a regular basis. Always observe the service intervals applicable
for your vehicle ⇒ Service.
The engine oil and filter change should be carried out by a qualified workshop due to the special
tools and knowledge required, this also applies to the disposal of used oil. Volkswagen
recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Please read the notes on the service intervals ⇒ Service.
Additives in the engine oil can cause new engine oil to discolour quickly. This is normal and does
not mean that the engine oil should be changed more frequently.
a)
b)
c)
d)
d)
•Do not add any additional lubricants to the engine oil. Any damage caused by the use
of such additives is not covered by the warranty.
•Only those engine oil specifications that have been approved for use with the engine
should be used. Using other engine oils can cause engine damage.
•Another engine oil can be used in the event of an emergency if the listed engine oils are
not available. To avoid damaging the engine, a maximum quantity of 0.5 litres of the
following engine oil may be used only once until the next oil change:
- Petrol engines: standards ACEAA3/B4 or API SN (API SM).
- Diesel engines: standards ACEA C3 or API CJ-4.
NOTICE
a)
b)
c)
d)