Background The New Beetle’s CAN-Bus diagnostic system outputs generic codes for engine ECU operations, but proprietary VW codes for many ancillary systems like airbags and ABS braking. A special code reader like the Ross-Tech VCDS HEX-V2 is required to go beyond engine-specific information. Volkswagen dealers have a dedicated VAS diagnostic tester...
Continue reading...Option codes
Background In the spare tire hold surround (under the luggage area carpet), there is a self-stick label with VW codes printed on it that describe vehicle-specific equipment and options. The label begins with the vehicle identification number (VIN) followed by a description of the vehicle, in our case “New Beetle GLX...
Continue reading...Turbo S purchase
Background Used Beetles are relatively low end daily drivers with typically very high total mileage, often in excess of 100,000. At the same time, most 10-plus year old vehicles have had multiple owners and correspondingly vague service records, if any. The graph above reflects Turbo S models for sale in early...
Continue reading...Evaluating the donor
If well maintained, the basic mechanical systems of a New Beetle should perform well for over 200,000 miles. The required intensity of maintenance and/or repair will depend on the condition of the acquired vehicle (in our case a 2004 Turbo S model with 51,500 miles). Level 1 routine service regardless of...
Continue reading...Rear spoiler
Background The rear spoiler doesn’t survive our Ute transformation, but its demise has a few implications that must be addressed. The spoiler moves via an electric step motor controlled with a separate, but integrated, electronic module. Spoiler operation uses different logic circuits that require speed data input: if speed under 12mph...
Continue reading...Bud vase
Around the turn of the last century when automobiles were first marketed to wealthy customers, the expected elegance of the carriage was marred by both engine noise and exhaust. The need for some kind of air freshener generated a host of distinctive small vases mounted on the B/C door pillar or...
Continue reading...ECU upgrade
Background One important advantage of the 2002-04 Turbo S version of the New Beetle is the performance flexibility of its 1.8T turbocharged engine. The AWP configuration in the Turbo S is essentially the same powerplant installed in a range of other VW models tuned from 125 to 240 horsepower.
Continue reading...Truck bed
Background The “truck bed” is the rear flat surface surrounded by bed front and side walls, and closed up at the end by the tailgate. Conceived for work, pickup trucks began their evolution in the early 20th century as simple, inexpensive, easy to repair, and utilitarian vehicles designed to haul stuff....
Continue reading...Back end treatment
Background Removing the entire back half of the Beetle’s body opens up options for rear lighting — license plate illumination, reverse, running, brake, and turn signal lights — as well as tailgate and truck bed embellishments. See also Owner’s Manual modified reference guide. Vintage pickups, like the Ford F-100, handled the...
Continue reading...Ground clearance
Background Ground clearance significantly impacts comfort, handling (center of gravity), appearance, load capacity, and safety of all vehicles. Optimal height is always a trade off: lower clearance improves handling, stability at high speeds, and increases the responsiveness of steering, but higher clearance improves comfort and navigation over uneven terrain (includes all...
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