2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE CONVERTIBLE Owners Manual

Frequently asked questions
If you suspect a malfunction or vehicle damage, read and follow the following advice before contacting
an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. You may also find
helpful information under “Special considerations” or “Checklist” in the index.

Description Possible causes, among
others Possible remedy
Engine does not start.
Vehicle battery dead. – Perform jump-start .
– Charge vehicle battery
The wrong vehicle key is used. Use a valid vehicle key
Fuel level too low. Refuel
Vehicle cannot be locked
or unlocked using vehicle
key.
– Battery in the remote control
vehicle key is dead.
– Too far away from the
vehicle (out of range).
– Buttons have been pressed
too many times.
– Replace the battery in the remote
control vehicle key
– Move closer to vehicle.
– Synchronize vehicle key
– Lock or unlock vehicle manually
Unusual noises.
Cold engine, braking assist
systems, electronic steering
column lock.
Check the “Noises” entry in the index.
Odd driving behavior.
Assistance systems activated. Check the “Assistance systems” entry
in the index.
DSG® Direct Shift Gearbox too
hot.
Stop vehicle as soon as you can safely
do so.
Features do not work as
described in this manual.
Settings were adjusted in the
Volkswagen Information
System.
Check and reset to factory settings if
necessary
Headlights do not light up
the road as they should.
– Headlights incorrectly
adjusted.
– Light bulbs burned out.
– Low beams not switched on.
– Have the headlight range adjusted by
an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an
authorized Volkswagen Service
Facility.
– Change light bulbs
– Switch on low beams
Electrical consumers do
not work.
Vehicle battery charge too low. Charge vehicle battery
Remaining fuel level too low. Refuel
Fuse blown. Check fuse and replace if necessary
The convertible top will
not move. Convertible top malfunction.
Check whether any preliminary
requirement for opening and closing
the convertible top is not met. See an
authorized Volkswagen dealer or
authorized Volkswagen Service
Facility, if necessary.
Fuel consumption higher
than indicated.
– Short hauls.
– “Jumpy” accelerator pedal.
– Avoid short distance driving.
– Drive defensively.
– Accelerate smoothly.
Electrical loads switched on. Switch off unnecessary loads.
Engine control malfunction. Have the malfunction corrected 281.

Description Possible causes, among
others Possible remedy
Tire pressure too low. Adjust tire pressure 247.
Driving in the mountains. No direct corrective action possible.
Driving with heavy payload. No direct corrective action possible.
Driving at high engine speed. Select a higher gear.

In an emergency

Checklist
For your own safety and that of your passengers, carry out the following steps in the order listed ⇒ :
1. Park the vehicle at a safe distance from traffic and on a suitable surface ⇒ .
2. Switch on emergency flashers by pressing the  switch ⇒ fig. 133.
3. Apply the parking brake to help prevent the vehicle from moving
4. Shift the transmission into Park (P) (automatic) or Neutral (manual only)
5. Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition switch
6. Have all passengers exit and go to a safe location away from moving traffic, such as behind a
guard rail.
7. Take all vehicle keys with you when leaving your vehicle.
8. Set up a warning triangle or other warning device in order to alert other motorists and cyclists.
9. Let the engine cool down and get expert assistance if necessary.
If the emergency flashers are on, use the turn signal lever to indicate a direction or lane change, for
example when the vehicle is being towed. This temporarily interrupts the emergency flashers.
Switch on the emergency flashers when:
x Traffic suddenly slows down or stops in front of you to warn those approaching from behind.
x In any emergency situation.
x If the vehicle breaks down.
x When being towed.
Always obey traffic laws that govern the use of emergency flashers where you are driving.
If the emergency flashers are not working, a different method – as permitted by law – must be used to
alert other motorists and cyclists to the breakdown.
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
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 where parts of the hot exhaust system or catalytic converter could ignite
flammable materials, such as dry grass, brush, leaves, spilled fuel, etc.
The vehicle battery will be drained if the emergency flashers are on for a long time – even if the
ignition is switched off.

Emergency closing and opening

NOTICE
If the vehicle's battery fails or if the power windows won't work, the door window will not lower
when you open or close the door. Always close and open the door carefully to help prevent
damage to the window, the paint, or the rubber seal.
NOTICE
To help prevent vehicle damage, carefully remove and properly reinstall parts after emergency
locking or unlocking.
Manually unlocking and locking the driver door

Fig. 134 Door handle on driver door: Concealed lock cylinder.

Access, deactivate the alarm by holding the remote control vehicle key to the right of the steering
column trim and pressing the starter button
The driver door can be unlocked separately from the inside the vehicle by pulling the door handle
to open the door
The anti-theft alarm system, when installed, is not activated when the vehicle is locked manually
with the key bit
Manually locking the passenger door

Fig. 135 On the edge of the passenger door: A unlocked, B locked.

Opening the luggage compartment lid from the passenger
compartment

Fig. 136 In the bottom of the driver door pillar: Emergency release cover.

Fig. 137 In the bottom of the driver door pillar: Luggage compartment lid emergency release.
Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS on
page 290.
x Open the driver door.
x Insert the vehicle key from below (in the direction of the arrow) into the opening in the cover
⇒ fig. 136 A. Carefully remove the cover from the trim with the vehicle key.
x Grasp the cover and pull on the release loop attached to it B (1) in the direction of the arrow until
the cord is completely extended.
x Pull slowly and firmly on the release loop in the direction of the arrow until the luggage
compartment lid releases ⇒ fig. 137 A.
x Keep the release loop pulled and carefully move toward the rear of the vehicle until you can reach
the luggage compartment lid B ⇒ .
x Open the luggage compartment lid B.
x Gently release the tension on the loop and guide it back.