Volkswagen Beetle (2015 year). Manual

Cup holders

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Cup holders in the front center console

Cup holder in the rear center console

Bottle holders

There is a place for bottles in the open compartments in the driver and passenger doors. The bottle

volume must not exceed 16.9 oz (0.5 liter)

⇒

More information:

Interior care and cleaning

WARNING

Improper use of beverage holders can cause injuries.

Never put hot drinks in the cup holders. During normal or sudden maneuvers, sudden

braking or in a collision, hot liquid can be spilled and cause burns!

Make certain that bottles or other items cannot fall into the driver's footwell while the ve-

hicle is moving and interfere with the movement of the pedals.

Never put heavy cups, food or other heavy items in the cup holders. Heavy items can fly

through the passenger compartment in a crash and cause serious injury.

WARNING

Hot or freezing temperatures in the passenger compartment can cause closed bottles to ex-
plode or break.

Never leave closed bottles in a very hot or cold vehicle.

WARNING

Bottles and other things can fall into the driver's footwell and interfere with the pedals while
driving.

Make sure that bottles cannot fall into the driver's footwell during driving to avoid ob-

structing the pedals.

Use the bottle holders only for standard beverage bottles holding no more than 16.9 oz

(0.5 liter).

NOTICE

Never put open drinks in the cup holders when the vehicle is moving. The drinks can spill and
damage the vehicle, including the electrical system.

Cup holders in the front center console

Fig. 107 In the front center console: Cup holders.

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

Place the drink in the cup holder

⇒

fig. 107

Cup holder in the rear center console

Fig. 108 In the rear center console: Cup holder.

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

Place the drink in the cup holder

⇒

fig. 108

Power outlets

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

12 Volt sockets in the vehicle

Electrical devices can be connected to the vehicle 12 Volt sockets.

The connected devices must be in good working order.

More information:

Parts, accessories, repairs, and modifications
Consumer information

WARNING

Improper use of electrical sockets and electrical devices may start a fire and cause severe
personal injury.

Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. Sockets and connected devices can be

used when the ignition is switched on.

If the connected device gets warm, immediately switch it off and disconnect the power

supply.

NOTICE

To help prevent damage to the electrical system, never connect any accessories such as a

solar panel or vehicle battery charger to a 12 Volt socket.

Only use accessories which have been tested for electromagnetic compatibility with a

motor vehicle.

To help prevent damage from voltage fluctuations, switch off all electrical consumers con-

nected to the 12 Volt socket before switching the ignition on or off or starting the engine.

Never connect devices to a 12 Volt socket that draw more than the maximum wattage the

socket can supply. Drawing too much power can damage the vehicle electrical system.

Please turn off the engine when you stop for any length of time.

The vehicle battery will drain if you use electrical equipment when the engine is not running.

Unshielded devices may interfere with radio reception or the vehicle's electrical system.

Operating electrical devices near the windshield-integrated antenna may interfere with AM radio

reception.

12 Volt sockets in the vehicle

Fig. 109 Front center console: 12 Volt socket.

Fig. 110 Rear center console: 12 Volt socket.

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

Maximum power draw

Socket

Maximum power draw

12 Volts

120 watts

The maximum power draw at any one socket must never be exceeded. Electrical devices should have
information on them that says how much power they draw.

If 2 or more electrical devices are connected at the same time, the total power draw of all connected

devices must never be more than 190 watts

⇒ .

12 Volt socket

The 12 Volt socket works only when the ignition is switched on.

If the ignition is on but the engine is not running, the vehicle battery will be drained by any device that
is plugged in and turned on. For this reason, never use the electrical sockets unless the engine is
running.

To help prevent damage from voltage fluctuations, switch off all electrical devices connected to a
12 Volt socket before switching the ignition on or off or starting the engine.

The vehicle may have 12 Volt sockets at the following places:

In the front and rear center console

⇒

fig. 109

Starting and stopping the engine

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Indicator lights

Vehicle key positions in the ignition switch

Starter button

Starting the engine

Stopping the engine

Electronic immobilizer

Engine preheating system

Explanatory notes in this section regarding automatic transmissions also apply to the DSG

automated transmission.

Immobilizer display

If an unauthorized vehicle key is used or the system malfunctions, Immobilizer active! may
appear on the instrument cluster display. The engine cannot be started.

Push-starting and tow-starting

For technical reasons, never try to push-start or tow-start the vehicle. Jump-start the vehicle instead
while following proper and safe procedures.

More information:

  Vehicle key set
  Shifting
  Steering
  Braking and parking
  Starting assistance systems
  Refueling
  Fuel
  Emergency closing and opening
  Jump-starting
  Towing

WARNING

Switching off the engine while the vehicle is moving can make the vehicle harder to stop and
result in loss of vehicle control, leading to collisions and severe personal injuries.

Brake and steering assistance systems, the airbag system, safety belt pretensioners, and

other vehicle safety features only work when the engine is running.

Switch off the engine only when the vehicle is not moving.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of serious personal injury when starting and running the vehicle's engine:

Never start the engine or let it run in a confined or enclosed area. Engine exhaust contains

carbon monoxide, a poisonous, colorless, and odorless gas. Carbon monoxide can cause
unconsciousness and death.

Never start the engine or let it run if oil, fuel, or other flammable substances are under,

around, or have leaked from the vehicle, for example, due to vehicle damage.

Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running, especially when it is in gear.

The vehicle could move suddenly or some other unexpected event could occur, resulting in
property damage, fire, or personal injury.

Never use starting assist fluids. Starting fluids can explode and can cause a “run-away”

vehicle condition.

WARNING

The vehicle exhaust system and the catalytic converter or diesel particulate filter get very hot.
They can cause fires and serious personal injury.

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.

Never apply additional undercoating or rust proofing on or near the exhaust manifold,

exhaust pipes, catalytic converter, diesel particulate filter, or heat shields.

Indicator lights

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

Lights

Possible cause

Proper response

Glow plug preheating before diesel en-
gine start-up.

Brake pedal not depressed.

Apply the brake pedal to start the engine

Flashes Possible cause

Proper response

The release button in the selector lever
did not engage. Vehicle movement is
prevented.

Engage the selector lever release button

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.

  Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.
  Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
  Whenever stalled or stopped for repair, move the vehicle a safe distance off the road, turn

on the emergency flashers, stop the engine, and use other warning devices to warn ap-
proaching traffic.

NOTICE

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

Vehicle key positions in the ignition switch

Fig. 111 In the ignition switch: Vehicle key positions.

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

If there is no vehicle key in the ignition, the steering column is locked.

Vehicle key position

⇒

fig. 111

(0)

Ignition switched off. Steering column lock engaged. The vehicle key can be removed.

(1)

Ignition is switched on. Diesel engine is preheated (if applicable). Steering column lock can be
released.

(2)

Start the engine. When the engine starts, release the vehicle key. When released, the vehicle
key returns to position

(1)

If you use the wrong key

If an unauthorized vehicle key has been inserted into the ignition switch, it can be removed as follows:

Automatic transmission: The vehicle key cannot be removed from the ignition unless both the key

and the selector lever have been moved to the correct position. Press the release button on the
transmission selector lever, move the selector lever to the Park (P) position, and release the button.
The vehicle key can now be removed.

Manual transmission: Pull out the vehicle key.

WARNING

Improper use of vehicle keys can result in serious personal injury.

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.

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.

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, particularly
in summer. Temperatures can quickly reach levels that can cause unconsciousness and
death, particularly to small children.

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 transmis-
sion selector lever to put the lever into Park (P).

Starter button

Fig. 112 In the lower center console: Starter button for the Keyless Access system.

Fig. 113 Hold the remote control vehicle key to the right of the steering column: Emergency starting feature
on vehicles with Keyless Access.

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

For vehicles with Keyless Access with push-button start,

⇒ Power locking system, the vehicle can be

started and stopped with the starter button in the lower center console

⇒

fig. 112

The starter button can only be used when an authorized vehicle key is in the vehicle.

When leaving the vehicle, the electronic steering column lock is activated when the ignition is

switched off and the driver door is opened

⇒ Steering.

Switching the ignition on and off

Briefly press the starter button once without operating the brake or clutch pedals

⇒

Emergency start feature

If an authorized remote control vehicle key is in the passenger compartment but the instrument cluster
displays Key not in Range when you push the starter button, the remote control vehicle key bat-
tery is weak or dead. You can still start the engine using the Emergency start feature.

Make sure the selector lever is in the Park (P) position.

Hold the remote control vehicle key to the right of the steering column trim immediately after press-

ing the starter button

⇒

fig. 113

The ignition automatically switches on and the engine starts.

Emergency shut-off

If the engine does not switch off by briefly pressing the starter button, emergency shut-off is neces-
sary:

Press the starter button twice within 3 seconds or press and hold the button longer than 1 second

⇒

in Stopping the engine

The engine switches off automatically.

Engine restart feature

If no authorized remote control vehicle key is identified in the passenger compartment after the engine
has been switched off, the engine can be restarted within about 5 seconds. A related message is
shown in the instrument cluster display.

After the 5 seconds have passed, the engine can no longer be started without an authorized vehicle
key in the passenger compartment.

WARNING

Unintended vehicle movement can cause serious personal injury.

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.

Always take the key with you when you leave the vehicle. Children or unauthorized per-

sons may use it to lock the vehicle, start the engine, and operate vehicle systems such as the
power windows, leading to serious personal injury.

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.

Heat buildup in the passenger and luggage compartment of a parked vehicle can result in

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 first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Please perform these steps only in the order listed.

Step

Vehicles without Keyless Access

Vehicles with Keyless Access

Automatic transmission: Depress the brake pedal and hold it down until step 5 is com-

pleted.

1 a.

Manual transmission: Depress clutch pedal fully and hold until the engine has started.

Shift the transmission into Neutral (N) or Park (P) (automatic), or into Neutral (manual only).

Only for vehicles with a diesel engine: To

preheat the glow plug, turn the vehicle key

to position

⇒

fig. 111

(1)

. The indicator light

will come on in the instrument cluster.

–

Please perform these steps only in the order listed.

Step

Vehicles without Keyless Access

Vehicles with Keyless Access

Turn the vehicle key to position

⇒

fig. 111

(2)

– do not depress the accelerator pedal.

Briefly press the starter button

⇒

fig. 112

–

do not depress the accelerator pedal. An

authorized vehicle key must be inside the

vehicle in order to start the engine.

When the engine starts, release the vehicle

key.

When the engine starts, release the starter

button.

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

Release the parking brake when you are ready to start driving

WARNING

Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running, especially when it is in gear. The
vehicle could move suddenly or some other unexpected event could occur, resulting in prop-
erty damage, fire, or personal injury.

WARNING

“Starting fluids” can explode and can cause a “run-away” vehicle condition.

Never use starting assist fluids.

NOTICE

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.

Avoid high engine speeds, full throttle acceleration, and heavy engine loads when the en-

gine is cold.

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 tempera-
ture 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 activat-

ed, minor fume buildup may occur underneath the vehicle.

Stopping the engine

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

Please perform these steps only in the order listed.

Step

Vehicles without Keyless Access

Vehicles with Keyless Access

Bring the vehicle to a complete stop

⇒

Depress and hold down the brake pedal until step 4 is completed.

Automatic transmission: Shift the transmission into Park (P).

Apply the parking brake to help prevent the vehicle from moving

Turn the vehicle key to position

⇒

fig. 111

(0)

in the ignition switch.

Briefly press the starter button

⇒

fig. 112

. If

the engine will not switch off, carry out the

emergency shut-off procedure

Manual transmission: Shift into 1st gear (vehicle on flat surface or pointing uphill) or

Reverse (R) (vehicle pointing downhill).

Removing the vehicle key from the ignition

switches off electrical equipment and acti-

vates the steering column lock.

Opening the doors switches off electrical

equipment and activates the steering col-

umn 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.

The airbags and safety belt pretensioners will not work when the ignition is switched off.
The brake booster does not work when the engine is not running. More brake pedal pres-

sure will be needed to stop the vehicle.

The power steering system does not work when the engine is not running, and you will

need more force to steer the vehicle.

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 automati-
cally when the engine has cooled down enough.

Electronic immobilizer

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

The immobilizer helps to prevent the engine from being started and driven with an unauthorized vehi-
cle key.

There is a microchip inside the vehicle key. The chip deactivates the immobilizer automatically when
an authorized vehicle key is inserted into the ignition switch.

The electronic immobilizer is automatically activated when the remote control vehicle key is pulled out

of the ignition switch. On vehicles with Keyless Access, the vehicle key must be outside the vehicle

⇒

Power locking system.

The engine can therefore only be started with an authorized and correctly coded genuine Volkswagen
vehicle key. Coded vehicle keys are available from authorized Volkswagen dealers, authorized
Volkswagen Service Facilities, and from certain independent repair facilities and locksmiths who are

qualified to make these vehicle keys

⇒ Vehicle key set.

If an unauthorized vehicle key is used, Immobilizer active! appears in the instrument cluster
display. The vehicle cannot be operated with this key.

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

⇒

Declaration of Compliance, Telecommunications and Electronic Systems.

Using genuine Volkswagen keys helps minimize the risk of malfunctions.

Shifting

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Warning and indicator lights

Pedals

Manual transmission: Gearshift lever

Automatic transmission: Selector lever

Shifting with Tiptronic

Driving with automatic transmission

Automatic transmission malfunction

Gear recommendation

Explanatory notes in this section regarding automatic transmissions also apply to the DSG

automated transmission.

Your vehicle may be equipped with a special DSG

automated transmission that combines the per-

formance and economy of a standard manual transmission with the comfort and convenience of a
conventional automatic transmission. The DSG transmission housing contains two clutches, one that
works with the odd-numbered gears (1, 3, 5 and R) and the other that works with the even-numbered
gears (2, 4, 6). The dual clutch configuration enables rapid shifts between gears without loss of trac-
tion as the dual clutch seamlessly transfers the engine power from one driveshaft to the other during
gear shifts. An output shaft for each of the two gearbox units transmits the drive to the driven wheels
via a differential. The DSG electronic control unit, sensors, and hydraulic control for clutch engage-
ment and gear selection form one compact weight-saving unit.

Thanks to the dual-clutch design, the DSG system is more efficient than a conventional automatic
transmission. For example, while idling, a torque converter in a conventional automatic transmission is
engaged all the time (increasing load and engine fuel consumption), while the DSG gradually opens
the clutch, allowing the engine to idle freely. In most cases, this efficiency combined with its low weight
and intelligent control means that DSG can achieve the same or better fuel consumption than a manu-
al transmission. The clutches, like the clutch in a standard manual transmission are subject to wear
over time. The DSG transmission requires periodic maintenance that is described in the
⇒ Chapter

Warranty and Maintenance.

When the ignition is switched on and the transmission is in Reverse (R):

The backup lights come on.

More information:

  Lower center console
  Instruments
  Braking and parking
  Engine control and emission control system
  Emergency closing and opening

WARNING

Rapid acceleration can cause skidding and loss of traction, especially on slippery roads,
resulting in a loss of vehicle control, collisions, and serious personal injury.

Only use the kick-down feature or fast acceleration if visibility, weather, road, and traffic

conditions permit and other drivers will not be endangered by your driving and the vehicle's
acceleration.

WARNING

Constant braking causes the brakes to overheat and even to fail leading to collisions and
serious personal injury.

Never “ride” the brakes or apply the brake pedal too often or too long.
Riding the brakes will substantially reduce braking performance, increase stopping dis-

tance, and can cause complete brake system failure.

NOTICE

Never “ride” the brakes by keeping your foot on the brake pedal when you do not want to

brake. This will make the brakes wear faster.

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
even fail. Only use the brakes when you need them to slow the vehicle down more or to stop.

Warning and indicator lights

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

Lights

Possible cause

Proper response

DSG

transmission overheating.

Do not continue driving!

Allow the transmission to cool with the selec-

tor lever in the P position.

If the warning does not turn off, do not contin-

ue driving. See your authorized Volkswagen

dealer for assistance. Otherwise, serious

transmission damage could result

Brake pedal not depressed.

Apply the brake pedal to select a drive gear

Flashes

Possible cause

Proper response

The release button in the selector lever

did not engage. Vehicle movement is

prevented.

Engage selector lever release button

Volkswagen Beetle (2015 year). Manual - part 12