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Table of Contents > Heating, ventilation system and climate control > Heating, ventilating and cooling

VW Tiguan 2021 Owner's Manual ➜ Heating, ventilating and cooling

Heating and ventilation system and climate control  
Heating, ventilating and cooling  
Introduction to the topic  
One of the following systems may be installed in  
the vehicle: The heating and ventilation system  
With the Climatronic, the temperature, distribution  
and amount of air can be regulated automatically.  
heats and ventilates the passenger compartment.  
The heating and ventilation system cannot cool.  
Optimum performance of the air conditioner is achieved with  
the passenger compartment closed. If there is a lot of heat  
buildup in the passenger compartment, ventilating the passenger  
compartment can speed up the cooling process.  
The manual air conditioner heats, cools and  
dehumidifies the air.  
The Climatronic is an automatic climate control system  
that heats, cools and dehumidifies the air. with mode  
Fig. 117 In the upper part of the center console: manual climate control panel.  
Fig. 118 At the top of the center console: Climatronic control panel.  
Indication of activated functions  
WARNING  
Light-up diodes (LEDs) on the buttons indicate that the  
corresponding function is activated.  
Poor visibility through the windows increases the  
risk of collisions and accidents, which can cause  
serious injury.  
In the climate settings of the info tainment system,  
the function buttons marked in yellow indicate that the  
For good visibility , keep all  
corresponding function is activated ΓΏ p. 135.  
the crystals without ice, without snow and demisted.  
Β· Adjust the heating and ventilation system, climate  
control and heated rear window so that the windows  
do not mist up.  
5 N M 0 1 2 7 6 0 A J  
133  
Heating, ventilating and cooling  
Β· Start driving only when you have good  
visibility through the windows.  
Β· Do not place food, medicines or other objects  
sensitive to cold or heat in front of the air vents.  
Β· Use air recirculation only for a short time.  
WARNING  
Otherwise the windows could mist up very  
quickly and seriously impede visibility.  
If the air conditioner does not work, unplug it  
immediately to avoid consequential damage. Have  
the air conditioner checked by a qualified specialist  
workshop. Volkswagen recommends a Volkswagen  
dealer.  
Β· Disconnect air recirculation when not  
need.  
WARNING  
Some settings can be saved in  
The air that comes out of the diffusers can damage  
or render unusable food, medicines or objects  
sensitive to heat or cold.  
personalization function user accounts and  
are changed when switching user accounts ΓΏ p. 40.  
Switch air recirculation on and off ΓΏ p. 135.  
Overview of functions  
Note and , at the beginning of this ca  
chapter, on page 133.  
In cooling mode it cools and dehumidifies  
the air.  
Some functions, buttons and the control panel of  
the air conditioning for the rear seats are only  
available depending on the equipment.  
Connect and disconnect the maximum  
cooling power.  
The air recirculation mode is automatically  
Open climate settings in the infotainment  
system ΓΏ p. 135.  
activated and the Climatronic automatically  
directs the air to the upper part of the body.  
Disconnect the air conditioner.  
The defrost/defog function of the manual  
Adjust fan speed.  
climate control defrosts the windshield and  
removes ice from the windshield.  
When the defrost/defog function is activated,  
Adjust the temperature.  
The Climatronic displays show the set  
temperature.  
the air must be dehumidified. Therefore,  
when this function is on, you cannot turn on  
air recirculation or turn off cooling mode.  
Adopt driver's side temperature settings in  
all seats.  
The Climatronic defrost/defog function  
defogs the windscreen and removes ice  
from the windscreen.  
The air is dehumidified and the fan speed  
increases.  
The active combination filter of the Air Care  
Clima tronic can reduce the ingress of  
pollutants and allergens, among others ΓΏ p.  
135.  
The set air temperature remains constant.  
The quantity and distribution of air are  
Connecting and disconnecting the heated  
windscreen with the engine running ΓΏ p. 138.  
regulated automatically. Automatic mode is  
switched off when the fan speed is manually  
changed.  
Connect and disconnect the heated rear window  
with the engine running.  
In automatic mode, the fan speed can be  
regulated via the climate profiles in the climate  
settings of the infotainment system ΓΏ p. 135.  
The heated rear window switches off automatically  
after a maximum of 10 minutes.  
134  
Heating and ventilation system and climate control  
Switching the heated seats on and off ΓΏ p. 136.  
air conditioning units that are used frequently  
fearfully  
Air conditioning operating modes  
Switching the steering wheel heater on and off  
ΓΏ p. 137.  
The operating modes of the air conditioner are indicated by  
colours:  
Switching the independent heating on and  
off ΓΏ p. 139.  
β€” Blue: refrigerate  
β€” Red: heating  
Open the Independent heating menu in the  
climate settings of the infotainment system ΓΏ  
Submenu for climate settings Switch  
cooling mode, air distribution and fan on and off.  
p. 139.  
Direct the air towards the upper part of the  
body.  
Submenu for general settings  
The following functions can be set:  
β€” Automatic air recirculation mode ΓΏ p. 135  
β€” Additional heater ΓΏ p. 139 β€” Automatic  
Direct the air towards the footrest area.  
Heated Windscreen ΓΏ p. 138  
Direct the air towards the upper part of the  
body and the footrest area.  
β€” Steering wheel heater temperature level ΓΏ p. 137  
Direct the air towards the windshield and the  
footrest area.  
Presets submenu  
Set automatic mode, maximum refrigerating power,  
defrost/defog function and manual refrigeration mode.  
Direct the air towards the windshield.  
WARNING  
HVAC profiles  
To prevent damage to the heated rear window, do not  
affix stickers to the electrical wires on the inside of the  
Adjust fan speed in auto mode.  
heated rear window.  
Set the temperature for the rear row of seats  
ra  
To save fuel, switch off the heated rear window  
as soon as possible.  
1. Open the climate settings in the infotainment  
system.  
2. Press the function button for the row of seats  
Climate settings in the infotainment  
system  
rear.  
3. Press the function button or .  
When activated in the infotainment system,  
the rear climate control panel cannot be used.  
Note and , at the beginning of this ca  
chapter, on page 133.  
Climate settings can be made in the infotainment  
system if the vehicle is equipped with Climatronic.  
Some functions are only available depending on the  
equipment.  
air recirculation  
Opening the climate settings in the infotainment  
system  
Note and , at the beginning of this ca  
chapter, on page 133.  
1. Press  
on the control panel.  
With air recirculation switched on, no outside air enters  
the passenger compartment.  
The upper area of the screen shows current  
climate settings. The lower area of the screen  
5 N M 0 1 2 7 6 0 A J  
shows function buttons for func  
Switch air recirculation on and off  
1. Press  
on the control panel.  
135  
Heating, ventilating and cooling  
Clima tronic automatic air recirculation mode  
WARNING  
Do not smoke in the vehicle when the air recirculation is on.  
The automatic air recirculation mode helps you, within the  
limitations of the system, when the outside air is of poor quality by  
temporarily turning the air intake on or off. The system cannot  
Smoke can settle on the refrigeration evaporator and on the active  
combination filter, and permanently produce unpleasant odours.  
detect unpleasant odors.  
Climatronic: When reverse gear is engaged or during  
1. Open the climate settings in the infotainment system ΓΏ p. 135.  
2. Activate or deactivate the automatic mode of  
the automatic wiper sweep, air recirculation is activated  
so that odors do not enter the passenger compartment.  
air recirculation through  
recirculation of  
automatic air  
Manual climate control: When the outside temperature is  
very high, briefly connect the  
– Climatronic with active combined filter  
The active combination filter of the Air Care Climatronic can  
reduce the entry of pollutants and allergens, among others.  
air recirculation mode helps the passenger compartment cool  
down more quickly.  
When the Air Care function is activated, the  
recirculation of air from the climate control system is  
seat heating  
maximized as much as the risk of fogging on the  
windows is allowed depending on the humidity in the  
passenger compartment and the outside temperature.  
The air recirculation is regulated automatically and a  
continuous adaptation takes place to avoid fatigue in  
the occupants.  
Note and , at the beginning of this ca  
chapter, on page 133.  
With the engine running, the front and rear outboard seats  
can be heated electrically on three levels.  
1. Open the climate settings in the infotainment system ΓΏ p. 135.  
Seat heating levels  
2. Activate or deactivate the Air Care function by  
The operating states of the heated seats are indicated by colours:  
Activate.  
β€” At the highest heating level, all three LEDs light up.  
Air recirculation is automatically switched off  
mind  
Air recirculation is automatically switched off if one of the  
Manage heated seats  
following conditions is met ΓΏ :  
1. To switch on the seat heating in the child  
highest speed, press the key or on the climate control panel.  
β€” The defrost/defog function is activated.  
2. To adjust the heating level, repeatedly press the key  
either .  
β€” A sensor detects that the vehicle's windows may fog up.  
3. To switch off the seat heating, press the button or repeatedly  
until no LEDs remain lit.  
WARNING  
Stale air can quickly cause driver fatigue and reduce their  
ability to concentrate, which could lead to collisions, accidents  
and serious injury.  
If the engine is started again within the next approx. 10  
minutes, the driver's seat heating switches on automatically in the  
last adjusted level.  
Β· Never use air recirculation for a long time, as no outside air  
enters the passenger compartment in the meantime.  
Cases in which the heated seats should not be switched  
on  
Β· Use air recirculation only for a short time. Otherwise the  
Do not switch on the seat heating if any of the following  
conditions is true:  
windows could mist up very quickly and seriously impede  
visibility.  
β€” The seat is occupied by a person with limited pain or  
temperature perception ΓΏ .  
Β· Disconnect air recirculation when you don't need it.  
136  
Heating and ventilation system and climate control  
β€” The seat is not occupied.  
bench seat and backrest to excessive loads  
concentrated in a single point.  
β€” The seat is covered with a cover.  
Β· If liquids are spilled, sharp objects are left, or  
insulating materials (such as a cover or a child  
seat) are placed on the seats, the seat heater may  
be damaged.  
β€” A seat for children is mounted on the seat  
us.  
β€” The seat cushion is damp or wet.  
β€” The outside or passenger compartment temperature is  
higher than +25 Β°C (77 Β°F).  
Β· If you notice any odor, switch off the seat heating  
immediately and have it checked by a qualified  
specialist workshop.  
WARNING  
During the operation of the heated seats, magnetic  
Volkswagen recommends a Volks wagen dealer.  
fields are generated. In some cases, these fields  
can affect active medical implants (eg, pacemakers).  
Β· If the original seat upholstery is replaced with  
another material, the seat heater may overheat or  
its function may be limited.  
Β· Those with an active medical implant should  
consult their physician or implant manufacturer  
before using seat heating.  
To save fuel, switch off the seat heater as  
soon as possible.  
Β· If necessary, also inform your companions  
about this.  
steering wheel heating  
WARNING  
Those whose perception of pain or temperature is  
totally or partially affected by taking medication or  
by some type of paralysis or chronic disease (eg  
diabetes) could suffer burns on the back, buttocks  
or legs when using the heated seats. These burns  
may take a long time to heal or may never heal  
completely. If you have any doubts about your state  
of health, see a doctor.  
Note and , at the beginning of this ca  
chapter, on page 133.  
The steering wheel heater only works with the engine running.  
steering wheel heating levels  
When you switch on the steering wheel heating,  
the current level of heating is permanently  
displayed in the instrument cluster as a bar graph.  
Β· Never use the heated seats if  
At the highest level the three full bars are displayed.  
You have limited perception of pain or  
temperature.  
Switching the steering wheel heating on and off on  
WARNING  
the multifunction steering wheel  
1. To connect the steering wheel heating in the ni  
highest speed, press .  
Soaking through the upholstery could cause  
the seat heater to stop working properly and  
could increase the risk of burns.  
2. To adjust the heating level, repeatedly press  
.
Β· Before using the seat heater, make sure that the  
seat cushion is dry.  
3. To switch off the heated steering wheel, press  
repeatedly until the bar graph in the instrument  
cluster goes out.  
Β· Do not sit on the seat with damp or wet clothing.  
Save heating level  
Β· Do not place damp or wet objects or clothing on  
top of the seat.  
1. Switch on the steering wheel heater and adjust to the  
desired level.  
Β· Do not spill liquids on the seat.  
2. To save the current level, hold down da for approx.  
1 second.  
WARNING  
The heating level is saved and the steering wheel  
heating is switched off.  
Β· To avoid damaging the heating elements, do not  
kneel on the seats or subject the  
5 N M 0 1 2 7 6 0 A J  
137  
Heating, ventilating and cooling  
3. To connect the steering wheel heater with the  
last saved level, hold down for approx. 1 second.  
Heated windscreen via desing function  
defrost/defog The heated  
windscreen comes on when the defrost/defog function is  
activated and a sensor detects that the windscreen could fog up.  
The steering wheel heating is switched on automatically  
If you start the engine again within about 10 minutes, the steering  
wheel heating switches on automatically at the last level set.  
The heated windscreen is automatically switched off  
The heated windscreen is automatically switched off if any  
of the following conditions are met:  
The steering wheel heating is switched off automatically.  
cally  
β€” Electric power consumption is too high.  
to.  
The steering wheel heating is switched off automatically.  
only if any of the following conditions is met:  
β€” There is a fault in the air conditioning system.  
β€” The set time has elapsed.  
β€” Electric power consumption is too high.  
to.  
β€” There is a fault in the heating system of the  
steering wheel.  
Problems and solutions  
Note and , at the beginning of this ca  
chapter, on page 133.  
heated windshield  
It is not possible to switch on the cooling mode or it  
only works to a limited extent  
Note and , at the beginning of this ca  
chapter, on page 133.  
only works with  
The engine cooling mode is  
running and at ambient temperatures above +3 Β°C (+38 Β°F).  
The heated windshield only works with the engine running.  
If the engine gets very hot, the cooling mode is switched off.  
β€” Switch on the fan.  
Connect and disconnect the heated windscreen  
1. Manual climate control: Open the menu Vehicle settings of  
β€” Check the air conditioning fuse ΓΏ p. 318.  
the infotainment system ΓΏ p. 41.  
β€” Change the active combination filter ΓΏ p. 380.  
1. Climatronic: Tap on the climate settings for the infotainment  
system.  
β€” If the fault persists, go to a duly qualified specialized  
workshop. Volkswagen recommends a Volkswagen dealer.  
The heated windscreen switches off automatically depending  
on the outside temperature, although at the latest after approx.  
8 minutes.  
The heating cannot be switched on or it only works to a  
limited extent  
Auto Heated Windshield  
The heating and defrost/defog functions work more  
efficiently when the engine is warm.  
The heated windshield connects automatically if it detects that  
some glass could fog up.  
1. Open the climate settings in the infotainment system ΓΏ p. 135.  
1. If the fault persists, go to a duly qualified specialized  
workshop. Volkswagen recommends a Volkswagen dealer.  
2. Turn the auto heated windshield on or off using Auto Heated  
Windshield.  
the windows fog up  
The automatic heated windscreen is also active when the  
climate control is off.  
The windows mist up when their temperature is below ambient  
temperature and the air humidity is very high. Cold air can absorb  
less moisture than warm air. That is why the crista  
tado.  
138  
Heating and ventilation system and climate control  
they fog up more often in cold times of the year.  
underside of the vehicle. Do not allow the exhaust pipe  
to become blocked by snow, mud or objects.  
1. To improve heating and cooling performance, keep  
the air intake located in front of the windshield  
free of ice, snow and leaves ΓΏ p. 382.  
WARNING  
The exhaust gases from the independent heater  
contain, among other substances, carbon  
monoxide, a colorless, odorless and toxic gas.  
Carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness  
and death.  
2. To allow air to circulate in the passenger  
compartment from the front to the rear, leave the  
ventilation slots at the rear of the luggage  
compartment free.  
Β· Never turn on the independent heating or never  
leave it running when the vehicle is in closed or  
unventilated rooms.  
3. Switch