Volkswagen Beetle (2015 year). Instruction

Turn the thumbwheel to the desired position

(2)

Position

Vehicle loading condition

–

Front seats occupied and an empty luggage compartment.

All seats occupied and an empty luggage compartment.

1.5

All seats occupied and a fully loaded luggage compartment

Only the driver seat occupied and a fully loaded luggage compartment.

–

WARNING

Headlights that are aimed too high because of the way the vehicle is loaded can blind and
distract other drivers. This can lead to a crash and serious personal injuries.

Always make sure the headlights are adjusted to loading conditions so that they do not

blind others.

Interior and reading lights

Fig. 75 Thumbwheel next to the steering wheel.

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

Button

Function

Interior lights off.

Interior lights on.

You can also select intermediate positions on the thumbwheel depending on the loading condition.

Button

Function

Door contact switch - center position.
Interior lights go on automatically when the vehicle is unlocked, a door is opened, or
the vehicle key is removed from the ignition.
The lights go out about 20 seconds after you close the doors. They also go out when
you lock the vehicle or switch on the ignition.

Reading light on or off.

Glove and luggage compartment lights

The glove and luggage compartments may have lights that come on automatically when they are
opened and go off when they are closed.

Ambient (background) lighting

When the ignition and the headlights are switched on, ambient lights in the roof console light up.

There may also be footwell lighting.

Ambient (background) lighting in the doors

Some vehicles are equipped with ambient lighting in the doors that comes on when the ignition or
headlights are switched on.

Turn the thumbwheel to the desired position

⇒

fig. 75

Position

Ambient lighting color

Red

Blue

White

–

Ambient lighting in the doors switched off

The interior and reading lights go out when you lock the vehicle or a few minutes after you re-

move the vehicle key from the ignition. This helps to prevent unnecessary drain on the vehicle battery.

Sun protection

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Sun visors

Windshield made of heat-insulating glass

WARNING

Sun visors can reduce visibility.

Always stow sun visors when not needed to block sun glare.

Sun visors

Fig. 76 In the headliner: Sun visor.

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

Sun visor adjustment

Flip the sun visor down toward the windshield.

Lift it out of the retaining clip

⇒

fig. 76

(1)

and swivel it over toward the door.

Additional sun visor positions

On some vehicles, you can slide the driver side sun visor towards the rear of the vehicle after swivel-
ing it over to the door.

Vanity mirror and lighting

A vanity mirror is behind a cover in the sun visor. Your vehicle may also be equipped with a light

(3)

that comes on when you slide the cover

(2)

open.

The light goes out when you shut the cover or if you flip the sun visor up again.

The interior light above the sun visor goes out after several minutes. This helps to prevent un-

necessary drain on the vehicle battery.

Windshield made of heat-insulating glass

Fig. 77 Heat-reflective windshield with communications window (blue shaded area).

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

Windshields made of insulating glass have a transparent metallic infrared-reflecting coating. There is

an uncoated area (communications window) just above the inside rearview mirror

⇒

fig. 77

. This

serves as a communications window for transmitting signals to and from electronic components and
accessories.

The uncoated area must not be blocked on the inside or outside or covered with stickers because this
can cause the electronic components to malfunction.

Windshield wipers and washer

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Indicator light

Windshield wiper lever

Windshield wiper functions

Windshield wiper service position

Rain sensor

Checking and refilling windshield washer fluid

More information:

  Exterior views
  Shifting
  Climate control
  Working in the engine compartment
  Exterior care and cleaning

WARNING

Windshield washer fluid without enough frost protection can freeze on the windshield and
reduce visibility.

Use the windshield washer system with enough frost protection for winter temperatures.
Never use the windshield wipers/washers when it is freezing without first defrosting the

windshield. The washer solution may freeze on the windshield and reduce visibility.

WARNING

Worn or dirty wiper blades reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents and severe
injuries.

Always replace wiper blades that are worn, damaged, or do not keep the windshield clear.

NOTICE

To help prevent damage to the wiper blades and the wiper motor when it is cold outside, al-
ways make sure that blades are not frozen to the windshield before operating the wipers. Using
the windshield wiper service position can be helpful in cold weather so the wipers do not

freeze to the windshield

⇒ Windshield wiper service position.

Indicator light

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

Lights

Possible cause

Proper response

Not enough windshield washer fluid.

Refill windshield washer reservoir at the next
opportunity

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.

NOTICE

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

Windshield wiper lever

Fig. 78 Operating the front windshield wipers.

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

Move the lever to the desired position

⇒ :

(A)

Wiper switched off.

(B)

Intermittent wiping for the windshield.

Adjust the interval settings with switch

⇒

fig. 78

(1)

(vehicles without rain sensors) or

the sensitivity of the rain sensor (vehicles with rain sensors).

(C)

Slow wiper speed.

(D)

Fast wiper speed.

(E)

One-tap wiping – brief wiping. Hold the lever pressed down longer to wipe more often.

Move the lever to the desired position

⇒ :

(F)

Pull the lever toward the steering wheel to activate the windshield washers, then
release.

NOTICE

To help prevent damage to the wiper blades and the wiper motor when it is cold outside, al-
ways make sure that blades are not frozen to the windshield before operating the wipers. Using
the service position can be helpful in cold weather so the wipers do not freeze to the wind-

shield

⇒ Windshield wiper service position.

If the ignition is switched off while the wipers are running, the wipers will continue at the

same wiping speed when the ignition is switched on again. Frost, ice, snow, leaves, and other
objects on the windshield can damage the wipers and the wiper motor.

Remove snow and ice from the wipers before you begin driving.
If the wiper blades freeze to the windshield, loosen them carefully. Volkswagen recom-

mends using a deicing spray.

NOTICE

Never switch on the windshield wipers when the windshield is dry because the windshield can
be scratched.

The windshield wipers work only if the ignition is switched on.

The intermittent wiping for the front windshield depends on the driving speed. The higher the

speed, the faster the wipers move.

If the wiper blades freeze to the windshield, loosen them carefully. Volkswagen recommends

using a deicing spray.

Windshield wiper functions

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

Wiper performance in different situations:

When the vehicle is not
moving:

The wiper speed changes temporarily to the next lower speed.

During automatic
wipe/wash:

While the washer system is working, the Climatronic switches to
recirculation for about 30 seconds to help prevent the washer fluid
odor from entering the vehicle interior.

Wiper performance in different situations:

During intermittent wiping:

Speed-dependent interval control: The higher the vehicle speed, the
faster the wipers move.

Heated washer nozzles

Some vehicles are equipped with heated washer nozzles. The heating thaws frozen washer nozzles,
but not the fluid supply hoses. When the ignition is switched on, the heat applied to the washer noz-
zles is automatically regulated depending on the outside air temperature.

If there is something on the windshield, the wiper will try to wipe it away. If it continues to block

the wiper, the wiper will stop moving. Remove the obstacle and switch the wiper on again.

Windshield wiper service position

Fig. 79 Windshield wiper in service position.

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

In the service position, the wiper arms can be lifted away from the windshield

⇒

fig. 79

. The wipers are

moved to the service position as follows:

On some vehicles, the engine hood must be closed

⇒ Working in the engine compartment.

Switch the ignition off, turn it on briefly, and then off again.

Press the windshield wiper lever down briefly

⇒

fig. 78

(E)

when the ignition is off.

Wipers move into service position.

Carefully fold the wiper arms back onto the windshield before driving! Switch the ignition on and press

the windshield wiper lever down briefly

⇒

fig. 78

(E)

. The wiper arms move back to their original posi-

tion.

Lifting the wiper blades and tilting them away from the windshield

Put the wiper arms in service position

⇒ .

Do not handle the wiper blades, handle the wiper arms only at the attachment above the wiper

blades.

NOTICE

To help prevent damage to the engine hood and the windshield wiper arms, lift the wiper

arms away from the windshield only when they are in the service position.

Always carefully fold the windshield wiper arms down against the windshield before driving

the vehicle.

Rain sensor

Fig. 80 Windshield wiper lever: Adjusting the rain sensor 1 (if equipped).

Fig. 81 Inside the front windshield above the inside mirror: Sensitive rain sensor surface.

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

When switched on, the rain sensor automatically shortens or lengthens the time between wiping

intervals depending on how hard it is raining

⇒

. The rain sensor's sensitivity can be adjusted

manually. Manual wiping (vehicles without rain sensors), see

⇒ Windshield wiper lever.

Push the lever into the desired position

⇒

fig. 80

(A)

Rain sensor off (windshield wiper lever home position).

(B)

Rain sensor active – automatic wiping as needed.

(1)

Adjust the sensitivity of the rain sensor:
– Move switch to the right – high sensitivity.
– Move switch to the left – low sensitivity.

After switching the ignition off and back on again, the rain sensor stays on and works again when the
wiper lever is in position

(B)

Possible reasons for changes in the way the rain sensor works

The rain sensor may misread what is happening in the detection zone of its sensitive rain-sensor

surface

⇒

fig. 81

(arrow) and not work for a number of reasons, which may include:

Worn out wiper blades: Worn out wiper blades may leave a film of water or wiping streaks; this can

cause the wipers to run longer, to wipe more often, or to wipe continuously at high speed.

Insects: Insects hitting the windshield may trigger the wipers.
Salt streaks: Salt streaks on the windshield from winter driving can cause wiping more often or

continuously on glass that is almost dry.

Dirt: Caked-on dust, wax, any other buildup on the windshield (lotus effect), or car-wash detergent

residue can lower the rain sensor's sensitivity and cause it to react too slowly or not at all.

Crack or chip in the windshield: If a stone hits and chips the windshield while the rain sensor is on,

this will trigger a wiper cycle. After that, the rain sensor will recognize the change and recalibrate itself
to respond to the sensitive surface's reduced detection zone. Depending on the size of the chip, the
sensor's reaction pattern may or may not change.

WARNING

The rain sensor cannot always recognize rain and activate the wipers.

Switch the wipers on manually when water on the windshield reduces visibility.

Clean the rain sensor's sensitive surface

⇒

fig. 81

(arrow) regularly and check the wiper blades

for wear or damage.

To remove wax and coats of polish safely, we recommend using an alcohol-based windshield

cleaner.

Checking and refilling windshield washer fluid

Fig. 82 In the engine compartment: Cap of the windshield washer fluid reservoir.

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

Check the windshield washer fluid level regularly and refill as necessary.

There is a filter screen in the filler neck of the windshield washer fluid reservoir. The screen helps to
keep large particles and debris from getting into and clogging the windshield washer nozzles when
adding windshield washer fluid. Take the screen out only to clean it. If the screen is damaged or

missing, have it replaced immediately, otherwise the system may become clogged and not work
properly.

Open the engine hood

⇒ , Working in the engine compartment.

The windshield washer fluid reservoir can be identified by the symbol on its cap

⇒

fig. 82

Check if there is still enough windshield washer fluid in the reservoir.
Refill with clear water (not distilled water) and an appropriate windshield washer fluid that is rec-

ommended by Volkswagen

⇒ . Follow the directions on the container.

In cold weather, always use a special windshield washer antifreeze solution that will help keep the

water from freezing

⇒

Recommended cleaners

For the warmer months, Windscreen Clear SummerG 052 184 A1 or equivalent. Mixing ratio

1:100 (1 part concentrate to 100 parts water) in the windshield washer reservoir.

All-season Windscreen ClearG 052 164 A2 or equivalent. Mixing ratio in winter to 0 °F (-18 °C)

about 1:2 (1 part concentrate to 2 parts water), otherwise, mixing ratio 1:4 in the windshield washer
reservoir.

Filling capacity

The windshield washer fluid reservoir holds 3.8 – 4.7 quarts (about 3.6 – 4.5 liters).

WARNING

Never mix antifreeze or similar additives into the windshield washer reservoir. This could
produce an oily film on the windshield, which would considerably reduce visibility.

Use clear water (not distilled water) with a cleaning solution recommended by

Volkswagen.

If necessary, blend with a suitable windshield washer fluid antifreeze agent.

NOTICE

Never mix cleaning solutions recommended by Volkswagen with other cleaning agents. If

you do, this could cause sediments or other by-products that can clog the windshield washer
nozzles.

When refilling, do not confuse one type of operating liquid with another! Otherwise serious

malfunctions and engine damage can occur!

Mirrors

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Inside mirror

Outside mirrors

For your driving safety, it is important that you properly adjust the outside mirrors and the inside mirror

before you start driving

⇒

The outside mirrors and the inside mirror help you see and adapt your driving to traffic behind you.
Remember that the inside and outside rearview mirrors will not show everything behind you. There
can be blind spots. Blind spots can be significantly larger if the mirrors are not properly adjusted.

More information:

  Exterior views
  Volkswagen Information System
  Adjusting the seating position
  Shifting
  Braking and parking

WARNING

Adjusting mirrors when the vehicle is moving can cause driver distraction, accidents, and
serious personal injury.

Always adjust the rearview mirrors when the vehicle is not moving.
Always be aware of what is happening around the vehicle when changing lanes, passing,

turning, or parking. Another vehicle, pedestrian, or object could be in your blind spot.

Always make sure mirrors are properly adjusted and the view to the rear is not reduced by

moisture, ice, snow, or other things.

WARNING

Self-dimming rearview mirrors contain an electrolyte fluid which can leak if the mirror glass is
broken. Electrolyte fluid can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.

Repeated or prolonged exposure to electrolyte fluid can irritate the respiratory system,

especially among people with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Get fresh air immedi-
ately by leaving the vehicle or, if that is not possible, open windows and doors all the way.

If electrolyte fluid gets into the eyes, flush them thoroughly with large amounts of clean

water for at least 15 minutes; medical attention is recommended.

If electrolyte fluid contacts skin, flush affected area with clean water for at least

15 minutes and then wash affected area with soap and water; medical attention is recom-
mended. Thoroughly wash affected clothing and shoes before reuse.

If swallowed, and the person is conscious, rinse mouth with water for at least 15 minutes.

Get medical attention immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by a
medical professional.

NOTICE

Broken glass in the self-dimming rearview mirrors can cause electrolyte fluid leakage. Liquid
electrolyte leaked from a broken mirror glass will damage any plastic surfaces it comes in
contact with. Clean up spilled electrolyte fluid immediately with clear water and a sponge.

Inside mirror

Fig. 83 Self-dimming rearview mirror (if equipped).

Fig. 84 Manually adjustable inside mirror.

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

Adjust the inside mirror to make sure that there is good visibility through the rear window.

For example, visibility through the rear window could be impaired if there is a sunshade on the rear
window or clothing on the luggage compartment cover, or if the rear window is covered with ice, snow,
or dirt.

Manually adjustable inside mirror

Home position: Lever on the bottom edge of the mirror points forward.

To adjust to non-glare visibility, move the lever so that it points backward

⇒

fig. 84

Self-dimming rearview mirror (if equipped)

Key to

⇒

fig. 83

(1)

Indicator light

(2)

Switch

(3)

Sensor for recognizing the entry of light from the rear

(4)

Sensor for registering light from the front

The self-dimming feature can be switched on and off with the switch on the inside mirror

(2)

A or

(2)

B. When self-dimming is activated, the indicator light

(1)

is on.

There are two sensors in the interior mirror housing:

One sensor on the side facing the interior to measure light from the rear of the vehicle

⇒

fig. 83

(3)

⇒

fig. 83

(3)

One sensor on the side facing the windshield to measure light from the front of the vehicle

⇒

fig. 83

(4)

If the ignition is switched on, the mirror automatically darkens depending on the amount of light shining
into the vehicle from the rear.

The self-dimming feature is deactivated when you shift the transmission into reverse or switch on the
interior lights or the reading light.

Do not attach external navigation devices to the windshield or in the vicinity of the self-dimming inside

mirror

⇒

WARNING

The illuminated display on an external navigation device can cause the self-dimming inside
mirror to malfunction, which can result in crashes and serious injuries.

Malfunctions in the self-dimming function can result in the inside mirror being unable to

evaluate the exact distance of vehicles in the rear or other objects.

If the light striking the sensor is filtered or blocked (such as by a sunshade), the self-dimming

inside mirror will not work properly or may not work at all.

Outside mirrors

Fig. 85 In the driver door: Adjusting knob for the outside mirrors.

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

When the ignition is switched on, turn the knob in the driver door

⇒

fig. 85

to adjust the outside mirrors.

Turn the rotary knob to the desired position:

Turn the rotary knob to the desired position:

Switch on outside mirror heating.

Adjust the left outside mirror by pressing the knob to left/right and
up/down.

Adjust the right outside mirror by pressing the knob to left/right
and up/down.

Neutral position. No heating or adjustment possible.

WARNING

Improper use of the folding outside mirrors can cause personal injury.

Always make sure that nobody is in the way when folding the mirrors in or out.
Make sure that you do not get your finger caught between the mirror and the mirror base

when moving the mirrors.

WARNING

Incorrectly estimating distances with the right outside mirror can cause collisions and seri-
ous injury.

The right outside mirror has a convex (curved) surface. This widens your field of vision.

But vehicles or other objects seen in a convex mirror will look smaller and farther away than
they really are.

If you use the right outside mirror to judge distances from vehicles behind you when

changing lanes, you could estimate incorrectly and cause a crash and serious injuries.

Whenever possible, use the inside mirror to more accurately judge distance and size of

vehicles or other objects seen in the convex mirror.

Always make sure you have a clear view to the rear of the vehicle.

NOTICE

Always fold in the outside mirrors when taking the vehicle through an automatic car wash.

To reduce fuel consumption, use outside mirror heating only when needed.

If power mirror adjustment does not work, the outside mirrors can be adjusted by hand by press-

ing on the edges of the mirror surface.

Driving tips

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Stowing luggage

Driving with an open rear hatch

Driving a loaded vehicle

Weights and axle weights

Always stow heavy objects in the luggage compartment and make sure that the rear seat backrests
are securely latched. Never overload the vehicle. Remember that the vehicle load, as well as how it is

distributed, can affect vehicle handling and braking

⇒

More information:

  Rear hatch
  Lights
  Luggage compartment
  Roof rack
  Tires and wheels

WARNING

Unsecured or incorrectly stowed items can fly through the vehicle, causing serious personal
injury during hard braking or sharp steering or in an accident. Loose items can also be struck
and thrown through the passenger compartment by the front airbags if they inflate. To help
reduce the risk of serious personal injury:

  Always stow all objects securely in the vehicle.
  Always keep storage compartments closed while driving.
  Do not stow hard, heavy, or sharp objects in open bins in the vehicle or on top of the in-

strument panel.

Remove hard, heavy, and sharp objects from clothing and bags in the vehicle interior and

stow securely. Always put heavy items in the luggage compartment.

Always secure objects in the passenger compartment properly with suitable straps so that

they cannot move into the deployment area of a side or front airbag during braking, in a sud-
den maneuver, or in a collision.

Always make sure that there is nothing on the front passenger seat when the backrest is

folded forward.

Passengers must never ride in an incorrect seating position because objects are being

transported in the vehicle.

Never let anybody sit in a seat that is blocked by objects being carried in the vehicle.

Volkswagen Beetle (2015 year). Instruction - part 8