Contents
6
Driving Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intelligent Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic stability programme (ESP)* . . . . . .
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake booster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antilock brake system (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Assist* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving and the Environment. . . . . . . . . . . .
The first 1 500 kilometres and then afterwards
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving in an economical and environmentally
conscious manner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Environmental compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Motoring abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Avoiding damage to your vehicle . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Detachable towing device* . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General Maintenance . . . . . . . . . .
Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the
vehicle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the exterior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the interior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspecting and Replenishing. . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overview of the engine compartment . . . . . .
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windscreen Wiper and Washer System . . . .
Wheels and Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories, changes and replacement of
parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories and replacement parts . . . . . . .
Technical changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakdown assistance . . . . . . . .
Breakdown assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First-aid box* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning triangle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fire extinguisher* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle tool kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tow-starting and towing vehicle . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and light bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
185
185
185
188
189
189
190
191
192
192
193
194
198
199
199
200
200
202
205
205
205
205
211
214
214
214
216
218
218
220
221 224
227
228
233
235
235
243
243
243
245
245
245
245
246
246
247
248
255
257
260
260
262
269
269
269
271
s3ec.book Seite 6 Montag, 2. Mai 2005 3:42 15
Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights35
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
TOP UP WASH FLUID
Bulbs
The warning light comes on if a light bulb is damaged:
•brakes applied (brake light)
•in lighting (low beam and/or rear light)
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: LIGHTS FAILURE
or BRAKE LIGHTS FAILURE
Control system for exhaust gases
The warning light comes on after the ignition has been switched on.
If the warning light does not go out after starting the engine or it lights up
or flashes when driving, a fault exists in an exhaust relevant component.
The engine management system selects an emergency programme
which enables you to drive to the nearest specialist garage by adopting a
gentle style of driving.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: EMISSIONS WORKSHOP! (EMISSIONS WORKSHOP)!
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)*
The warning light comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is
switched on.
Components of the ESP system also include the Traction Control System
(TCS), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), the Antilock Brake System ABS
and the braking assistant
The warning light comes on when driving when a control cycle is acti-
vated.
The warning light will come on and remains on if the ESP is switched off
or if there is a fault in the system.
The fact that the ESP system operates together with the ABS means that
the ESP warning light will also come on if the ABS system is not operating
properly.
Further information on the ESP ⇒page 185, “Electronic stability
programme (ESP)*”.
Traction Control System (TCS)*
The warning light comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is
switched on.
The warning light comes on when driving when a control cycle is acti-
vated.
The warning light will come on and remains on if the TCS is switched off
or if there is a fault in the system.
The fact that the TCS system operates together with the ABS means that
the TCS warning light will also come on if the ABS system is not operating
properly.
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights37
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
It is only possible to start the engine of the vehicle with a Genuine Škoda
key with the matching code.
Brake system
The warning light flashes or comes on if the brake fluid level is too low,
if there is a fault in the ABS or if the handbrake is applied.
If the warning light
flashes (handbrake is not applied), stop and check
the brake fluid level ⇒.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
STOP BRAKE FLUID OWNER'S MANUAL
If there is a fault in the ABS which also influences the function of the
normal brake system (e.g. distribution of brake pressure), the ABS
warning light
comes on together with the brake system warning light . Be aware that not only the ABS but also another part of th brake
system is defective ⇒.
3 peeps sound as an additional warning signal.
One should get used to high pedal forces, long braking distances and long
free play of the brake pedal when driving to the next Škoda dealer.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: STOP BRAKE FAULT OWNER'S MANUAL
For further information on the brake system ⇒page 188, “Brakes”.
Handbrake applied
The warning light
also comes on if the handbrake is applied. An audible
warning is also given if you drive the vehicle for at least 3 seconds at a
speed of more than 6 km/h. The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
HANDBRAKE ON
WARNING
•Pay attention to the following instructions ⇒page 219,
“Working in the engine compartment” before checking the brake
fluid level and opening the bonnet.
•If the brake system warning light does not go out a few
seconds after switching on the ignition or comes on when driving,
stop immediately and check the brake fluid in the reservoir
⇒ page 227, “Brake fluid”. 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.
Dynamo
The warning light comes on after the ignition has been switched on. It
should go out after the engine has started.
If the warning light
does not come on after the ignition is switched on,
drive to the nearest specialist garage.
If the warning light does not go out after the engine has started, or comes
on when driving, drive to the nearest specialist garage. The vehicle battery
will be discharged in this case so switch off all non-essential electrical
components.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
ALTERNATOR WORKSHOP! (ALTERNATOR WORKSHOP!)
s3ec.book Seite 37 Montag, 2. Mai 2005 3:42 15
Seats and Stowage
82
Caution
•You should not kneel on the seats or otherwise apply pressure at
specific points in order to avoid damaging the heating elements of the seat
heaters.
•Do not clean the seats moist ⇒page 211.
Note
The seat heating should only be switched on when the engine is running.
This has a significant effect of saving on the battery capacity.
Pedals
You should use only footmats which do not obstruct the movement of the
pedals and have an anti-slip protection.
Operation of the pedals must not be hindered!
WARNING
•Greater pedal distances may be needed when there is a fault in
the brake system.
•Do not place any footmats or other additional floor coverings in
the area of the pedals in order to ensure that all the pedals can be
fully depressed and are able to return unobstructed to their initial
position - risk of accident!
•There must be no objects on the floor which could roll under the
pedals. You would then no longer be able to apply the brakes,
operate the clutch or accelerator - risk of accident!
Luggage compartment
Loading the luggage compartment
Please observe the following in the interest of having good
handling characteristics of your vehicle:
– Distribute the items of luggage as evenly as possible.
– Place heavy objects as far forward as possible.
– Attach the items of luggage with the safety net* or with tensioning straps attached to the lashing eyes ⇒page 83.
In the event of an accident, there is such a high kinetic energy which is
produced by small and light objects that they can cause severe injuries.
The magnitude of the kinetic energy depends on the speed at which the
vehicle is travelling and on the weight of the object. The speed at which
the vehicle is travelling is in this case the more significant factor.
Example: In the event of a frontal collision at a speed of 50 km/h, an unse-
cured object with a weight of 4.5 kg produces an energy, which corre-
sponds to 20 times its own weight. This means that it results in a weight
of approx. 90 kg. You can imagine the injuries that can occur, if this “bullet”
is flying through the interior compartment and hits an occupant.
WARNING
•Store the objects in the luggage compartment and attach them
to the lashing eyes.
•Loose objects in the passenger compartment can be thrown
forward during a sudden manoeuvre or in case of an accident and
can injure the occupants or other oncoming traffic. This risk is still
increased, if the objects which are flying around are hit by a
s3ec.book Seite 82 Montag, 2. Mai 2005 3:42 15
Seats and Stowage
102
Storage facilities
An overview
You will find the following storage facilities in your vehicle:
WARNING
•Please do not place anything on top of the dash panel. Such
objects might slide or fall down when driving (when accelerating or
cornering) and may distract you from concentrating on the traffic
situation - risk of accident!
•Ensure that when driving no objects from the centre console of
from other storage possibilities may get into the footwell of the driver. You would then no longer be able to apply the brakes,
operate the clutch or accelerator - risk of accident!
Storage compartment on the front passenger side
The storage compartment on the front passenger side is
lockable* and illuminated.
Opening the stor
age compartment
– Pull the handle in the lid in direction of arrow ⇒fig. 94 and pull
the lid down.
Closing the stor age compartment
– Raise the lid and press it until the catch is heard to engage.
First-aid box⇒ page 245
Stowage compartment for warning triangle⇒page 245
Storage compartment on the front passenger
side⇒page 102
Storage drawer*⇒page 103
Stowage compartment in centre console⇒page 104
Stowage compartment for spectacles*⇒page 104
Stowage compartment below steering wheel⇒page 105
Stowage compartment in door panel⇒page 105
Stowage compartment for an umbrella*⇒page 106
Armrest with stowage compartment⇒page 107
Rear armrest with stowage compartment*⇒page 108
Clothes hooks⇒page 108
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 94 Dash panel:
Storage compartment
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Starting-off and Driving127
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
The handbrake warning is activated if you drive at a speed of more than 5
km/h for more than 3 seconds.
WARNING
•Please note that the handbrake must be fully released. A hand-
brake which is only partially released can result in the rear brakes
overheating which will have a nega tive effect on the operation of
the brake system - risk of accident! In addition this can result in
premature wear of the rear brake pads.
•Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. The children
might, for example, release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of
gear. The vehicle might then move off - risk of accident!
Caution
After the car has come to a stop, always first of all apply the handbrake
firmly before then additionally engaging the 1st gear (manual gearbox) or
moving the selector lever into position P (automatic gearbox).
Parking aid*
The parking aid provides a warning of obstacles behind
the vehicle.
The audible parking aid determines the distance between the rear bumper
and an obstacle located behind the vehicle with the aid of ultrasound
sensors. The sensors are integrated in the rear bumper.
The parking aid is activated automatically when reverse gear is engaged
and the ignition is turned on. This is confirmed by a brief acknowledge-
ment signal. The clearance warning begins at a distance of about 160 cm from the
obstacle. The interval between the warning signals becomes shorter as
the clearance is reduced.
A continuous tone sounds from a clearance of just 30 cm - danger area.
You should not reverse any further after this signal sounds!
WARNING
•The parking aid is not a substitute for the driver paying proper
attention and it is always the driver's responsibility to take care
when parking the vehicle or carrying out similar manoeuvres.
•You should therefore satisfy yourself, before reversing, that
there is no small obstacle, such as a rock, thin post, trailer drawbar
etc., behind your vehicle. Such an obstacle might not be within the
range detected by the sensors.
Note
•The parking aid does not operate if you are towing a trailer (applies to
models which feature a factory-fitted towing device*).
•A system fault is indicated if a warning signal sounds for about 5
seconds after switching the ignition on and engaging reverse gear and
there is no obstacle close to your vehicle. Have the fault rectified by a
specialist workshop.
•The sensors must be kept clean and free of ice to enable the parking
aid to operate properly.
s3ec.book Seite 127 Montag, 2. Mai 2005 3:42 15
Seat belts
158
How are seat belts correctly fastened?
Fastening a three-point seat belt
Fasten your seat belt before starting!
– Correctly adjust the front seat and the head restraint before
fastening your seat belt ⇒page 151, “Correct seated posi-
tion”.
– Slowly pull the belt webbing at the tongue of the lock over your chest and pelvis ⇒.
– Insert the tongue of the lock into the seat belt buckle belonging to the seat until it is heard to lock in place.
– Pull on the belt to check that it has also reliably engaged in the lock.
Each three-point seat belt is equipped with an inertia reel. This inertia reel
offers you complete freedom of movement if the belt is unreeled slowly. If
the brakes are applied suddenly, the inertia reel will block. It also blocks
the belts when the car accelerates, when driving uphill and when
cornering.
Expectant mothers must also wear the seat belt ⇒.
WARNING
•The shoulder part of the seat belt must never run across your
neck but must run approximately over the middle of the shoulder
and fit snugly against the chest. The lap part of the belt must run
across the hip and must never be routed across the stomach. It
must always fit snugly ⇒fig. 137. Adjust the belt webbing as
required.
•The lap part of the belt should be positioned as low as possible
at the pelvis of an expectant mother in order to avoid exerting any
pressure on the lower abdomen.
•Always ensure that the webbing of the seat belts is properly
routed. Seat belts which are not correctly adjusted can themselves
cause injuries even in minor accidents.
Fig. 137 Routing of
webbing over the
shoulders and the lap
belt
Fig. 138 Routing of
belt webbing for an
expectant mother
s3ec.book Seite 158 Montag, 2. Mai 2005 3:42 15
Intelligent Technology
186
The ESP warning light ⇒page 35 lights up in the instrument cluster when
there is a fault on the ESP.
Switching off
You can switch the ESP off and on again as you wish, by pressing the
button ⇒page 185, fig. 160 . The ESP warning light ⇒ page 35 lights up
in the instrument cluster when the ESP is switched off.
The ESP should normally always be switched on. It may be good practice
to switch the system off only in particular exceptional situations if you
desire wheel slip.
Examples:
•when driving with snow chains,
•when driving in deep snow or on a loose surface,
•when it is necessary to rock a car free when it has become stuck.
then you should switch on the ESP again.
WARNING
It is also not possible for the E SP to overcome the physical limits
of the vehicle. Even if a vehicle fitted with ESP you should still
always adapt your style of driving to the condition of the road
surface and the traffic situation. This particularly applies when
driving on slippery and wet roads. The increased safety offered
must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise - risk of an
accident!
Note
•All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres in order to achieve
problem-free operation of the ESP. Differing rolling circumferences of the
tyres can lead to an undesirable reduction in the engine output.
•Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or other
assignment of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the ESP
⇒ page 243.
Traction control system (TCS)*
The traction control system prevents the driven wheels
from spinning when accelerating.
General
The TCS makes it much easier, and sometimes at all possible, to start off,
accelerate and climb a steep hill when the conditions of the road surface
are unfavourable.
Operating principle
The TCS switches on automatically when the engine is started and then
conducts a self-test. The system monitors the speeds of the driven wheels
with the aid of the ABS sensors. If the wheels are spinning, the force trans-
Fig. 161 TCS switch
s3ec.book Seite 186 Montag, 2. Mai 2005 3:42 15