Unlocking and locking43
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
After the car is locked with the deactivated safe securing system, the indi-
cator light flashes only after 30 seconds.
Indicator light in the driver's door on vehicles with anti-theft alarm
system
After locking the vehicle the indicator light flashes for 2 seconds fast, then
more slowly.
If the vehicle is locked and the safe securing system
⇒page 43 is not
operating, the indicator light in the driver door flashes for about 2 seconds
fast, goes out and starts to flash slowly after about 30 seconds.
If the indicator light first of all flashes fast for about 2 seconds, afterwards
lights up for about 30 seconds and then flashes slowly, there is a fault in
the system of the central locking or the interior monitor* ⇒page 50.
Contact a specialist garage to obtain assistance.
Convenience operation of windows
One can open and close the electrically powered windows when unlocking
and locking the vehicle ⇒page 53, “Window convenience operation”.
Opening a single door*
This function allows one to just unlock the driver's door. The other doors
remain locked and are only unlocked when the command is repeated. The
single door opening function can be first activated by recoding the control
unit of the central locking system. This work is undertaken by a Škoda
Service Partner can give you more information.
Automatic locking*
All the doors and the tailgate are locked automatically once the car
reaches a speed of about 15 km/h.
If the ignition key is withdrawn, the car is then automatically unlocked
again. In addition, it is possible for the driver to unlock the car by pressing
the central locking button
or by pulling the door opening lever. If you wish, your Škoda Service Partner can convert the central locking
system of your car to the automatic locking mode.
WARNING
•Locking the doors prevents involuntary opening in an excep-
tional situation (an accident). Locked doors prevent unwanted
entry into the vehicle from outside, for example at road crossings.
Locked doors do, however, make it more difficult for rescuers to
get into the vehicle in an emergency - danger to life!
Note
•In the event of an accident in which the airbags are deployed, the
locked doors are automatically unlocked in order to enable rescuers to
gain access to the vehicle.
•Only the front doors can be unlocked and locked using the key if the
central locking system fails. You can operate the rear door manually.
−Emergency locking of the door ⇒page 46.
Safe securing
The central locking system is equipped with a safe securing system.
Locking the vehicle from the outside causes the door locks to be automat-
ically blocked. The indicator light in the driver's door flashes. It is not
possible to open the doors with the door handle either from the inside or
from the outside. This acts as an effective deterrent for attempts to break
into your vehicle.
You can deactivate the safe securing system. This is done by locking the
vehicle with the key or radio-operated key twice within 2 seconds.
The safe securing system is again activated the next time the vehicle is
unlocked and locked again.
NKO 20 A05.book Page 43 Wednesday, June 21, 2006 1:42 PM
Airbag system163
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Deactivating an airbag
Deactivating airbags
If any airbags have been deactivated, switch them on
again as soon as possible so that they are able to again
provide their proper protection.
There is the technical means installed within your vehicle to switch off the
front, side* or head airbag* (take out of commission).
This is why you should have the deactivation of the airbags carried out by
a specialist garage.
On vehicles equipped with the switch for deactivation of the airbags, you
can deactivate the front passenger airbag or passenger side airbag by
means of this switch ⇒page 164.
Deactivation of airbags is envisaged only for particular instances,
such as if:
•you must in exceptional cases use a child seat on the front
passenger seat where the child has its back to the direction of travel of the
vehicle (in some countries this must be in the direction of travel due to
other legal regulations applying) ⇒page 166, “Important safety informa-
tion regarding the use of child safety seats”
•you are not able to maintain the distance of at least 25 cm between
middle of steering wheel and chest, despite the driver seat being correctly
adjusted,
•special attachments are required in the area of the steering wheel
because of a physical disability,
•you have installed other seats (e.g. orthopaedic seats without side
airbags). Monitoring the airbag system
The functionality of the airbag system is also monitored electronically,
when one airbag has been switched off
If the airbag was switched off using diagnostic equipment:
•The airbag indicator light in the instrument cluster lights up for about 3
seconds after switching on the ignition and then flashes after that for about
12 seconds.
If the airbag was switched off using the airbag switch* on the side of
the dash panel:
•The airbag warning light comes on in the instrument cluster for about
3 seconds each time the ignition is switched on.
•Switching off airbags is indicated in the middle of the dash panel by the
lighting up of the indicator light ⇒ page 164, fig. 134 .
Note
Your Škoda Service Partner will be able to advise you whether national
legislation in your country allows airbags in your vehicle to be deactivated,
and which ones.
NKO 20 A05.book Page 163 Wednesday, June 21, 2006 1:42 PM
Inspecting and Replenishing215
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
For the sake of the environment
The oil level must on no account be above the range ⇒page 213. Oil
will otherwise be drawn in through the crankcase ventilation and may pass
through the exhaust system to atmosphere. The oil may combust in the
catalytic converter and damage it.
Changing engine oil
The engine oil must be changed at the intervals stated in the Service
schedule or according to the service interval indicator ⇒page 16.
WARNING
•Only carry out the engine oil change, if you have the required
professional knowledge!
•Read and observe the warning notes ⇒page 210, “Working in
the engine compartment” before working in the engine compart-
ment.
•Let the engine cool down - risk of burning from hot oil.
•Wear an eye protection - risk of caustic burns due to oil
splashes.
•Oil is toxic! Store old oil in a safe place out of the reach of chil-
dren and unauthorized persons until you dispose of it properly.
Caution
You must not pour any additives into the engine oil - risk of engine
damage! Damage, which results from such product, are excluded from the
warranty.
For the sake of the environment
•You must on no account pour oil into the ground or into the sewage
system.
•In view of the problems involved in properly disposing of old oil, the
material, equipment and the knowledge required for such work, we recom-
mend that you have the oil and oil filter change carried out by your Škoda
Service Partner.
Note
After your skin has come in contact with the oil, you must thoroughly wash
your skin.
Cooling system
Coolant
The job of the coolant is to cool the engine.
The cooling system does not require any maintenance under normal oper-
ating conditions. The coolant consists of water with a concentration of
coolant additive of 40 %. This mixture not only provides antifreeze protec-
tion down to -25°C but also protects the cooling and heating system from
corrosion. It also prevents the formation of scale and significantly
increases the boiling point of the coolant.
You must therefore not reduce the concentration of antifreeze agent in the
coolant by adding water, also not during the summer months or in coun-
tries with a warm climate. The concentration of coolant additive in the
coolant must be at least 40%.
Aa
NKO 20 A05.book Page 215 Wednesday, June 21, 2006 1:42 PM
Inspecting and Replenishing221
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Melting of lead struts, explosion and burning of the battery, jets of
acid spurting out.
•It is prohibited to work with a naked flame and light, to smoke or
to carry out any activities which produce sparks. Avoid creating
sparks when working with cables and electrical devices. Strong
sparking represents a risk of injury.
•Before carrying out any work on the electrical system, switch
off the engine, the ignition as well as all electrical components and
disconnect the negative cable (-) on the battery. If you wish to
replace a bulb it is sufficient to switch off the appropriate light.
•Never charge a frozen or thawed battery - risk of explosion and
caustic burns! Replace a frozen battery.
•Never use a battery which is damaged - risk of explosion! Imme-
diately replace a damaged battery.
Caution
•You must only disconnect the battery if the ignition is switched off,
otherwise the electrical system (electronic components) of the vehicle
may be damaged. When disconnecting the battery from the electrical
system of the vehicle, first disconnect the negative terminal (-) of the
battery. Then disconnect the positive terminal (+).
•When reconnecting the battery, first connect the positive terminal (+)
and only then the negative terminal (-) of the battery. You must on no
account connect the cables wrongly - risk of a cable fire.
•Ensure that battery acid does not come into contact with the vehicle
body otherwise damage could occur to the paintwork.
•Do not place the battery in direct daylight in order to protect the battery
housing from the effects of ultra-violet light.
For the sake of the environment
A removed battery is a special type of waste which is harmful to the envi-
ronment - we recommend that you contact your Škoda Service Partner
regarding disposing of the battery.
Note
•Please also refer to the guidelines ⇒page 223, “Disconnecting and
reconnecting the battery”, also after connecting the battery.
Battery with a charge level indicator, the so-called
magic eye*
There is a so-called magic eye ⇒fig. 161 located on the top of the battery.
The “magic eye” changes its colour in line with the charge state of and
electrolyte level in the battery.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 161 Battery with a
charge level indicator
NKO 20 A05.book Page 221 Wednesday, June 21, 2006 1:42 PM
Inspecting and Replenishing223
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
– Only then should you disconnect the terminal clamps of the
charger.
– Reconnect the cables to the battery (first of all “positive”, then “negative”).
It is not normally necessary to disconnect the cables of the battery if you
recharge the battery using low amperages (as for example from a mini-
charger ). Please also refer to the instructions from the charger manufac-
turer.
A charging current of 0.1 of the total battery capacity (or lower) is that
which should be used until full charging is achieved.
It is, however, necessary to disconnect both cables before charging the
battery with high amperages, so-called “ quick-charging”.
“Quick-charging” a battery is dangerous ⇒ in “Working on the battery”
on page 220. It requires a special charger and appropriate knowledge. We
therefore recommend that you have your battery quick-charged only by
your Škoda Service Partner.
A discharged battery may already freeze at temperatures just below 0°C
⇒ . We recommend that you no longer use a battery which has thawed
out because the casing of the battery may be cracked through the forma-
tion of ice and this would allow battery electrolyte to flow out.
The vent plugs of the battery should not be opened for charging.
WARNING
Never charge a frozen or thawed battery - risk of explosion and
caustic burns! Replace a frozen battery.
Disconnecting and reconnecting the battery
On disconnecting and reconnecting the battery the following functions are
initially deactivated or are no longer able to operate fault-free.
We recommend having the vehicle checked by a Škoda Service Partner
to ensure full functionality of all electrical systems.
Replacing the battery
You should only replace a battery with a new battery of the same capacity,
voltage (12 V), amperage and of the same size. Škoda Service Partners
have a range of suitable batteries available.
We recommend that you only have an old battery disposed of by your
Škoda Service Partner since it does require special disposal.
For the sake of the environment
Batteries contain poisonous substances such as sulphuric acid and lead.
They must be disposed of in accordance with local environmental protec-
tion regulations and on no account as domestic waste.
OperationOperating measure
Electrical power window (operational
faults)⇒page 53
Enter radio code numbersee Radio Operating Instruc-
tions
Set hours⇒page 17
Data in the multi-functional indicator* are
deleted.⇒page 17
NKO 20 A05.book Page 223 Wednesday, June 21, 2006 1:42 PM
Wheels and Tyres227
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Wear indicators
The base of the tread of the original tyres has wear indicators 1.6 mm
high, installed at right angles to the direction of travel. These wear indica-
tors are located at 6 - 8 points depending on the make and are evenly
spaced around the circumference of the tyre ⇒fig. 164 . Markings on the
walls of the tyres through the letters “TWI”, triangular symbols or other
symbols identify the position of the wear indicators.
A remaining tread of just 1.6 mm, measured in the grooves of the tread
next to the wear indicators, means that your tyres have reached their
legally permissible minimum tread depth.
WARNING
•You must have your tyres replaced with new ones at the latest
when the wear indicators have been worn down. The legally
permissible minimum tread depth should be observed.
•Worn tyres do not provide the necessary adhesion to the road
surface at high speeds on wet roads. One could experience “aqua- planing” (uncontrolled movements of the vehicle - “swimming” on
a wet road surface).
Changing wheels around
If significantly greater wear is present on the front tyres, we recommend
changing the front wheels around with the rear wheels. You will then
obtain approximately the same life for all the tyres.
It may be advantageous to swap the tyres over “crosswise” when certain
types of wear characteristic arise on the running surface of the tyres (but
not in the case of unidirectional tyres). Škoda Service Partners can
provide you with details.
We recommend that you change the wheels around every 10 000 km in
order to achieve even wear on all wheels and to obtain optimal tyre life.
New tyres and wheels
Tyres and wheel rims are important design elements. One should there-
fore use the tyres and wheel rims which have been released for use by
Škoda Auto. They are exactly matched to the vehicle type and therefore
contribute significantly to good road holding and safe driving characteris-
tics
⇒ .
Only fit radial tyres of the same type on all 4 wheels, size (rolling circum-
ference) and, if possible, the same tread pattern on one axle.
Škoda Service Partners have access to the most current information
about which tyres we have released for use on your vehicle.
Fig. 164 Tyre tread
with wear indicators
WARNING (continued)
NKO 20 A05.book Page 227 Wednesday, June 21, 2006 1:42 PM