steering VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG 2012 User Guide

Adjusting the steering wheel position

Fig. 49 Manual adjustment for the steering wheel position.

Fig. 50 Behind the steering wheel on the steering column: electrical adjustment for steering wheel.

WARNING
Improper use of the steering column adjustment feature can result in serious personal injury and even death.
x Always pull the lever ⇒ fig. 49 (1) firmly upward after adjusting the steering column so that the steering wheel does not change position suddenly while the vehicle is moving.
x Never adjust the steering column while the vehicle is moving. If you find that you need to adjust the steering wheel while driving, stop the vehicle in a safe place and make the proper adjustment.
x Never adjust the steering wheel so that it points toward your face. Always make sure that the steering wheel points toward your chest. Otherwise, the airbag system cannot protect you properly in the event of a crash.
x Always hold the steering wheel on the outside of the steering wheel rim with your hands at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions to help reduce the risk of serious personal injury if the driver's airbag inflates.
x Never hold the steering wheel at the 12 o'clock position or with your hands anywhere inside the steering wheel or on the steering wheel hub. Holding the steering wheel the wrong way increases the risk of severe injury to the arms, hands, and head if the driver front airbag deploys.
Center armrest

Fig. 51 Between the front seats: 1 part and 2 part front center armrest.

(2) Left turn signal.
(3) Switching high beams on ⇒ . The indicator light  comes on in the instrument cluster when the high beams are switched on.
(4) Switching the high beams off and operating the headlight flasher. The headlight flasher turns on the high beams as long as the lever is pulled and manually held in the pulled position. The indi-cator light  lights up. When released, the lever moves back to the home position and turns off the high beams. The indicator light  goes out.
Move the lever back to the home position to turn the feature off.
Convenience turn signal (lane change feature)
To use the convenience turn signal feature, move the lever up or down slightly, just to the point of resistance and then release it. If you have the convenience turn signal (Conv. turn sig.) switched on, the turn signals and the turn signal indicator flash 3 times. If it is switched off, they flash as long as you hold the lever up or down, and go out when you release the lever.
The convenience turn signal is switched on and off in the Lights & Vision menu in the instrument
cluster display ⇒  Volkswagen Information System. If your vehicle is not equipped with the Lights & Vision menu, the convenience turn signal feature can be deactivated by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
WARNING
Improper use of high beams can distract and blind others, causing accidents and serious injuries.
The turn signal light works only when the ignition is switched on. The emergency flasher works
even when the ignition is switched off ⇒  In an emergency.
The indicator light flashes twice as fast if a turn signal bulb is burned out.
High beams can only be switched on when low beams are on.
Switching lights on and off

Fig. 85 Next to the steering wheel: Headlight switch.

Function Action
Switching the DRL back on: – Release the parking brake.
– OR: Turn the light switch to the 
position.

Static cornering lights
Your vehicle may have fog lights under the front bumper, which on some models are also static cor-nering lights. On some models the static cornering lights may be integrated in the headlights. At speeds below about 25 mph (40 km/h), the light on one side of the vehicle will come on when you turn a corner. If you turn to the right, the right fog light comes on; turn left and the left fog light comes on. The light dims and goes out when the steering wheel is straightened out again.
When you move the selector lever to Reverse (R), the static cornering lights on both sides of the vehicle may come on so that you can see the area around the vehicle better when backing up.
The static cornering lights work only when the headlights are on. If you are using automatic headlight
control (headlight switch in the !54/ position) ⇒ fig. 85, they work only when the headlights have been automatically switched on. The static cornering lights do not come on when the headlight switch is in
the / position or when the fog lights themselves have been switched on ⇒  Switching lights on and off.
Automatic headlight control !54/
Automatic headlight control is a convenience feature only and cannot always recognize all driving situations.
If the light switch is in the !54/ position, the outside vehicle lighting and the instrument lighting are
automatically switched on at dusk/nightfall and off in normal daylight in the following situations ⇒ :

Automatic activation: Automatic deactivation/change to
daytime running lights:
If the low-light sensor registers
darkness, for example when driving
through a tunnel.
If sufficient brightness is registered.
If you drive faster than about
87 mph (140 km/h) for several se-
conds.
If you drive slower than about
40 mph (65 km/h) for several se-
conds.
If the rain sensor recognizes heavy
rain and switches the windshield
wipers on.
If the windshield wipers have not
moved for several minutes.

“Leaving
home” Action
– Switch on the ignition.

Background lighting in the outside mirrors
The background lighting in the outside mirrors lights up the area close to the doors while you are getting into or out of the vehicle. It is switched on when the vehicle is unlocked, a vehicle door is opened, or the “Coming home” or “Leaving home” feature is activated. If the vehicle is equipped with a light sensor, the background lighting in the outside mirrors is only switched on in darkness.
The lights stay on for about 10 seconds (lighting delay period). The “Coming home” and “Leav-ing home” features can be enabled and disabled in the Infotainment System.
If the “Coming home” feature is switched on and the driver door is opened, no acoustic warning will sound to alert that the light is still on.
Instrument panel lighting and headlight range adjustment

Fig. 86 Next to the steering wheel: Control for instrument cluster lighting.

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.

WARNING
Unsecured or incorrectly stowed items can fly through the vehicle, causing serious personal injury during hard braking or sharp steering or in an accident. Loose items can also be struck and thrown through the passenger compartment by the front airbags if they inflate. To help reduce the risk of serious personal injury:
x Always stow all objects securely in the vehicle. Always put luggage and heavy items in the luggage compartment.
x Always secure objects in the passenger compartment properly with suitable straps so that they cannot move into the deployment zone of a side or front airbag during a sudden braking, in a sudden maneuver, or in a collision.
x Always keep storage compartments closed while driving.
x Never stow hard, heavy, or sharp objects in the vehicle's open storage compartments, on the shelf behind the rear seat bench, or on the top of the instrument panel.
x Always remove hard, heavy, or sharp objects from clothing and bags in the vehicle interi-or and stow them securely in the luggage compartment.
WARNING
Transporting heavy objects causes the handling characteristics of the vehicle to change and increases braking distances. Heavy loads which are not properly stowed or secured in the vehicle can lead to a loss of vehicle control and cause serious personal injury.
x Transporting heavy items causes the handling characteristics of the vehicle to change by shifting the vehicle's center of gravity.
x Always distribute luggage evenly and as low as possible within the vehicle. The vehicle capacity weight figures apply when the load is distributed evenly in the vehicle (passengers and luggage).
x Always stow luggage and heavy items in the luggage compartment as far forward of the rear axle as possible and secure them with appropriate straps to the tie-downs provided.
x Never exceed the vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or Gross Axle Weight Ratings, which are printed on the Safety Compliance Certification Label located on the door jamb of the driver door. Exceeding the permissible weight can cause the vehicle to skid and behave differently.
x Always adapt your speed and driving style to accommodate your payload and its weight distribution within your vehicle.
x Be especially cautious and gentle when stepping on the accelerator pedal and avoid sud-den braking and other maneuvers.
x Brake earlier than you would if you were not driving a loaded vehicle.
NOTICE
x The defroster heating wires or antenna in the rear window can be damaged by objects that rub against them.
x The antenna wiring in the side windows can be damaged by items rubbing against it.
The ventilation slots between the rear window and the luggage compartment cover must not be blocked so that stale air can escape from the vehicle.

x With the tire mobility set: If necessary, seal and inflate the damaged tire with the tire mobility set ⇒  Tire mobility set. Get assistance from an authorized Volkswagen dealer, an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility, or another qualified workshop.
x Check tire pressure and adjust if necessary.
Tire wear
Tire wear depends on several factors, including:
x Driving style.
x Unbalanced wheels.
x Wheel alignment.
Driving style – Fast cornering, hard acceleration and braking increase tire wear. If you experience increased tire wear under normal driving conditions, have the vehicle suspension checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Unbalanced wheels – The wheels on a new vehicle are balanced. When driving, however, various conditions can cause a wheel to become unbalanced. Unbalanced wheels can cause wear to the steering and suspension systems. Have all wheels rebalanced. A wheel must always be rebalanced if a new tire has been mounted.
Wheel alignment – Incorrect wheel alignment causes excessive and uneven tire wear, impairing vehicle safety. If you notice excessive or uneven tire wear, have the wheel alignment checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
WARNING
Unusual vibrations or pulling to one side can indicate tire damage.
x Reduce speed immediately and stop when it is safe to do so.
x Check tires and wheel rims for damage.
x Never drive with a damaged tire or rim. Get expert assistance instead.
x If no external damage is visible, slowly and carefully drive to the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility or other qualified workshop and have the vehicle checked.
Collapsible spare tire

Fig. 113 Under the luggage compartment floor panel: Collapsible spare tire with threaded retainer (left) and collapsible spare tire with fastening bolt and washer (right).

Accessory weight
The combined weight (in excess of those standard items which may be replaced) of automatic trans-mission, electro-mechanical power steering, power brakes, power windows, power seats, radio, and heater, to the extent that these items are available as factory-installed equipment (whether installed or not).
Aspect ratio
The ratio of sidewall height to tire width, expressed as a percentage. A number of 70 (0.7:1 or 70%) or lower indicates a low-profile tire with a shorter sidewall for improved steering response and better overall handling on dry pavement.
Bead
The part of a tire made of steel wires, wrapped or reinforced by ply cords, with the shape and structure to ensure proper fit to the wheel rim.
Bead separation
A breakdown of the bond between components in the bead.
Carcass
The tire structure, except tread and sidewall rubber which, when inflated, bears the load.
Chunking
The breaking away of pieces of the tread or sidewall.
Cord
The strands of material forming the plies in the tire.
Cord separation
The parting of cords from adjacent rubber compounds.
Cracking
Any parting within the tread, sidewall, or inner liner of the tire extending to cord material.
Cold tire inflation pressure
The tire pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer for a tire of a specified size that has not been driven for more than a couple of miles (kilometers) at low speeds in the 3 hour period before the tire pressure is measured or adjusted.
Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with standard equipment including the maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, air conditioner, and additional weight of optional equipment.
Extra load tire
A tire designed to operate at higher loads and at higher inflation pressures than the corresponding standard tire.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The load-carrying capacity of a single axle system, measured where the tire contacts the ground.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The maximum loaded weight of the vehicle.
Groove
The space between 2 adjacent tread ribs.

Safety information on Infotainment System
WARNING
Driving on today's roads demands the full attention of the driver at all times. Driver distrac-tion causes accidents, collisions and serious personal injury!
x Never let yourself be distracted when setting, adjusting, or using the Infotainment System, when using your mobile phone, or when operating the mobile phone controls.
x Always drive attentively and responsibly. Use the Infotainment system, your mobile phone, and the mobile phone controls only if road, traffic, and weather conditions permit and you will not be distracted from your driving.
x If you cannot use the Infotainment System, your mobile phone, or the mobile phone con-trols safely while driving, wait until later or find a safe spot where you can pull off the road and park the vehicle.
x Always set sound volume levels so that you can clearly hear horns, sirens, and other warning sounds outside the vehicle.
x Setting the sound volume too high may damage your hearing. This applies even if you are exposed to high volumes for short periods only.
WARNING
The volume level may suddenly get louder change when you switch media source or connect a new audio source.
x Always lower the base volume before switching media source or connecting a new audio source.
WARNING
Driving recommendations and traffic symbols displayed by the navigation system may differ from the current traffic situation.
x Traffic signs and traffic regulations have priority over the recommendations and displays provided by the navigation system.
x Always adjust your speed and driving style to road, traffic, weather, and visibility condi-tions.
WARNING
External devices that are loose in the vehicle or not properly secured could be thrown around the interior and cause injuries during a sudden driving or braking maneuver, or in a crash.
x Never put or attach an external device on a door, on the windshield or above or near to the areas marked “AIRBAG” on the steering wheel, the instrument panel and the seat backrests, or between these areas and the vehicle occupants. External devices could cause serious injury in an accident, especially when the airbags inflate.