Volkswagen Touareg (2015 year). Instruction — part 31

Menu option

Meaning

Medium

Original setting.

Strong

Intensive vibration of the steering wheel.

The factory settings of the warning time and the vibration level are set to Medium.

Side Assist

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Warning and indicator lights

How Side Assist works

Driving with Side Assist

Operating Side Assist

Depending on vehicle equipment, the vehicle may be equipped with the Side Assist system.

The Side Assist system can support the driver watch out for traffic next to and behind the vehicle.

The Side Assist system has been developed only for on-road driving.

A Declaration of Compliance with the United States FCC and Industry Canada regulations is found on
⇒ Declaration of Compliance, Telecommunications and Electronic Systems.

More information:

Exterior views
Volkswagen Information System
Trailer towing
Parts, accessories, repairs, and modifications
Consumer information

WARNING

Side Assist technology cannot overcome the laws of physics and the limits of the system.

Careless or unintentional use of Side Assist may result in accidents and severe injuries.

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

tions.

Always keep your hands on the steering wheel and be prepared to steer.
Pay attention to the indicator lights in the outside mirrors and in the display of the instru-

ment cluster and operate accordingly.

Always be careful and look around you. The sensors cannot always detect people, ani-

mals, objects. Watch out for small children and animals in particular.

NOTICE

The sensors above the rear bumper can be damaged or become misaligned in low speed

impacts and parking maneuvers. Damaged or misaligned sensors cannot accurately detect or
report objects that might be within range of the Side Assist system.

When cleaning the sensors with power washers or steam cleaners, only spray the sensors

directly for a very short time, and always keep the washer nozzle at least 4 inches (10 cm) from
the sensors.

To help make sure that the system works properly, always keep the sensors in the bumpers

clean and free of snow and ice; do not cover the sensors with stickers or other objects.

Warning and indicator lights

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

Indicator light in the instrument cluster

Lights

up

Possible cause

Proper response

Side Assist system or sensor
malfunction

Switch the ignition off and on
again. Should the warning light
still light up, have the system
checked by an authorized
Volkswagen dealer or
Volkswagen service facility.

Side Assist is activated.

-

Side Assist is switched on but
not active. Vehicle speed is to
low.

If applicable, accelerate vehicle
to at least 20 mph (30 km/h)

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.

Indicator lights in the outside mirrors

Light up

Possible cause

Light up briefly: Side Assist is switched on and ready.

Light up: Side Assist detected another vehicle next to or
diagonally behind your vehicle.

Light up and

flash

Possible cause

The turn signal is switched on and Side Assist detected
another vehicle on the corresponding side of your vehicle
⇒ .

If no other vehicle is detected by the Side Assist system in the critical area of your vehicle, the indica-

tor lights in the outside mirrors will not light up

⇒ .

The closer the detected vehicle is to your vehicle, the more indicator lights light up in the outside
mirrors. If the approaching vehicle is very close, 4 indicator lights light up.

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.

How Side Assist works

Fig. 280 In the outside mirrors: Side Assist indicator lights

Fig. 281 Rear view of the vehicle: Areas of the Side Assist radar sensors.

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

Side assist monitors the area next to and behind your vehicle with the help of radar sensors. The
system measures the distance and the speed difference to the other vehicles around you. Side Assist

does not work below speeds of about 20 mph (30 km/h). If Side Assist detects one or more vehicles in
the monitored area, indicator lights light up in the outside mirrors.

Indicator lights in the outside mirrors

The indicator lights

⇒

fig. 280

in the outside mirrors inform you about the traffic behind your vehicle.

The indicator lights in the left outside mirror

⇒

fig. 280

inform you about traffic on the left side and the

indicator lights in the right outside mirror

⇒

fig. 280

inform you about the traffic on the right side of your

vehicle.

Indicator lights in the out-
side mirror

Possible cause

Stay off.

No other vehicle detected by Side Assist in
the critical area of your vehicle.

Light up briefly once.

Side Assist is switched on and is ready.

Light up.

Side Assist detected a possible critical situ-
ation.

Repeatedly light up brightly. The turn signal is switched on and Side

Assist detected a possible critical situation

on the corresponding vehicle side

⇒ in

Warning and indicator lights

Radar sensors

The Side Assist radar sensors are located on the left and right side above the rear bumper

⇒

fig. 281

.

They cover an area of about 50 m (160 ft) behind your vehicle as well as the blind spots on the left
and right vehicle side. On the left and right side of your vehicle Side Assist covers an area of about the
width of one driving lane.

However, Side Assist does not recognize the exact width of the driving lanes next to your vehicle. In
some cases, such as driving in the middle of 2 lanes or with very narrow lanes, this can lead to an
incorrect indication. In other cases, vehicles moving on further driving lanes like the second to left
lane, or even fixed objects, such as guide rails, can cause the indicator lights to light up.

Driving with Side Assist

Fig. 282 Driving with Side Assist: A: Moving to another lane with rear traffic. B: Side Assist indicator lights in
the left outside mirror.

Fig. 283 Driving with Side Assist: A: Passing another vehicle and moving to the right lane. B: Side Assist
indicator lights in the right outside mirror.

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

While driving Side Assist can detect and indicate other vehicles in the outside mirrors

⇒

fig. 282

(B)

and

⇒

fig. 283

(B)

in the following situations:

When being passed by another vehicle or moving to another lane with rear traffic approaching your

vehicle

⇒

fig. 282

(A)

.

When passing another vehicle

⇒

fig. 283

(A)

, with a speed difference of up to 9 mph (15 km/h).

When passing another vehicle faster than 9 mph (15 km/h), the indicator lights will not light up.

The faster another vehicle approaches, the sooner the indicator lights light up in the outside mirror,
since the system also considers the speed difference of your vehicle to other vehicles. The indication
of 2 vehicles in the same distance to your vehicle can occur at different times, if one of the vehicles is
slower than the other.

Special considerations when using Side Assist

In certain situations Side Assist may not be able to interpret the traffic surrounding your vehicle cor-
rectly. Amongst others, these situations may occur:

In narrow curves.
On roads with differently sized lanes, like in construction areas on highways.
On hill tops.
In bad weather conditions.
When Side Assist detects fixed objects, such as guard rails or high mounted objects on the shoul-

der.

Operating Side Assist

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

Activate and deactivate

Select Assistants from the main menu in the instrument cluster, then select Side Assist.

If the check box in the instrument cluster menu is activated ( ), Side Assist is automatically enabled
when the ignition is switched on.

As soon as Side Assist is ready, the indicator lights in the outside mirrors will light up briefly.

The indicator light in the instrument cluster shows the status of the system.

The stored settings are recalled when the ignition is switched on.

Brightness

The brightness of the Indicator lights can be adjusted in the Volkswagen Information System

⇒

Volkswagen Information System. This should be done under normal daylight conditions, since the
brightness of the indicator lights adjust to the ambient brightness.

Volkswagen recommends adjusting the brightness, so that the indicator lights are clearly visible under
normal daylight conditions but don't reflect in the front windshield.

While adjusting the settings, Side Assist is not active.

Automatic deactivation of Side Assist

The Side Assist radar sensors are automatically deactivated when they are permanently covered. This

can be the case if they are covered with snow or ice

⇒ . In this event, a text message will appear in

the display of the instrument cluster, to inform you about the deactivation.

In case of an automatic deactivation of Side Assist, the system can only activated by switching the
ignition off and back on again.

Trailer towing with Side Assist

Side Assist has to be deactivated manually when towing a trailer

⇒ Trailer towing !

NOTICE

In order for Side Assist to work correctly, the area of the radar sensors must be kept clean

and clear of snow and ice.

Rear Assist with dynamic orientation lines

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Operation

Camera

Rear Assist camera operation

Perpendicular parking (Mode 1)

Parallel parking (Mode 2)

A camera in the rear hatch

⇒

fig. 284

assists the driver while backing up or maneuvering. The camera

image is shown together with orientation lines and assistance areas projected by the system on the
screen of the factory-installed radio or navigation system.

2 different orientation lines (modes) can be selected:

Mode 1: Backing into a parking space at right angles to the direction of traffic, such as in a parking

lot.

Mode 2: Parallel parking in the direction of traffic, such as along the road side.

You can select the mode by tapping the function key on the factory-installed radio or navigation sys-
tem screen. Only the mode selected is displayed.

The functions and displays of the Rear Assist camera may vary on vehicles with or without Optical
Parking System (OPS).

More information:

Exterior views
Infotainment System
Radio
Park distance control system
Parts, accessories, repairs and modifications

WARNING

Rear Assist is not able to give you a clear and undistorted view of all areas behind the vehi-
cle.

The Rear Assist camera has blind spots in which it cannot see people and objects.
Always be careful and look around you when parking. The Rear Assist camera cannot

show people, animals, and objects in certain situations. Watch out for small children and
animals in particular.

Due to the screen resolution, the camera may not pick up thin posts, chain-link fences and

similar fences, and other objects, or it may show them unclear.

The Rear Assist camera lens enlarges and distorts the field of vision and causes objects

on the screen to appear altered and imprecise.

Always keep the Rear Assist camera lens clean and free of snow and ice; do not cover the

lens.

WARNING

Rear Assist technology cannot overcome the laws of physics and the limits of the system.
Careless or unintentional use of Rear Assist may result in accidents and severe injuries.

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

tions.

Always keep an eye on the parking direction and the vehicle surroundings. The front of

the vehicle swings out more than the rear of the vehicle.

Never pay so much attention to the graphics shown on the screen that you fail to notice

what is going on around you.

Always watch for people, especially small children, animals and objects, because the Rear

Assist camera may not always be able to detect them.

The system may not be able to clearly show everything behind the vehicle.

Use Rear Assist only when the rear hatch is completely closed.

NOTICE

The Rear Assist camera shows only two-dimensional images on the screen. Due to the lack

of depth of field, it may be difficult or impossible to identify protruding objects or recesses in
the road, for example.

Things like thin rods, fences, posts and trees may not be detected by the Rear Assist cam-

era and could damage the vehicle.

Operation

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

Conditions for parking and maneuvering with reversing camera

Checklist

The rear hatch must be closed.

A reliable and clear image is displayed and the Rear Assist camera lens is clean.

⇒

fig. 284

.

The area behind the vehicle can be seen clearly and completely.

The rear of the vehicle is not heavily loaded.

The driver is familiar with the system.

The position of the Rear Assist camera has not changed, such as after a rear-end collision. If the

position of the camera has changed, have the system checked by an authorized Volkswagen deal-
er or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Volkswagen recommends practicing parking and maneuvering with Rear Assist in a safe place with
little or no traffic or in a parking lot under good visibility and weather conditions in order to familiarize
yourself with the system, the orientation lines and the way they work.

Trailer towing

The Rear Assist system hides all orientation lines and assistance areas when the factory-installed
trailer hitch has a trailer electrically connected.

Rear Assist camera settings

Different setting such as Brightness, Contrast and Color can be adjusted by tapping the function keys

- or + or moving the slider.

In order to change the settings follow these instructions:

Park the vehicle in a safe place on a firm, level surface.

Apply the electronic parking brake to help prevent the vehicle from moving

⇒ Braking and parking.

Switch the ignition on.

Turn on the infotainment system if not already on

⇒ Introduction to the Infotainment System.

Place the transmission into Reverse (R)

⇒ Shifting.

Tap the function key • .
Adjust the desired settings in the menu.

Camera

Fig. 284 In the rear hatch: Location of the Rear Assist camera.

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

The Rear Assist camera

⇒

fig. 284

(close-up) only shows two-dimensional images. Due to the lack of

depth of field, it may be difficult or impossible to identify protruding objects or recesses in the road, for
example.

Objects or another vehicle may seem closer or farther away on the screen than they really are:

Examples of optical distortion by the Rear Assist camera:

– When driving from a level surface onto an upward or downward slope.

– When driving up or down a slope onto a level surface.

– If the rear of the vehicle is heavily loaded.

Examples of optical distortion by the Rear Assist camera:

– When approaching protruding objects. These objects can disappear from
the field of view when backing up.

Cleaning the Rear Assist camera

Keep camera lens

⇒

fig. 284

clean and free from snow and ice.

Park the vehicle in a safe place on a firm, level surface.

Apply the electronic parking brake to help prevent the vehicle from moving

⇒Braking and parking .

Wet the camera lens with a commercially available alcohol-based glass cleaner and clean with a

dry cloth

⇒ .

Remove snow with a brush.

Remove ice with deicer spray

⇒ .

NOTICE

Never use abrasive cleaning agents to clean the camera lens.
Never remove snow or ice on the camera lens with warm or hot water. This can damage the

camera lens.

Volkswagen recommends practicing parking with Rear Assist in a safe place with little or no

traffic or in a parking lot under good visibility and weather conditions in order to familiarize yourself
with the system, the orientation lines and the way they work.

Rear Assist cannot be activated when the factory-installed trailer hitch is electrically connected to

the trailer or the rear hatch is open.

Rear Assist camera operation

Fig. 285 In the display perpendicular parking (Mode 1).

Fig. 286 In the display Parallel parking (Mode 2).

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

Key to

⇒

fig. 285

and

⇒

fig. 286

Symbol

Meaning

Left edge of the picture: Hide mini-OPS.

Left edge of the picture: Display mini-OPS.

Right edge of the picture: Hide menu.

Right edge of the picture: Display menu.

Leave the current display.

•

Switch the beeping signals from the Park Distance
Control on or off (if equipped).

•

Display settings: Brightness, Contrast, Color.

Currently in Mode 1: Press to switch to Mode 2.

•

Help menu for parking with mode 2

Currently in Mode 2: Press to switch to Mode.

•

Display the Optical Parking System (if equipped).

Switching the Rear Assist camera on and off

The Rear Assist camera switches automatically on and off.

Function

With the ignition switched on

Vehicles without Park
Distance Control

Vehicles with Optical
Parking System

Switch on the
display
automatically:

Shift into Reverse (R)

Mode 1 is displayed in the factory-installed radio or naviga-

tion system

⇒

fig. 285

.

Additionally, the mini-OPS
will be displayed on the left
edge of the factory-installed
radio or navigation system
screen.

Switch off the
display
automatically:

Turn off the ignition

OR: Drive forward faster
than about 9 mph (15 km/h),
or longer than about 10
seconds.

OR: Immediately after shift-
ing out of Reverse (R).

OR: about 10 seconds after
shifting out of Reverse (R).

Hide the
Rear Assist
display:

Press one of the factory-installed radio or navigation sys-
tem buttons or tap the function key.

The display will hide after about 10 seconds.

OR: Tap the function key •.

The OPS will be displayed
full-screen.

Show the
Rear Assist
display
again:

Shift into another gear position then back into Reverse (R).

OR: Tap the function key

.

Perpendicular parking (Mode 1)

Fig. 287 Orientation lines for perpendicular parking (Mode 1).

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

Key to

⇒

fig. 287

:

Meaning

A

Searching for a parking space

⇒

fig. 287

A.

B

Steering towards a selected parking space

⇒

fig. 287

B.

C

Maneuvering

⇒

fig. 287

C.

—

Green lines: Vehicle extension (somewhat wider) toward the rear.

The green area ends about 6 feet (2 meters) behind the vehicle on
the road.

The angles of the lines do not change with the turning of the steer-
ing wheel, for orientation.

—

Yellow lines: The extension of the vehicle to the rear shows the

vehicle path as determined by the position of the steering wheel.
The yellow area ends about 10 feet (3 meters) behind the vehicle
on the road.

—

Horizontal red line: Safety distance: Area up to about 16 inches

(40 cm) behind the vehicle on the road.

These lines do not change the orientation of the steering angle.

Key to

⇒

fig. 287

:

Meaning

(1)

Road.

(2)

Selected parking space.

(3)

Orientation lines for the selected parking space.

(4)

Rear boundary of the parking space, such as a curb.

All lengths of the lines for orientation refer to a vehicle that is on a horizontal surface.

Parking with the Rear Assist camera, perpendicular parking Mode 1

The conditions for parking and maneuvering with reversing camera must be met

Step Perform the following actions:

1.

Position the vehicle in front of a parking space

(2)

A.

2.

Shift into Reverse (R).

3.

Slowly back up and steer so that the yellow orientation lines

(3)

lead into the selected parking space B.

Observe the following message: Look! Safe to move?

⇒ on

page 492 !

4.

Align the vehicle in the parking space so that the green and yellow
orientation lines

(3)

are parallel to the selected parking space B.

5.

At the latest when the rear boundary of the parking space, such as
a curb

(4)

is reached, stop the vehicle C.

Area View

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Area View

Operation instructions

Area View menus (modes)

There are 4 cameras in the radiator grille, the outside mirrors, and the rear hatch to assist the driver
while parking, maneuvering, or driving off-road. The camera image is displayed on the system on the
Infotainment System screen.

More Information:

Exterior views
Off-road driving
Off-road driving situations
Parts, accessories, repairs and modifications

WARNING

Using the cameras to estimate the distance to people and things around the vehicle can re-
sult in collisions and severe personal injury.

The camera lenses enlarge and distort the field of vision and cause objects on the screen

to appear altered and imprecise.

Due to the screen resolution or in low-light conditions, the cameras may not pick up thin

posts, chain-link fences and similar fences, and other objects, or it may not show them clear-
ly.

The cameras have blind spots in which they cannot detect people and objects.
Always keep the camera lenses clean and free of snow and ice; do not cover the lenses.

WARNING

Area View technology cannot overcome the laws of physics and the limits of the system.
Careless or unintentional use of Area View may result in accidents and severe injuries.

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

tions.

Never pay so much attention to the graphics shown on the screen that you fail to notice

what is going on around you.

Always watch for people, especially small children, animals, and objects, because the

cameras may not always be able to detect them.

The system may not be able to clearly show everything behind the vehicle.