2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE CONVERTIBLE Owners Manual

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.

Opening and closing the convertible top

Fig. 30 In the roof console: convertible top button.
You can open or close the convertible top at speeds up to 30 mph (50 km/h). If the convertible top has
already begun opening or closing, it will stop if you exceed that speed. You can only continue opening
or closing the convertible top once the vehicle speed drops below about 30 mph (50 km/h).
For safety reasons, Volkswagen recommends opening or closing the convertible top only when the
vehicle is stationary and parked at a safe distance from moving traffic ⇒ .
Opening the convertible top
x Please note and follow the steps described in the checklists
x Switch on the ignition, if necessary
x Press and hold the button ⇒ fig. 30 in the roof console until all windows go down and the convert-
ible top is completely open ⇒ . A chime sounds and the indicator light in the instrument cluster
goes out when the process is complete. A message may also appear in the instrument cluster display.
x Secure the convertible top cover (boot), if necessary
Closing the convertible top
x Please note and follow the steps described in the checklists
x Switch on the ignition, if necessary
x Remove the convertible top cover (boot), if necessary
x Pull and hold the button until the convertible top and all windows close completely ⇒ : a chime
sounds and the indicator light in the instrument cluster goes out. A message may also appear in the
instrument cluster display.
Interrupting convertible top operation
Releasing the button interrupts convertible top operation ⇒ .

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.

Fig. 33 A: Sliding in the bars on the wind blocker. B: Sliding in the locking pins.
The wind blocker is in a storage compartment in the vehicle's luggage compartment.
You can close the convertible top even when the wind blocker is installed.
Unfolding the wind blocker
Folding the wind blocker outward before installing it is the easiest way to get it into the correct position
for installation.
x Remove the wind blocker from the luggage compartment
x Fold both side sections outward in the direction of the arrows ⇒ fig. 32 until they lock into place.
Installing the wind blocker
The wind blocker is installed correctly when the longer side faces toward the front and the wind block-
er frame is on top.
x Insert both pins on the driver side of the wind blocker into the holes in the side trim panel above the
rear seats ⇒ fig. 33 A (1) (magnified area).
x Fold the handle B (4) at the front center of the wind blocker upward in the direction of the arrow
and hold it in place.
x Pull the section of the wind blocker that is facing the front passenger side upward slightly.
x Insert both pins on the wind blocker on the front passenger side into the holes in the side trim
panel above the rear seats B (2) (magnified area).
x Press down lightly on the center of the wind blocker B (3) until it locks into place.
x Pull the top section of the wind blocker upward so it contacts the stops and snaps into place.
Removing the wind blocker
x Fold the upper section of the wind blocker down toward the rear of the vehicle.
x Fold the handle B (4) at the front center of the wind blocker upward in the direction of the arrow
and hold it in place.
x Pull the center of the wind blocker upward opposite the direction of the arrow B (3).
x Remove both wind blocker retaining pins on the front passenger side from the holes in the side trim
panel opposite the direction of the arrows B (2).
x Remove both wind blocker retaining pins on the driver side from the holes in the side trim panel
opposite the direction of the arrows A (1).
Closing the wind blocker
x Fold the handle B (4) at the front center of the wind blocker upward in the direction of the arrow
and hold it in place.
x Fold both side sections inward opposite the direction of the arrow ⇒ fig. 32.

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.

Installing and removing the convertible top cover (boot)

Fig. 34 With the convertible top open: Convertible top cover.
Your vehicle may be equipped with a convertible top cover (boot) that fits over the convertible top
when it is down.
Installing the convertible top cover
x Remove the convertible top cover from the luggage compartment.
x Unfold the convertible top cover and lay it over the open top.
x Snap the clips on either side of the convertible top cover ⇒ fig. 34 A (1) into place on the rear side
of the trim panels above the rear seats.
x Insert each interior side of the convertible top cover A (arrows), behind the trim panels.
x Insert the front area of the convertible top cover A (2) behind the Automatic Rollover Support
System.
x Pull the cover over the convertible top.
x Insert the rear area of the convertible top cover B (3) next to the seal above the luggage compart-
ment lid until the edge of the convertible top cover is completely tucked under the seal and the seam is
no longer visible.
x Press the left and right sides of the cover into the retainer completely B (4).
Removing the convertible top cover
x Press the release buttons on each side of the cover A (1) and lift the convertible top cover at the
inner side (arrows).
x Pull the convertible top cover out by the loop in area A (2) (slide your other hand under the cover
and lift area (2) up while pulling on the loop, if necessary).
x Pull the left and right sides of the cover out of the retainer B (4).
x Pull the rear area of the convertible top cover B (3) next to the seal above the luggage compart-
ment lid.
x Remove the convertible top cover from the vehicle and fold it up. Clean the cover before folding, if
necessary.
x Store the convertible top cover securely in the luggage compartment.
NOTICE
Dirt particles with sharp edges can cause abrasions and damage to the convertible top cover
when it is folded.
x Clean the convertible top cover before folding it up.