warning VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG 2012 Owners Manual

The heated steering wheel function only works when the engine is running or is drive-ready (hybrid).
The steering wheel gets heated to about 77 °F (+25 °C) and holds the temperature there.
Switching the heated steering wheel function on and off
x Press the \b button in the upper center console.
x OR: Press the buttonCLIMATE on the infotainment screen and the touch the \b button to switch on or off.
Automatic deactivation
The heated steering wheel function switches off automatically, if:
x The engine is switched off.
x When the overall energy consumption is too high, like when too many devices and functions are activated in the vehicle.
x The heated steering wheel system malfunctions.
WARNING
Certain medical conditions, such as paralysis and diabetes, and certain medications can increase the risk of serious burns when the heated steering wheel function is switched on.
x Never use the heated steering wheel function if you or your passengers are at risk of be-ing burned because of a medical condition. Take regular breaks and get out of the vehicle, particularly on long trips. Consult your doctor for advice regarding your specific condition.

WARNING
x Even if empty, portable fuel containers can leak and cause a fire and serious personal injuries, especially in a crash.
x If, under exceptional circumstances, you must transport a portable fuel container, please observe the following:
For your safety, we strongly recommend that you do not travel with a portable fuel container in your vehicle.
– Never fill a portable fuel container while it is anywhere in or on the vehicle (for exam-ple, in the luggage compartment or on the rear hatch). Static electricity can build up while filling and can ignite fuel vapors, causing a fire.
– Always place a portable fuel container on the ground before filling. Never spill fuel inside the vehicle or luggage compartment. Fuel vapors are highly flammable.
– Always keep the filler nozzle completely inside the portable container before and dur-ing filling.
– If filling a portable container made of metal, the filler nozzle must always be in contact with the container. This will help prevent static electricity from discharging and causing a fire.
– Always observe local and state or provincial laws about the use, storage, and transpor-tation of portable fuel containers.
– Make certain that the portable fuel container meets industry standards, such as AN-SI/ASTM F852-86.
NOTICE
x Remove fuel spills from the vehicle immediately to help prevent damage to the paint, tires, and wheel housings.
x Refueling with gasoline when your vehicle has a diesel engine or refueling with diesel fuel when your vehicle has a gasoline engine can cause very serious and expensive engine and fuel system damage that is not covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.
x If you put any amount of incorrect fuel in the fuel tank, do not start the engine under any circumstances. Immediately contact the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance. These fuels contain substances that can severely damage the fuel system and the engine if the engine is started.
x Vehicles with diesel engines must never be refueled or driven with gasoline, kerosene, heating oil, or other non-specified fuels that have not been expressly approved for use with the diesel engine. Other kinds of fuel will cause serious damage to the fuel system and the engine that is not covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.
Fuels can pollute the environment. Spilled fuel must be collected and disposed of properly, following all applicable environmental regulations.
There is no emergency release for the fuel filler flap. Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance if necessary.

Checklist
If you are uncertain in any way, have the work done by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or author-ized Volkswagen Service Facility. Serious personal injury may result from improperly performed work. Make sure that you check the following items regularly. The best thing is to check them every time you refuel:
d Windshield washer fluid level ⇒  Windshield wiper and washer
d Engine oil level ⇒  Engine oil
d Engine coolant level ⇒  Engine coolant
d Brake fluid level ⇒  Braking and parking
d Tire pressure ⇒  Tires and wheels
d Vehicle lighting necessary for driving safety:
– Turn signals
– Parking lights, low beams and high beams
– Taillights
– Brake lights
– License plate light
Information regarding replacing light bulbs ⇒  Replacing light bulbs.
WARNING
Disregarding the safety-related checklist may lead to accidents and injuries.
x Please note and follow the points listed in the checklist.

Octane rating
Octane rating indicates a gasoline's ability to resist engine damaging “knock” caused by pre-ignition. Using the correct grade of gasoline is very important to help prevent engine damage and loss of engine performance.
The recommended gasoline octane rating for your engine is listed on a label inside of the fuel filler flap. This rating may be specified according to AKI (CLC) or RON (ROZ) standards.
If unleaded Premium grade gasoline is specified for your vehicle, then Volkswagen recommends using TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 91 AKI (95 RON). For more infor-mation on TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline, please go to the official website (http://www.toptiergas.com).
The gasoline grades most commonly sold in the United States and Canada have the following octane ratings, which can usually be found on the filler pump:
x Premium grade: 91 to 96 AKI
x Regular grade: 87 to 90 AKI
Unleaded gasoline
Unleaded gasoline is available throughout the USA and Canada. Volkswagen recommends that you do not take your vehicle to places where unleaded gasoline may not be available.
Gasoline containing alcohol or MTBE
You may use unleaded gasoline blended with alcohol or MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether), commonly referred to as oxygenated fuels, if the blended mixture meets the following criteria:
Blends of gasoline and methanol (wood alcohol or methyl alcohol):
x Anti-Knock Index (AKI) must be 87 or higher.
x Blend must contain no more than 3% methanol.
x Blend must contain more than 2% co-solvents.
Blends of gasoline and ethanol (grain alcohol or ethyl alcohol):
x Anti-Knock Index (AKI) must be 87 or higher.
x Blend must contain no more than 15% ethanol.
Blends of gasoline and MTBE:
x Anti-Knock Index (AKI) must be 87 or higher.
x Blend must contain no more than 15% MTBE.
Seasonally adjusted gasoline
Many fuels are blended especially for winter or summer conditions. When seasons change, Volkswagen suggests that you buy fuel at busy stations where the seasonal adjustment is more likely to be made earlier.
WARNING
Starting fluids can explode and cause a run-away vehicle condition.
x Never use starting assist fluids.
NOTICE
x Never use fuel with an octane rating lower than 87 AKI/91 RON. Using lower octane fuel may cause expensive engine damage.
x Never use leaded gasoline! Leaded gasoline will severely damage your vehicle's catalytic converter.

Using diesel fuel with concentrations of methyl ester biodiesel higher than 20 % (B20), such as B100 is still contrary to the terms of your Emission warranties or any other Volkswagen Limited Warranty and remains strictly prohibited.
Biodiesel blends (up to B20) may be used in your Illinois registered TDI® Clean Diesel vehicle; howev-er, please be aware that biodiesel has characteristics that are different from other kinds of fuel, espe-cially petroleum-based fuels.
Biodiesel can attract water and also deteriorate with age. Small amounts of biodiesel can get into the engine oil, but unlike petroleum diesel, it does not evaporate over time. This can cause the oil level in the engine to rise and can affect the quality of the oil.
x Routinely check the engine oil level. A good time to do this is when you refuel, especially if you regularly do a lot of short distance or stop-and-go driving. This will help you see if the engine oil level is getting higher. (A rising oil level beyond the maximum indicator means an oil change is needed due
to the dilution of the oil in the system; a potential characteristic of biodiesel use) ⇒ page 590, Checking the engine oil level and adding oil.
x If you ever notice that the engine oil level has risen or is above the maximum indicator, contact your authorized Volkswagen dealer, authorized Volkswagen Service Facility or Volkswagen Customer CARE to schedule an oil change – regardless of the time or mileage that has elapsed since you last had an oil change performed.
x Continue to follow the oil change intervals found in the Warranty and Maintenance booklet that came with your vehicle, and use only engine oil that expressly complies with Volkswagen quality standard VW 507 00.
x Refuel only at trusted, commercial fueling stations that are located near main highways. These stations are more likely to have “fresh” biodiesel fuels that have not aged significantly.
x If your vehicle will be in storage (or not driven) for several weeks or months, please completely fill the fuel tank. If possible, fill the tank with Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuel [ASTM D-975 standard Grade No. 2-D (S15)].
If you have additional questions about your Illinois registered TDI® Clean Diesel vehicle, please call or write to us at:
Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Attn: Customer CARE
3800 Hamlin Road, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
Tel.: 1-800-444-8982
WARNING
Starting fluids can explode and cause a run-away vehicle condition.
x Never use starting assist fluids.
NOTICE
x The vehicle's diesel engine was designed solely for use with ULSD fuel. For this reason, never use gasoline, heating oil, or other fuels that have not been expressly approved for use with the diesel engine. These fuels contain substances that will severely damage the fuel sys-tem and the engine. Such damage will not be covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.
x If you put any amount of the incorrect fuel in the fuel tank, do not start the engine under any circumstances. Immediately contact the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.
x If diesel fuel should get on any rubber hose, it must be wiped off immediately. The same applies if diesel fuel gets onto other parts of the vehicle, especially paint, tires, or a plastic part. Wash the contaminated vehicle parts right away with soap and warm water to help pre-vent leaks and serious damage.

Warning and indicator lights

Lights
up
Possible cause or meaning
⇒  Proper response
together
with
ing or not filled standard
AdBlue.
authorized Volkswagen dealer
or an authorized Volkswagen
Service Facility.
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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.
WARNING
Failure to heed warning lights and instrument cluster text messages can cause the vehicle to break down in traffic and result in a collision and serious personal injury.
x Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.
x Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
NOTICE
Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
AdBlue information

x Fold up the luggage compartment floor panel ⇒ fig. 308 (1) and hook it open or, if you have a reversible luggage compartment floor panel, take this out
x Take out the collapsible spare tire (2)- Unscrew the fastening screw (3) with washer counterclock-wise and take out the collapsible spare tire.
x Pull off the plug (4) in the spare tire well.
x Unscrew the tank filler neck cap ⇒ fig. 309 (5) counterclockwise and remove.
Refilling AdBlue
Only use Volkswagen-approved AdBlue or any Diesel Exhaust Fluid that expressly conforms to International Organization for Standardization specification ISO 22241-1. Using a DEF that does not meet the requirements of ISO 22241-1 can seriously damage your vehicle’s engine. Only use fluid in original, unopened packaging.
x Read and heed the information provided by the AdBlue refill manufacturer ⇒ .
x Note the expiration date.
x Unscrew the cap of the refill container.
x Vertically insert the neck of the refill container (6) into the tank filler neck and turn clockwise to hand-tighten.
x Press the refill container down into the tank filler neck and hold it there.
x Add at least 1.5 gallons (5.7 liters) of AdBlue which is 3 refill bottles. Adding a smaller amount is not sufficient.
x Wait until the contents of the refill container has flowed into the AdBlue tank. Do not squeeze or damage the refill container!
x Unscrew the refill container counterclockwise and lift it out carefully ⇒ .
x AdBlue stops flowing from the refill bottle when the AdBlue tank is completely full.
Closing the fuel filler neck
x Screw in the fuel filler neck cap (5) clockwise until the cap locks into place.
x Put the plug ⇒ fig. 308 (4) back in the spare wheel recess and make certain it is properly placed and secure.
x Put the collapsible spare tire (2) back in the spare wheel recess and secure it with the fastening screw (3) and washer.
x Unhook the luggage compartment floor panel (1) and fold down or, if you have a reversible lug-
gage compartment floor panel, put this back in ⇒  Luggage compartment.
Things to do before driving again
x After refilling, switch on only the ignition.
x Leave the ignition switched on for at least 30 seconds so that system can detect the refill.
x Do not start the engine for 30 seconds!
WARNING
Store AdBlue only in its closed original container and in a safe place.
x To reduce the risk of poisoning, never keep AdBlue in empty food or beverage containers that might mislead someone into drinking from them.
x Always store AdBlue outside the reach of children.

WARNING
Inadequate experience and knowledge of the demands of off-road driving can lead to critical situations and cause serious personal injury.
x Never take routes or risks that could put you or your passengers in danger. If you cannot go on, or have doubts about the safety of your route, turn back and take a new route.
x The intelligent technology of the vehicle cannot change the laws of physics. Despite the ABS, adverse terrain can cause instability through blocked wheels – for example, if you brake hard when driving on a loose gravel road. Difficult terrain may also prevent the ESC from doing its job.
x Never operate the vehicle at the limit of its performance ability. Always leave a good safety margin.
x To reduce the risk of loss of control and serious personal injury, never use the cruise control when driving off-road.
x Even terrain that looks easy can be difficult and dangerous, putting you and your passen-gers in a critical situation. It is often best to check an area out on foot first.
x Drive with special care and think ahead in off-road terrain. If you drive too fast, or fail to maneuver the vehicle properly, you could cause personal injury and damage the vehicle.
x Never drive faster than is appropriate for the prevailing terrain and the road, traffic, and weather conditions.
x Never drive too fast across embankments, ramps, or slopes. The vehicle could become airborne. If that happens, you will not be able to steer and can lose control.
x If your vehicle becomes airborne, always keep the front wheels pointing straight ahead. If the wheels are not pointing straight ahead when the vehicle lands, it could roll over.
x Never allow people to stand in front of or behind the vehicle if you have put items such as stones or pieces of wood under the wheels to improve traction on slippery ground. Spinning wheels can turn these items into dangerous flying objects causing serious personal injury.
x Even areas that look harmless can be dangerous. Potholes, ditches, trenches, drop-offs, different kinds of obstacles, and soft or swampy ground often cannot be seen and can be partially or fully covered by water, grass, branches, or other things. Driving over such terrain can cause accidents and severe injuries. Before crossing an unknown area, carefully explore the route you plan to take on foot.
WARNING
Never drive off-road if you are low on fuel. Too little fuel in the tank can cause an accident and serious injuries. You can also run out of fuel in a remote area where getting help is diffi-cult or impossible.
x When the fuel tank is almost empty, fuel supply to the engine can be interrupted, especial-ly when driving over bumps, across slopes, and up and down hills. The interruption in fuel flow could stall the engine during a maneuver in difficult terrain and make you lose control of the vehicle.
x Steering and braking assistance as well as ESC and related systems will not work if the engine “sputters” or stalls due to lack of fuel. This can cause loss of vehicle control, espe-cially in difficult terrain.
x Always refuel when the tank is 1/4 full to reduce the risk of running out of fuel.
NOTICE
If the power sunroof or the windows are open when it rains or snows, the interior of the vehicle will get wet and the vehicle may be damaged. Always keep the windows and the power sunroof closed when driving off-road.

Rollover warning