2018 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN service

Coolant and coolant additives can pollute the environment. Spilt service fluids must be
collected then disposed of properly and in an environmentally responsible way.
Checking the coolant level and refilling coolant
Fig. 229 In the engine compartment: markings on the coolant expansion tank.
Fig. 230 In the engine compartment: coolant expansion tank cap (illustrationyf.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The warning lamp for the engine coolant will light up if the engine coolant level is too low.
Preparation
•Park the vehicle on a firm and level surface.
•Allow the engine to cool down ⇒.
•Open the bonnet ⇒ In the engine compartment.
•The coolant expansion tank is identified by the symbol on the cap ⇒ Fig. 230.
Checking the coolant level
•When the engine is cold, check the coolant level on the side markings of the engine coolant
expansion tank ⇒ Fig. 229. The engine coolant level must be between the marks.
•Refill coolant if the liquid level in the coolant expansion tank is below the minimum marking
(minyf:KHQWKHHQJLQHLVZDUPWKHHQJLQHFRRODQWOHYHOPD\EHVOLJKWO\DERYHWKHPD[LPXP
(MAXyfPDUN.
Refilling coolant
•Always protect your face, hands and arms from hot coolant or steam by placing a suitable cloth
on the cap of the coolant expansion tank.
•Unscrew the cap carefully ⇒.
•Refill only new coolant according to the Volkswagen specification ⇒ Coolant specification⇒
.
Insufficient anti-freeze in the coolant system can cause the engine to break down and
cause serious injuries.
•Please note that the amount of correct coolant additive used must be sufficient for the
lowest ambient temperature that you expect the vehicle to be exposed to.
•Coolant can freeze at extremely cold outside temperatures, causing the vehicle to
break down. Vehicle occupants with inadequate winter clothing could then freeze to
death as the heating will also no longer function.
WARNING
Never mix genuine coolant additives with other coolants that have not been approved by
Volkswagen. Mixing other coolants could cause serious damage to the engine and cooling
system.
•If the liquid in the coolant expansion tank is not pink (colouring results from mixing the
purple coolant additive with distilled wateryfEXWIRUH[DPSOHEURZQLQVWHDG - G 13 - has
been mixed with an unsuitable coolant. The coolant must be changed as soon as
possible if this is the case. Failure to observe this point can result in serious faults or
engine damage.
NOTICE

•Only top up coolant if there is coolant residue in the expansion tank. If this is not observed, the
engine could be damaged. If you cannot see any coolant in the expansion tank do not drive
on. Seek professional assistance.
•If you can see coolant residue in the coolant expansion tank, refill coolant until the level remains
stable.
•The coolant level must be between the marks on the coolant expansion tank ⇒ Fig. 229. Do
not fill above the top edge of the marked area⇒.
•Close the cap tightly.
•If in an emergency you do not have access to the required specification ⇒ Coolant 
specification, do not use any other coolant additive! Instead, initially refill with distilled water⇒
only. Then add the correct proportion of coolant additive as soon as possible ⇒ Coolant 
specification.
Brake fluid
Hot steam or coolant can cause serious burns.
•Never open the bonnet if you can see or hear steam or engine coolant coming out of
the engine compartment. Always wait until you can no longer see or hear escaping
steam or coolant.
•Always allow the engine to cool down completely before carefully opening the bonnet.
Hot components can burn the skin.
•The following points should be noted 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.
- Turn the cap slowly and very carefully anti-clockwise 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. In certain circumstances, the ethylene
glycol in the engine can catch fire.
WARNING
•Refill only with distilled water. All other types of water can cause corrosion in the
engine due to the chemical components contained therein. This can also lead to engine
failure. If any other type of water than distilled water is refilled, the fluid in the cooling
system should be completely replaced immediately by a qualified workshop.
•Do not fill coolant above the top of the marked area ⇒ Fig. 229. Otherwise the excess
coolant will be pressed out of the cooling system when the engine is hot and could
cause damage.
•If a large amount of coolant has been lost, do not refill the coolant until the engine has
cooled completely. Heavy coolant loss is an indication of leaks in the engine cooling
system. The engine cooling system should be checked by a qualified workshop as
soon as possible. Failure to do so can result in engine damage.
•Do not top up with coolant if there is no more coolant in the coolant expansion tank. Air
could have entered the cooling system. Do not drive on! Seek expert assistance. Failure
to do so can result in engine damage.
•When topping up service fluids, please 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

Brake fluid can pollute the environment. Any spilt service fluids must be cleaned up and
disposed of properly.
12-volt vehicle battery
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Checking the electrolyte level of the 12-volt vehicle battery
⇒ Charging, replacing, disconnecting and connecting the 12-volt vehicle battery
⇒ Troubleshooting
The 12-volt vehicle battery is a component of the electrical system and serves to supply power in
the vehicle.
You should only carry out work on the electrical system 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 ⇒. All work should be carried out by a qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends
using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Location of the 12-volt vehicle battery
Depending on the vehicle equipment level, the 12-volt vehicle battery may be located in the engine
compartment or in the luggage compartment under the luggage compartment floor.
Explanation of the warnings on the 12-volt vehicle battery
m/k/n948MKAlways wear eye protection!m/k/n947MKElectrolyte is very corrosive
and caustic. Always wear protective gloves and eye protection!m/k/n944MKNo fires,
sparks, naked lights or smoking!m/k/n946MKA highly explosive mixture of gases is given
off when the 12-volt vehicle battery is charging!m/k/n945MKAlways keep children away
from battery acid and the 12-volt vehicle battery!m/k/n949MKAlways observe the owner's
manual!
Brake failure or reduced braking effect can be caused by the brake fluid level being too
low or by brake fluid that is too old or unsuitable.
•The brake system and brake fluid level must be checked regularly.
•The brake fluid should be changed regularly.
•Heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the brake fluid is left in the system
for too long. Vapour locks reduce levels of braking power, considerably increase
braking distance and can cause the brake system to fail completely.
•Please ensure that the correct brake fluid is used. Only use brake fluid that is explicitly
compliant with VW standard 501 14.
•Any other brake fluid or a low-quality one can affect the functioning of the brakes and
reduce their effectiveness.
•If a brake fluid compliant with VW standard 501 14 is not available, use a high-quality
brake fluid compliant with DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 or the US standard FMVSS 116 DOT
4, but only in exceptional circumstances.
•The refilled brake fluid must be new.
WARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
•In order to reduce the risk of poisoning, never use bottles or other containers to store
brake fluid. There is always a risk of someone drinking from such containers, even if
they are labelled appropriately.
•Brake fluid must always be stored in its original sealed container and kept out of the
reach of children.
WARNING
Brake fluid that has leaked or been spilt can damage the vehicle paintwork, plastic parts
and tyres. Wipe off brake fluid that has leaked or been spilled immediately from all parts of
the vehicle.
NOTICE

•Switch off all electrical consumers and the ignition.
•Unlock the vehicle before disconnecting the battery in order to avoid triggering the anti-theft
alarm.
•First disconnect the negative cable and then the positive cable ⇒.
Connecting the 12-volt vehicle battery
•Switch off all electrical consumers and the ignition before reconnecting the 12-volt vehicle
battery.
•First reconnect the positive cable and then the negative cable ⇒.
Various indicator lamps may light up after the 12-volt vehicle battery has been connected and the
ignition is switched on. They will go out if you drive a short distance at a speed of approximately
15 – 20 km/h (10 – 12 mphyf,IWKHLQGLFDWRUODPSVUHPDLQOLWXSWKHYHKLFOHVKRXOGEHFKHFNHGE\D
qualified workshop.
If the 12-volt vehicle battery was disconnected for an extended period, the system may not able to
calculate or correctly display the time when the next service is due ⇒ Instrument cluster. Observe
the maximum permissible service intervals ⇒ Service.
Vehicles with Keyless Access:⇒ Central locking system: if the ignition cannot be switched on after
connecting the 12-volt vehicle battery, lock and unlock the vehicle from the outside. Then try to start
the ignition again. Please contact an expert if the ignition cannot be switched on.
Automatic switch-off for electrical consumers
The intelligent vehicle electrical system management automatically implements a range of
measures to prevent the 12-volt battery from discharging under high loads:
•The idling speed is increased so that the alternator provides more electricity.
•The performance of large electrical consumers may be reduced or they may be switched off
completely.
•The power supply to the 12-volt socket and the cigarette lighter is interrupted temporarily while
the engine is being started.
The vehicle electrical system management function cannot always prevent the 12-volt vehicle
battery from discharging. For example when the ignition is switched on for an extended period with
the engine off, or when the side or parking lights are on when the vehicle is parked for an extended
period.
Battery switch-off in an accident in which the airbag is triggered
In vehicles with 12-volt vehicle battery in the luggage compartment, the electrical connection to the
12-volt vehicle battery is disconnected pyrotechnically in the event of an accident in which the
airbags are triggered. This prevents short-circuiting.
What can cause the 12-volt vehicle battery to discharge?
•Long periods at a standstill in which the engine is not running, especially if the ignition is
switched on.
•The use of electrical consumers when the engine is switched off.
•When the auxiliary heater is being used ⇒ Auxiliary heater and ventilation.

Dispose of the 12-volt vehicle battery in accordance with the regulations. 12-volt vehicle
batteries may contain toxic substances such as sulphuric acid and lead.
Electrolyte can pollute the environment. Clean up any service fluid leakages and dispose of
them properly.
Troubleshooting
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
12-volt vehicle battery
Fault in the alternator. Go to a qualified workshop. Have the electrical system checked. Switch
off any electrical consumers that are not required. The 12-volt vehicle battery will not be charged by
the alternator while the vehicle is in motion. The start/stop system cannot start the engine.
⇒ Start/stop system 
Wheels and tyres
Tyre monitoring systems
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Types of tyre monitoring systems
⇒ Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator
⇒ Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
⇒ Troubleshooting for the Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator
⇒ Troubleshooting for the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
The tyre monitoring system warns the
driver when the tyre pressures get too
low.
Incorrectly securing the battery and using incorrect 12-volt vehicle batteries can cause
short circuits, fire and serious injuries.
•Always use maintenance-free and leak-proof 12-volt vehicle batteries that have the
same properties, specifications and dimensions as the factory-fitted 12-volt vehicle
battery.
•In vehicles with the 12-volt vehicle battery in the luggage compartment, ensure that the
breather hose is connected properly to the 12-volt vehicle battery. Make sure that no
open gas discharge openings are located in the area around the positive battery
terminal. If there is an open breather opening in this area, it must be closed off with a
sealing plug. The breather hose must be connected to the open breather opening in the
area of the negative terminal.
WARNING
A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the 12-volt vehicle battery is being
charged.
•12-volt vehicle batteries should only be charged in well-ventilated spaces.
•Never charge a 12-volt vehicle battery that is frozen or that has thawed. Discharged 12-
volt vehicle batteries can already freeze at temperatures of around 0°C (+32°Fyf.
•The 12-volt vehicle battery must be replaced if it has ever been frozen.
•Incorrectly connected cables can cause a short circuit. First connect the positive cable
and then the negative cable.
WARNING
•Never connect or disconnect 12-volt vehicle batteries if the ignition is switched on or
the engine is running. Never use a 12-volt vehicle battery that does not correspond with
the vehicle's specifications. This can damage the electrical system or electronic
components, which can cause electrical faults.
•Never connect equipment that supplies electric power, such as solar panels or a
battery charger, to the 12-volt socket or to the cigarette lighter to charge the 12-volt
vehicle battery. This can damage the vehicle electrical system.
NOTICE

Useful information about wheels and tyres
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Handling wheels and tyres
⇒ Wheel rims and wheel bolts
⇒ Tyre pressure
⇒ Tread depth and wear indicators
⇒ Tyre damage
⇒ Spare wheel or temporary spare wheel
⇒ Tyre lettering and tyre type
⇒ Maximum load and speed range for tyres
⇒ Winter tyres
⇒ Snow chains
The tyres are the most used and most underestimated parts of a vehicle. Tyres are very important
as the narrow tyre surfaces are the only contact between the vehicle and the road.
The service life of tyres is dependent on tyre pressure, driving style, handling and correct fitting.
Differing tyre pressures or tyre pressures that are too low can cause tyre damage, tyre
failure, loss of vehicle control, accidents, serious injury and death.
•If the indicator lamp lights up, stop the vehicle as soon as possible and check all
the tyres ⇒ Useful information about wheels and tyres.
•Different tyre pressures or tyre pressures that are too low can increase wear on the
tyres, reduce vehicle stability and increase the braking distance.
•Differing tyre pressures or tyre pressures that are too low can cause sudden tyre
failure and lead to a tyre bursting and the loss of control over the vehicle.
•The driver is responsible for the correct tyre pressure of all tyres on the vehicle. The
recommended tyre pressure can be found on a sticker ⇒ Tyre pressure.
•The tyre monitoring system cannot function correctly until all cold tyres have the
correct tyre pressure.
•The pressure in all tyres must always be appropriate to the vehicle load ⇒ Tyre 
pressure.
•Always inflate all tyres to the correct tyre pressure before every journey ⇒ Tyre 
pressure.
•If the vehicle is driven with insufficient tyre pressure, this results in greater tyre flexing.
This could warm up the tyre to such an extent that the tread may separate and the tyre
could burst. This could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
•High speeds and overloading of the vehicle may cause the tyres to heat up to such an
extent that the tyre bursts, leading you to lose control of the vehicle.
•If the tyre pressure is too low or too high, the tyres will wear prematurely and the
vehicle will not handle well.
•If the tyre is not flat and it is not necessary to change the wheel immediately, drive at
low speed to the nearest qualified workshop and check and correct the tyre pressure
⇒ Tyre pressure.
WARNING

Removing the spare wheel
•Open the boot lid.
•Raise or fold forward the luggage compartment floor ⇒ Boot lid.
•Pull the wedge of the locating element ⇒ Fig. 239① upwards and out.
•Unscrew the handwheel in the middle of the spare wheel ② anticlockwise fully and remove the
spare wheel.
Storing the removed wheel
•Open the boot lid and raise the luggage compartment floor or fold it forwards.
•Place the removed wheel into the spare wheel well with the rim facing downwards so that the
central hole in the rim positioned exactly above the threaded pin.
•Screw the handwheel ⇒ Fig. 239② clockwise onto the threaded pin until the replaced wheel is
firmly secured.
•Insert the locating element wedge ① into the slot of the threaded pin so that the handwheel can
no longer be turned.
If the spare wheel tyre is not the same as the tyres that are mounted on
the vehicle
If the spare wheel tyre differs from the other tyres on the vehicle, the spare wheel must be used
only in the event of a tyre failure and for a short time ⇒.
Follow these guidelines:
•Do not drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mphyf.
•Avoid full acceleration, sudden braking and fast driving through bends in the road.
•Do not use snow chains on the temporary spare wheel ⇒ Snow chains.
•The tyre pressure must be checked as soon as possible after fitting the spare wheel or
temporary spare wheel ⇒ Tyre pressure.
Tyre lettering and tyre type
Incorrect use of the spare wheel or temporary spare wheel can lead to a loss of control of
the vehicle, to collisions or other accidents and cause serious injuries.
•Never use a spare wheel or temporary spare wheel if it is damaged or worn down to the
tread wear indicators.
•Some vehicles may be equipped with a temporary spare wheel instead of a spare
wheel. The temporary spare wheel can be recognised by a sticker and the text 80 km/h
or 50 mph. This is the maximum speed at which you are permitted to drive with this
tyre. The sticker must remain in place throughout the wheel's service life.
•Never drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mphyf'RQRWDFFHOHUDWHTXLFNO\EUDNHVXGGHQO\RU
drive at high speed through bends.
•Never drive further than 200 km with a temporary spare wheel if it is fitted to the drive
axle.
•The temporary spare wheel should be exchanged for a normal wheel as soon as
possible. The temporary spare wheel is designed for a short period of use only.
•The temporary spare wheel must always be secured firmly with the wheel bolts
supplied by the factory.
•Never drive using more than one spare wheel that is a different size than the original
tyres.
•After fitting the temporary spare wheel, the tyre pressure must be checked as soon as
possible ⇒ Tyre pressure.
•Snow chains must not be used on the temporary spare wheel.
•Do not fit a temporary spare wheel to the rear axle when towing a trailer ⇒.
WARNING
The spare wheel is not fitted with a tyre pressure sensor. If the spare wheel is used with
tyre pressure sensor, the tyre monitoring system indicator lamp will flash in the instrument
cluster display after approximately ten minutes ⇒ Tyre monitoring systems.
NOTICE

The vehicle data sticker confirms when the vehicle was first registered or delivered, when the
delivery inspection was carried out, and thus the date from which your vehicle is covered by our
warranty.
Saving the service operations performed (digital service scheduleyf
Each service record is stored by your Volkswagen dealership and qualified workshop in a central
system. This transparent documentation of the service history allows the service operations
performed to be reproduced at any time. Each time you have your vehicle serviced, Volkswagen
recommends asking for a printed service record, which contains all service work stored in the
system.
With every service, the printout of the previous service record is replaced by a current printout.
The digital service schedule is not available in some markets. In this case, your Volkswagen
dealership will inform you about the documentation process for service work.
Service work
The following information is documented in the digital service schedule by your Volkswagen
dealership or qualified workshop:
•When which service was carried out.
•Whether any repairs are recommended, such as replacement of the brake pads in the near
future.
•Whether you had any special requests before or during the maintenance work (your service
advisor will note these on the orderyf.
•Which components or service fluids were changed.
•When your next service is scheduled for.
The LongLife mobility guarantee is valid until the next inspection is due. Documentation takes place
at every due inspection.
The type and scope of service work may differ from vehicle to vehicle. Information on specific work
for your vehicle can be requested from a qualified workshop.
Regular servicing of your vehicle not only maintains its value, it also ensures that your
vehicle remains roadworthy and in working order. You should therefore have your vehicle serviced
according to the Volkswagen guidelines.
Fixed service or flexible service
Fig. 250 Vehicle data sticker with PR number for the relevant service.
The service events differ according to oil change service and inspection. The service interval
display in the display of the instrument cluster serves as a reminder for the due date of the next
service event.
Your vehicle will receive either the fixed service or flexible service for the oil change service,
depending on the vehicle equipment, the engine type and the operating conditions.
How do I know which type of service my vehicle needs?
Inadequate servicing, no servicing at all, or failure to adhere to service intervals can result
in breakdowns, accidents and serious injury.
•Have your service work carried out by an authorised Volkswagen dealership or
workshop.
WARNING
Volkswagen is not responsible for any vehicle damage caused by inadequate service work
or the lack of part availability.
NOTICE