Volkswagen Tiguan Owners Manual: Charging, replacing, disconnecting and connecting the 12 Volt vehicle battery

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Charging the vehicle battery

Vehicle batteries should be charged by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility because the factory-installed battery requires a charger with overload protection ⇒ .

Replacing the vehicle battery

The battery in your vehicle is specially developed for its location, with special dimensions and safety features. Before buying a new battery, ask an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility what batteries are suitable with regard to electro-magnetic compatibility, dimensions, required maintenance, performance, and safety specifications. Have the battery replaced by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Only use maintenance-free vehicle batteries meeting standards TL 825 06 and VW 7 50 73. These standards must date from August 2008 or later.

Disconnecting the vehicle battery

If the battery must be disconnected from the vehicle's electrical system, note the following:

• Switch off all electrical systems and devices and the ignition.

• Unlock the vehicle before disconnecting the battery; otherwise the alarm system will go off.

• First disconnect the negative cable (-) and then the positive cable (+) ⇒ .

Connecting the vehicle battery

• Prior to reconnecting the battery, switch off all electrical systems and devices and the ignition.

• Connect the positive cable (+) first and then the negative cable (-) ⇒ .

After the battery is connected and the ignition is switched on, different indicator lights may come on. They should go out after you drive a short distance at 10 – 12 mph (15 – 20 km/h). If the indicator lights do not go out , contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility and have the vehicle checked.

If the battery was disconnected for a long time, the next scheduled service may not be correctly calculated and displayed ⇒ Instrument cluster  The maximum permissible service and maintenance intervals are shown in the ⇒BookletWarranty and Maintenance booklet,.

Vehicles with Keyless Access

If the ignition will not start after reconnecting the vehicle battery, lock the vehicle from the outside and unlock it again. Then try to start the ignition again. If the ignition cannot be switched on, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer, an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility, or another qualified workshop for assistance.

Automatic electrical load deactivation

If the vehicle battery drain is high, the intelligent onboard electrical system management automatically takes steps to help prevent battery drain.

• The idle speed is increased so that the alternator provides more power.

• The power to devices that consume a lot of electricity is cut back or switched off completely.

• When the engine is started, the power supply to the 12 Volt sockets is temporarily interrupted.

The onboard electrical system management cannot always keep the battery from being drained. For example, the battery will drain if the engine is not running, but the ignition is switched on or the parking lights are left on for a long time when parked.

Battery disconnection in an accident with airbag deployment

In vehicles with a battery in the luggage compartment, the electrical connection to the battery is disconnected automatically in a collision with airbag deployment. This helps to prevent a short-circuit.

What drains the battery?

• Long periods when the engine is not running, especially when the ignition is on.

• Using electrical systems or devices when the engine is switched off.

• Leaving the vehicle unlocked for several days when not in use.

• The selector lever is left for a long period of time in any position other than P when the ignition is switched off ⇒ Automatic transmission: Selector lever .

Warning

Failure to use the proper battery with proper mounting and connections may cause short circuits, fires, and serious personal injuries.

• Always use only maintenance-free or cycle-free, leakproof batteries with the same specifications and dimensions as the original equipment battery. Specifications are listed on the battery housing.

Warning

When the vehicle battery is charged, it produces highly explosive hydrogen gas.

• Charge vehicle batteries only in well-ventilated areas.

• Never charge a frozen or thawed battery. A dead battery can freeze at temperatures around +32 °F (0 °C).

• You must replace the vehicle battery if it was frozen.

• Incorrectly connected cables can cause a short-circuit. First connect the positive cable (+) and then the negative cable (-).

Note

Never disconnect a vehicle battery or connect 2 vehicle batteries to each other when the ignition is switched on or the engine is running. Doing this may damage the electrical system or electronic components.

• Never use a vehicle battery that does not meet specifications for the vehicle battery for your vehicle. Using the wrong battery can damage the electrical system or electronic components and cause electrical malfunctions.

• Never connect power generating equipment, such as a solar panel or battery charger, to the 12 Volt socket in order to charge the vehicle battery. This can damage the vehicle's electrical system.

Dispose of the vehicle battery according to regulations. Vehicle batteries contain poisonous substances such as sulfuric acid and lead.

Battery acid can pollute the environment. Catch leaking operating fluids and dispose of them properly.