VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN 2017 Owner´s Manual

Obtain sufficient information before driving into off-road terrain with the vehicle.
Do not plan day tours that are too long. Take increased fuel requirements for off-road
driving into account.
Refill tank completely. Fuel consumption is considerably higher off-road.
Check that your tyres are suitable for the off-road journey you have planned.
Recommendation for difficult off-road terrain: always have off-road tyres fitted to your
vehicle.
Check the tyre pressure on all tyres and correct them if necessary. This includes the
temporary spare wheel, if fitted.
Check engine oil level and refill engine oil as necessary. The engine will only be supplied
with engine oil when it is driven on or across a steep slope if the engine oil level is
sufficient.
Completely refill the washer fluid reservoir with water and washer fluid.
Fit the towing eye at the front and rear. It is not always possible to fit a towing eye when
the vehicle is stuck.
Check the vehicle tool kit and add tools according to individual requirements Useful
accessories for off-road driving.
Pack luggage in the vehicle as evenly and as low as possible. Secure all loose items.
Fig. 132 Illustration: angle of tilt.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Centre of gravityThe centre of gravity of a vehicle influences its propensity to roll over. The vehicle
has greater ground clearance for off-road driving, and thus a higher centre of gravity than a normal
vehicle. The high centre of gravity means that there is a greater danger of roll-over when driving.
Always remember this fact when driving and follow the safety tips and warnings given in this
owner's manual.Ground clearanceThis is the vertical distance between the level ground and the
lowest item on the vehicle.Angle of rising gradientThe number of metres in height gained over a
distance of 100 m will be given as a percentage or degree ⇒ Fig. 131. Indication of gradient that
the vehicle can drive up under its own power. This depends on aspects such as the road surface
and engine power.Tilt angleMaximum angle at which the vehicle may be driven across a slope
without the vehicle toppling over (determined by centre of gravity) ⇒ Fig. 132.Breakover
angleMaximum permitted angle given in degrees that a vehicle driven at low speed can clear a
ramp without the underbody of the vehicle scraping the ramp.Ramp angleCrossover from the
horizontal level surface to an uphill gradient, or from a downhill gradient back to the level surface.
Angle at which the vehicle underbody will come into contact with the edge of the ramp.Fall lineThis
is the vertical drop route.Torsional flexibilityThe vehicle's torsional flexibility when driving over
objects with just one side of the vehicle.
Checklist: Before driving off-road
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Checklist
To ensure your own safety and the safety of your passengers, observe the following points
before driving off-road:
Before driving off-road, Volkswagen recommends attending an off-road driving course, particularly if
you have no or very little experience.
A good driving course will teach you how to handle the vehicle in a variety of off-road situations and
how to drive safely in difficult terrain. Driving off-road demands different skills and driving styles in
comparison to driving on roads. The safety of the driver and the vehicle occupants depends on the
driver.
General rules and driving tips
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Code of conduct for off-road driving
A responsible driver should respect the environment when driving off-road. Remember that driving
through undergrowth and on meadows can destroy animal and plant habitats.
•Always stay on designated routes and paths.
•Do not create any unnecessary noise or dust.
•Leave nature as you found it.
•Avoid sensitive natural habitats.

Water, compass, maps and torch with spare batteries.
Winch, tow bar or rope with sufficient strength.
Mobile telephone, shovel, blankets and rubber boots.
Electric air compressor for connection to the 12-volt sockets in the vehicle to inflate the
tyres.
A wooden board approx. 4 cm thick and approx. 1 metre long or an aluminium frame of
similar size: this will help to free a vehicle stuck in the mud and provide a platform for a
vehicle jack.
Snow chains, additional spare wheels, a breakdown set, jack and box spanner.
•Give way to drivers coming uphill or who are overtaking.
Driving tips
Special rules apply when driving off-road:
•Never drive off-road alone. Always drive off-road in a team of at least two other off-road
vehicles. Unexpected situations can always occur. We recommend that you carry equipment
you can use for calling for help.
•Stop your vehicle when you reach difficult sections, and walk along the path ahead to
reconnoitre it.
•Drive slowly over the brows of hills so the vehicle does not lose contact with the ground as this
could cause damage, leaving you unable to manoeuvre.
•Drive slowly when the route is difficult. Shift up a gear when on slippery ground and always
keep the vehicle in motion.
•Always look for flat and firm surfaces. The ground is predominantly soft when driving off-road
meaning the tyres could sink into the ground. This will reduce ground clearance and the wading
depth.
•Even when driving at low speeds, always keep your distance from other vehicles. If the first
vehicle suddenly gets stuck, the following vehicle can stop without getting stuck.
Useful accessories for off-road driving
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The checklist contains just a few items of equipment that can be very useful for off-road driving. If
you have an instruction manual or fitting instructions for these accessories you should always take
them with you and consult them as necessary when driving off-road.
Checklist
Useful items when driving off-road:
Changing gear
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The choice of gear depends on the terrain off-road.
Before attempting to drive through difficult terrain it can be helpful to stop and consider which gear
you should select. After some time driving off-road, you will learn which gear to select in conjunction
with the low range and the differential lock for different types of terrain.
Basic points
•With the correct gear selected, the vehicle will normally not have to be braked so much using
the foot brake when driving downhill as the engine braking effect will normally be sufficient.
•You should only depress the accelerator as much as is required. If you accelerate too hard, the
wheels could lose traction and you could lose control of the vehicle.
DSG dual clutch gearbox
•Select position D when driving in normal, flat off-road terrain.
•Adjust your speed when driving on soft or slippery ground, and select the highest suitable
position for the Tiptronic.
•If driving through mud, sand, water or hilly terrain, select the Tiptronic in the positions 3 or
2⇒ DSG dual clutch gearbox.
•Always ensure that there is enough ground clearance underneath the vehicle. Serious
damage to the underbody could occur if the vehicle is scraped. This damage could
cause the vehicle to break down and thus make it impossible to drive on.
•Do not slip the clutch or rest your foot on the clutch when driving off-road. When
travelling over uneven ground, you could press the clutch by mistake, and lose control
of the vehicle. A slipped clutch also prevents power being transferred from the engine
to the gearbox. Driving with the clutch partially engaged causes premature wear to the
clutch lining.
NOTICE
®
®

•Use the Off-road display ⇒ Off-road display.
Up hill and down dale
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Use off-road mode ⇒ Selecting a driving profile (4MOTION Action Control).
You should drive through rocky terrain at walking pace.
If you are not able to drive around a stone, drive carefully onto the stone with one front wheel and
drive over it slowly ⇒.
Escaping engine oil and brake fluid can pollute the environment. Spilt service fluids must be
collected and then disposed of properly and in an environmentally responsible way.
Driving through water
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Driving through flooded terrain could damage the vehicle ⇒ Checklist: Before driving off-road.
You can drive the vehicle carefully through water with a depth reaching to the bottom edge of the
body, for example puddles or shallow water. Never stop in the water, do not drive in reverse, and
never switch off the engine.
Off-road driving in snow
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Fit snow chains to the front wheels only before driving on snow-covered terrain.
Terrain might look harmless, but there could be hidden dangers. This is particularly true of sections
where there are no tyre tracks.
•You should never drive straight over large obstacles, e.g. boulders or tree stumps, or
drive over such obstacles with one side of the vehicle. Obstacles which require more
ground clearance than is available could damage vehicle components when you drive
over them and thus cause the vehicle to break down.
•Even obstacles that are smaller than the ground clearance selected could come into
contact with the vehicle underbody and thus cause damage which could lead to a
vehicle breakdown. This applies in particular if there is a ditch or soft ground either in
front of or behind the obstacle. This also applies in cases when you drive too quickly
over the obstacle causing the vehicle to bounce.
NOTICE
Strong flowing water can develop enormous power and sweep the vehicle away. This can
lead to very dangerous situations which can cause accidents and serious or even fatal
accidents.
•Never allow the vehicle to stand still in water.
•Water in the engine compartment can cause the vehicle to breakdown in the water.
•Soft ground surface, underwater obstacles and shallows can cause accidents and can
cause the vehicle to breakdown in the water. This could lead to critical situations.
WARNING
If you drive through water, parts of the vehicle, such as the engine, drive train, running
gear and vehicle electrics, could sustain severe damage.
•When driving through water, always select a section where the ground is solid and
where the depth of the water does not exceed the maximum permitted wading depth of
the vehicle.
•Never drive through salt, salty surfaces or salt water as salt can cause corrosion. Rinse
all components that have been exposed to salt or salt water thoroughly with fresh
water.
NOTICE

Driving in sand and mud
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Always drive at a steady speed through sand or mud and, if you have a manual gearbox, do not
change gear.
•Check whether ESC is active. The indicator lamp or in the instrument cluster display
should not light up ⇒ Brake support systems.
•Keep the vehicle moving constantly.
•Use the Off-road driving profile ⇒ Selecting a driving profile (4MOTION Action Control).
•Select a suitable gear and remain in this gear until you have reached more solid ground
⇒ Changing gear.
If the tyres have lost their grip, turn the steering wheel back and forth quickly. This can briefly give
the tyres on the front wheels better grip for this ground surface condition.
Driving through sand
Do not under any circumstances reduce the tyre pressure to drive through sand ⇒. If however
the tyre pressure has been reduced for driving through sand, the correct tyre pressure must always
be reset before driving on. Driving with reduced tyre pressure can lead to a loss of control over the
vehicle and increase the risk of serious and fatal injuries.
Driving through mud
Do not change speed or direction. The tyres can lose their traction when driving through mud. If the
vehicle slides, steer in the direction needed to get the vehicle under control.
Driving in steep terrain
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Driving up and down hills
Get out of the vehicle and assess the situation before you attempt to drive up or down a hill:
•Walk along the section and check the firmness of the ground. Look out for obstacles and other
hidden dangers ⇒.
•Check the section beyond the hill.
•You should not follow the route if it is too steep, uneven or if the ground surface is too loose.
Select another route.
•Drive slowly and at constant speed straight up or down a slope.
Driving through snowy terrain is very dangerous.
•Both shallow and deep potholes, hollows, ditches, precipices, frozen surfaces and
other obstacles can be fully or partially covered by snow.
•Dangers concealed by snow can cause an accident, serious injuries, or cause the
vehicle to break down in extreme weather conditions.
•Always adjust your speed and driving to match vehicle load levels and off-road,
visibility and weather conditions.
WARNING
Driving through mud, sand and slush can be dangerous. The vehicle can slide
uncontrollably. This increases the risk of injury. Always drive carefully through sand, mud
and slush.
•Never choose an unsafe route or take a risk which could endanger you or your
passengers. If you are in any doubt about the safety of the route, turn round and
choose another way.
WARNING
Incorrect tyre pressure can cause severe or even fatal accidents.
•Incorrect tyre pressures will increase the levels of wear on the tyres and will negatively
affect the vehicle's driving response.
•An incorrect tyre pressure can cause overheating, sudden tyre damage including tyre
bursts and ripping of the tread surface and thus to a loss of control over the vehicle.
WARNING

•Accelerate only to the speed you need to climb the slope. Too much acceleration can cause the
wheels to spin and lead to a loss of control of the vehicle. Too little acceleration increases the
probability of stalling the engine.
•Never attempt to stop or turn on a slope.
•Avoid allowing the engine to stall.
•Do not change gear or engage the clutch when climbing a slope.
•Use the Off-road display ⇒ Off-road display.
If you cannot continue to drive up a hill
•Never turn the vehicle around on an incline.
•If the engine has stalled, depress the footbrake and start the engine again.
•Select the reverse gear and reverse back in a straight line slowly.
•Use the foot brake to keep a constant speed until you have reached a safe place.
Driving downhill
Never exceed the inclination angle of the vehicle! If, in an emergency, you have to traverse the
slope when driving down it and the vehicle threatens to tip over, steer downhill along the maximum
gradient.
There is an increased risk of rolling over when driving downhill. Concentrate on steering the vehicle
in particular when driving downhill.
Use the off-road display on steep downhill stretches ⇒ Off-road display.
•Drive down steep inclines in first gear.
•Use the foot brake sparingly in order not to lose control of the vehicle.
•If it is possible and not dangerous, drive straight down the slope on the maximum gradient (in
the fall line).
•Do not press the clutch and do not select neutral.
Traversing a slope
Fig. 133 Steering downhill along the maximum gradient.
Never try driving up or down an incline if it is too steep for the vehicle. The vehicle could
slide away, tip over or roll.
•The gradient of the slope up or downhill may be no greater than the maximum
permissible gradient for the vehicle.
•Always drive up and downhill along the maximum gradient only.
•Never turn the vehicle when driving up or downhill. The vehicle could tip over or slide
away sideways.
•If the engine stops or if you cannot drive on for any reason: stop the vehicle and
depress the brake pedal. Start the engine again. Select the reverse gear, release the
brake pedal and using the engine braking effect to carefully reverse in a straight line
along the fall line. Keep the vehicle speed low and constant.
•If you are unable to start the engine, keep your foot steady on the brake pedal and
allow the vehicle to roll back down the track you made when driving up the hill. Keep
the vehicle speed low and constant.
•Never let the vehicle coast out of gear backwards down a slope. You could lose control
over the vehicle.
WARNING

Fig. 134 On steep slopes, you should always use the doors pointing up the hill to get out of the
vehicle.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Traversing a slope is one of the most dangerous off-road situations ⇒.
It may look harmless, but you should not underestimate the difficulty and danger of traversing a
slope. A vehicle could slide away, tip over or roll when in this position. This can cause severe or
fatal injuries for all vehicle occupants.
Check whether you can use a safer route before driving across a slope.
If you have to drive at an angle, make sure the ground is as firm as possible. The vehicle is more
likely to slip, dip and tip over on slippery or soft ground. Always be aware that uneven ground
makes the slope steeper. The vehicle could otherwise tip over and start to roll.
When driving across a slope, the wheels on the lower side of the vehicle must never enter dips or
hollows. The wheels on the upper side of the vehicle must never roll over bumps, for example
stones, tree trunks or other obstacles.
If the vehicle threatens to tip over, steer immediately into the fall line and depress the accelerator
slightly ⇒ Fig. 133. If it is not possible to drive along the fall line, then steer uphill and depress the
accelerator slightly.
The centre of gravity should be as low as possible. The weight of all vehicle occupants should be
evenly distributed. People with a larger or heavier build should sit on the higher side of the vehicle.
Remove the roof carrier and secure heavy items. The vehicle could tip over if items were to slide
suddenly ⇒.
Driving through ditches
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
•Check whether the tilt angle and gradient entry/exit angles are small enough to drive through
the ditch with the vehicle ⇒.
•If possible, drive through the ditch at an acute angle ⇒.
•The tilt angle may not get too large when driving through the ditch.
Never try to traverse a slope, particularly if it is too steep for the vehicle. The vehicle could
slide away, tip over or roll. Please note the following points in order to reduce the risk of
accidents and serious injuries:
•You should never underestimate the difficulty and danger of traversing a slope. Never
choose an unsafe route or take a risk which could endanger you or your passengers. If
you are in any doubt about the safety of the route, turn round and choose another way.
•The vehicle can lose its grip and slide away sideways, tip over or roll over and roll
down the hill.
•The wheels on the lower side of the vehicle must never enter dips or hollows. The
wheels on the upper side of the vehicle must never roll over bumps, for example
stones, tree trunks or other obstacles.
•Please ensure that you can steer in the fall line on a route driving across a slope.
Choose another route if this is not guaranteed. If the vehicle threatens to tip over, steer
immediately into the fall line and depress the accelerator slightly ⇒ Fig. 133.
•If the vehicle is stopped when traversing a slope, avoid sudden movements in the
vehicle. The vehicle can lose its grip and slide away sideways, tip over or roll over and
roll down the hill.
•Vehicle occupants should never leave the vehicle via the doors facing down the hill
when parked sideways on a steep hill. This could cause the centre of gravity to move.
The vehicle could otherwise tip over or roll over and roll down the hill. To avoid this,
always leave the vehicle carefully on the side that is facing uphill ⇒ Fig. 134.
•When getting out the vehicle, please ensure that the vehicle door which opens uphill
does not close with its own weight or through carelessness thus potentially causing
injury.
WARNING

Clean the turn signals, headlight system, the number plate and all windows.
If necessary, remove the towing eye and the snow chains.
Check the tyres, struts and axles for damage and remove dirt, stones and other foreign
bodies from the tyre tread.
Inspect the vehicle underbody and remove all items that are jammed in the brake system,
on the wheels, in the running gear, in the exhaust system and in the engine, such as
branches, leaves or pieces of wood . If you see any damage or leaks, take your vehicle to a
qualified workshop.
Clean heavy soiling from the radiator grille and the vehicle underbody Vehicle care.
Check the engine compartment to see if any dirt is affecting the engine operation In the
engine compartment.
Switch off OFF-ROAD mode Selecting a driving profile (4MOTION Action Control).
Switch on TCS again Brake support systems.
If your vehicle gets stuck
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Rocking out a vehicle requires a great deal of training and feeling for the vehicle.
If you make a mistake when rocking the vehicle, it can sink deeper and you will need assistance to
get out of the mud.
When you cannot proceed ...
•Carefully dig out all the wheels and check that no other parts of the vehicle are stuck in the
sand.
•Engage reverse gear.
•Reverse over your own tracks, accelerating gently.
If this does not help, place brushwood, floor mats or sacking directly in front of the wheels to
increase grip ⇒.
Rocking the vehicle
Never allow the wheels to spin for long periods as this will cause the vehicle to sink deeper ⇒.
•Switch off TCS ⇒ Brake support systems.
•Position the steering wheel so that it is facing straight ahead.
•Reverse until the point where the wheels just start to spin.
•Quickly select first gear and drive forwards until the wheels start to spin again.
•Repeat driving back and forth until you have enough momentum to free yourself.
•Switch the TCS on after the rocking procedure is completed ⇒ Brake support systems.
•Use the Off-road driving profile.
After off-road driving
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Checklist
Never drive through a ditch if the entry/exit angle is too steep for the vehicle and the ditch
is too deep. The vehicle could slide away, tip over or roll.
WARNING
If you drive into the ditch at a right angle, the front wheels will fall in. The underbody of
your vehicle could get stuck and damaged which means that the vehicle could break
down. It is then almost impossible to get out of the ditch despite having all-wheel drive.
NOTICE
Nobody may stand either in front or behind the vehicle, particularly if you are attempting
to free a stuck vehicle.
•Spinning wheels can propel stones, brushwood, pieces of wood or other objects that
are in front or behind the wheels at enormous speed and cause potentially fatal injury.
•People standing in front of or behind the vehicle could be run over if the stuck vehicle
starts to move suddenly.
WARNING

Driver assist systems
Cruise control system (CCS)
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Operating the cruise control system with the lever
⇒ Operating the cruise control system via the multifunction steering wheel
⇒ Troubleshooting
The cruise control system helps to
maintain a speed set by the driver.
Speed range
The cruise control system is available when driving forwards at speeds from around 20 km/h
(15 mph).
Changing gear
Cruise control is interrupted as soon as you press the clutch pedal and is resumed automatically
after the gear change.
Driving downhill
Driving downhill may cause the set speed to be exceeded.
Apply the foot brake to slow the vehicle down, and change down a gear as required.
How do I operate the cruise control system?
Depending on the vehicle equipment, you can operate the cruise control system either by means of
the lever on the steering column ⇒ Operating the cruise control system with the lever or via the
multifunction steering wheel ⇒ Operating the cruise control system via the multifunction steering 
wheel. The displays on the instrument cluster are identical in both cases.
Operating the cruise control system with the lever
Objects caught underneath the vehicle underbody are a danger. The vehicle underbody
must always be examined for trapped objects after every journey off-road.
•Never drive if objects are trapped in the underbody, brake system, wheels, running
gear, exhaust system and engine.
•Inflammable materials, such as dry leaves or twigs, could ignite on hot vehicle
components. A fire can cause serious injuries.
•Trapped objects could damage the fuel lines, brake system, seals and other
components. This could cause you to lose control of your vehicle and cause accidents.
WARNING
Use of the cruise control system can lead to accidents and serious injuries if traffic does
not allow you to drive at a safe distance at a constant speed.
•Never use the cruise control system in heavy traffic, on steep or winding roads, or on
slippery road surfaces e.g. on snow, ice, wet roads, loose chippings, or on flooded
roads.
•Never use the cruise control system when driving off-road or on unpaved road
surfaces.
•Adapt your speed and distance from the vehicles ahead to suit visibility, weather, road
and traffic conditions.
•Always switch cruise control off after use to avoid unintentional speed control.
•It is dangerous to use a set speed that is too high for the prevailing road, traffic or
weather conditions.
•The cruise control system cannot maintain a constant speed when travelling downhill.
The vehicle speed can increase under its own weight. Use the foot brake to slow the
vehicle.
WARNING

Fig. 135 On the left of the steering column: cruise control system lever.
Fig. 136 On the instrument cluster display: cruise control system status displays (illustration).
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Key to ⇒ Fig. 136:
Cruise control system not regulating, stored speed shown small or darkened.
System fault. Go to a qualified workshop.
Cruise control system not regulating, no speed stored.
Cruise control system regulating, stored speed displayed in large figures.
Switching on
•Move the lever ⇒ Fig. 135① to position .
No speed has been stored and the speed is not yet controlled.
Starting control
•Press the button ⇒ Fig. 135③ while driving.
The current speed is stored and controlled. The green indicator lamp also lights up.
Setting the speed
•+ 1 km/h (1 mph): tip the lever ⇒ Fig. 135① to position .
•+ 10 km/h (5 mph): push the lever briefly towards ⇒ Fig. 135⊕.
•- 1 km/h (1 mph): press the button ⇒ Fig. 135③.
•- 10 km/h (5 mph): push the lever briefly towards ⇒ Fig. 135㊀.
To keep changing the speed on a continuous basis, press and hold the lever towards
⇒ Fig. 135⊕ or ⇒ Fig. 135㊀. The vehicle adapts the current speed by
accelerating or closing the throttle. The vehicle does not actively brake.
Interrupting control
•Press the lever ⇒ Fig. 135① to position or depress the brake.
The speed remains stored in the memory.
Resuming control
•Move the lever ⇒ Fig. 135① to position .
The stored speed is resumed and controlled.
Switching off
•Move the lever ⇒ Fig. 135① to position .
The cruise control system is switched off and the stored speed is deleted.
Operating the cruise control system via the multifunction steering
wheel

Fig. 137 Left-hand side of the multifunction steering wheel: buttons for operating the cruise control
system.
Fig. 138 On the instrument cluster display: cruise control system status displays (illustration).
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Key to ⇒ Fig. 138:
Cruise control system not regulating, stored speed shown small or darkened.
System fault. Go to a qualified workshop.
Cruise control system not regulating, no speed stored.
Cruise control system regulating, stored speed displayed in large figures.
Switching on
•Press the or button.
No speed has been stored and the speed is not yet controlled.
Starting control
•Press the button while driving.
The current speed is stored and controlled. The green indicator lamp .
Setting the speed
You can adjust the stored speed during speed control by the cruise control system:
+ 1 km/h (1 mph)- 1 km/h (1 mph)+ 10 km/h (5 mph)- 10 km/h (5 mph)
Press and hold the button or to continuously change the stored speed. The vehicle
adapts the current speed by accelerating or closing the throttle. The vehicle does not actively brake.
Interrupting control
•Briefly press the button or . Alternatively, depress the brake pedal.
The speed remains stored in the memory.
Resuming control
•Press the button.
The stored speed is resumed and controlled.
Switching off
•Press and hold the button.
The cruise control system is switched off and the stored speed is deleted.
Changing to the speed limiter
•Press the button.
The cruise control system is switched off.