Volkswagen Beetle Convertible (2015 year). Instruction — part 9

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

up

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. 85 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. 85

(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)

x

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

⇒ page 132, 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. 86 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. 86

. 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. 85

(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. 85

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

Fig. 88 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. 87

:

(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. 88

(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. 88

(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. 89 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. 89

.

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. 90 Self-dimming rearview mirror (if equipped).

Fig. 91 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 shelf behind the rear seat backrest, 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. 91

.

Self-dimming rearview mirror (if equipped)

Key to

fig. 90

:

(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. 90

A

(3)

or

⇒

fig. 90

B

(3)

.

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

⇒

fig. 90

C

(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. 92 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. 92

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 luggage compartment lid

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:

Luggage compartment lid
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.

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.

Secure the load properly to keep it from shifting.

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.

Securely latch the rear seat backrest in the upright position.
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.

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.

Always accelerate gently and avoid sudden braking and driving maneuvers.
Always brake earlier than you would if you were not driving a loaded vehicle.

Stowing luggage

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

Always stow all luggage securely in the vehicle

Distribute the load in the vehicle and as evenly as possible.
Put heavy objects as far forward as possible in the luggage compartment and securely latch the

rear seat backrest in the upright position.

Secure luggage in the luggage compartment.

Adjust the headlight range, if necessary

⇒ Lights.

Check the pressure in all 4 tires when the tires are still cold. Never reduce air pressure in warm

tires to match cold tire inflation pressure. Heed the information on the tire pressure label

⇒ Tires and

wheels.

Pay especially close attention to your vehicle's Tire Pressure Monitoring System when driving with

a heavy load

⇒ Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

NOTICE

Wires in the rear windows such as for heating or for an antenna can be damaged by objects
that rub against them.

Please review the information on roof racks

⇒ Roof rack.

Driving with an open luggage compartment lid

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

Driving with an open luggage compartment lid can lead to serious personal injury. If you have to drive
with an open luggage compartment lid, make sure that all objects and the lid itself are properly se-
cured and take appropriate measures to keep toxic exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle.

WARNING

Driving with an unlatched or open luggage compartment lid can lead to serious personal
injury.

Never transport objects larger than those that fit completely in the luggage compartment,

because the luggage compartment lid cannot be fully closed properly.

After closing the lid, always pull up on it to make sure that it is properly closed and cannot

open suddenly when the vehicle is moving.

Always stow all objects securely in the luggage compartment. Loose objects can fall out

of the luggage compartment and injure others on the road behind you.

Drive carefully; anticipate what other drivers will do.
Avoid abrupt or sudden acceleration, steering, or braking, because the unlatched luggage

compartment lid can move suddenly.

Always mark objects sticking out from the luggage compartment clearly for others to see.

Obey all applicable legal requirements.

Never use the luggage compartment lid to “clamp” or “hold” objects that stick out of the

luggage compartment.

Always remove any luggage rack or other rack mounted on the luggage compartment lid

(along with any luggage on the rack) before driving with an open luggage compartment lid.

WARNING

Driving with an open luggage compartment lid can cause poisonous carbon monoxide in the
engine exhaust to get into the passenger compartment.

Carbon monoxide causes drowsiness, inattentiveness, poisoning, and loss of conscious-

ness. It can lead to accidents and severe personal injuries.

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

exhaust fumes from being drawn into the vehicle.

Never transport objects that are too large to fit completely into the luggage area, because

then the luggage compartment lid cannot be fully closed.

If you absolutely must drive with the convertible top closed and the luggage compartment

lid open, do the following to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning:

– Close all windows.

– Switch off the climate control system's air recirculation feature.

– Open all air vents in the instrument panel.

– Set the fresh air fan to the highest speed.

NOTICE

Opening the luggage compartment lid changes the vehicle height.

Driving a loaded vehicle

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

For good handling when driving a loaded vehicle, please observe the following:

Securely stow all luggage

⇒ Stowing luggage.

Drive especially carefully and accelerate gently.
Avoid sudden braking and driving maneuvers.
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 con-
trol and serious injury.

Secure the load properly to keep it from shifting.

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.

Securely latch the rear seat backrest in the upright position.
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.

Always adapt speed and driving to the heavier load and the weight distribution in the ve-

hicle. Take road, weather, traffic, and visibility conditions into account as well.

Always accelerate gently and avoid sudden braking and driving maneuvers.
Always brake earlier than you would if you were not driving a loaded vehicle.

Weights and axle weights

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

The actual gross weight of any vehicle depends on the engine, basic equipment, any factory-installed
optional equipment for the given model, and any accessories that have been installed. The Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross front and Rear Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) for a
given vehicle are printed on the vehicle's Safety Compliance Certification Label on the driver door

jamb

⇒ Important vehicle labels.

The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating includes the weight of the vehicle itself with all of its factory-
installed equipment, plus a full tank of gasoline, the engine oil and coolant, all vehicle occupants
(150 lbs/68 kg per seating position) and cargo.

The Gross Axle Weight Ratings specify the maximum allowable load for each axle.

Determining the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

⇒ Tires and wheels.

Vehicle payload consists of the combined weight of the following:

Passengers.
Total luggage and other cargo.
Factory-installed or retrofitted accessories.

Please refer to the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross front and rear Axle Weight
Ratings (GAWR) for your vehicle, which are printed on the vehicle's Safety Compliance Certification
Label on the driver door jamb.

WARNING

Exceeding maximum permissible weight ratings can result in vehicle damage, accidents, and
serious personal injury.

Never let the actual weights at the front and rear axles exceed the permissible Gross Axle

Weight Rating. Also, never let the total of these actual weights exceed the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating.

Always remember that the vehicle's handling and braking will be affected by extra load

and the distribution of this load. Adjust your speed accordingly.

NOTICE

Always distribute the load evenly and as low as possible in the vehicle. The vehicle capacity

weight figures apply when the load is distributed evenly in the vehicle (passengers and lug-
gage).

When transporting a heavy load in the luggage compartment, carry the load as close to the

rear axle (as far forward) as possible so that the vehicle's handling and braking are affected as
little as possible.