2014 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE service indicator

The engine coolant temperature warning light is located on the fuel gauge in the instrument cluster, Instrument overview
The following table explains what to do if the engine coolant temperature warning light ¿ does not go out a few seconds after the engine is started or starts flashing while driving.

Flashes Possible cause Proper response
~
Engine coolant temperature too high.
² Stop! Pull off the road and stop as soon as you can do so safely. Stop the engine and let it cool down until the temperature is in the normal range again. Check the engine coolant level and add engine coolant if needed. If the engine coolant level is correct or the problem continues after adding coolant and driving a short distance, do not drive any farther. Contact the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. If the coolant level is correct, the overheating may be caused by a radiator fan fault. Check the fuses and replace as necessary.
Engine coolant level too low.
Check the engine coolant level after the engine has cooled down and add engine coolant if low. If the engine coolant level is correct or the problem continues after adding coolant, do not drive any farther. Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. These instructions apply only when the coolant temperature stays in the normal range.
Engine coolant system malfunction.
² Stop! Get assistance from an authorized Volkswagen dealer, an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility, or another qualified workshop.
– – Do not drive at high engine speeds or with heavy engine loads until the engine warms up.
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.
The engine coolant temperature may also be shown in the Volkswagen Information System MFI display, MFI menu (Multi-Function Indicator). On some equipment versions, all symbols and information in the display are shown in red, Displays and warning lights (Basic version). The red color of the letters, numbers, and symbols used in the display does not indicate a malfunction.
The ideal operating temperature of the engine can vary and depends on the driving situation. If the engine coolant temperature should get any warmer than about 198 °F (95 °C) the MFI display will automatically switch to the digital coolant temperature display. If the engine coolant temperature is already being displayed, no change will occur. This, however, is only informational and does not indicate overheating.
If the engine coolant temperature is too high (warmer than 257 °F or 125 °C), the red engine coolant temperature warning light on the fuel gauge in the instrument cluster will flash. An acoustic signal may also sound.

Preparations
x Prepare the vehicle for work in the engine compartment, Working in the engine compartment
x Open the engine hood ⇒ 
Opening the battery cover
Open the cover to the side in the direction of the arrow ⇒ fig. 143.
Checking the vehicle battery acid level
x If the lighting conditions are poor, use a flashlight so that you can clearly see the battery acid level indicator and tell what color it is. Never use an open flame or an unprotected light source.
x The round battery window (“acid level indicator”) on the top of the battery changes color, depending on the battery's electrolyte level.

Color Action
Light yellow or colorless Battery electrolyte level is too low. The vehicle battery may need to be replaced. Have it checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Black Battery electrolyte level is satisfactory.
WARNING
Working on the batteries can cause serious acid burns, explosion, or electrical shock.
x Always wear eye protection and protective gloves.
x Sulfuric battery acid is very corrosive. It can burn unprotected skin and cause blindness. Always wear protective gloves and eye protection.
x Never tilt the vehicle battery. Acid could spill out of the battery vents and burn you.
x Never open a vehicle battery.
x If you get battery acid in your eyes or on your skin, immediately rinse with cold water for several minutes and then get immediate medical attention.
x If you swallow any battery acid, get medical attention immediately.
Charging, replacing, disconnecting, and connecting the vehicle battery

Only use maintenance-free vehicle batteries meeting standards TL 825 06 and VW 7 50 73. These standards must date from August 2008 or later.
Disconnecting the vehicle battery
If the battery must be disconnected from the vehicle's electrical system, note the following:
x Switch off all electrical systems and devices and the ignition.
x Unlock the vehicle before disconnecting the battery; otherwise the alarm system will go off.
x First disconnect the negative cable (-) and then the positive cable (+) ⇒ .
Connecting the vehicle battery
x Prior to reconnecting the battery, switch off all electrical systems and devices and the ignition.
x Connect the positive cable (+) first and then the negative cable (-) ⇒ .
After the battery is connected and the ignition is switched on, different indicator lights may come on. They should go out after you drive a short distance at 10–12 mph (15–20 km/h). If the indicator lights do not go out, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility and have the vehicle checked.
If the battery was disconnected for a long time, the next scheduled service may not be correctly
calculated and displayed ⇒ page 18, Instrument cluster. The maximum permissible service and
maintenance intervals are shown in the ⇒ Booklet Warranty and Maintenance.
Vehicles with Keyless Access
If the ignition will not start after reconnecting the vehicle battery, lock the vehicle from the outside and unlock it again, Unlocking or locking the vehicle with Keyless Access. Then try to start the ignition again. If the ignition cannot be switched on, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer, an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility, or another qualified workshop for assistance.
Automatic electrical load deactivation
If the vehicle battery drain is high, the intelligent onboard electrical system management automatically takes steps to help prevent battery drain.
x The idle speed is increased so that the alternator provides more power.
x The power to devices that consume a lot of electricity is cut back or switched off completely.
x When the engine is started, the power supply to the 12 Volt sockets is temporarily interrupted.
The onboard electrical system management cannot always keep the battery from being drained. For example, the battery will drain if the engine is not running, but the ignition is switched on or the parking lights are left on for a long time when parked.
What drains the vehicle battery?
x Long periods when the engine is not running, especially when the ignition is on.
x Using electrical systems or devices when the engine is switched off.
x The selector lever is left for a long period of time in any position other than (P) when the ignition is switched off, Automatic transmission: Selector lever.
WARNING
Failure to use the proper battery with proper mounting and connections may cause short circuits, fires, and serious personal injuries.
x Always use only maintenance-free or cycle-free, leak-proof batteries with the same specifications and dimensions as the original equipment battery. Specifications are listed on the battery housing.

Lights up Possible cause Proper response
D Glow plug preheating before diesel 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.

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 ,Working in the engine compartment. 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