Get Driving -> Air suspension Guide for Volkswagen Touareg SUV Third Generation (2018-2025)

● Never remove the key from the ignition

lock when the vehicle is in motion. The

steering column lock could become

jammed and it would not be possible to

control the vehicle.

Air suspension

Introduction to the topic

The air suspension allows the height of the

vehicle to be adjusted to different levels, thus

varying the ground clearance of the vehicle.

NOTICE

If the vehicle is to be towed, leave the ignition

switched on so that the steering wheel does not

lock and the direction indicators, horn and

windscreen washer operate.

Information about the current status of the air

suspension is shown in the instrument cluster

display.

WARNING

Careless or careless use of the air suspension

can lead to serious accidents and injuries.

Problems and solutions

Do not continue driving! The electromechanical

steering is faulty. Call for specialist

assistance.

● Adjusting the suspension while driving

may distract attention from traffic and

cause an accident.

There is a fault in the steering column

lock. Have the steering checked

immediately by a specialist workshop.

The function of the electro-mechanical

steering is limited. Immediately have the

steering checked by a specialist

● When the vehicle is stopped and the vehicle

is lowered, never put any part of the body

(e.g. an arm or leg) under the vehicle or

between the wheels and the bodywork.

workshop. If the yellow warning light

does not come on again after restarting

the engine and driving a short distance,

you do not needtovisitaspecialist

workshop.

The vehicle's battery was disconnected

and has been reconnected. Drive a short

distance at 15-20 km/h (9-12 mph).

NOTICE

● If you switch off the ignition while adjusting,

the process will stop immediately and return

to the previous level. This may cause the

ground clearance to decrease and the

underbody to touch the ground.

● When towing a trailer, select a speed at which

neither the trailer nor the towing device can

be damaged while driving. Please note that

the vehicle will move up and down while

driving.

The steering column is tilted. Turn the

steering wheel slightly to one side or the

other.

The steering column does not unlock or

does not lock. Remove the key from the

ignition lock and switch the ignition back

on. If necessary, observe any messages

displayed on the instrument panel. Do

not continue driving if the steering

column is still locked after switching on

the ignition. If the steering column is still

locked after the ignition has been

switched on, seek the assistance of

qualified personnel.

● Do not leave the trailer coupled to the vehicle

if it is parked on its supports or on the

support wheel, as lowering or raising the

level of the vehicle (e.g. due to a change in

the load or changes in the level control)

could damage the vehicle or the trailer.

● When raising the level of the vehicle, always

ensure that there is sufficient space above

the vehicle.

of the same.

zed.

182

Instruction manual

3

4

Off-road" level: Automatic and speed-

dependent adjustment. Standard setting for

off-road driving.

NOTICE

If you are using a trailer with a tandem axle

and the vehicle is equipped with air suspension,

select a level that ensures an even load on the

trailer axles. When driving with a trailer, select

the level of the vehicle by adjusting the

suspension in such a way that the trailer and the

towing device cannot be damaged. Please note

that the vehicle rises and falls while driving.

Special terrain" level: Fixed level and at the

same time the highest level for special

situations when driving off-road. Do not use

permanently.

5

Rotary knob for selecting the level

Speed limits for different levels

If the air suspension does not function as

described in this section, have the air

suspension system checked by a specialist

workshop.

Levels can only be selected if the speed limit set

for them is not exceeded. If the speed limit is

exceeded, a message appears on the

instrument panel display.

ma.

Select a level

– Start the engine.

Level regulation

Please note and , at the beginning of this

5

– Turn the

to the desired level.

knob

chapter, on page 182.

- The symbol corresponding to the selected

level lights up on the control unit .

1

4

Selecting the level

o

can be cancelled gi-

rando el mando

5 back to that position.

Level "Loaded".

– This level can only be selected when the

vehicle is stationary or at a speed of less

than approx. 7 km/h (4 mph).

– If driving faster than approx. 7 km/h (4 mph),

the Normal level is automatically set.

Fig. 138 At the bottom of the centre console: rotary

knob for adjusting the level.

Normal" level

– The level is adjusted according to the

driving speed.

The level control keeps the vehicle height on

both axles constant at the selected level,

regardless of the load.

– With air suspension and damping in Comfort

or Normal mode, at speeds above approx.

140 km/h (87 mph) the vehicle automatically

lowers by approx. 25 mm.

The level control is automatically switched off if

the vehicle

on with

140 .

lifting mode is switched

– The vehicle automatically moves up again if

the speed is below approx. 100 km/h.

(62 mph) for more than approx. 15 seconds.

the→ button,

fig.

With the level control it is possible to select

four different levels → fig. 138 .

Legend to fig. 138 :

1

Loaded" level: Fixed level and, at the same

time, the lowest level. Suitable for loading and

un-loading.

2

Normal" level: Automatic and speed-

dependent adjustment. Standard setting for

driving on paved roads.

Driving

183

Level "Cross-country

Level "Special Terrain".

– The maximum speed of the level is 70 km/h

(44 mph). If this speed is exceeded, the

Normal level is automatically set.

– Level for negotiating obstacles, wading and

rescuing vehicles that have been trapped

with their undercarriages on the ground.

– The cross-country level is automatically

adjusted again when driving at less than

40 km/h (25 mph) for more than 40 km/h (25

mph) during more than

– If you drive faster than 20 km/h (12 mph), the

through.

Field level is automatically adjusted

30 seconds or if the vehicle is stopped.

Level indication on the instrument panel display

Please note and at the beginning of this

chapter on page 182.

The higher the level of the vehicle, the more

flashing lights on the instrument panel.

→ fig. 139 .

Fig. 139 Detail of the instrument panel: example

of the bar display.

Bar

Explanation

1 light comes on

The vehicle is in the "Loaded" level.

The vehicle is in the "Normal" level.

2 lights are

switched on

The vehicle with air suspension has been lowered because it is being driven at

high speeds or because the damping control is set to Sport → p. 185.

The vehicle with sport air suspension has been lowered because the damping

control is set to Sport or Normal → p. 185.

3 beacons light up

4 lights are

switched on

The vehicle is in the "Normal" level.

5 beacons light up

The vehicle is in the "Cross-country" level. The vehicle

is on the level "Special Terrain".

In the "Loaded" level, in the "Off-road" level

and in the "Special terrain" level, a bar always

remains illuminated on the instrument panel. This

means that the current ground clearance of the

vehicle in these levels can be seen at any time.

Flashing bar

If a bar lights up intermittently , this means

that the setting of another nively is active and

A

B

the selected speed has not yet been reached.

The process is completed as soon as the

flashing bar is lit up in a flashing manner.

permanent.

184

Instruction manual

Padlock symbol

Underneath the level indication is shown the

padlock symbol

C

as soon as it is connected

cross-country

.

level

speed limitation at the

Deactivate speed limiting

Speed limitation at cross-country

level

– Lift your foot off the accelerator or drive

below 65 km/h (40 mph).

– Press button → fi g. 140 . The symbol on the

button and on the instrument panel display

goes out.

Please note and at the beginning of this

chapter on page 182.

With the

→ fi g. 140 can also be used to

switch the vehicle's

li

ft mode on and off.

Damping control

Please note and at the beginning of this

chapter on page 182.

Fig. 140 At the bottom of the centre console:

Speed limiter lock button.

The speed limitation prevents the vehicle level

from being automatically lowered when driving

off-road. Otherwise, the system would lower the

vehicle from the "Off-road" level to the "Normal"

level automatically when driving at speeds

above 70 km/h (44 mph).

When exceeding approx. 65 km/h (40 mph),

the driver is warned that the speed limit is

active with an audible signal and a symbol in the

instrument panel display.

Fig. 141 On the lower part of the centre console:

adjuster for adjusting the damping.

With the damping control, the level of the

vehicle can also be adjusted if necessary.

Activate speed limitation

– Keep speed below 65 km/h (40 mph).

– Adjust the level "Cross Field" → p. 183.

The damping can be adjusted automatically and

continuously to the driving conditions in three

stages by means of the adjuster → fig. 141 . The

setting in each level is indicated on the

instrument panel display by a representation of

the damping setting.

– Press the

k ey→ fig. 140 . The symbol

lights up on the key and on the instrument

panel display.

symbolic representation and a message.

Driving

185

Sport Sport setting for e.g. a sporty driving

Lowering the rear of the vehicle

(charging mode)

style.

Normal Standard setting: Intermediate setting,

e.g. suitable for everyday use.

Please note and at the beginning of this

chapter on page 182.

Comfort Setting for maximum comfort, e.g.

when driving on bad road surfaces or on

long journeys.

Special feature of the air suspension

– If the Sport damping level is selected in the

"Normal" level, the ground clearance is

reduced by approx. 25 mm.

– If the "Off-road" level is selected, the ground

clearance will be maintained. The vehicle

does not descend → p. 183.

Special features of the sports air suspension

Fig. 142 On the right-hand side of the luggage

compartment: Loading mode buttons.

– In the "Normal" level and with the Normal

damping level, the vehicle will be lowered

by approx. 25 mm more than with normal

air suspension.

In charging mode, the vehicle can be lowered to

make loading or unloading easier. This is

possible without switching on the ignition.

– If the damping level Comfort is selected in

the "Normal" level, the ground clearance is

increased by approx. 25 mm.

In this mode only the rear of the vehicle is

lowered. The front axle level remains

unchanged.

– In the "Normal" level and with any damping

setting, the vehicle level is adapted to the

vehicle speed.

Conditions required for charging mode

– The vehicle must be stationary.

– All vehicle doors must be closed.

– The tailgate must be open.

WARNING

The damping setting can change the ride

characteristics.

– The vehicle lifting mode must be switched off

→ page 357.

● Do not allow the modification of the

damping setting to put you at risk.

– The speed limiter must be switched off →

page 185.

– The 12-volt battery must have sufficient

voltage.

It is recommended to additionally engage the

electronic parking brake and set the selector

lever to the P position.

Charging mode indication

When the ignition is switched on, a symbolic

display appears on the instrument panel

underneath the bars.

→ fig. 139 and an acoustic signal sounds. The

display flashes as long as the key is pressed.

1

3

o and lower or raise the rear

→ fig. 142

of the

vehicle.

The symbol lights up when the key is released.

and the corresponding level is reached.

1

o 3

186

Instruction manual

is switched on

There is a partial failure in the level control.

Switching the charging mode on and off

– Open the tailgate.

– Have the system checked by a specialist

workshop.

3

– Press the

key until the rear of the

vehicle is fully lowered.

– Press the key until the back of the

1

is switched on

vehicle is fully upgraded and has reached the

initial level.

Excessive speed for the selected level or excessive

speed with speed limitation engaged, e.g. when

going downhill.

– Close the tailgate.

If, while the rear of the vehicle is being

lowered, the level control knob → Fig. 138 is

actuated or the level is changed, the process is

interrupted and the selected level is set.

– Reduce speed.

– Reselect a level or the speed limitation → p.

183 or → p. 185.

– If you do not reduce the speed, the speed

limiter is automatically deactivated and the

vehicle is lowered to Normal → page 185.

Meaning of the control tell-tale

2

– If the indicator light → fig. 142

off, charging mode is not active or there is a

fault in the system.

is

The speed limiter cannot be switched on.

– Have the system checked by a specialist

workshop.

– During adjustment and after the rear of the

vehicle has been fully lowered, the tell-tale

lights up.

The speed limitation can only be switched on at

the cross-country level.

– If any of the above conditions are not met,

the indicator light flashes.

– First select the cross-country level and then

the speed limitation.

→

p. 185.

NOTICE

● When unloading the luggage compartment

and raising the rear of the vehicle, always

ensure that there is sufficient space above the

vehicle and of the tailgate if it is open.

Offroad mode

● If heavy objects are loaded or unloaded from

the luggage compartment, the rear of the

vehicle may be lowered or raised further. This

could cause damage to the bumper or the

tailgate if it is open

.

Problems and solutions

Please note and at the beginning of this

chapter on page 1 82.

The level control tell-tale is located on the

instrument panel.

Fig. 143 In the lower part of the centre console:

rotary control (4MOTION). On the instrument panel

display: OF- FROAD mode display (4MOTION)

is switched on

There is a fault in the level control.

.

– Immediately go to the nearest specialist

workshop and have the system checked.

Driving

187

Driving -> Air suspension for Your Volkswagen Touareg SUV Third Generation (2018-2025)

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