2015 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE CONVERTIBLE ignition

x Only open and close the convertible top when it is clean.
NOTICE
If the convertible top is opened frequently when it is damp or it is left open for several weeks at a time, it may develop creases and pressure marks and could be damaged.
x Do not leave the convertible top open for long periods of time.
x Only open the convertible top when it is completely dry.
When parking the vehicle with the convertible top open, the vehicle interior is not protected against unauthorized access.
x Always close the convertible top and lock the doors and luggage compartment before leaving the vehicle.
x Always store objects left in the vehicle in the locked luggage compartment.
The convertible top will only open or close when the luggage compartment lid is completely closed. Do not open the luggage compartment lid when the convertible top is opening or closing.
Indicator light

Lights up Possible cause Proper response
Convertible top is opening or closing. Wait until the convertible top has fully opened or fully closed.


Flashes Possible cause Proper response
The convertible top opening or closing process is not finished or there is a con-vertible top malfunction.
Check if the opening or closing process has finished. If necessary, end the process using the convertible top button
Check if all technical requirements are met. If not, take the necessary steps to meet the technical requirements
Check if there is a convertible top malfunc-tion. If necessary, correct the malfunction or have the system checked by your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility

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
Convertible top operation
This text message indicates the convertible top is currently opening or
closing. Press and hold the button ⇒ fig. 35 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.
General information
Checklist
Perform the following preliminary requirements each time before opening or closing the con-vertible top:
1. Park the vehicle a safe distance from moving traffic.
2. Park the vehicle so that it is as level as possible. The vehicle must not be on a hoist, it must not have one side parked on a curb, and it must not be raised on a vehicle jack.
3. Remove all objects from the convertible top.
4. Remove all objects from the area of the convertible top compartment.
5. Remove ice and snow from the convertible top before opening.
6. Do not operate the convertible top in temperatures below 15 °F (-10 °C).
7. Allow the convertible top to dry completely before opening.
Checklist
The following technical requirements must be met to open or close the convertible top:
d The ignition must be switched on ⇒  Starting and stopping the engine.
d The vehicle speed must be no more than 30 mph (50 km/h).
d The outside temperature must be above +15 °F (-10 °C).
d The battery must have enough charge.
If any changes have been made in the operation of the convertible top compared with its original factory condition, Volkswagen strongly urges you to take the vehicle to an authorized Volkswagen dealer or other authorized Volkswagen Service Facility to have the top restored to its original condi-tion. Mechanical changes and changes to the vehicle software must be entered in the
⇒ Booklet Warranty and Maintenance.
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.

On vehicles with Climatronic, you can set different heating and air conditioning temperatures for
operation with the convertible top up and down ⇒  Climatronic controls
Opening or closing the convertible top

Fig. 35 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 ⇒ page 74, General information.
x Switch on the ignition, if necessary ⇒  Starting and stopping the engine.
x Press and hold the button ⇒ fig. 35 in the roof console until all windows go down and the con-
vertible 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 ⇒ fig. 35 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 ⇒ .

Opening or closing the convertible top with the remote control vehicle
key

Fig. 36 Buttons in the remote control vehicle key.
In some vehicles equipped with the Keyless Access locking and starting system ⇒  Power locking system, the convertible can be opened or closed from outside the vehicle when the ignition is off using a valid remote control vehicle key. For this to work, the vehicle key must be within range of the Key-
less Access locking and starting system ⇒  Unlocking or locking the vehicle with Keyless Access. Volkswagen recommends having the vehicle key less than 1 meter from the door handle on the driver or passenger door.
Before opening or closing the convertible top with the vehicle key, note the following:
x The vehicle doors must be closed.
x Make sure there is enough room above the vehicle for the convertible top to open ⇒ .
Opening or closing the convertible top using the vehicle key
x Follow the checklists and perform the steps on ⇒  General information.
x Hold the remote control vehicle key outside the vehicle near the door handle on the driver or pas-senger door.
x To open: Briefly press the

Automatic Rollover Support System

Fig. 41 Behind the rear bench seat backrest: Automatic Rollover Support System.
The Automatic Rollover Support System® works with the reinforced windshield frame, properly worn safety belts, and the airbag system, to help protect vehicle occupants in a rollover accident.
If the Automatic Rollover Support System is triggered, 2 supports behind the rear seat backrest deploy upwards in a fraction of a second.
The Automatic Rollover Support System works only when the ignition is switched on. It deploys when the convertible top is open as well as when it is closed.
The Automatic Rollover Support System is electronically controlled together with the airbag system. A malfunction in the rollover support system is indicated by the airbag indicator light T in the instrument
cluster ⇒  Airbag system.
The Automatic Rollover Support System can only deploy one time. After the Automatic Rollover Sup-port System has deployed, you cannot slide it back into its original position. It must be replaced by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
The Automatic Rollover Support System may deploy in the following situations:
x In driving situations in which the vehicle tips sharply to one side, consistent with the values pro-grammed into the electronic control module.
x In certain frontal, side, and rear-end collisions.
x In rollovers.
x If the vehicle briefly leaves the ground, for example when cresting a hill at a comparatively high speed.
WARNING
The Automatic Rollover Support System can cause serious injuries if persons or objects are in the way when it deploys.
x Never use accessory seat covers or protective covers that block the rollover protection deployment area.
x Every rear seat passenger must be properly seated on a seat of his or her own and must stay in a proper seating position at all times.
x Always keep the area around the supports free of anything that could interfere with their deployment or fly about and injure occupants when the supports deploy.
x Never take the covers off the Automatic Rollover Support System.
x Never attach a child seat, child restraints, straps, or anything else to the rollover protec-tion supports.

WARNING
If there is a system malfunction, the Automatic Rollover Support System may cause serious injuries by not deploying properly, by not deploying at all, or by deploying unexpectedly.
x If a malfunction exists in the system, have it checked immediately by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. A malfunction exists in the system if the indicator light:
– does not come on when the ignition is turned on;
– does not go out about 5 seconds after you start the engine;
– goes out after switching on the ignition and then comes back on again;
– comes on or flickers when you are driving.
NOTICE
If deployed, the Automatic Rollover Support System can damage the convertible top fabric when opening or closing the top.
x Do not open or close the convertible top if the Automatic Rollover Support System has deployed.

Your vehicle may be equipped with a seat heating feature.
When the ignition is switched on, the front seats can be electrically heated by heating elements that warm the seat backrest and cushion.
Do not use the seat heating if any of the following conditions apply:
x If the seat is not being used.
x If there is a child restraint installed on the front passenger seat.
x If there is a blanket or seat cover on the front passenger seat.
x If the seat is damp or wet.
x If the outside temperature or the temperature inside the passenger compartment is +77 °F (+25 °C) or more.

Function Action for seat heating ⇒ fig. 50 or ⇒ fig. 51
Switch on: Press the A or e button. Seat heating is switched on to maximum.
Adjust the heating level: Press the A or e button repeatedly until the desired heating level is set.
Switch off: Press the A or e button repeatedly until all indicator lights in the button are off.

Special seat heating features
The seat heating on the front passenger side is switched off every time the ignition is switched off. Seat heating must be switched on again each time the ignition is switched on.
On the front driver side, the seat heating will resume at the setting that was set when the ignition was switched off, as long as the ignition is switched on again within 10 minutes.
People suffering from a low level of perceived pain or a lowered awareness of pain as from medica-
tion, paralysis, or chronic illness (e.g. diabetes) should NEVER use the seat heating feature ⇒ !
The use of seat heating by persons with these conditions could result in burns to the back, buttocks, and legs that may take a long time to heal and may never heal completely. If you have any of these conditions, you should take regular breaks and get out of the vehicle, particularly on long trips. Consult your doctor for advice regarding your specific condition.
WARNING
Certain medical conditions, such as paralysis and diabetes, and certain medications can increase the risk of serious burns when the seat heating feature is switched on.
x Vehicle occupants who have a low level of perceived pain or a lowered awareness of pain can receive serious burns to the back, buttocks, and legs that take a long time to heal or may never heal completely.
x Never use the seat heating feature if you or your passengers are at risk of being burned because of a medical condition. Take regular breaks and get out of the vehicle, particularly on long trips. Consult your doctor for advice regarding your specific condition.
x Never let exposed skin remain in contact with the seat upholstery when the seat heating is being used.

A warning chime also sounds.
The safety belt warning light i comes on for 6 seconds when the ignition is switched on. A warning chime also sounds for up to 6 seconds if the driver's safety belt is not buckled. The chime stops soon-er if the driver buckles his or her safety belt. The warning light and the chime go out when both driver and front passenger have buckled their safety belts.
If the driver and front seat passenger do not both fasten their safety belts within about 24 seconds after the chime stops and the vehicle is moving at a speed of more than about 15 mph (25 km/h), the chime will again sound for about 6 seconds, then go off for about 24 seconds, then sound again for about another 6 seconds. The same thing happens if one of the safety belts is fastened and then unfastened while the vehicle is moving. The safety belt warning light i also flashes. The warning chime continues to sound at 24 second intervals for up to 2 minutes. No chime sounds at speeds of less than about 5 mph (8 km/h).
If the ignition is switched on, the safety belt warning light i stays on until the driver and front passen-ger have both buckled their safety belts.
WARNING
Not wearing a safety belt or wearing an improperly positioned safety belt increases the risk of severe personal injury or death. Safety belts offer optimum protection only when used cor-rectly.
Frontal collisions and laws of physics

Fig. 53 A vehicle with passengers not wearing safety belts approaches a wall.

Fig. 54 A vehicle with passengers not wearing safety belts hits a wall.