2017 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN trailer

At extremely low outside temperatures, the electric ball head might not rotate. If this
happens, it is sufficient to place the vehicle in a warmer room, e.g. a garage.
Fitting a bicycle carrier on the swivelling ball head
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Mount the bicycle carrier in accordance with the manufacturer's assembly instructions.
Only carrier systems which can hold a maximum of three bicycles may be used ⇒. Position
heavy bicycles as close to the vehicle (ball head) as possible.
Maximum carrying load
The maximum permitted load (carrier system including load) on the ball coupling is 75 kg at a
distance of 300 mm. This distance refers to the gap between the centre of gravity of the bicycle
carrier and the middle of the ball head.
Volkswagen recommends that you remove all add-on parts from the bicycles before setting
off. This includes for example bicycle bags and baskets, child seats or batteries. This helps improve
the carrier system's wind load and centre of gravity.
Notes on towing a trailer
Fig. 193 Pin assignment for the trailer socket (illustration).
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Pin assignment for the trailer socket ⇒ Fig. 193:
Left turn signal
Rear fog light
Earth for pins 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Right turn signal
Rear light, right
Brake light
Incorrect use of the towing bracket with a bicycle carrier fitted to the ball head could
cause injuries and accidents.
•Never exceed the specified load and overhang.
•Do not attach a bicycle carrier underneath the ball head on the neck of the ball head.
The shape of the ball head neck and the design of the bicycle carrier could result in the
bicycle carrier becoming misaligned with the vehicle.
•Read and observe the assembly instructions provided by the bicycle carrier
manufacturer.
WARNING
Considerable vehicle damage could occur if the maximum permitted payload or overhang
is exceeded.
•Never exceed the specified values.
NOTICE

Rear light, left
Reversing light
Permanent positive
Permanent positive
Earth for pin 10
Not assigned
Earth for pin 9
Trailer socket
A 13-pin trailer socket makes the electrical connection between the towing vehicle and the trailer.
When the vehicle detects a trailer through the electrics, the consumers in the trailer are supplied
with electrical current via the electrical connection (pins 9 and 10). Pin 9 is assigned as the
permanent live, enabling operation of e.g. interior trailer lighting.
Electrical consumers such as a caravan refrigerator are supplied with power only when the engine
is running (pin 10).
To avoid overloading the electrical system, do not inter-connect the three earth wires (pins 3, 11
and 13).
If the trailer has a 7-pin plug you will need to use a suitable adapter cable. Pin 10 is then without
function.
If you are uncertain whether the electrical connection of the trailer with the vehicle is correct, please
contact a qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this
purpose.
Connection to the anti-theft alarm
The trailer is integrated in the anti-theft system if the following conditions are fulfilled:
•When the vehicle has a factory-fitted anti-theft alarm and a factory-fitted towing bracket.
•When the trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle via the trailer socket.
•When the vehicle and trailer electric systems are functional, fault-free and undamaged.
•When the vehicle is locked with the vehicle key and the anti-theft alarm is active.
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm will be triggered as soon as the electrical connection to the
trailer is interrupted.
Connection to the anti-theft alarm (trailer with LED tail light clusters)
For technical reasons, trailers with LED tail lights cannot be integrated into the anti-theft alarm
system.
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is not triggered as soon as the electrical connection to the
trailer with LED rear lights is interrupted.
Any electrical accessories which are not connected properly could cause a power surge to
the trailer. This could lead to malfunctions in the entire vehicle electronics system and
could also cause accidents and serious injuries.
•All work on the electrical system should only be carried out by a qualified workshop.
•Never connect the trailer's electrical system directly to the electrical connections of the
towing vehicle's tail light clusters or to other power sources.
WARNING
Contact between the pins in the trailer socket can lead to short circuits, overloading of the
electrical system and failure of the lighting system, thereby causing accidents and serious
injuries.
•Never connect the pins in the trailer socket to one another.
•Have bent pins repaired by a qualified workshop.
WARNING
If you park the trailer using the support wheel or other trailer supports, disconnect the
trailer from the vehicle. The vehicle could rock up and down if the load changes or if there
is damage to the tyres, for example. If this happens, a great deal of force will be exerted on
the towing bracket and trailer, which could lead to damage to the vehicle and trailer.
NOTICE

If there is a fault in the vehicle or trailer electrical systems or in the anti-theft alarm or if there
is a fault in the anti-theft alarm, have the vehicle checked by a qualified workshop.
If the engine is not running and electrical equipment is switched on in the trailer via the trailer
socket, the 12-volt vehicle battery will discharge.
If the 12-volt vehicle battery charge level is low, the electrical connection to the trailer will be
interrupted automatically.
Loading the trailer
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Trailer weight and drawbar load
The trailer weight is the weight that the vehicle can pull ⇒. The drawbar load is the load that is
exerted vertically from above onto the ball head of the towing bracket ⇒ Information on technical 
data.
The figures for trailer weights and draw bar weights that are given on the data plate of the towing
bracket are for certification purposes only. The correct values for your specific model, which may be
lower than these figures, are given in the vehicle registration documents. All data in the official
vehicle documents take precedence over these data.
The maximum permitted drawbar load exerted by the trailer drawbar on the ball head of the towing
bracket must not exceed 100 kg.
In the interest of driving safety, Volkswagen recommends that you always use the maximum
drawbar load. The response of the trailer on the road will be poor if the drawbar load is too small.
The drawbar load increases the weight on the rear axle and reduces the maximum load level as a
result.
Gross combination weight rating
The combination weight is made up of the actual weight of the loaded vehicle and of the loaded
trailer.
In some countries, trailers are divided into different classes. Volkswagen recommends that you
contact a qualified workshop to find out about suitable trailers.
Loading the trailer
The weight of the load should be distributed evenly. The maximum permitted drawbar load should
be utilised. Do not place the load only at the front or the rear of the trailer:
•Distribute the load in the trailer so that heavy objects are either over or as near to the axle as
possible.
•Secure all loads on the trailer properly.
Tyre pressure
Follow the trailer manufacturer's recommendations concerning the tyre pressure for the trailer tyres.
When towing a trailer, inflate the tyres on the towing vehicle with the maximum permitted tyre
pressure ⇒ Tyre pressure.
Accidents and serious injuries can occur if you exceed the vehicle's maximum permitted
gross axle weight rating, drawbar load, gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination
weight rating.
•Never exceed the specified values.
•Never let the actual weights at the front and rear axles exceed the gross axle weight
ratings. Never exceed the permissible gross vehicle weight for the vehicle with weight
at the front and rear of the vehicle.
WARNING
Loads that may slide can severely impair stability and driving safety, which can cause
accidents and severe injuries.
•Always load trailers correctly.
•Always secure loads properly using suitable and undamaged securing straps.
WARNING

Trailer towing
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Headlight adjustment
Towing a trailer can raise the front end of the vehicle enough for the dipped beam to blind other
road users. Use the headlight range control to lower the light cone as required. Vehicles with
automatic headlight range adjustment are adjusted automatically.
Things to note when driving with a trailer
•If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply the brakes gently at first and then firmly. This will
prevent the jerking that can be caused by the trailer wheels locking.
•The combination weight causes the braking distance to increase.
•Engage a lower gear prior to inclines (manual gearbox or Tiptronic mode of the automatic
gearbox) to additionally make use of engine braking. The brake system could otherwise
overheat and fail.
•The vehicle's centre of gravity and, in turn, the vehicle's handling, will change because of the
trailer load and the increased combined towing weight of the vehicle and trailer.
•The weight distribution of a loaded trailer with an unladen towing vehicle is very unfavourable.
When driving in this situation, drive particularly carefully and slowly.
Pulling off on slopes when towing a trailer
A vehicle towing a trailer is liable to roll back a short distance when moving off on a slope,
depending on the angle of the slope and the total weight of the trailer and vehicle.
When towing a trailer, pull off on slopes as follows:
•Depress and hold the brake pedal.
•Press button once to switch off the electronic parking brake ⇒ Electronic parking 
brake.
•Manual gearbox: depress the clutch fully.
•Select first gear ⇒ Manual gearbox: selecting a gear or selector lever position D/S⇒ DSG dual 
clutch gearbox.
•Pull on the button and hold it in this position to hold the vehicle and trailer with the
electronic parking brake.
•Release the brake pedal.
•Pull away slowly. To do this, slowly release the clutch pedal for a manual gearbox.
•Only let go of the button when the engine has sufficient power to move off.
Trailer stabilisation
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The trailer stabilisation function can detect if an attached trailer is starting to lurch from side to side
and can provide countersteer.
Trailer stabilisation is a subsidiary function of the Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
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Incorrect trailer towing can cause loss of vehicle control and serious personal injury.
•Towing a trailer and transporting heavy or bulky items can change the way the vehicle
handles and increase the braking distance.
•Always drive carefully and think ahead. Brake earlier than in normal driving.
•Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions. Reduce your speed, particularly when going downhill.
•Accelerate carefully and gently. Avoid abrupt and sudden driving and braking
manoeuvres.
•Take special care when overtaking. Reduce your speed immediately if the trailer shows
even the slightest sign of snaking.
•Never try to stop a trailer from snaking by increasing your speed.
•Keep to speed limits which may be lower for vehicles with trailers than for vehicles
without trailers.
WARNING

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

Changing the bulb
7.Turn the bulb holder anticlockwise as far as it will go and carefully pull it out of the tail
light cluster together with the bulb.
9.Replace the defective bulb with a new bulb of the same type.
10.Carefully insert the bulb holder into the tail light cluster and turn it anticlockwise until
the bulb holder engages.
Fitting the tail light cluster
11.Carefully put the tail light cluster into the opening in the body.
12.Use one hand to hold the tail light in the fitting position while using the other hand to
screw the securing bolt firmly back in ⇒ Fig. 207③.
13.Check that the tail light cluster is positioned correctly and securely.
14.Connect the connector to the bulb holder and press into place.
15.Close the section of side trim in the luggage compartment near the tail light cluster
against the direction of the arrow
16.Close the boot lid ⇒ Boot lid.
The illustrations show the left-hand tail light cluster. The right-hand tail light cluster housing is
a mirror image of the one shown.
There are various types of tail light cluster, so the position and design of covers, bulbs and
bulb holders may vary from those shown in the illustrations.
In tail light clusters with LEDs, some light elements may be fitted with normal bulbs. These
bulbs can be changed.
Troubleshooting
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Lighting
Vehicle lighting not working partially or completely. A separate display appears in the
instrument cluster if there is a cornering light fault.A trailer turn signal or all trailer lights have
stopped working.
Check the exterior lighting and change the appropriate bulb as required ⇒ Changing bulbs. If all
bulbs are OK or there is a fault in the dynamic cornering light, go to a qualified workshop.
Monitoring the lights on a connected trailer
For vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket, the vehicle will also monitor certain bulbs on a
trailer which has been connected properly via the trailer socket.
If a trailer turn signal or all the trailer lights fail, the indicator lamp in the instrument cluster will
go out.
Changing fuses
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Fuses in the dash panel
⇒ Fuses in the engine compartment
⇒ Fuse table for fuses in the dash panel
⇒ Fuse tables for fuses in the engine compartment
⇒ Changing a blown fuse
At the time of print we are unable to provide an complete overview of the locations of the fuses for
the electrical consumers. This is because the vehicle is under constant development, because
fuses are assigned differently depending on the vehicle equipment level and because several
consumers may use a single fuse. You can get more information about the fuse layout from a
Volkswagen dealership.
Several electrical consumers could share a single fuse. Conversely, a single consumer could have
more than one fuse.
Therefore fuses should only be replaced when the cause of the fault has been rectified. If a new
fuse blows shortly after insertion, have the electrical system checked by a qualified workshop as
soon as possible.

Fig. 211 In the dash panel: fuse layout.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The table shows the fuse locations of the electrical equipment relevant for the driver. The first
column in the table contains the location. The other columns contain the fuse designs, the amp
rating and the consumer protected by the fuse.
Depending on the market and specification of your vehicle, the fuse numbers and positions may
differ to those given in the table. If necessary ask your Volkswagen dealership for the exact fuse
layout.
Fuse
location
⇒ Fig. 211
Fuse
design
Amp
rating
Electrical consumers
F4MINI10Anti-theft alarm.
F6MINI10Selector mechanism for the automatic gearbox
F7MINI10Control unit for air conditioning system or heating and
fresh air system, rear window heating relay
F8MINI10Light switch (dipped headlights), rain/light sensor,
electronic parking brake
F10MINI7,5Display, Infotainment controls
F11ATO40Exterior lights, left
F12ATO20Infotainment services
F14ATO40Blower control
F16MINI7,5Telephone
F22ATO15Charging cable for the trailer
F23JCASE30Electric glass roof
F24ATO40Exterior lights, right
F26ATO30Seat heating
F27ATO30Interior lighting
F28ATO25Left trailer controller unit
F38ATO25Right trailer controller unit
F40ATO20Cigarette lighter, electrical socket
F42ATO40Central locking
F44ATO15Trailer controller unit
F47ATO15Rear wiper
F51ATO25Seat heating at rear
F53ATO30Rear window heating
The electric windows and the electrically adjustable seats may be secured with circuit
breakers which switch on again automatically a few seconds after the overload, e.g. frozen
windows, has been rectified.
Observe the installation position. Factory-fitted fuse location as shown in illustration ⇒ Fig. 211.
Fuse tables for fuses in the engine compartment
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