2019 Volkswagen Beetle Owners Manual - Convertible top (Beetle Convertible)

Convertible top (Beetle Convertible)

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• When opening and closing the convertible top, always make sure no one will be injured by the supports and other moving parts.

NOTE

• To help prevent damage, remove ice and snow from the convertible top before opening it in winter weather.

NOTE

Objects with sharp edges or that cause scratches or dirty components can damage the convertible top or the rear window.

• Never remove snow and ice with sharp objects or objects that can cause scratches.

• Only open and close the convertible top when it is clean.

NOTE

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.

• Do not leave the convertible top open for long periods of time.

• 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.

• Always close the convertible top and lock the doors and luggage compartment before leaving the vehicle.

• Always store objects left in the vehicle in the locked luggage compartment.

Do not open the trunk lid when the convertible top is opening or closing.

Indicator light

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

Flashes	Possible cause and proper response
	The convertible top opening or closing process is not finished or there is a convertible top malfunction. – Check if the opening or closing process has finished. If necessary, end the process using the convertible top button  . – OR: Check if all technical requirements are met. If not, take the necessary steps to meet the technical requirements  . – OR: Check if there is a convertible top malfunction. 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.

The instrument cluster displays and their arrangement may vary depending on the vehicle model and engine.

General information

Checklist

Perform the following preliminary requirements each time before opening or closing the convertible top:

• 

  Park the vehicle a safe distance from moving traffic.

• 

  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.

• 

  Remove all objects from the convertible top.

• 

  Remove all objects from the area of the convertible top compartment.

• 

  Remove ice and snow from the convertible top before opening.

• 

  Do not operate the convertible top in temperatures below +15 °F (-10 °C).

• 

  Allow the convertible top to dry completely before opening.

Checklist

The following technical requirements must be met to open or close the convertible top:

• 

  The ignition must be switched on Starting and stopping the engine.

• 

  The vehicle speed must be no more than 30 mph (50 km/h).

• 

  The outside temperature must be above +15 °F (-10 °C).

• 

  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 condition. Mechanical changes and changes to the vehicle software must be entered in the ⇒BookletWarranty and Maintenance,.

WARNING

Disregarding the safety-related checklist may lead to accidents and serious personal injuries.

• 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  .

Opening or closing the convertible top

Fig. 66 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

• Please note and follow the steps described in the checklists  .

• Switch on the ignition, if necessary  .

• Press and hold the  button   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.

• Secure the convertible top cover (boot), if necessary  .

Closing the convertible top

• Please note and follow the steps described in the checklists  .

• Switch on the ignition, if necessary  .

• Remove the convertible top cover (boot), if necessary  .

• Pull and hold the  button   until the convertible top closes completely  : a chime sounds and the  indicator light in the instrument cluster goes out. A message may also appear in the instrument cluster display. Continue to pull and hold the  button or use the  button   to close all windows.

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.

• Never open or close the convertible top unless the vehicle is parked and at a safe distance from traffic.

• Do not open or close the convertible top unless you have made sure that nobody is in the way of the trunk lid, the convertible top supports, and other moving parts.

• Make sure the closed convertible top is latched securely.

• 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.

NOTE

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.

NOTE

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.

NOTE

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.

• 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.

• Always close the convertible top before you leave the vehicle.

• If you must leave things in the vehicle when the top is down, you should lock them in the luggage compartment.

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

Fig. 67 Buttons on the remote control vehicle key.

In some vehicles equipped with the Keyless Access locking and starting 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 Keyless Access locking and starting system  . 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:

• The vehicle doors must be closed.

• 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

• Follow the checklists and perform the steps on  .

• Hold the remote control vehicle key outside the vehicle near the door handle on the driver or passenger door.

• To open: Briefly press the  button on the remote control vehicle key. Then press and hold the button within about 2 seconds. Continue holding the button until the convertible top is completely open  . A chime sounds repeatedly until the convertible top has opened completely.

• To close: Briefly press the  button on the remote control vehicle key. Then press and hold the button within about 2 seconds. Continue holding the button until the convertible top and all windows are completely closed  . A chime sounds repeatedly until the convertible top has closed completely.

If the convertible top has closed completely but the process is interrupted before the windows have closed, pull and hold the  window switch   in the driver door to finish closing all windows.

Interrupting convertible top operation

The convertible top operation will stop if you release the  or  button on the remote control vehicle key  .

Continuing convertible top operation

If convertible top operation was interrupted, you can continue operation by pressing and holding the  or  button on the remote control vehicle key  .

WARNING

Uncontrolled or unintentional opening and closing of the convertible top can cause accidents and serious injuries.

• Never open or close the convertible top unless the vehicle is parked and at a safe distance from traffic.

• Do not open or close the convertible top unless you have made sure that nobody is in the way of the trunk lid, the convertible top supports, and other moving parts.

• Make sure the closed convertible top is latched securely.

• 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.

• If you are unable to get the convertible top to close normally, latch the roof using the emergency closing procedure  .

• Watch for a message in the instrument cluster display indicating whether the convertible top has been properly closed.

NOTE

Strong radio signals or interference can interfere with convertible top operation. Operation will then stop.

NOTE

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.

NOTE

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.

NOTE

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.

• 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.

• Always close the convertible top before you leave the vehicle.

• If you must leave things in the vehicle when the top is down, you should lock them in the luggage compartment.

Installing and removing the convertible top cover (boot)

Fig. 68 With the convertible top open: Installing the front of the convertible top cover (boot).

Fig. 69 With the convertible top open: Installing the rear of the convertible top cover (boot).

Your vehicle may be equipped with a convertible top cover (boot) that fits over the convertible top when it is down.

Installing the convertible top cover

• Remove the convertible top cover from the luggage compartment.

• Unfold the convertible top cover and lay it over the open top.

• Snap the clips on either side of the convertible top cover   ① into place on the rear side of the trim panels above the rear seats.

• Insert each interior side of the convertible top cover   (arrows), behind the trim panels.

• Insert the front area of the convertible top cover   ② behind the Automatic Rollover Support System.

• Pull the cover over the convertible top.

• Insert the rear area of the convertible top cover   ③ next to the seal above the trunk lid until the edge of the convertible top cover is completely tucked under the seal and the seam is no longer visible.

• Press the left and right sides of the cover into the retainer completely   ④.

Removing the convertible top cover

• Press the release buttons on each side of the cover   ① and lift the convertible top cover at the inner side (arrows).

• Pull the convertible top cover out by the loop in area   ② (slide your other hand under the cover and lift area ② up while pulling on the loop, if necessary).

• Pull the left and right sides of the cover out of the retainer   ④.

• Pull the rear area of the convertible top cover   ③ next to the seal above the trunk lid.

• Remove the convertible top cover from the vehicle and fold it up. Clean the cover before folding, if necessary.

• Store the convertible top cover securely in the luggage compartment.

NOTE

Dirt particles with sharp edges can cause abrasions and damage to the convertible top cover when it is folded.

• Clean the convertible top cover before folding it up.

The convertible top button does not work when the convertible top cover is installed. If the button is pressed anyway, the convertible top indicator light will blink as long as the button is pressed.

Convertible top troubleshooting

Automatic Rollover Support System

Fig. 70 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  in the instrument cluster  .

The Automatic Rollover Support System can only deploy one time. After the Automatic Rollover Support 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:

• In driving situations in which the vehicle tips sharply to one side, consistent with the values programmed into the electronic control module.

• In certain frontal, side, and rear-end collisions.

• In rollovers.

• 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.

• Never use accessory seat covers or protective covers that block the rollover protection deployment area.

• 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.

• 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.

• Never take the covers off the Automatic Rollover Support System.

• Never attach a child seat, child restraints, straps, or anything else to the rollover protection 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.

• 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.

NOTE

If deployed, the Automatic Rollover Support System can damage the convertible top fabric when opening or closing the top.

• Do not open or close the convertible top if the Automatic Rollover Support System has deployed.

Emergency closing of the convertible top (Beetle Convertible)

Fig. 71 Convertible top emergency closing (1).

Fig. 72 Convertible top emergency closing (2).

The convertible top can be closed by hand if there is a malfunction  . Before using the emergency closing function, make sure the preliminary requirements for the normal convertible top closing process are met  .

Only use the convertible top emergency closing procedure if the top will not close even though all of the technical requirements are met, or if all of the requirements cannot be met.

The  indicator light in the instrument cluster will flash if there is a convertible top malfunction. A message providing information or instructions may also appear in the instrument cluster display. Only perform these steps in the specified order.

1. Release the convertible top

Release the open convertible top as follows:

• Remove the cover (boot) from the convertible top if it is installed  .

• Remove the hexagonal socket wrench for releasing the convertible top, the emergency handle for latching the convertible top, and the screwdriver from the vehicle tool kit  .

• Unscrew the bolts   ① (arrow) on both sides of the convertible top counterclockwise using the rounded end of the hexagonal socket wrench. Remove the bolts completely.

2. Close the convertible top

Lift the convertible top out of the tray and close it by hand as follows:

• Close the convertible top until it meets the windshield   ② (arrow). Have a second person help (one person on either side), if necessary  .

3. Latch the convertible top

Latch the convertible top using the emergency handle as follows:

• Carefully remove the front cover under the convertible top using the flat blade of the screwdriver   ③. The emergency locking mechanism is located behind it.

• Push the end of the screw in the top of the emergency handle down so the end of the screw is flush with the top of the handle.

• Insert the emergency handle in the emergency release opening and turn until it locks into place   ④ (small arrow).

• Keep the handle pressed in place and turn the screw in the center of the emergency clockwise to tighten using the Phillips head end of the screwdriver   ④.

• Turn the handle counterclockwise to open the convertible top hooks. You may have to push up on the front of the convertible top slightly so the hooks can open all the way.

• Pull the convertible top down using the emergency handle and turn the handle clockwise until the convertible top latches completely and securely. The  indicator light goes out.

• Turn the screw in the center of the emergency handle counterclockwise to loosen using the Phillips head end of the screwdriver and remove the handle.

• Reinstall the front cover over the emergency lock opening.

• Put the hexagonal socket wrench, emergency handle, and screwdriver back into the vehicle tool kit  .

• Drive to an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility to have the convertible top serviced. The bolts that were removed cannot be reused and must be replaced with new bolts before the top can be opened again  .

WARNING

Before using the emergency procedure to close the convertible top, park the vehicle as far away from moving traffic as possible. If necessary, switch on the emergency flashers and set up a warning triangle. Obey all applicable legal requirements (Beetle Convertible models only).

WARNING

The wind generated by driving can open the convertible top if it is not latched. This can cause accidents and serious injuries.

• Never drive if the convertible top is not latched.

CAUTION

To help reduce the risk of personal injury, never touch moving parts when the convertible top is closing.

• Always be careful not to pinch your hands when closing the convertible top manually.

• Always be careful not to pinch yourself or others when pressing the convertible top onto the windshield frame.

NOTE

To help prevent significant vehicle damage, do not operate the convertible top after performing the emergency closing procedure until the bolts are replaced with correct, new bolts by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.