corresponding place, especially no children.
Replacing the rechargeable
batteries The batteries in the light unit are charged
when the light unit is inserted in the holder and the
engine is running.
removable lighting unit
If you notice that the light unit no longer illuminates
as brightly as desired, replace the rechargeable
batteries.
1. Remove the light unit from the bracket.
2. Pry off the battery cover with a thin object under the
area ÿ fig. 199A
.
3. Replace the rechargeable batteries with ones of the
same voltage, size and specification taking into
account the mounting position.
4. Press the battery cover on the light unit until you
hear it click.
Fig. 199 On the right side of the luggage compartment:
removable lighting unit.
WARNING
To avoid damage, before setting off, stow the
removable lighting unit securely in its holder in the
boot.
Depending on the equipment, there is a removable
lighting unit on a support in the luggage compartment
ÿ fig. 199.
WARNING
When the lighting unit is mounted, it functions as a
boot light.
If non-rechargeable batteries or inappropriate
rechargeable batteries are used, the removable lighting
unit and the vehicle's electronics may be damaged.
Removing the removable lighting unit from the stand
tea
1. Grasp the lighting unit by the area ÿ fig. 199A
.
· Use only rechargeable batteries with the same
specification.
2. Pull out the light unit from the holder in the direction
of the arrow.
driving with trailer
Handling the removable lighting unit The
lighting unit is fitted with magnets. After removing it, it
can be fixed, e.g. g., on the vehicle body ÿ .
Introduction to the topic
The vehicle can be used to pull a trailer if it has the
corresponding technical equipment. The additional
mass towed impacts wear, fuel consumption and
vehicle power, and under certain circumstances can
result in shorter service intervals.
Depending on the equipment, the lighting unit has
two levels of light intensity:
1. To switch on the lighting unit, press the button ÿ fig.
199 1 . The lighting uintiteinllsuimtyi.nates with the highest
2. Depending on the version, press the key again
ÿ fig. 199 1 to lower the intensity to 50%.
Driving with a trailer puts more effort on the vehicle
and, in turn, requires more concentration from the driver.
3. Press the button again ÿ fig. 199 1 to turn off the
lighting unit.
Vehicles with Start-Stop system
Stow the removable lighting unit in the trunk
For towing hitches that have been retrofitted by a
workshop outside the Volkswagen network, the Start-
Stop system must be manually deactivated before
starting.
1. Turn off the light unit and plug it into
its support in the opposite direction of the arrow ÿ
fig. 199.
5 N M 0 1 2 7 6 0 A J
293
driving with trailer
to drive with a trailer and keep it disconnected during
the entire journey ÿ p. 157.
· Always drive proactively and cautiously. Accelerate
with special care and caution.
Do not retract or remove the trailer hitch when a
trailer, bike rack, or similar accessory is attached to it.
Keep this in mind especially when you are not using
the towbar and it obscures the license plate or lighting
at the rear of the vehicle. Observe the country-specific
regulations regarding the use of a towing device.
Avoid sudden maneuvers and braking.
· Be extremely careful when overtaking.
Immediately reduce speed as soon as you feel
the slightest sway to the trailer.
· Do not drive a trailer faster than 80 km/h (50
mph) or more than 100 km/h (60 mph) in
exceptional cases. This also applies in those
countries where faster driving is permitted.
Take into account the maximum speed allowed
in the corresponding country for vehicles driving
with a trailer, as it could be lower than that
allowed for vehicles driving without one.
DANGER
Never use the trailer to transport people, as it
would endanger your life and it could also be
prohibited.
· Never try to “straighten out” the towing vehicle
and trailer combination by accelerating.
WARNING
Improper use of the towing hitch can cause loss of
vehicle control, accidents and serious injury.
Never mount a towing device
“with weight distribution” or “load compensation”.
· Use the towing hitch only when it is in perfect
condition and correctly fastened.
WARNING
If the towing hitch has been retrofitted by a workshop
that does not belong to the Volkswagen network,
the Start-Stop system must always be deactivated
manually when towing a trailer. Failure to do so
could lead to a failure of the brake system, resulting
in an accident and serious injury.
· Do not carry out any type of modification or
repair on the towing device.
· If possible, retract or remove the trailer hitch to
reduce the risk of injury in rear-end collisions
and to prevent injury to pedestrians and bicyclists
when the vehicle is parked.
you see.
WARNING
Never mount a towing device
“with weight distribution” or “load compensation”.
The vehicle has not been designed for this type
of towing devices. The towing hitch could fail and
the trailer could come loose from the vehicle.
Observe the notes and information regarding vehicles
in category N1 ÿ p. 400, Important information for
vehicles in category N1 (light commercial vehicle).
If the connection to a trailer included in the anti-
theft alarm is broken, the anti-theft alarm may
be triggered ÿ p. 85.
WARNING
Driving with a trailer and transporting heavy or large
objects can change the driving characteristics,
lengthen the braking distance and cause accidents.
Do not tow a trailer for the first 1000 km (600
miles) of the engine ÿ p. 150.
Some rear-mounted towing devices cover the
rear towing eye housing. In these cases, the
towing eye cannot be used for towing starting or
towing other vehicles.
· Always secure the load correctly with suitable and
well-maintained lashing straps, lashing straps or
lashing straps.
· Always adapt your speed and driving style to the
visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
Slow down, especially when going downhill.
For this reason, if you have retrofitted the vehicle
with a towing device, always store the towbar in the
vehicle when removing it.
· Trailers with a high center of gravity are more
likely to roll over than those with a low center of
gravity.
294
Transport of objects
WARNING
hitch a trailer
If the wires are connected improperly or incorrectly, the
trailer could receive excessive electrical current, which
this Note , and , chapter, on page 2a9t3t.he beginning of
could cause malfunctions in the entire electronic system of
the vehicle, as well as cause accidents and serious injuries.
Trailer socket The electrical connection
between the towing vehicle and the trailer is made via a 13-
pin socket. The pin assignment corresponds to DIN ISO 11446.
· Go to a specialized workshop duly
qualified for any work that has to be done on the electrical
system. Volkswagen recommends a Volkswagen dealer.
If the trailer has a 7-pin connector, a suitable adapter must be
used.
· Never connect the electrical system of the trailer to the
electrical connections of the rear light units of the towing
vehicle or to other power sources.
1. Lift the cover of the power outlet and plug
faith the connector.
2. Turn the connector a quarter turn clockwise.
clockwise until it is fully seated in the outlet.
WARNING
Contact between the pins of the trailer power socket can cause
a short circuit, overload the electrical system or break down
the lighting system, which can result in accidents and serious
injuries.
3. Release the cap to lock the connector.
4. Check the operation of the entire lighting system before
setting off.
If you are not sure how the trailer is connected electrically to
the towing vehicle correctly, consult an appropriately qualified
specialist workshop. Volkswagen recommends a Volkswagen
dealer.
· Never connect the pins of the trailer socket to each other.
· Have bent pins repaired by a suitably qualified specialist
workshop. Volkswagen recommends a Volkswagen dealer.
Include in the burglar alarm
The trailer is included in the anti-theft alarm if the following
conditions are met:
WARNING
Never leave the trailer coupled to the vehicle if it has been parked
supporting it on its supports or on the support wheel. If the vehicle
goes up or down due to, for example, a load variation or some
type of tire damage, more pressure will be put on the towing hitch
and trailer, and both the vehicle and the trailer could be damaged. .
— If the vehicle is factory-equipped with an anti-theft alarm and
towing device.
— If the trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle
via the trailer power socket.
— If the electrical system of the vehicle and the trailer are in
perfect condition and have no breakdowns or damage.
In the event of anomalies in the electrical system of the
— If the vehicle has been locked with the key and the anti-
theft alarm is active.
vehicle or trailer, as well as in the anti-theft alarm, have
the vehicle checked by a suitably qualified specialist workshop.
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is triggered as soon as
the electrical connection to the trailer is broken.
Volkswagen recommends a Volkswagen dealer.
If, with the engine off, there are accessories on the
trailer and the trailer is connected
Include in anti-theft alarm (trailers with LED taillights)
electrically connected to the trailer power outlet, the 12-volt
battery will discharge.
For technical reasons, trailers with light-emitting diode (LED)
taillights cannot be included in the anti-theft alarm.
If the 12 volt battery is low, the electrical connection to
the trailer will be automatically broken.
With the vehicle locked, the alarm does not trigger when the
electrical connection to the trailer is interrupted if the trailer has
LED technology taillights.
5 N M 0 1 2 7 6 0 A J
295
driving with trailer
tractor vehicle and trailer, which could cause accidents and
serious injuries.
load a trailer
· Always load the trailer correctly.
this Note , and , chapter, on pagea2t9t3h.e beginning of
· Always secure the load with suitable and undamaged
lashing straps, lashing straps or lashing straps.
General information
Make sure that the tow vehicle and trailer combination is
always well balanced. Distribute the load evenly between the
front and rear of the trailer. Always place heavy objects as
close to or on the axis as possible. Secure the trailer load
correctly ÿ .
WARNING
Exceeding the maximum permissible mass per axle, the
maximum permissible vertical load on the coupling, the
maximum permissible mass of the vehicle or trailer, or the
maximum permissible mass of the towing vehicle and trailer
combination can cause accidents and serious injuries.
Technically permissible maximum towable mass and
maximum vertical load on the coupling The technically
· Never exceed the indicated values ÿ p. 415.
permissible maximum towable mass is the load that the vehicle
can tow.
· Never allow the weight on the front and rear axles to exceed
the maximum authorized mass per axle. Never allow the
weight of the front and rear of the vehicle to exceed the
maximum authorized mass.
The vertical load on the coupling is the load exerted vertically
from above on the towing hitch of the towing device.
Volkswagen recommends always making the most of the
maximum permissible vertical load on the coupling ÿ p. 415.
An insufficient vertical load has a negative influence on the
driving behavior of the towing vehicle and trailer combination.
It is not permissible to exceed the maximum permissible vertical
load of the tow bar on the towing hitch ÿ .
driving with trailer
,
Note at the beginning of this29a3n.d , chapter, on page
The actual vertical load on the coupling increases the weight
on the rear axle and reduces the possible payload of the vehicle.
Adjusting the
Headlights When towing a trailer, the front of the vehicle may
lift and if the low beam is on, other road users may be dazzled.
For this reason, lower the beam of light as necessary by
adjusting the range of the headlamps. On vehicles with
dynamic headlamp range control, the headlamps adapt
automatically and therefore require no adjustment.
Mass of the towing vehicle and trailer
combination The mass of the towing vehicle and trailer
combination is understood to be the sum of the effective
masses of the towing vehicle and the laden trailer.
In some countries trailers are classified into categories.
Volkswagen recommends inquiring in a duly qualified
specialized workshop about which are the most suitable
trailers.
Special features of driving with a trailer
— In the case of a trailer with a brake
coasting, brake gently first and then quickly. In this way
you will avoid braking jerks due to the blocking of the trailer
wheels.
Volkswagen recommends a Volkswagen dealer.
tire pressure
Trailer tire pressure is governed by the trailer manufacturer's
recommendation.
— Due to the mass of the towing vehicle and trailer
combination, the braking distance increases.
— When going downhill, also use the engine as a brake.
Otherwise the brake system could overheat and possibly
fail.
When driving with a trailer, inflate the tires of the towing
vehicle to the maximum pressure allowed ÿ p. 359.
WARNING
— On vehicles with a manual transmission, shift into a
lower gear before going down a hill.
A displacement of the load could jeopardize the stability and
safety of the set of vehicles.
296
Transport of objects
— In Tiptronic mode of the automatic gearbox,
select a lower gear.
tological, of the road and of the traffic. Slow down, especially
when going downhill.
— The towed mass and the high total mass of the
Towing vehicle and trailer together modify the center of gravity
and the driving properties of the vehicle.
· Accelerate with special care and caution. Avoid sudden
maneuvers and braking.
· Be extremely careful when overtaking.
Immediately reduce speed as soon as you feel the slightest
— If the towing vehicle is empty and the trailer loaded, the weight
distribution will be very unfavorable. In these conditions, drive
with special caution and suitably slow.
sway to the trailer.
· Never try to “straighten out” the towing vehicle and trailer
combination by accelerating.
· Take into account the maximum speed allowed for vehicles
traveling with a trailer, as it could be less than that allowed
for vehicles traveling without one.
Starting on an uphill grade with a trailer Depending on the
steepness of the uphill grade and the total mass of the towing
vehicle and trailer combination, the combination may tip
backwards slightly when starting off.
Stabilization of the towing vehicle
and trailer set
To start on an uphill grade with a trailer attached, do the
following:
1. Step on the brake pedal and hold it down.
Note at the beginning of this , and , chapter, on page 293.
2. Press the key once
electronic parking brake ÿ p. 206.
to disconnect the
The stabilization of the tow vehicle and trailer combination can
detect if the coupled trailer begins to sway and countersteer
accordingly.
3. If the transmission is manual, depress the clutch pedal fully.
4. Engage 1st gear or move the selector lever to position D. and
hold it in this position 5. Pull the button to hold the tow
The stabilization of the towing vehicle and trailer combination
is an additional function of the electronic stabilization program
(ESC).
electronic parking brake.
vehicle/trailer combination with the
If Tow Trailer Stabilization detects trailer sway, it automatically
intervenes in conjunction with steering control assistance to
reduce trailer sway.
6. Release the brake pedal.
7. Start walking slowly.
8. To do this, in the case of a manual gearbox, release the
clutch pedal slowly.
Requirements for the stabilization of the tow vehicle and
trailer combination
9. Do not release the key
until the engine has sufficient
driving force to start driving.
— The vehicle is factory-equipped with a towing device or has
been retrofitted with a compatible one.
WARNING
— The electronic stabilization program (ESC) and the
Improperly towing a trailer could result in loss of vehicle control
and serious injury.
acceleration anti-skid regulation (ASR) are active. The
control indicator or does not light up in the instrument panel.
· Driving with a trailer and transporting heavy or large objects
can change the driving characteristics and increase the
braking distance.
— The trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle via
the trailer power socket.
— You are driving at a speed greater than 60 km/h (37 mph)
approx.
· Always drive proactively and cautiously. Brake earlier than
usual.
— The maximum vertical load on the coupling is being used.
5 N M 0 1 2 7 6 0 A J
· Always adapt your speed and driving style to the conditions
of visibility, weather
— The trailer must have a rigid drawbar.
297
driving with trailer
— If the trailer has a brake, it must be equipped
with a mechanical inertia brake.
WARNING
Do not let the increased safety provided by stabilizing the
tow vehicle and trailer combination induce you to take
any risk that compromises safety.
· Always adapt your speed and driving style to the
visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
· Accelerate with caution when the road is slippery.
· When you are regulating any system, stop
accelerating.
Fig. 200 On the right side of the luggage compartment:
button for unlocking the trailer hitch.
WARNING
Unlock the trailer hitch and remove it
The stabilization of the tow vehicle and trailer combination
may not correctly detect all driving situations.
1. Park the vehicle ÿ p. 206.
2. Open the tailgate.
3. Briefly pull the button ÿ fig. 200 located in the trunk.
· When ESC is off, the stabilization of the towing vehicle
and trailer combination is also off.
The trailer hitch is unlocked electrically and comes out
automatically. The button control indicator flashes.
· The stabilization of the towing vehicle and trailer
combination does not detect in all cases light trailers
with little stability, therefore it does not stabilize them
accordingly.
4. Finish pulling out the towbar until you feel and hear it
engage and the button control indicator lights up
permanently.
· When driving on slippery roads with poor grip, the trailer
may pitch even with the stabilization function.
5. Close the tailgate.
Trailers with a high center of gravity can overturn even
Retract trailer hitch
without having previously swung
mind.
1. Park the vehicle ÿ p. 206.
· If a trailer is not towed, but a plug is plugged into the
trailer socket (for example, if a lighted bike rack is
2. Unhitch the trailer and break the electrical
connection between the trailer and the vehicle.
If you are using an adapter, remove it from the
trailer power outlet.
towed), this may cause automatic braking in extreme
driving situations.
3. Open the tailgate.
tremas.
4. Briefly pull the button ÿ fig. 200 located in the trunk.
The trailer hitch is unlocked electrically.
towing device
5. Slide the trailer hitch under the bumper until you feel
and hear it click and the key control indicator comes
on permanently.
Removing the trailer hitch
The towing hitch for the towing device located on the
bumper. The electrically released trailer hitch is mechanically
detachable for use and cannot be removed
6. Close the tailgate.
Meaning of the control lamp of the button
tar.
— The indicator light of the key ÿ fig. 200 remains on with
boot lid open: trailer hitch engaged
298
Transport of objects
2024 VW Tiguan Owner's Manual
