2018 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE ECU

Changing the vehicle's suspension system can change the way that the airbag system works in a crash. For example, using tire-rim combinations not approved by Volkswagen, lowering the vehicle, changing the stiffness of the suspension, including the springs, suspension struts, shock absorbers etc. can change the forces that are measured by the airbag sensors and sent to the electronic control unit. Some suspension changes can, for example, increase the force levels measured by the airbag sensors and sent to the electronic control unit and make the airbag system deploy in crashes in which it would not deploy if the changes had not been made. Other kinds of changes may reduce the force levels measured by the sensors and prevent the airbag from deploying when it should.
Never install leather upholstery on a vehicle that originally had cloth upholstery. Never install cloth upholstery on a vehicle that originally had leather upholstery. The capacitive passenger detection system for the Advanced Airbag system will not work properly if different upholstery is installed on the passenger seat than the upholstery originally installed on the vehicle when it was originally manufactured.
WARNING
Changing the vehicle's suspension including use of unapproved tire-rim combinations can change airbag performance and increase the risk of serious personal injury in a crash.
x Never install suspension components that do not have the same performance characteristics as the components originally installed on your vehicle.
x Never use tire-rim combinations that have not been approved by Volkswagen.
WARNING
Leaving the optional safety belt extender attached to the safety belt buckle on the front passenger seat when the safety belt is not being used will prevent the Advanced Airbag System from working properly and can increase the risk of serious personal injury in a collision.
x Leaving the extender attached to the safety belt buckle when the front seat is occupied and the safety belt is not being used will signal to the airbag control unit that the front passenger seat is occupied and that the safety belt is being used. The electronic control unit for the airbag system will then receive incorrect information that will
– cause the safety belt pretensioner to deploy unnecessarily in collisions and
– cause the front passenger airbag to deploy later in collisions in which the front airbag would otherwise be triggered earlier to help protect an unrestrained front seat passenger.
x Always remove the safety belt extender when it is not needed and stow it safely.
x Never use the safety belt extender to secure a child restraint.
WARNING
Items stored between the safety belt buckle and the center console can cause safety belt buckle to send the wrong information to the airbag control unit and prevent the Advanced Airbag System from working properly.
x Always make sure that nothing can interfere with the safety belt buckles and that they are not obstructed.

Removing the portable iPhone® holder
x Remove the iPhone® before removing the portable iPhone® holder.
x Hold the portable iPhone® holder securely with one hand and press the release button ⇒ fig. 148 A (small arrow).
x Pull the portable iPhone® holder up and out of the mount in the instrument panel and store securely.
x Press the cover in the direction of the arrow until it snaps into place ⇒ fig. 148 B, ⇒ .
WARNING
Operating the iPhone® and using the apps while driving can cause driver distraction, accidents, and serious personal injury.
x Always pay attention and be responsible when driving.
x Select a volume level that allows you to hear audible signals (such emergency vehicle sirens) clearly at all times.
x A volume level that is too high can damage hearing. This is true even if you are exposed to loud noises for only short periods of time.
WARNING
An obstructed field of view may limit visibility and cause accidents and serious personal injury.
x While driving, the iPhone® must be swiveled to the horizontal (landscape) position so that the driver’s view through the windshield is not blocked.
WARNING
If either the iPhone® or the portable iPhone® holder is loose or not secured properly, it can be thrown around the vehicle interior during sudden braking or driving maneuvers or in a collision and cause injuries.
x Always insert the portable iPhone® holder and the iPhone® securely in their mounts or store them safely in the vehicle.
WARNING
Never use a mobile telephone, CB radio, or other radio equipment while refueling. The electromagnetic radiation can cause sparks that can ignite fuel vapors and cause a fire.
NOTICE
Swiveling the iPhone® mount incorrectly can damage the portable iPhone® holder.
x Do not use the portable iPhone® holder as a handle or use it to hold anything other than the iPhone®.
x Do not press down on the portable iPhone® holder when swiveling the iPhone®. The portable iPhone® holder and the instrument panel could be damaged.

x Securely store the spare wheel, compact spare wheel, or the wheel you took off the vehicle in the luggage compartment.
x Have the wheel bolt tightening torque immediately checked with a torque wrench ⇒  Wheel bolt tightening torque.
x Have the damaged wheel replaced as soon as possible.
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System must be recalibrated after each tire change ⇒  Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

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 the headlight housing and damaging the electrical system.
LEDs cannot be replaced. Contact your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.
Indicator light

NOTICE
Always make sure the towing eye is screwed all the way into threaded hole so that it is secure. If not, it could be pulled out while your vehicle is being towed.
Installing the rear towing eye (Beetle R-Line)

Fig. 178 In the right rear bumper: Removing the cover.

Fig. 179 In the right rear bumper: Installing the towing eye.

x Screw the towing eye counterclockwise into the threaded hole as far as it will go (arrow)
⇒ fig. 179 ⇒ . Use the lug wrench to turn and tighten the towing eye completely and securely.
x When towing is complete, unscrew the towing eye clockwise to remove it.
x Position the lower tab of the cover ⇒ fig. 178 into the opening in the bumper and carefully push on the upper area of the cover until it has locked in place.
NOTICE
Always make sure the towing eye is screwed all the way into threaded hole so that it is secure. If not, it could be pulled out while your vehicle is being towed.
Driving tips while towing