towing VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN 2017 Owner´s Manual

If there is a fault in the vehicle or trailer electrical systems or in the anti-theft alarm or if there
is a fault in the anti-theft alarm, have the vehicle checked by a qualified workshop.
If the engine is not running and electrical equipment is switched on in the trailer via the trailer
socket, the 12-volt vehicle battery will discharge.
If the 12-volt vehicle battery charge level is low, the electrical connection to the trailer will be
interrupted automatically.
Loading the trailer
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Trailer weight and drawbar load
The trailer weight is the weight that the vehicle can pull ⇒. The drawbar load is the load that is
exerted vertically from above onto the ball head of the towing bracket ⇒ Information on technical 
data.
The figures for trailer weights and draw bar weights that are given on the data plate of the towing
bracket are for certification purposes only. The correct values for your specific model, which may be
lower than these figures, are given in the vehicle registration documents. All data in the official
vehicle documents take precedence over these data.
The maximum permitted drawbar load exerted by the trailer drawbar on the ball head of the towing
bracket must not exceed 100 kg.
In the interest of driving safety, Volkswagen recommends that you always use the maximum
drawbar load. The response of the trailer on the road will be poor if the drawbar load is too small.
The drawbar load increases the weight on the rear axle and reduces the maximum load level as a
result.
Gross combination weight rating
The combination weight is made up of the actual weight of the loaded vehicle and of the loaded
trailer.
In some countries, trailers are divided into different classes. Volkswagen recommends that you
contact a qualified workshop to find out about suitable trailers.
Loading the trailer
The weight of the load should be distributed evenly. The maximum permitted drawbar load should
be utilised. Do not place the load only at the front or the rear of the trailer:
•Distribute the load in the trailer so that heavy objects are either over or as near to the axle as
possible.
•Secure all loads on the trailer properly.
Tyre pressure
Follow the trailer manufacturer's recommendations concerning the tyre pressure for the trailer tyres.
When towing a trailer, inflate the tyres on the towing vehicle with the maximum permitted tyre
pressure ⇒ Tyre pressure.
Accidents and serious injuries can occur if you exceed the vehicle's maximum permitted
gross axle weight rating, drawbar load, gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination
weight rating.
•Never exceed the specified values.
•Never let the actual weights at the front and rear axles exceed the gross axle weight
ratings. Never exceed the permissible gross vehicle weight for the vehicle with weight
at the front and rear of the vehicle.
WARNING
Loads that may slide can severely impair stability and driving safety, which can cause
accidents and severe injuries.
•Always load trailers correctly.
•Always secure loads properly using suitable and undamaged securing straps.
WARNING

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
gearbox) to additionally make use of engine braking. The brake system could otherwise
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 (ESC).
®
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

If a lurching motion is detected, the trailer stabilisation function automatically helps to reduce the
trailer's rocking motion using counter steering assistance.
Requirements for trailer stabilisation
•The vehicle is a factory-fitted towing bracket or a compatible towing bracket is fitted.
•Electronic Stability Control and the traction control system (TCS) are active. The indicator lamp
or in the instrument cluster is not lit up.
•The trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle via the trailer socket.
•The vehicle speed is higher than approximately 60 km/h (37 mph).
•The maximum drawbar load is being carried.
•The trailer must have a rigid drawbar.
•Trailers with brakes must have a mechanical overrun system.
Retrofitting a towing bracket
Fig. 194 Dimensions and attachment points for retrofitting a towing bracket.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Do not let the extra safety afforded by the trailer stabilisation function tempt you into
taking any risks when driving – this can cause accidents.
•Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions.
•Accelerate carefully on slippery surfaces.
•Take your foot off the accelerator if one of the systems is active.
WARNING
The trailer stabilisation function may not be able to detect all driving situations correctly.
•Trailer stabilisation is switched off when ESC is deactivated.
•Light trailers that are snaking will not be recognised by the trailer stabilisation function
and stabilised accordingly in all cases.
•A trailer can still jack-knife on slippery roads with little grip, even if the towing vehicle
is equipped with trailer stabilisation.
•Trailers with a high centre of gravity might tip over before snaking starts.
•Sudden braking procedures could occur automatically in extreme driving situations if
the trailer socket is being used without a trailer (e.g. for a bicycle carrier with lighting).
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 â’» 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

Fig. 199 Contents of the vehicle tool kit.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The content of the vehicle toolkit is determined by the vehicle equipment level ⇒ Fig. 199. The
following describes the maximum scope.
Vehicle tool kit components:
Screwdriver with hexagon socket in the handle for slackened wheel bolts. The screwdriver
blade is reversible. The screwdriver may be stowed under the box spanner.
Adapter for the anti-theft wheel bolts. Volkswagen recommends that you carry the wheel
bolt adapter in the vehicle tool kit at all times. The code number of the anti-theft wheel bolt is
engraved on the front of the adapter. You will need this number to replace the adapter if lost.
Make a note of the code number for the anti-theft wheel bolt and keep it in a safe place – but
not inside the vehicle.
Removable towing eye.
Wire hook for pulling off the centre cover, wheel covers and the wheel bolt caps.
Vehicle jack. Before you return the jack to the foam rubber holder, you must wind the claw
in fully.
Box spanner for wheel bolts.
Crank.
Collapsible chock ⇒ Collapsible chock.
Vehicle jack: maintenance
There are no maintenance cycles for the vehicle jack. Grease it with universal lubricant when
necessary.
Collapsible chock
Fig. 200 Folding out the collapsible chock.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The collapsible chock is stored with the vehicle tool kit ⇒ Stowage.
Design of the collapsible chock
•Lift up the support plate ⇒ Fig. 200①.
•Insert the two lugs on the securing plate into the slots on the base plate ⇒ Fig. 200②.
Correct usage
The collapsible chock can be used to chock the wheel that is diagonally opposite the wheel that is
being changed.
The collapsible chock must be placed directly in front of or behind the wheel. They must only be
used on a solid surface.
Assembling and using the collapsible chocks incorrectly can cause accidents and
injuries.
•Never use damaged collapsible chocks.
•Never use the collapsible chocks to secure the vehicle if it is located on a slope.
WARNING

Changing the bulb
7.Turn the bulb holder anticlockwise as far as it will go and carefully pull it out of the tail
light cluster together with the bulb.
9.Replace the defective bulb with a new bulb of the same type.
10.Carefully insert the bulb holder into the tail light cluster and turn it anticlockwise until
the bulb holder engages.
Fitting the tail light cluster
11.Carefully put the tail light cluster into the opening in the body.
12.Use one hand to hold the tail light in the fitting position while using the other hand to
screw the securing bolt firmly back in ⇒ Fig. 207③.
13.Check that the tail light cluster is positioned correctly and securely.
14.Connect the connector to the bulb holder and press into place.
15.Close the section of side trim in the luggage compartment near the tail light cluster
against the direction of the arrow
16.Close the boot lid ⇒ Boot lid.
The illustrations show the left-hand tail light cluster. The right-hand tail light cluster housing is
a mirror image of the one shown.
There are various types of tail light cluster, so the position and design of covers, bulbs and
bulb holders may vary from those shown in the illustrations.
In tail light clusters with LEDs, some light elements may be fitted with normal bulbs. These
bulbs can be changed.
Troubleshooting
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Lighting
Vehicle lighting not working partially or completely. A separate display appears in the
instrument cluster if there is a cornering light fault.A trailer turn signal or all trailer lights have
stopped working.
Check the exterior lighting and change the appropriate bulb as required ⇒ Changing bulbs. If all
bulbs are OK or there is a fault in the dynamic cornering light, go to a qualified workshop.
Monitoring the lights on a connected trailer
For vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket, the vehicle will also monitor certain bulbs on a
trailer which has been connected properly via the trailer socket.
If a trailer turn signal or all the trailer lights fail, the indicator lamp in the instrument cluster will
go out.
Changing fuses
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Fuses in the dash panel
⇒ Fuses in the engine compartment
⇒ Fuse table for fuses in the dash panel
⇒ Fuse tables for fuses in the engine compartment
⇒ Changing a blown fuse
At the time of print we are unable to provide an complete overview of the locations of the fuses for
the electrical consumers. This is because the vehicle is under constant development, because
fuses are assigned differently depending on the vehicle equipment level and because several
consumers may use a single fuse. You can get more information about the fuse layout from a
Volkswagen dealership.
Several electrical consumers could share a single fuse. Conversely, a single consumer could have
more than one fuse.
Therefore fuses should only be replaced when the cause of the fault has been rectified. If a new
fuse blows shortly after insertion, have the electrical system checked by a qualified workshop as
soon as possible.

Tow-starting or towing
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Notes on tow-starting and towing
⇒ Fitting the rear towing eye
⇒ Fitting the front towing eye
⇒ Fitting the front towing eye (R-Line)
⇒ Driving notes when towing
Tow-starting is where a vehicle is started from it being set in motion by a vehicle that is hitched up
to it.
Towing is where a vehicle that cannot be driven is pulled away with the aid of another vehicle.
Observe any legal requirements when towing or tow-starting.
For technical reasons, vehicles with a discharged 12-volt battery must not be towed.⇒ Jump 
starting
Vehicles with Keyless Access must only be towed with the ignition switched on.
Towing a vehicle when the engine is switched off and the ignition is switched on discharges the 12-
volt vehicle battery. Depending on the charge level of the 12-volt vehicle battery, the drop in voltage
can be large enough after just a few minutes that electrical consumers in the vehicle will no longer
function, e.g. the hazard warning lights.
Jump starting the vehicle incorrectly can cause the 12-volt vehicle battery to explode,
which can lead to serious injuries. Please observe the following in order to reduce the risk
of the 12-volt vehicle battery exploding:
•All work on the 12-volt vehicle battery and the electrical system can cause serious
chemical burns, fire or electric shocks. Always read the warnings and safety
information before carrying out any kind of work on the 12-volt vehicle battery ⇒ 12-
volt vehicle battery.
•Always wear suitable eye protection and gloves and never lean over the 12-volt vehicle
battery.
•Attach the connector cables in the correct order – the positive cable first, followed by
the negative.
•Never connect the negative cable to parts of the fuel system or to the brake lines.
•The non-insulated parts of the battery clamps must not be allowed to touch. The jump
lead attached to the positive terminal on the 12-volt vehicle battery must not touch
electrically conductive parts of the vehicle.
•m/k/a995MK Vehicles with battery in the engine compartment: check the battery
window on the 12-volt vehicle battery. Use a torch for this if necessary. If the display is
light yellow or colourless, do not jump start the vehicle. Seek expert assistance.
•Avoid electrostatic discharge in the vicinity of the 12-volt vehicle battery. The explosive
gas emitted from the 12-volt vehicle battery could be ignited by sparks.
•Do not carry out jump starting if the 12-volt vehicle battery is damaged or if it is or has
ever been frozen.
WARNING
Once the vehicle has been successfully jump-started, go to a qualified workshop and have
the 12-volt vehicle battery checked.
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
(steering lock) or the electronic steering column lock to engage suddenly. You will no
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 steering function or the operating clearance of the wheels cannot be ensured after an
accident.
If your own vehicle has to be towed:
•Switch on the ignition.
•Select the neutral position or move the selector lever to N⇒ DSG dual clutch gearbox.
•Do not allow the vehicle to be towed at speeds faster than 50 km/h (30 mph).
•Do not allow the vehicle to be towed further than 50 km.
•Vehicles with a DSG dual clutch gearbox may only be towed by the breakdown truck with the
front wheels raised.
Towing vehicles with four-wheel drive (4MOTION)
Vehicles with four-wheel drive (4MOTION) may be towed with a tow bar or tow rope. If the vehicle
is towed with the rear or front axle raised, the engine must be switched off otherwise the drive train
could be damaged.
Please comply with the following when towing another vehicle:
•Comply with legal regulations.
•Comply with the information on towing contained in the owner's manual for the other vehicle.
The vehicle can only be towed when the electronic parking brake is switched off and, if
applicable, when the electronic steering column lock is released. If the power supply fails or if there
are faults in the electrical system, you may need to use jump leads to start the engine to release the
electronic parking brake and the electronic steering column lock.
Fitting the rear towing eye
Fig. 219 On the right-hand side of the rear bumper: screwed-in towing eye.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The mount for the screw-in towing eye is located behind a cover ⇒ Fig. 219① on the right-hand
side of the rear bumper. In vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket there is no mount for the
screw-in towing eye behind the cover. To tow, swivel out or fit and use the ball head ⇒ Trailer 
towing⇒.
Comply with the notes on towing ⇒ Notes on tow-starting and towing.
Fitting the rear towing eye
•Remove the towing eye from the vehicle tool kit in the luggage compartment ⇒ Vehicle toolkit.
•Press at the bottom of the cover ⇒ Fig. 219① (arrow) to release the cover fastener.
•Remove the cover and leave it hanging from the vehicle.
•Insert the lower locking lug in the opening in the bumper and push on the upper area of the
cover until the upper locking lug engages in the bumper.
•If necessary clean the towing eye and place them back in the vehicle tool kit in the luggage
compartment.
®
®
When tow-starting, unburnt fuel can enter the catalytic converter and damage it.
NOTICE
When pushing the vehicle by hand, do not press on the tail light clusters, the side spoilers
on the rear window, the rear spoiler or large panels. This could damage the vehicle and
loosen the spoiler.
NOTICE

Fitting the front towing eye
Fig. 220 In the front bumper, right-hand side: towing eye.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The towing eye is screwed into a threaded hole behind a cover on the right of the front bumper
⇒ Fig. 220.
The towing eye must always be kept in the vehicle.
Observe the notes on towing ⇒ Notes on tow-starting and towing.
Fitting the towing eye at front
•Remove the towing eye from the vehicle tool kit in the luggage compartment ⇒ Vehicle toolkit.
•Press the side of the cover ⇒ Fig. 220① (arrow) to release the cover fastener.
•Remove the cover and leave it hanging from the vehicle.
•Turn the towing eye ⇒ Fig. 220② as shown by the arrow into the threaded hole and tighten as
far as possible ⇒. Use a suitable object to screw the towing eye fully and securely into the
mounting.
•After you have finished towing, remove the towing eye by unscrewing it in the opposite direction
to the arrow using a suitable object.
•Insert the outer tab of the cover into the opening in the bumper and push on the upper area of
the cover until the lug clicks into place in the bumper.
•If necessary clean the towing eye and place them back in the vehicle tool kit in the luggage
compartment.
Fitting the front towing eye (R-Line)
Fig. 221 In the right-hand side of the front bumper: cover for the towing eye mounting.
•The towing eye must always be screwed firmly into the mounting. Otherwise, the
towing eye can be ripped out of the mounting when the vehicle is being tow-started or
towed.
•Vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket must use only tow bars that are specially
designed for fitting to a ball head. If you use an unsuitable tow bar, the ball head and
the vehicle could be damaged. You should use a tow rope instead.
NOTICE
The towing eye must always be screwed firmly into the mounting. Otherwise, the towing
eye can be ripped out of the mounting when the vehicle is being tow-started or towed.
NOTICE