Volkswagen Touareg (2015 year). Instruction — part 33

Heating and air conditioning

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Climatronic controls

Operation via the Infotainment System

Operation

Air vents

Air recirculation

Heated steering wheel

Climatronic air conditioning (A/C)

Your vehicle is equipped with a Climatronic climate control system. On vehicles with Climatronic
climate control, system status messages will appear briefly in the Climatronic display and/or on the
factory-installed Radio system or Radio & Navigation system.

You can use the Infotainment System to change the units in which temperatures are displayed.

The temperature units (Fahrenheit or Celsius) in the factory installed radio or navigation system
screen can be changed in the Settings menu in the Premium instrument cluster display in appropri-
ately equipped vehicles.

The dust and pollen filter

The dust and pollen filter with an activated carbon insert reduces the entry of pollutants into the pas-
senger compartment.

The dust and pollen filter must be replaced at the intervals recommended in

⇒ Booklet

Warranty and

Maintenance so that the air conditioner can work properly.
If the effectiveness of the filter decreases prematurely due to operating the vehicle where the outside
air is heavily polluted, the dust and pollen filter should be replaced more frequently than indicated.

More information:

Exterior views
Passenger compartment
Volkswagen Information System
Seat functions
Windshield wiper and washer
Infotainment System
Starting and stopping the engine
Exterior care and cleaning

WARNING

Poor visibility increases the risk of collisions and other accidents that cause serious person-
al injuries.

Always make sure all windows are clear of ice, snow and condensation for good visibility

to the front, sides, and rear.

Maximum heating output and fast defrosting will only be possible after the engine has

reached operating temperature. Wait until you have good visibility before driving off.

Always make sure you know how to properly use the heating and ventilation systems as

well as the rear window defroster that you will need for good visibility.

Never use air recirculation for long periods of time. When the air conditioner is off and

recirculation mode is on, condensation can quickly form on the windows and greatly reduce
visibility.

Always switch off recirculation mode when it is not needed.

WARNING

Stale air causes driver fatigue and reduces driver alertness, which can cause accidents, colli-
sions and serious personal injury.

Never switch off the fan for a long period of time and never use air recirculation a long

period of time because no fresh air will come into the passenger compartment.

NOTICE

If you think the air conditioner is not working properly or may be damaged, switch it off to

help prevent more damage. Have the air conditioner checked by an authorized Volkswagen
dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Air conditioner repair requires specialized knowledge and special tools. Volkswagen rec-

ommends that you see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service
Facility.

Do not smoke when air recirculation is switched on. Smoke drawn into the ventilation sys-

tem can leave residue on the evaporator and on the dust and pollen active carbon filter, result-
ing in permanent odors whenever the air conditioner is switched on.

If the air conditioner is switched off, the fresh outside air will not be dehumidified. To help keep

the windows from fogging over, Volkswagen recommends leaving the air conditioner (compressor)
switched on. Press the

button. The indicator light in the button must come on.

When it is very hot and humid outside, water condensation can drip from the air conditioner

evaporator and form a puddle under the vehicle. This is normal and does not indicate a leak.

Keep the air intake slots in front of the windshield free of ice, snow and leaves in order to main-

tain proper functioning of the heating and ventilation systems.

Maximum heating output and defrosting performance are not possible until the engine has

reached operating temperature.

Emergency starting and starting the engine with a very weak vehicle battery or after the vehicle

battery has been replaced may change or delete system settings (including time, date, personal con-
venience settings and programming). Check the settings and correct as necessary once the vehicle
battery has built up a sufficient charge.

Climatronic controls

Fig. 301 In the front center console: Climatronic controls.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Press the corresponding button to switch a feature on or off. The respective button needs to be
pushed several times for adjustable functions. The indicator lights in the buttons and the information

shown in the Climatronic control display

⇒

fig. 301

(4)

and on the Infotainment System screen provide

feedback on the activation of the selected functions.

The LEDs in a particular button lights up to show that the feature is activated.

Button/Knob More information. Front Climatronic controls

⇒

fig. 301

.

(1)

…

Temperature: Left and right sides separately and continu-
ously adjustable. Turn the knob to set the temperature.
Temperature is shown in the Climatronic display.

(2)

Fan: Manual fan speed adjustment. Setting 0: fan and
Climatronic switched off.

(3)

Air distribution: Can be selected manually via button.

Button/Knob More information. Front Climatronic controls

⇒

fig. 301

.

Defog / defrost button: The incoming outside air is directed
to the windshield, and air recirculation is automatically dis-
abled. At temperatures above +38 °F (+3 °C), the air is
dehumidified and the fan is set a to high speed so as to
defog/defrost the windshield as quickly as possible.

Apply the driver settings to all climate zones

⇒ page 526.

Air recirculation

Rear window defroster: works only when the engine is run-
ning or, on hybrid vehicles, when the vehicle is ready to
drive; switches itself off after 10 minutes at the latest.

Switch cooling system on and off.

)

Air distribution to the windshield, the upper body, and the
footwells. Push the button repeatedly until you get the set-
ting you want; the selected setting is shown in the front
Climatronic display.

Residual heat mode

Automatic temperature, fan, and air distribution control.

Switch off: Press

button or adjust manually to 0. This

switches Climatronic off entirely.

lights up in the front

Climatronic display.

WARNING

Stale air causes driver fatigue and reduces alertness, which can cause accidents, collisions
and serious personal injury.

Never switch off the fan for a long time and never use air recirculation a long period of

time because no fresh air will enter the passenger compartment.

Operation via the Infotainment System

Fig. 302 Infotainment System: Front climate control settings.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

You can use the Infotainment System to control Climatronic. To access the main menu, push the

CLIMATE

Infotainment button.

Tap the appropriate function key to switch a feature on or off. Feedback on the activation of the se-
lected feature will appear in the Infotainment System screen.

A feature is turned on if its function key check box is checked.

Function

key

More information. Front Climatronic controls

⇒

fig. 302

.

Air distribution to the windshield.

Air distribution to the upper body.

Air distribution in the footwells.

Air distribution to the upper body and the footwells.

Air distribution to the windshield and footwells.

Heated steering wheel: The steering wheel is heated to about
+77 °F (+25 °C) and held constant at about this temperature.

Automatic temperature, fan, and air distribution control. By
tapping the function key repeatedly, you can select from the air
conditioning profiles Low, Medium, and High in AUTO mode.

Fan

switch

Manual fan speed adjustment. Setting 0: fan and Climatronic
switched off.

Function

key

More information. Front Climatronic controls

⇒

fig. 302

.

Extras

Depending on equipment version, the following adjustments
are possible after tapping the function key Extras:

Air conditioning profile feature key for setting fan speed in AU-

TO mode. You can choose between Low, Medium, and High.

Automatic air recirculation feature key

Operation

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

The air conditioner works only when the ignition is switched on. The cooling system for the passenger
compartment works only when the engine is running (or when a hybrid vehicle is ready to drive) and
the fan is on.

When the ignition is switched off, you will only be able to switch on the residual heat feature.

The air conditioning system is most efficient when the windows and the power sunroof are closed. If
the vehicle is not moving and the passenger compartment becomes very hot due to sunlight, briefly
opening the windows may speed up the cooling process.

Keep the air intake slots in front of the windshield free of ice, snow and leaves so that the heating and
ventilation systems can work properly.

The front seating positions are referred to as “climate zones”. Different climate control settings may be
used for each climate zone.

Settings for optimum visibility

When you switch on the cooling system, both the temperature and humidity in the vehicle are reduced.
This will help make passengers feel more comfortable and prevent windows from fogging up.

Press the

button.

Set temperature to +72 °F (+22 °C ).

Open air vents in the instrument panel

⇒ Air vents.

Heating

Maximum heating output and fast defrosting will only be possible after the engine has reached operat-
ing temperature.

Switching between Fahrenheit and Celsius in Climatronic

You can switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit for the temperature display using the Setup menu in
the Infotainment System.

Press the

SETUP

Infotainment button.

Press the System feature key.

Press the Units feature key.

Select the desired unit.

Automatic window fog detection

Automatic window fog detection checks whether the windows are fogged up and if necessary automat-
ically adjusts the air flow to the windshield and side windows or switches on the windshield heating. If
the fan or the air conditioner

is turned off, automatic window fog detection cannot work properly.

Residual heat mode

The residual engine heat can be used for a limited time to heat the passenger compartment when the
ignition is switched off.

Switch off the ignition.
Push the

button. The feature will appear in the Climatronic display.

Press the

button again to switch the feature off early.

The feature is switched off if it is draining the battery too much, and it does not turn off automatically
after 30 minutes. The fan speed is reduced to save energy.

Applying driver settings to all climate zones

The driver-side settings for temperature, fan speed, and air distribution can be applied to all of the
other climate zones.

Push the

button. The indicator light in the button lights up and the changes are applied to all

climate zones.

Push the

button again to cancel the feature.

The synchronization feature is deactivated if individual settings are entered for one of the other climate
zones using the Climatronic control unit. In this case, the indicator light in the

button goes out.

Air conditioner does not work

The air conditioner may not switch on for one of the following reasons:

The engine is not running (or a hybrid vehicle is not ready to drive).
The fan is turned off.
The air conditioner fuse has blown.
The ambient air temperature is colder than +38 °F (+3 °C).
The air conditioner compressor has been temporarily switched off due to excessive engine coolant

temperature.

There is another malfunction in the vehicle. Have the air conditioner checked by an authorized

Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Special considerations

When it is very hot and humid outside, water condensation can drip from the air conditioner evapora-
tor and form a puddle under the vehicle. This is normal and does not indicate a leak.

The climate control system adjusts the passenger compartment temperature as fast as possible

considering the outside temperature.

Due to residual moisture in the air conditioner, the windshield may fog up after the engine is

started. Switch on the windshield defroster to help evaporate the condensation as quickly as possible.

The air coming out the vents and flow through the passenger compartment and out through the

vents below the rear window. Do not cover these slots with clothing or other objects.

Air vents

Fig. 303 Air vents in the instrument panel.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Air vents

To help ensure sufficient heating, cooling and ventilation in the passenger compartment, never close

the air vents

⇒

fig. 303

(1)

completely.

To open and close the air vents, turn the thumbwheel below the vents in the desired direction.
Use the lever on the vent grille to adjust the airflow direction.

Additional, non-adjustable air vents

(2)

are located in the door pillars and the instrument panel, in the

footwells, as well as in the rear area of the passenger compartment.

Indirect ventilation

Indirect ventilation is provided via generously proportioned vents in the top of the instrument panel

(3)

.

When the air conditioner is in automatic mode, indirect ventilation is controlled automatically. If neces-
sary, it is switched to direct ventilation in order to reach the desired interior temperature.

NOTICE

Do not place food, medications, or other heat-sensitive things in front of the air vents. Food,
medications, and other things that are sensitive to heat or cold can be damaged or made unus-
able by the air flow from the vents.

Air recirculation

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

General information

There are different types of air recirculation:

Manual air recirculation.

Automatic air recirculation.

The air recirculation mode helps prevent outside air from entering the vehicle interior.

In very hot or cold outside temperatures, temporarily switch to manual air recirculation in order to cool
or heat the vehicle interior faster.

For safety reasons, air recirculation is switched off if you push the

button

⇒ .

Switching air recirculation on and off manually

Switching on: Press the

button repeatedly until the indicator light in the button comes on.

Switching off: Press the

button repeatedly until the indicator light in the button goes out.

Switching air recirculation on and off automatically

Press the

CLIMATE

Infotainment button.

Tap the Extras function key.

Switch automatic air recirculation on or off by tapping the Automatic air recirculation function key.

If the check box in the function key is checked , automatic air recirculation is switched on.

What automatic air recirculation does

In automatic air recirculation mode, fresh air will enter the passenger compartment. If the system
detects an increased concentration of pollutants in the outside air, it automatically switches to air
recirculation. As soon as the pollutant level is back in the normal range, air recirculation is switched
off.

Unpleasant odors cannot be detected by the system.

To keep the windows from fogging up, automatic air recirculation is not switched on automatically in
certain circumstances.

WARNING

Stale air causes driver fatigue and reduces driver alertness, which can cause accidents, colli-
sions and serious personal injury.

Never use air recirculation mode over an extended period of time, since no fresh air will

enter the passenger compartment.

When the air conditioner is off and recirculation mode is on, condensation can quickly

form on the windows and greatly reduce visibility.

Always switch off recirculation mode when it is not needed.

NOTICE

Do not smoke when air recirculation is switched on. Smoke drawn into the ventilation system
can leave residue on the evaporator and on the dust and pollen active carbon filter, resulting in
permanent odors whenever the air conditioner is switched on.

When backing up and while the automatic wiper/washer is operating, air recirculation is briefly

activated to avoid unpleasant odors in the passenger compartment. This feature only works if automat-

ic air recirculation is enabled

⇒ Switching air recirculation on and off automatically.

Heated steering wheel

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

The heated steering wheel function only works when the engine is running or is drive-ready (hybrid).

The steering wheel gets heated to about 77 °F (+25 °C) and holds the temperature there.

Switching the heated steering wheel function on and off

Press the

button in the upper center console.

OR: Press the button

CLIMATE

on the infotainment screen and the touch the

button to switch

on or off.

Automatic deactivation

The heated steering wheel function switches off automatically, if:

The engine is switched off.
When the overall energy consumption is too high, like when too many devices and functions are

activated in the vehicle.

The heated steering wheel system malfunctions.

WARNING

Certain medical conditions, such as paralysis and diabetes, and certain medications can
increase the risk of serious burns when the heated steering wheel function is switched on.

Never use the heated steering wheel function if you or your passengers are at risk of be-

ing burned because of a medical condition. Take regular breaks and get out of the vehicle,
particularly on long trips. Consult your doctor for advice regarding your specific condition.

Refueling

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Indicator lights and fuel gauge

Refueling

Misfueling guard for diesel vehicles

Fuel capacities

Refueling checklist

The fuel filler flap is located on the rear right side of the vehicle

⇒

fig. 1

.

More information:

Exterior Views
Fuel
Selective catalytic reduction (AdBlue)
Working in the engine compartment

WARNING

Improper refueling or handling of fuel is dangerous and can cause fire, explosion, and severe
burns.

Always make sure that the fuel filler cap is screwed on all the way. This helps keep fuel

from spilling out or evaporating.

Fuel is highly flammable and explosive; it can cause severe burns and other severe inju-

ries.

Failure to shut the engine off while refueling and/or to insert the pump nozzle all the way

into the fuel filler neck can cause fuel to overflow and to spray out. Fuel spray and overflow-
ing fuel are dangerous because they can cause fire and serious personal injury.

During fueling, the engine, and the ignition must be switched off for safety reasons.
Never use a cellular telephone, CB radio, or other radio equipment while refueling. The

electromagnetic radiation can cause sparks that can ignite fuel vapors and cause a fire.

Never get back into your vehicle while refueling. If in exceptional circumstances you must

get back in your vehicle while refueling, make certain that you close the door and touch metal
to discharge static electricity before touching the filler nozzle again. This helps avoid the
build-up of static electricity, which can cause sparks that can ignite fuel vapors released
during refueling. Sparks can cause a fire while refueling.

Never smoke or have an open flame (or sparks, cigarettes, or other smoldering objects)

anywhere in or near your vehicle when refueling or filling a portable fuel container.

Follow all safety instructions and procedures that apply at the service station where you

refuel.

Never spill fuel in the vehicle or the luggage compartment.

WARNING

Even if empty, portable fuel containers can leak and cause a fire and serious personal

injuries, especially in a crash.

If, under exceptional circumstances, you must transport a portable fuel container, please

observe the following:

For your safety, we strongly recommend that you do not travel with a portable fuel container
in your vehicle.

– Never fill a portable fuel container while it is anywhere in or on the vehicle (for exam-
ple, in the luggage compartment or on the rear hatch). Static electricity can build up while
filling and can ignite fuel vapors, causing a fire.

– Always place a portable fuel container on the ground before filling. Never spill fuel
inside the vehicle or luggage compartment. Fuel vapors are highly flammable.

– Always keep the filler nozzle completely inside the portable container before and dur-
ing filling.

– If filling a portable container made of metal, the filler nozzle must always be in contact
with the container. This will help prevent static electricity from discharging and causing a
fire.

– Always observe local and state or provincial laws about the use, storage, and transpor-
tation of portable fuel containers.

– Make certain that the portable fuel container meets industry standards, such as AN-
SI/ASTM F852-86.

NOTICE

Remove fuel spills from the vehicle immediately to help prevent damage to the paint, tires,

and wheel housings.

Refueling with gasoline when your vehicle has a diesel engine or refueling with diesel fuel

when your vehicle has a gasoline engine can cause very serious and expensive engine and
fuel system damage that is not covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.

If you put any amount of incorrect fuel in the fuel tank, do not start the engine under any

circumstances. Immediately contact the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance. These fuels contain substances that can severely
damage the fuel system and the engine if the engine is started.

Vehicles with diesel engines must never be refueled or driven with gasoline, kerosene,

heating oil, or other non-specified fuels that have not been expressly approved for use with the
diesel engine. Other kinds of fuel will cause serious damage to the fuel system and the engine
that is not covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.

Fuels can pollute the environment. Spilled fuel must be collected and disposed of properly,

following all applicable environmental regulations.

There is no emergency release for the fuel filler flap. Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or

an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance if necessary.

Indicator lights and fuel gauge

Fig. 304 In the instrument cluster: Fuel gauge for gasoline and diesel fuel.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Lights

up

Gauge posi-

tion

⇒

fig. 304

Possible cause or

meaning

⇒

Proper response

Red range

(arrow)

Fuel tank almost empty.

Time to refuel

⇒ .

Running on reserve

Fuel tank system mal-
function.

Take the vehicle to an
authorized
Volkswagen dealer or
an authorized
Volkswagen Service
Facility and have the
system checked.

Fuel filler cap not
properly closed.

Stop and closer fuel
filler cap properly.

When the ignition is switched on, several warning and indicator lights come on briefly for a function
check. They go out after a few seconds.

Fuel filler cap not properly closed

If the indicator light

comes on or you see a text message in the instrument cluster display indicating

that the fuel filler cap is not properly closed, stop the vehicle in a safe place and switch off the engine
and the ignition.

Open the fuel filler flap and take the fuel filler flap off the filler neck. Then put the fuel tank cap back on
the filler neck and screw it on clockwise until you clearly hear a clicking sound. Close the fuel filler flap.

After switching on the ignition, the indicator light

may stay on or the text message may still appear

in the instrument cluster display, even if the fuel filler cap is now properly closed. This is normal and no
reason to take your vehicle in for service.

If, however, the malfunction indicator light

also comes on, drive to your nearest authorized

Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility and have the fuel system and the en-
gine checked.

WARNING

Driving with a fuel tank that is almost empty can lead to stalling in traffic, a collision, and
serious personal injuries.

When the fuel tank is almost empty, fuel supply to the engine can be interrupted, especial-

ly when driving up an down hills. The interruption in fuel flow could stall the engine during a
maneuver in difficult terrain and make you lose control of the vehicle.

Steering and braking assistance as well as ESC and related systems will not work if the

engine “sputters” or stalls due to lack of fuel.

Always refuel when the tank is 1/4 full to reduce the risk of running out of fuel and stalling

in traffic.

NOTICE

Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
Never drive until the fuel tank is completely empty. The irregular fuel supply can cause the

engine to misfire. This allows unburned fuel to get into the exhaust system and damage the
catalytic converter or the diesel particulate filter.

The small arrow next to the gas pump symbol in the fuel gauge shows the side of the vehicle with

the fuel filler flap.

Refueling

Fig. 305 In the right rear fender: Opening fuel filler flap.

Fig. 306 Fuel cap placed on the open fuel filler flap.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Before refueling, always switch off the engine, the ignition and all mobile phones, and leave them
switched off until refueling is complete.

Opening the fuel filler cap

The fuel filler flap is located at the right rear of the vehicle.

Push on the fuel tank flap in the right rear fender

⇒

fig. 305

(arrow) and fold open.

Unscrew the fuel filler cap counterclockwise remove. Use the receptacle on the filler flap hinge to

hold the cap while refueling

⇒

fig. 306

.

Refueling

The correct fuel grade for your vehicle is listed on a sticker on the inside of the fuel filler flap

The fuel tank is full when the automatic filler nozzle pump switches off the first time

⇒ .

Do not try to add fuel after the pump stops! Topping off the tank in this way may fill the expansion

space that the tank needs and cause fuel to overflow, for example, if it gets warmer outside.

Closing the fuel filler cap

Screw the fuel cap clockwise onto the fuel filler neck until you hear it click into place.
Close the fuel filler flap until you hear it latch shut. The fuel filler flap must be flush with the vehicle

body.

WARNING

Spilled fuel can cause fires, explosions, burns, and other severe injuries.

Always stop refueling once the pump nozzle switches off so that the tank does not over-

flow.

NOTICE

Remove fuel spills from all vehicle surfaces immediately to help prevent damage to the paint,
tires, and wheel housings.

Fuel spills may pollute the environment.

Misfueling guard for diesel vehicles

Fig. 307 With open fuel cap: Misfueling guard in the fuel filler neck.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

The fuel filler neck of diesel vehicles is equipped with a misfueling guard

⇒

fig. 307

. If you have prob-

lems inserting a fuel nozzle, first check to make sure you are using the correct diesel fuel. If you are,
go to a pump with the standard diesel nozzle. The misfueling guard helps prevent filling the fuel tank
of a diesel vehicle with gasoline, because the guard makes it difficult to insert any type of filler nozzle
other than the type commonly used for diesel fuel.

Damaged, worn out, or incorrect nozzles, as well as other means of refueling (portable fuel containers,
for example) will generally not open the misfueling guard and fuel from these sources cannot easily
flow into the tank. Using these incorrect or non-standard nozzles to refuel your diesel vehicle can
cause fuel spills, which can cause fires, explosions, burns, and other severe injuries.

The misfueling guard can generally only be properly opened with a correct nozzle from a standard
diesel fuel pump. Under certain circumstances it may be necessary to turn the nozzle back and forth
slightly with light pressure to open the misfueling guard. If the misfueling guard cannot be opened this
way, see the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility and
have the fuel system checked.

WARNING

Spilled fuel can cause fires, explosions, burns, and other severe injuries.

Do not refuel from devices other than correct, undamaged standard diesel fuel pump noz-

zles.

Always stop refueling once the pump nozzle switches off so that the tank does not over-

flow.

NOTICE

It is your responsibility to put the right fuel in your vehicle and any damage that results

from using the wrong fuel is not covered under the Emissions warranties or any other
Volkswagen Limited Warranty.

If you put any amount of the wrong fuel in the fuel tank, do not start the engine under any

circumstances. Immediately contact the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.

If diesel fuel should get on any rubber hose, it must be wiped off immediately. The same

applies if diesel fuel gets onto other parts of the vehicle, especially paint, tires, or a plastic
part. Wash the contaminated vehicle parts right away with soap and warm water to help pre-
vent leaks and serious damage.