2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE CONVERTIBLE roof

Symbols on the roof console

Fig. 10 In the roof console: Button for opening and closing the convertible top.

Symbol Meaning
*  / s  Interior and reading lights
g c h Three-button module ⇒ Booklet Mobile Phone Package.
a
/ Button ⇒ fig. 10 for opening and closing the convertible top

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 ⇒ .

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.

Glove and luggage compartment lights
The glove and luggage compartments may have lights that come on automatically when they are
opened and go off when they are closed.
Background lighting
When the ignition and headlights are switched on, the background lighting in the roof console lights
up.
There may also be footwell lighting.
Background lighting in the doors
The background lighting in the doors comes on when the ignition or headlights are switched on.

Turn the thumbwheel to the desired position ⇒ fig. 74:
Position Background lighting color
R Red
B Blue
W White
– Background lighting switched off

The interior and reading lights go out when you lock the vehicle or a few minutes after you
remove the vehicle key from the ignition. This helps to prevent unnecessary drain on the vehicle
battery.

Roof rack
Important information about roof racks
For technical reasons, the vehicle body is not designed to carry a roof rack. Never mount a roof rack
on your vehicle. Mounting a roof rack will do considerable damage to the vehicle ⇒ .
WARNING
Mounting a roof rack on the vehicle can cause an accident and serious personal injuries.
x Never mount a roof rack on the vehicle.
x A roof rack could come loose while driving and fall off the roof of the vehicle.
NOTICE
Installing a roof rack or carrier of any kind will cause expensive damage to your vehicle that
will not be covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.

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
The convertible top may move by itself due to gravity. This can lead to injuries.
x Always close the convertible top completely when cleaning. Never leave the convertible
top partly open to clean the roof pillar shafts on the side or the roof rods.
x Never reach into the shafts or grab the rods when the convertible top is opening, closing
or stopped.
NOTICE
x Never clean with a pressure washer, even briefly. The convertible top cloth and seals could
be damaged and could leak.
x Never clean the convertible top with gasoline, stain remover, benzene, paint thinner,
detergent solutions, or other aggressive substances. Do not use any abrasive cleaning
materials or stiff brushes.
x Avoid parking under trees that drop a lot of sap or pollen.
x Bird droppings must be removed immediately because they damage the convertible top.
Washing with a power washer