65
CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
3 - Traction control system* TCSVehicles fitted with the anti-lock brake sys-
tem (ABS) can additionally be equipped
with a traction control system (TCS).
On front-wheel drive vehicles, the TCS pre-
vents the driven wheels from slipping when
the car is accelerated, by reducing the en-
gine output. The system operates in com-
bination with the ABS over the entire vehi-
cle speed range. If a fault develops in the
ABS, the TCS is also affected.
The TCS switches on automatically when
the engine is started. If desired, the sys-
tem can be switched off and on by press-
ing the pushbutton.
If the system is switched off, the TCS warn-
ing lamp comes on - refer to page 60.
The TCS should always be switched on in
normal driving conditions. It is only benefi-
cial to switch off the system in certain ex-
ceptional cases if wheel slip is desired.For example:
- when driving with snow chains
- when starting off in deep snow or on a
loose surface
- when rocking the car free if it has got stuck.
The system should be switched on again
after this.
Note
The same tyres must be fitted to all four
wheels if the TCS system is to operate
properly. Differing rolling circumferences of
the tyres can result in an undesirable re-
duction in engine output.
Repairs on the vehicle (e.g. on engine,
braking system, chassis or another combi-
nation of wheels and tyres) can influence
the function of the ASR.
Warning
Always adapt your style of driving to
the condition of the road and the traf-
fic situation. The increased safety
offered by the TCS system must not
induce you to take risks with your
safety.
The traction control system greatly facili-
tates starting-off, accelerating and climb-
ing hills, or at all makes this possible, even
when driving on poor road conditions.
4 - Knurled wheel for seat heating*The cushion and backrest of the front seats
can be heated electrically when the igni-
tion is on.
The heater can be switched on with the
appropriate knurled wheel and regulated as
desired.
To switch heating off, turn knurled wheel to
the basic position „0“.
Note
Do not switch on the seat heater until after
starting the engine. This considerably re-
duces the drain on the battery capacity.5 - Releasing fuel filler flap from driver’s seat*The fuel filler flap opens when the switch is
pressed. For further information - see page
127.
85
CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
Operating problemsIf all the symbols in the Climatronic dis-
play panel flash for about 15 seconds when
the system is switched on, there is a fault
in the system. Contact a Škoda dealer.
If the cooling system does not operate
at any time, either:
- the outside temperature may be lower than +5 °C,
- the compressor of the Climatronic may have been temporarily switched off be-
cause the engine coolant temperature
is too high,
- the fuse may be faulty.
Check the fuse and replace if necessary -
refer to page 168 (item 16) of the Owner’s
Manual. If the problem is not the result of a
faulty fuse, switch off the Climatronic sys-
tem and have it tested.
If there is a drop in the cooling capacity,
switch off the Climatronic system and have
it tested.
Electric sliding/tilting roof*The sliding/tilting roof is opened and closed
by operating a rotary switch when the igni-
tion is switched on.
After switching off the ignition, it is still pos-
sible to open or close the sliding/tilting roof
for a further 10 minutes or so, provided a
front door has not been opened.
Any desired intermediate position can be
selected within the range between D to C
(see the dots on the switch and in the illus-
tration).
A - Closing roof
The closing mechanism is equipped with a
power limiter . If a resistance is felt when
closing the roof, the closing operation is
interrupted and the roof is opened again. The roof can also be fully closed by
over-
riding the power limiter . With the switch
in position A, press at the front or rear on
the edge of the handle until the roof is
closed.
B - Sliding open fully
(spring-tensioned position)
C - Optimal position
Only minimal wind noises occur in this po-
sition.
D - Tilting roof
Note
When the roof is opened, the sliding
panel which acts as a screen against in-
tensive sun’s rays, is automatically also
opened. It can be pushed closed by hand
when the roof is closed.
If the roof is tilted open in winter, it is
necessary to remove any ice crust (other-
wise there is a risk of damage to the ope-
rating mechanism).
If the battery is re-connected, it is possi-
ble that the tilting/sliding roof does not clo-
se fully.
In this case, you must press the rotary
switch into position A for about 10 seconds.
149
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Driving in winterThe battery is exposed to particular stresses
in winter. In addition, at low temperatures, it
is only capable of providing part of the start-
ing power which it has at normal tempera-
tures.A discharged battery may already freeze
at a few degrees below zero.
We therefore recommend having the bat-
tery inspected and, if necessary, charged
before the start of the winter. This is best
done by a Škoda Dealer.Charging batterySwitch off the ignition and all electrical com-
ponents before charging the battery.
It is not normally necessary to disconnect
the cables from the electrical system when
charging with low amperages (e.g. with a
mini charger). Always follow the instructions
of the charger manufacturer in this case.
Recharge the battery by using a charg-
ing current of 1/10 of the battery rated
capacity in A (or less) until the battery is
fully charged.
A battery charger with a constant charg-
ing voltage of 14.4 V can also be used
for recharging; the recharging duration
is max. 30 hours, according to battery
discharge. Both connection cables should be taken
off
, however, for quick-charging (only in
exceptional cases), in other words charg-
ing with high amperages.
Pay attention to the following points:
The vent plugs of the battery should
not be opened for charging.
Never charge a frozen or thawed bat-
tery - risk of explosion and caustic
burns! Replace a frozen battery.
The power cable of the charger should
not be plugged in until after the terminal
clamps of the charger have been properly
connected to the battery terminals:
red terminal
= positive (+)
black terminal
= negative (-).
After charging, install battery and re-con-
nect correctly - first of all positive (+), then
negative cable (-).
If the indication in the window is green, the
battery is properly charged. If, on the other
hand, the indication is dark, the battery re-
quires to be charged.
If the magic eye is colourless or yellow, this
indicates insufficient electrolyte level.
Please have the battery checked by a
Škoda dealer.
The battery must be topped up with distilled
water. If the battery is 5 years or older, we
recommend replacing it. Have the electro-
lyte level inspected and adjusted to the
correct level by a Škoda dealer.
150GENERAL MAINTENANCEAfter connecting the battery- restore operation of the convenience sys-tem - see page 16
- set the time - see page 50
- if the radio is protected by a code, set the code - see operating instructions of
car radio
The data of the multifunction display are
erased - see page 50.Replacing batteryIf the battery has to be replaced, the new
battery should have the same capacity, volt-
age (12 volts), amperage, design and have
a plug seal. Škoda Dealers have available
a range of suitable batteries.
Because of the disposal problem in- volved with old batteries, it is best
to have the battery replaced by a Škoda Dealer. Batteries contain substancessuch as sulphuric acid and lead andmust on no account be disposed of in
domestic refuse.
Spark plugsThe spark plugs are replaced as part of the
Škoda Inspection Service.
Should it be necessary to replace the
spark plugs between the Inspection Service
intervals, proceed as follows:Spark plugs and ignition system are matched
to the engine and thus contribute to an ex-
haust with low emission levels.Only the spark plugs selected for the par-
ticular engine should be used in order to
avoid operational problems, engine dam-
age and any infringement of legal require-
ments in respect of emission levels or ra-
dio interference from the spark plugs. Par-
ticularly important aspects are the number
of electrodes, the thermal value and radio
interference suppression.
Spark plugs may also be subject to tech-
nical modifications at short notice. It is
therefore recommended to purchase them
only from Škoda Dealers as they are always
informed of the up-to-date situation.
Ribbed belt The ribbed belt is one of the components
of the car which is subjected to the most
stress. It is therefore necessary to place
particularly high quality requirements in res-
pect of the belts.
When replacing a ribbed belt, it is not
sufficient to use any ribbed belt of whatever
size. For safety reasons, use only the
ribbed belts selected for your car.
Ribbed belts may also be subject to
technical modifications at short notice. It is
therefore recommended to purchase them
only from Škoda Dealers and to also have
the belts changed there as they are always
informed of the up-to-date situation.
177
DO-IT-YOURSELF
Interior light (rear)*Insert a screwdriver between light and
headlining - see arrow. Carefully press out
the light.
Turn the socket in the rear of the light to
the left and take out.
Pull faulty bulb out of the socket.
Insert new bulb.
Insert the socket again into the light and
turn fully to the right.
Insert light first of all at the side oppo-
site the arrow and then press into the head-
lining.
Jump-startingIf the engine does not start because the
battery is discharged, it is possible to use
jump-start cables to start the car with the
battery of another vehicle. Pay attention to
the following points in this case:
Both batteries should have a rated volt-
age of 12 V. The capacity (Ah) of the bat-
tery supplying the power must not be sig-
nificantly less than the capacity of the dis-
charged battery.
Only jump-start cables with an ad-
equately large cross-section should be
used. Pay attention to the instructions of
the cable manufacturer.
We recommend purchasing the jump-
start cable as a Genuine Škoda Accessory
or in sales outlets of the battery manufac-
turer.
Use only jump-start cables with insulated
clamps. A discharged battery may already freeze
if there is only slight frost. Before con-
necting the jump-start cables, it is es-
sential to thaw out a frozen battery oth-
erwise it might explode.
Run the engine of the vehicle supplying
the current.
It is essential to connect the jump-start
cables in the following sequence:
1. One end of the ( +) cable (usually red) to
the ( +) terminal of the discharged battery.
2. Other end of the red ( +) cable to the ( +)
terminal of the battery supplying the cur-
rent.
3. One end of the ( -) cable (usually black)
to the ( -) terminal of the battery supplying
the current.
4. Other end of the black ( -) cable to a solid
metal part bolted to engine block or to the
engine block itself.