2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE CONVERTIBLE boot

Messages in the instrument cluster display
When the ignition is switched on, the indicator lights come on briefly for a function check. They go out
after a few seconds.

Display text Proper response
Speed too high!
Reduce your speed. You can only operate the convertible top at speeds
up to about 30 mph (50 km/h) . If the convertible top has already begun
opening or closing, it will stop if you drive faster. You can only continue
opening or closing the convertible top once the vehicle speed drops
below about 30 mph (50 km/h).
Decrease speed!
Reduce your speed. At 28 mph (45 km/h), the system warns the driver
not to exceed the maximum speed for opening or closing. If the opening
or closing process has already started, it will not stop.
Convert. top:
Release cover!
Convertible top cover (boot) is still installed. Roof operation is not possi-
ble. Remove the convertible top cover.
Error:
Convertible top
Service!
See an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service
Facility. You cannot operate the convertible top if a system component
malfunctions. Use the emergency procedure to close the open converti-
ble top if necessary
Error:
Open convertible
top!
Open the convertible top
Error:
Close convertible
top!
Have the system checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. There is a malfunction in a
control module. It is not possible to open or close the convertible top.
Use the emergency procedure to close the convertible top .
Low voltage:
Please start en-
gine!
The vehicle battery is drained to the point that it cannot provide the
power needed to completely open or close the convertible top. Start the
engine by jump-starting if necessary. Open or close the convertible top
while the engine is running. Volkswagen recommends taking a longer
drive afterward to help recharge the vehicle battery.
Convertible
top open
This message and a chime confirm that the convertible top is completely
open or closed.
Convertible
top closed
Convertible top
not functional.
Owner's manual!
Outside temperature too low. You can still close the convertible top, if
necessary.
Have the system checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. There is a malfunction in a
control module. It is not possible to open or close the convertible top.
Use the emergency procedure to close an open convertible top if neces-
sary .
Continue
convertible
top operation
The opening or closing process was interrupted. Press the button
⇒ fig. 30 (A) again until the opening or closing process has finished.
Convertible
top operation
This text message indicates the convertible top is currently opening or
closing. Press and hold the button ⇒ fig. 30 (A) again until the opening or
closing process has finished.

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 ⇒ .

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.

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.