2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE CONVERTIBLE ESP

NOTICE
Objects with sharp edges or that cause scratches or dirty components can damage the con-
vertible top or the rear window.
x Never remove snow and ice with sharp objects or objects that can cause scratches.
x Only open and close the convertible top when it is clean.
NOTICE
If the convertible top is opened frequently when it is damp or it is left open for several weeks at
a time, it may develop creases and pressure marks and could be damaged.
x Do not leave the convertible top open for long periods of time.
x Only open the convertible top when it is completely dry.
When parking the vehicle with the convertible top open, the vehicle interior is not protected
against unauthorized access.
x Always close the convertible top and lock the doors and luggage compartment before leaving the
vehicle.
x Always store objects left in the vehicle in the locked luggage compartment.
The convertible top will only open or close when the luggage compartment lid is completely
closed. Do not open the luggage compartment lid when the convertible top is opening or closing.
Indicator lights

Lights
up Possible cause Proper response
X Convertible top is opening or closing. Wait until the convertible top has fully opened
or fully closed.


Flashes Possible cause Proper response

The convertible top opening or closing
process is not finished or there is a con-
vertible top malfunction.
Check if the opening or closing process has
finished. If necessary, end the process using
the convertible top button , Opening and
closing the convertible top.
Check if all technical requirements are met. If
not, take the necessary steps to meet the
technical requirements , General information.
Check if there is a convertible top malfunc-
tion. If necessary, correct the malfunction or
have the system checked by your authorized
Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen
Service Facility , What to do if the convertible
top will not move.

Messages in the instrument cluster display
When the ignition is switched on, the indicator lights come on briefly for a function check. They go out
after a few seconds.

Display text Proper response
Speed too high!
Reduce your speed. You can only operate the convertible top at speeds
up to about 30 mph (50 km/h) . If the convertible top has already begun
opening or closing, it will stop if you drive faster. You can only continue
opening or closing the convertible top once the vehicle speed drops
below about 30 mph (50 km/h).
Decrease speed!
Reduce your speed. At 28 mph (45 km/h), the system warns the driver
not to exceed the maximum speed for opening or closing. If the opening
or closing process has already started, it will not stop.
Convert. top:
Release cover!
Convertible top cover (boot) is still installed. Roof operation is not possi-
ble. Remove the convertible top cover.
Error:
Convertible top
Service!
See an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service
Facility. You cannot operate the convertible top if a system component
malfunctions. Use the emergency procedure to close the open converti-
ble top if necessary
Error:
Open convertible
top!
Open the convertible top
Error:
Close convertible
top!
Have the system checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. There is a malfunction in a
control module. It is not possible to open or close the convertible top.
Use the emergency procedure to close the convertible top .
Low voltage:
Please start en-
gine!
The vehicle battery is drained to the point that it cannot provide the
power needed to completely open or close the convertible top. Start the
engine by jump-starting if necessary. Open or close the convertible top
while the engine is running. Volkswagen recommends taking a longer
drive afterward to help recharge the vehicle battery.
Convertible
top open
This message and a chime confirm that the convertible top is completely
open or closed.
Convertible
top closed
Convertible top
not functional.
Owner's manual!
Outside temperature too low. You can still close the convertible top, if
necessary.
Have the system checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. There is a malfunction in a
control module. It is not possible to open or close the convertible top.
Use the emergency procedure to close an open convertible top if neces-
sary .
Continue
convertible
top operation
The opening or closing process was interrupted. Press the button
⇒ fig. 30 (A) again until the opening or closing process has finished.
Convertible
top operation
This text message indicates the convertible top is currently opening or
closing. Press and hold the button ⇒ fig. 30 (A) again until the opening or
closing process has finished.

x Store the wind blocker in the luggage compartment
WARNING
Installing or removing the wind blocker by the side of the road near moving traffic can cause
accidents and serious personal injuries.
x Always park the vehicle a safe distance from moving traffic when installing or removing
the wind blocker.
WARNING
Incorrect seating positions in the vehicle increase the risk of serious of fatal injuries in the
event of an accident or sudden driving and braking maneuvers.
x Never let anyone sit on the rear seats when the wind blocker is installed.
WARNING
Unsecured or improperly secured objects can cause severe injuries during sudden braking
maneuvers or if the vehicle is involved in an accident while driving.
x Never place unsecured objects underneath the wind blocker.
x Never use the wind blocker as a storage shelf. Items on the wind blocker can be thrown
around inside the vehicle by the wind and cause injuries.
x Never use the wind blocker to secure objects.
WARNING
Always make sure that hands, fingers, and other parts of the body are out of the way when
moving the wind blocker up or down, or when folding it together.
x Never fold the wind blocker upward while driving.
NOTICE
x When moving a front seat forward or back, make sure the backrest does not press against
the wind blocker. This can damage the wind blocker, especially its locking mechanism.
x Always store the wind blocker in its storage compartment when not in use.
x Never put objects (luggage, grocery bags, etc.) on top of the wind blocker.

Not wearing or improperly fastening safety belts increases the risk of severe or fatal injuries. Safety
belts can work only when they are properly positioned on the body. An improper seating position
significantly impairs the protection provided by safety belts. This can cause severe or even fatal inju-
ries. Improper seating positions also increase the risk of serious injury or death when an airbag de-
ploys and strikes an occupant who is not in the proper seating position. The driver is responsible for all
passengers and especially children riding in the vehicle.
The following are only some examples of seating positions that will increase the risk of serious injury
or death.
Therefore, whenever the vehicle is moving:
x Never stand up in the vehicle.
x Never stand on the seats.
x Never kneel on the seats.
x Never ride with the seat backrest reclined.
x Never lean up against the instrument panel.
x Never lie down on the rear seat.
x Never sit on the edge of the seat.
x Never sit sideways.
x Never lean out the window.
x Never put your feet out the window.
x Never put feet on the instrument panel.
x Never rest your feet on the seat cushion or back of the seat.
x Never ride in the footwell.
x Never sit or stand on the armrests.
x Never ride without your safety belt properly fastened.
x Never ride in the luggage compartment.
WARNING
Contact with parts of the vehicle interior can cause serious personal injury in a crash.
x Always make sure that all vehicle occupants stay in a proper seating position and are
properly restrained whenever the vehicle is moving.
x Improper seating positions increase the risk of serious and fatal injury, especially when an
airbag deploys and strikes a passenger in an improper seating position.

Fig. 41 Removing the rear head restraints.
Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS
All seats are equipped with head restraints.
Removing the front head restraints
x Sit in the back seat behind the head restraint you want to remove.
x Pull the head restraint all the way up ⇒  in Adjusting the front and rear head restraints. Recline
the backrest with the head restraint so that there is enough overhead clearance to remove it.
x Slide a flat object, such as a plastic credit card, underneath the right side of the cap on the right-
hand seat guide rod ⇒ fig. 40 (1) to unlock the head restraint.
x Push the flat object (plastic card) in against the guide rod to depress a release button located
under the cap (not visible).
x Use one hand to hold the release button in with the flat object. With your other hand, lift the same
guide rod slightly to expose a notch in the rod at the bottom (can be seen and felt with fingers). The
right-hand guide rod is now released.
x To release the left-hand guide rod, press button (2) in (towards guide rod) and hold.
x Pull the head restraint out completely while holding button (2).
Installing the front head restraints
x Position head restraint properly over the head restraint guides of the respective seat backrest and
insert the head restraint into the guides.
x Push the head restraint down while pressing button (2).
x Move the seat backrest into an upright position using the adjusting wheel.
x Adjust the head restraint according to the occupant's size
Removing the rear head restraint
x Unlock the backrest of the rear seat bench and fold it forward
x Pull the head restraint all the way up ⇒ .
x If necessary, press the flat blade of the screwdriver from the vehicle tool kit into the slit of the trim
cap ⇒ fig. 41 (1) in the direction of the arrow and hold it in this position.
x At the same time press button (2) while a second person pulls out the head restraint completely.
x Fold the backrest of the rear seat bench back so that it locks securely.
Reinstalling the rear head restraint
x Unlock the backrest of the rear seat bench and fold it forward .

x Position head restraint properly over the head restraint guides of the respective seat backrest and
insert the head restraint into the guides.
x Push the head restraint down while pressing button (2).
x Fold the backrest of the rear seat bench back so that it locks securely.
x Adjust the head restraint according to the occupant's size
WARNING
Driving without head restraints or with improperly adjusted head restraints increases the risk
of serious injuries in a collision.
x Always drive with the head restraints in place and properly adjusted to help minimize the
risk of neck injury in crash.
x Always reinstall head restraints as soon as possible so that vehicle occupants are proper-
ly protected.
NOTICE
When removing or reinstalling the head restraint, take care that the head restraint does not
strike the headliner or other parts of the vehicle. The headliner or other parts of the vehicle
could otherwise be damaged.
Adjusting the steering wheel position

Fig. 42 Manual adjustment for the steering wheel position.

WARNING
The center armrest can restrict the driver's arm movement and cause crashes and serious
personal injury.
x Always keep storage compartments in the center armrest closed while driving.
x Never let a passenger, especially a child, ride on the center armrest. Improper seating
position can increase the risk of serious personal injury in a crash.
x Never put hot drinks or other liquids in the cup holder. Hot liquids can spill when the vehi-
cle is moving as well as during braking or other sudden maneuvers.

WARNING
Improper use or positioning of a safety belt extender increases the risk of serious personal
injury and death.
x A driver or passenger who is not properly restrained can be seriously injured by striking
the interior of the passenger compartment or by the safety belt itself, which can be displaced
from stronger parts of the body into sensitive areas like the abdomen.
x Safety belt extenders offer optimum protection only when they are properly used.
x Only use the extender when the belt is not long enough to be worn low and snug and the
person is in the correct seating position. Remove and stow extender safely when not needed.
x Always make sure the safety belt tongue of the safety belt extender is securely inserted
into the buckle for the seating position that belongs to the seat where the safety belt extender
is being used. Attaching the safety belt to the wrong buckle will reduce safety belt effective-
ness and can cause serious personal injury.
x Never use the safety belt extender if you can properly attach the safety belt without it.
Using a safety belt extender when not needed can increase the risk of injury, especially in a
collision.
x Never use a safety belt extender if the distance (B) between the front edge of the safety
belt extender buckle (A) and the centerline of the person using the safety belt extender
⇒ fig. 56 (C) is less than 6 inches (15 cm).
x Never leave a safety belt extender attached to the vehicle safety belt buckle when the
extender is not needed and being used with the safety belt. Otherwise, the airbag control
module will receive an incorrect signal from the safety belt buckle and this will prevent the
airbag from working properly for a person who is not using the safety belt.
x Never use more than 1 extender with a safety belt. Using more than 1 extender can change
the way the safety belt passes over the body and can cause serious injury.
x Never use the safety belt extender to secure a child restraint.
x Never use a safety belt extender on your Volkswagen that you got from another automo-
bile manufacturer or from an automotive parts store.
x Never use the safety belt extender you got for your vehicle for any other vehicle, regard-
less of make, model, or model year.
NOTICE
x Leaving the extender attached to the safety belt buckle when the front seat is occupied and the
safety belt is not being used will signal to the airbag control unit that the front passenger seat is occu-
pied and that the safety belt is being used. The electronic control unit for the airbag system will then
receive incorrect information that will
– cause the safety belt pretensioner to deploy unnecessarily in collisions.
– cause the front passenger airbag to deploy later in collisions in which the front airbag
would otherwise be triggered earlier to help protect an unrestrained front seat passenger.
x A pretensioner that has deployed cannot be repaired. The entire safety belt must be re-
placed.
NOTICE
If the safety belt extender is left attached to the safety belt buckle, the safety belt warning
system will sense that the safety belt for that seat is being used. The warning light will not
come on and the warning chime will not sound even though the seat is occupied and the safety
belt is not being used.