Before using your vehicle for the first time, please read and observe the information in this
owner's manual. It will quickly help you to become familiar with your vehicle and all of its
functions as well as making you aware of dangers to yourself and others and of how these
dangers can be avoided.
If you have any further questions about your vehicle, or if you think that the vehicle wallet has not
covered everything, please get in touch with your Volkswagen dealership. They will always be
happy to deal with your questions, suggestions or problems.
We hope you enjoy driving your new vehicle. Happy motoring.
Volkswagen AG
•This owner's manual is valid for all models and versions of the Tiguan.
•An alphabetical index is included at the end of this manual.
•A list of abbreviations at the end of the manual explains the abbreviations used.
•Directions and positions such as left, right, front and rear are normally relative to the vehicle's
direction of travel, unless otherwise indicated.
•Illustrations help with orientation and should be regarded as a general guide.
•This owner's manual was written for left-hand drive vehicles. In right-hand drive vehicles the
controls may sometimes be different to those displayed in illustrations or described in the text
⇒ Overview of driver side.
•Values given in miles instead of kilometres or mph instead of km/h refer to the country-specific
instrument clusters or Infotainment systems.
•Short definitions appear in a different colour before some sections of this manual. They provide
a summary of the function and use of a system or feature. More detailed information about the
features, conditions and limitations of systems and equipment can be found in the relevant
sections.
•Any technical changes that may be made to the vehicle after publication of this booklet are
contained in a supplement that is included with the vehicle wallet.
All equipment and models are described without indicating whether the equipment is optional or
specific to the model type. This means that your vehicle may not have some of the equipment
described, or it may only be available in certain markets. The scope of equipment fitted in your
vehicle can be found in the sales documentation and you can contact your Volkswagen dealership
for further information.
All data in this owner's manual correspond to the information available at the time of going to print.
Because the vehicle is constantly being developed and further improved, there may be differences
between your vehicle and the data in this owner's manual. No discrepancy in data, illustrations or
descriptions shall form the basis for any legal claim.
Please ensure that the complete vehicle wallet is always in the vehicle if you lend or sell the vehicle
to someone else.
Standard booklets in the vehicle wallet:
•Owner's manual
Additional booklets in the vehicle wallet (optional):
•Supplements
•Infotainment system
•Other supplements
Refers to a section within a chapter that contains important information and safety
notes that should always be observed.
Indicates that the section is continued on the next page.
Indicates the end of a section.
Indicates situations in which the vehicle must be stopped as quickly as possible.
®The symbol indicates a registered trademark. However, the absence of this symbol
does not constitute a waiver of the rights concerning any term.
⇒Symbols like these refer you to warnings within the same section or on a given
page. They draw your attention to possible risks of accident or injury and explain
how they can be avoided.
⇒Cross reference to potential risks of damage to property in the same section or on
the page specified.
About this owner's manual
About this owner's manual
SymbolMeaning
When displayed in grey: Off-road driving profile not active. System
switched on, but not regulating ⇒ Driving profile selection and
4MOTION Active Control.
Additional displays: diesel vehicles
SymbolMeaning
The engine cannot be restarted! AdBlue fill level is too low
⇒ Emission control with AdBlue.
The engine cannot be restarted! Fault in the selective catalytic
reduction system ⇒ Emission control with AdBlue.
Water in fuel in vehicles with a diesel engine ⇒ Fuel gauge.
Lit up: diesel engine is preheating before starting ⇒ Starting and
stopping the engine.
Flashing: fault in engine management system (diesel engine)
⇒ Troubleshooting.
Diesel particulate filter has become saturated with soot
⇒ Troubleshooting.
AdBlue level is low ⇒ Emission control with AdBlue.
Selective catalytic reduction system faulty or not refilled using norm-
standard AdBlue⇒ Emission control with AdBlue.
Instrument cluster
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Analogue instrument cluster
⇒ Digital instrument cluster (Active Info Display)
⇒ Head-up Display
⇒ Displays
⇒ Instrument cluster menus
⇒ Driving data display (multifunction display)
⇒ Warning and information messages
⇒ Driver Alert System (recommendation for rest breaks)
⇒ Dynamic Road Sign Display (Sign Assist)
⇒ Time
⇒ Fuel gauge
⇒ Coolant temperature display
⇒ Service interval display
The vehicle is equipped either with an analogue or a digital instrument cluster (Active Info Display).
When you start the engine after the 12-volt battery has been totally discharged or changed, you
may find that system settings (time, date, personal convenience settings and programming) have
been changed or deleted. Check and correct the settings as necessary once the 12-volt vehicle
battery has been sufficiently charged.
Analogue instrument cluster
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Failure to observe illuminated warning lamps and text messages can lead to your vehicle
breaking down in traffic, and can cause accidents and serious injury.
•Never ignore any illuminated warning lamps or text messages.
•Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so.
WARNING
Accidents and injuries can occur if the driver is distracted.
•Never press the buttons on the instrument cluster while the vehicle is in motion.
•Any settings for the instrument cluster display and displays in the Infotainment system
should be made only when the vehicle is stationary in order to reduce the risk of
accidents and serious injuries.
WARNING
•Time ⇒ Time.
•Radio and navigation information ⇒BookletInfotainment system,.
•Telephone information ⇒BookletInfotainment system,.
•Outside temperature
•Compass display
•Selector lever positions
•Gear-change indicator ⇒ Gear-change indicator.
•Driving data display (multifunction display) and menus for various settings ⇒ Instrument cluster
menus.
•Service interval display ⇒ Service interval display.
•Speed warning function ⇒ Instrument cluster menus.
•Speed warning for winter tyres.
•Start/stop system status display ⇒ Start/stop system .
•Status display for Active Cylinder Management (ACT) ⇒ Driving economically.
•Economical mode .
•Engine code (EC)
•Personalisation: welcome and user selection.
•Road signs detected by the Dynamic Road Sign Display system ⇒ Dynamic Road Sign Display
(Sign Assist).
Open doors, bonnet and boot lid
The instrument cluster display indicates if any doors, the bonnet or boot lid are open once the
vehicle has been unlocked, and while the vehicle is in motion. In some cases, a signal tone is also
given. Different instrument cluster designs will have different displays.
Selector lever positions (DSG dual clutch gearbox)
The gear selected is displayed on the side of the selector lever and on the display in the instrument
cluster. The instrument cluster display may show which gear has been selected if the selector lever
is in D/S position or in Tiptronic mode ⇒ DSG dual clutch gearbox.
Outside temperature display
If the outside temperature falls below approximately +4°C (+39°F), the temperature display also
shows a snowflake symbol . This symbol remains lit up until the outside temperature rises
above +6°C (+43°F) ⇒.
Heat radiated from the engine may cause the temperature display to show a slightly higher value
than the actual outside temperature if the vehicle is stationary, the auxiliary heater ⇒ Auxiliary
heater and ventilation is switched on or the vehicle is travelling at a very low vehicle speed.
The measuring range lies between -45°C (-49°F) and +76°C (+169°F).
Gear-change indicator
When driving in Tiptronic mode, the instrument cluster display may recommend a gear to save fuel
⇒ Gear-change indicator.
Mileage displays
The odometer registers the total distance travelled by the car.
The trip recorder (trip) shows the distance travelled since the trip recorder was last reset.
•To reset the trip recorder to 0, briefly press the button in the instrument cluster
⇒ Analogue instrument cluster or ⇒ Digital instrument cluster (Active Info Display).
Speed warning for winter tyres
A display in the instrument cluster indicates when the set maximum speed has been exceeded
⇒ Instrument cluster menus.
You can adjust the settings for the speed warning in the Infotainment system ⇒ Vehicle settings
menu.
Compass display
If the ignition is switched on, depending on the equipment level, the instrument cluster display
shows the current direction of travel in the form of an abbreviation, e.g. NW for north west.
The graphic compass display is also shown when the Infotainment system is switched on and route
guidance is not active.
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Economical mode
While driving, the instrument cluster will show whether the vehicle is in a fuel-efficient mode ,
e.g. due to active cylinder management (ACT) ⇒ Driving economically or coasting of the
automatic gearbox ⇒ DSG dual clutch gearbox.
Engine code
Press and hold the button in the instrument cluster (for approximately 15 seconds) to show
the vehicle's engine code (EC) in the display. The ignition must be switched on but the engine must
not be running ⇒ Analogue instrument cluster or ⇒ Digital instrument cluster (Active Info Display).
Trailer drawbar load display
If the vehicle drives with a trailer attached (depends on equipment and not available in all markets),
the drawbar load and the trailer weight can be shown in the instrument cluster display.
Different instrument clusters are available, which means that the versions and displays may
vary. In displays without warning or information texts, faults are indicated exclusively by indicator
lamps.
Some displays in the instrument cluster may be overridden by sudden alerts, e.g. incoming
telephone calls.
Depending on the vehicle equipment level, some settings and displays may also appear in
the Infotainment system.
If several warning reports are detected, the symbols will appear for several seconds, one
after another. The symbols will continue to appear until the faults are rectified.
If warning messages about malfunctions are displayed when the ignition is switched on, it
may not be possible to adjust some settings as described, or the information display may appear
differently. If this is the case, take the vehicle to a qualified workshop to have the malfunction
rectified.
Instrument cluster menus
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The range of content and layout of the menus and displays depend on the vehicle electronics and
the level of vehicle equipment.
Qualified workshops can programme and modify other functions depending on the vehicle
equipment level. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Some menu options can only be opened when the vehicle is stationary.
◾Driving data⇒ Driving data display (multifunction display)
◾Assist systems
◾Lane Assist on/off ⇒ Lane keeping system (Lane Assist)
◾Front Assist on/off ⇒ Area monitoring system (Front Assist)
◾Pedestrian Monitoring on/off ⇒ Pedestrian Monitoring
◾Lane change system on/off ⇒ Lane change system (Side Assist) incl. Rear Traffic Alert
◾Rear Traffic Alert on/off ⇒ Lane change system (Side Assist) incl. Rear Traffic Alert
◾ACC (display only) ⇒ Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
◾Views⇒ Instrument cluster
◾Navigation⇒BookletInfotainment system,
◾Audio⇒BookletInfotainment system,
◾Telephone⇒BookletInfotainment system,
◾Vehicle status⇒ Warning and information messages
◾Lap timer⇒ Lap timer
◾Personalisation (user selection)⇒ Personalisation
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Streets and bridges can be iced over at outside temperatures above freezing point.
•The snowflake symbol indicates that there is a risk of black ice.
•There may be black ice on the roads even when outside temperatures are above +4 °C
(+39 °F), even when no snowflake symbol is displayed.
•You should never rely solely on the outside temperature display!
WARNING
1)
•To deactivate, press the or button again. The stored speed will be
deleted.
The warning can be set for speeds from 30 km/h (18 mph) to 250 km/h (155 mph).
Some settings can be saved in the user accounts of the personalisation function and can
therefore change automatically when the user account is changed ⇒ Personalisation.
Changes depending on the instrument cluster version.
Not available in all countries.
Warning and information messages
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The system runs a check on certain components and functions in the vehicle when the ignition is
switched on or while the vehicle is in motion. Malfunctions are indicated by red and yellow warning
symbols with information messages on the instrument cluster display ⇒ Warning and indicator lamp
overview. An acoustic warning is also given in certain cases. The appearance of the information
messages and symbols can vary depending on the version of the instrument cluster.
In addition, a list of current malfunctions can be opened manually. To do so, open the Vehicle
status or Vehicle menu ⇒ Instrument cluster menus.
Priority 1 warning (red)The symbol flashes or lights up (sometimes together with a signal tone).
Do not drive on! Danger. Check the fault and correct the cause. Seek expert assistance if
necessary.Priority 2 warning (yellow)The symbol flashes or lights up (sometimes together with a
signal tone). Malfunctions and insufficient service fluids can damage the vehicle and cause it to
break down. Check the fault as soon as possible. Seek expert assistance if necessary.Information
messageInformation about various procedures within the vehicle.
Depending on the vehicle equipment level, some settings and displays may also appear in
the Infotainment system.
If several warning reports are detected, the symbols will appear for several seconds, one
after another. The symbols will continue to appear until the faults are rectified.
If warning messages about malfunctions are displayed when the ignition is switched on, it
may not be possible to adjust some settings as described, or the information display may appear
differently. If this is the case, take the vehicle to a qualified workshop to have the malfunction
rectified.
Driver Alert System (recommendation for rest breaks)
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The Driver Alert System informs the
driver if their driving shows signs of
tiredness.
Fig. 18 On the instrument cluster display: Driver Alert System.
Function and operation
The Driver Alert System determines the driving behaviour at the beginning of a journey and uses it
to evaluate the tiredness of the driver. This is compared to the behaviour of the driver while actually
driving. If the system detects that the driver may be tired, an acoustic warning signal will sound and
a message will appear in the instrument cluster display ⇒ Fig. 18. The message in the instrument
cluster display is displayed for about five seconds and may be repeated once. The last displayed
message is saved by the system.
The message on the instrument cluster display can be switched off by pressing the
button on the wiper lever or the button on the multifunction steering
wheel ⇒ Instrument cluster operation. The message can be displayed again on the instrument
cluster display using the multifunction display ⇒ Warning and information messages.
Functional limitations
The driving behaviour can be evaluated only when the speed is above 60 km/h (37 mph) up to
approximately 200 km/h (125 mph).
1)
2)
using the button or function button and the Vehicle, and
Driver assistance function buttons ⇒ Vehicle settings menu.
In trailer mode, the speed warning function display can be adjusted to the type of trailer or to legal
requirements. The settings can be adjusted in increments of 10 km/h (5 mph) within a range
between 60 km/h (40 mph) and 130 km/h (80 mph). If a higher speed is set than is permitted for
driving with a trailer in the country in which you are currently travelling, Dynamic Road Sign Display
automatically issues a warning at the usual speed limit, e.g. at 80 km/h (50 mph) in Germany.
If the speed warning for the trailer is deactivated, Dynamic Road Sign Display issues warnings as if
the vehicle was being driven without a trailer.
Functional limitations
Dynamic Road Sign Display is subject to system-related limitations. The following conditions can
restrict the function of Dynamic Road Sign Display, or prevent it from working altogether:
•Poor visibility, e.g. snow, rain, fog or heavy spray.
•Dazzling, e.g. from oncoming traffic or sunlight.
•High speeds.
•Covered or dirty camera.
•Traffic signs located outside of the camera's field of view.
•Partially or fully hidden traffic signs, e.g. by trees, snow, dirt or other vehicles.
•Non-standard traffic signs.
•Damaged or bent traffic signs.
•Variable traffic signs on gantries (changeable traffic sign display using LEDs or other light
sources).
•Out-of-date map material in the Infotainment system.
•Vehicles with traffic sign stickers, e.g. speed restrictions on trucks.
Some settings can be saved in the user accounts of the personalisation function and can
therefore change automatically when the user account is changed ⇒ Personalisation.
Time
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
•To set the time (on all vehicle clocks), press and hold the button in the instrument
cluster while the doors are closed until the word Time appears in the instrument cluster display
⇒ Analogue instrument cluster or ⇒ Digital instrument cluster (Active Info Display).
•Release the button. The time is shown in the instrument cluster display and the hour
setting is marked.
•Then press the button repeatedly until the required hour is displayed. Press and hold
the button to scroll through quickly.
The intelligent Dynamic Road Sign Display technology cannot overcome the laws of
physics, and functions only within the limits of the system. Do not let the extra
convenience afforded by Dynamic Road Sign Display tempt you into taking any risks when
driving, as this can cause accidents. The system is not a substitute for the full
concentration of the driver.
•Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions.
•Poor visibility, darkness, snow, rain and fog can cause road signs to be not displayed
or be incorrectly displayed by the system.
•If the camera's field of view is dirty, covered or damaged, the function of the Dynamic
Road Sign Display system may be impaired.
WARNING
Driving recommendations and traffic symbols displayed by the Dynamic Road Sign
Display system may differ from the current traffic situation.
•Not all road signs can be recognised by the system and displayed correctly.
•Road signs and traffic regulations have priority over the recommendations and
displays provided by the Dynamic Road Sign Display system.
WARNING
Availability of the Dynamic Road Sign Display system is restricted in
waypoint navigation mode (waypoint navigation) of the Infotainment system.
NOTICE
taken into account. The service reminder is displayed 30 days before the service is due. The
distance is rounded to the nearest 100 km; the remaining time is rounded to full days.
Service alert
If a service or inspection is due soon, a service alert will appear when the ignition is switched on.
The number of kilometres or amount of time shown correspond to the maximum number of
kilometres or maximum time that can still be driven before the next service.
Service event
For a scheduled service or a scheduled inspection, a signal tone will be given when the ignition
is switched on and the spanner symbol will be displayed for several seconds on the
instrument cluster display. One of the following displays will also appear ⇒ Fig. 22:
Inspection now!
Oil service now!
Oil service and inspection now!
Viewing service appointments
You can access the current service schedule when the ignition is switched on, the engine is not
running, and the vehicle is stationary:
•Press and hold button in the instrument cluster ⇒ Instrument cluster until the text
Service appears in the display.
•Release the button. Information on the current scheduled service will be shown in the
display.
Service information ⇒ Fig. 23 can also be displayed in the Infotainment system by pressing the
button or function button and the Vehicle, and Service function
buttons ⇒ Operation and display in the Infotainment system.
Resetting the service interval display
If the service or the inspection was not performed by a Volkswagen dealership, the display can be
reset as follows:
•Switch off the ignition.
•Press and hold the button in the instrument cluster ⇒ Instrument cluster.
•Restart the ignition.
•Release button if one of the following messages appears on the instrument cluster
display:
Reset oil change service?
Reset inspection service?
•Press the button on the instrument cluster ⇒ Instrument cluster to confirm.
Do not reset the service interval display between service intervals otherwise incorrect data may be
shown.
If the oil change service was manually reset, the service interval display then also changes to a
fixed service interval in vehicles with flexible oil change service.
The service message will disappear after a few seconds, when the engine is running, or
when the button on the windscreen wiper lever or the button on the
multifunction steering wheel is pressed ⇒ Instrument cluster operation.
If the 12-volt vehicle battery was disconnected for long periods in vehicles with flexible
service, the system cannot calculate the time at which the next service is due. The information
shown in the service interval display may therefore be incorrect. If this is the case, please observe
the maximum permissible service intervals ⇒ Service.
Instrument cluster operation
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Operating using the wiper lever
⇒ Operating using the multifunction steering wheel
⇒ Button for driver assist systems
⇒ Additional displays and display options
Some menu options can only be opened when the vehicle is stationary.
There are no buttons on the wiper lever in vehicles equipped with a multifunction steering wheel
⇒ Operating using the wiper lever.
Check the system settings after charging or replacing the 12-volt vehicle battery. System
settings may be adjusted or deleted if the power supply is interrupted.
Operating using the wiper lever
Fig. 24 On the right of the steering column: buttons on the wiper lever (illustration).
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
If any priority 1 ⇒ Instrument cluster warnings are displayed, you will be unable to open any
menus. Some warnings can be confirmed and hidden with the ⇒ Fig. 24① button.
Selecting a menu or information display
•Switch on the ignition.
•Personalisation: select user.
•If a message or vehicle pictogram is displayed, press the ⇒ Fig. 24① button, several times if
necessary.
•To display the menus ⇒ Instrument cluster menus or to return from a menu or an information
display to the menu selection, hold down the rocker switch ⇒ Fig. 24②.
•To browse through the menus, press the rocker switch up or down.
•To open the displayed menu or information display, press the ⇒ Fig. 24① button or wait until
the menu or information display opens automatically after a few seconds.
Making settings in menus
•In the displayed menu, press the rocker switch ⇒ Fig. 24② up or down until the desired menu
option is marked. A frame appears around the selected option.
•Press button ⇒ Fig. 24① to make the necessary change. A tick indicates that the particular
system or function is active.
Returning to the selection menu
Select the menu option Back in each case to leave the current menu.
If warning messages about malfunctions are displayed when the ignition is switched on, it
may not be possible to adjust some settings as described, or the information display may appear
differently. If this is the case, take the vehicle to a qualified workshop to have the malfunction
rectified.
Operating using the multifunction steering wheel
Fig. 25 Right-hand side of the multifunction steering wheel: controls for using the menus and
information displays in the instrument cluster.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Accidents and injuries can occur if the driver is distracted.
•Never operate the menus on the instrument cluster display while the vehicle is in
motion.
WARNING