2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE CONVERTIBLE lights

WARNING
Headlights that are aimed too high because of the way the vehicle is loaded can blind and
distract other drivers. This can lead to a crash and serious personal injuries.
x Always make sure the headlights are adjusted to loading conditions so that they do not
blind others.
WARNING
If dynamic headlight range adjustment does not work properly or at all, the headlights could
blind and distract other drivers. This can lead to a crash and serious personal injuries.
x Have headlight range adjustment checked immediately by an authorized Volkswagen
dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Interior and reading lights

Fig. 74 Thumbwheel next to the steering wheel.

Glove and luggage compartment lights
The glove and luggage compartments may have lights that come on automatically when they are
opened and go off when they are closed.
Background lighting
When the ignition and headlights are switched on, the background lighting in the roof console lights
up.
There may also be footwell lighting.
Background lighting in the doors
The background lighting in the doors comes on when the ignition or headlights are switched on.

Turn the thumbwheel to the desired position ⇒ fig. 74:
Position Background lighting color
R Red
B Blue
W White
– Background lighting switched off

The interior and reading lights go out when you lock the vehicle or a few minutes after you
remove the vehicle key from the ignition. This helps to prevent unnecessary drain on the vehicle
battery.

Lights
up Possible cause Proper response
Y Not enough windshield washer fluid. Refill windshield washer reservoir at the next
opportunity

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.
NOTICE
Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
Windshield wiper lever

Fig. 77 Operating the front windshield wiper.

WARNING
To reduce the risk of serious personal injury when starting and running the vehicle's engine:
x Never start the engine or let it run in a confined or enclosed area. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide, a poisonous, colorless, and odorless gas. Carbon monoxide can cause
unconsciousness and death.
x Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running. The vehicle could move
suddenly or some other unexpected event could occur, resulting in property damage or
personal injury.
x Never use starting assist fluids. Starting fluids can explode and can cause a “run-away”
vehicle condition.
WARNING
The vehicle exhaust system and the catalytic converter or diesel particulate filter get very hot.
They can cause fires and serious personal injury.
x Never park the vehicle where the hot exhaust system or catalytic converter could ignite
flammable materials, such as brush, leaves, dry grass, spilled fuel, etc.
x Never apply additional undercoating or rust proofing on or near the exhaust manifold,
exhaust pipes, catalytic converter, diesel particulate filter, or heat shields.
Indicator lights

NOTICE
Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
Vehicle key positions in the ignition switch

Fig. 96 In the ignition switch: Vehicle key positions.
Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS
If there is no vehicle key in the ignition, the steering column is locked.
Vehicle key position ⇒ fig. 96
(0) Ignition switched off. Steering column lock engaged. The vehicle key can be removed.
(1) Ignition is switched on. Diesel engine is preheated (if applicable). Steering column lock can be
released.
(2) Start the engine. When the engine starts, release the vehicle key. When released, the vehicle
key returns to position (1).
If you use the wrong key
If an unauthorized vehicle key has been inserted into the ignition switch, it can be removed as follows:
x Automatic transmission: The vehicle key cannot be removed from the ignition unless both the key
and the selector lever have been moved to the correct position. Press the release button on the
transmission selector lever, move the selector lever to the Park (P) position, and release the button.
The vehicle key can now be removed.
x Manual transmission: Pull out the vehicle key.

x Before driving downhill, especially on hills that are long or steep, always reduce speed and
shift into lower gear (manual or automatic transmission). This will let the vehicle use engine
braking and reduce the load on the brakes. Otherwise, the brake system could overheat and
even fail. Only use the brakes when you need them to slow the vehicle down more or to stop.
Warning and indicator lights

Lights
up Possible cause Proper response
D
Power steering assist is reduced.
Stop, restart the engine, and drive a short
distance. If the yellow warning light does not
come on again, you do not need to have the
steering system checked.
Otherwise, have the steering checked
immediately by an authorized Volkswagen
dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service
Facility.
Vehicle battery was disconnected and
has been reconnected.
Drive a short distance at about 10–12 mph
(15–20 km/h).


Flashes Possible cause Proper response
D Electronic steering column lock
malfunction.

Display
Different cruise control versions are available. The stored speed is shown in the instrument cluster
display on some equipment versions.
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.
WARNING
Failure to heed warning lights and instrument cluster text messages can cause the vehicle to
break down in traffic and result in a collision and serious personal injury.
x Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.
x Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
NOTICE
Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
Cruise control operation

Fig. 110 On the left side of the steering column: Cruise control buttons and switches.