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.
126DRIVING TIPSDriving instructions
To obtain the best possible handling of ve-
hicle and trailer, please note the following
points:
Try to avoid driving with an unladen ve-
hicle and a loaded trailer. If this cannot be
avoided, only drive slowly to allow for the
unfavourable weight distribution.
As the driving stability of vehicle and trai-
ler decreases when the speed increases,
do not drive at the maximum permissible
top speed in unfavourable road, weather or
wind conditions - particularly when going
downhill.
You should in any case immediately reduce
your speed as soon as you detect even the
slightest swaying of the trailer. On no ac-
count attempt to eliminate the swaying by
accelerating!
For safety reasons, you should not drive
faster than 80 km/h (50 mph). This also
applies in countries where higher speeds
are permitted.
Apply the brakes in good time! If the
trailer is fitted with an overrun brake, apply
the brakes gently at first, then increase the
pressure. This avoids any braking shocks
caused by the wheels of the trailer block-
ing. Shift down gears in good time before
driving downhill so that the engine can act
as a brake.
If it is necessary to drive a long uphill
section in a low gear with a very high en-
gine speed and at unusually high ambient
temperatures, keep a check on the cool-
ant gauge. If the needle of the gauge moves
into the upper range of the scale, reduce
the speed of your car immediately. If the
temperature and brake fluid level warning
light flash, however, stop and allow engine
to cool down by letting it idle for a few min-
utes. Pay attention to the further informa-
tion on p. 46.
The coolant temperature can be reduced
by switching on the heater.
The cooling effect of the radiator fan
cannot be increased by changing down,
because the speed of the fan is not depend-
ent on the engine speed. You should there-
fore not change down even when towing a
trailer as long as the engine can cope with-
out the vehicle speed dropping too much.
General notes
It is advisable to have the vehicle ser-
viced between the inspection intervals
if it is used frequently for towing a trailer.
The trailer and drawbar load figures on
the data plate of the towing bracket are for
test certification only. The correct figures for
the vehicle, which may be lower than the
above figures, are given in the vehicle do-
cuments.
136GENERAL MAINTENANCE1.6-ltr./74 kW petrol engine
1 - Coolant expansion reservoir
2 - Reservoir for hydraulic fluid of powersteering
3 - Windscreen washer reservoir
4 - Engine oil dipstick
5 - Engine oil filler opening
6 - Brake fluid reservoir
7 - Battery 1.9-ltr. TDI 66 kW/81 kW diesel engine
1 - Coolant expansion reservoir
2 - Reservoir for hydraulic fluid of power
steering
3 - Windscreen washer reservoir
4 - Engine oil dipstick
5 - Engine oil filler opening
6 - Brake fluid reservoir
7 - Battery
The arrangement in the engine compart-
ment is largely identical on all petrol and
diesel engines.
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.
144GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Drained coolant should not nor-mally be re-used but should be dis-
posed of by complying with environmen- tal protection regulations.
Radiator fanThe radiator fan is driven by an electric mo-
tor and controlled by a thermostatic switch
in line with the coolant temperature.
Warning
After the engine has been switched
off, the fan may continue running for
a while - even if the ignition is swit-
ched off. It may also start to run again
suddenly after a short time if
- the coolant temperature increases due to heat build-up
- when the engine is hot and the en- gine compartment is heated addi-
tionally by strong sunlight.
Special care should therefore be
taken when working in the engine
compartment.
Brake fluidThe brake fluid reservoir is located in the
left of the engine compartment.Checking fluid levelThe fluid level should always be between
the „MAX“ and „MIN“ markings on the re-
servoir.
A slight drop in the fluid level occurs when
driving as a result of wear and tear and au-
tomatic slack adjustment of the brake pads.
This is perfectly normal.
Warning
The coolant additive and the coolant
are poisonous! Do not breathe in
coolant vapours, do not swallow
coolant, avoid contact with eyes and
skin.
If coolant splashes into your eye,
rinse out immediately with clear wa-
ter and contact a doctor.
If coolant is swallowed, you should
likewise contact a doctor. The cool-
ant additive should therefore be
safely stored in the original contain-
ers out of the reach of children.
If the coolant has to be drained out
of the cooling system of the car at
any time, it should be collected,
marked and likewise stored in a safe
place.
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.
ALPHABETICAL 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