Trunk lid
Introduction to the subject
In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:
WARNING
Accidents and severe personal injuries can result if you unlock, open, or close the trunk lid when someone is in the way.
- Only open or close the trunk lid if no one is in the way.
- Never close the trunk lid by pushing on the rear window with your hand (Beetle Coupe models only). The rear window could break and cause injuries.
- After closing the trunk lid, always make sure that it is properly closed and locked so that it cannot open suddenly when the vehicle is moving. The closed trunk lid must be flush with the surrounding auto body parts.
- Always keep the trunk lid closed while driving to help keep poisonous exhaust gas from being drawn into the vehicle.
- Never open the trunk lid when a luggage rack is installed and loaded. If, for example, there are bicycles on a carrier on the trunk lid, it is possible that the trunk lid will be difficult to open. An open trunk lid may fall on its own because of the additional weight. If necessary, prop open the trunk lid. Remove the weight from the luggage rack first.
- Close and lock the trunk lid and all doors when the vehicle is not in use. First, make sure that no one is left inside the vehicle.
- Never leave your vehicle unattended or let children play around your vehicle, especially when the trunk lid is open. A child could crawl into the vehicle and pull the trunk lid shut, becoming trapped and unable to get out. A closed vehicle can become very hot or very cold, depending on the season. Particularly in the summer, heat buildup in the passenger and luggage compartment of a parked vehicle can result in temperatures in the vehicle that are much higher than the outside temperatures. Temperatures can quickly reach levels that can cause unconsciousness and death, particularly to small children.
- Never leave children or anyone who cannot help themselves behind in the vehicle. They may lock the vehicle with the vehicle key or the power locking button and lock themselves in.
- Never let children play in or around the vehicle.
- Never let anyone ride in the luggage compartment.
WARNING
If the trunk lid is not closed properly, it may open suddenly when the vehicle is moving and cause severe injuries.
- Stop immediately in a safe place and close the trunk lid.
- Always make sure the trunk lid is securely latched after you close it.
NOTE
Before opening or closing the trunk lid, make sure there is enough room to do so, for example, when the vehicle is in a garage.
- Do not place any objects on the rear spoiler. The rear spoiler could be damaged.
- If the vehicle must be pushed, do not push against the rear spoiler. The rear spoiler and the trunk lid could be damaged.
NOTE
Never use the gas-pressure strut to hold or clamp a load in place. This can damage the trunk lid and make it impossible to close.
Display
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first
| Lights up | Proper response |
|---|---|
| Icon appears in the display showing an open trunk lid. | Trunk lid open or improperly closed. Open the trunk lid and then close it again. |
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 the trunk lid is not closed properly, the vehicle icon appears in the instrument cluster display indicating the trunk lid is open.
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 instrument cluster display goes out a short period of time after the vehicle has been locked.
WARNING
If the trunk lid is not closed properly, it may open suddenly when the vehicle is moving and cause severe injuries.
- Stop immediately in a safe place and close the trunk lid.
- Always make sure the trunk lid is securely latched after you close it.
Opening the trunk lid
Fig. 54 On the remote control vehicle key: Button to unlock the trunk lid.
Fig. 55 Opening the trunk lid from the outside.
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first
Always remove any item(s) being transported on the trunk lid before opening it .
Unlocking with the vehicle key
Press the button on the remote control vehicle key to unlock the trunk lid. Then open the trunk lid using the Volkswagen emblem.
Opening with the Volkswagen emblem
- Unlock the vehicle or the trunk lid, or open a door.
- Using your thumb, press the top of the Volkswagen emblem and move the top of the emblem down. Grasp the bottom part of the emblem and pull to lift the trunk lid.
WARNING
Improper or unsupervised unlocking or opening of the trunk lid can cause severe injuries. Never open the trunk lid when someone is in the way.
- If a bicycle or luggage rack is installed on the trunk lid, it may be hard to see that the trunk lid is unlatched. An unlatched trunk lid may open suddenly when the vehicle is moving.
NOTE
Before opening or closing the trunk lid, make sure there is enough room to do so, for example, when the vehicle is in a garage.
At temperatures below +32 °F (0 °C), the trunk lid may be difficult to open after you unlock it.
Closing the trunk lid
Fig. 56 Opened trunk lid: Recessed grips for closing (Beetle Coupe models).
Fig. 57 Opened trunk lid: Recessed grip for closing (Beetle Convertible models).
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first
Closing the trunk lid
- Grasp one of the recessed grips in the trunk lid trim (arrows) or (arrow).
- Pull the trunk lid down and close it securely so that the latch engages.
- Check the trunk lid to make sure it is securely latched.
Locking the trunk lid
If you unlock the vehicle with the vehicle key, but do not open either a door or the trunk lid within several seconds, the vehicle locks again. This feature helps prevent you from leaving the vehicle unlocked unintentionally.
It is only possible to lock the trunk lid when it is securely closed and latched.
- The power locking system also locks the trunk lid.
- If the trunk lid of a locked vehicle is unlocked with the
button on the remote control vehicle key, it will lock again immediately after it is closed. The anti-theft alarm system, if equipped, is activated after the vehicle is locked .
- A closed but unlocked trunk lid automatically locks at speeds above about 5 mph (10 km/h).
WARNING
Improper or unsupervised closing of the trunk lid can cause severe injuries. Never close the trunk lid when someone is in the way.
- Never leave your vehicle unattended or let children play around your vehicle, especially with the trunk lid left open. A child could crawl into the vehicle and pull the trunk lid shut, becoming trapped and unable to get out. A closed vehicle can become very hot or very cold depending on the season. Temperatures can quickly reach levels that can cause unconsciousness or death, particularly to small children.
- When closing the trunk lid, be careful to remove your hands out of the path of the trunk lid in time.
Make sure that the remote control vehicle key is not in the luggage compartment before closing the trunk lid.
Opening the trunk lid from inside the luggage compartment (Beetle Coupe)
Fig. 58 Inside the luggage compartment: Opening the trunk lid.
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first
- If necessary, fold the rear seat backrests forward .
- Remove luggage in order to reach the trunk lid from the inside.
- Unfold the key bit from the vehicle key fob .
- Insert the key into the slot on the trunk lid .
- Press the release lever in the direction of the arrow to unlock the trunk lid; press upward at the same time until it opens.
Opening the trunk lid from the passenger compartment (Beetle Convertible)
Fig. 59 In the bottom of the driver door pillar: Emergency release cover.
Fig. 60 In the bottom of the driver door pillar: Trunk lid emergency release.
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first
- Open the driver door.
- Insert the vehicle key from below (in the direction of the arrow) into the opening in the cover
. Carefully remove the cover from the trim with the vehicle key.
- Grasp the cover and pull on the release loop attached to it
① in the direction of the arrow until the cord is completely extended.
- Pull slowly and firmly on the release loop in the direction of the arrow until the trunk lid releases
- Keep the release loop pulled and carefully move toward the rear of the vehicle until you can reach the trunk lid
- Open the trunk lid
- Gently release the tension on the loop and guide it back.
NOTE
Use caution when guiding the trunk lid release loop forward and back to help prevent damage to the vehicle paint.
Opening the trunk lid from inside the luggage compartment (Beetle Convertible)
Fig. 61 Inside the luggage compartment: Opening the trunk lid.
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first
- Remove luggage in order to reach the trunk lid from the inside.
- Push the lever in the direction of the arrow (magnified view). The trunk lid unlatches. Push the trunk lid to open.
The release lever glows in the dark to help it be seen in low-light conditions.
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