2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE CONVERTIBLE Owners Manual

NOTICE
Use caution when guiding the luggage compartment lid release loop forward and back to help
prevent damage to the vehicle paint.
Opening the luggage compartment lid from inside the luggage
compartment

Fig. 138 Inside the luggage compartment: Opening the luggage compartment lid.

Fig. 140 Convertible top emergency closing (2).
Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS on
page 290.
The convertible top can be closed by hand if there is a malfunction ⇒ . Before using the
emergency closing function, make sure the preliminary requirements for the normal convertible top
closing process are met 64.
Only use the convertible top emergency closing procedure if the top will not close even though all
of the technical requirements are met, or if all of the requirements cannot be met.
The X indicator light in the instrument cluster will flash if there is a convertible top malfunction. A
message providing information or instructions may also appear in the instrument cluster display. Only
perform these steps in the specified order.
1. Release the convertible top
Release the open convertible top as follows:
x Remove the cover (boot) from the convertible top if it is installed .
x Remove the hexagonal socket wrench for releasing the convertible top, the emergency handle for
latching the convertible top, and the screwdriver from the vehicle tool kit
x Unscrew the bolts ⇒ fig. 139 A (1) (arrow) on both sides of the convertible top counterclockwise
using the rounded end of the hexagonal socket wrench. Remove the bolts completely.
2. Close the convertible top
Lift the convertible top out of the tray and close it by hand as follows:
x Close the convertible top until it meets the windshield B (2) (arrow). Have a second person help
(one person on either side), if necessary ⇒ .
3. Latch the convertible top
Latch the convertible top using the emergency handle as follows:
x Carefully remove the front cover under the convertible top using the flat blade of the screwdriver
⇒ fig. 140 C (3). The emergency locking mechanism is located behind it.
x Push the end of the screw in the top of the emergency handle down so the end of the screw is
flush with the top of the handle.
x Insert the emergency handle in the emergency release opening and turn until it locks into place D
(4) (small arrow).
x Keep the handle pressed in place and turn the screw in the center of the emergency clockwise to
tighten using the Phillips head end of the screwdriver D (4).
x Turn the handle counterclockwise to open the convertible top hooks. You may have to push up on
the front of the convertible top slightly so the hooks can open all the way.

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.

Fig. 142 Releasing the selector lever lock.

Vehicle tool kit

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS
The vehicle tool kit is in the luggage compartment in one of several places, such as under the luggage
compartment floor panel.
x Open the luggage compartment lid 134.
x Lift the floor panel ⇒ fig. 143 (1) and remove it from the luggage compartment.
Completely retract the jack after use. Otherwise it will not fit in its compartment and cannot be
stowed safely.
Contents

Fig. 144 Contents of the vehicle tool kit.

Wheel covers

Hubcaps

Fig. 145 Pulling the hubcap off.

Fig. 146 Twisting the hubcap off.