59
CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
Engine oilWarning light shows red
(engine oil level too low)
The warning light comes on for a few se-
conds when the ignition is switched on.
On vehicles with information display, the
warning light does not come on after switch-
ing on the ignition, only if a fault exists or a
shortage of oil.
If the warning light does not go out after a
few seconds or comes on when driving,
stop the car and switch off the engine,
check oil level and top up oil if necessary –
see page 136.
Text in the information display*: STOP! OIL
PRESSURE STOP ENGINE! SERVICE
MANUAL.
An audible warning signal sounds (peep
signal 3 times).
If the warning light comes on although the
oil is at the correct level, do not continue
driving . The engine must also not be run
at idling speed in this case. Contact a
Škoda Dealership for professional advice. Warning
The oil pressure light is not an oil
level indicator! One should therefore
check the oil level at regular inter-
vals, preferably after every refuelling
stop.
Warning light lights up yellow*
(oil in the engine is too low)
If the warning light lights up yellow, the
quantity of oil in the engine is probably too
low.
Check as soon as possible the oil level or
top up with engine oil - see page 140.
An audible warning signal sounds (3x
beeps).
Text in the information display*: CHECK OIL
LEVEL.
Models fitted with LongLife Service: The
oil level warning is reset when the bonnet
is opened. If the engine oil is not replenis-
hed, the warning appears once again after
driving about 100 km.
Yellow warning light flashes*
(engine oil level gauge faulty)
If a fault occurs at the engine oil level gau-
ge, this is indicated by an audible signal and
by the warning light flashing several times.
Text in the information display*: OIL SEN-
SOR WORKSHOP.
Have the engine inspected without de-
lay by a Škoda Dealership.
60CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENTOpening doors*If a door is open, this is indicated by this
warning light.
Vehicles with information display
As an additional warning signal, a peep
sounds if the car is driven at a speed of
more than 6km/hour and if the door or the
luggage compartment door is open.Washer fluid level*The warning light comes on if the washer
fluid level is too low. Top up washer fluid -
see page 151.
An audible warning signal also sounds (sin-
gle peep signal).Bulbs*This warning light comes on if the bulb of
the luminous element is faulty during:
Operation of brakes (brake light)
Malfunction of illumination (low beam (or
fog light)
An audible warning signal also sounds (sin-
gle peep signal)
Testing engine electronics*The warning light comes on when the igni-
tion is switched on.
If the warning light does not go out after
starting the engine, or comes on or flashes
when driving, this indicates a fault in the
engine electronics system or in systems
which influence exhaust emissions. A pro-
gramme stored in the engine control unit
makes it possible to continue driving with
certain restrictions - contact a Škoda dealer
for professional help.Electronic stability
program (ESP)*The warning light comes on for a few se-
conds when the ignition is switched on.
The ESP system also includes the traction
control system (TCS).
The light flashes when driving if the system
has activated a control cycle.
The warning light will come on and remain
on if the system is switched off or if a sy-
stem fault exists.
As the ESP system operates in combination
with the ABS, EDL and EBC, the ESP warn-
ing light also comes on if the ABS system fails.
Further details are given on pages 84 and
122 - 124.
Traction control system (TCS)*The warning light comes on for a few se-
conds when the ignition is switched on.
The light flashes when driving if the system
has activated a control cycle.
The warning light will come on and remain
on if the system is switched off or if a sy-
stem fault exists.
As the TCS system operates in combinati-
on with the ABS, EDL and EBC, the TCS
warning light also comes on if the ABS sy-
stem fails.
Further details are given on pages 65 and
122 - 124.Anti-lock brake system (ABS)*The warning light monitors the ABS, or ABS
and EDL* system.
The ABS warning light should come on for
a few seconds when the ignition is switched
on. If the ABS warning light does not go off
after a few seconds, if it does not come on
at all, or comes on when driving, the sys-
tem is not operating properly. The car is
braked in this case without operation of the
ABS; only the normal brake system then
operates. Contact a Škoda Dealer as
soon as possible and adapt your style
of driving to the fault which exists for
you cannot know the extent of the pro-
blem.
61
CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
Electronic differential lock (EDL)*The EDL system operates in combination
with the ABS. A failure of the EDL system
is indicated by the ABS warning light co-
ming on. You should then contact a Škoda
Dealer without delay.
Models fitted with ESP are equipped with
electronic differential lock (EDL).
If a major fault is present in the ABS sy-
stem, an audible warning signal also
sounds (3 peeps). Further information on
the ABS and EDL systems is given on
pages 122 and 124.Electronic immobiliserWhen the ignition is switched on, a data
harmonization is performed between key
and control unit. If the data exchanged are
correct, this is confirmed by the warning li-
ght coming on for a few seconds.
If an unauthorized car key (e.g. forged key)
has been used, the warning light changes
to a continuous flashing light. It is then no
longer possible to start the car - see page
7.
Brake fluid levelThe warning light comes on for a few se-
conds after switching on the ignition.Warning
If the warning light comes on when
the ignition is switched on or when
driving, there is a fault in the brake
system. Contact the nearest Škoda
Dealer without delay and have the
brake system inspected.
An audible warning signal sounds
(3 peeps).
You can drive on carefully to the near-
est Škoda Dealer but allow for higher
pedal pressures, longer braking dis-
tances and greater idle travel of the
brake pedal.
The warning light also comes on when the
handbrake is applied.
Charge indicatorThe warning light comes on when the igni-
tion is switched on. It should go out when
the engine is started.
If the warning light comes on when driving
or does not go out after the engine has
started, stop the car and switch off the
engine. Check the ribbed belt.
If it is loose or broken, do not drive any
further . The belt has to be tensioned or
replaced.
If the ribbed belt is in proper order and the
warning light nevertheless comes on, it is
possible to drive on to the nearest Škoda
Dealer. In this case, the battery will not be
charged; switch off all unnecessary elec-
trical components in the vehicle.
An audible warning signal sounds (single
peep signal).Seat belt warning system*This warning light comes on to request the
driver to fasten the seat belt.
If the driver’s belt is not fastened, an audi-
ble warning signal sounds for 6 seconds.
62CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENTSwitchesLight switchNotes
The position of the switches differs on
right-hand drive vehicles. The symbols on
the switches are, however, the same as on
vehicles with left-hand drive.
Use of the lighting described here is
subject to the legal regulations of the coun-
try concerned.
If the side lights are not switched off af-
ter withdrawing the ignition key, an audible
signal sounds as a reminder as soon as the
driver’s door is opened.
The warning signal of the buzzer is swit-
ched off by the door contact when the driv-
er’s door is closed (ignition off) allowing the
car to be parked with the side lights on.
0 - Off
1 - Side lights
2 - Low beamLow beam and main beam operate only if
the ignition is switched on.
The headlights are switched automatically
to side lights when starting the engine and
after switching off the ignition.
For switching the headlights between low
beam and main beam and using the head-
light flasher - see page 67.3 - Instrument lighting*If the car lights are switched on, the inten-
sity of the instrument lighting can be
steplessly varied by then turning this knob.
Warning
Never drive with side lights on - risk
of accident!
The side lights are not bright enough
to light up the road sufficiently in
front of you or to be seen by other
oncoming traffic.
Therefore always switch on the low
beam when it is dark or when visibil-
ity is poor.
64CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT3 - Electronic stabilityprogram* ESPModels fitted with anti-lock brake system
(ABS) can be equipped additionally with an
electronic stability program (ESP).
The ESP makes it possible to enhance
control over the vehicle in situations in
which the vehicle is operating at the dyna-
mic limits, such as driving too fast into a
curve. The ESP is an extension of the ABS/
EBC//TCS/EDL function and reduces the
risk of skidding in all road conditions. The
system operates over the entire speed of
the vehicle in conjunction with the ABS. If
a fault develops in the ABS system, the ESP
then also does not operate.
The ESP is switched on automatically each
time the engine is started. It can be swit-
ched off and on, as desired, together with
the TCS system, by pressing the pushbut-
ton.
If the system is switched off, the ESP warn-
ing light comes on - see page 60.
In exceptional cases where wheel slip is
desired, it is beneficial to switch off the ESP
system. 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 ESP 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 ESP.
Operating principle of ESP
The ABS, EBC, EDL, TCS systems are in-
tegrated in the electronic stability program.
In addition to the data available from these
functions, the ESP control unit is also sup-
plied with signals which are transmitted by
highly sensitive sensors. What is measu-
red is the spinning rotary motion about the
vertical axis of the vehicle, the lateral ac-
celeration of the vehicle, the brake pressu-
re and the steering lock.
Note
The direction selected by the driver is de-
termined with the aid of the movement of
the steering and the vehicle speed and
constantly compared with the actual behav-
iour of the vehicle. If variations exist, such
as the vehicle beginning to slide, the ESP
automatically brakes the wheel in question
and reduces engine speed.
The vehicle is again stabilised as a result
of the forces acting on the wheel during the
braking operation. If the vehicle is overs-
teering (tending to break away at the rear),
it is primarily the outside front wheel which
is braked, whereas, if the vehicle is under-
steering (tending to slide out of the curve),
the rear inner wheel is then braked.
Warning
The ESP system is also not able to
overcome the physical limits of the
vehicle. You should remember this,
particularly when driving on slippery
and wet road surfaces.
Your style of driving should always
be adapted to the condition of the
road and the traffic situation. The
enhanced safety offered by the ESP
must not tempt you to take any risks
which compromise your safety.
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.
68CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENTTempomat
(cruise control system)*With the aid of this system it is possible to
constantly maintain any desired speed from
30 km/h without the driver having to hold
his foot on the accelerator pedal.Warning
Do not use the cruise control system
in dense traffic or on a slippery road
surface (ice, snow, rain, grit, etc.).
If the cruise control system is switch-
ed on, do not shift into neutral with-
out depressing the clutch pedal oth-
erwise the engine may overrev.
In order to prevent unintentional use
of the cruise control system, always
switch off the system after use.
Note
On models fitted with an automatic gear-
box, the cruise control system is only ac-
tive in selector lever positions D, 3 and 2. It
is not possible to use the cruise control
system in selector lever positions P, N , R
and 1 . The system is operated with the sliding
switch
A and the pushbutton B on the
multifunction switch.
Switching onMove switch A to ON .
Storing a speed
Switch on the cruise control system. As soon
as you have reached the desired speed,
briefly press pushbutton B in position SET.
After pressing pushbutton B in position
SET , the car will maintain the speed stored
(above 30 km/h [20 mph]) without you hav-
ing to depress the accelerator.
The stored speed can also be increased in
the usual way by depressing the accelerator.
When the accelerator is released, the speed
is again reduced to the speed previously
stored.This is not the case, however, if the stored
speed is exceeded by more than 10 km/h
for a period of more than 5 minutes. In such
a case, it is necessary to again store the
speed.
The speed can be reduced in the usual
way - by depressing the brake pedal or the
clutch pedal (switches off system tempo-
rarily - refer to page 69).
Warning
You must only resume the stored
speed if it is not too high for the traf-
fic conditions which exist at that
moment.
75
CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
General notesThe air inlet in front of the windscreen
should be kept free of ice, snow and leaves
to ensure the heating and ventilation sys-
tem can operate properly.
All the controls can be set to any desired
intermediate position, except blower switch
B in the blower positions 1 - 4.
The blower should always be set to run
when driving at low speeds in order to pre-
vent the windows from misting up.
The heat output depends on the cool-
ant temperature - full heat output is there-
fore only available when the engine is
warm.
The stale air flows out of the car through
the vent openings behind the right side trim
panel of the luggage compartment. The air conditioning system is a combined
cooling and heating system which offers
maximum comfort during all seasons of the
year.
The air conditioner operates only when the
engine is running, at an ambient tempera-
ture above about +5 °C and the blower
speed between 1 and 4.
If the air conditioning system is operating,
this reduces not only the temperature in-
side the car but also the air humidity.
This enhances the comfort of the car occu-
pants if the humidity of the ambient air is
high.
ControlsOn models with another type of dash panel,
the air vents are regulated in a similar way.
Rotary control A - temperature selection
clockwise - increases heat output
anti-clockwise - decreases heat output
Rotary switch B - blower
The air flow can be regulated with the ro-
tary switch
B.
The air flow can be set in four stages.
Blower and air conditioner are switched off
in position 0. Pushbutton E (recirculated air
mode)should be operated to prevent pol-
luted outside air (odours) entering the car.
Rotary control C - air distribution
Distributes air to the air outlet vents.
Air conditioning*