emergency VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE 2012 Owners Manual

Upper center console

Fig. 6 Overview of the upper center console.
Key to fig. 6:
(1) Additional instruments (if equipped)
(2) Radio or Radio & Navigation system (factory-installed) ⇒ Booklet Radio
or ⇒ Booklet Navigation system
(3) Passenger seat heating button [
(4) Controls for:
– Manual AC
(5) Switch for emergency flashers 
(6) PASSENGER AIR BAG /&&  light (front airbag for front seat passenger)
(7) Driver seat heating button A
(8) Air vents  –

All turn signals flash twice to confirm that the vehicle has been unlocked and once to confirm that it
has been locked.
If the vehicle was unlocked and within the next few seconds neither a door nor the rear hatch has
been opened, the vehicle is automatically locked again.
Unlocking and opening doors (Keyless Entry)
x Grasp the door handle of the driver or front passenger door so that you touch the unlocking sensor
surface (A).
x Open the door.
Closing and locking doors (Keyless Exit)
x Switch the ignition off.
x Close the driver door.
x Touch the sensor surface in the door handle on the driver or front passenger door (B). The vehicle
is locked. The door being locked must be closed.
Unlocking and locking the rear hatch
If the vehicle is locked and a valid remote control vehicle key is within range ⇒ fig. 23 of the rear hatch,
it unlocks automatically when opened.
x Open and close the rear hatch as you would a standard rear hatch.
The rear hatch locks automatically when it is closed except in the following situations:
x The vehicle is completely unlocked.
x When an authorized remote control vehicle key is inside the vehicle.
Locking with a second vehicle key
If a remote control vehicle key is inside the passenger compartment, the vehicle can be locked from
the outside only if a second valid remote control vehicle key is within range.
When the vehicle is locked from the outside, the keyless go (starting) function of any keys left in the
passenger compartment will be deactivated. All other functions (remote central locking and unlocking
as well as emergency starting) remain active and unchanged.
A key that was inside the vehicle when it was locked from the outside is reactivated:
x by pressing a button on the deactivated key.
x by pressing a door handle sensor when the deactivated key is outside of the vehicle, but within
range.
x by starting the engine with the starter button on the center console.
Automatic deactivation of sensors
If the vehicle has not been unlocked or locked for a longer period of time, the proximity sensors in the
passenger door are automatically deactivated.
If a sensor on the door handle of a locked vehicle is activated too often, for instance by a bush or
hedge that rubs against the vehicle, the sensors in the door handle on that side of the vehicle are
switched off for a short time.
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 0 button in the remote control vehicle key.
x OR: The rear hatch is opened.
x OR: The vehicle is mechanically unlocked with the vehicle key.

Convenience closing
The convenience closing feature lets you close the windows and the power sunroof from outside the
vehicle as follows:
x Manual locking: lock the vehicle with the vehicle key bit in the driver door and keep the key turned
in the locking position to close all windows and the power sunroof..
x Vehicles with Keyless Access: hold your finger on the lock sensor surface on the outside of the
door handle for a few seconds until the windows and power sunroof close.
Convenience closing first closes the windows and then the power sunroof.
WARNING
Improper use of power windows can result in serious personal injury.
x Never let anyone get in the way of a power window when closing it.
x When locking the vehicle from the outside, make sure that no one, especially children,
remains in the vehicle. The windows will not open in case of an emergency.
x Always take the key with you when you leave the vehicle. You can still use the power win-
dows for several minutes after the ignition is switched off as long as the driver or passenger
door has not been opened.
NOTICE
The windows must go down slightly when you unlock the vehicle. Otherwise the windows and
seals could be damaged when opening the doors.
If the power windows malfunction, the one-touch feature, as well as pinch protection may not
work properly. See an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility right
away.
If convenience closing of the power windows from the outside requires removing the cover cap of
the lock cylinder on the driver door, the cover cap must be reinstalled after the vehicle is locked..

Lights
up Possible cause Proper response

Fog lights switched on (indicator light on
the headlight switch or the instrument
cluster). ⇒ page 74.
\f


Left or right turn signal.
The indicator light blinks twice as fast if a
turn signal is not working on the vehicle.
Check the turn signals on the vehicle.
 High beams switched on or headlight
flashers in use. ⇒ page 73.

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.
WARNING
Failure to heed warning lights and instrument cluster text messages can cause the vehicle to
break down in traffic and result in a collision and serious personal injury.
x Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.
x Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
x Whenever stalled or stopped for repair, move the vehicle a safe distance off the road, stop
the engine, turn on the emergency flashers, and use other warning devices to warn
approaching traffic.
x Never park the vehicle in areas where the hot catalytic converter and exhaust system can
come into contact with dry grass, brush, spilled fuel, oil, or other material that can catch fire.
x A br/+en down vehicle presents a high accident risk for itself and others. Switch on
emergency flashers and set up a warning triangle to warn oncoming traffic.
NOTICE
Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights provide bright, uniform lighting to help you see and be
seen. The light comes from an electric arc between two electrodes in the gas-filled bulb. Over time, the
electrodes can wear down and the gap between them will get wider. The HID lamp’s control unit then
increases the voltage to keep the arc’s brightness constant. However, the commonly called “Xenon”
bulbs will also ultimately burn out. Before they burn out, HID lamps can flicker. A message will then
appear in the MFI. This is your reminder to see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized
Volkswagen Service facility to check the headlights.

WARNING
Improper use of vehicle keys can result in serious personal injury.
x Always take the key with you when you leave the vehicle. The engine can be started and
vehicle systems such as the power windows can be operated, leading to serious personal
injury.
x Never leave children, disabled persons, or anyone who cannot help themselves in the
vehicle. The doors can be locked with the remote control vehicle key. This could result in
people being trapped in the vehicle in an emergency. For example, depending on the time of
year, people trapped in the vehicle can be exposed to very high or very low temperatures.
x Heat build-up 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, particularly
in summer. Temperatures can quickly reach levels that can cause unconsciousness and
death, particularly to small children.
x Never remove the key from the ignition switch while the vehicle is moving or rolling to a
stop. The steering wheel will lock and you will not be able to steer or control the vehicle.
Leaving the key in the ignition for a long time when the engine is not running will drain the vehicle
battery.
Leaving the selector lever for a long period of time in any position other than Park (P) when the
ignition is switched off can drain the vehicle battery.
On automatic transmission vehicles, the vehicle key can be removed from the ignition switch
only when the transmission is in Park (P). You may have to press the release button on the
transmission selector lever to put the lever into Park (P).
Starter button

Fig. 94 In the center console: Starter button of the Keyless Access locking and starting system.

Fig. 95 Emergency starting feature on vehicles with Keyless Access.

WARNING
Unintended vehicle movement can cause serious personal injury.
x Do not depress the brake or clutch pedals when switching on the ignition, as the engine
could otherwise start immediately.
WARNING
Improper use of vehicle keys can result in serious personal injury.
x Always take the key with you when you leave the vehicle. Children or unauthorized
persons may use it to lock the vehicle, start the engine, and operate vehicle systems such as
the power windows, leading to serious personal injury.
x Never leave children, disabled persons, or anyone who cannot help themselves in the
vehicle. The doors can be locked using the remote control vehicle key. This could result in
people being trapped in the vehicle in an emergency. For example, depending on the time of
year, people trapped in the vehicle can be exposed to very high or very low temperatures.
x Heat build-up 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, particularly
in summer. Temperatures can quickly reach levels that can cause unconsciousness and
death, particularly to small children.
In vehicles with a diesel engine and Keyless Access, the engine start may be delayed if the
engine has to be preheated.
If the ignition is switched on or the engine is running and the driver door is opened, a chime
sounds. The chime is also a reminder to switch off the engine and turn off the ignition before leaving
and locking the vehicle from the outside.
Starting the engine

Please perform these steps only in the order listed.
Step Vehicles without Keyless AccessVehicles with Keyless Access
5. When the engine starts, release the vehicle
key.
When the engine starts, release the starter
button.
6. If the engine does not start, switch off the
ignition and start again after about 1 minute.
If the engine does not start, switch off the
ignition and start again after about 1 minute.
Use the emergency start feature if
necessary..
7. Release the parking brake when you are ready to start driving..

WARNING
Never leave the vehicle unattended while the engine is running. The vehicle could move
suddenly, especially when the vehicle is in gear, resulting in accidents and personal injury.
WARNING
“Starting fluids” can explode and can cause a “run-away” vehicle condition.
x Never use starting assist fluids.
NOTICE
x You can damage the starter or the engine if you try to start the engine when the vehicle is
still moving, or if you try to restart the engine right after switching it off.
x Avoid high engine speeds, full throttle acceleration, and heavy engine loads when the
engine is cold.
x Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the vehicle. Unburned fuel can get into
the catalytic converter and damage it. The steering column may also be locked.
Do not let your vehicle warm up while standing; instead, start driving right away after making sure
that you have good visibility through all windows. This will help the engine reach operating
temperature faster and keep down emissions.
Major consumers of electricity are temporarily switched off when the engine is being started.
After starting a cold engine, there may be increased operating noises for a few seconds. This is
normal and harmless.
When outside temperatures are below +41 °F (+5 °C) and the diesel fueled preheater is
activated, minor fume build-up may occur underneath the vehicle.
Stopping the engine

Please perform these steps only in the order listed.
Step Vehicles without Keyless AccessVehicles with Keyless Access
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop ⇒ .
2. Depress and hold down the brake pedal until step 4 is completed.
3. Automatic transmission: Shift the transmission into Park (P).
4. Apply the parking brake to help prevent the vehicle from moving..
5. Turn the vehicle key to position ⇒ fig. 93 (0)
in the ignition switch.
Briefly press the starter button ⇒ fig. 94. If
the engine will not switch off, carry out the
emergency shut-off procedure..
6. With a manual transmission, shift into 1st gear (vehicle on flat surface or pointing uphill) or
reverse (vehicle pointing downhill).
7.
Removing the vehicle key from the ignition
switches off electrical equipment and
activates the steering column lock.
Opening the doors switches off electrical
equipment and activates the steering
column lock.

WARNING
Never stop the engine before the vehicle has come to a complete stop. You can lose control
of the vehicle, crash, and be seriously injured.
x The airbags and safety belt pretensioners will not work when the ignition is switched off.
x The brake booster does not work when the engine is not running. More brake pedal
pressure will be needed to stop the vehicle.
x The power steering system does not work when the engine is not running, and you will
need more force to steer the vehicle.
x When the key is removed from the ignition switch, the steering will lock and you will not
be able to steer the vehicle.
NOTICE
If the vehicle has been driven hard for a long time, the engine could overheat when it is
stopped. To reduce the risk of engine damage, let the engine idle in Neutral for about 2 minutes
before you switch off the ignition.
If the ignition is switched on or the engine is running and the driver door is opened, a chime
sounds. The chime is also a reminder to switch off the engine and turn off the ignition before leaving
and locking the vehicle from the outside.
On vehicles with automatic transmissions, the vehicle key can only be removed from the ignition
when the transmission is in Park (P).
After the engine has been switched off, the radiator fan in the engine compartment may keep
running for several minutes, or may start running after the vehicle has been parked for a while, even if
the ignition is switched off and the vehicle key has been removed. The radiator fan shuts off
automatically when the engine has cooled down enough.

WARNING
Parking improperly can cause serious personal injury.
x Never remove the key from the ignition switch while the vehicle is moving or rolling to a
stop. The steering wheel will lock and you will not be able to steer or control the vehicle.
x Never park the vehicle where the hot exhaust system or catalytic converter could ignite
flammable materials, such as brush, leaves, dry grass, spilled fuel, etc.
x Always apply the parking brake when parking your vehicle.
x Improper use of the parking brake can seriously injure you and your passengers.
x Never use the parking brake to slow down the vehicle when it is moving, except in an
emergency. The stopping distance is much longer because only the rear wheels are braked.
Always use the foot brake to stop the vehicle.
x Never activate the throttle manually from the engine compartment when the engine is
running and the automatic transmission is in gear. The vehicle will start to move as soon as
the engine speed increases even if the parking brake is on.
x Never leave children or anyone who cannot help themselves behind in the vehicle. They
could release the parking brake and move the gear selector lever or gear shift, which could
cause the vehicle to start moving. This can lead to a crash and serious personal injuries.
x Always take the key with you when you leave the vehicle. The engine can be started and
vehicle systems such as the power windows can be operated, leading to serious personal
injury.
x Never leave children, disabled persons, or anyone who cannot help themselves in the
vehicle. The doors can be locked with the remote control vehicle key, trapping passengers in
the vehicle in an emergency. For example, depending on the time of year, people trapped in
the vehicle can be exposed to very high or very low temperatures.
x Heat build-up 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, particularly
in summer. Temperatures can quickly reach levels that can cause unconsciousness and
death, particularly to small children.
NOTICE
x Always be careful when you park in areas with parking barriers or high curbs. These vary in
height and could damage your bumper and related parts if the front of your vehicle hits a
barrier or curb that is too high while you are getting into or out of a parking spot. To help
prevent damage, stop before the tires of your vehicle touch a parking barrier or curb.
x Always be careful when you enter a driveway or drive up or down steep ramps or over
curbs or other obstacles. Parts of the vehicle close to the ground may be damaged (such as
bumper covers, spoilers, and parts of the engine, suspension, and exhaust systems).
Warning and indicator lights