Volkswagen Tiguan Service and Repair Manual: Trailer Hitch

Overview - Trailer Hitch

1. Trailer Hitch
   • Trailer hitch with manual swiveling ball head -2- is depicted.
2. Ball Head
   • Swiveling
3. Socket
4. Swiveling Mechanism
5. Release Cable
   • From the release lever to the swiveling mechanism
   • Removing.
6. Wiring Harness
7. Gear Mechanism
8. Release Button Bracket
   • With LED for the lock display
   • Overview.
9. Release Knob
10. Wiring Harness
    • To the vehicle

Trailer Hitch, Removing and Installing

Removing

Note

• The tightening specifications only apply to factory-installed trailer hitches.
• Obtain tightening specifications of other tow hitches from corresponding manufacturer.
• For electrical information. Refer to Repair Manual Wiring Diagram Trailer Operation.
• The bolts -2- are not loosened.

• Remove the bumper cover.
• Disconnect the connector from the vehicle.
• Remove the bolts -3-.
• Remove the trailer hitch -1- evenly.

WARNING

Bolts -3- must always be replaced after loosening.

Installing

Install in reverse order of removal.

• Tightening specification for bolts -2-: 20 Nm.

DANGER!

The bolts -2- are actually sealing threaded connections and seal off the passenger compartment from exhaust gas. They must always be installed

• Check that the bolts -3- are securely seated.
• Tightening specification for bolts -3-: 50 Nm + 90º additional turn.

Release Cable, Removing

WARNING

No other screws may loosened except for the ones specified

• Remove the bumper cover.
• Remove the trailer hitch.
• Counterhold the threaded pin -10- and turn the nut -9- downward.
• Remove the bolt -8-.
• Remove the gear mechanism -2- from the bracket.
• Remove the bolts -7-.
• Remove the cover -6-.
• Slightly turn the turn plate -5--arrow a-.
• Remove the release cable -4- from the turn plate.

Release Cable, Installing

Note

• Clean the area where the seal is before positioning the cover.
• Water must not leak into the swiveling mechanism.

• Slightly turn the turn plate -5- and insert the release cable -4-.
• Position the cover -6-.
• Tighten the bolts -7-.
• Position the gear mechanism -2- on the bracket.
• Tighten the bolt -8-.
• Counterhold the threaded pin -10- and tighten the nut -9-.

Overview - Release Button Bracket

1. Release Button Bracket
   • Cannot be changed individually
2. Securing Strap
   • Removing:
     • Remove the bumper cover together with the trailer hitch.
     • Remove the retaining strap from the side cap.
     • Pull the retaining strap through the bracket.
3. Cap
   • Do not remove the bumper cover
   • Removing:
     • Remove the retaining strap from the side cap.

Overview - Trailer Hitch, USA

1. Trailer Hitch
2. Bolt
   • Tightening specification: 5 Nm + 90º additional turn
   • Quantity: 2 on each side

WARNING

Always replace the bolts -2- after loosening

3. Bolt
   • Tightening specification: 20 Nm
   • Sealing threaded connections
   • Quantity: 3

DANGER!

Bolts -3- are sealing threaded connections and seal the interior from exhaust gases and must be installed in any case.

4. Bracket
   • Mount the bracket only after the bumper cover is installed
5. Bolt
   • Tightening specification: 80 Nm
   • Quantity: 4
6. Foam Piece

Secured to bumper carrier with double-sided adhesive tape.

Trailer Hitch, Removing and Installing, USA

Removing

• Remove the bolts -5-.
• Remove the bracket -4-.
• Remove the bumper cover.
• Disconnect the connector to the vehicle.
• Remove the bolts -2-.
• Pull the trailer hitch -1- evenly.

WARNING

Always replace the bolts -2- after loosening

Installing

Install in reverse order of removal.

• Install the trailer hitch -1-.
• Tightening specification for bolts -2-: 50 Nm + 90º additional turn.
• Install the bumper cover.
• Install the bracket -4-.
• Tightening specification for bolts -5-: 80 Nm

DANGER!

Bolts -3- are sealing threaded connections and seal the interior from exhaust gases and must be installed in any case.

• Make sure the bolts -3- fit securely.
• Tightening specification for bolts -3-: 20 Nm.

Special Tools

Special tools and workshop equipment required

Torque Wrench 1332 40-200Nm -VAG1332-

Torque Wrench 1783 - 2-10Nm -VAG1783-