2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE CONVERTIBLE service

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.

WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation or excessive loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
Volkswagen service information

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.

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.

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.

WARNING
Improper replacement of burned out headlights and other light bulbs can cause serious
personal injury.
x Stop! Always read and heed the WARNINGS before doing any work in the engine
compartment 224. The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a potentially dangerous
area, and work in this area can lead to serious personal injury.
x HID – High Intensity Discharge (Xenon) headlights get power from a high voltage source
that can cause severe personal injury and even death if handled improperly.
x HB2 (H4) bulbs and HID – High Intensity Discharge (Xenon) headlights are under high
pressure and can explode if handled improperly.
x Always let a burned out light bulb cool down before replacing it.
x Never replace a light bulb unless you are familiar with all of the necessary procedures. In
particular, never remove a headlight unless you know exactly how to carry out the job and
have the correct tools and light bulbs.
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.
x Do not touch the glass of light bulbs with your bare hands. Fingerprints left on the bulb
evaporate due to the heat when the bulb is switched on and cause the reflector to “cloud.”
x There are sharp edges on and around the headlight housing in the engine compartment
and the rear light housing. Wear hand protection if you replace bulbs.
NOTICE
After replacing a headlight bulb or other light bulb, always make sure that the rubber covers or
plastic caps have been properly and securely reinstalled to help prevent water from getting
into the electrical connections and headlight housing and damaging the electrical system.
You cannot replace the LEDs in LED daytime running lights. Contact your authorized
Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.
Indicator light
Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS on
page 309.

Lights
up Possible cause Proper response
 Light bulb of the exterior vehicle lighting
not working. Replace the light bulb that isn't working.

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.