Volkswagen Touareg (2015 year). Instruction — part 28

Hybrid drive

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Warning and indicator lights

Special driving tips

Hybrid functions and modes

Energy flow display

High-voltage battery

Special considerations for hybrid vehicles

Removing and installing engine compartment cover

All work on the high-voltage system is dangerous, requires specialized knowledge, and should be
carried out solely by authorized Volkswagen dealers and authorized Volkswagen Service Facilities that
are qualified to do work on hybrid vehicles and have the training, know-how, tools, and equipment
required to properly maintain, diagnose, and repair the hybrid electrical system in accordance with the

standards and guidelines established by Volkswagen

⇒ .

The high-voltage network is made up of the following high-voltage components: the high-voltage
battery, the power electronics (made up of the DC/DC converter and pulse inverter), the electric motor,
high-voltage air conditioning compressor, and the orange-colored high-voltage cables and connectors.

More information:

Instruments
System settings (CAR)
Starting and stopping the engine
Braking and parking
Saving fuel and helping the environment
Working in the engine compartment
Replacing a light bulb
Jump-starting

DANGER

The vehicle's high-voltage electrical system and high-voltage battery are dangerous and can
cause burns, other serious personal injuries, electrocution, and death.

Always assume that high-voltage battery and parts of the high-voltage system are fully

charged and energized.

Never touch or let jewelry or other metal objects contact high-voltage cables or the high-

voltage battery and battery poles, especially if the cables, battery, and battery poles have
been damaged in any way.

Never do any work yourself on the high-voltage electrical system, the orange-colored

high-voltage wiring, or on the high-voltage battery.

Never open, service, repair, or disconnect any part of the hybrid electrical system.
Never damage the orange-colored high-voltage cables. Never remove them and never

disconnect them from the high-voltage electrical system.

Never open or remove the orange-colored cover on the high-voltage battery.
Always have work on the hybrid electrical system and systems that could be indirectly

affected by it done by qualified, trained technicians who have the know-how, experience,
documentation, and tools to do the work safely.

All work on the high-voltage electrical system and the high-voltage battery must be done

in compliance with Volkswagen standards and guidelines.

Vehicle keys must be safely stored a safe distance from vehicle so that the ignition cannot

be switched on and energize the electrical system.

Gases vented or released from the high-voltage battery vapors are potentially poisonous

and can burn.

Physical damage to the vehicle or the high-voltage battery can result in immediate or de-

layed release of poisonous gases that can also cause a fire.

Always avoid contact with leaking fluids and gases escaping from the battery, particularly

one that has been damaged.

Always tell emergency responders that the vehicle has a high-voltage battery.

WARNING

Driver distraction causes accidents and serious personal injury. Using the instrument cluster
or accessing Infotainment System menus while driving can take your attention off the road
and cause accidents.

To help reduce the risk of accidents and injuries, never change settings in the instrument

cluster display or use Infotainment System functions unless the vehicle is standing still.

WARNING

When powered by the electric motor, the vehicle makes much less noise, both when idling
and driving, than when it is running on the internal combustion engine. It is much harder or
even impossible for the drivers of other vehicles and above all for cyclists, pedestrians, and
children to hear the vehicle when it is running on electrical power.

Pedestrians and others can be struck and seriously injured because they cannot hear the

vehicle and tell that it is getting close to them, for instance when you are parking, backing up,
or driving in a low-speed zone where there is likely to be pedestrian traffic.

Always watch out for pedestrians, especially small children, cyclists, and others who may

not hear the vehicle or realize that it is about to move or will cross their path of travel.

Always be especially careful in residential areas, school zones, and other places where

the speed of motor vehicles is restricted and pedestrians may be at greater risk.

Make sure the ignition and the hybrid drive system have both been turned off before leav-

ing the vehicle.

WARNING

Never leave the vehicle when hybrid drive system indicator lights are still lit. The vehicle can
move if the accelerator is depressed even though the combustion engine has been stopped.
This can cause accidents and severe or fatal injuries.

Make sure the transmission is in Park (P) before you get out of the vehicle.

WARNING

Never support the vehicle with cinder blocks, bricks, or other objects to inspect it. The vehi-
cle could slip or move suddenly and cause an accident with serious personal injury.

WARNING

Never let the hybrid battery get wet. Liquids and other fluids can cause short circuits, electri-
cal shock, burns, and explosions.

Never carry large amounts of liquids or other fluids in the luggage compartment.
Always make sure that any containers with liquids and other fluids are properly secured

and tightly closed to prevent leakage during normal driving as well as hard cornering, brak-
ing, and other vehicle maneuvers. Leaking liquids can get into the cover of the high-voltage
battery and the high-voltage cable connections. This can damage the electrical system and
the high-voltage battery.

Never drive until the fuel tank is completely empty. There may not always be enough charge in

the high-voltage battery to get to the next gas station.

When outside temperatures are low, a cold high-voltage battery can affect how the combustion

engine starts up and can also reduce the vehicle's range in electric drive.

Warning and indicator lights

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

Warning messages

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.

Warning lights and text messages are shown in the instrument cluster display. Acoustic warnings may
also sound at the same time.

Lights

up

Warnings in the in-
strument cluster dis-
play

Proper response

∋

Fault in the hybrid sys-
tem: stop the vehicle at
a safe location!

Stop the vehicle in a safe place as
soon as it is safe to do so.

∋

Fault in the hybrid sys-
tem: Workshop!

See an authorized Volkswagen dealer
or an authorized Volkswagen Service
Facility.

Hybrid battery is charg-
ing, leave engine run-
ning.

While this message appears, do not
stop the engine.

Electric drive is
READY.

Never leave the vehicle parked in the
ready position. Remove the remote
control vehicle key out of the ignition
or for vehicle with Keyless Access

press the starter button

⇒ page 395.

When leaving the vehicle always take
the remote control vehicle key with
you.

Extended electro-mode
drive active.

E-MODE currently not
available.

Check to see if the requirements for
extended electro-mode drive are met

∋

Vehicle can still be
driven.

Lights

up

Warnings in the in-
strument cluster dis-
play

Proper response

Electric driving is cur-
rently not possible.

Never leave the vehicle parked in the
ready position. Remove the remote
control vehicle key out of the ignition
or for vehicle with Keyless Access
press the starter button.

Request to start the
engine.

Start the engine with the ignition
switch or starter button.

Warning when leaving the vehicle

Switch off the ignition before leaving the vehicle unattended

⇒ Starting and stopping the engine. In

certain situations, a message Ignition on appears in the instrument cluster display as you are
leaving the vehicle. This message warns you that the vehicle's electric drive is still enabled and that
the combustion engine might start automatically.

Always switch the engine off, remove the key, and take it with you when leaving the vehicle

⇒ . As

a reminder to do so, the combustion engine may start automatically under the following conditions:

The ignition is switched ON.
AND: Electrical drive is functional (Ready).
AND: The transmission is in Park (P) or Neutral (N).
AND: The driver safety belt is not fastened. OR The driver door is open.

The message in the instrument cluster display also reminds you to switch the ignition off. In addition,
always be sure to apply the parking brake, remove the key, and take it with you when leaving the
vehicle.

WARNING

A parked vehicle that is not properly parked can roll away and cause accidents or severe
injuries. When leaving the vehicle, always move the selector lever into Park (P) and engage
the electronic parking brake.

WARNING

Failure to heed warning lights and instrument cluster text messages can cause the vehicle to
break down in traffic and result in a collision and serious personal injury.

Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.
Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

NOTICE

Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.

Special driving tips

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

This short overview cannot replace the detailed description in this entire chapter, especially not the
warnings or safety instructions.

Driving situa-
tions

Requirements and
conditions

Vehicle behavior

Electrical driv-
ing.

– Selector lever in posi-
tion (D).

If all operative requirements of
the Hybrid system are fulfilled,
the vehicle starts electrically.
The combustion engine is
switched on only at higher
speeds.

– Foot brake released.

– Accelerator is slightly
depressed.

Constant driv-
ing and
gliding without
engine on
(Sailing).

– Thinking ahead when
driving, with careful
acceleration.

The kinetic energy of the vehi-
cle is used optimally for its
motion ahead. No energy is
lost through excessive accel-
eration or braking.

– Reducing speed early
or completely in case of
obstacles or speed lim-
its.

By easing off the accelerator
completely, the combustion
engine is automatically
switched off and disconnected.
The vehicle glides (sails) with-
out engine power, and friction
losses are minimized.

Full accelera-
tion (Boost).

– Selector lever in posi-
tion (D).
Kick-down mechanism
of accelerator activated.
– Accelerator fully de-
pressed or kick-down
acceleration activated.

The electric motor assists the
combustion engine in acceler-
ation. The maximum overall
output is used briefly.

– Selector lever in posi-
tion S or Tiptronic:
accelerator is de-
pressed to 80%.

Driving situa-
tions

Requirements and
conditions

Vehicle behavior

Braking energy
regeneration
(Recuperation).

– Early and even brak-
ing with short brake
pedal travel.

The vehicle is braked by the
electric motor. Most of the
kinetic energy is then won
back and can be stored in the
form of electrical energy in the
high-voltage battery.

Driving in city
traffic.

– Selection of a moder-
ate speed.

Driving in fully electric mode at
this level is possible only with
a speed of up to approximately
50 km/h (31 mph).

– Avoid full acceleration.

The fuel consumption is re-
duced with moderate accelera-
tion due to higher efficiency of
the combustion engine and
driving in fully electric mode is
possible.

– Careful use of

button

⇒

fig. 257

.

The high-voltage battery dis-
charges quickly with the

button switched on. This can
increase fuel consumption
since driving in electric mode
is preferred in this case, even
though the combustion engine
would be more efficient.

Driving on
country roads
and highways.

– Conscious easing off
of the accelerator, to
enable longer sailing
distance.

By easing off the accelerator,
the combustion engine is au-
tomatically switched off and
de-clutched. The vehicle
glides without engine power.

– Reducing speed by
easing off the accelera-
tor early and not by
braking.

Sailing possible. Reduction of
speed this way is more fuel-
efficient than through braking.

Driving situa-
tions

Requirements and
conditions

Vehicle behavior

– Avoid speeds of over
about 160 km/h
(99 mph).

Efficient sailing is possible with
a speed of about 160 km/h
(99 mph).

– Careful selection of
gear (S).

Sporty driving style with acti-
vated sport program increases
fuel consumption. Efficient
sailing in sport program with
combustion engine automati-
cally switched off is possible
with a speed of about 70 km/h
(43 mph).

Driving in cold
months.

– Do not warm up the
combustion engine by
running it with the vehi-
cle stationary.

The temperature of the com-
bustion engine increases very
slowly, but fuel consumption
increases considerably.

– Careful use of heating
for the rear window,
outside mirror, steering
wheel and front seats.

This prevents energy from
being lost and saves energy
for the electric motor.

– Leave the vehicle in a
garage overnight.

This prevents the high-voltage
battery and the vehicle interior
from cooling down too much.
The optimal temperature of the
high-voltage battery is reached
quicker at the beginning of the
journey and the combustion
engine can be switched off
quicker when the vehicle inte-
rior is sufficiently heated.

Hybrid functions and modes

Fig. 257 In the lower center console: E-MODE button for extended electro-mode drive.

Fig. 258 Hybrid menu in the instrument cluster display: Current electric power level.

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

The functions and operating modes described below are controlled automatically by the vehicle man-
agement system depending on how the vehicle is being driven. This helps to ensure that the vehicle
operates in the best mode at all times. Extended electro-mode drive (

) is an exception, however.

The driver must manually select this mode

⇒ Extended electro-mode drive (

).

Combustion engine drive

In this mode, the vehicle is powered by the combustion engine. The electric motor acts as an alterna-
tor and recharges the vehicle's high-voltage battery. It also supplies the 12 Volt power system at the
same time.

A message may also appear in the instrument cluster to let you know that the combustion engine is
active.

Full-acceleration (Boost)

For full acceleration, the vehicle is powered by the combustion engine and the electric motor. This
Boost mode is available only for a short period because it uses a lot of the battery's charge.

Boost mode is activated by:

Kick-down when the transmission is in Drive (D).
OR: Heavy acceleration when the transmission is in Sport Drive (S).
OR: Heavy acceleration when the transmission is in Tiptronic mode.

Electrical motor drive

The vehicle can be powered by the electrical motor at low to moderate speeds, provided the high-
voltage battery charge is adequate and wind resistance is not too strong. The combustion engine is

switched of in this mode. Gentle start-ups (getting the vehicle going) and parking are also phases the
electrical motor can often handle alone.

The combustion engine is started if you accelerate faster or if the charge level of the high-voltage
battery gets too low. As soon as allowed by your acceleration and the high-voltage battery charge
level, the vehicle switches back to electrical motor drive.

Use the following indicators to tell when the vehicle is being powered electrically:

Tachometer for the combustion engine shows zero engine revolutions.
Instrument cluster display.
Infotainment System screen.

Extended electro-mode drive (

)

By pressing the

button

⇒

fig. 257

, the driver can extend the normal limits of electrical motor

drive so that the electric motor powers the vehicle whenever possible (given the battery charge level
and the way you are driving). In this mode, the vehicle is propelled by the electric motor as much as
possible.

Extended electro-mode drive can be activated only if all of the following conditions apply:

The high-voltage battery must have an adequate charge.
The transmission must not be in Sport (S) or Tiptronic mode.

The speed must be below 45 mph (70 km/h).
The driver must accelerate gently.

If extended electro-mode drive is not possible, a message appears in the instrument cluster display.

The activation of the extended electro-mode drive will be indicated by the symbol

in the instru-

ment cluster display.

The combustion engine starts and interrupts extended electro-mode drive if the first 2 conditions
change. Then the color of the symbol

changes from green to grey. Extended electro-mode drive

resumes automatically as soon as all conditions listed above apply again and the symbol

changes to green.

Extended electro-mode drive is deactivated if any of the following conditions apply:

Ignition is switched off.

button is pushed a second time.

Transmission is in Sport Drive (S).
Transmission is in Tiptronic mode.
Speed is greater than about 45 mph (70 km/h).

To reactivate, press the

button again.

Electric power level display (E-Powermeter)

The electric power level is shown in the MFI display

⇒

fig. 258

(arrow). When the power level display

reaches its maximum, the vehicle automatically switches to the combustion engine. By accelerating
gently it is possible to drive the vehicle using electric energy only.

The power level display is activated during electric drive and at full acceleration (Boost). When the
vehicle is fully accelerated, the display is constantly in the maximum area.

The power level display only appears when the vehicle is being driven with the electric motor.

In all other driving modes, the power level display is deactivated so that the bar is not shown.

Start-Stop mode

The combustion engine is operated only as needed. When the vehicle is stopped the combustion
engine is normally off. The vehicle electrical systems are supplied with power from the high-voltage
battery. The instrument cluster tachometer will show zero engine speed (zero engine revolutions).

This depends on vehicle conditions of the hybrid drive system is normal and is designed to save fuel.
The power steering and the braking assistance systems remain active. In certain situations it may be
necessary for the system to start the combustion engine even when the vehicle is not moving. With
prolonged driving in traffic jams, the combustion engine will be switched on and off to charge the high-
voltage battery for the following start-stop phase.

Sailing

If the accelerator is not depressed and the lever is in Drive (D), the internal combustion engine is
switched off even at higher speeds. The vehicle then decelerates slower than conventional vehicles.

This feature can be used to help reduce fuel consumption when you keep traffic conditions in mind
and can anticipate the vehicles power requirements. Even in this case, the rev counter in the instru-
ment cluster displays zero engine speed (0 engine revolutions). The instrument cluster powermeter
shows zero.

Brake energy regeneration (Recuperation/charge)

When the vehicle brakes, the electrical energy is generated by the electric motor, which works as an
alternator and charges the high-voltage battery. The same thing occurs while the vehicle is coasting to
a stop or driving downhill.

Energy regeneration is shown in the instrument cluster display or on the Infotainment System screen.
The combustion engine may be switched off automatically in this situation. The instrument cluster
powermeter registers below zero.

When the high voltage battery is fully charged, there is no brake energy recuperation, and therefore no
engine braking. Recuperation and engine braking are also automatically reduced if the vehicle detects
that the road conditions do not permit sufficient contact between the wheels and the road surface.

Automatic starting - combustion engine

The combustion engine is started automatically in a number of situations.

Engine temperature is too low.
Catalytic converter temperature is too low.
High-voltage battery being charged at high rate when decelerating. The high-voltage battery can-

not absorb any more energy and for this reason the electric motor cannot brake the vehicle. The
combustion engine comes on to help slow the vehicle down (engine brake).

Engine hood is open.
Leaving the vehicle when the electric motor is still “live”. The status of the electric motor is not

always obvious, particularly when the combustion engine is not running. The combustion engine will
therefore start if the driver's safety belt is unlatched or the driver's door is opened when the transmis-

sion is in Park (P) or Neutral (N)

⇒ Warning when leaving the vehicle.

Energy flow display

Fig. 259 Energy flow display (Variant 1). Left: Instrument cluster. Right: Infotainment System.

Fig. 260 Energy flow display (Variant 2). Left: Instrument cluster. Right: Infotainment System.

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

Hybrid drive energy flow is shown with symbols and arrows in the instrument cluster display (MFI) and
on the Infotainment System screen. The displays let you know whether the electric motor or the engine
is active while driving.

Explanation of the symbols that appear in the energy flow display when the vehicle is not moving
⇒

fig. 259

:

(1)

Symbol for combustion engine in instrument cluster display.

(2)

Symbol for vehicle drive in instrument cluster display.

(3)

Symbol for high-voltage battery in instrument cluster display.

(4)

Symbol for combustion engine on the Infotainment System screen.

(5)

Symbol for electric motor on the Infotainment System screen.

(6)

Symbol for high-voltage battery on the Infotainment System screen.

(7)

Symbol for vehicle drive on the Infotainment System screen.

Color codes

Color Infotainment System screen

Orange

Energy flow from combustion engine (combustion engine drive).

Color Infotainment System screen

Blue

Energy flow from the high-voltage battery (electrical motor drive).

Energy flow to the high-voltage battery (battery charge).

Green

Energy regeneration through deceleration or braking (recupera-

tion).

High-voltage battery

Fig. 261 Location of the high-voltage battery: under the luggage compartment floor.

Fig. 262 Air ventilation for the high-voltage battery under the rear seat bench.

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

The high-voltage battery is under the luggage compartment floor

⇒

fig. 261

.

Cooling the high-voltage battery

There are ventilation slots under the rear seat bench that provide the high-voltage battery with cool air.

The ventilation area under the rear seat bench

⇒

fig. 262

must not be blocked or covered

⇒ .

Maintenance of the high-voltage battery

Other than taking the vehicle in for scheduled maintenance to an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility that is qualified to do work on hybrid vehicles, there is nothing
that the vehicle driver has to do to maintain the high-voltage battery.

The maintenance connection for the high-voltage battery is under the luggage compartment floor
under an orange cover. This connection is only for scheduled maintenance, which must be performed
only by specially trained service technicians. There is no need to remove the connector at any time

when the vehicle is being used

⇒

WARNING

The high-voltage hybrid electrical system is dangerous and can cause burns, other serious
personal injuries, electrocution and death.

Never open, service, repair, or disconnect the high-voltage hybrid battery.
Never touch or let jewelry or other metal objects contact high-voltage cables or the high-

voltage battery and battery poles, especially if the cables, battery, or battery poles have been
damaged in a crash or in some other way.

Always have work on the hybrid electrical system and on systems that could be indirectly

affected by it done by qualified, trained technicians, who have the know-how, experience,
documentation, and tools to do the work safely.

WARNING

Failure to heed warning lights and instrument cluster text messages can cause the vehicle to
break down in traffic and result in a collision and serious personal injury.

Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.
Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

NOTICE

Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
If the 12 Volt vehicle battery is disconnected or dead or has been replaced, there is a possi-

bility that the combustion engine will not automatically switch off when the vehicle is powered
by the electric motor. If this situation persists for several days, take the vehicle to an author-
ized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility that is qualified to do
work on hybrid vehicles.

Never transport water or other liquids or fluids in open containers, such as an aquarium. If

liquid is spilled in the luggage compartment, this can cause short circuits or damage the high-
voltage battery.

NOTICE

Never block or cover the cooling air vents for the high-voltage hybrid battery under the rear
seat. Blocking or covering these vents can damage the high-voltage battery.

Starting assistance systems

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Warning and indicator lights

Hill Hold

Hill Descent Assist

More information:

Volkswagen Information System
Tires and wheels
Braking and parking
12 Volt vehicle battery
Parts, accessories, repairs and modifications
Jump-starting

WARNING

The intelligent technology of the dynamic starting assistance features cannot overcome the
laws of physics. Never let the increased convenience provided by the dynamic starting assis-
tance features tempt you into taking risks.

Unintended vehicle movement can cause serious personal injury.
The dynamic starting assistance features are no substitute for careful and attentive driv-

ing.

Always adapt your speed and driving style to visibility, weather, road, and traffic condi-

tions.

The dynamic starting assistance features cannot keep the vehicle from moving in all hill-

start situations (for example, if the ground is slippery or icy).

Never activate the throttle manually from the engine compartment when the engine is

running and the automatic transmission is in gear. The vehicle will start to move as soon as
the engine speed increases, even if the parking brake is set.

WARNING

Driving with too little fuel in the fuel tank increases the risk of stalling, especially when driv-
ing up and down hills.

If your vehicle stalls suddenly, this can cause an accident and serious personal injuries.
Driver assistance and braking assistance systems can malfunction when there is too little

fuel in the tank and cause you to lose control of the vehicle.

Never drive until the fuel tank is almost empty.

Warning and indicator lights

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

Lights

up

Possible cause

Proper response

Hill Hold malfunction.

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

Hill Descent Assist switched
on.

Flashes Possible cause

Proper response

Hill Descent Assist is operat-
ing.

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.

WARNING

Failure to heed warning lights and instrument cluster text messages can cause the vehicle to
break down in traffic and result in a collision and serious personal injury.

Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.
Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

NOTICE

Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.

Hill Hold

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

Hill Hold helps keep the vehicle from rolling backwards when starting out on a hill, for example after
stopping at a traffic light. You don't have to apply and release the parking brake while depressing the
accelerator. For Hill Hold to work, the engine must be running and the vehicle must be in Drive (D) or
Sport Drive (S) and you must use the foot brake to hold the vehicle before starting to move.

Hill Hold keeps the brake applied for not quite 2 seconds with the same force you used to prevent the
vehicle from moving. This gives you time to take your foot off the brake, and gently depress the accel-
erator to get the vehicle moving again. If you do not depress the accelerator pedal and get the vehicle
moving again within this time, the brakes will release and the vehicle will roll downhill. Furthermore, if