2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE CONVERTIBLE lock

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.

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.

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.

WARNING
Changing a wheel, especially on the side of the road, can be dangerous. To help reduce the
risk of serious personal injury:
x Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Move the vehicle a safe distance off
the road where it is safe to change the wheel.
x Always make sure that all passengers, especially children, are in a safe place outside the
vehicle and away from the vehicle and traffic (such as behind a guard rail).
x Turn on the emergency flashers and set up another warning device about 25 yards
(25 meters) behind the vehicle to warn approaching traffic.
x Change a wheel by yourself only if you are familiar with the necessary steps. Otherwise,
get expert assistance.
x Always switch the engine off, firmly apply the parking brake, and shift the transmission
into Park (P) (automatic transmission) or any gear (manual only) to help prevent the vehicle
from moving suddenly and slipping off the jack.
x Always make sure that the ground is level and firm. If necessary, place the jack on a large
and sturdy board or on a similar ground support.
x Always block the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel being changed with chocks or other
similar things.
x Always use proper and undamaged tools when changing a wheel.
x Once a wheel is lifted off the ground, having the transmission in Park (P) or in gear will not
prevent sudden vehicle movement.
x Always use a jack that has been approved by the manufacturer for your vehicle. Never use
other jacks, even if they have been approved for use on other Volkswagen models.
x To reduce the risk of losing control, crashes, and serious personal injuries, never loosen
the screws on rims with threaded rim rings.
x After changing a wheel, have the wheel bolt tightening torque checked with an accurate
torque wrench.
x After changing a wheel or tire, reset the Tire Pressure Monitoring System

x If the front and rear wheels cannot turn.
x If the vehicle battery is dead (because the electronic steering column lock engages and cannot be
released).
x If you have to tow an automatic transmission vehicle more than 30 miles (50 km).
WARNING
It is not safe for children or other persons to ride in a vehicle that is being towed.
x Never let children or anyone else remain in the vehicle while it is being towed.
NOTICE
The drive axle rotates while the vehicle is being towed with its rear wheels off the ground. This
can damage the automatic transmission.
x Never tow automatic transmission vehicle with the rear wheels off the ground.
x Tow manual transmission vehicles with the rear wheels off the ground only if it is certain
that no transmission fluid can leak out.
Tips on towing