2018 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE Owners Manual

The door handle sensors become active again if one of the following events occurs:
x A short time has passed.
x OR: The vehicle is unlocked using the

Your vehicle may be equipped with an anti-theft alarm system or pre-equipped for anti-theft alarm system installation. If the vehicle is pre-equipped for installation of the anti-theft alarm system, the alarm system can be retrofitted by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
The anti-theft alarm system makes it more difficult for someone to break into or steal the vehicle.
The anti-theft alarm system is automatically activated when the vehicle is locked by pressing the lock button on the remote control vehicle key.
When is the alarm triggered?
The anti-theft alarm system sounds for about 30 seconds and the turn signals flash for up to 5 minutes if the following occurs with respect to the locked vehicle:
x Opening a door that has been mechanically unlocked.
x Forcibly opening a door.
x Forcibly opening the engine hood.
x Forcibly opening the rear hatch.
x Switching on the ignition with an invalid key.
x Disconnecting the vehicle battery.
Deactivating the alarm
Unlock the vehicle with the unlock button on the remote control vehicle key or switch on the ignition with a valid remote control vehicle key.
For vehicles with Keyless Access, the alarm can be deactivated by grasping one of the front door handles when a valid vehicle key is in range or by holding the remote control vehicle key to the right of
the steering column trim and pressing the starter button ⇒  Starter button.
After the alarm has stopped and the vehicle is opened again in the same or a different area that is protected by the alarm, the alarm is triggered again. For example, the alarm will sound again if the rear hatch is opened after one of the doors has been opened.
The anti-theft alarm system is not activated when the vehicle is locked with the power lock switch

Doors

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.
If a door is not closed properly, the vehicle icon appears in the instrument cluster display showing an
open door ⇒ fig. 13, ⇒ fig. 14, ⇒ fig. 15.
Depending on your vehicle's equipment and options, the icon may still be displayed even after the ignition is switched off as long as the key has not been taken out of the ignition. The icon in the in-strument cluster display goes out about 15 seconds after the vehicle has been locked.

Rear hatch

x Do not place any objects on the rear spoiler. The rear spoiler could be damaged.
x If the vehicle must be pushed, do not push against the rear spoiler. The rear spoiler and the rear hatch could be damaged.
NOTICE
Never use the gas strut to hold or clamp a load in place. This can damage the rear hatch and make it impossible to close.
Display

Opening the rear hatch

Fig. 29 In the remote control vehicle key: Button to unlock the rear hatch.

Fig. 30 Opening rear hatch from the outside.

At temperatures below +32 °F (0 °C), the rear hatch may be difficult to open after you unlock it.
Closing the rear hatch

Fig. 31 Opened rear hatch: Recessed grips for closing.