Trailer Hitch
Overview - Trailer Hitch

- Trailer Hitch
- Trailer hitch with manual swiveling ball head -2- is depicted.
- Ball Head
- Swiveling
- Socket
- Swiveling Mechanism
- Release Cable
- From the release lever to the swiveling mechanism
- Removing.
- Wiring Harness
- Gear Mechanism
- Release Button Bracket
- With LED for the lock display
- Overview.
- Release Knob
- Wiring Harness
- To the vehicle
Trailer Hitch, Removing and Installing
Removing
Note
- The tightening specifications only apply to factory-installed trailer hitches.
- Obtain tightening specifications of other tow hitches from corresponding manufacturer.
- For electrical information. Refer to Repair Manual Wiring Diagram Trailer Operation.
- The bolts -2- are not loosened.

- Remove the bumper cover.
- Disconnect the connector from the vehicle.
- Remove the bolts -3-.
- Remove the trailer hitch -1- evenly.
WARNING
Bolts -3- must always be replaced after loosening.
Installing

Install in reverse order of removal.
- Tightening specification for bolts -2-: 20 N·m.
DANGER!
The bolts -2- are actually sealing threaded connections and seal off the passenger compartment from exhaust gas. They must always be installed
- Check that the bolts -3- are securely seated.
- Tightening specification for bolts -3-: 50 N·m + 90º additional turn.
Release Cable, Removing
WARNING
No other screws may loosened except for the ones specified

- Remove the bumper cover.
- Remove the trailer hitch.
- Counterhold the threaded pin -10- and turn the nut -9- downward.
- Remove the bolt -8-.
- Remove the gear mechanism -2- from the bracket.
- Remove the bolts -7-.
- Remove the cover -6-.
- Slightly turn the turn plate -5--arrow a-.
- Remove the release cable -4- from the turn plate.
Release Cable, Installing
Note
- Clean the area where the seal is before positioning the cover.
- Water must not leak into the swiveling mechanism.

- Slightly turn the turn plate -5- and insert the release cable -4-.
- Position the cover -6-.
- Tighten the bolts -7-.
- Position the gear mechanism -2- on the bracket.
- Tighten the bolt -8-.
- Counterhold the threaded pin -10- and tighten the nut -9-.
Overview - Release Button Bracket

- Release Button Bracket
- Cannot be changed individually
- Securing Strap
- Removing:
- Remove the bumper cover together with the trailer hitch.
- Remove the retaining strap from the side cap.
- Pull the retaining strap through the bracket.
- Removing:
- Cap
- Do not remove the bumper cover
- Removing:
- Remove the retaining strap from the side cap.
Overview - Trailer Hitch, USA

- Trailer Hitch
- Bolt
- Tightening specification: 5 N·m + 90º additional turn
- Quantity: 2 on each side
WARNING
Always replace the bolts -2- after loosening
- Bolt
- Tightening specification: 20 N·m
- Sealing threaded connections
- Quantity: 3
DANGER!
Bolts -3- are sealing threaded connections and seal the interior from exhaust gases and must be installed in any case.
- Bracket
- Mount the bracket only after the bumper cover is installed
- Bolt
- Tightening specification: 80 N·m
- Quantity: 4
- Foam Piece
Secured to bumper carrier with double-sided adhesive tape.
Trailer Hitch, Removing and Installing, USA
Removing

- Remove the bolts -5-.
- Remove the bracket -4-.
- Remove the bumper cover.
- Disconnect the connector to the vehicle.
- Remove the bolts -2-.
- Pull the trailer hitch -1- evenly.
WARNING
Always replace the bolts -2- after loosening
Installing

Install in reverse order of removal.
- Install the trailer hitch -1-.
- Tightening specification for bolts -2-: 50 N·m + 90º additional turn.
- Install the bumper cover.
- Install the bracket -4-.
- Tightening specification for bolts -5-: 80 N·m
DANGER!
Bolts -3- are sealing threaded connections and seal the interior from exhaust gases and must be installed in any case.
- Make sure the bolts -3- fit securely.
- Tightening specification for bolts -3-: 20 N·m.
Special Tools
Special tools and workshop equipment required

Torque Wrench 1332 40-200Nm -VAG1332-

Torque Wrench 1783 - 2-10Nm -VAG1783-
Test yourself
A quick Volkswagen Tiguan quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.