2021 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN warning light

When the boot lid ⇒ Boot lid is opened and closed, the luggage compartment cover is also raised
and lowered if the straps are attached.
Light items of clothing can be placed on the luggage compartment cover. Please ensure that the
view to the rear of the vehicle is not obstructed.
Removing the luggage compartment cover
•Unhook the retaining straps from the boot lid ⇒ Fig. 181 (upper arrowsyf.
•Pull the luggage compartment cover out of the side retainers ⇒ Fig. 181 (lower arrowsyf.
Fitting the luggage compartment cover
•Push the luggage compartment cover into the side retainers ⇒ Fig. 181 (lower arrowsyf.
•Hook the retaining straps to the boot lid ⇒ Fig. 181 (upper arrowsyf.
Stowing the luggage compartment cover
•Depending on the equipment level, the removed luggage compartment cover can be stowed
under the variable luggage compartment floor ⇒ Luggage compartment floor.
Luggage compartment floor
Variable luggage compartment floor
Fig. 182 In the luggage compartment: raising the luggage compartment floor.
Fig. 183 In the luggage compartment: adjusting the height of the luggage compartment floor.
Opening the luggage compartment floor
•Lift the recessed handle in the luggage compartment floor ⇒ Fig. 182 and fold the floor
upwards in the direction of the arrow until it is held in position by the side restraints (zoomed inyf
⇒ Fig. 182.
Closing the luggage compartment floor
•Guide the luggage compartment floor downwards into position ⇒.
Adjusting the height of the luggage compartment floor
Depending on the equipment level, the luggage compartment floor is height-adjustable.
Objects that are not secured or are secured incorrectly, or animals on the luggage
compartment cover, could cause serious injuries in any sudden driving or braking
manoeuvre or accident.
•Do not stow any hard, heavy or sharp items either loose or in bags on the luggage
compartment cover.
•Never transport pets on the luggage compartment cover.
WARNING
To prevent damage to the luggage compartment cover, do not load it to such a height that
the load will press against the luggage compartment cover when the boot lid is closed.
NOTICE

The maximum load rating of the fastening rings is approximately 3.5 kN.
Suitable lashing, retaining or securing straps and luggage securing systems are available
from qualified workshops. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this
purpose.
Luggage net
Fig. 188 In the luggage compartment: luggage net fitted flat.
The luggage net can help to prevent light items of luggage from sliding around in the luggage
compartment. The luggage net also has a built-in pocket with a zip that can hold smaller items.
Attaching the luggage net flat on the luggage compartment floor
•Hook the luggage net hooks into the front fastening rings ⇒ Fig. 188⇒. The luggage net zip
must face upwards.
•Attach the hooks on the other end of the luggage net to the fastening rings under the load sill
⇒ Fig. 188.
Some fastening rings have to be folded out before they can be used ⇒ Fastening rings.
Removing the luggage net
When fitted, the luggage net is held taut ⇒.
•Unhook the hooks and loops of the luggage net.
•Store the luggage net in the luggage compartment.
Bag hook
Unsuitable or damaged securing straps could rip in the event of a braking manoeuvre or
accident. This could cause objects to be flung through the vehicle interior and lead to
severe or fatal injuries.
•Always use suitable and undamaged securing straps.
•Pull lashing, retaining and securing straps taut crosswise over the cargo on the
luggage compartment floor and attach securely to the fastening rings.
•Never exceed the maximum load rating of the fastening rings when securing objects.
•Make sure that the upper edge of the load is higher than the fastening rings,
particularly when stowing flat objects.
•Depending on the vehicle equipment, observe the signs about stowing loads that are
attached in the luggage compartment.
•Never secure a child seat to the fastening rings.
WARNING
The elastic luggage net must be stretched when it is secured to the fastening rings in the
luggage compartment. When fitted, the luggage net is held taut. The luggage net hooks
can cause injuries if the luggage net is installed or removed incorrectly.
•Always hold the luggage net hooks tightly to prevent them from falling out of the ring
during installation or removal.
•Protect your eyes and face to avoid injuries from any hooks that may spring out during
installation or removal.
•Always attach the luggage net hooks in the order described. There is a risk of injury if
one of the hooks on the luggage net snaps back.
WARNING

Fig. 189 In the luggage compartment: bag hook.
A bag hook may be located on the left and right-hand side of the luggage compartment ⇒ Fig. 189.
Load-through hatch
Fig. 190 In the rear seat backrest: opening the load-through hatch.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, a load-through hatch may be located behind the centre
armrest in the rear seat backrest. This can be used to transport long objects in the vehicle interior,
such as skis.
Opening the load-through hatch
•Press the release button ⇒ Fig. 190① and fold the load-through hatch forwards ⇒.
•Open the boot lid.
•Push the long objects through the load-through hatch from the luggage compartment.
•Secure the objects with the seat belt.
•Close the boot lid.
Closing the load-through hatch
•Fold back the load-through hatch and push it firmly into the lock until it clicks securely into
place. The red marking on the locking indicator ⇒ Fig. 190② should no longer be visible ⇒
.
Removeable lights
Never use the bag hook for lashing down items of luggage or other objects. The bag hook
could break off during a sudden braking manoeuvre or in the event of an accident.
WARNING
Do not load the bag hook with more than 2.5 kg.
NOTICE
Failure to pay attention when folding the load-through hatch forwards or backwards may
result in injuries.
•Never fold the load-through hatch forwards or backwards while the vehicle is in
motion.
•Ensure that the seat belt is not trapped or damaged when folding back the load-
through hatch.
•Always keep hands, fingers, feet and other body parts away from the seat area when
folding the load-through hatch forwards and backwards.
•The load-through hatch has not been secured properly if the red marking can still be
seen on the locking indicator. Always ensure that the red marking is never visible when
the load-through hatch is in the upright position.
•Passengers (children in particularyfPXVWQRWXVHWKLVVHDWLIWKHORDGWKURXJKKDWFKLV
folded forward or is not clicked securely into place.
WARNING

Driving with a trailer not only places an extra load on the vehicle, but also requires increased
concentration on the part of the driver.
Vehicles with start/stop system
If the connected trailer is not recognised, or when using towing brackets that were not retrofitted by
Volkswagen, the start/stop system must be deactivated manually using the button in the
centre console before starting to tow a trailer, and must remain switched off for as long as the trailer
is being towed ⇒.
Always switch off the anti-theft alarm before a trailer is hitched or unhitched or a bicycle
carrier is loaded or unloaded ⇒ Central and manual locking. The tilt sensor could otherwise trigger
an alarm unintentionally.
With a new engine, do not tow a trailer during the first 1,000 km ⇒ Running in the engine.
Some retro-fitted towing brackets may cover the aperture for fitting the towing eye. If so, the
towing eye cannot be used for towing or tow-starting other vehicles. For this reason, the retro-fitted
towing bracket ball head should be stored in the vehicle at all times.
It is dangerous to transport people in a trailer and it may also be illegal.
DANGER
Improper use of the towing bracket can lead to a loss of vehicle control, accidents and
serious injuries.
•Only use the towing bracket if it is fitted properly and is not damaged.
•Do not carry out any alterations or repairs to the towing bracket.
•Wherever possible, swivel in or remove the ball head when a trailer is not being used in
order to reduce the risk of injury in rear-end collisions, and the risk of injury to
pedestrians and cyclists when the vehicle is parked.
•Never install a weight-distributing or load-balancing towing bracket to the vehicle. The
vehicle is not constructed for these kinds of towing brackets. The towing bracket can
fail, causing the trailer to tear loose from the vehicle.
WARNING
Towing a trailer and transporting heavy or bulky items can change the vehicle handling,
increase the braking distance and lead to accidents.
•Always secure loads properly using suitable and undamaged securing straps.
•Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions. Reduce your speed, particularly when going downhill.
•Trailers with a high centre of gravity are more likely to tip over than trailers with a low
centre of gravity.
•Always drive carefully and think ahead. 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 drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mphyfZKHQWRZLQJDWUDLOHUDOVRNPKPSK\f
in exceptional cases. This also applies to countries where higher speeds are permitted.
Keep to country-specific speed limits which may be lower for vehicles with trailers than
for vehicles without trailers.
•Never try to stop a trailer from snaking by increasing your speed.
•Never install a weight-distributing or load-balancing towing bracket on the vehicle.
WARNING
The start/stop system must always be switched off manually when towing a trailer using
towing brackets that have not been retrofitted by Volkswagen. Otherwise faults can occur
in the brake system, possibly resulting in accidents and serious injuries.
WARNING
Observe the instructions and information relating to vehicles with N1 approval
⇒ Information about vehicles with N1 approval (light commercial vehicleyf.
NOTICE

Technical requirements
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Engine cooling system
There is an increased load on the engine and the engine cooling system when trailer towing. The
engine cooling system must contain sufficient engine coolant and be able to cope with the extra
load added by the trailer.
Trailer brake
If the trailer is equipped with its own brake system, comply with the relevant regulations.
Trailer tail light clusters
The trailer tail light clusters must work correctly and meet legal requirements. Do not exceed the
maximum power consumption for the trailer.
Exterior mirrors
If you are unable to see the traffic behind the trailer in the vehicle's standard exterior mirrors,
additional exterior mirrors should be fitted in accordance with any country-specific regulations.
Before setting off, adjust the mirrors so that you have a sufficient view of the rear.
Retrofitting a towing bracket
Only use a towing bracket which has been approved by Volkswagen for your vehicle type. Always
check and follow the data provided by the towing bracket manufacturer.
Maximum power consumption of the trailer's electrical consumers
Never exceed the specified values.
Europe, Asia, Africa, South and Central America
All brake lights84 watts
Turn signal per side42 watts
All side lights100 watts
All tail lights42 watts
Rear fog light42 watts
Australia
All brake lights108 watts
Turn signal per side54 watts
All side lights100 watts
All tail lights54 watts
Rear fog light54 watts
Towing a trailer places additional demands on the vehicle. Volkswagen recommends
additional services between the normal inspection intervals if the vehicle is used frequently for
towing a trailer.
Electrically adjustable ball coupling
If the towing bracket is unsuitable or incorrectly fitted, the trailer could become detached
from the towing vehicle. This can cause serious accidents and fatal injuries.
•Never fit a towing bracket to the rear bumper or to its fastenings. The towing bracket
must not prevent the rear bumper from functioning correctly.
•Do not carry out any alterations to the exhaust or brake systems.
WARNING
•The vehicle electronics may be damaged if the trailer's power consumption is too high.
•Never connect the trailer's electrical system directly to the electrical connections of the
tail lights or to other sources of electricity. Only use suitable connectors to provide
power to the trailer.
NOTICE

Fig. 192 On the right of the luggage compartment: button for releasing the ball coupling.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The towing bracket coupling ball is located in the bumper. The electrically adjustable ball couple is
swivelled out mechanically and cannot be removed.
Releasing and swivelling out ball head
•Bring the vehicle to a standstill and apply the electronic parking brake ⇒ Electronic parking 
brake.
•Switch off the engine.
•Open the boot lid.
•Briefly pull the button ⇒ Fig. 192 on the right-hand side of the luggage compartment. The ball
head is released electrically and folds out automatically. The indicator lamp in the button
flashes.
•Continue rotating the ball head until you hear and feel it click into place and the indicator lamp
in the button lights up continuously.
•Close the boot lid.
Swivelling in the ball head
•Bring the vehicle to a standstill and apply the electronic parking brake ⇒ Electronic parking 
brake.
•Switch off the engine.
•Uncouple the trailer and disconnect the electrical connection between the vehicle and the
trailer. If fitted, remove the adapter from the trailer socket.
•Open the boot lid.
•Briefly pull the button ⇒ Fig. 192 on the right-hand side of the luggage compartment. The ball
head is electrically unlocked.
•Swivel the ball head under the bumper until you hear and feel it click into place and the indicator
lamp in the button lights up continuously.
•Close the boot lid.
Meaning of indicator lamp in the button
•If the indicator lamp in the button ⇒ Fig. 192 is lit up permanently when the boot lid is open, the
ball head is correctly engaged in the extended or retracted position.
•If the indicator lamp in the button flashes, the ball head has either not clicked into place properly
or it is damaged ⇒.
•The indicator lamp in the button goes out approximately one minute after the luggage
compartment is closed.
Improper use of the towing bracket can cause injury and accidents.
•Only use the ball head if it has clicked into place properly.
•Ensure that no people, animals or items are in the path of the ball head.
•Never interrupt the ball head, for example with tools, when it is swivelling.
•Never press the button ⇒ Fig. 192 if a trailer is attached or if a luggage rack or other
accessories are fitted to the ball head.
•If the ball coupling does not engage properly or there is a fault in the electrical system
or the towing bracket itself, do not use the towing bracket and have it checked by an
authorised workshop.
•Never use the towing bracket if the diameter of the ball is below 49 mm at the smallest
point.
WARNING
Do not aim a high-pressure cleaner or steam cleaner directly at the mechanically
positioned ball coupling or the fitted trailer socket. Seals could be damaged or the grease
required for lubrication could be washed off.
NOTICE

At extremely low outside temperatures, the electric ball head might not rotate. If this
happens, it is sufficient to place the vehicle in a warmer room, e.g. a garage.
Fitting a bicycle carrier on the swivelling ball head
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Mount the bicycle carrier in accordance with the manufacturer's assembly instructions.
Only carrier systems which can hold a maximum of three bicycles may be used ⇒. Position
heavy bicycles as close to the vehicle (ball headyfDVSRVVLEOH.
Maximum carrying load
The maximum permitted load (carrier system including loadyfRQWKHEDOOFRXSOLQJLV 75 kg at a
distance of 300 mm. This distance refers to the gap between the centre of gravity of the bicycle
carrier and the middle of the ball head.
Volkswagen recommends that you remove all add-on parts from the bicycles before setting
off. This includes for example bicycle bags and baskets, child seats or batteries. This helps improve
the carrier system's wind load and centre of gravity.
Notes on towing a trailer
Fig. 193 Pin assignment for the trailer socket (illustrationyf.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Pin assignment for the trailer socket ⇒ Fig. 193:
Left turn signal
Rear fog light
Earth for pins 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Right turn signal
Rear light, right
Brake light
Incorrect use of the towing bracket with a bicycle carrier fitted to the ball head could
cause injuries and accidents.
•Never exceed the specified load and overhang.
•Do not attach a bicycle carrier underneath the ball head on the neck of the ball head.
The shape of the ball head neck and the design of the bicycle carrier could result in the
bicycle carrier becoming misaligned with the vehicle.
•Read and observe the assembly instructions provided by the bicycle carrier
manufacturer.
WARNING
Considerable vehicle damage could occur if the maximum permitted payload or overhang
is exceeded.
•Never exceed the specified values.
NOTICE

Rear light, left
Reversing light
Permanent positive
Permanent positive
Earth for pin 10
Not assigned
Earth for pin 9
Trailer socket
A 13-pin trailer socket makes the electrical connection between the towing vehicle and the trailer.
When the vehicle detects a trailer through the electrics, the consumers in the trailer are supplied
with electrical current via the electrical connection (pins 9 and 10yf3LQLVDVVLJQHGDVWKH
permanent live, enabling operation of e.g. interior trailer lighting.
Electrical consumers such as a caravan refrigerator are supplied with power only when the engine
is running (pin 10yf.
To avoid overloading the electrical system, do not inter-connect the three earth wires (pins 3, 11
and 13yf.
If the trailer has a 7-pin plug you will need to use a suitable adapter cable. Pin 10 is then without
function.
If you are uncertain whether the electrical connection of the trailer with the vehicle is correct, please
contact a qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this
purpose.
Connection to the anti-theft alarm
The trailer is integrated in the anti-theft system if the following conditions are fulfilled:
•When the vehicle has a factory-fitted anti-theft alarm and a factory-fitted towing bracket.
•When the trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle via the trailer socket.
•When the vehicle and trailer electric systems are functional, fault-free and undamaged.
•When the vehicle is locked with the vehicle key and the anti-theft alarm is active.
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm will be triggered as soon as the electrical connection to the
trailer is interrupted.
Connection to the anti-theft alarm (trailer with LED tail light clustersyf
For technical reasons, trailers with LED tail lights cannot be integrated into the anti-theft alarm
system.
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is not triggered as soon as the electrical connection to the
trailer with LED rear lights is interrupted.
Any electrical accessories which are not connected properly could cause a power surge to
the trailer. This could lead to malfunctions in the entire vehicle electronics system and
could also cause accidents and serious injuries.
•All work on the electrical system should only be carried out by a qualified workshop.
•Never connect the trailer's electrical system directly to the electrical connections of the
towing vehicle's tail light clusters or to other power sources.
WARNING
Contact between the pins in the trailer socket can lead to short circuits, overloading of the
electrical system and failure of the lighting system, thereby causing accidents and serious
injuries.
•Never connect the pins in the trailer socket to one another.
•Have bent pins repaired by a qualified workshop.
WARNING
If you park the trailer using the support wheel or other trailer supports, disconnect the
trailer from the vehicle. The vehicle could rock up and down if the load changes or if there
is damage to the tyres, for example. If this happens, a great deal of force will be exerted on
the towing bracket and trailer, which could lead to damage to the vehicle and trailer.
NOTICE