2019 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN airbag off

Troubleshooting
If there is a malfunction in the proactive occupant protection system, the message Proactive
occupant protection unavailable or Proactive occupant protection: function restricted is
shown permanently on the instrument cluster display.
Go to a qualified workshop and have the system checked.
Airbag system
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Types of front passenger front airbag system
⇒ Indicator lamp
⇒ Description and function of the airbags
⇒ Front airbags
⇒ Switching the front passenger front airbag on and off
⇒ Side airbags
⇒ Curtain airbags
⇒ Knee airbags
The vehicle is equipped with a front airbag for the driver and front passenger. The front airbags can
provide front seat occupants with additional chest and head protection if the seat, seat belts, head
restraints and, in the case of the driver, steering wheel are adjusted and used correctly. Airbags are
meant only for additional protection. The airbags are not a substitute for seat belts. Seat belts must
always be worn, even when the front seats are equipped with front airbags.
The intelligent technology of the proactive occupant protection system cannot overcome
the laws of physics, and functions only within the limits of the system. Never let the extra
convenience afforded by the proactive occupant protection system tempt you into taking
any risks when driving. The system cannot prevent a collision. The system is not a
substitute for the full concentration of the driver.
•Adapt your speed and distance from the vehicles ahead to suit visibility, weather, road
and traffic conditions.
•The system cannot detect objects in all situations.
•The proactive occupant protection system does not react to people, animals, objects
crossing in front of the vehicle, or objects which are hard to make out.
•Reflective objects such as safety barriers, tunnel entrances, heavy rain and ice can
impair the function of the proactive occupant protection system and thus prevent it
from detecting a collision risk.
•Incorrect system activation can occur.
WARNING
Accidents and injuries can occur if the driver is distracted.
•Never change settings in the Infotainment system when the vehicle is in motion.
WARNING
Failure to observe illuminated warning lamps and text messages can lead to your vehicle
breaking down in traffic, and can cause accidents and serious injuries.
•Never ignore any illuminated warning lamps or text messages.
•Stop the vehicle as soon as it is possible and safe to do so.
WARNING
Failure to observe illuminated indicator lamps and text messages can lead to your vehicle
being damaged.
NOTICE

Types of front passenger front airbag system
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Never rely solely on the airbag system for your protection.
•Even if an airbag is triggered, it only offers auxiliary protection.
•The airbag system offers the best level of protection, and reduces the risk of injury,
when seat belts are properly worn ⇒ Seat belts.
•Before every trip, each vehicle occupant must adopt the correct sitting position,
correctly fasten the seat belt belonging to their seat and keep it fastened properly
throughout the trip. This applies to all vehicle occupants and also in urban traffic.
WARNING
The risk of injury increases if there are any objects between the vehicle occupants and the
deployment area of the airbag when it is triggered. This will alter the deployment zone of
the airbag, or the objects will be flung against the body.
•Never hold any objects in your hand or on your lap while the vehicle is in motion.
•Never transport any objects on the front passenger seat. The objects could enter the
deployment zone of the airbag during sudden braking or driving manoeuvres and then
be flung dangerously through the vehicle interior if the airbag is activated.
•Vehicle occupants sitting on the front seats and rear outer seats must never carry any
people, pets or objects in the deployment zone between themselves and the airbags.
Ensure that children and passengers keep to this rule.
WARNING
The airbag system can only be triggered once. The system will have to be replaced if the
airbags have been triggered.
•Airbags that have been triggered, and any affected system parts, must immediately be
replaced with new parts that are approved by Volkswagen for the vehicle.
•Repairs and modifications to your vehicle should only be carried out by a qualified
workshop. Qualified workshops have the necessary tools, diagnostic equipment, repair
information and qualified personnel.
•Never use recycled airbag components or components that have been taken from end-
of-life vehicles in your vehicle.
•Never alter any components of the airbag system.
WARNING
Fine dust particles or steam may be released when the airbags are triggered. This is
normal and does not mean that there is a fire in the vehicle.
•The fine dust can cause irritation to the skin and eye membranes and cause breathing
difficulties, particularly for people suffering from asthma or people who have (hadyf
other respiratory problems. To help reduce breathing difficulties, get out of the vehicle
or open the windows or doors for more fresh air.
•If you come into contact with the dust, you should wash your hands and face with a
mild soap and water before eating.
•Do not let the dust get into your eyes or into open wounds.
•If dust has entered your eyes, rinse them with water.
WARNING
Cleaning agents that contain solvents cause the surface of the airbag modules to become
porous. In an accident that triggers the airbag, loose plastic parts can cause serious
injury.
•Never clean the dash panel or the airbag covers with cleansers that contain solvents.
WARNING

Volkswagen offers two different front passenger front airbag systems:
AB
Features of the front passenger
front airbag that can only be
switched off by a qualified
workshop.
Features of the front passenger
front airbag that can be switched
off manually using the key-operated
switch ⇒ Switching the front passenger 
front airbag on and off.
– Indicator lamp in the instrument cluster.– Indicator lamp in the instrument cluster.
– Front passenger front airbag in the dash
panel.
– PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator
lamp in the upper section of the centre console.
– PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator
lamp in the upper section of the centre console.
– Key-operated switch in the side of the dash
panel on the passenger side (only visible when
the door is openyf.
– Front passenger front airbag in the dash
panel.
Name: airbag system.Name: airbag system with front
passenger front airbag
deactivation.
Indicator lamp
Fig. 43 In the upper section of the centre console: indicator lamp for disabled and enabled front
passenger front airbag.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Lit upLocationPossible causeAction
Instrument cluster.Fault in airbag and belt
tensioner system.
Go to a qualified workshop to have
the system checked immediately.
Upper section of
the centre console
⇒ Fig. 43.
Fault in the airbag
system.
Go to a qualified workshop to have
the system checked immediately.
Front passenger front
airbag switched off.
Check whether the airbag should stay
switched off.
Upper section of
the centre console
⇒ Fig. 43.
Front passenger front
airbag switched on.
No solution – the indicator lamp will
disappear automatically approximately
60 seconds after the ignition is
switched on, or after the front
passenger front airbag is switched on
using the key-operated switch.
Several warning and indicator lamps will light up briefly as a functional check when the ignition is
switched on. They will go out after a few seconds.
If the PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator lamp in the upper section of the centre console
does not light up continuously when the front passenger front airbag is deactivated, or if it lights
up with the indicator lamp in the instrument cluster, a fault in the airbag system may have
occurred ⇒.
If there is a fault in the airbag system, the airbag may not trigger correctly, may not trigger
at all or may trigger unexpectedly. This can cause severe or fatal injuries.
•The airbag system should be checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
•Never fit a child seat to the front passenger seat or remove a child seat that is already
fitted. The front passenger front airbag may trigger during an accident in spite of the
fault.
WARNING
Failure to observe the illuminated indicator lamps could lead to the vehicle being
damaged.
NOTICE

Description and function of the airbags
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The airbags can protect vehicle occupants during frontal and side collisions by reducing their
movement in the direction of the collision.
When an airbag is triggered, it is inflated by a gas generator. This causes the airbag covers to
break, and the airbags inflate forcefully to cover their deployment zones within milliseconds. Once a
vehicle occupant wearing a seat belt starts to sink into the inflated airbag, the gas inside the airbag
starts to escape to cushion the occupant and slow down their movement. This can reduce the risk
of severe and fatal injuries. A triggered airbag will not always prevent other injuries from occurring,
such as swelling, bruising, burning and grazing. The deployment of the airbag can also produce
frictional heat.
Airbags provide no protection for the arms or lower body. Exception: in vehicles with a knee airbag,
the knee area of the driver will be protected.
The most important factors for triggering the airbag are the type of accident, the angle of impact,
the vehicle speed and the type of object with which the vehicle collides. Therefore, visible damage
to the vehicle does not always mean that the airbag should have been triggered.
Whether or not the airbag triggers is determined by the vehicle deceleration rate caused by the
collision and registered by the electronic control unit. If this rate is below the reference value
programmed into the control unit, the airbags will not be triggered, even though the vehicle may be
badly damaged as a result of the collision. Vehicle damage, repair costs or even the lack of vehicle
damage in an accident do not necessarily give an indication of whether an airbag should inflate or
not. It is not possible to define a range of vehicle speeds and reference values, since the
circumstances will vary considerably between one collision and another. It is therefore impossible to
cover every possible kind and angle of impact that would trigger the airbags. Important factors in
the triggering of the airbag include the nature (hard or softyfRIWKHREMHFWWKDWWKHYHKLFOHKLWVWKH
angle of impact, and the vehicle speed.
Airbags only serve as a supplement to the three-point seat belt in some accident situations when
the vehicle braking is sufficient to trigger the airbags. Airbags can only be triggered once and only
in certain situations. The seat belts are always there to provide protection in situations in which the
airbags are not triggered or have already been triggered. For example, if the vehicle collides with a
further vehicle following the initial collision, or is hit by another vehicle.
The airbag system is part of the vehicle's overall passive safety concept. The airbag system can
only work effectively when the occupants are wearing their seat belts correctly and have assumed a
proper sitting position ⇒ Sitting position.
Components of the vehicle safety concept
The following vehicle safety equipment makes up the vehicle's safety concept to reduce the risk of
severe and fatal injuries. Some of this equipment may not be fitted in your particular vehicle. It may
not be available at all in some countries.
•Optimised seat belts for all seats.
•Belt tensioners for the driver and front passenger and also on the rear outer seats if in
conjunction with side airbags.
•Belt tension limiter for the driver, front passenger and, if applicable, for the rear outer seats.
•Belt height adjuster for the front seats.
•Warning lamp and belt status display.
•Front airbags for driver and front passenger.
•Side airbags for the driver, front passenger and, if applicable, for the rear outer seats.
•Curtain airbags on the left and right.
•If applicable, knee airbag for the driver.
•Airbag indicator lamp .
•Indicator lamp PASSENGER AIR BAG in the upper section of the centre console.
•Indicator lamp PASSENGER AIR BAG in the upper section of the centre console.
•Control units and sensors.
•Whiplash-optimised and height-adjustable head restraints.
•Adjustable steering column.
•If applicable, anchor points for child seats on the rear outer seats and on the front passenger
seat.
•If applicable, securing points for the top tether for child seats.
Situations when the front, knee, side and curtain airbags will not be
triggered:
•If the ignition is switched off during a collision.
•If the level of deceleration measured by the control unit is too low during a collision at the front
of the vehicle.
•During a minor side collision.
•During rear collisions.

Switching the front passenger front airbag on and off
Fig. 46 In the dash panel on the front passenger side or in the stowage compartment: key-operated
switch for switching the front passenger front airbag on and off.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The front passenger front airbag must be disabled if you fit a rear-facing child seat to the
front passenger seat.
Enabling the front passenger front airbag
•Switch off the ignition.
•Open the door on the front passenger side.
•Fold the key bit of the vehicle key all the way out ⇒ Vehicle key set.
•Insert the fully folded-out key bit of the vehicle key into the key-operated switch in the dash
panel ⇒ Fig. 46 to the second point of resistance. Around three quarters of the key bit should
be inserted in the key switch at this point ⇒.
•Turn the vehicle key, without applying force, to the position.
•Remove the vehicle key from the key-operated switch and fold away the key bit ⇒.
•The indicator lamp PASSENGER AIR BAG in the upper part of the centre console
lights up and goes out after approximately 60 seconds ⇒ Indicator lamp.
•Close the door on the front passenger side.
•Check that the PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator lamp in the upper section of the
centre console does not light up when the ignition is switched on ⇒ Indicator lamp.
Disabling the front passenger front airbag
•Switch off the ignition.
•Open the door on the front passenger side.
•Fold the key bit of the vehicle key all the way out ⇒ Vehicle key set.
•Insert the fully folded-out key bit of the vehicle key into the key-operated switch in the dash
panel ⇒ Fig. 46 to the second point of resistance. Around three quarters of the key bit should
be inserted in the key switch at this point ⇒.
•Turn the vehicle key, without applying force, to the position.
•Remove the vehicle key from the key-operated switch and fold away the key bit ⇒.
•Close the door on the front passenger side.
•When the ignition is switched on, the indicator lamp PASSENGER AIR BAG will light
up steadily in the upper section of the centre console ⇒ Indicator lamp.
Ensuring that the front passenger front airbag has been deactivated
The only sure sign that the front passenger front airbag has been deactivated is when the
PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator lamp is displayed continuously in the upper section of
the centre console ( lights up yellow steadilyyf ⇒ Indicator lamp.
If the indicator lamp PASSENGER AIR BAG in the upper section of the centre console is
not lit up steadily, or if it lights up together with the indicator lamp in the instrument cluster,
do not attach any child restraint system to the front passenger seat for safety reasons. The front
passenger front airbag may trigger during an accident.

Side airbags
Fig. 47 On left-hand side of vehicle: deployment zones of side airbags.
Fig. 48 On the side of the front seat: location and deployment zone of the side airbag.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Depending on the vehicle equipment level, side airbags may also be fitted for the front seats and
rear outer seats ⇒ Fig. 47.
•The side airbags for the front seats are located in the outer seat backrest cushions of the driver
seat and front passenger seat ⇒ Fig. 48.
•If fitted, the side airbags for the rear outer seats are each located between the door entry and
the individual rear seat backrests.
The side airbag locations are identified by the text AIRBAG.
The areas inside the red lines ⇒ Fig. 47 and ⇒ Fig. 48 are covered by the side airbags when
triggered (deployment zonesyf<RXPXVWQHYHUOHDYHRUDWWDFKDQ\REMHFWVLQWKHVHDUHDV ⇒.
During a side collision, the side airbags will be deployed on the side of the vehicle which is
impacted, thus reducing the risk of injury to the areas of the occupants' bodies facing the impact.
The front passenger front airbag should only be switched off in exceptional
circumstances.
•To prevent damage to the airbag system, only switch the front passenger front airbag
on and off when the ignition is switched off.
•It is the driver's responsibility to ensure that the key-operated switch is set to the
correct position.
•Only switch the front passenger front airbag off if, in exceptional circumstances, a
child seat has to be attached to the front passenger seat.
•Switch the front passenger front airbag back on again as soon as the child seat on the
front passenger seat is no longer being used.
WARNING
If the key bit is not inserted far enough, the key switch could be damaged when the key is
turned.
NOTICE
Do not leave the vehicle key in the key switch, as this could result in damage to the interior
door trim, dash panel, key switch or vehicle key when the front passenger door is closed.
NOTICE

•Deactivate the front passenger front airbag if fitting a rear-facing child seat on the front
passenger seat.
•When fitting on the front passenger seat, push the front passenger seat back fully and adjust
the seat to the highest position. Adjust the backrest to an upright position ⇒ Sitting position.
•When using child seats from groups 0 or 1 on the rear bench seat, push the rear bench seat
backwards as far as possible ⇒ Sitting position.
•When using child seats from groups 2 or 3 on the rear bench seat, push the rear bench seat
into a central position ⇒ Sitting position.
•Always ensure that there is enough space around the child seat. If necessary, adjust the
position of the seat in front. When doing so, ensure that the driver or front passenger can still
maintain a correct sitting position ⇒ Sitting position.
•The backrest of the child seat must lay as flat as possible against the vehicle seat backrest.
Adjust the seat backrest angle if necessary so that the child seat lies flush against the backrest.
If the child seat, once fitted, touches the vehicle head restraint so that it cannot lie flat against
the backrest, push the vehicle head restraint up as far as it will go or remove it and stow it away
safely in the vehicle ⇒ Sitting position.
Airbag sticker
The vehicle may be provided with stickers giving key information about the front passenger front
airbag. The information on these stickers may vary from country to country. The stickers may be
found:
•On the driver and/or front passenger sun visor ⇒ Fig. 53.
•On the B-pillar on the passenger side ⇒ Fig. 54.
It is essential to note the warning information shown on these stickers before installing a rear-facing
child seat ⇒.
Risks involved in carrying children on the front passenger seat
If you are using a rear-facing child seat, the front passenger front airbag can cause critical or
potentially fatal injuries when it inflates ⇒.
Rear-facing child seat may only be used on the front passenger seat if the front passenger front
airbag has been deactivated. A deactivated front passenger front airbag is indicated by means of
the permanently lit PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator lamp in the driver's field of vision.
Switching off the front passenger front airbag ⇒ Airbag system, PASSENGER AIR BAG
indicator lamp ⇒ Indicator lamp.
If using a front-facing child seat, do not deactivate the front passenger front airbag. When fitting
the child seat ensure ensure that it is as far away as possible from the front passenger front airbag.
The front passenger front airbag can cause severe injuries when it inflates ⇒.
Some child seats are not suitable for use on the front passenger seat. The child seat must be
specially authorised by the manufacturer for use on the front passenger seat in vehicles with front
and side airbags. Volkswagen dealerships keep an up-to-date list of authorised child seats.
If you use a rear-facing child seat on the front passenger seat, the child in it is at
increased risk of sustaining critical or fatal injuries in the event of an accident.
•Deactivate the front passenger front airbag. If the front passenger front airbag cannot
be deactivated no rear-facing child seat may be used.
•Move the front passenger seat as far back and as high as possible in order to create
the largest possible distance between the child seat and the front passenger front
airbag.
•Move the backrest to the upright position.
•Move the seat belt height adjuster to the highest position.
•Use only child seats that have been approved by the child seat manufacturer for use on
a front passenger seat with front and side airbags.
DANGER
Child seats present a risk of injury if incorrectly installed.
•Always read and follow the installation instructions and warning information provided
by the child seat manufacturer.
WARNING

Central and manual locking
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Indicator lamp
⇒ Central locking system
⇒ Locking and unlocking the vehicle from the outside
⇒ Locking and unlocking the vehicle from the inside
⇒ Locking and unlocking the vehicle with 
⇒ SAFELOCK
⇒ Anti-theft alarm
⇒ Interior monitoring system and anti-tow alarm
⇒ Locking the vehicle after the airbag has been triggered
⇒ Troubleshooting
The central locking system locks all doors and the boot lid of the vehicle. The vehicle cannot be
locked if the driver door is open.
The vehicle can only be locked if the ignition has been switched off or the driver has switched off
the engine before leaving the vehicle.
Automatic locking (anti-theft protectionyf
The vehicle will lock itself again automatically after around 45 seconds if one of the following
conditions applies:
•The vehicle was unlocked but not opened.
•The ignition was not switched on.
•The boot lid was not opened.
•The vehicle has been unlocked using the lock cylinder.
•The vehicle was locked with the central locking button in the vehicle interior.
Indicator lamp
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The central locking indicator lamp is located in the driver door ⇒ Driver door.
Vehicle locked: red LED flashes at short intervals for approximately two seconds, and then more
slowly. The indicator lamp does not flash if the vehicle was locked with the central locking button in
the driver door ⇒ Locking and unlocking the vehicle from the inside.
Central locking system
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The central locking system enables you to lock or unlock all the doors, the boot lid and the tank flap
from one point.
Settings for the central locking system can be adjusted in the Infotainment system ⇒ Operation and 
display in the Infotainment system.
Automatic locking (Auto Lockyf
The vehicle may lock itself automatically at speeds of approximately 15 km/h (9 mphyfDQGDERYH
⇒ Operation and display in the Infotainment system. The indicator lamp in the central locking
button will light up yellow when the vehicle is locked.
Improper use of the central locking system could lead to serious injury.
•The central locking system locks all doors. Locking the vehicle from the inside can
prevent accidental opening of the doors and unauthorised persons from entering the
vehicle. However, locked doors can delay assistance to passengers inside the vehicle
in the event of an accident or emergency.
•Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone in the vehicle. All doors can
be locked from the inside using the central locking button. This may mean that people
lock themselves in the vehicle. People locked in the vehicle may be subjected to very
high or very low temperatures.
•Temperatures inside a locked vehicle may reach extremes of heat or cold, according to
season. This can cause serious injuries and illness or fatalities, especially to small
children.
•Never leave anyone inside a locked vehicle. People in the vehicle could become
trapped in an emergency and may not be able to get themselves to safety.
•Doors and the boot lid should therefore be opened or closed only when you are sure
that nobody is in their path.
WARNING