2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE CONVERTIBLE warning

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.

WARNING
Uncontrolled or unintentional opening and closing of the convertible top can cause accidents
and serious injuries.
x Never open or close the convertible top unless the vehicle is parked and at a safe distance
from traffic.
x Do not open or close the convertible top unless you have made sure that nobody is in the
way of the luggage compartment lid, the convertible top supports, and other moving parts.
x Make sure the closed convertible top is latched securely.
x If convertible top operation is interrupted:
– The convertible top may not stop moving immediately. Gravity may cause the converti-
ble top to continue moving.
– If you cannot close the convertible top “normally,” use the emergency closing proce-
dure to latch it, if necessary.
– Note the messages in the instrument cluster that indicate if the convertible top has
closed and latched correctly.
NOTICE
Frequent opening and closing of the convertible top drains the vehicle battery. To help prevent
the battery from draining, leave the engine running if opening and closing the roof frequently.
NOTICE
If the convertible top is open, rain could enter the vehicle and wet the interior, causing vehicle
damage.
x Always close the convertible top and lock the doors and the luggage compartment before
leaving the vehicle.
NOTICE
The height of the vehicle changes when the convertible top is opening or closing. When there
is not enough room above the vehicle, for example in a garage, the convertible could hit some-
thing and be damaged.
x Only open or close the convertible top when there is enough room above the vehicle to do
so.
If you park vehicle with the convertible top down, the passenger compartment can be damaged
by rain or snow, and it is also open to unauthorized persons. Volkswagen recommends closing the
convertible top before you leave the vehicle. If you must leave things in the vehicle when the top is
down, you should lock them in the luggage compartment.

Removing the wind blocker from the luggage compartment and storing

Fig. 31 A: Opening the storage compartment for the wind blocker. B: Removing the wind blocker from the
storage compartment.
Your vehicle may be equipped with a wind blocker that can be used when the convertible top is down.
Removing the wind blocker from the luggage compartment
x Turn the quick-release fasteners ⇒ fig. 31 A (arrows) counterclockwise and gently guide the stor-
age compartment (1) down.
x Raise the back of the wind blocker B (2) and remove it from the storage compartment in the direc-
tion indicated by the arrow.
x Fold the storage compartment upward and turn the quick-release fasteners A (arrows) clockwise to
close.
Storing the wind blocker
x Turn the quick-release fasteners A (arrows) counterclockwise and gently guide the storage com-
partment (1) down.
x Slide the wind blocker B (2) opposite the direction of the arrow into the storage compartment (1).
x Fold the storage compartment upward and turn the quick-release fasteners A (arrows) clockwise to
close.
Removing and installing the storage compartment when it is not needed
To increase the size of the luggage compartment, you can remove a storage compartment if it is not
needed.
To remove the storage compartment B (1), pull it out of the brackets in the direction of the arrow.
To install the storage compartment B (1), slide it into the brackets opposite the direction of the arrow.
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 Always store the wind blocker in its storage compartment when not in use.
x Do not store any other objects in the wind blocker storage compartment.
Installing and removing the wind blocker

Fig. 32 Unfolding the wind blocker.

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.

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

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.