2020 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN Distance

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

Volkswagen recommends having the towing bracket retrofitted by a qualified workshop. The cooling
system may need to be modified or heat shields may need to be fitted. Volkswagen recommends
using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Dimensions
The dimensions ⇒ Fig. 194 must be adhered to for the retro-fitting of a towing bracket. Always
observe the minimum distance given from the middle of the ball coupling Ⓕ to the surface of the
road. This also applies when the vehicle is fully laden, including maximum drawbar load.
Attachment points
989 mm
595 mm
348 mm
At least 65 mm
350 – 420 mm
1,061 – 1,066 mm
Only use towing brackets which have been approved by Volkswagen for your vehicle type.
Troubleshooting
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The ball head on the towing bracket is not locked. Check towing bracket lock ⇒ Electrically 
adjustable ball coupling.
Fuel and emission control
Electrical accessories that are not connected properly can cause malfunctions in the
entire vehicle electronics system and also cause accidents and serious injuries.
•Never connect the trailer's electrical system directly to the electrical connections of the
tail lights or to other unsuitable sources of electricity. Only a suitable connector may
be used to connect the trailer.
•A towing bracket should be retrofitted to the vehicle by a qualified workshop.
WARNING
The trailer can become detached from the towing vehicle if the towing bracket is
unsuitable or incorrectly fitted. This can cause serious accidents and fatal injuries.
WARNING

Emission control with AdBlue
Fig. 197 Behind the tank flap: tank cap for AdBlue.
Fig. 198 Behind the tank flap: refilling AdBlue with the refill bottle or nozzle.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Key for ⇒ Fig. 197 and ⇒ Fig. 198:
Tank filler neck cap.
Refill bottle.
Filler nozzle.
AdBlue is a registered trademark and is also known as AUS32 or DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluidyf.
The AdBlue consumption figures depend on the driving style, the operating temperature and the
ambient temperature. The remaining range and refill quantity can be checked on the instrument
cluster display.
The AdBlue tank must never run empty. As of a remaining distance of approximately 2,400 km,
the instrument cluster display will indicate that the AdBlue must be refilled ⇒ Troubleshooting.
Preparing to refill
•Stop vehicle on a level surface.
•Switch off the ignition.
•Only use AdBlue that complies with the standard ISO 22241-1 ⇒.
Opening the tank filler neck
•Open the tank flap.
Engine emissions contain carbon monoxide that can cause people to lose consciousness
and can also cause death.
•Never start or run the engine in closed spaces.
•Never leave the engine running if you leave the vehicle unattended.
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system become very hot. This can cause fires.
•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.
•Never apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the exhaust pipes,
catalytic converters, particulate filter or heat shields.
WARNING
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•Only refuel with fuels that are suitable for the vehicle ⇒ Fuel types and refuelling.
•Do not allow the fuel tank to run completely empty.
•Use only suitable engine oil for the vehicle and do not overfill ⇒ Engine oil.
•Do not tow start the vehicle. Use jump leads ⇒ Jump starting.
Periodic regeneration
The soot in the particulate filter is burnt off at high temperatures on a periodic basis.
To assist the regeneration of the particulate filter, Volkswagen recommends that you avoid making
only short journeys.
Noises, slight smells and increased engine speeds may occur during regeneration. The radiator fan
may run on while the vehicle is moving or when the engine has been switched off.
During the periodic regeneration process, the yellow indicator lamp does not light
up.
Troubleshooting
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Irregular engine running and malfunctions
If the engine shows signs of irregular running or malfunctions while you are driving, this may mean
that the fuel is of poor quality. Reduce speed immediately. Drive to nearest qualified workshop at
medium engine speeds and low loads on the engine.
If these symptoms occur directly after refuelling, switch off the engine immediately to avoid any
subsequent damage. You should obtain professional assistance.
Warning and indicator lamps
Lights up together with the red warning lamp : fault in the selective catalytic reduction
system. The engine cannot be restarted! Drive straight to a qualified workshop without switching
off the engine and have the system checked ⇒.AdBlue level too low. The engine cannot
be restarted! Switch off the vehicle and refill the AdBlue minimum quantity according to
⇒ Emission control with AdBlue⇒.Lights up together with the yellow warning lamp
: the selective catalytic reduction system is faulty or not filled with standard-compliant
AdBlue. Drive immediately to a qualified workshop and have the system checked.AdBlue
level too low. Refill AdBlue within the displayed remaining range in accordance with ⇒ Emission 
control with AdBlue⇒.The particulate filter is saturated with soot and requires
regeneration. Driving at speeds between 50 - 120 km/h (31 - 75 mphyfZLOOVXSSRUWUHJHQHUDWLRQ
Observe the relevant speed limits and the gear recommendation. The indicator lamp goes out
automatically when the particulate filter has been regenerated. If the indicator lamp is still lit up after
driving for around 30 minutes, seek expert assistance immediately.Lit up: malfunction. Have
the engine checked by a qualified workshop.Flashing: misfiring, which damages the catalytic
converter. Drive immediately to the nearest qualified workshop and have the engine checked.
There may be engine faults and fuel consumption may be higher if the indicator lamps are lit
up or flashing.
Colour display only on an instrument cluster with colour display.
Fuel standards
Petrol
Vehicles with a petrol engine must be run on petrol in compliance with the European standard
EN 228 or the German standard DIN 51626-1 ⇒.
Where petrol complying with the specified standard is not available, Volkswagen dealerships will
have information on what fuels are suitable for the vehicle.
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If the AdBlue level is too low, the vehicle cannot be restarted after the ignition has been
switched off. Starting with jump leads is also not possible.
•Refill AdBlue at the latest when the remaining distance reaches approximately
1,000 km.
•Never allow the AdBlue tank to run empty.
NOTICE
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Park the vehicle on a firm and level surface at a safe distance from the flow of traffic.
Switch on the electronic parking brake Electronic parking brake.
Turn the light switch to position 0 Lights.
Move the turn signal lever to neutral position Lights.
Move the automatic gearbox selector lever to position P DSG® dual clutch gearbox.
Switch off the ignition and remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock Starting and
stopping the engine.
Manual gearbox: select a gear Manual gearbox: selecting a gear.
Switch off the orientation lighting Lights.
Leave the defective bulbs to cool down.
You can change the following bulbs yourself:
•Bulbs in the halogen headlight: dipped beam, main beam, daytime running light, side light, turn
signal.
•Bulbs in front bumper: fog lights, static cornering light.
•Bulbs in the tail light clusters: rear turn signal, if it does not feature LED technology (depending
on vehicle equipment levelyf.
All other bulbs and lamps in the vehicle should always be changed by an expert.
Additional bulb specifications
Some bulbs in headlights or in tail light clusters might have factory specifications that are different
to standard bulbs. The designation is inscribed on the bulb, either on the glass part or on the base.
LED bulbs on the vehicle
•Brake light, rear fog light, tail light, turn signal and reversing light in the tail light clusters.
•Dipped beam, main beam, daytime running lights, static cornering light, side lights and turn
signal.
•Number plate light.
Owners cannot replace the LEDs themselves. If some LEDs fail, this may be an indication that
more elements are on the point of failure. If this happens, have the bulbs checked and replaced if
necessary at a qualified workshop.
Checklist Information on changing bulbs
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Checklist
Always carry out the following actions for changing a bulb in the given order ⇒:
Accidents can occur if roads are not sufficiently illuminated and other road users have
difficulty seeing the vehicle, or cannot see it at all.
WARNING
Changing the bulb incorrectly can cause accidents and serious injuries.
•When working in the engine compartment, always read and observe the safety
warnings ⇒ In the engine compartment. The engine compartment of any motor vehicle
is a dangerous area. Serious injuries can be sustained here.
•H7/H15 bulbs are pressurised and could explode when they are being changed.
•Only change the defective bulb once it has had time to cool down completely.
•Never change a bulb unless you are familiar with the procedure. If you are uncertain of
what to do, the work should be carried out by a qualified workshop.
•Do not touch the glass part of the bulb with unprotected fingers. When the light is
switched on, heat will cause fingerprints to evaporate on the bulb, which in turn will
cause the reflector to dim.
•There are sharp-edged parts in the headlight housing in the engine compartment and
on the tail light cluster housing. Protect your hands when changing bulbs.
WARNING
Damage to the electrical system can be caused by water entering the system if the rubber
covers or plastic caps on the headlight housing are not properly mounted after a bulb has
been changed.
NOTICE

Notes on tow-starting and towing
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Tow rope, tow bar
It is easier and safer to tow a vehicle with a tow bar. Only use a tow rope if you do not have a tow
bar.
The tow rope should be slightly elastic to reduce the strain on both vehicles. It is advisable to use a
tow rope made of synthetic fibre or similarly elastic material.
Only attach the tow rope or tow bar to the specially provided towing eyes or to the towing bracket.
Vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket must only use tow bars that are specially designed
to fit a ball head ⇒ Trailer towing.
Tow-starting
Vehicles should not be tow-started wherever possible. Instead have the vehicle jump-started
⇒ Jump starting or collected by a recovery vehicle.
However, if the vehicle still has to be tow-started:
•Engage second or third gear.
•Keep the clutch pressed down.
•Switch on the ignition and the hazard warning lights.
•Once both vehicles are in motion, release the clutch.
•As soon as the engine starts, press the clutch and put the gear into neutral. This helps to
prevent driving into the towing vehicle.
When should your vehicle not be towed?
•The vehicle gearbox is damaged or does not contain any lubricant.
•The 12-volt vehicle battery is discharged. The steering system is still locked and the electronic
parking brake and electronic steering column lock, if applied, cannot be released.
•The distance to be towed is further than 50 km.
Never tow a vehicle that has no power supply.
•Never remove the vehicle key from the ignition or switch off the ignition using the
starter button during towing. This could cause the mechanical steering column lock
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longer be able to steer the vehicle. This can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle,
accidents and serious injuries.
•If the power supply to the towed vehicle is disconnected, stop towing immediately and
seek expert assistance.
WARNING
If a vehicle is being towed, the vehicle handling and braking effect will change
significantly. Please note the following in order to reduce the risk of an accident or serious
injuries:
•Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle:
- You will need to depress the brake pedal more vigorously than normal as the
brake servo is not working. Always be careful not to drive into the vehicle that is
pulling your vehicle.
- You will need to turn the steering wheel more vigorously as the power-assisted
steering function is not working.
•Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
- Accelerate carefully and gently.
- Avoid sudden braking and driving manoeuvres.
- Brake earlier than normal by pressing lightly on the brake pedal.
WARNING
•Remove and install the cover and the towing eye carefully so as to avoid damage to the
vehicle, e.g. the paintwork.
•Unburnt fuel can enter the catalytic converter and damage it while the vehicle is being
towed.
NOTICE

The use of engine oils compliant with the VW 504 00, VW 507 00 and VW 508 00 specifications
requires a fuel quality compliant with EN 228 (petrolyfDQG(1GLHVHO\f, or fuel of an equivalent
quality. Engine oils compliant with VW 504 00, VW 507 00 and VW 508 00 are therefore
unsuitable for use in a large number of markets.
If the engine has been filled with engine oil in accordance with the standards W 502 00, VW 504 00
and VW 507 00, a sticker with the relevant information will be located on the lock carrier in the
engine compartment. Observe this information!
Permitted engine oil specifications ⇒Alternative engine 
oil 
specifications⇒
Engine typeFlexible
service QI6
(LongLifeyf
Fixed service QI1,
QI2, QI3, QI4, QI7
(based on
time/distance
travelledyf
Only in the EU, 
Switzerland, 
Norway, Japan 
and Australia.
Petrol engines
VW 508 00
Alternatively:
VW 504 00
VW 502 00VW 504 00
Diesel engines with
diesel particulate
filter
VW 507 00VW 507 00–
Diesel engines
without diesel
particulate filter
VW 507 00VW 505 01VW 507 00
Volkswagen recommends . Volkswagen recommends Volkswagen genuine engine
oils.
Alternative engine oil specifications may only be used in fixed services QI1, QI2, QI3, QI4 and
QI7, and only when fuel of a quality compliant with EN 228 (petrolyfDQG(1GLHVHO\f, or fuel of
an equivalent quality, is available in the particular country.
The engine oil VW 502 00 must be used if the fuel grade does not comply with EN 228.
Using VW 504 00 instead of VW 508 00 may cause the vehicle's emissions values to increase
slightly.
You can also check with a qualified workshop if you are unsure whether your vehicle is equipped
with a diesel particulate filter. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this
purpose.
Changing the engine oil
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The engine oil must be changed on a regular basis. Always observe the service intervals applicable
for your vehicle ⇒ Service.
The engine oil and filter change should be carried out by a qualified workshop due to the special
tools and knowledge required, this also applies to the disposal of used oil. Volkswagen
recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Please read the notes on the service intervals ⇒ Service.
Additives in the engine oil can cause new engine oil to discolour quickly. This is normal and does
not mean that the engine oil should be changed more frequently.
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•Do not add any additional lubricants to the engine oil. Any damage caused by the use
of such additives is not covered by the warranty.
•Only those engine oil specifications that have been approved for use with the engine
should be used. Using other engine oils can cause engine damage.
•Another engine oil can be used in the event of an emergency if the listed engine oils are
not available. To avoid damaging the engine, a maximum quantity of 0.5 litres of the
following engine oil may be used only once until the next oil change:
- Petrol engines: standards ACEAA3/B4 or API SN (API SMyf.
- Diesel engines: standards ACEA C3 or API CJ-4.
NOTICE
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Fig. 231 In the engine compartment: cap on the brake fluid container.
Brake fluid will gradually absorb water from the surrounding air. The brake system will be damaged
if there is too much water in the brake fluid. The boiling point of the brake fluid is also considerably
reduced by the water content. Heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock in the brake
system if the water content is too high. Vapour locks reduce levels of braking power, considerably
increase braking distance and can even cause the brake system to fail completely. Your own safety
and that of other road users depends on having a brake system that functions properly at all times
⇒.
Brake fluid specification
Volkswagen has developed a brake fluid that has been optimised for the brake system in the
vehicle. To ensure optimal operation of the brake system, Volkswagen expressly recommends the
use of brake fluid compliant with VW standard 501 14.
Before using a particular brake fluid, check that the specifications printed on the container
correspond to the vehicle requirements.
Brake fluid that is compliant with VW standard 501 14 is available from Volkswagen dealerships.
If this brake fluid is not available and it is necessary to use another high-quality brake fluid instead,
brake fluid that is compliant with DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 or US standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 can
be used.
Not all brake fluids that are compliant with DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 or US standard FMVSS 116
DOT 4 have the same chemical composition. Some of these brake fluids may contain chemicals
that can damage or destroy brake system components over time.
Volkswagen therefore recommends the use of brake fluid that is compliant with
VW standard 501 14 to ensure sustained optimal operation of the brake system.
Brake fluid that is compliant with VW standard 501 14 fulfils the requirements of DIN ISO 4925
CLASS 4 or US standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4.
Brake fluid level
Brake fluid level is too low. Do not drive on! Check the brake fluid level.
The brake fluid level must always be between the MIN and MAX marking on the brake fluid
reservoir or above the MIN marking ⇒.
The brake fluid level cannot be checked accurately in all models as engine components may
partially conceal the brake fluid container. If the brake fluid level cannot be read exactly, please go
to a qualified workshop.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used as the brake pads wear and the
brakes are automatically adjusted.
Changing the brake fluid
The brake fluid should be changed by a qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a
Volkswagen dealership for this purpose. Only brake fluid that conforms with the required
specification should be used.