Volkswagen Beetle Convertible (2015 year). Manual

A Declaration of Compliance with United States FCC and Industry Canada regulations is found in the

Consumer information section of this Manual

⇒ Consumer information.

Replacing the remote control vehicle key battery

Fig. 25 Remote control vehicle key: Open battery compartment cover.

Fig. 26 Remote control vehicle key: Remove old battery.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Volkswagen recommends having the battery in the remote control vehicle key changed by an author-
ized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

The battery is on the back of the remote control vehicle key under a cover

⇒

fig. 25

When changing the battery, pay attention to the correct polarity and use the same type of battery
⇒ .

Replacing the battery

Unfold the key bit on the remote control vehicle key

⇒ Remote control vehicle keys.

Remove the cover on the back of the remote control vehicle key

⇒

fig. 25

in the direction of the

arrow

⇒ .

Use a thin object to pry the battery out of the battery compartment

⇒

fig. 26

Position the new battery in as shown

⇒

fig. 26

and press it into the battery compartment (opposite

to direction of the arrow)

⇒ .

Position the cover as shown

⇒

fig. 25

and press it down (opposite to direction of the arrow) until

you hear it click into place.

NOTICE

Changing the battery improperly can damage the remote control vehicle key.
Using the wrong battery can damage the remote control vehicle key. Replace a dead battery

with a new one that has the same voltage, size, and specifications.

Make sure the plus and minus poles of the battery are correctly positioned.

Dispose of old batteries in an environmentally responsible manner and keep them out of the

reach of children.

Batteries of the type used in your remote control vehicle key may contain Perchlorate Material.

Special handling may apply – see http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate. Obey all legal
requirements regarding handling and disposal of these batteries. Authorized Volkswagen dealers and
authorized Volkswagen Service Facilities are familiar with the requirements, and we recommend that
you have them perform this service for you.

Synchronizing the remote control vehicle key

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

If the button is pressed often while outside the operating range, it is possible that the vehicle cannot
be locked or unlocked anymore with the remote control vehicle key. Synchronize the vehicle key as
follows:

Unfold the key bit on the remote control vehicle key

⇒ Remote control vehicle keys.

Remove the cap from the door handle on the driver door

⇒ Emergency closing and opening.

Press the button on the remote control vehicle key. Stand immediately next to vehicle while

doing so.

Manually unlock the vehicle using the key bit within 1 minute. The synchronization is complete.
Reinstall the cap.

Power locking system

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Indicator light in the driver door

Description of the power locking system

Unlocking or locking the vehicle from the outside

Unlocking or locking the vehicle from the inside

Unlocking or locking the vehicle with Keyless Access

Anti-theft alarm system

The power locking system works properly only when all doors and the luggage compartment lid are
completely closed. When the driver door is open, the vehicle cannot be locked with the remote control
vehicle key.

For vehicles equipped with Keyless Access with push-button start, the vehicle can be locked only if the
ignition is switched off and the driver door is closed.

Leaving the vehicle unlocked for longer periods of non-use (for example, in your garage) can cause
the vehicle battery to drain so that the engine can no longer be started.

More information:

  Exterior views
  Volkswagen Information System
  Vehicle key set
  Doors
  Luggage compartment lid
  Power windows
  Convertible top
  Emergency closing and opening

WARNING

Improper use of power locks can result in serious personal injury.

The power locking button locks all doors. Locking the doors from the inside can help

prevent unintended door opening during a collision and can also prevent unwanted entry
from the outside. Locked doors can, however, delay assistance to vehicle occupants and
rescue from the outside in an accident or other emergency.

Never leave children or anyone who cannot help themselves behind in the vehicle. All

doors can be locked from the inside with the power lock button. This could leave people
trapped in the vehicle in an emergency. Depending on the time of year, people trapped in the
vehicle can be exposed to very high or very low temperatures.

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, particu-
larly to small children.

Never allow passengers to remain in a locked vehicle. In an emergency any person still

inside the vehicle might not be able to get out.

Indicator light in the driver door

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

The indicator light for the power locking system is in the driver door

⇒ Passenger compartment.

After the vehicle is locked

Meaning

The red LED light flashes for about 2 seconds
in short intervals, then slower.

The vehicle is locked.

Red LED light flashes for about 2 seconds in
short intervals, then lights up continuously for
about 30 seconds.

Locking system malfunction. See an authorized
Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen
Service Facility.

NOTICE

Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.

Description of the power locking system

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

The power locking system lets you unlock and lock all doors and the luggage compartment lid:

From the outside with the vehicle key

⇒ Unlocking or locking the vehicle from the outside.

From the outside with Keyless Access

⇒ Unlocking or locking the vehicle with Keyless Access.

From the inside with the power locking button

⇒ Unlocking or locking the vehicle from the inside.

When the vehicle is locked from the outside, the fuel filler flap is also locked.

Special functions of the power locking system can be turned on or off by an authorized Volkswagen
dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

The doors and the luggage compartment lid can be locked manually if the remote control vehicle key

or the power locking system is not working

⇒ Emergency closing and opening.

Automatic locking (Auto lock)

The vehicle locks automatically when it reaches a speed of about 10 mph (15 km/h). When the vehicle

is locked, the indicator light comes on in the power locking button

⇒

fig. 28

Automatic unlocking (Auto unlock)

All doors automatically unlock when you switch off the ignition or open a door from inside the vehicle.
On vehicles with automatic transmission, the doors will also unlock when the selector lever is in Park
(P). Auto unlock works only if the vehicle has been automatically locked with the Auto lock feature.

The indicator light goes out in the power locking button when the doors unlock

⇒

fig. 28

Locking the vehicle after airbag inflation

If the airbags are activated during a collision, the entire vehicle is unlocked. Depending on the severity
of the damage, the vehicle can be locked after a collision when the airbags have deployed as follows:

Function

Action

Locking the vehicle with the power locking
button:

– Switch the ignition off.
– Open and close a door once.
– Press the power locking button

Locking the vehicle with the remote control
vehicle key:

– Switch the ignition off.
OR: Remove the vehicle key from the ignition.
– Open a door once.
– Lock the vehicle with the remote control vehicle
key.

If the vehicle key buttons

⇒ Unlocking or locking the vehicle from the outside or the power lock-

ing buttons

⇒ Unlocking or locking the vehicle from the inside are pushed repeatedly in quick succes-

sion, the power locking system is switched off for a brief period to help keep it from being overloaded.
The vehicle is then unlocked for about 30 seconds. Unless a door or the luggage compartment lid is
opened during this time, the vehicle is automatically locked afterwards.

Unlocking or locking the vehicle from the outside

Fig. 27 Remote control vehicle key with panic button.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Function

Using the buttons on the remote control vehicle key
⇒

fig. 27

Unlock the vehicle:

Press the button.

Lock the vehicle:

Press the

button.

Unlock the luggage compartment
lid:

Press the

button

Note: Depending on the central remote control settings, it may be necessary to press the button on

the remote control vehicle key twice to unlock all doors and the luggage compartment lid

⇒

Volkswagen Information System. If you would like to have these settings changed, please see your
authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

The vehicle key unlocks or locks the vehicle only when the battery in the remote control vehicle key
has enough power, and the remote control vehicle key is within a few yards/meters of the vehicle.

All turn signals flash once and the horn beeps once to confirm that the vehicle has been locked.

The horn beep can be disabled by deactivating the “ATA confirmation” feature. Please see your au-
thorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility to have this setting adjusted.

All turn signals flash twice to confirm that the vehicle has been unlocked.

If the turn signals do not flash to confirm locking, one or more doors or the luggage compartment lid is
not locked.

If the driver door is open, the vehicle cannot be locked with the remote control vehicle key.

If the vehicle was unlocked with the remote control vehicle key and the door or the luggage compart-
ment lid has not been opened within a few seconds, the vehicle is automatically locked again. This
feature helps prevent you from leaving the vehicle unlocked unintentionally.

NOTICE

Check to make sure that the windows go down slightly when you unlock the vehicle. Otherwise
the windows and seals could be damaged when opening the door.

Unlocking or locking the vehicle from the inside

Fig. 28 In the vehicle doors: Power locking button.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Press button

⇒

fig. 28

Unlock the vehicle.

Lock the vehicle.

The power locking button works whether the ignition is switched on or off but only when all doors are
closed.

If the vehicle is locked with the vehicle key, the power locking button is deactivated.

If the vehicle is locked with the power locking button:

The yellow indicator light in the power locking button comes on to indicate that all doors are

locked

⇒

fig. 28

If the vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft alarm, the system is not turned on.
Opening doors or the luggage compartment lid from the outside is not possible, at a traffic light, for

example.

Doors can be unlocked and opened separately from inside the vehicle by pulling the door handle to

open the door. The indicator light goes out. The unopened door and luggage compartment lid re-
main locked and cannot be opened from the outside.

An open driver door will not be locked. This helps keep the driver from being locked out of the

vehicle.

The vehicle is unlocked if you push the button while the vehicle is standing still. It also unlocks
when you switch off the ignition or open a door from inside the vehicle (Auto unlock). On vehicles with
automatic transmission, the doors will also unlock when the selector lever is in Park (P). Auto unlock
works only if the vehicle has been automatically locked with the Auto lock feature.

Unlocking or locking the vehicle with Keyless Access

Fig. 29 Ranges of the Keyless Access system. Outside the vehicle: Unlocking range. Inside the vehicle:
Starting range.

Fig. 30 Keyless Access system: Sensor for unlocking A on the inside of the front door handles. Sensor for
locking B on the outside of the door handles.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Your vehicle may be equipped with Keyless Access with push-button start, a keyless starting and
locking system that unlocks and locks the vehicle without active use of a remote control vehicle key.

All you have to do is touch a sensor surface on one of the outside door handles

⇒

fig. 30

or push the

Volkswagen emblem on the luggage compartment lid

⇒ Luggage compartment lid when a valid re-

mote control vehicle key is within range

⇒ .

General information

When a valid vehicle key comes within range

⇒

fig. 29

, the Keyless Access system recognizes a valid

vehicle entry request as soon as a door handle sensor is touched or the Volkswagen emblem on the
luggage compartment lid is pressed. The following functions are then enabled without active use of the
remote control vehicle key:

Keyless Entry: Unlocking the vehicle with the sensor surfaces on the outside door handles of the

driver or passenger door

⇒

fig. 30

(A)

or by using the Volkswagen emblem on the luggage compart-

ment lid.

Keyless Go: Start the engine and drive. For this, you just have to press the starter button and a

valid remote control vehicle key must be inside the vehicle

⇒ Starting and stopping the engine.

Keyless Exit: Locking the vehicle via the door handle sensor on the driver or passenger door

(B)

The power locking system works like the standard unlocking and locking system. Only the way that the
systems are operated is different.

All turn signals flash twice to confirm that the vehicle has been unlocked and once to confirm that it
has been locked.

The vehicle will lock again in a few seconds if you do not open one of the doors or the luggage com-
partment lid.

Unlocking and opening doors (Keyless Entry)

Grasp the door handle of the driver or front passenger door so that you touch the unlocking sensor

surface

(A)

Open the door.

Closing and locking doors (Keyless Exit)

  Switch the ignition off.
  Close the driver door.
  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 luggage compartment lid

If the vehicle is locked and a valid remote control vehicle key is within range

⇒

fig. 29

of the luggage

compartment lid, it unlocks automatically when opened.

Open and close the luggage compartment lid as you would a standard luggage compartment lid
⇒ page 61, Luggage compartment lid.
The luggage compartment lid locks automatically when it is closed except in the following situations:

The vehicle is completely unlocked.
The most recently used vehicle key is inside the vehicle. All turn signals flash four times.

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

⇒ Starting and stopping the engine. A key that was inside

the vehicle when it was locked from the outside can be reactivated by pressing the button on the

deactivated key

⇒

fig. 27

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:

A short time has passed.
OR: The vehicle is unlocked using the button in the remote control vehicle key.

OR: The luggage compartment lid is opened.
OR: The vehicle is mechanically unlocked with the vehicle key.

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.

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

⇒ Manually unlocking and locking the driver door.

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 mobile 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

⇒ Exterior care and

cleaning.

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

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Your vehicle may be equipped with an anti-theft alarm system or pre-equipped for anti-theft alarm
system installation. If the vehicle is pre-equipped for installation of the anti-theft alarm system, the
alarm system can be retrofitted by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen
Service Facility.

The anti-theft alarm system makes it more difficult for someone to break into or steal the vehicle.

The anti-theft alarm system is automatically activated when the vehicle is locked by pressing the lock
button on the remote control vehicle key.

When is the alarm triggered?

The anti-theft alarm system sounds for about 30 seconds and the turn signals flash for up to 5 minutes
if the following occurs with respect to the locked vehicle:

  Opening a door that has been mechanically unlocked.
  Forcibly opening a door.
  Forcibly opening the engine hood.
  Forcibly opening the luggage compartment lid.
  Switching on the ignition with an invalid key.
  Disconnecting the vehicle battery.

Deactivating the alarm

Unlock the vehicle with the unlock button on the remote control vehicle key or switch on the ignition
with a valid remote control vehicle key.

For vehicles with Keyless Access, the alarm can be deactivated by grasping one of the front door
handles when a valid vehicle key is in range or by holding the remote control vehicle key to the right of

the steering column trim and pressing the starter button

⇒ Starter button.

After the alarm has stopped and the vehicle is opened again in the same or a different area that

is protected by the alarm, the alarm is triggered again. For example, the alarm will sound again if the
luggage compartment lid is opened after one of the doors has been opened.

The anti-theft alarm system is not activated when the vehicle is locked with the power lock

switch

on the inside of the driver or front passenger doors.

If the driver door is mechanically unlocked using the vehicle key bit, only the driver door is un-

locked, not the entire vehicle. Switching on the ignition deactivates the anti-theft alarm system and
activates the central locking button. To unlock the doors, use the central locking button or remote
control vehicle key.

If the vehicle battery is dead or weak, the anti-theft alarm system will not work properly.

Doors

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Display

More information:

  Exterior views
  Vehicle key set
  Power locking system
  Power windows
  Emergency closing and opening

WARNING

A door that is not closed properly may open suddenly when the vehicle is moving and cause
severe injuries.

Stop immediately and close the door.
Make sure that the door is safely and completely latched when closed. The closed door

must be flush with the surrounding auto body parts.

Open or close doors only if no one is in the way.

WARNING

A door kept open with the door stop may close in strong winds or on inclines and cause inju-
ries.

Always hold doors by the door handle while opening and closing.

NOTICE

Check to make sure that the windows go down slightly when you unlock the vehicle. Otherwise
the windows and seals could be damaged when opening the door.

Display

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Lights up

Possible cause

Proper response

Icon appears

in the display.

At least one vehicle door is open or
improperly closed.

Stop!

Open and close the door 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 a door is not closed properly, the vehicle icon appears in the instrument cluster display showing an

open door

⇒

fig. 15

⇒

fig. 16

⇒

fig. 17

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 in-
strument cluster display goes out about 15 seconds after the vehicle has been locked.

Luggage compartment lid

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Display

Opening the luggage compartment lid

Closing the luggage compartment lid

More information:

  Exterior views
  Power locking system
  Transporting
  Emergency closing and opening

WARNING

Accidents and severe personal injuries can result if you unlock, open, or close the luggage
compartment lid when someone is in the way.

Only open or close the luggage compartment lid if no one is in the way.
After closing the luggage compartment lid, always make sure that it is properly closed and

locked so that it cannot open suddenly when the vehicle is moving. The closed luggage com-
partment lid must be flush with the surrounding auto body parts.

Always keep the luggage compartment lid closed while driving to help keep poisonous

exhaust gas from being drawn into the vehicle.

Never open the luggage compartment lid when a luggage rack is installed and loaded. If,

for example, there are bicycles on a carrier on the luggage compartment lid, it is possible that
the lid will be difficult to open. An open luggage compartment lid may fall on its own because
of the additional weight. If necessary, prop open the luggage compartment lid. Remove the
weight from the luggage rack first.

Close and lock the luggage compartment 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 luggage compartment lid is open. A child could crawl into the vehicle and pull the
luggage compartment 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 tempera-
tures 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 chil-
dren.

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.

NOTICE

Before opening or closing the luggage compartment 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

luggage compartment lid could be damaged.

NOTICE

Never use the gas strut to hold or clamp a load in place. This can damage the luggage com-
partment lid and make it impossible to close.

Display

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Lights up

Possible cause

Proper response

Icon appears
in the display

Luggage compartment lid open or
improperly closed.

Stop!

Open the luggage compartment 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 luggage compartment lid is not closed properly, the vehicle icon appears in the instrument clus-

ter display showing an open luggage compartment lid

⇒

fig. 15

⇒

fig. 16

⇒

fig. 17

WARNING

If the luggage compartment lid is not closed properly, it may open suddenly when the vehicle
is moving and cause severe injuries.

Stop immediately and close the luggage compartment lid.

Always make sure the luggage compartment lid is securely latched after you close it.

Opening the luggage compartment lid

Fig. 31 In the remote control vehicle key: Button to unlock the luggage compartment lid.

Fig. 32 Opening luggage compartment lid from the outside.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Always remove any item(s) being transported on the luggage compartment lid before opening it

⇒ .

Unlocking with the vehicle key

Press the

button on the remote control vehicle key

⇒

fig. 31

to unlock the luggage compartment

lid. Then open the luggage compartment lid using the Volkswagen emblem.

Opening with the Volkswagen emblem

Unlock the vehicle or the luggage compartment lid, or open a door.

Using your thumb, press the top of the Volkswagen emblem

⇒

fig. 32

and move the top of the

emblem down. Grasp the bottom part of the emblem and pull to lift the luggage compartment lid.

WARNING

Improper or unsupervised unlocking or opening of the luggage compartment lid can cause
severe injuries. Never open the luggage compartment lid when someone is in the way.

If a bicycle or luggage rack is installed on the luggage compartment lid, it may be hard to

see that the luggage compartment lid is unlatched. An unlatched luggage compartment lid
may open suddenly when the vehicle is moving.

Volkswagen Beetle Convertible (2015 year). Manual - part 4