2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE CONVERTIBLE ECU

Fig. 118 A: Bracket for hood support in the engine compartment. B: Hood propped open.
Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS
Opening the engine hood
x Before you open the hood, make sure that the windshield wiper arms are resting on the windshield
⇒ .
x Open the driver door and pull the inside hood release lever in the direction of the arrow ⇒ fig. 117
A. The engine hood is released from its latch by a spring ⇒ .
x Push the outside hood release lever B (arrow) and lift the hood all the way up.
x Pull the hood support out of its bracket in the direction of the arrow ⇒ fig. 118 A and insert it into
the opening in the hood B (arrow).
Closing the engine hood
x Lift the hood slightly ⇒ .
x Take out the hood support and clamp it in place in its bracket A.
x Lower the engine hood by hand until it is about 8 in. (20 cm) above its latch and then let it drop into
place to latch it. Do not push down on it afterwards!
If the hood does not close completely, open it again and close it properly.
When the hood is properly closed, you can see that it fits flush with the other body parts. The indicator
light in the instrument cluster display will go out
WARNING
If the hood is not closed properly, it could fly up and block your view while you are driving.
This can lead to a crash and serious personal injuries.
x After closing the engine hood, check that the hood release lever is properly latched into
the hood latch. The engine hood must be flush with the surrounding auto body parts.
x If you ever notice that the hood latch is not properly secured when the vehicle is moving,
stop at once and close it.
x Never let anyone get in the way of the hood when closing it.
NOTICE
x Make sure the windshield wiper arms are resting on the windshield before you open the
hood. Otherwise, the windshield wipers and the hood may be damaged.

The design of the wheel bolts is matched to the factory-installed wheels. If different wheels are
installed, wheel bolts with the right length and bolt head shape must be used. This helps to ensure that
wheels can be mounted securely and that the brakes will work correctly .
In most cases, you cannot use wheel bolts from a different vehicle. Even wheel rims from the same
model may not fit properly.
Tires and wheel rims approved by Volkswagen have been matched precisely to your vehicle model
and contribute considerably to good handling and safe vehicle performance.
Tightening torque
Wheel bolts must always be installed with the correct tightening torque . The required tightening torque
for your vehicle's wheel bolts is 103 ft-lbs (140 Nm). After changing a wheel, the bolt torque must be
checked as soon as possible with an accurate torque wrench. See an authorized Volkswagen dealer
or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Wheel rims with bolted rim rings
Wheel rims with bolted rim rings have several parts. The parts are bolted together with special screws
in a special process. This helps to ensure that they will work properly, prevent leaks, run true and
safely. Damaged wheel rims must be replaced, and you must never take them apart or try to repair
them yourself. Have an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility
repair them for you ⇒ .
Wheel rims with bolted decorative covers
Light-alloy wheels may have interchangeable decorative covers attached to the rim with self-locking
screws. If you want to replace damaged wheel covers, contact your authorized Volkswagen dealer or
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
WARNING
Using improper or damaged wheel rims can affect driving safety, cause accidents and severe
personal injury.
x Use only wheel rims approved for the vehicle.
x Regularly check wheel rims for damage and replace them if necessary.
WARNING
Improper loosening and tightening of the bolts on wheel rims with bolted rim rings can cause
accidents and severe personal injury.
x Never loosen bolted connections on wheel rims with bolted rim rings.
x Have all work on wheel rims with bolted rim rings performed by an authorized Volkswagen
dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

WARNING
Improper use of a compact spare wheel can cause loss of vehicle control, a crash or other
accident, and serious personal injury.
x Never use a compact spare wheel if it is damaged or worn down to the wear indicators.
x In some vehicles, the compact spare wheel is smaller than the original tire. A smaller
compact spare wheel is identified with a sticker and the words “50 mph” or “80 km/h.” This is
the maximum permissible speed when driving with this tire.
x Never drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h) with a compact spare wheel. Avoid full-throttle
acceleration, heavy braking, and fast cornering!
x Never drive more than 125 miles (200 km) if a compact spare wheel is installed on the front
axle (drive axle).
x Replace the compact spare with a normal wheel and tire as soon as possible. Compact
spare tires are designed for brief use only.
x Regularly check the U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN) to determine the age of the
compact spare wheel. Tires age even if they are not being used and can fail suddenly,
especially at higher speeds.
x Tires that are more than 6 years old can only be used in an emergency and then with
special care and at lower speeds.
x The compact spare wheel must always be secured with the wheel bolts provided by the
factory.
x Never drive using more than one compact spare wheel.
x After installing the compact spare wheel, the tire pressure must be checked as soon as
possible
x Snow chains cannot be used on the compact spare wheel. If you must use snow chains
and have a compact spare wheel mounted, move the compact spare wheel to the rear axle if a
front tire has to be replaced. The tire taken off the rear axle can then be used to replace the
flat front tire. Be sure you do not change the tire's direction of rotation. Install the snow
chains on the full-sized road tire.
NOTICE
When the spare wheel or compact spare is being used, the TPMS indicator light can come on
after a couple of minutes
If possible, attach the compact spare wheel or the wheel you took off the vehicle securely in the
luggage compartment.

EDRs, sometimes called “crash recorders,” are installed by some manufacturers for the express
purpose of capturing data for retrieval after an accident or crash event.
Some state laws restrict the retrieval or downloading of data stored by EDRs installed in a vehicle for
the express purpose of retrieving data after an accident or crash event without the owner's consent.
Although your vehicle is not equipped with an EDR, it is equipped with a number of electronic control
modules for various vehicle systems, such as engine management, emission control, airbags, and
safety belts.
These electronic control modules also record data during normal vehicle operation for diagnostic and
repair purposes. Their recording capability is limited to data (no sound is recorded). Only a small
amount of data is actually recorded over a very limited period of time, or stored when a system fault is
detected by a control module. Some of the data stored may relate to vehicle speed, direction, or
braking, as well as restraint system use and performance in the event of a crash. Stored data can only
be read and downloaded with special equipment.
Using a mobile phone in a motor vehicle when it is not connected to
the vehicle telephone antenna - some important things to know
Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS
Mobile or cellular telephones send and receive radio waves, sometimes called “radiofrequency
energy” (RF energy), both when they are being used and when they are in standby mode. Current
scientific literature indicates that radio waves that exceed a certain level can have effects on the
human body. Limits and guidelines have been established by governmental authorities and
international committees in an effort to keep the electromagnetic radiation from cellular phones at
levels that will not cause health problems. However, there is no scientifically based proof that wireless
phones are absolutely safe.
Therefore some experts recommend a precautionary approach regarding the use of cellular phones by
taking measures that lower the personal exposure to electromagnetic fields. When using a cellular
telephone inside a motor vehicle without a proper connection to an integrated vehicle telephone
antenna, the personal exposure to electromagnetic fields will be higher than when using the cellular
telephone while properly connected to an integrated or other outside vehicle telephone antenna.
Your vehicle may be equipped with an optional hands-free system that will permit many of the features
of compatible Bluetooth® enabled cellular telephones to be used for greater convenience and is
consistent with the laws of an increasing number of states and localities that prohibit the use of cellular
telephones without some kind of hands-free device.
The hands-free system in your vehicle can be used with certain cell phones that are connected by wire
and hardware connector or via compatible Bluetooth® enabled phones with a cradle that is designed to
fit your cellular telephone. The special cradle offers several advantages: The phone cradle must be
safely secured to the base plate. Your phone is firmly attached to the instrument panel and is within
reach at all times. Placing the phone in its cradle permits it to be charged, but more importantly
connects the mobile phone to the vehicle's outside antenna. A cellular telephone that is properly
connected to the integrated or other outside vehicle telephone antenna will lower the personal
exposure to electromagnetic fields. You should also experience a better quality of service. Although a
cellular telephone can be used inside your vehicle without a cradle, the phone will not be securely
attached to the vehicle, will not be charged through the cradle wiring, and more importantly will not be
connected to the vehicle's integrated telephone antenna. The mobile phone will also not be recharged.
You might also experience more dropped calls and an overall impaired quality of the connection.
Therefore we strongly recommend that you use your cellular telephone in your vehicle only when it is
properly attached to an appropriate cradle mounted on a base plate on the instrument panel.
Because of the large number and variety of cellular telephones on the market and the frequency with
which new models are introduced, Volkswagen does not offer cradles for cellular telephones. Please
check with the manufacturer of the cellular telephone that you plan to use.
Bluetooth® is a registered trademark of Bluetooth® SIG, Inc.

x Pull the convertible top down using the emergency handle and turn the handle clockwise until the
convertible top latches completely and securely. The X indicator light goes out.
x Turn the screw in the center of the emergency handle counterclockwise to loosen using the Phillips
head end of the screwdriver and remove the handle.
x Reinstall the front cover over the emergency lock opening.
x Put the hexagonal socket wrench, emergency handle, and screwdriver back into the vehicle tool kit
298.
x Drive to an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility to have
the convertible top serviced. The bolts that were removed cannot be reused and must be replaced with
new bolts before the top can be opened again ⇒ .
WARNING
The wind generated by driving can open the convertible top if it is not latched. This can cause
accidents and serious injuries.
x Never drive if the convertible top is not latched.
CAUTION
To help reduce the risk of personal injury, never touch moving parts when the convertible top
is closing.
x Always be careful not to pinch your hands when closing the convertible top manually.
x Always be careful not to pinch yourself or others when pressing the convertible top onto
the windshield frame.
NOTICE
To help prevent significant vehicle damage, do not operate the convertible top after performing
the emergency closing procedure until the bolts are replaced with correct, new bolts by an
authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Emergency release for the selector lever

Fig. 141 Removing the selector gate cover.

WARNING
Improper replacement of burned out headlights and other light bulbs can cause serious
personal injury.
x Stop! Always read and heed the WARNINGS before doing any work in the engine
compartment 224. The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a potentially dangerous
area, and work in this area can lead to serious personal injury.
x HID – High Intensity Discharge (Xenon) headlights get power from a high voltage source
that can cause severe personal injury and even death if handled improperly.
x HB2 (H4) bulbs and HID – High Intensity Discharge (Xenon) headlights are under high
pressure and can explode if handled improperly.
x Always let a burned out light bulb cool down before replacing it.
x Never replace a light bulb unless you are familiar with all of the necessary procedures. In
particular, never remove a headlight unless you know exactly how to carry out the job and
have the correct tools and light bulbs.
x If you are uncertain about what to do, have the work performed by an authorized
Volkswagen dealer, an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility, or another qualified
workshop. Serious personal injury may result from improperly performed work.
x We strongly recommend that you always have HID – High Intensity Discharge (Xenon)
headlights and HB2 (H4) bulbs replaced by a qualified technician.
x Do not touch the glass of light bulbs with your bare hands. Fingerprints left on the bulb
evaporate due to the heat when the bulb is switched on and cause the reflector to “cloud.”
x There are sharp edges on and around the headlight housing in the engine compartment
and the rear light housing. Wear hand protection if you replace bulbs.
NOTICE
After replacing a headlight bulb or other light bulb, always make sure that the rubber covers or
plastic caps have been properly and securely reinstalled to help prevent water from getting
into the electrical connections and headlight housing and damaging the electrical system.
You cannot replace the LEDs in LED daytime running lights. Contact your authorized
Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.
Indicator light
Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS on
page 309.

Lights
up Possible cause Proper response
 Light bulb of the exterior vehicle lighting
not working. Replace the light bulb that isn't working.

When the ignition is switched on, several warning and indicator lights come on briefly for a function
check. They go out after a few seconds.