VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG 2012 Owners Manual

Windshield wiper and washer

Lights
up
Possible cause Proper response
F Rain sensor malfunction.
Switch ignition off and on again.
If the indicator light comes on
again and stays on, contact an
authorized Volkswagen dealer or
an authorized Volkswagen Ser-
vice Facility
U Windshield and/or rear win-
dow wiper malfunction.
Switch ignition off and on again.
If the indicator light comes on
again and stays on, contact an
authorized Volkswagen dealer or
an authorized Volkswagen Ser-
vice Facility
Y Windshield and rear window
washer fluid level too low.
Refill windshield washer reservoir
at the next opportunity

When the ignition is switched on, several warning and indicator lights come on briefly for a function check. They go out after a few seconds.
NOTICE
Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
Windshield wiper lever

Fig. 91 Operating the front windshield wiper.

Fig. 92 Operating the rear wiper.

x If the ignition is switched off while the wipers are running, the wipers will continue at the same wiping speed when the ignition is switched on again. Frost, ice, snow, leaves, and other objects on the windshield can damage the wipers and the wiper motor.
x Remove snow and ice from the wipers before you begin driving.
x If the wiper blades freeze to the windshield, loosen them carefully. Volkswagen recom-mends using a deicing spray.
NOTICE
Never switch on the windshield wipers when the windshield is dry because the windshield can be scratched.
The windshield wipers work only if the ignition is switched on and the engine hood is closed. The windshield wipers turn off automatically when the engine hood is opened. The rear windshield wipers turn off automatically when the rear hatch is opened.
If the front wipers are on, the rear wiper is switched on automatically whenever the car is put into reverse.
If the windshield wiper lever is in the rear window intermittent wiping position ⇒ fig. 92 (6) when the ignition is switched off and back on or the engine is started, rear window wiper action does not resume until the windshield wipers are activated. This is to keep the wiper from working when the window is dry. By switching rear window intermittent wiping off and then back on, you can override this feature and activate the rear window wiper immediately.
The intermittent wiping for the front windshield depends on the driving speed. The higher the speed, the faster the wipers move.
If the wiper blades freeze to the windshield, loosen them carefully. Volkswagen recommends using a deicing spray.
If the front wipers are on, the rear wiper is switched on automatically when backing up.
Windshield wiper functions

Wiper performance in different situations:
During automatic
wipe/wash:
While the washer system is working, the
climate control system switches to recircula-
tion for about 30 seconds to help prevent the
washer fluid odor from entering the vehicle
interior.
During intermittent wiping: Speed-dependent interval control: The high-
er the vehicle speed, the faster the wipers
move.

Heated washer nozzles
The heating thaws frozen washer nozzles, but not the fluid supply hoses. When the ignition is switched on, the heat applied to the washer nozzles is automatically regulated depending on the outside air temperature.
Headlight washer system
The headlight washer system cleans the headlight lens.
If the ignition and the headlights (high or low beams) are switched on, the headlights are cleaned the first time and every fifth time the front windshield washers are activated. This happens only when the low or high beams are on when the windshield wiper lever is pulled towards the steering wheel. How-ever, the headlights must still be washed by hand periodically (for instance, during fueling) in order to get rid of hard-to-remove dirt (like insect splatter).
To help make sure that the headlight washer system works during winter weather, always keep the headlight washer nozzles free of snow and remove any ice with a deicer spray before driving. Use a deicer spray to remove any ice.
If there is something on the windshield, the wiper will try to wipe it away. If it continues to block the wiper, the wiper will stop moving. Remove the obstacle and switch the wiper on again.

Windshield wiper service position

Fig. 93 Windshield wiper in service position.

x Always carefully fold the windshield wiper arms down against the windshield before driving the vehicle
Rain sensor

Fig. 94 Windshield wiper lever: Adjusting rain sensor A.

Fig. 95 Sensitive rain sensor surface.

x Press the CAR Infotainment button.
x Tap the Assist systems function key on the screen.
x Tap the function key Rain sensor to enable or disable the rain sensor.
If the box in the Rain sensor function key is checked =, the feature is enabled.
Possible reasons for changes in the way the rain sensor works
The rain sensor may misread what is happening in the detection zone of its sensitive rain-sensor
surface ⇒ fig. 95 (arrow) and not work for a number of reasons, which include:
x Worn out wiper blades: Worn out wiper blades may leave a film of water or wiping streaks; this can cause the wipers to run longer, to wipe more often, or to wipe continuously at high speed.
x Insects: Insects hitting the sensor cause wiping.
x Salt streaks: Salt streaks on the windshield from winter driving can cause wiping more often or continuously on glass that is almost dry.
x Dirt: Caked-on dust, wax, any other buildup on the windshield (lotus effect), or car-wash detergent residue can lower the rain sensor's sensitivity and cause it to react too slowly or not at all.
x Crack in the windshield: If a stone hits and chips the sensitive surface while the rain sensor is on, this will trigger a wiper cycle. After that, the rain sensor will recognize the change and recalibrate itself to respond to the smaller detection zone. Depending on the size of the chip, the sensor's reaction pattern may or may not change.
WARNING
The rain sensor cannot always recognize rain and activate the wipers.
x Switch the wipers on manually when water on the windshield reduces visibility.
Clean the sensitive area of the rain sensor regularly and check the wiper blades for wear or damage.
To remove wax and coats of polish safely, we recommend using an alcohol-based windshield cleaner.
Checking and refilling windshield washer fluid

Fig. 96 In the engine compartment: Cap of the windshield washer fluid reservoir.

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