towing VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE CONVERTIBLE 2014 3.G Owners Manual

Front view

Fig. 2 Vehicle front overview.
Key to fig. 2:
(1) Inside mirror
(2) Windshield wipers
(3) Engine hood release
(4) Headlights (on both left and right)
(5) Fog lights/static cornering lights (on both left and right, if equipped)
(6) Threaded hole for the front towing eye (behind cover)
(7) Turn signals (on both left and right)
(8) Front windshield
– Windshield antenna

Rear view

Fig. 4 Vehicle rear overview.
Key to fig. 4:
(1) Rear window
– Rear window defroster
(2) High-mounted brake light
(3) Taillights (on both left and right)
(4) Volkswagen emblem. Area for:
– Luggage compartment lid release
– Rear Assist camera (if equipped)
(5) License plate lights
(6) Threaded hole for the rear towing eye (behind cover)

Convertible top
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.
Supplementary information and warnings:
x Vehicle overview
x Volkswagen Information System
x Technical data
x Power locking and closing system
x Airbag system
x Climate control system
x Exterior care and cleaning
x Emergency closing and opening
x Jump-starting
x Towing
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.
x 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.
x 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.
x When opening and closing the convertible top, always make sure no one will be injured by the supports and other moving parts.
NOTICE
x To help prevent damage, remove ice and snow from the convertible top before opening it in winter weather.
NOTICE
Objects with sharp edges or that cause scratches or dirty components can damage the convertible top or the rear window.
x Never remove snow and ice with sharp objects or objects that can cause scratches.

WARNING
Heavy loads will influence the way your vehicle handles and increase stopping distances. Heavy loads that are not properly stowed or secured can cause loss of control and serious injury.
x Secure the load properly to keep it from shifting.
x Always remember when transporting heavy objects that a change in the center of gravity also changes the way your vehicle handles:
– Always distribute the load as evenly as possible.
– Secure heavy objects properly as far forward in the luggage compartment as possible.
– Always tie down heavy items securely with suitable straps.
x Securely latch the rear seat backrest in the upright position.
x Never exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating or the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating on the safety compliance sticker on the left door jamb. Exceeding permissible weight can cause the vehicle to skid and handle differently.
x Always adapt your speed and driving to the heavier load and the weight distribution in the vehicle. Take road, weather, traffic, and visibility conditions into account as well.
x Always accelerate gently and avoid sudden braking and driving maneuvers.
x Always brake earlier than you would if you were not driving a loaded vehicle.
Stowing luggage

For good handling when driving a loaded vehicle, please observe the following:
x Securely stow all luggage, Stowing luggage.
x Drive especially carefully and accelerate gently.
x Avoid sudden braking and driving maneuvers.
x Brake earlier than you would if you were not driving a loaded vehicle.
WARNING
Heavy loads can change the way your vehicle handles and increase stopping distances. Heavy loads that are not properly stowed or secured can shift suddenly, causing loss of control and serious injury.
x Secure the load properly to keep it from shifting.
x Always remember when transporting heavy objects that they change the vehicle's center of gravity and also the way it handles.
– Always distribute the load as evenly as possible.
– Secure heavy objects as far forward in the luggage compartment as possible.
x Securely latch the rear seat backrest in the upright position.
x Never exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating or the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating on the safety compliance sticker on the left door jamb. Exceeding permissible weight can cause the vehicle to skid and handle differently.
x Always adapt speed and driving to the heavier load and the weight distribution in the vehicle. Take road, weather, traffic, and visibility conditions into account as well.
x Always accelerate gently and avoid sudden braking and driving maneuvers.
x Always brake earlier than you would if you were not driving a loaded vehicle.
Weights and axle weights

Trailer towing
Important information
For technical reasons, the vehicle body structure is not designed for the installation of a trailer hitch.
Never install a trailer hitch on your vehicle. Installing a trailer hitch will do considerable damage to the
vehicle ⇒ .
WARNING
Installing a trailer hitch on the vehicle can cause an accident and serious personal injuries.
x Never install a trailer hitch on the vehicle.
x A trailer hitch can fall off while driving or rip loose or while pulling a trailer causing the trailer to separate from the vehicle.
NOTICE
Installing a trailer hitch of any kind will cause expensive damage to your vehicle that will not be covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.

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

Contents of the vehicle tool kit ⇒ fig. 160
(1) Screwdriver with a hexagonal socket in the handle for removing or inserting previously loosened wheel bolts. The screwdriver blade is reversible. The screwdriver may be stored under the lug wrench. For vehicles with a subwoofer in the luggage compartment, the tool kit contains a Torx bit for the screwdriver. Use the screwdriver with the Torx bit to remove or install the subwoofer screws.
(2) Screw-in towing eye.
(3) Hubcap puller clip for removing hubcaps, wheel covers, or wheel bolt caps.
(4) Jack. Before putting the jack back in the foam insert, be sure to completely crank the jack down to its original position.
(5) Lug wrench.
(6) Crank.
(7) Hexagonal socket wrench for the convertible top emergency release.
(8) Emergency handle for latching the front of the convertible top.

Before removing the jumper cables
x Switch off the headlights (if they are on).
x In the vehicle with the dead battery, switch on the heater fan and the rear window defroster. This helps to minimize voltage spikes when the cables are disconnected.
Removing jumper cables
With the engine running, remove the jumper cables in reverse order to the way they were connected.
1. Disconnect the black (-) cable from the vehicle with the dead battery.
2. Disconnect the black (-) cable from the other vehicle (vehicle with the good battery).
3. Disconnect the red (+) cable from the other vehicle (vehicle with the good battery).
4. Disconnect the red (+) cable from the vehicle with the dead battery.
5. Close the battery cover.
6. If necessary, unscrew the towing eye on the front of the vehicle ⇒ page 431, Installing the front towing eye.
WARNING
Improper use of jumper cables when jump-starting a vehicle with a dead battery can cause the battery to explode, leading to serious personal injury. To help reduce the risk of battery explosion:
x All work on the batteries or the electrical system in your vehicle can cause serious acid burns, fires, or electrical shocks. Always read and heed the following WARNINGS and safety precautions before working on the batteries or the electrical system, Vehicle battery.
x Always wear proper eye protection. Never lean over the vehicle battery.
x Attach the jumper cables in the correct order: first the positive cable, then the negative cable.
x Never connect the negative cable from the vehicle providing starting assistance to parts of the fuel system or to the brake hoses or brake lines.
x Never allow the non-insulated parts of the battery clamps to touch.
x Never allow the jumper cable attached to the positive battery terminal to contact metal parts of the vehicle.
x Check the battery acid level indicator window on the vehicle battery. Use a flashlight, never a match, cigarette lighter, or other open flame. If you cannot see the color of the window clearly, or if it is light yellow or colorless, do not jump-start the vehicle. Get expert assistance.
x Avoid electrostatic discharge in the vicinity of the vehicle battery. Sparks may cause the hydrogen gas escaping from the vehicle battery to ignite.
x Never jump-start a vehicle with a battery that is damaged or frozen or that was frozen and has thawed. The battery can explode. Replace the battery instead.
x Always follow the instructions of the jumper cable manufacturer.
x Always make sure that the battery providing starting assistance has the same voltage as the dead battery (12 V) and about the same capacity (see battery label).
x Batteries give off explosive hydrogen gas. Always keep fire, sparks, open flame and smoking materials away from batteries.
x Never connect the negative cable from the other vehicle directly to the negative terminal of the dead battery. The hydrogen gas from the battery is explosive.
x Never short out the battery terminals by connecting the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals with each other.

Towing