Volkswagen Tiguan Service and Repair Manual: Towing Guide

Foreword

The content of this guide has been divided into two section.

The first section contains information and important tips about "towing a trailer". For example, technical requirements for towing or the function of the towing control module are described.

The second section contains tables that list towing weights, including braked, unbraked and tongue weight, grouped according to engine. If possible, the requirements that must be met before the towing weight may be increased are also explained.

Volkswagen vehicles are designed according to high safety standards.

We recommend to use only replacement parts identified as Original Volkswagen parts. These parts are known to be reliable, safe and suitable.

Other parts on the market have not been assessed according to these standards. This includes parts that may have TÜV approval or that are licensed. The vehicle manufacturer is not liable if such parts are installed.

Legal Requirements outside Germany

Follow all country-specific laws and regulations. Contact the importer if questions arise.

Technical Requirements

Factory-Installed Trailer Hitch

If the vehicle was already delivered from the factory with a trailer hitch, all of the technical and legal requirements for towing a trailer have already been taken into account.

Note that a "13-pin" trailer socket has been installed in many models since the beginning of 1988 instead of the conventional "7-pin" socket. This new socket allows additional electrical consumers in the trailer to be connected, such as back-up lamps. This was not possible with the previous 7-pin socket.

If the trailer that will be hitched has a "7-pin" connector, an adapter cable available from authorized Volkswagen dealers can be used.

Retrofitted Trailer Hitch

Note the following if the vehicle will be retrofitted with a trailer hitch:

The trailer hitch is a safety-related component. Only use approved hitches that were designed to meet the vehicle requirements. Trailer hitches from the Volkswagen Accessories program are recommended because they are identical to the hitches installed at the factory. The installation instructions provided with these trailer hitches have also been approved by Volkswagen.

Ball Head

Height:

350 to 420 mm, measured from the center of the ball to the road surface, with the total weight within the permitted range

Distance:

At least 65 mm, measured from the center of the ball to the bumper

Trailer Socket

Connect the trailer socket to the vehicle electrical system of the vehicle pulling the trailer according to the manufacturer instructions.

Refer to the applicable wiring diagrams or manufacturer installation instructions when installing the trailer hitch.

"7-Pin" Trailer Socket

If more electrical consumers need to be connected than the "7-pin" socket allows, a second "7-pin" socket must be installed. Pin assignment must conform to DIN ISO 1724:

1. Left turn signal
2. Tail lamps
3. Ground
4. Right turn signal
5. Right headlamps, side marker lamps and license plate lamp
6. Brake lamp
7. Left headlamps, side marker lamps and license plate lamp

"13-Pin" Trailer Socket

The backup lamps, "continuous current" and charging cable can be used on the trailer with the "13-pin" trailer socket. A "13-pin" trailer socket is recommended if a bicycle rack will be installed or a camper will be towed.

Pin assignment must conform to DIN ISO 11446:

1. Left turn signal
2. Tail lamps
3. Ground for circuit 1 through 8
4. Right turn signal
5. Right headlamp
6. Brake lamp
7. Left headlamp
8. Back-up lamps
9. Terminal 30 (permanent positive)
10. Terminal 15 (battery charging in trailer)
11. free
12. free
13. Terminal 15/30 ground

Towing Recognition Control Module -J345-

General Information

The Towing Recognition Control Module -J345- recognizes "trailer mode" when there is a power decrease of at least 5 W → Note and transmits this information to various control modules via the CAN data bus.

The Vehicle Electrical System Control Module -J519- and the Comfort System Central Control Module -J393- supply the Towing Recognition Control Module -J519- with information via the CAN data bus.

¹⁾  At least turn signals or side marker lamps must be switched on to detect "trailer mode".

For information on testing control modules, diagnosing malfunctions, malfunction indicators and fault finding. Refer to → Electrical Equipment; Rep. Gr.97

Towing Recognition Control Module -J345-, Retrofitting

Retrofitting a Towing Recognition Control Module -J345- approved by Volkswagen is possible, but it can pose problems due to the connection with the vehicle CAN data bus. The control module must then be coded in "Guided Fault Finding" using the → Vehicle diagnostic tester.

Note

Installation of control module solutions that are available from third parties and are not approved by Volkswagen is not recommended. Installing such equipment voids the warranty. Generally, these are connected to the tail lamps and not integrated into the vehicle electrical system. This can result in a misdiagnosis from the lamp monitoring function or to malfunctions. Also, dimmed bulbs such as combined brake and tail lamps cannot be activated.

Towing Recognition Control Module -J345-, Coding

Refer to → Electrical Equipment; Rep. Gr.97 finformation on coding.

Engine Cooling

Because towing places higher demands on the engine cooling system, the cooling system is enhanced in vehicles that have factory-installed trailer hitches, if necessary. This is done by installing a stronger or a second coolant fan and/or a larger radiator. Vehicles designed for hot climates and/or with an A/C system already have the enhanced engine cooling system. In the Passat, a stronger coolant fan (PR number 0Y2) may also be installed alone at the factory. This makes it easier to install a trailer hitch later.

The cooling system should also be enhanced when a trailer hitch is retrofitted, if the system was not already modified at the factory. Otherwise the cooling system could overheat under increased engine load, for example when driving in mountains, in high temperatures or with high towing weight. When converting the cooling system, use the engine cooling system components designed for towing listed in the ETKA electronic parts catalog. Refer to the procedures in the applicable repair manuals.

Enhancing the cooling system may only be avoided if the engine will only be under moderate load, for example:

• the combined weight is considerably less than the permitted amount,
• no high outside temperatures,
• no long, steep grades,
• no driving at high altitude.

The coolant temperature gauge must always be monitored closely. If the needle in the gauge moves high into the hot zone, reduce speed immediately. It may be necessary to take a break to allow the engine to cool. When doing this, let the engine run at idle for approximately 2 minutes to prevent heat buildup.

Note

• In vehicles with an A/C system, switching the system off will reduce the load on the engine cooling system. This also improves vehicle acceleration and makes passing other vehicles safer.
• If the cooling system is not enhanced, the seller must inform the buyer when selling the vehicle.

Exterior Rearview Mirror

If the traffic behind the trailer cannot be seen in the standard exterior rearview mirrors, additional exterior mirrors must be installed. Both exterior mirrors must be installed on folding mounts and adjusted to provide a sufficient range of vision behind the vehicle.

Reinforced Shock Absorbers and Coil Springs

• Reinforced shock absorbers and coil springs on the vehicle rear axle reduce pitching motions between the vehicle and the trailer. If not already installed in the factory, these shock absorbers and springs can often be retrofitted at authorized Volkswagen dealers. Shock absorber and spring allocation.
• Stabilization aids can also reduce pitching and rolling motions. These aids are available from authorized Volkswagen dealers in most European countries and can be installed there.

Operating and Driving Tips

Note

Always read and follow the operating and driving tips in the vehicle owner's manual.

General Information

Trailer Hitch Type Label

The towing weight and tongue weight specifications on the trailer hitch type label are the inspection values for the trailer hitch. The approved data for each vehicle is found under the towing weight and tongue weight specifications for the trailer hitch. The vehicle-specific values are listed

• in this towing guide,
• in the vehicle documentation,
• in the applicable owner's manual.

The trailer hitch increases the vehicle curb weight so the load must be reduced to account for it.

Combined Weight

The combined weight is a combination of the actual towing vehicle weight and the actual towing weight. The permitted combined weight for the vehicle or the trailer must not be exceeded. If the full permitted towing weight will be used, the weight of the vehicle may need to be reduced accordingly.

Trip Recorder

In many European countries, installing and using a trip recorder is mandatory in vehicles (including passenger vehicles) that are used to transport goods commercially and whose permitted combined weight including trailer or semitrailer exceeds 3.5 tons. It does not matter if both the towing vehicle and the trailer or only one of the two is used for commercial transport of goods.

Tongue Weight Specifications

The tongue weight specifications on the trailer hitch type label are inspection values and only valid for the hitch. The permitted tongue weight for the vehicle may be less and it must not be exceeded. These specifications can be found:

• in the vehicle registration,
• in the vehicle owner's manual and
• in this guide.

Legal Requirements

Follow all country-specific legal requirements when towing a trailer.

Tiguan from MY 2008

Tiguan Trend & Fun/Sport & Style

Vehicles with Manual Transmission
Tiguan, type 5N EU with 18º standard front				Towing weight in kg
					Grade, brake
	Output in kW	Displacement/liter	Comments	unbraked	12 %	8 %	Tongue weight in kg
Gasoline Engine	90	1.41)	FWD, BlueMotion Technology	750	1600	1800	100
	92	1.41)	Front Wheel Drive	740	1600	1800
	110	1.41)	Front Wheel Drive	740	1800	2000
	110	1.41)	FWD, BlueMotion Technology	750	1800	2000
	110	1.41)	-	750	2000	2200
	118	1.4	FWD, BlueMotion Technology	750	1800	2000
	118	1.4	-	750	2000	2200
	125	2.0	-	750	2200	2200
	132	2.0	-	750	2200	2200
	147	2.0	-	750	2200	2200
	155	2.0	-	750	2200	2200
Diesel engine	81	2.0	Front Wheel Drive	750	1800	2000
	100	2.0	-	750	2200	2200
	103	2.0	Front Wheel Drive	750	2000	2100
	103	2.0	FWD, BlueMotion Technology	750	2000	2000
	103	2.0	-	750	2200	2200
	110	2.0	Front Wheel Drive	750	2000	2000
	110	2.0	-	750	2200	2200
	120	2.0	-	750	2200	2200
	125	2.0	-	750	2200	2200
	130	2.0	BlueMotion Technology	750	2200	2200

¹⁾The maximum towing weight for vehicles with a retrofitted trailer hitch that have not had the cooling system adapted is 1600 kg.

The towing weight cannot be increased for technical reasons.

Vehicles with automatic transmission
Tiguan, type 5N EU with 18º standard front				Towing weight in kg
					Grade, brake
	Output in kW	Displacement/liter	Comments	unbraked	12 %	8 %	Tongue weight in kg
Gasoline Engine	125	2.0	-	750	2200	2200	100
	132	2.0	-	750	2200	2200
	147	2.0	Front Wheel Drive	750	2000	2100
	147	2.0	-	750	2200	2200
Diesel engine	100	2.0	-	750	2000	2200
	103	2.0	-	750	2000	2200

The towing weight cannot be increased for technical reasons.

Vehicles with a DSG transmission
Tiguan, type 5N EU with 18º standard front				Towing weight in kg
					Grade, brake
	Output in kW	Displacement/liter	Comments	unbraked	12 %	8 %	Tongue weight in kg
Gasoline Engine	110	1.4	Front Wheel Drive	750	1800	2000	100
	118	1.4	FWD, BlueMotion Technology	750	1800	2000
	125	2.0	-	750	2200	2200
	132	2.0	-	750	2200	2200
	147	2.0	-	750	2200	2200
	155	2.0	-	750	2200	2200
Diesel engine	100	2.0	-	750	2200	2200
	103	2.0	-	750	2200	2200
	110	2.0	-	750	2200	2200
	130	2.0	BlueMotion Technology	750	2200	2200

The towing weight cannot be increased for technical reasons.

Tiguan Track & Field

Vehicles with Manual Transmission
Tiguan, type 5N EU with 28º offroad front				Towing weight in kg
					Grade, brake
	Output in kW	Displacement/liter	Comments	unbraked	12 %	8 %	Tongue weight in kg
Gasoline Engine	90	1.41)	FWD, BlueMotion Technology	750	1600	1800	100
	92	1.41)	Front Wheel Drive	750	1600	1800
	110	1.41)	Front Wheel Drive	750	1800	2000
	110	1.41)	-	750	2000	2200
	118	1.4	FWD, BlueMotion Technology	750	1800	2000
	118	1.4	-	750	2000	2200
	125	2.0	-	750	2500	2500
	132	2.0	-	750	2500	2500
	147	2.0	-	750	2500	2500
	155	2.0	-	750	2500	2500
Diesel engine	81	2.0	Front Wheel Drive	750	1800	2000
	100	2.0	-	750	2500	2500
	103	2.0	Front Wheel Drive	750	2000	2100
	103	2.0	FWD, BlueMotion Technology	750	2000	2000
	103	2.0	-	750	2500	2500
	110	2.0	Front Wheel Drive	750	2000	2100
	110	2.0	-	750	2500	2500
	120	2.0	-	750	2500	2500
	125	2.0	-	750	2500	2500
	130	2.0	BlueMotion Technology	750	2500	2500

¹⁾The maximum towing weight for vehicles with a retrofitted trailer hitch that have not had the cooling system adapted is 1600 kg.

The towing weight cannot be increased for technical reasons.

Vehicles with automatic transmission
Tiguan, type 5N EU with 28º offroad front				Towing weight in kg
					Grade, brake
	Output in kW	Displacement/liter	Comments	unbraked	12 %	8 %	Tongue weight in kg
Gasoline Engine	125	2.0	-	750	2500	2500	100
	132	2.0	-	750	2500	2500
	147	2.0	Front Wheel Drive	750	2000	2100
	147	2.0	-	750	2500	2500
Diesel engine	100	2.0	-	750	2000	2200
	103	2.0	-	750	2000	2200

The towing weight cannot be increased for technical reasons.

Vehicles with a DSG transmission
Tiguan, type 5N EU with 28º offroad front				Towing weight in kg
					Grade, brake
	Output in kW	Displacement/liter	Comments	unbraked	12 %	8 %	Tongue weight in kg
Gasoline Engine	110	1.4	Front Wheel Drive	750	1800	2000	100
	118	1.4	FWD, BlueMotion Technology	750	1800	2000
	125	2.0	-	750	2500	2500
	132	2.0	-	750	2500	2500
	147	2.0	-	750	2500	2500
	155	2.0	-	750	2500	2500
Diesel engine	100	2.0	-	750	2500	2500
	103	2.0	-	750	2500	2500
	110	2.0	-	750	2500	2500
	130	2.0	BlueMotion Technology	750	2500	2500

The towing weight cannot be increased for technical reasons.