Why does the Tiguan have only one reverse light?
3 Answers
Tiguan L has only one reverse light, which is located on the right side and lights up to help the driver observe the right rear side of the vehicle. The reverse light is installed at the rear of the car to illuminate the road behind when reversing and to alert vehicles and pedestrians behind. More details are as follows: 1. The function of the reverse light: Not all cars have two reverse lights; the vast majority of cars have only one reverse light. First, let’s clarify the function of the reverse light. It is installed at the rear of the car to illuminate the road behind when reversing and to alert vehicles and pedestrians behind. 2. The benefits of having only one reverse light: In fact, a single reverse light can better attract the driver's attention. Symmetrical lighting on both sides might cause the driver to become complacent, potentially mistaking the vehicle ahead for driving in the wrong direction. Additionally, the position of the reverse light is not arbitrary. Typically, the left side has the fog light, and the right side has the reverse light. This is because the driver's seat in China is on the left, and the left fog light allows for better observation of vehicles ahead. The reverse light on the right makes it easier for the driver to reverse and park on the right side of the road at night.
After all these years of repairing cars, it's quite common to see the Tiguan's reverse light only working on one side—usually it's just a burnt-out bulb. Reverse lights often get hit or damp, and the lamp sockets in Volkswagen models are prone to oxidation, leading to poor contact. Checking it is simple: first, turn off the engine, have someone shift into reverse, and then walk around to the rear to see which side isn't lighting up. If the bulb is blackened or shattered, just buy a replacement of the same model. If you're unsure, check the reverse light fuse in the fuse box—marked with an 'R'—and replace it if blown. Sometimes, a short circuit can also cause this issue. I've seen many owners overlook the wiring harness inside the rear bumper, where prolonged moisture exposure can wear down the insulation. A quick test with a multimeter can confirm this. Don't delay fixing it, as it affects nighttime reverse visibility. Here's a handy tip: during maintenance, use compressed air to blow out the lamp socket to prevent rust and oxidation.
Last year, my own Tiguan also encountered the issue of a 'one-eyed' reverse light, which scared me into investigating the cause immediately. That night while reversing, the screen display turned completely dark. I got out to check and found the right light completely out. Thinking it might be a burnt bulb, I bought an original replacement online for just a few dozen yuan. After replacing it, everything returned to normal—saving both money and hassle. Later, while chatting with a mechanic friend, I learned this is a common issue with the Tiguan due to its overly sensitive lamp socket design, which can short-circuit easily from bumps or water seepage after car washes. Another unlucky friend had an even worse experience: a blown fuse that also fried the control board, costing over 300 yuan to fix. So now, whenever I hear any unusual noise, I check the lights immediately. I recommend you also keep spare bulbs handy. As cars age, these minor issues can pop up unexpectedly, so it’s crucial to catch them early before safety is compromised.
