Engine VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE 2012 Repair Manual

x When changing or topping off operating fluids, make sure that you pour the fluids into the
correct reservoirs. Serious malfunctions and engine damage can result if you pour operating
fluids into the wrong reservoir.

WARNING
Working on the batteries or the electrical system in your vehicle can cause serious acid
burns, fires, explosions, or electrical shocks. Always read and heed the following WARNINGS
and safety precautions before working on the batteries or the electrical system.
x Before working on the electrical system, always switch off the ignition and all electrical
consumers and disconnect the negative (-) cable from the standard 12 Volt battery.
x When you change a light bulb, always switch off the light first.
x Always keep children away from battery acid and vehicle batteries in general.
x Always wear eye protection. Never let battery acid or lead particles come into contact with
your eyes, skin, or clothing.
x Sulfuric battery acid is very corrosive. It can burn unprotected skin and cause blindness.
Always wear protective gloves and eye protection. To reduce your risk of injury, never tilt the
batteries, as this could spill acid through the vents and burn you.
x If you get battery acid in your eyes or on your skin, immediately rinse with cold water for
several minutes and then get immediate medical attention. If you swallow any battery acid,
get medical attention immediately.
x When disconnecting the batteries from the vehicle electrical system, always disconnect
the negative cable (-) first and then the positive cable (+).
x Always switch off all electrical consumers before reconnecting 12 Volt batteries.
Reconnect the plus cable (+) first and then the negative cable (-). Never reverse the polarity of
the connections. This could cause a fire.
x A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the battery is being charged.
x Do not sm/+e and avoid fires, sparks, and open flames when working. Never create sparks
or electrostatic charges when handling cables and electrical equipment. Never short circuit
the battery terminals. High-energy sparks can cause serious personal injury.
x Never use or attempt to charge a damaged or frozen battery, or a battery that was frozen
but has thawed. Charging a frozen or thawed battery could cause explosions and chemical
burns! Replace damaged or frozen vehicle batteries immediately. A dead battery can freeze at
temperatures around +32 °F (0 °C).
x If the battery has a vent line or tube, make sure that it is properly connected to the battery.
WARNING
California Proposition 65 Warning
x Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead components,
chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash
your hands after handling.
NOTICE
x Do not expose the vehicle battery to direct sunlight for an extended period of time as
ultraviolet rays may damage the battery housing.
x If the vehicle is left standing in the cold for a long time, protect the vehicle battery from
freezing. A battery will be permanently damaged by freezing.
Emergency starting and starting the engine with a very weak vehicle battery or after the vehicle
battery has been replaced may change or delete system settings (including time, date, personal
convenience settings, and programming). Check the settings and correct as necessary once the
vehicle battery has built up a sufficient charge.

The vehicle underbody is coated to help protect it from corrosion and damage. The undercoating could
be damaged during normal use. We therefore recommend that you have the protective coatings on the
underbody and suspension inspected regularly, and repaired if necessary.
WARNING
Undercoating and rustproofing products can catch fire on the hot exhaust system or any
other hot engine component.
x Never apply additional undercoating or rust proofing on or near the exhaust manifold, the
exhaust pipes, the catalytic converter, the heat shields, or any other hot vehicle component.

Model Engine Tire size Tire pressure
psi kPa bar
215/55 R17 94H 31 210 2.1
235/45 R18 94H 31 210 2.1
235/40 R19 92H 34 230 2.3
Compact spare wheel T125/90 R16 60 420 4.2
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System is configured at the factory with the correct tire inflation
pressure applicable for the vehicle model, engine and factory-installed tires. The tire inflation
pressure is listed on the tire inflation pressure label on the driver door jamb.. The tire inflation
pressures for the road tires are listed on this label. The inflation pressure for the compact spare is as
specified on the tire pressure label or on a separate label for the compact spare, if there is one. In
the event of a discrepancy between the above figures and the tire pressures listed on the tire
inflation pressure label, the pressures listed on the label are the ones you should use. The listed
pressure applies to all road tires. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System must be recalibrated using
the SET button whenever you change or adjust the cold tire inflation pressures or remove and
remount or change any wheel or tire on the vehicle, even if the reinstalled or replacement wheels
and tires are identical to those that were removed and even if the tire pressure does not change..

Applicable only in Canada
Tire inflation pressure in cold tires

Model Engine Tire size Tire pressure
psi kPa bar
The tire inflation pressure is also listed on the sticker inside the driver door jamb ⇒ fig. 123. The tire
inflation pressures for the road tires are listed on this label. The inflation pressure for the compact
spare is as specified on the tire pressure label or on a separate label for the compact spare, if there
is one. In the event of a discrepancy between the above figures and the tire pressures listed on the
tire inflation pressure label, the pressures listed on the label are the ones you should use. The listed
pressure applies to all road tires.

Tread depth and tread wear indicators

Fig. 124 Tread pattern: Wear indicator.

x Accessories and other things installed in front of the cooling air intakes impair the
efficiency of the engine coolant. The engine can overheat under high outside temperatures or
under high engine loads!
Leaking operating fluids can pollute the environment. Collect leaking operating fluids in suitable
containers and dispose of them properly in accordance with applicable environmental laws and
regulations.
CB radio equipment

Although your vehicle is not equipped with an EDR, it is equipped with a number of electronic control
modules for various vehicle systems, such as engine management, emission control, airbags, and
safety belts.
These electronic control modules also record data during normal vehicle operation for diagnostic and
repair purposes. Their recording capability is limited to data (no sound is recorded). Only a small
amount of data is actually recorded over a very limited period of time, or stored when a system fault is
detected by a control module. Some of the data stored may relate to vehicle speed, direction, or
braking, as well as restraint system use and performance in the event of a crash. Stored data can only
be read and downloaded with special equipment.
Using a mobile phone in a motor vehicle when it is not connected to
the vehicle telephone antenna - some important things to know

Safety Compliance Certification Label
A safety certificate affixed to the door jamb in the driver door confirms that at time of production all
necessary safety standards and requirements of the traffic safety agency of the respective country
were met. The month and year of production as well as the vehicle identification number may be listed
as well.
Radiator fan and high voltage warning sticker
A warning sticker about the radiator fan and the high voltage of the electrical system is located in the
engine compartment next to the engine hood release. The vehicle ignition system complies with the
Canadian standard ICES-002.
Operating your vehicle outside of the United States and Canada

Engine control and emission control system

Lights
up Possible cause Proper response
D Diesel engine pre-glow before engine
start-up. ⇒ page 113.
B
Engine control/monitoring system
malfunction (engine Malfunction Indicator
Light - MIL)
Ease off the accelerator. Carefully drive to the
nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Have
engine checked.