2014 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE CONVERTIBLE roof

Symbols on the roof console

Fig. 11 In the roof console: Button for opening and closing the convertible top.

Symbol Meaning
*  /  Interior and reading lights
a
/ 3-button module (if equipped) ⇒ booklet Mobile Phone Package.

Convertible top
Introduction
The convertible top opens automatically at the press of a button. When open, the convertible top is stored in a compartment.
The multi-layer construction of the convertible top helps to insulate the vehicle interior from temperature and vibration and is also wind- and waterproof under normal operating conditions. Some water could enter between the convertible top and body under extreme conditions such as torrential rain or washing the vehicle in a car wash. This is normal and no cause for concern.
Supplementary information and warnings:
x Vehicle overview
x Volkswagen Information System
x Technical data
x Power locking and closing system
x Airbag system
x Climate control system
x Exterior care and cleaning
x Emergency closing and opening
x Jump-starting
x Towing
WARNING
Accidents and serious injury may result while driving when the convertible top is not securely latched or when the opening or closing process is incomplete. Even at low speeds, air resistance can twist or deform the convertible top or tear it off completely, endangering vehicle occupants and others.
x Even though it is possible, it is not recommended to drive when the convertible top is not completely open or not completely closed and securely latched.
x If you must move the vehicle to another location for safety reasons and the top is not completely open or not completely closed and securely latched, we recommend that you do not drive any faster than a slow walk.
x When opening and closing the convertible top, always make sure no one will be injured by the supports and other moving parts.
NOTICE
x To help prevent damage, remove ice and snow from the convertible top before opening it in winter weather.
NOTICE
Objects with sharp edges or that cause scratches or dirty components can damage the convertible top or the rear window.
x Never remove snow and ice with sharp objects or objects that can cause scratches.

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 possible. 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 convertible 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 engine!
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 necessary
Continue convertible top operation
The opening or closing process was interrupted. Press the button
⇒ fig. 33 (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. 33 (A) again until the opening or closing process has finished.
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.

Opening or closing the convertible top

Fig. 33 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 checklist, General information.
x Switch on the ignition, if necessary, Starting and stopping the engine.
x Press and hold the button ⇒ fig. 33 in the roof console until all windows go down and the
convertible 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, Installing and removing the convertible top cover (boot).
Closing the convertible top
x Please note and follow the steps described in the checklists, General information.
x Switch on the ignition, if necessary, Starting and stopping the engine.
x Remove the convertible top cover (boot), if necessary, Installing and removing the convertible top cover (boot).
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 convertible top to continue moving.
– If you cannot close the convertible top “normally,” use the emergency closing procedure 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
Always close the convertible top before leaving the vehicle and when it may rain or snow. If the convertible top is open, rain or snow can damage the vehicle interior and can cause extensive damage to the electrical system.
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 something 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 the vehicle with the convertible top open, the passenger compartment can be damaged by rain or snow, and it is also open to unauthorized persons.
x Always close the convertible top before you leave the vehicle.
x If you must leave things in the vehicle when the top is down, you should lock them in the luggage compartment.

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 convertible top to continue moving.
– If you cannot close the convertible top “normally,” use the emergency closing procedure to latch it, if necessary.
– Note the messages in the instrument cluster that indicate if the convertible top has closed and latched correctly.
WARNING
If interruption of the opening or closing process causes the convertible top to come to rest in its forward position, the roof will not be latched.
x If you are unable to get the convertible top to close “normally,” latch the roof using the emergency closing procedure, Emergency closing and opening.
x Watch for a message in the instrument cluster display indicating whether the convertible top has been properly closed.
NOTICE
x Strong radio signals or interference can interfere with convertible top operation. Operation will then stop.
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
Always close the convertible top before leaving the vehicle and when it may rain or snow. If the convertible top is open, rain or snow can damage the vehicle interior and can cause extensive damage to the electrical system.
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 something and be damaged.

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