2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE CONVERTIBLE fuel filter

WARNING
To reduce the risk of serious personal injury when starting and running the vehicle's engine:
x Never start the engine or let it run in a confined or enclosed area. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide, a poisonous, colorless, and odorless gas. Carbon monoxide can cause
unconsciousness and death.
x Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running. The vehicle could move
suddenly or some other unexpected event could occur, resulting in property damage or
personal injury.
x Never use starting assist fluids. Starting fluids can explode and can cause a “run-away”
vehicle condition.
WARNING
The vehicle exhaust system and the catalytic converter or diesel particulate filter get very hot.
They can cause fires and serious personal injury.
x Never park the vehicle where the hot exhaust system or catalytic converter could ignite
flammable materials, such as brush, leaves, dry grass, spilled fuel, etc.
x Never apply additional undercoating or rust proofing on or near the exhaust manifold,
exhaust pipes, catalytic converter, diesel particulate filter, or heat shields.
Indicator lights

WARNING
Driving with a fuel tank that is almost empty can lead to stalling in traffic, a collision, and
serious personal injuries.
x When the fuel tank is almost empty, fuel supply to the engine can be interrupted,
especially when driving over bumps, across slopes, and up and down hills.
x Steering and braking assistance as well as ESC and related systems will not work if the
engine “sputters” or stalls due to lack of fuel.
x Always refuel when the tank is 1/4 full to reduce the risk of running out of fuel and stalling
in traffic.
NOTICE
x Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
x Never drive until the fuel tank is completely empty. The irregular fuel supply can cause the
engine to misfire. This allows unburned fuel to get into the exhaust system and damage the
catalytic converter or the diesel particulate filter.
The small arrow next to the gas pump symbol in the fuel gauge shows the side of the vehicle with
the fuel filler flap.
Applicable only in the United States
Misfueling guard for diesel vehicles

Fig. 116 With open fuel cap: Misfueling guard in the fuel filler neck.

To help prevent the filter from being clogged with wax, the fuel filter in your vehicle is heated with
warm fuel when the engine is running (filter preheating system). Heating the fuel filter makes it
possible to use your vehicle with ULSD down to about -10 °F (-24 °C).
If you expect temperatures below +5 °F (-15 °C) ask your fuel dealer if their ULSD is sufficiently
winterized.
If non-winterized or insufficiently winterized diesel fuel has already thickened to the point that the
engine will not start, move the vehicle to a heated garage or workshop until it has warmed up.
Cold diesel engines normally produce louder noises during winter conditions than during warmer
periods. In addition, the exhaust gases may be light blue in color until the engine has warmed up. The
exhaust gas volume varies depending on the outside temperature.
Do not let your diesel engine idle unnecessarily after a cold start. Driving off slowly will shorten the
warm-up period.
WARNING
Starting fluids can explode and cause a run-away vehicle condition.
x Never use starting assist fluids.
NOTICE
x The vehicle's diesel engine was designed solely for use with ULSD fuel. For this reason,
never use gasoline, heating oil, or other fuels that have not been expressly approved for use
with the diesel engine. These fuels contain substances that will severely damage the fuel
system and the engine. Such damage will not be covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.
x If you put any amount of the incorrect fuel in the fuel tank, do not start the engine under any
circumstances. Immediately contact the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.
x If diesel fuel should get on any rubber hose, it must be wiped off immediately. The same
applies if diesel fuel gets onto other parts of the vehicle, especially paint, tires, or a plastic
part. Wash the contaminated vehicle parts right away with soap and warm water to help
prevent leaks and serious damage.
x The vehicle is designed to run on diesel fuel containing methyl ester biodiesel in
concentrations of 5% or less. Never use methyl ester biodiesel in blend levels higher than 5%
(5% methyl ester blends are sometimes designated or labeled as B5). The properties of methyl
ester biodiesel blends in levels greater than 5% may cause serious damage to the fuel injection
system and to the engine. This could lead to expensive repairs that will not be covered by any
Volkswagen Limited Warranty.
x Damage to the engine and fuel system and performance problems caused by using fuels
that are different from those specified above or by using “starting assist fluids” are not the
responsibility of Volkswagen and are not covered under the Emission warranties or any other
Volkswagen Limited Warranty.

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.

Under certain engine conditions, you may smell a sulfur odor. This is not an indication of a
malfunctioning emission control system. This depends upon the sulfur content of the diesel fuel.
Applicable only in the United States
Diesel particulate filter

Checklist
For your own safety and that of your passengers, carry out the following steps in the order listed ⇒ :
1. Park the vehicle at a safe distance from traffic and on a suitable surface ⇒ .
2. Switch on emergency flashers by pressing the  switch ⇒ fig. 133.
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. Have all passengers exit and go to a safe location away from moving traffic, such as behind a
guard rail.
7. Take all vehicle keys with you when leaving your vehicle.
8. Set up a warning triangle or other warning device in order to alert other motorists and cyclists.
9. Let the engine cool down and get expert assistance if necessary.
If the emergency flashers are on, use the turn signal lever to indicate a direction or lane change, for
example when the vehicle is being towed. This temporarily interrupts the emergency flashers.
Switch on the emergency flashers when:
x Traffic suddenly slows down or stops in front of you to warn those approaching from behind.
x In any emergency situation.
x If the vehicle breaks down.
x When being towed.
Always obey traffic laws that govern the use of emergency flashers where you are driving.
If the emergency flashers are not working, a different method – as permitted by law – must be used to
alert other motorists and cyclists to the breakdown.
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.
WARNING
The vehicle exhaust system and the catalytic converter or diesel particulate filter get very hot.
They can cause fires and serious personal injury.
x Never park where parts of the hot exhaust system or catalytic converter could ignite
flammable materials, such as dry grass, brush, leaves, spilled fuel, etc.
The vehicle battery will be drained if the emergency flashers are on for a long time – even if the
ignition is switched off.