122DRIVING TIPSAnti-lock brake system (ABS)*The ABS plays a major part in increasing
the active safety of the vehicle.
The big advantage when compared with a
conventional brake system is that even
during a full brake application on a slippery
road surface the best possible steerability
is retained for the road condition because
the wheels do not lock.
However, one must not expect the ABS
system to shorten the braking distance
under all conditions.
How the ABS system works
An automatic test procedure is carried out
once the car has reached a speed of about
20 km/h. A pump noise may be audible for
about 1 second during this check.
When the turning speed of a wheel reaches
a level which is too low for the vehicle speed
and it tends to lock, the brake pressure to
this wheel is reduced. The brake pressure
is controlled individually for each wheel.
This ensures that the braking action is even
and that driving stability is retained to the
maximum possible extent.This control process makes itself felt by
a pulsing movement of the brake pedal
and is accompanied by noises. This is done
deliberately as a warning to the driver that a
wheel or wheels are in the locking range. The
brake pedal should remain depressed to en-
able the ABS to offer ideal control within this
range - on no account pump the brake pedal!
Warning
The ABS system can also not over-
come the physical limits. This has to
be born in mind, particularly on slip-
pery or wet roads. When the ABS is
operating in the control range, your
speed should immediately be adap-
ter to road and traffic conditions.
The increased amount of safety avail-
able should not tempt you into tak-
ing risks.
If a fault occurs in the ABS system, this is
indicated by a warning lamp - see page 60. Warning
If a fault exists, only the normal brake
system is operational. You should
drive to a Škoda Dealer as soon as
possible. Adapt your speed and driv-
ing style to the changed circum-
stances as the extent of the damage
to the ABS system is not known.
Electronic differential lock (EDL)*Cars fitted with the anti-lock brake system
(ABS)* can be equipped in addition with an
electronic differential lock.
The EDL system makes it much easier or,
in deed, at all possible to move off, accel-
erate and drive uphill even on unfavourable
road surfaces.
The EDL operates automatically - in other
words without any action on the part of the
driver.
It monitors the speed of the driven wheels
using the sensors of the ABS system.
If the road surface is slippery on one side,
a difference in speed exists between the
driven wheels. It is then necessary to pro-
duce more throttle, for example, when mov-
ing off on a hill, on a slippery road surface
etc. The EDL function compensates for the
difference in speed by braking the wheel
which is slipping and transmits the power
through the differential to the other driven
wheel.
This control process makes itself notice-
able by characteristic noises.
123
DRIVING TIPS
In order to achieve the optimal effect of
the EDL system, depress the accelera-
tor pedal and the clutch when starting
off to match road conditions.Warning
When accelerating on a smooth road
surface, for example on ice and
snow, depress the accelerator care-
fully.
The driven wheels may slip despite
the EDL and thus affect the driving
stability of the car.
The EDL is switched off automatically if
unusually severe stresses occur. The car
can continue to be driven and has the same
characteristics as a car without EDL. That
is why no indication is provided if the EDL
is switched off.
The EDL switches on again automatically
as soon as the brake has cooled down.
If the ABS warning lamp comes on, see
page 60, there might also be a fault in the
EDL. Drive to a Škoda Dealer as soon as
possible! Warning
Your driving style should always be
adapted to the condition of the road
and the traffic situation. The addi-
tional safety offered by the EDL must
not tempt you into taking a safety
risk!
Engine braking control (EBC)*The EBC operates in conjunction with the
ABS. It is intended to prevent the driven
wheels of the car being excessively sharply
braked when „braking with the engine“ as
a result of releasing the accelerator or shift-
ing down on a smooth road surface. The
EBC automatically increases the engine
speed in order to maintain optimal steer-
ability of the car even when „braking with
the engine“.
The four-wheel drive system of your car re-
quires no manual intervention on your part.
The force is distributed to the driven wheels
automatically and is optimally matched to
the handling of the car and to the particu-
lar road conditions.
The four-wheel drive concept is designed
for high engine output and provides your
car with excellent drivability both in normal
road conditions as well as in extreme con-
ditions such as driving on snow and ice.
It is important, however, to pay attention to
the following safety information:
All-wheel drive*
124DRIVING TIPSWarning
Your style of driving should always
be matched to the condition of the
road and the traffic situation. The
enhanced safety offered by the four-
wheel drive and ABS systems must
not tempt you to take any risks re-
garding your safety!
The braking power of the car is lim-
ited by the adhesion of the tyres and
is no different than that of a car with
front-wheel drive.
You should therefore not be tempted
to drive at too high a speed even
though the car still provides good
acceleration on smooth and slippery
road surfaces.It is particularly important to note on
wet road surfaces that the front wheels
may aquaplane at high speeds. In con-
trast to a vehicle fitted only with front-
wheel drive, the start of aquaplaning
is not indicated by the engine sud-
denly revving up. For this reason, do
not drive at too high a speed, but al-
ways match your speed to the road
conditions.
Use of winter tyresFour-wheel drive already offers good vehi-
cle traction in wintry road conditions with
the standard tyres. It is nevertheless rec-
ommended to fit winter or all-weather tyres
to all four wheels in order to improve trac-
tion and braking. For further information -
refer to page 157.Use of snow chainsSnow chains must also be fitted to a vehi-
cle with four-wheel drive if the use of snow
chains is mandatory. Snow chains must
only be fitted to the front wheels. For fur-
ther information regarding snow chains -
refer to page 157. The car is intended mainly for the transpor-
tation of persons and luggage, but it can
also be used to tow a trailer if the appropri-
ate technical equipment is fitted.
Detachable ball head*
Refer to the enclosed instructions for
attaching and detaching the ball head.
For further information - refer to p. 157.Towing a trailer
137
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Warning
Particular care is required when per-
forming work in the engine compart-
ment!
Never open the bonnet if you see
that steam or coolant is escaping
from the engine compartment - risk
of scalding!
You must wait long enough, until the
steam or coolant has stopped escap-
ing.
Switch off engine and withdraw ig-
nition key.
Apply handbrake properly.
Move gearshift into Neutral (on
models with automatic gearbox mo-
ve selector lever into position „P“).
Allow engine to cool down.
If the engine is still warm:
- do not place your hand into the ra- diator fan, it might start suddenly.
- do not open filler cap of coolant reservoir as cooling system is
pressurized - risk of scalding.
Avoid short circuits in the electri-
cal system - particularly at the bat-
tery!
If you wish to work under the ve-
hicle, you must secure the vehicle
from rolling away and support it with
suitable supporting blocks: the car
jack is not sufficient for this - risk of
injury!
If it is necessary to carry out test
work when engine is running, there
is an additional risk from rotating
parts - e.g. ribbed belt, alternator,
radiator fan etc. - and from the high-
voltage ignition system.
Never touch the electrical cables
of the ignition system.
Absolutely avoid any jewellery,
loose items of clothing or long hair
from getting into the rotating parts of
the engine - Hazard! Therefore re-
move any jewellery beforehand, tie
up your hair and wear tight fitting
clothing.
It is essential to comply with all the
warning information given in this
manual and with the general rules of
safety when carrying out work on the
engine.
When topping up fluids, ensure that no mix-
ups occur otherwise this may cause severe
operating problems!
The floor below the car should be
inspected regularly in order to de-
tect leaks in good time. If patches of oil or other fluids are visible, the car shouldbe taken to a Škoda Dealer for an inspec-
tion.
145
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
If the fluid level drops significantly within a
short time, however, or if it drops below the
„MIN“ marking, there may be a leak in the
brake system. Insufficient brake fluid level
in the reservoir is indicated by the brake
warning light coming on, see also page 61.
In such a case, contact a Škoda Dealer
without delay and have the brake sys-
tem inspected.
Warning
Read and observe the warning notes
before working in the engine com-
partment - see page 137.
If the fluid level has dropped below
the MIN marking, do not drive any
further - risk of accident! Contact a
Škoda dealer to obtain professional
assistance.
Replacing brake fluidBrake fluid is hygroscopic and conse-
quently absorbs moisture from the sur-
rounding air over the course of time. An
excessive content of water in the brake fluid
can also in the long term be a cause of
corrosion in the brake system. In addition,
the boiling point of the brake fluid is con-
siderably reduced. For this reason, the
brake fluid must be renewed every two
years.
Warning
When the brake fluid becomes too
old, vapour bubbles may form in the
brake system when the brakes are
used hard. The efficiency of the
brakes and thus the vehicle safety is
then seriously affected.
Use only fresh brake fluid conforming with
Specification FMVSS 116 DOT 4, which is
approved by the factory. Warning
Brake fluid is poisonous!
It must therefore only be stored in the
closed original container and, in par-
ticular, out of the reach of children.
Please also note that brake fluid attacks the
paintwork of the car.
Because of the disposal problem, the special tools and specialist
knowledge required, it is best to have the brake fluid change carried out by aŠkoda Dealer.
It is recommended to have the brake fluid
change carried out as part of an Inspec-
tion Service.
168DO-IT-YOURSELFFuse assignment
No. Electrical component A
1 - Mirror and spray nozzle heater,relay for cigarette lighter
el. seats ........................................ 10
2 - Turn signal lights .......................... 10
3 - Stowage compartment light ............ 5
4 - Licence plate lights ......................... 5
5 - Seat heaters, Climatronic, Navi- gation system, recirculated air
flap, multifunction steering
wheel, exterior mirror heaters ..... 7.5
6 - Central locking control unit ............. 5
7 - Reversing lights, parking aid ........ 10
8 - Mobile phone .................................. 5
9 - ABS/ESP ......................................... 5
10 - Petrol engine: control unit ............ 20
Diesel engine: control unit .............. 5No. Electrical component A
11 - Dash panel insert, selector lever
lock solenoid (automatic
gearbox) .......................................... 5
12 - Power supply for diagnosis, mobile phone ............................... 7.5
13 - Brake lights ................................... 10
14 - Interior light, central locking ......... 10
Interior light (without central
locking) ......................................... 10
15 - Instrument cluster, automatic gearbox, steering lock angle
sensor, rear-view mirrors ................ 5
16 - Air conditioning, electric water pump ............................................. 10
17 - Police .............................................. 5
18 - Right main beam .......................... 10
19 - Left main beam ............................. 10
20 - Right low beam, headlight range control ................................. 15
21 - Left low beam ............................... 15
22 - Right parking light ........................... 5
23 - Left parking light ............................. 5
24 - Wiper system, washer pump ........ 20
25 - Heater fan ..................................... 25
26 - Rear window heater ...................... 25
27 - Rear window wiper ....................... 15
28 - Fuel pump ..................................... 15
29 - Petrol engine - engine electronics, ignition ....................... 15
Diesel engine - engine
electronics .................................... 10 No. Electrical component A
30 - Power sliding/tilting roof
............... 20
31 - Automatic gearbox ........................ 20
Haldex coupling .............................. 5
32 - Petrol engine - injectors ............... 10
Diesel engine - injection pump,
control unit .................................... 30
33 - Headlight cleaning system ........... 20
34 - Petrol engine - engine electronics .................................... 10
Diesel engine - engine
electronics .................................... 10
35 - Trailer socket, socket in luggage compartment ............... 30
36 - Fog lights ...................................... 15
37 - S contact
1)................................... 10
38 - Luggage compartment light, central locking, remote fuel
filler flap release ........................... 15
39 - Hazard warning signals ................ 15
40 - Horn .............................................. 20
41 - Cigarette lighter ............................ 15
42 - Radio ............................................. 15
43 - Petrol engine: engine electronics .................................... 10
Diesel engine: engine
electronics .................................... 10
44 - Seat heaters ................................. 15
1)For electrical components which can be oper-
ated after switching off the ignition provided the
ignition key is not withdrawn, e.g. radio.
182ALPHABETICAL INDEX4x4 models, 123AABS, 60, 122
Accessories, 159- Changes and replacement ofparts, 159
Accumulator, 146
Acoustic signals, 46
Adjustable steering wheel, 43
Adjusting, - Seats, 19
- Seat belt height, 100
- Headlamp beam, 66
Air conditioning system, 75
Air outlet vents, 73, 76, 83
Airbag system, 56, 103
Airbag, 103
Alarm, 13
Anti-theft alarm system, 13
Armrest, 36
Ashtrays, 90
Automatic air conditioning, 79
Automatic gearbox, 39
Automatic vehicle wash systems, 130
Automatic wipe/wash, 71BBalancing wheels, 154
Battery - charging, 61 Battery - recharging, 149
Battery, 146
Beverage holder, 87
Beverages, 87
Bonnet, 135
- Opening, 135
- Closing, 135
Brake Assist, 121
Brake booster, 121
Brake fluid level, 144
Brake fluid, 61, 144
Brake fluid, 61, 144
Brake pad, 58
Brake system, 61, 120, 121, 122, 123, 144
Brakes, 61, 120, 121, 122, 123, 144
Breakdown assistance, 161
Bulbs, 60, 161, 170
CCavity protection, 134
CD changer, 31
Central locking, 8 - Opening a single door, 9
Cigarette lighter, 89
Climatronic, 79
Clock, 50
Cockpit, 5
Coming home, 67
Convenience operation, 10, 16, 86
Coolant level, 143 Coolant temperature, 48
Coolant, 48, 58, 142
Coolant, 48, 58, 142
Cooling, 142
Cruise control system, 68
DDefrosting windows, 63, 73, 76
Diesel engines, 46
Diesel, 128
Digital clock, 50
Disc wheels, 133
- Steel wheels, 133
- Light-alloy wheels, 133
Door and window seals, 132
Door, 8
Driving abroad, 158
Driving economically and in an environmentally
Dust, noise and pollen filter, 152EEDL, 61, 122
Electric sliding/tilting roof, 85
Electrical power windows, 15
Electrically adjustable seats , 20
Engine - starting, 44
Engine - switching off, 46
Engine compartment, 135
Engine electronics, 57, 60