Pay attention to the following warnings and safety
measures:
12 volt battery
· Before carrying out work on the battery
Introduction to the topic
12 volts, switch off the ignition and all electrical consumers,
and disconnect the negative cable from this battery.
The 12-volt battery is part of the electrical system and is
responsible for powering the vehicle.
· Always keep children away from the electrolyte of the 12-volt
battery and from it.
Only carry out work on the electrical system yourself if you are
familiar with the necessary operations and the generally
applicable safety measures, and if you have the appropriate tools,
media and operating fluids. Improper work can cause serious
injuries ÿ p. 345. Have all work carried out by a suitably qualified
specialist workshop. Volks wagen recommends a Volkswagen
dealer.
· Always wear eye protection and protective gloves.
· The battery electrolyte is very aggressive. May cause skin
burns and blindness. When handling the 12 volt battery,
especially protect your hands, arms and face from possible
splashes of acid.
· Never work near naked flames.
shielded or sparking.
At the end of the chapter, in the troubleshooting section, you
will find information about warning and control lights that come
on ÿ p. 348.
· Avoid sparks when handling cables and electrical devices,
as well as electrostatic discharges.
Never cause a short circuit in the po
those of the battery.
12 volt battery location
Depending on the equipment, the 12-volt battery can be mounted
in the engine compartment or in the boot under the floor.
Never use a 12 volt battery as it will damage
gives. The battery may explode. If the battery is damaged,
replace it immediately.
Explanation of 12 volt battery warning symbols
· Never use a frozen 12 volt battery. When the battery is
discharged, it can freeze at temperatures close to 0 °C
(+32 °F). replace it immediately
Always wear eye protection!
mind.
· If the vehicle has a 12-volt battery in the
Battery electrolyte is highly corrosive.
passenger compartment, make sure that the degassing
hose is correctly attached to said battery. It should always
be attached to the negative pole side of the 12 volt battery.
If there is a hole on the positive pole side of the battery, this
hole should always be closed.
Always wear protective gloves and eye protection!
It is forbidden to light a fire, cause sparks, use an open
flame or smoke!
When charging the 12-volt battery, a highly explosive
detonating gas mixture is produced!
WARNING
Ultraviolet rays can damage the battery casing.
Always keep children away from the electrolyte of
the 12-volt battery and from it!
· Do not expose the 12 volt battery to prolonged direct sunlight.
Always observe the instruction manual!
WARNING
The battery can freeze and be irreparably damaged as a result.
WARNING
Working on the 12-volt battery and electrical system can cause
severe burns, fire, and electric shock. Before working on the
battery, always read and take into account
If you are not going to use the vehicle for a long time
po, protect the 12-volt battery from frost.
5 N M 0 1 2 7 6 0 A J
After starting the engine with the 12 volt battery deeply
discharged or re
12 volt battery
3. 4. 5
recently changed, or after using the start aid, some system
settings (such as time, date, personalized comfort settings, and
schedules) may have been misadjusted or erased. Check and
correct these settings when the battery is sufficiently charged.
round strip on the top of the 12 volt battery ÿ fig. 245. Never
use an open flame or incandescent objects for lighting.
The indicator in the round sight glass varies in color in
function of the battery electrolyte level.
Light yellow or colorless
The electrolyte level of the
battery is too low. Go to a specialized workshop, have
the battery checked and, if necessary, replaced.
Check the electrolyte level of the
12 volt battery
Volkswagen recommends a Volkswagen dealer.
Note and , on page 331, and at the beginning of this
chapter, on page 345. and ,
Battery electrolyte level is correct
to.
Black
The electrolyte level of the 12 volt battery should be checked
WARNING
regularly when the mileage is high, in countries with a hot
climate and in the case of old batteries. The battery does not
require further maintenance.
Working on the 12-volt battery can cause severe burns,
explosions, and electrical shock.
The electrolyte level of 12-volt batteries with the inscription
· Always wear eye protection and protective gloves.
cannot be checked for technicwaolrrkesahsoopncsa. nAcqhueaclikfiethdesbpaetcteiarlyis.t
Volkswagen recommends a Volkswagen dealer.
· The battery electrolyte is very aggressive. May cause skin
burns and blindness. When handling the 12 volt battery,
especially protect your hands, arms and face from possible
splashes of acid.
Previous steps
1. Prepare the vehicle for work on the
engine compartment ÿ p. 331.
· Never tip over the 12 volt battery. Electrolyte could escape
from the degassing holes and cause burns.
2. Open the front hood ÿ p. 334.
· Never open the 12 volt battery.
Check battery electrolyte level (12 volt batteries with sight
glass)
· If electrolyte is splashed on the skin or eyes, immediately
rinse the affected part with plenty of cold water for a few
minutes.
Then see a doctor immediately.
· In case of ingesting electrolyte, go immediately
to a doctor.
Charge, replace, and disconnect
or reconnect the 12-volt battery
Note and , on page 331, and at the beginning of this
chapter, on page 345. and ,
Fig. 245 Sight glass at the top of the 12 volt battery
If you suspect that the 12 volt battery is damaged or defective,
go to a duly qualified specialized workshop and request a review
of it. Volkswagen recommends a Volkswagen dealer.
(schematic representation).
1. Depending on the equipment, an additional bracket must be
removed to see the sight. This requires an additional tool
not included in the on-board tools.
2. Try to have good lighting to be able to clearly distinguish the
color indicator on my
346
check and reset
Connect the 12 volt battery
Charging the 12-volt battery To
charge the 12-volt battery, you should go to a suitably qualified
1. Disconnect all electrical consumers
specialist workshop, since the battery model that the vehicle
incorporates from the factory uses technology that requires a
limited voltage charge ÿ . Volkswagen recommends a Volkswagen
dealer.
and the ignition before connecting the battery again.
2. Connect the positive cable first, then the negative ÿ .
After connecting the 12 volt battery and switching on the ignition,
various indicator lights may light up. These warning lights go off
after a short journey at a speed between approx. 15 and 20 km/h
(10 and 12 mph). If the warning lights do not go off, go to a
specialized workshop and have the vehicle checked.
Replace 12 volt battery
The 12 volt battery has been designed based on its location and
has safety features. If a 12-volt battery needs to be replaced, the
replacement must be installed by a qualified specialist workshop.
Volkswagen recommends a Volkswagen dealer for this.
Information regarding the size and characteristics of maintenance,
power and safety of the battery can be obtained from a specialized
workshop qualified for this purpose, which must have the
If the 12-volt battery has been disconnected for a long period of
time, it may not correctly indicate or calculate when the next
service is due ÿ p. 35. In this case, the maximum permitted
maintenance intervals must be taken into account ÿ p. 380.
necessary technical documentation and equipment. Volkswagen
recommends a Volkswagen dealer. The degassing hole of the 12
volt battery must always be on the negative pole side. The
degassing hole on the positive pole side must always be closed.
Vehicles with the "Keyless Access" keyless entry and start
system ÿ p. 78: If the ignition cannot be switched on after
connecting the 12 volt battery:
1. Lock and unlock the vehicle from the outside
rior.
Only use maintenance-free 12 volt batteries that comply with the
2. Try again to switch on the ignition.
TL 825 06 and VW 7 50 73 standards. These standards must be
from October 2014 or later.
3. If the ignition does not turn on, ask for help
to a duly qualified specialized workshop. Volkswagen
recommends a Volkswagen dealer.
Always have the 12-volt battery replaced by a specialized
workshop qualified for it, since when changing it, the electronic
system of the vehicle must be adapted. In addition, the battery
parameters for functional safety were only determined with the
original battery. Only qualified specialist workshops have the
appropriate technology for retrofitting and the correct replacement
batteries. If unsuitable batteries are used, the registration
certificate may become invalid.
Automatic disconnection of consumers
In the event of excessive stress on the 12-volt battery, the
intelligent on-board network management system automatically
applies certain measures to prevent its discharge:
— The idling speed is increased so that the alternator supplies
more current.
— If necessary, the power of the most powerful consumers is
limited or, in an emergency, they are completely switched off.
Disconnect the 12 volt battery
If you have to disconnect the 12-volt battery from the vehicle's
electrical system, note the following:
— When the engine is started, the power supply to the 12-volt
socket and the cigarette lighter may be briefly interrupted.
1. Disconnect all electrical consumers
and the ignition
On-board power management cannot always prevent the 12-
volt battery from discharging.
2. Before disconnecting the battery, unlock the vehicle; otherwise
the alarm will be triggered.
This is the case if, for example, the ignition is left on with the
engine off or the position or parking light on for a long time.
3. Disconnect the negative cable first, then the positive ÿ .
5 N M 0 1 2 7 6 0 A J
12 volt battery
347
Factors by which the 12 volt battery is discharged
uncles. Doing so could damage the vehicle's electrical
system.
— Prolonged stops without starting the engine
cha, especially if the ignition is left on.
The battery may contain toxic substances, such as
sulfuric acid and lead. Dispose of the 12 volt battery in
accordance with current regulations.
— Use of electrical consumers with the mo
tor off.
— Independent heating in operationÿ p. 139.
The electrolyte can contaminate the environment. If
any operating fluid leaks, pick it up and dispose of it
properly.
WARNING
If the 12-volt battery is fixed incorrectly or the wrong
batteries are used, it may cause a short circuit, fire and
Problems and solutions
serious injury.
you see.
Note and , on page 331, and at the beginning of
this chapter, on page 345. and ,
· Use only 12 volt batteries without
maintenance and with an anti-spill system that have the
same properties, specifications and measurements as the
factory-mounted battery.
AC.
12 volt battery
The control indicator lights up red. The following message is
displayed The 12V battery is not charging. Park safely!
WARNING
When charging the 12-volt battery, a highly explosive
detonating gas mixture is produced.
Do not continue the march!
· Charge the 12 volt battery only in
well ventilated places.
The 12 volt battery will not charge while driving.
· Never charge a 12 volt battery that is frozen or thawed.
1. Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and
guro.
When the battery is discharged, it can freeze at
temperatures close to 0°C (+32°F).
2. Disconnect unnecessary electrical consumers.
3. Inform a suitably qualified specialist workshop. Volkswagen
recommends a Volkswagen dealer.
· If the 12 volt battery has frozen, replace it without fail.
4. Request a check of the electrical system.
WARNING
If the wires are connected to the poles incorrectly, a short
circuit may occur.
The Start-Stop system cannot start the engine ÿ p. 157.
· Connect the positive cable first, then the negative.
12 volt battery
The control indicator lights up red. The following message is
displayed: Error: 12V power. Park safely! Consult the manual.
WARNING
· Never disconnect or connect the 12 volt battery when the
ignition is on or the engine is running. Never use a 12 volt
battery that does not meet the specifications for the vehicle
Do not continue the march!
There is a fault in the 12 volt on-board network.
battery. The electrical system or certain electronic components
may be damaged and electrical functions may fail.
1. Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and
guro.
2. Inform a suitably qualified specialist workshop. Volkswagen
recommends a Volkswagen dealer.
· Never connect to the mains socket
12-volt or cigarette lighter power-supplying accessories,
such as solar panels or battery chargers, to charge the 12-
volt battery
3. Request a check of the electrical system.
348
check and reset
12 volt battery
12 volt battery
The control indicator lights up yellow. The following message
The control indicator lights up yellow. The following
is displayed: Error: 12V power.
message is displayed: Have the 12 V battery checked.
Go to the workshop.
Visit a workshop
There is a 12 volt power failure.
There is a fault in the connection between the 12 volt
on-board network and the 12 volt battery.
1. Go to a specialized workshop duly
skilled. Volkswagen recommends a Volkswagen dealer.
1. Go to a specialized workshop duly
skilled. Volkswagen recommends a Volkswagen dealer.
2. Request a check of the electrical system.
2. Request a check of the electrical system.
12 volt battery
12 volt battery
The control indicator lights up yellow. The following
message is displayed: Error: 12 V battery. Impossible to
start the engine. Come to the workshop!
The control indicator lights up yellow. The following message
is displayed: Low 12V battery level. Charge while driving.
There is a fault in the connection between the 12 volt
on-board network and the 12 volt battery.
The 12 volt battery charges poorly, e.g. For example, due to very
low temperatures.
1. Go to a specialized workshop duly
skilled. Volkswagen recommends a Volkswagen dealer.
1. Take a short drive so that the battery can be charged again.
2. Request a check of the electrical system.
If the engine is switched off in this situation, it will not be
possible to restart it. If necessary, use the startup aid ÿ p. 323
or ask for help from a suitably qualified specialist workshop.
Volks wagen recommends a Volkswagen dealer.
12 volt battery
The control indicator lights up yellow. The following message
is displayed: Error: 12 V battery diagnosis. Visit a workshop.
There is a fault in the 12 volt battery monitoring system.
1. Go to a specialized workshop duly
skilled. Volkswagen recommends a Volkswagen dealer.
2. Request a check of the electrical system.
12 volt battery
The control indicator lights up yellow. The following message
is displayed: Replace the 12V battery.
go to the workshop
The 12 volt battery has nearly reached the end of its useful life.
1. Go to a specialized workshop duly
skilled. Volkswagen recommends a Volkswagen dealer.
2. Have the 12-volt battery checked and, if necessary, replaced ÿ
p. 346.
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12 volt battery
349
2024 VW Tiguan Owner's Manual
