instrument cluster VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE 2012 Owners Manual

Driver side overview

Fig. 5 Driver side overview.
Key to ⇒ fig. 5:
(1) Instrument cluster:
– Instruments
– Display
(2) Air vents  –

Instrument cluster

Displays

Fig. 12 In the instrument cluster display: A: Open engine hood, B: Open rear hatch, C: Open driver door.

On vehicles without text messages (Basic instrument cluster), a wrench symbol d and a miles (kil-
ometers) indicator are shown in the instrument cluster display. The distance shown in miles (kilome-
ters) is the maximum distance the vehicle can be driven without having a service completed. The
display changes after a few seconds. A clock symbol is displayed and the number of days until the
required service is shown.
On vehicles with text messages (Premium instrument cluster), Service in --- mi or --- days
(Service in --- km or --- days) is shown in the instrument cluster display.
Service event
When service is due, a warning chime sounds when the ignition is switched on, and a flashing
wrench symbol d is displayed for several seconds. For vehicles with text messages, Service now is
shown in the instrument cluster display.
Viewing service message
The current service message can be accessed when the ignition is switched on, the engine is
switched off, and the vehicle is stopped:
x Push the

Instrument cluster

Displays

Fig. 12 In the instrument cluster display: A: Open engine hood, B: Open rear hatch, C: Open driver door.

On vehicles without text messages (Basic instrument cluster), a wrench symbol d and a miles (kil-
ometers) indicator are shown in the instrument cluster display. The distance shown in miles (kilome-
ters) is the maximum distance the vehicle can be driven without having a service completed. The
display changes after a few seconds. A clock symbol is displayed and the number of days until the
required service is shown.
On vehicles with text messages (Premium instrument cluster), Service in --- mi or --- days
(Service in --- km or --- days) is shown in the instrument cluster display.
Service event
When service is due, a warning chime sounds when the ignition is switched on, and a flashing
wrench symbol d is displayed for several seconds. For vehicles with text messages, Service now is
shown in the instrument cluster display.
Viewing service message
The current service message can be accessed when the ignition is switched on, the engine is
switched off, and the vehicle is stopped:
x Push the

Convenience features
To use the convenience closing feature to close all power windows and the sunroof, hold your finger
on the lock sensor surface on the outside of the door handle for a few seconds until the windows and
sunroof close.
Remove your finger from the lock sensor surface ⇒ fig. 24 (B) to stop the function. If you touch the
unlock sensor surface (A) on the inside of the door handle immediately after releasing the lock sensor
surface (B) (arrow), all of the windows will open (safety function).
Pinch protection is active during convenience closing of the windows and the power sunroof.
NOTICE
The door handle sensor surfaces can be activated by a strong stream of water or steam if a
valid vehicle key is within range of the vehicle.
x All windows may open if you turn the spray of water or steam away from and then back onto
the door handle sensor surface in quick succession. If at least one power window is opened
and the sensor is continuously activated, convenience closing is started.
The door may not open if the outside and inside door handles are used at the same time.
If the vehicle battery or the battery in the remote control vehicle key is weak or dead, it might not
be possible to unlock and lock the vehicle using Keyless Access. The vehicle can still be manually
locked or unlocked with the key bit..
The driver message Key not in range appears in the instrument cluster display if there is no
remote control vehicle key inside the vehicle or if the system does not recognize the remote control
vehicle key. The key may not be recognized, for example, if it is covered by something that interferes
with the signal (such as a briefcase), or if the remote control vehicle key battery is weak. Electronic
devices such as cell phones can also interfere with the signal.
Dirt on the door handles that contains a lot of salt (especially in winter) can affect the way the
door handle sensors work. Cleaning the door handles can help with this problem..
If the automatic transmission is not in Park (P) position, the electronic steering column lock will
not lock and the vehicle will not lock via sensors in the front door handles or the remote control vehicle
key.
Anti-theft alarm system

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.

Brake system malfunction
If you brake and find that the vehicle doesn't brake nearly as well as it used to (sudden increase in
stopping distance), a brake circuit may have failed. The brake warning light H or "2!+% will come on
and a message may appear in the instrument cluster display. If you believe the vehicle is safe to drive,
immediately take it to the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service
Facility for repair. Drive slowly and very carefully, allow for the longer stopping distance, and be ready
to push longer and harder on the brake pedal to slow the vehicle down.
Brake booster
The brake booster works only when the engine is running. It increases the force on the brakes above
and beyond the pressure put on the brake pedal by the driver.
If the brake booster is not working, or if the vehicle has to be towed, you will have to push the brake
pedal harder to make up for the lack of booster assistance and the resulting longer stopping distance
⇒ .
WARNING
New brake pads do not provide maximum braking performance.
x New brake pads do not have the best stopping power for the first 200 miles (320 km) and
must be “broken in.” You can compensate for the slightly reduced braking force by putting
more pressure on the brake pedal.
x Drive with extra care while the new brake pads are being broken in. This reduces the risk
of collisions and serious personal injuries due to a loss of control over the vehicle.
x Never follow other vehicles too closely or put yourself into other situations that might
require sudden, hard braking, especially when the brake pads have not been broken in.
WARNING
Overheated brakes will reduce the vehicle's stopping power and increase stopping distances
considerably.
x When driving downhill, the brakes have to work especially hard and heat up quickly.
x Before driving downhill, especially on hills that are long or steep, always reduce speed
and shift into lower gear (manual or automatic transmission). This will let the vehicle use
engine braking and reduce the load on the brakes. Otherwise, the brake system could
overheat and possibly fail. Only use the brakes when you need them to slow the vehicle down
more or to stop.
x A damaged front spoiler or a non-standard spoiler can reduce airflow to the brakes and
make them overheat.
WARNING
Wet brakes or brakes coated with ice or road salt react slower and need longer stopping
distances.
x Carefully apply the brakes to test them.
x Always dry brakes and clean off ice and salt coatings with a few cautious brake
applications when visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions permit.