Volkswagen Tiguan Owners Manual:  Introduction to the subject

In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:

⇒ Indicator lamps and fuel gauge 

⇒ Refueling 

⇒ Fuel capacities 

⇒ Refueling checklist 

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

More information:

• Exterior views ⇒ Exterior views 

• Fuel ⇒ Fuel 

• Preparations for working in the engine compartment ⇒ Preparations for 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 injuries.

• 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 overflowing 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.

• 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.

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

• If, under exceptional circumstances, you must transport a portable fuel container, please observe the following:
  • Never fill a portable fuel container while it is anywhere in or on the vehicle (for example, 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 during 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 transportation of portable fuel containers.
  • Make certain that the portable fuel container meets industry standards, such as ANSI/ASTM F852-86.

Note

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

• 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.

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.