2021 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN steering

Check the system settings after charging or replacing the 12-volt vehicle battery. System
settings may be adjusted or deleted if the power supply is interrupted.
Operating using the wiper lever
Fig. 24 On the right of the steering column: buttons on the wiper lever (illustrationyf.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
If any priority 1 ⇒ Instrument cluster warnings are displayed, you will be unable to open any
menus. Some warnings can be confirmed and hidden with the ⇒ Fig. 24① button.
Selecting a menu or information display
•Switch on the ignition.
•Personalisation: select user.
•If a message or vehicle pictogram is displayed, press the ⇒ Fig. 24① button, several times if
necessary.
•To display the menus ⇒ Instrument cluster menus or to return from a menu or an information
display to the menu selection, hold down the rocker switch ⇒ Fig. 24②.
•To browse through the menus, press the rocker switch up or down.
•To open the displayed menu or information display, press the ⇒ Fig. 24① button or wait until
the menu or information display opens automatically after a few seconds.
Making settings in menus
•In the displayed menu, press the rocker switch ⇒ Fig. 24② up or down until the desired menu
option is marked. A frame appears around the selected option.
•Press button ⇒ Fig. 24① to make the necessary change. A tick indicates that the particular
system or function is active.
Returning to the selection menu
Select the menu option Back in each case to leave the current menu.
If warning messages about malfunctions are displayed when the ignition is switched on, it
may not be possible to adjust some settings as described, or the information display may appear
differently. If this is the case, take the vehicle to a qualified workshop to have the malfunction
rectified.
Operating using the multifunction steering wheel
Fig. 25 Right-hand side of the multifunction steering wheel: controls for using the menus and
information displays in the instrument cluster.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Accidents and injuries can occur if the driver is distracted.
•Never operate the menus on the instrument cluster display while the vehicle is in
motion.
WARNING

If any priority 1 ⇒ Instrument cluster warning reports are being displayed, you will be unable to
open any menus. Some warnings can be confirmed and switched off with the button on the
multifunction steering wheel ⇒ Fig. 25.
Selecting a menu or information display
•Switch on the ignition.
•Personalisation: select user.
•If a message or the vehicle pictogram is displayed, press the button ⇒ Fig. 25, several
times if required.
•Press the or button to display a menu or browse through a menu ⇒ Fig. 25.
•To open the menu or information display, press ⇒ Fig. 25 or wait until the menu or
information display opens automatically after a few seconds.
Making settings in menus
•In the displayed menu, press the arrow keys or ⇒ Fig. 25 until the desired menu
option is marked. A frame appears around the selected option.
•Press button ⇒ Fig. 25 to make the necessary change. A tick indicates that the
particular system or function is active.
Returning to the selection menu
Press the or button ⇒ Fig. 25.
If warning messages about malfunctions are displayed when the ignition is switched on, it
may not be possible to adjust some settings as described, or the information display may appear
differently. If this is the case, take the vehicle to a qualified workshop to have the malfunction
rectified.
Button for driver assist systems
Fig. 26 On the turn signal and main beam lever on the left of the steering column: button for driver
assist systems.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
You can switch the driver assist systems listed in the Assist systems menu ⇒ Instrument cluster
on and off using the button on the turn signal and main beam lever.
Switching individual driver assist systems on and off
•Press the button ⇒ Fig. 26 in the direction of the arrow to open the Assist systems menu.
•Select the driver assist system and switch it on or off ⇒ Instrument cluster operation. A tick
indicates that a driver assist system is switched on.
•Then confirm your selection by pressing the button on the wiper lever, or by
pressing the button on the multifunction steering wheel.
Driver assist systems can also be switched on and off in the Infotainment system by pressing the
button and the Vehicle, and Driver assistance function buttons
⇒ Operation and display in the Infotainment system.
Additional displays and display options
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Assist systems menu:
MenuFunction
Lane AssistSwitching the lane keeping system (Lane AssistyfRQRURII
⇒ Lane keeping system (Lane Assistyf.
Front AssistSwitching the area monitoring system (Front AssistyfRQDQGRII
⇒ Area monitoring system (Front Assistyf.

Personalisation
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The personalisation function allows personalised vehicle settings, such as air conditioning system,
instrument cluster or lighting settings, to be saved in a user account. You have four user accounts
available. Users are identified using the vehicle key upon unlocking the vehicle. One user account
is assigned to each vehicle key.
Changes to the setup will be assigned to the active user account and saved upon locking the
vehicle or changing the user account.
Welcome and user account selection
When personalisation is activated, the name of the current user account appears on the instrument
cluster display for approximately ten seconds after you switch on the ignition.
During this time, you can select a user account using the buttons on the wiper lever or multifunction
steering wheel ⇒ Operation and display in the Infotainment system.
When you select a user account, the saved vehicle settings are activated.
User management and setup
When the ignition is switched on you can use the Personalisation menu in the Infotainment system
for user management and setup. Please proceed as follows to access the menu:
•Press the button or function button.
•Touch the Vehicle, function buttons and select Personalisation.
If the checkbox in the function button is ticked , the respective function is switched on.
MenuSubmenuSettings
PersonalisationActiveSwitch personalisation on and off.
Driver selection
Driver 1– Select a user account.
– Rename a user account (except Guest user
accountyf
– Copy the settings of the current user
account to another user account.
– Reset the stored settings of the selected
user account selected to the factory settings.
The user name and vehicle key assignment
will not be changed.
Driver 2
Driver 3
Driver Guest
Settings
Key assignment
Manual
A vehicle key is permanently assigned to a
user account.
Automatically
The vehicle key is automatically assigned to
the new, selected user account.
Assign key to current
user accountAssign a vehicle key to a user account.
Reset all
Reset the setups of all user accounts, user
account names and all vehicle key
assignments to default.
Switching user account
Select a user account in the Personalisation menu or in the Vehicle status menu.
•Press the button or function button.
•Press the Vehicle function button.
•Touch the function button and select the desired user account.
Manually assigning vehicle keys to user accounts
You can assign a vehicle key to the currently active user account. For this purpose, select Manual
key assignment.
•Touch the Settings function button.
•Select Personalisation.
•Touch the Assign key to current user account function button.
•Press the button on the vehicle key within five seconds ⇒ Vehicle key set.
Automatically assigning vehicle keys to user accounts
If you have selected Automatic key assignment, the following vehicle key is assigned to the user
account upon changing the user account:

Fig. 30 Illustration: correct distance between the driver and the steering wheel, correct seat belt
routing and correct head restraint adjustment.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The following details the correct sitting positions for the driver and passengers.
If any vehicle occupants cannot assume a correct sitting position due to their physical build, they
should contact a qualified workshop to find out about possible special modifications. The seat belts
and airbags can only provide a maximum level of protection if a correct sitting position is assumed.
Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Volkswagen recommends the following seating position for your own safety and to reduce the level
of injury in the event of a sudden braking manoeuvre or an accident:
The following applies to all vehicle occupants:
•Adjust the head restraint so that its upper edge is at the same height as the top of the head, but
not lower than eye level. Position the back of your head as close to the head restraint as
possible ⇒ Fig. 30.
•For small people, push the head restraint all the way down, even if the head is then located
underneath the top edge of the head restraint.
•For taller people, push the head restraint up as far as it will go.
•Keep both feet in the footwell while the vehicle is in motion.
•Adjust and fasten seat belts properly ⇒ Seat belts.
Additional points for the driver:
•In vehicles with head restraints that can be moved backwards and forwards, position the head
restraint as close as possible to the back of your head.
•Move the backrest into an upright position so that your back rests fully against it.
•Adjust the steering wheel so that the distance between the steering wheel and your breastbone
is at least 25 cm ⇒ Fig. 30Ⓐ, and the circumference of the steering wheel can be held at the
sides with both hands and your arms slightly bent ⇒ Steering wheel.
•The steering wheel must always point towards the breastbone and not towards the face.
•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 ⇒ Fig. 30Ⓑ.
•Adjust the height so that you can reach the highest point of the steering wheel.
•Always leave both feet in the footwell, to help ensure you maintain control of the vehicle at all
times.
Additional points for the front passenger:
•In vehicles with head restraints that can be moved backwards and forwards, position the head
restraint as close as possible to the back of your head.
•Move the backrest into an upright position so that your back rests fully against it.
•Push the front passenger seat as far back as possible so that the airbag can provide maximum
protection if it is deployed.
Seat belts
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Warning lamp
⇒ Frontal collisions and the laws of physics
⇒ What happens to vehicle occupants who have not fastened their seat belts
⇒ Seat belt protection
⇒ Using seat belts
⇒ Fastening and unfastening seat belts
⇒ Seat belt routing
⇒ Seat belt height adjuster
⇒ Belt retractor, belt tensioner, belt tension limiter
⇒ Service and disposal of belt tensioners
⇒ Proactive occupant protection system
Check the condition of all seat belts regularly. If the belt webbing, belt connections, belt retractor or
seat belt buckle become damaged, the seat belt in question should be replaced immediately by a
qualified workshop ⇒. The qualified workshop must use correct spare parts that are compatible
with the vehicle, equipment level and model year. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen
dealership for this purpose.

Fig. 35 An unbelted driver is thrown forwards.
Fig. 36 The unbelted rear passenger is thrown forwards, hitting the belted driver.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Many people believe that they can brace their weight with their hands in a minor collision. This is
not true.
Even at low speeds, the forces acting on the body in a collision are so great that it is not possible to
brace oneself with arms and hands. In a frontal collision, vehicle occupants who have not fastened
their seat belts will be thrown forward and will make unchecked contact with parts of the vehicle
interior, e.g. the steering wheel, dash panel, or windscreen ⇒ Fig. 35.
The airbag system is not a substitute for the seat belts. When triggered, the airbags only provide
additional protection. Airbags are not triggered in all kinds of accidents. Even if the vehicle is
equipped with an airbag system, all vehicle occupants, including the driver, must fasten their seat
belt and wear it correctly while the vehicle is in motion. This reduces the risk of severe or fatal
injuries in the event of an accident – regardless of whether an airbag is fitted for the seat.
Each airbag can only be triggered once. To achieve best possible protection, seat belts must
always be worn properly. This also ensures that protection is provided in accidents in which the
airbag is not triggered. Any vehicle occupants not wearing a seat belt can be thrown out of the
vehicle and sustain more severe or even fatal injuries as a result.
It is also important for the rear seat occupants to wear seat belts properly, as they could otherwise
be thrown forwards violently in an accident. Rear passengers who are not wearing seat belts
endanger not only themselves and the driver, but also other people in the vehicle ⇒ Fig. 36.
Seat belt protection
Fig. 37 Driver restrained by a properly positioned seat belt during a sudden braking manoeuvre.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Correctly fastened seat belts can make a major difference. When fastened properly, seat belts hold
the vehicle occupants in the correct sitting positions and considerably reduce the kinetic energy in
the event of an accident. Seat belts also help to prevent uncontrolled movements that could lead to
severe injuries. In addition, wearing seat belts properly reduces the risk of being thrown from the
vehicle ⇒ Fig. 37.
Passengers wearing seat belts correctly benefit greatly from the ability of the belts to reduce the
kinetic energy. The front crumple zones and other passive safety features (such as the airbag
systemyfDUHDOVRGHVLJQHGWRUHGXFHNLQHWLFHQHUJ\7KHDPRXQWRIHQHUJ\JHQHUDWHGZLOOWKXV
decrease, thereby reducing the risk of injury.
The examples describe frontal collisions. Of course, properly worn seat belts substantially reduce
the risk of injury in all other types of accidents. This is why seat belts must be fastened before every

Belt retractor, belt tensioner, belt tension limiter
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The seat belts in the vehicle are part of the vehicle safety concept ⇒ Airbag system and include the
following important functions:
Automatic belt retractor
Every seat belt is equipped with an automatic belt retractor on the shoulder part of the belt. Full
freedom of movement is made possible when the shoulder belt is pulled slowly or when the vehicle
is travelling at normal speeds. However, if the belt is pulled out quickly or during sudden braking,
during travel in mountains or bends and during acceleration, the automatic belt retractor is locked.
Fastened seat belts on the front seats may be tensioned automatically by the proactive occupant
protection system in critical situations, for example during emergency braking or as a result of
oversteering or understeering. Both seat belts are slackened if the accident does not happen, or
when the critical situation has passed. The proactive occupant protection system is ready to be
triggered again ⇒ Proactive occupant protection system.
Belt tensioners
The seat belts for the front seat vehicle occupants, and in some cases those on the outer rear
seats, are equipped with belt tensioners.
The belt tensioners are activated by sensors during severe frontal, side and rear collisions. They
tighten the seat belts against the direction in which they are pulled. Any slack in the seat belt is
retracted, which can reduce the passenger's movement forwards or in the direction of the impact.
The belt tensioner works together with the airbag system. If the vehicle rolls over, the belt
tensioners will not be activated if the side airbags are not triggered.
A fine dust may be produced when the airbags are triggered. This is quite normal and does not
mean that there is a fire in the vehicle.
Reversible belt tensioning (proactive occupant protection systemyf
Reversible belt tensioning may trigger in certain driving situations. For example:
•Heavy braking,
•Oversteer or understeer,
•Minor collisions.
⇒ Proactive occupant protection system
Belt tension limiter
The belt tension limiter reduces the pressure exerted by the seat belt on the body during an
accident.
All safety requirements must be observed when the vehicle or components of the system are
scrapped. Qualified workshops are familiar with these requirements ⇒ Service and disposal of belt 
tensioners.
Service and disposal of belt tensioners
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Seat belts may become damaged during any work on the belt tensioners or while removing or
refitting any vehicle parts in conjunction with any other repair work. This damage will not always be
noticeable. The consequence may be that the belt tensioners could function incorrectly, or not
function at all, in the event of an accident.
Regulations must be observed to ensure that the effectiveness of the belt tensioner is not reduced
and that removed parts do not cause any injuries or environmental pollution. Qualified workshops
are familiar with these requirements.
Never adjust the seat belt height when the vehicle is in motion.
WARNING

The airbag modules and belt tensioners may contain perchlorate. Please comply with
legislation regarding disposal.
Proactive occupant protection system
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The proactive occupant protection system is an assistance system that initiates action to protect
vehicle occupants in dangerous situations. However, the system cannot prevent a collision.
The full range of functions of the proactive occupant protection system will be available only if the
function has been activated in the Infotainment system, no special driving profile has been selected
and there are no malfunctions ⇒ Driving profile selection and 4MOTION Active Control, ⇒ Function 
limitations.
Basic functions
Depending on country-specific legal requirements and also on the vehicle equipment, the following
functions may be initiated, either individually or jointly, in critical situations (e.g. emergency braking
or in the case of oversteering or understeeringyfDVRIDVSHHGRIDSSUR[LPDWHO\NPKPSK\f:
•Temporary tensioning of the fastened front seat belts.
•Automatic closing of the glass roof and side windows down to a gap, depending on the vehicle
equipment.
The belts may be tensioned individually or together depending on the respective critical driving
situations.
Additional information for vehicles with an area monitoring system (Front
Assistyf
In vehicles fitted with the area monitoring system (Front Assistyf ⇒ Area monitoring system (Front 
Assistyf, the probability of a collision with the vehicle ahead is also calculated within the system
limits. The system can trigger the proactive occupant protection system if it detects a probable
collision or initiates strong braking.
Settings in the Infotainment system
The full range of functions of the proactive occupant protection system can be activated and
deactivated in the Infotainment system ⇒ Operation and display in the Infotainment system.
The proactive occupant protection system will be reactivated every time the ignition is switched on.
It may not be possible to operate the setting function if the proactive occupant protection system
has already been adapted to the specific vehicle setup.
Setting in driving profile selection
In vehicles with driving profile selection, the proactive occupant protection system is adapted to the
special vehicle setup of the respective driving profile ⇒ Driving profile selection and 4MOTION 
Active Control.
Function limitations
The proactive occupant protection system will not be available, or will only be available to a limited
extent, in the following situations:
•If there is a fault in the ESC, belt tensioner or in the airbag control unit ⇒ Seat belts or ⇒ Airbag 
system.
•When the TCS or ESC are switched off, and when the vehicle is reversing ⇒ Brake support 
systems.
•The temporary tensioning for the front passenger seat is switched off if the front passenger front
airbag is deactivated.
•If there is a system fault in the area monitoring system (Front Assistyf ⇒ Area monitoring system 
(Front Assistyf.
The risk of severe or fatal injuries may be increased if the seat belts, automatic belt
retractors and belt tensioners are not used correctly, or if they are repaired by a non-
professional. As a result, the belt tensioners may not be triggered when they should, or
they may be triggered unexpectedly.
•Any repairs, adjustments or removal and refitting of parts in the belt tensioners or seat
belts should always be carried out by a qualified workshop and never by yourself
⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts.
•Belt tensioners and automatic belt retractors cannot be repaired. They must be
replaced.
WARNING

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