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2003 Volkswagen New Beetle Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)

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TSB Date Problem Area TSB Text
04/16/18 NHTSA ID: 10133344
TSB ID: V171701 2012855

17 17 01 july 5, 2017 2012855 supersedes technical bulletin 17-16-02 (v171602) dated april 29, 2016 due to updated oil standards lists to current specifications. engine oils which meet volkswagen oil quality standards
01/08/18 NHTSA ID: 10126870
TSB ID: V011615 2014815

Update to include additional model year applicability.
12/14/17 NHTSA ID: 10125726
TSB ID: V171302 2017813

Technical bulletin (oil consumption measurement): customer states oil consumption is higher than the volkswagen oil consumption standard of up to 0.5 quarts per 600 miles, or 0.5 liters per 1000 km. in order to provide effective lubrica
12/14/17 NHTSA ID: 10125837
TSB ID: TT 21-13-01

Tech tips (equipped with turbocharged engine turbocharger replacement tip): if mechanical damage is found to the turbocharger (e.g. damaged compression wheel, loose or broken shaft), it is not enough to just replace the turbocharger. thi
12/14/17 NHTSA ID: 10125836
TSB ID: TT 28-01-09

Tech tips (equipped with alh tdi engine - glow plug replacement tip): this document informs that there are 2 suppliers for the tdi glow plugs-bosch and beru. when replacing the glow plugs make sure that you do not mix stock. the vehicle
12/05/17 NHTSA ID: 10124418
TSB ID: TT 24-08-01

Tech tips (models with 1.8t engine - pressure loss issues): fault code p1297 may be set and fuel mixtures may go lean if the vehicle is driven under load or revved up and then returned to idle. this document informs of what to do should th
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12/05/17 NHTSA ID: 10124482
TSB ID: TT 20-09-06

Tech tips (tdi engine - n75 solenoid valve diagnosis): this document informs with graphical aid the testing of the n75 solenoid valve in the event of a turbocharger fault code such as p0299 or p0234. this applies to mechanical injection st
12/05/17 NHTSA ID: 10124471
TSB ID: V171403 2017813

Technical bulletin (oil consumption measurement): customer states oil consumption is higher than the volkswagen oil consumption standard of up to 0.5 quarts per 600 miles, or 0.5 liters per 1000 km. in order to provide effective lubricati
12/05/17 NHTSA ID: 10124302
TSB ID: V011408 2014815

Technical bulletin the use of contaminated gasoline, seasonal fuel changes (summer/winter fuel) or gasoline with a low content of deposit control additives may result in one or more of the following conditions: -excessive accumulation of
10/30/17 NHTSA ID: 10121246
TSB ID: V011503 2014815

Discusses the issues associated with using contaiminated gasoline. there are recommendations to use top tier gasoline retailers
10/30/17 NHTSA ID: 10121123
TSB ID: V011602 2014815

Technical tips on what to do if improper gasoline has been added to the vehicle.
10/21/17 NHTSA ID: 10120329
TSB ID: V171404 2012855

Technical bulletin (engine oils which meet volkswagen oil quality standard): this document informs of a sample list of products generally available in the north american market that meet the volkswagen oil quality standard
04/13/12 NHTSA ID: 10043602
TSB ID: TB-01-12-04

Volkswagen: gasoline engines have rough idle, have significant loss of power or stalling with reduced performance.
04/03/07 NHTSA ID: 10021315
TSB ID: 010702

Dtc's p1297 (17705) or p1557 (17965) stored in dtc memory. this may be caused by intake hoses leaking (during boost conditions) due to incorrect torque on clamps or improper placement, worn or torn intake hoses.
01/17/06 NHTSA ID: 10018786
TSB ID: 11292005

Engine pre-heater installation. calix.
02/03/05 NHTSA ID: 10011901
TSB ID: 0405

Hybrid oil pan, installing.
07/08/04 NHTSA ID: 10007711
TSB ID: 0409

Evaluating fuel mixture diagnostic trouble codes- how to perform effective diagnosis related to fuel system adaptation - system too rich/too lean. volkswagen. *mj
03/23/11 Engine NHTSA ID: 10036496
TSB ID: SAC-28F3/P1-REV

Volkswagen: gasoline engine vehicles inspect, and if necessary, replace ignition coils. vehicles affected by this action may have ignition coils that could malfunction under certain conditions. models passat and wagon; golf; gti; jetta a
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07/26/10 Engine NHTSA ID: 10033216
TSB ID: SA-28F3

Volkswagen: (revised) vehicles may have ignition coils that could malfunction under certain conditions. if this happens, the malfunction indicator lamp (mil) will illuminated to let you know that vehicle may experience some deterioration
07/26/10 Engine NHTSA ID: 10033207
TSB ID: SB-28F3

Volkswagen: vehicles may have ignition coils that could malfunction under certain conditions. if this happens, the malfunction indicator lamp (mil) will illuminated to let you know that the vehicle may experience some deterioration in per
03/10/04 Engine NHTSA ID: 10005665
TSB ID: WG

Replacement of the ignition coils. it is possible that if one of the vehicle's ignition coil fails, rough idling or reduced driving power could occur in addition to illumination of the malfunction indicator lamp light. *mj
12/14/17 Transmission and Drivetrain NHTSA ID: 10125833
TSB ID: TT 37-06-06

Tech tips (vehicles with 09g or 09a transmission -- replacing transmission): this document informs if you replace one of these transmissions, check etka to see if you must also replace the transmission control module (tcm) at the same ti
10/21/17 Transmission and Drivetrain NHTSA ID: 10120207
TSB ID: TT 32-14-01

Tech tips (torque converter/flywheel/flexplate installation): incorrect torque converter or flywheel/flexplate installation can result in transmission damage. when installing an engine, flywheel or transmission, please follow the installat
06/06/11 Transmission and Drivetrain NHTSA ID: 10037805
TSB ID: VWP-10-06

Volkswagen: warranty information for th e transmission valve body.
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05/05/04 Transmission and Drivetrain NHTSA ID: 10006517
TSB ID: 0401

Reverse gear, difficult to engage or disengage. *mr
04/16/18 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10133469
TSB ID: TT001703

Tip for scan tool concerns that may occur duing a test plan
04/02/18 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10130748
TSB ID: Quick Reference

Quick reference of vehicle concerns. includes a list of software versions and the technical bulletin numbers that referred to the concerns updated
02/05/18 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10127681
TSB ID: Update 02122016

Quick reference of vehicle concerns. includes a list of software versions and the technical bulletin numbers that referred to the concerns updated
02/05/18 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10128084
TSB ID: Ref. - Reflash U

Quick reference update guide of the vehicles expected upgraded software level. the latest corresponding technical bulletins that address the issues, and concerns that have been had with the vehicles.
01/08/18 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10126861
TSB ID: V871622 2019947

Update to model year applicability.
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12/14/17 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10125747
TSB ID: TT 57-13-04

Tech tips (equipped with immobilizer iii - odis key adaptation tip): this document informs when adapting keys using odis, an error message may be displayed once the test plan directs to cycle the key off. if error is displayed, this does
12/05/17 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10124340
TSB ID: V871402 2005566

Technical bulletin (hvac, unpleasant odor): condensation, which is a normal condition in all a/c systems, can cause a musty odor. if the odor is noticeable in the vehicle when the engine is not turned on, the cause may be mold and mildew i
12/05/17 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10124477
TSB ID: TT 87-10-05

Tech tips (air conditioning does not operate): this document informs of concerns of no or intermittent a/c operation where pressure diagnosis does not lead to a cause, be sure to check the n25 a/c clutch coil. the fan control module may se
12/05/17 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10124303
TSB ID: V011407 2014603

Technical bulletin this technical bulletin details the general process for carrying out a software version management (svm) software update for any technical bulletin (tsb) / required vehicle update (rvu).
12/05/17 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10124287
TSB ID: V941402 2011521

Technical bulletin (exterior lights, moisture accumulation): exterior light assemblies (headlights, taillights, fog lights, turn signals) are vented and may collect moisture on their inner surfaces, depending on humidity and other climatic
12/05/17 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10124289
TSB ID: V871401 2005566

Technical bulletin (hvac, unpleasant odor): unpleasant odor is coming from heating and ventilation system. odor mainly occurs after vehicle has been sitting (unused) at least 5 hours and within 20 to 60 seconds after vehicle is first start
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12/05/17 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10124367
TSB ID: Reference - Refl

Quick reference update guide: this document informs of the corresponding software/hardware and disc availability to the customer concerns about a vehicle
11/07/17 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10122629
TSB ID: TT 00-14-03

Tech tips (svm update instructions): this document informs when performing svm updates, the scan tool should be hardwired to the vehicle and the bluetooth physically turned off. a hard wired internet connection is also recommended.
11/07/17 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10122956
TSB ID: TT 64-14-02

Tech tips (heated rear window, one or more lines inoperative): to detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 v, which will be present after the open in the grid line. the check must be performed with the engin
11/07/17 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10122252
TSB ID: V851401 2012432

Technical bulletin (temperature output control cannot be adjusted): customer states cannot adjust temperature and/or a/c is not cold. the blend door control lever moves freely, but the blend door does not operate. a bushing that fits on t
11/07/17 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10122240
TSB ID: TT 64-14-02

Tech tips (heated rear window, one or more lines inoperative): to detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 v, which will be present after the open in the grid line. this document informs of how to diagnose t
11/07/17 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10123015
TSB ID: V871506 2019947

Technical bulletin (air conditioning, cleaning of the refrigerant circuit (u.s.only)): in cases where an air conditioning system component (such as a compressor or other system component) has failed and debris from the compressor or compon
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10/30/17 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10121265
TSB ID: V271503 2016076

Technical bulletin: battery, discharged, diagnosis for excessive static current draw
10/30/17 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10121196
TSB ID: V271501 2011894

Technical bulletin: battery, testing and charging using midtronics vas6161, mcr340v, incharge 940, or grx3000vas charger
10/30/17 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10121086
TSB ID: TT 91-16-03

Beetle-coding the replacement instrument cluster
10/30/17 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10121536
TSB ID: TT 20-13-01

Tech tips (ecm fault p1250 "fuel level too low" will not clear): this document informs to clear static ecm fault p1250 "fuel level too low", add fuel to vehicle and complete a road test of at least 10 miles. simply adding fuel without co
10/21/17 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10120284
TSB ID: Quick Reference

Quick reference update guide: this document informs of the corresponding software/hardware and disc availability to the customer concerns about a vehicle
10/21/17 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10120316
TSB ID: V871409 2019947

Technical bulletin (air conditioning, cleaning of the refrigerant circuit): in cases where an air conditioning system component (such as a compressor or other system component) has failed and debris from the compressor or component is circ
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03/16/11 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10036467
TSB ID: TB-94-10-02

Volkswagen: headlights may intermittently dim slightly at idle. the headlamps or inside lights intermittently dim slightly at idle speed. at idle speed the alternator voltage can fluctuate, as the alternator cannot fully compensate the f
02/11/11 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10035204
TSB ID: TB-09-10-02

Volkswagen: headlights may intermittently dim slightly at idle. at idle speed the alternator voltage can fluctuate, as the alternator cannot fully compensate the fluctuations. some electric consumers come on in cycles or have no constant
10/15/10 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10034069
TSB ID: SA-60A7-S9

Volkswagen service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. inspect, clean and modify sunroof drains for certain volkswagen vehicles and revised maintenance schedule; sunroof drain inspection and cleaning. no models or model
01/03/07 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10020720
TSB ID: 0603

Door windows, may seperate from window regulator clamps.
03/02/05 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10012457
TSB ID: 0502

Diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p1603 (18011) stored in dtc memory.
07/14/04 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10007887
TSB ID: 0412

Malfunction indicator light (mil) on, diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) stored in diagnostic trouble code (dtc) memory. *mj
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04/13/04 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10006057
TSB ID: 0401

New style brake light switch requires care during installation to prevent damage to switch.
03/10/04 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10005664
TSB ID: 0305

Front turn signal blinks too fast. front turn signal, replacing bulb socket.
03/10/04 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10005663
TSB ID: 0303

Accelerator pedal assembly, installing replacement part. replacement accelerator pedal assembly does not fit over lower mounting stud.
02/05/18 Other NHTSA ID: 10127969
TSB ID: TT 97-12-02

data link connector pin assignment chart that is applicable to all models. update model year applicability.
02/05/18 Other NHTSA ID: 10128055
TSB ID: 1-2017 Update

This communication is to update our profi dealers of the current status of the latest inbound and outbound profi requests.
02/05/18 Other NHTSA ID: 10128105
TSB ID: Elsa 6-29-15

This document contains the vw elsa newsletter that contains a general overview of wiring diagrams updates, technical bulletins, pending service solutions, tech tips, campaigns, updates, and suggestions.
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02/05/18 Other NHTSA ID: 10128104
TSB ID: Elsa 6-22-15

This document contains the vw elsa newsletter that contains a general overview of wiring diagrams updates, elsapro infomedia icons grayed out, workshop equipment tool storage application, technical bulletins, pending service solutions, tech
01/08/18 Other NHTSA ID: 10126785
TSB ID: V691601 2010479

Update model year applicability to include 2017.
01/08/18 Other NHTSA ID: 10126899
TSB ID: TT 00-16-02

Reminder for dealers to reference the repair manual and replace all necessary fasteners (bolts, nuts) that cannot be re-used
01/08/18 Other NHTSA ID: 10126783
TSB ID: V871620 2005566

Update model and model year applicability.
12/14/17 Other NHTSA ID: 10125661
TSB ID: TT 200901

Update to existing tip for fuel quality checking.
12/14/17 Other NHTSA ID: 10125768
TSB ID: PDI - BEETLE TEC

Beetle perfect delivery inspection (pdi) - technician and detailer inspections: a checklist to insure a customer receives a wonderful delivery of a vehicle that looks, feels, and meets the expectations of a new vehicle that he/she has purc
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12/14/17 Other NHTSA ID: 10125635
TSB ID: TT 00-13-02

Tech tips (technician helpline vehicle check sheets): when it becomes necessary to open a vw technician helpline vta case while performing diagnosis for a diesel particulate filter, manual transmission repair, or turbocharger concern, it
12/05/17 Other NHTSA ID: 10124348
TSB ID: V001404 2010380

Technical bulletin (squeaks, rattles, noise, repair materials): this doucment contains a list of components and applications developed to repair concerns of squeaks, rattles, noise and trim fit conditions.
11/07/17 Other NHTSA ID: 10122157
TSB ID: V641504 2016012

Technical bulletin (window, rear side, inoperative): rear side window inoperative or will not roll up. this document discusses the "fault codes" necessary to diagnosis, and potential remedy of issue. the fault codes for checking warranty
11/07/17 Other NHTSA ID: 10123013
TSB ID: V871508 2005566

Technical bulletin (hvac, unpleasant odor): unpleasant odor is coming from heating and ventilation system. odor mainly occurs after vehicle has been sitting (unused) at least 5 hours and within 20 to 60 seconds after vehicle is first start
11/07/17 Other NHTSA ID: 10123011
TSB ID: V921502 2026253

Technical bulletin (windshield wipers streak or smear): windshield or rear window is streaked, has a snakeskin appearance, or the surface feels rough. to avoid unnecessary replacement of wiper blades, the condition and cleanliness of the w
10/30/17 Other NHTSA ID: 10121257
TSB ID: V941501 2011521

Technical bulletin: condensation and or water droplets becomming visible on inside of exterior light lenses issue is discussed in this document
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10/30/17 Other NHTSA ID: 10121169
TSB ID: V501604 2014370

Technical bulletin about paint finish, reducing swirl marks and fine scratches new vehicles (prior to retail delivery) with swirl marks and or fine scratches from polishing or cleaning. the document also have infromation about where to fi
10/21/17 Other NHTSA ID: 10120169
TSB ID: V941403 2011521

Technical bulletin (exterior lights, moisture accumulation): this document informs of the condensation and or water droplets visible on inside of exterior light lenses. the document also informs how to service the issue.
06/13/16 Other NHTSA ID: 10070787
TSB ID: TT57-13-04

Summary to be provided on a future date.
03/23/11 Other NHTSA ID: 10036493
TSB ID: TB-00-10-06

Volkswagen: child restraint latch guidance fixture; compliance with fmvss 225 (usa only). update to existing technical bulletin. no production change required. all models.
12/29/08 Other NHTSA ID: 10026848
TSB ID: 2015831

Volkswagen: exhaust heat shield, replacement guidelines. heat shields are to be inspected after completion o any type of repair to the underbody (exhaust system transmission, etc.), and if damaged, replaced.
03/14/05 Other NHTSA ID: 10012761
TSB ID: 610501

Headliner, loose around rear glass.
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07/30/04 Other NHTSA ID: 10008405
TSB ID: VH

Volkswagen has found that the window clamp bolts on some 2003 model year new beetle convertible vehicles may become loose. additionally, the press button for the convertible top and the headlining cables on the convertible top of these veh
05/21/04 Other NHTSA ID: 10007012
TSB ID: VE

Window clamp bolts on certain convertible vehicles may become loose.
05/21/04 Other NHTSA ID: 10007011
TSB ID: VF

Window clamp bolts may become loose on certain convertible vehicles. additionally, the press button on the convertible top requires replacement.
11/07/03 Other NHTSA ID: 10003931
TSB ID: 0303

Convertible top frame, modifying to new roof leading edge trim.
08/12/03 Other NHTSA ID: 10002062
TSB ID: 0302

Tailgate/trunk lid hard to close.
08/12/03 Other NHTSA ID: 10002061
TSB ID: 0301

Tailgate/trunk lid hard to close.
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04/01/03 Other NHTSA ID: 10000811
TSB ID: 0202

Armrest, loose, does not ratchet correctly.

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Volkswagen New Beetle TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins)

Some things are often misunderstood about recalls and technical service bulletins (TSBs). Plus a disclaimer.

  1. Recalls do not have to be issued only because something is prone to failure. NHTSA (a government agency) can only require a recall if a failure will affect safety, emissions, fuel economy, or compliance with some other regulation or law. Manufacturers can voluntarily recall cars for problems that do not affect these, though.
  2. Recalls often apply to only some cars of a specific model year, rather than all of them. You should receive a letter from the manufacturer if your car has been recalled. You can also check with the dealer, which will know which (if any) recalls pertain to your car.
  3. The primary purpose of TSBs is to inform dealers about known problems with a car and how to fix them. They are not the same as recalls. As with recalls, TSBs often only apply to some cars, not the entire model year.
  4. Dealers often will not provide a preventive repair just because a problem described in a TSB might happen to your car. They'll usually want to observe symptoms that the problem is already affecting your car.
  5. Even if there are symptoms, a manufacturer doesn't have to pick up the cost of a TSB repair if the car is out of warranty, though sometimes they do.

We provide the text of recalls and TSBs as provided by NHTSA. There can be errors in the text. If you sign up for notifications in My Garage, we will try to get these to do, but for various reasons (some beyond our control) cannot guarantee you will receive them. When in doubt about a recall or TSB, contact the dealer.