2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE CONVERTIBLE ignition

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
Incorrect tire pressures and/or underinflation can cause sudden tire failure, loss of control,
collision, serious personal injury, or even death.
x When the warning symbol Ç appears in the instrument cluster, stop the vehicle as soon as
it is safe to do so and inspect all tires.
x Incorrect tire pressure and/or underinflation can cause increased tire wear and can affect
the handling of the vehicle and its stopping ability.
x Incorrect tire pressure and/or underinflation can also lead to sudden tire failure, including
a blowout and sudden deflation, causing loss of vehicle control.
x The driver is responsible for the correct tire pressures for all tires on the vehicle. The
recommended tire pressure values are listed on a sticker inside the driver door 247.
x The TPMS can only work correctly when all tires on the vehicle are filled to the correct
cold tire inflation pressure. Always maintain the correct cold tire inflation pressure so that
TPMS can do its job.
x Using incorrect tire pressure values can cause accidents or other damage. Check the
pressure in all 4 tires when the tires are still cold. Never reduce air pressure in warm tires to
match cold tire inflation pressure.
x Always inflate the tires to the correct specified cold tire pressure values for the tires
installed on the vehicle; see the tire inflation pressure label on the driver door jamb 242,
Tires and wheels.
x Always inflate tires to the recommended and correct tire pressure before driving off.
x Driving with underinflated tires causes them to flex (bend) more, letting them get too hot,
which can result in tread separation, sudden tire failure, and loss of control.
x Excessive speed and/or overloading can cause heat build-up, sudden tire failure, and loss
of control.
x If the tire pressure is too low or too high, the tires will wear prematurely and the vehicle
will not handle well.
x If the tire is not “flat” and you do not have to change the tire or wheel immediately, drive at
reduced speed to the nearest service station to check the tire pressure and add air as
required.
x When replacing tires or wheel rims on vehicles equipped with TPMS, always read and
heed the information and all WARNINGS in the section 242, Tires and wheels.
x The Tire Pressure Monitoring System must be recalibrated using the SET button whenever
you remove and remount or change any wheel or tire on the vehicle, even if the reinstalled or
replacement wheels and tires are identical to those that were removed and even if the tire
pressure does not change .
WARNING
Improper use of the SET button can cause the TPMS to give false warnings or to give no
warning despite dangerously low tire pressure

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.
If the ignition is switched on, an acoustic warning sounds when low tire pressure is detected. If a
system malfunction is detected, no acoustic warning sounds.
Driving for a longer period of time on rough roads or with a dynamic and sporty style can make
the TPMS system temporarily unavailable. The indicator light will come on, signaling a malfunction, but
will go out again once the road condition or driving style changes.

WARNING
The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a potentially dangerous area and can cause
serious personal injury.
x Always use extreme caution when doing any work in the engine compartment. Always
follow commonly accepted safety practices and use common sense. Never risk personal
injury.
x Never perform any work in the engine compartment unless you know exactly how to carry
out the job and have the correct technical information and the correct tools.
x If you are uncertain about what to do, have the work performed by an authorized
Volkswagen dealer, an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility, or another qualified
workshop. Serious personal injury may result from improperly performed work.
x We strongly recommend that you always have HID – High Intensity Discharge (Xenon)
headlights and HB2 (H4) bulbs replaced by a qualified technician. Serious personal injury
may result from improperly performed work.
x Never open or close the engine hood if steam or coolant is escaping. Hot steam or coolant
can cause serious burns. Always wait until you no longer see or hear steam or coolant
escaping from the engine.
x Always let the engine cool down completely before carefully opening the hood.
x Hot parts of the engine and the exhaust system will burn skin on contact.
x When the engine has cooled down and you are ready to open the hood:
– Firmly apply the parking brake and shift the transmission into Park (P) (automatic) or
Neutral (manual only).
– Take the vehicle key out of the ignition.
– On vehicles with Keyless Access, make sure that the remote control vehicle key is out
of range of the vehicle and that the vehicle cannot be started by depressing the starter
button 159.
– Always keep children and others away from the engine compartment and never leave
them unsupervised.
x The engine coolant system is under pressure when the engine is hot. Never unscrew the
coolant expansion tank cap when the engine is hot. Hot coolant can spray out and cause
severe burns and other serious injuries.
– Turn the cap slowly and very carefully in a counterclockwise direction while applying
light downward pressure on the top of the cap.
– Always protect your face, hands, and arms from hot escaping coolant or steam by
covering the cap with a large, thick rag.
x Never spill fluids on the engine or exhaust system when refilling. Spilling fluids onto hot
parts of the engine or exhaust system can cause a fire.

WARNING
High voltage systems in the engine compartment can cause electrical shocks or even
electrocution, severe burns, other serious injuries, and even death!
x Never short-circuit the electrical system. Be especially careful when using jumper cables.
The vehicle's battery could explode!
x To reduce the risk of electrical shock and personal injury while the engine is running or
being started:
– Never touch ignition cables. Never touch other components of the high voltage
electronic ignition system.
– Never touch the wiring of the HID – High Intensity Discharge (Xenon) headlights.
x Read and heed the important information and warnings on cleaning the engine
compartment , Cleaning the engine compartment
WARNING
Moving parts in the engine compartment can cause serious personal injury on contact.
x Never reach into the area around or touch the radiator fan. Contact with the blades can
cause serious personal injury. Always remember that the radiator fan is temperature-
controlled and can come on suddenly even when the engine has been switched off for a while
and the key has been removed from the ignition.
x If you have to perform a check or repair when the engine is running, there are more risks
from the rotating parts, such as the drive belts, alternator, radiator fan, etc., and from the
high-voltage ignition system. Always use extreme care.
– Always make sure that jewelry, loose clothing and long hair do not get caught in
rotating engine parts. Before starting any work remove your jewelry, take off your necktie,
tie back and cover your hair, and do not wear clothing that can hang down and get caught
in moving engine parts.
– Always use extreme caution if the accelerator pedal has to be depressed to perform a
check. The vehicle will start to move even if the parking brake is on.
x Never leave any objects in the engine compartment, for example cleaning rags and tools.
Objects left behind can cause malfunctions, engine damage, and even fires.
WARNING
Operating fluids and some materials in the engine compartment can catch fire easily, causing
burns and other serious personal injuries!
x Never smoke near the engine compartment.
x Never work next to open flames or sparks.
x Never pour or spill operating fluids or other flammable liquids on the engine. These fluids
can ignite on hot engine parts and cause injuries.
x If work on the fuel system or the electrical system is necessary:
– Always disconnect the 12 Volt vehicle battery. Make sure the vehicle is unlocked when
you disconnect the battery, or the alarm will go off. Never touch the electrical wiring of the
ignition system.
– Never work near heaters, water heaters, or other open flames.
x Always have a functional, approved fire extinguisher nearby.

Checklist
Before any work in the engine compartment, carry out the following steps in the order in which they
are listed ⇒ :
1. Park the vehicle in a safe place on a firm, level surface.
2. Hold the brake pedal down until the engine is switched off.
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. Let the engine cool down sufficiently.
7. Keep children and others away from the vehicle.
8. Make sure the vehicle cannot move unexpectedly.
WARNING
Disregarding the safety-related checklist may result in serious injuries.
x Always review and follow the checklist. Follow accepted safety practices and use common
sense.
Opening and closing the engine compartment

Fig. 117 A Inside hood release lever in the footwell on the driver side. B Outside hood release in the radiator
grille.

WARNING
Working on the batteries or the electrical system in your vehicle can cause serious acid
burns, fires, explosions, or electrical shocks. Always read and heed the following WARNINGS
and safety precautions before working on the batteries or the electrical system.
x Before working on the electrical system, always switch off the ignition and all electrical
consumers and disconnect the negative (-) cable from the standard 12 Volt battery.
x When you change a light bulb, always switch off the light first.
x Always keep children away from battery acid and vehicle batteries in general.
x Always wear eye protection. Never let battery acid or lead particles come into contact with
your eyes, skin, or clothing.
x Sulfuric battery acid is very corrosive. It can burn unprotected skin and cause blindness.
Always wear protective gloves and eye protection. To reduce your risk of injury, never tilt the
batteries, as this could spill acid through the vents and burn you.
x If you get battery acid in your eyes or on your skin, immediately rinse with cold water for
several minutes and then get immediate medical attention. If you swallow any battery acid,
get medical attention immediately.
x When disconnecting the batteries from the vehicle electrical system, always disconnect
the negative cable (-) first and then the positive cable (+).
x Always switch off all electrical consumers before reconnecting 12 Volt batteries.
Reconnect the plus cable (+) first and then the negative cable (-). Never reverse the polarity of
the connections. This could cause a fire.
x A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the battery is being charged.
x Do not smoke and avoid fires, sparks, and open flames when working. Never create
sparks or electrostatic charges when handling cables and electrical equipment. Never short
circuit the battery terminals. High-energy sparks can cause serious personal injury.
x Never use or attempt to charge a damaged or frozen battery, or a battery that was frozen
but has thawed. Charging a frozen or thawed battery could cause explosions and chemical
burns! Replace damaged or frozen vehicle batteries immediately. A dead battery can freeze at
temperatures around +32 °F (0 °C).
x If the battery has a vent line or tube, make sure that it is properly connected to the battery.
WARNING
California Proposition 65 Warning
x Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead components,
chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash
your hands after handling.
NOTICE
x Do not expose the vehicle battery to direct sunlight for an extended period of time as
ultraviolet rays may damage the battery housing.
x If the vehicle is left standing in the cold for a long time, protect the vehicle battery from
freezing. A battery will be permanently damaged by freezing.
Emergency starting and starting the engine with a very weak vehicle battery or after the vehicle
battery has been replaced may change or delete system settings (including time, date, personal
convenience settings, and programming). Check the settings and correct as necessary once the
vehicle battery has built up a sufficient charge.

Safety Compliance Certification Label
A safety certificate affixed to the door jamb in the driver door confirms that at time of production all
necessary safety standards and requirements of the traffic safety agency of the respective country
were met. The month and year of production as well as the vehicle identification number may be listed
as well.
Radiator fan and high voltage warning sticker
A warning sticker about the radiator fan and the high voltage of the electrical system is located in the
engine compartment next to the engine hood release. The vehicle ignition system complies with the
Canadian standard ICES-002.
Operating your vehicle outside of the United States and Canada
Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS
Government regulations in the United States and Canada require that automobiles meet specific
emission regulations and safety standards. Therefore, vehicles built for the U.S. and Canada differ
from vehicles sold in other countries.
If you plan to take your vehicle outside the continental limits of the United States or Canada, there is
the possibility that:
x Unleaded fuels for vehicles with catalytic converters may not be available.
x Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel (ULSD) fuel No. 2 that your diesel engine requires may not be available.
x Fuel may have a considerably lower octane rating and may cause engine damage.
x Service may be inadequate due to lack of proper service facilities, tools or testing equipment.
x Replacement parts may not be readily available.
x DVD navigation systems for vehicles built for the United States and Canada will not necessarily
work in Europe, and may not work in other countries outside of North America.
NOTICE
Volkswagen is not responsible for mechanical damage that may result from substandard fuel
or service or the unavailability of Genuine Volkswagen parts.
x Volkswagen is not responsible if the vehicle does not meet the respective legal
requirements in other countries and continents.
Radio antenna and reception
Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS
If the radio and navigation systems were installed at the factory, the radio antenna may be installed in
the luggage compartment lid or on the inside of the front windshield.
NOTICE
Antennas installed on the insides of windows can be damaged by abrasive objects or by
corrosive or acidic cleaning agents or other chemicals. Do not place any stickers on the
windshield-integrated antenna and never clean the antenna with corrosive or acidic cleaning
agents or other chemicals.

Lights
up Possible cause Proper response
%0# Engine control malfunction (Electronic
Power Control).
Have engine checked immediately by an
authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility.
D Diesel engine pre-glow before engine
start-up.
B
Engine control/monitoring system
malfunction (engine Malfunction Indicator
Light - MIL)
Ease off the accelerator. Carefully drive to the
nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Have
engine checked.
÷ Diesel particulate filter clogged with soot.
Drive about 15 minutes in 4th gear (manual
transmission) or in Drive (D) (automatic
transmission) and at a speed of about
45 mph (70 km/h). There may be a noticeable
smell.
Obey speed limits ⇒ .
See an authorized Volkswagen dealer or
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility if the
indicator light is still on.


Flashes Possible cause Proper response
D Engine control malfunction (diesel
engine).
Have engine checked immediately by an
authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility.
B Misfire, which can damage the catalytic
converter.
Ease off the accelerator. Carefully drive to the
nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Have
engine checked.

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
Obey all applicable legal requirements when cleaning the diesel particulate filter.
x Clean the diesel particulate filter as recommended only when visibility, weather, road, and
traffic conditions permit.
x Do not put others at risk.
NOTICE
Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
As long as the indicator lights ÷, x or EPC are on, expect engine malfunctions, increased fuel
consumption, and loss of engine efficiency.