2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE CONVERTIBLE service

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.

The instrument cluster displays and their arrangement may vary depending on the vehicle model
and engine. For displays without warning and information messages, malfunctions are only signaled
with indicator lights.
General information
Checklist
Perform the following preliminary requirements each time before opening or closing the con-
vertible top:
1. Park the vehicle a safe distance from moving traffic.
2. Park the vehicle so that it is as level as possible. The vehicle must not be on a hoist, it must not
have one side parked on a curb, and it must not be raised on a vehicle jack.
3. Remove all objects from the convertible top.
4. Remove all objects from the area of the convertible top compartment.
5. Remove ice and snow from the convertible top before opening.
6. Do not operate the convertible top in temperatures below 15 °F (-10 °C).
7. Allow the convertible top to dry completely before opening.
Checklist
The following technical requirements must be met to open or close the convertible top:
¥ The ignition must be switched on
¥ The vehicle speed must be no more than 30 mph (50 km/h).
¥ The outside temperature must be above 15 °F (-10 °C).
¥ The battery must have enough charge.
If any changes have been made in the operation of the convertible top compared with its original
factory condition, Volkswagen strongly urges you to take the vehicle to an authorized Volkswagen
dealer or other authorized Volkswagen Service Facility to have the top restored to its original condi-
tion. Mechanical changes and changes to the vehicle software must be entered in the
⇒ Booklet Warranty and Maintenance.
WARNING
Disregarding the safety-related checklist may lead to accidents and serious personal injuries.
x Always review and follow the checklist. Follow accepted safety practices and use common
sense.

The convertible top button does not work when the convertible top cover is installed. If the button
is pressed anyway, the convertible top indicator light will blink as long as the button is pressed.
What to do if the convertible top will not move

Description Possible solution
The convertible top
will not open or close.
– Check to make sure all the preliminary requirements for convertible top
operation are met
– If the convertible top still will not operate, use the emergency procedure to
close the convertible top, if necessary
– Have the system checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
The convertible top
stops when opening
or closing.
– Check the instrument cluster display for information on what to do ⇒ table.
– Pull the button ⇒ fig. 30 to completely close and latch the convertible top.
– If the convertible top does not close completely and latch, try to close and
latch it using the emergency closing procedure
– Get professional help if necessary and have the system checked by an
authorized Volkswagen dealer, an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility,
or another qualified workshop.

Automatic Rollover Support System

Fig. 35 Behind the rear bench seat backrest: Automatic Rollover Support System.
The Automatic Rollover Support System® works with the reinforced windshield frame, properly worn
safety belts, and the airbag system, to help protect vehicle occupants in a rollover accident.
If the Automatic Rollover Support System is triggered, 2 supports behind the rear seat backrest deploy
upwards in a fraction of a second.
The Automatic Rollover Support System works only when the ignition is switched on. It deploys when
the convertible top is open as well as when it is closed.
The Automatic Rollover Support System is electronically controlled together with the airbag system. A
malfunction in the rollover support system is indicated by the airbag indicator light t in the instrument
cluster

The Automatic Rollover Support System can only deploy one time. After the Automatic Rollover Sup-
port System has deployed, you cannot slide it back into its original position. It must be replaced by an
authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
The Automatic Rollover Support System may deploy in the following situations:
x In driving situations in which the vehicle tips sharply to one side, consistent with the values pro-
grammed into the electronic control module.
x In certain frontal, side, and rear-end collisions.
x In rollovers.
x If the vehicle briefly leaves the ground, for example when cresting a hill at a comparatively high
speed.
WARNING
The Automatic Rollover Support System can cause serious injuries if persons or objects are
in the way when it deploys.
x Never use accessory seat covers or protective covers that block the rollover protection
deployment area.
x Every rear seat passenger must be properly seated on a seat of his or her own and must
stay in a proper seating position at all times.
x Always keep the area around the supports free of anything that could interfere with their
deployment or fly about and injure occupants when the supports deploy.
x Never take the covers off the Automatic Rollover Support System.
x Never attach a child seat, child restraints, straps, or anything else to the rollover protec-
tion supports.
WARNING
If there is a system malfunction, the Automatic Rollover Support System may cause serious
injuries by not deploying properly, by not deploying at all, or by deploying unexpectedly.
x If a malfunction exists in the system, have it checked immediately by an authorized
Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. A malfunction exists in the
system if the indicator light:
– does not come on when the ignition is turned on;
– does not go out about 5 seconds after you start the engine;
– goes out after switching on the ignition and then comes back on again;
– comes on or flickers when you are driving.
NOTICE
If deployed, the Automatic Rollover Support System can damage the convertible top fabric
when opening or closing the top.
x Do not open or close the convertible top if the Automatic Rollover Support System has
deployed.

WARNING
Always adjust seat, safety belts, and head restraints properly before driving and make sure
that all passengers are properly restrained.
x Push the passenger seat as far back as possible. Always be sure that there are at least
10 inches (25 cm) between the front passenger's breastbone and the instrument panel.
x Always adjust the driver's seat and the steering wheel so that there are at least 10 inches
(25 cm) between your breastbone and the steering wheel.
x Adjust the driver's seat so that you can easily push the pedals all the way to the floor
while keeping your knee(s) slightly bent. The distance to the instrument panel in the knee
area must be at least 4 inches (10 cm).
x If these requirements cannot be met for physical reasons, contact an authorized
Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility to see whether adaptive
equipment is available.
x Always hold the steering wheel on the outside of the steering wheel rim with your hands
at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions to help reduce the risk of personal injury if the driv-
er's airbag inflates.
x Never hold the steering wheel at the 12 o'clock position or with your hands at other places
inside the steering wheel rim or on the steering wheel hub. Holding the steering wheel the
wrong way can cause serious injuries to the hands, arms, and head if the driver's airbag in-
flates.
x Pointing the steering wheel toward your face decreases the ability of the driver's airbag to
help protect you in a collision.
x Never drive with backrests reclined or tilted back farther than necessary to drive comfort-
ably. The farther back the backrests are tilted, the greater the risk of injury caused by incor-
rect positioning of the safety belts and improper seating position.
x Never drive with the front seat passenger backrest tilted forward. If the front airbag de-
ploys, the front backrest can be forced backward and injure passengers on the rear seat.
x Sit as far back as possible from the steering wheel and the instrument panel.
x Always sit upright with your back against the backrest with the front seats properly ad-
justed. Never lean against or place any part of your body too close to the area where the air-
bags are located.
x Rear seat passengers who are not properly seated and restrained are more likely to be
seriously injured in a crash.
WARNING
Improper adjustment of the seats can cause accidents and severe injuries.
x Never adjust the seats while the vehicle is moving. Your seat may move unexpectedly and
you could lose control of the vehicle. In addition, you will not be in the correct seating posi-
tion while adjusting the seats.
x Adjust the front seat height, angle and longitudinal direction only if the seat adjustment
area is clear.
x The adjustment of the front seats must not be restricted by things in the footwell in front
or behind the seats.
Examples of improper seating positions

Proper seating position

Fig. 36 The driver should never sit closer than 10 inches (25 cm) of the steering wheel.

Fig. 37 Proper safety belt positioning and head restraint adjustment.
Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS
The following describes the proper seating positions for the driver and front seat passenger.
If you have a physical impairment or condition that prevents you from sitting properly on the driver seat
with the safety belt properly fastened and reaching the pedals, special modifications to your vehicle
may be necessary. Only the proper seating position ensures optimum protection by the safety belt and
airbag.
Contact your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility or call the
Volkswagen Customer CARE Center at 1-800-822-8987 for information about possible modifications
to your vehicle.
For your own safety and to reduce injuries in the event of sudden braking maneuvers or accidents,
Volkswagen recommends the following seating positions:
Applies to all vehicle occupants:
x Adjust head restraints so that the upper edge of the head restraint is at least at eye level or higher.
Position the back of your head as close as possible to the head restraint ⇒ fig. 36 and ⇒ fig. 37.
x Push the head restraint completely down for short people, even if the top of the head is then below
the upper edge of the head restraint.
x Tall people should pull the head restraint all the way up.

x If you smell an odor, immediately shut off seat heating and have it checked by an authorized
Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
x Never install leather upholstery on a vehicle with seat heating that originally had cloth
upholstery. The seat heating elements for seats with cloth seats will overheat if the cloth up-
holstery is replaced with leather upholstery.
Switch off seat heating when it is not needed to help reduce unnecessary fuel consumption.

WARNING
Damage to safety belts reduces their overall effectiveness and increases the risk of serious
personal injury and death whenever the vehicle is being used.
x Never let safety belts become damaged by being caught in the door or seat hardware.
x Torn or frayed safety belts can tear, and damaged safety belt hardware can break in an
accident.
x Inspect belts regularly for damage. If webbing, bindings, buckles, or retractors are dam-
aged, have the belts replaced immediately with the correct replacement belts approved by
Volkswagen for your vehicle, model, and model year.
x Safety belts that were subject to stress in an accident and stretched must be replaced with
a correct, new safety belt, preferably by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility.
x Replacement after a crash may be necessary even if a safety belt shows no visible dam-
age. Anchorages that have been loaded must also be inspected.
x Damaged safety belts must be replaced; they cannot be repaired.
x Never try to repair a damaged safety belt yourself. Never remove or modify the safety belts
in any way.
x Have safety belts, bindings, retractors and buckles replaced by an authorized Volkswagen
dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
x Always keep the belts clean. Dirty belts may not work correctly and can impair the func-
tion of the inertia reel.
Warning light

Fig. 45 Warning light in the instrument cluster.