2020 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN Distance

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

•If the vehicle rolls over.
•If the speed in a collision is lower than the reference value specified in the control unit.
Front airbags
Fig. 44 Location and deployment zone of the driver front airbag.
Fig. 45 Location and deployment zone of the front passenger front airbag.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
In conjunction with the seat belts, the front airbag system gives the front occupants additional
protection for the head and chest in the event of a severe frontal collision. Always keep as far away
from the front airbag as possible ⇒ Sitting position. This allows the front airbags to inflate fully
when triggered, thus providing maximum protection.
The front airbag for the driver is located in the steering wheel ⇒ Fig. 44 and the front airbag for the
front passenger is located in the dash panel ⇒ Fig. 45. The airbag locations are identified by the
text AIRBAG.
The areas inside the red lines are covered by the front airbags when deployed (deployment zoneyf
You must never leave or attach any objects in these areas ⇒. Any factory-fitted accessories will
not be struck if the driver and front passenger front airbags are deployed.
Once triggered, the airbag inflates at high speed.
•Always leave the deployment zones of the front airbags clear.
•Never attach any objects, such as drink or telephone holders, to the covers of the
airbag modules or anywhere in the airbag module deployment zone.
•No other people, animals or objects may be carried between the occupants of the front
seats and the airbag deployment zone. Ensure that children and passengers keep to
this rule.
•Do not attach any objects, e.g. mobile navigation devices, to the windscreen above the
front airbag on the front passenger side.
•Do not cover or stick anything on the steering wheel hub or the soft plastic surface of
the airbag unit in the dash panel on the front passenger side, and do not modify them
in any way.
DANGER
The front airbags are deployed in front of the steering wheel ⇒ Fig. 44 and dash panel
⇒ Fig. 45.
•When driving, always hold the steering wheel with both hands on the outside of the
ring at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions.
•Adjust the driver seat so that there is at least 25 cm between your breastbone and the
hub of the steering wheel. Contact a qualified workshop if your physical build makes
this impracticable.
•Adjust the front passenger seat so that the distance between the passenger and the
dash panel is as large as possible.
WARNING

•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

Securing systems
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Different countries use different securing systems for safely fitting child seats in the vehicle.
Key terms for securing systems
•ISOFIX: ISOFIX is a standardised securing system for fitting child seats in the vehicle quickly
and safely. The ISOFIX attachment system creates a rigid connection between the child seat
and the car body.
Compatible child seats have two rigid attachment arms that click into ISOFIX attachment points at
the bottom of the backrest (on the outer rear seatsyf7KH,62),;VHFXULQJV\VWHPDVGHVFULEHG
here is specific to Europe ⇒ Securing child seats with ISOFIX. An upper strap (top tetheryfDQGRU
support foot may sometimes have to be used in addition to the ISOFIX anchor points described
above.
•Three-point automatic seat belt. It is better to secure child seats using the ISOFIX system, if
available, rather than with a three-point automatic seat belt ⇒ Securing child seats with a seat 
belt.
Additional securing points:
•Top tether: the strap at the top of the child seat is routed over the vehicle seat backrest and
hooked to an anchor ring on the back of the rear seats ⇒ Securing child seats with top tether 
upper strap. Top tether anchor points are marked with an anchor symbol.
•Support foot: some child seats are propped up with a support foot resting on the floor of the
vehicle. This support foot helps prevent the child seat tipping forward in a crash. Child seats
with a support foot can be used only on the front passenger seat and the outer rear seats ⇒.
Recommended child seat securing systems
Volkswagen recommends that child seats are secured as follows:
•Infant carrier or rear-facing child seat: ISOFIX and support foot.
•Front-facing child seat: ISOFIX and top tether and possibly support foot also.
Securing child seats with ISOFIX
Fig. 55 On vehicle seat: markings identifying the ISOFIX anchoring points for child seats.
Using a front-facing child seat on the front passenger seat presents a risk of injury.
•Move the front passenger seat as far back and as high as it can be set, to create the
largest possible distance between the child seat and the front passenger front airbag.
•Move the backrest to the upright position.
•Set the belt height adjuster of the seat belt 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.
WARNING
To help avoid injuries caused by inflation of a head airbag or side airbag:
•Ensure that no children are seated within the airbag deployment zone ⇒ Airbag 
system.
•Do not place any objects in the side airbag deployment zones.
WARNING
Incorrect use of the support foot can cause severe or fatal injuries.
•Ensure that the support foot is always correctly and safely installed.
WARNING

Stop the vehicle at a safe distance away from moving traffic and on a suitable surface .
Switch on the hazard warning lights using the button Centre console.
Switch on the electronic parking brake Electronic parking brake.
Move the gear lever to neutral position or move the selector lever to P, Manual gearbox:
selecting a gear and DSG® dual clutch gearbox.
Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition Starting and stopping the engine.
Ensure that all occupants exit the vehicle and go straight to a safe place away from
moving traffic, e.g. behind the safety barrier. Heed the country-specific regulations
concerning high-visibility waistcoats.
Take all vehicle keys with you when you leave the vehicle.
Place the warning triangle in position to draw the attention of other road users to your
vehicle.
Allow the engine to cool down and seek expert assistance.
Making you and your vehicle safe
Observe any legislation concerning the safety of a broken-down vehicle. For example, many
countries stipulate that you have to switch on the hazard warning lights and wear a high-visibility
vest ⇒ Equipment for an emergency.
Checklist
To ensure your own safety and that of your passengers, observe the following actions in the
specified order ⇒:
When the hazard warning lights are switched on, for example if you are being towed, you can still
indicate a change in direction or lane change by operating the turn signal. The warning lights will be
interrupted temporarily.
Examples of when to switch on the hazard warning lights:
•When traffic ahead suddenly starts moving more slowly or you reach the tail end of a traffic jam,
to will warn vehicles behind you.
•When there is an emergency.
•When the vehicle breaks down.
•When tow-starting or towing.
Always follow local regulations for the use of the hazard warning lights.
If the hazard warning lights are not working, you must use an alternative method of drawing
attention to the broken-down vehicle. This method must comply with traffic legislation.
Any broken-down vehicle poses a high accident risk for the vehicle occupants and for
other road users.
•Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so.
•Park the vehicle at a safe distance from moving traffic.
•Switch on the hazard warning lights.
•Never leave other persons alone in the vehicle, particularly children or people requiring
assistance. This applies in particular when the doors are locked. People locked in the
vehicle may be subjected to very high or very low temperatures.
WARNING
Ignoring any of the items on this important safety checklist can lead to accidents and
severe injuries.
•Always follow the instructions in the checklist and observe the general safety
procedures.
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system become very hot. This can cause fires and serious
injuries.
•Park the vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can come into contact with any
inflammable material underneath the vehicle, e.g. dry grass, fuel.
WARNING
When pushing the vehicle by hand, do not press on the rear lights, the rear spoiler or large
panels. This could damage the vehicle and loosen the spoiler.
NOTICE

Mechanically adjusting the front seat
Always adjust the front seats to their correct position before any journey and ensure that
any passenger has fastened their seat belt.
•Push the front passenger seat as far back as possible.
•Adjust the driver seat so that there is at least 25 cm between your breastbone and the
hub of the steering wheel. Adjust the driver seat by moving it forwards or backwards
so that you are able to press the pedals to the floor with your knees still slightly bent
and so that the distance from the dash panel to your knees is at least 10 cm. If your
build makes it impossible to fulfil this requirement then you must contact a qualified
workshop so they can make any necessary modifications.
•Never travel with the backrest tilted far back. The further back the backrest is tilted, the
greater the risk of injury caused by incorrect seat belt routing or an incorrect sitting
position.
•Never travel with the backrest tilted far forwards. When a front airbag is triggered it
could force the seat backrest backwards and injure vehicle occupants on the back
seats.
•Adopt and maintain the greatest possible distance from the steering wheel and dash
panel.
•You should always sit upright with your back against the seat backrest with the front
seats properly adjusted. Do not position any body part too close where the airbags are
fitted.
•The risk of serious injury is increased for passengers on the rear seat if they are not
sitting upright because the seat belts are incorrectly positioned.
WARNING
Incorrect adjustment of the seats can cause accidents and serious injuries.
•Only adjust the seats when the vehicle is stationary. The seats could change position
unexpectedly if you attempt to reposition them while the vehicle is in motion, leading
to a loss of control of the vehicle. Furthermore, an incorrect seating position is
adopted while adjusting the seat.
•Only adjust the height and tilt of the seat or move it forwards and backwards when the
area around the seat is clear.
•To be able to make adjustments to the seats, the area around them must not be
restricted by any items.
•Only adjust the height of the rear seat or move it forwards and backwards when the
area around the seat is clear.
•The areas for adjusting and locking the seats must not be soiled.
WARNING
Improper use of seat covers or protective covers may lead to the electrical seat controls
being operated accidentally and the front seats moving unexpectedly while the vehicle is
moving. You could lose control over the vehicle. This could result in serious injury and
accidents. Furthermore, this may result in damage to the electrical components in the
front seats.
•Never attach or secure seat covers or protective covers to the electrical controls.
•Do not fit seat covers or protective covers over the seats unless they have been
expressly approved for use in the vehicle.
WARNING
Cigarette lighters in the vehicle could be damaged or accidentally lit. This could lead to
serious burns and other injuries.
•Before adjusting the seats always ensure that there is no lighter on or near the
moveable parts of the seat.
•Before closing stowage areas or compartments always ensure that there is no lighter
in the way.
•Never stow lighters in stowage areas, compartments or on other surfaces in the
vehicle. High surface temperatures, especially in summer, may cause cigarette lighters
to self-ignite.
WARNING

In vehicles with a corresponding equipment level, main-beam control can be activated and
deactivated in the Infotainment system in the Vehicle settings menu ⇒ Operation and 
display in the Infotainment system:
Switching on main beam control
•Switch on the ignition and turn the light switch to position .
•Tap the turn signal and main beam lever forwards out of the basic position.
When the main-beam control is switched on, the indicator lamp is shown on the instrument
cluster display.
Switching off main beam control
•Pull back the turn signal and main beam lever.
•OR: turn the light switch to a position that is not .
•OR: switch off the ignition.
•OR: push the turn signal and main beam lever forwards to switch on the manual main beam.
Advanced main-beam control (Dynamic Light Assistyf
Advanced main-beam control provides maximum illumination for the road and the surrounding area.
At the same time, it prevents vehicles in front or oncoming vehicles from being dazzled. The system
uses a camera to detect other road users and their distance from your vehicle and covers part of
the headlights appropriately. If the system can no longer prevent other road users from being
dazzled, the main beams are switched off automatically.
System limits
The main beam must be switched off manually under the following conditions because it is not
switched off in time or not switched off at all by the main beam control:
•In poorly lit streets where there are highly-reflective signs.
•Other road users with insufficient lighting facilities, such as pedestrians, cyclists.
•In tight bends, brows of hills or depressions in the land or half-hidden oncoming traffic.
•With oncoming traffic on streets with a central barrier where the driver can see clearly over the
central barrier e.g. truck drivers.
•In fog, snow or heavy rain.
•In dusty or sandy areas.
•Damage to the windscreen in the camera's vision field.
•If the viewing field of the camera is misted up, dirty, covered by a sticker, snow or ice.
•If the camera is broken or the power supply is interrupted.
Light-emitting objects in the camera's field of operation, e.g. mobile navigation devices, could
impair the functions of the main-beam control system (Light Assistyf.
Parking light
Switching the parking lights on and off
Do not let the extra convenience afforded by main beam control tempt you into taking any
risks when driving – this can cause accidents. The system is not a substitute for the full
concentration of the driver.
•Always check the lights yourself and adjust them to the prevailing conditions for lights,
vision and road traffic.
•The main beam control may not be able to recognise all driving situations correctly and
may not work properly in certain situations.
•If the camera's field of view is dirty, covered or damaged, the function of the main
beam control may be impaired. This also applies if changes are made to the vehicle's
lighting system, for example if additional headlights are fitted.
WARNING
Please observe the following points in order to avoid impairing the proper function of the
system:
•Regularly clean the camera's field of view, and keep it free from snow and ice.
•Do not cover the camera's field of view.
•Regularly check the area of the windscreen that is in the camera's field of view for
damage.
NOTICE

Troubleshooting
Washer fluid level too low. Fill up the washer fluid reservoir as soon as possible ⇒ Washer 
fluid.Fault in the rain/light sensor. Switch the ignition on and off. If the indicator lamp still lights
up permanently after you switch the ignition back on, seek expert assistance.Fault in
windscreen wipers. Switch the ignition on and off. If the indicator lamp still lights up permanently
after you switch the ignition back on, seek expert assistance.
Changes in the response of the rain/light sensor
Possible causes for faults and misinterpretations relating to the sensitive surface of the rain/light
sensor ⇒ Vehicle overviews include:
•Damaged wiper blades: a film of water or smears caused by damaged wiper blades can
increase the time the wipers are switched on, can shorten the length of the intervals between
wipes or cause the wipers to run quickly and continuously.
•Insects: insects hitting the windscreen surface can cause the wipers to be activated.
•Salt deposits: in winter, salt deposits on the windscreen can cause the wipers to continue to
wipe the windscreen when it is almost dry.
•Soiling: dry dust, wax, windscreen coatings (lotus effectyfRUGHWHUJHQWGHSRVLWVIURPDQ
automatic car washyfFDQFDXVHWKHUDLQOLJKWVHQVRUWREHFRPHOHVVVHQVLWLYHDQGUHDFWWRR
slowly, or prevent it from reacting at all. Clean the sensitive surface of the rain/light sensor
⇒ Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior at regular intervals and inspect the wiper blades
for damage.
•Crack in the windscreen: a wipe cycle will be triggered if the rain/light sensor is on when the
windscreen is impacted by a stone. The rain/light sensor will then register the reduction in
sensitivity of the surfaces and adjust accordingly. The size of the crack can affect the way in
which the rain/light sensor activates the wipers.
We recommend that you use an alcohol-based glass cleaner to remove wax and polish.
The wipers will try to wipe away any obstacles that are on the windscreen. The wipers will
stop moving if the obstacle blocks their path. Remove the obstacle and switch the wipers back on
again.
Mirrors
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Interior mirror
⇒ Exterior mirrors
You can use the exterior mirrors and the interior mirror to observe traffic behind you and adjust
driving style accordingly.
For safety reasons it is important that the driver positions the exterior and interior mirrors correctly
before starting a journey ⇒.
Looking in the exterior mirrors and the interior mirror does not allow the driver to see the entire side
and rear area of the vehicle. The area that cannot be seen is known as the blind spot. There may
be objects and other road users in the blind spot.
Adjusting the exterior and interior mirrors while driving may cause the driver to become
distracted. This can lead to accidents and serious injuries.
•Exterior and interior mirrors should only be adjusted when the vehicle is stationary.
•When parking, changing lane, or performing an overtaking or turning manoeuvre,
always pay careful attention to the area around the vehicle as objects and other road
users may be located in the blind spot.
•Always ensure that the mirrors are positioned correctly and that the rear view is not
restricted by ice, snow, condensation or any other objects.
WARNING
If you estimate the distance from traffic behind you incorrectly, you can cause accidents
and serious injuries.
•Curved mirrors (convex or asphericyfHQODUJHWKHILHOGRIYLVLRQDQGFDQPDNHREMHFWVLQ
the mirror seem smaller and further away than they actually are.
•Using curved mirrors to estimate the distance from other vehicles behind you when
changing lanes can provide inaccurate results and can lead to accidents and severe
injuries.
•Whenever possible, use the interior mirror to check the exact distance between your
vehicle and following traffic or other objects.
•Ensure that you have a good view to the rear of the vehicle.
WARNING