57
CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
If the front or side airbag was deacti-
vated with the switch in the glove box:
- the warning light comes on for 3 secondswhen the ignition is switched on;
- the deactivation of the airbag is signaled by the warning light Airbag OFF coming
on in the front interior light
Warning
If a fault exists, have the airbag sys-
tem checked immediately by a Škoda
Dealer. Otherwise, there is a risk of
the airbag or the seat belt not being
activated in the event of an accident.
Trailer turn signal system*The warning light flashes if the turn signal
system is operated when towing a trailer.
If a turn signal light of the trailer or towing
vehicle fails, the warning light does not
flash.Low beamThe warning light comes on after the low
beam is switched on - see page 82.Fog lights*The warning light comes on when the fog
lights are switched on.Rear fog lightThe warning light comes on when the rear
fog light is switched on.
Testing engine electronics* EPC(fitted only to certain engines)
The warning light comes on for a few se-
conds when the ignition is switched on.
If the warning light does not go off or co-
mes on or flashes when driving, this indi-
cates a fault in the engine electronic sy-
stem. A program stored in the engine con-
trol unit makes it possible to continue dri-
ving with certain restrictions - contact a
Škoda Dealer for professional assistance.Glow plugs(diesel engines only)
If the engine is cold, the warning light co-
mes on when the preglow position „2“ (ig-
nition on) is switched on - see page 43. If
the warning light does not come on, there
is a fault in the glow plug system - contact
a Škoda Dealer for assistance. After the
light goes out, start the engine rightaway.
If the engine is warm, the glow plug warn-
ing light does not come on - the engine can
be started straightaway.
If the warning light flashes when driving,
there is a fault in the system.
Contact a Škoda Dealership for professio-
nal advice.
58CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENTCoolant temperature, coolant
levelThe warning light comes on for a few se-
conds after switching on the ignition.
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
lack or coolant.
If the warning light does not go off after this
or flashes when driving, either the coolant
temperature is too high or the coolant level
is too low.
Text in the information display*: STOP CHECK
COOLANT SERVICE MANUAL.
An audible warning signal then sounds
(peep signal 3 times).
If this happens, stop the car and switch
off the engine ; check the coolant level and
top up coolant if necessary.
If the warning light comes on, although the
coolant is at the correct level and the fan
fuse is in proper order, do not drive any
further. The engine must then also not run
in neutral. Contact a Škoda Dealer for pro-
fessional assistance.
Warning
Take care when opening the cool-
ant expansion tank. When the engine
is hot, the cooling system is pressu-
rized - risk of scalding! Allow the
engine to cool down, therefore, be-
fore unscrewing the cap.
Do not touch the fan! The fan may
switch on suddenly - even if the igni-
tion is switched off.
If the coolant is at the correct level, the rise
in temperature may be caused by a failure
of the radiator fan. Check the fuse of the
radiator fan and renew if necessary - see
page 167.
If the warning light does not go out althou-
gh the coolant is at the correct level and
the fan fuse is in proper order, do not drive
any further . Contact a Škoda Dealer for
professional assistance.
Further information is provided on pages
137 and 142.
Brake wear indicator*If this warning light comes on, contact a
Škoda Dealer to have the brake pads chec-
ked.
An audible warning signal sounds (single
peep signal).
In view of the fact that the brake wear indi-
cator monitors only the front brake pads, it
is recommended to also have the rear
brake pads or linings inspected.Fuel levelThe warning light comes on and remains
on if there are only about 7 litres of fuel in
the tank.
An audible warning signal sounds (1 beep).
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.
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.
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.
119
DRIVING TIPS
The technical prerequisites
for low fuel consumption and efficiency we-
re „built in“ at the factory. Particular impor-
tance was placed on the lowest possible
effect on the environment. To retain and
make the best possible use of these char-
acteristics attention should be paid to the
following points:
The prescribed maintenance opera-tions should be carried out exactly
as specified in the Service Schedule.
Having your car serviced by a Škoda Dealer
at the specified intervals not only ensures
that it is always in proper roadworthy con-
dition but that it operates economically, with
minimal environmental impact and provides
you with many years of motoring.
Check the tyre pressures every 4 weeks.
Low tyre pressures increase the rolling re-
sistance. This not only increases the fuel
consumption and tyre wear, but the han-
dling is also impaired.
Do not carry any unnecessary loadsin the luggage compartment.
The weight of the car has a major effect on
fuel consumption, particularly when driving
in towns where you frequently have to ac-
celerate. The rule of thumb which applies
is that every 100 kilograms of weight in-
creases fuel consumption by about 1 litre/
100 km (1 litre/62 miles).
Do not fit the roof rack unless it is
really needed.
Particularly at high speeds the increased
air resistance makes itself felt in higher fuel
consumption.
Electrical consumers should onlybe switched on when they are ac-
tually required.
Heated rear window, fog lights etc. have a
considerable energy demand. The higher
alternator load also increases the fuel con-
sumption. For instance, over a period of 10
hours, the heated rear window will increase
fuel consumption by approximately 1 litre.
Keep a frequent check on your fuel consumption.
The fuel consumption should be checked
each time the tank is filled up. By doing this
inconsistencies on the vehicle which lead
to increased fuel consumption can be de-
tected sooner. Check the oil level each time you refuel.
The oil consumption depends to a great
extent on the engine load and speed. De-
pending on the style of driving the con-
sumption can be as much as 0.5 litre/
1000 km.
It is normal for the oil consumption of a new
engine to reach its lowest level after a cer-
tain mileage has been covered. The con-
sumption cannot be properly assessed until
the vehicle has run approx. 5000 km.
This also applies to the fuel consumption
and the engine output.
125
DRIVING TIPS
Technical requirements
If the car is supplied with a factory-fitted
towing bracket, all that is technically and
legally necessary for towing a trailer has
already been taken into account.
If the trailer to be towed has a 7-pin con-
nector, you can obtain an adapter cable
from Škoda Dealers.
Škoda Dealers are acquainted with the
details of retrofitting a towing bracket and
modifying the cooling system. You should
therefore have a towing bracket fitted by a
Škoda Dealer. Operating instructions
The permissible trailer weights must on
no account be exceeded.
The trailer weights stated are only ap-
plicable for altitudes up to 1000 m above
mean sea level (MSL). As the engine out-
put and thus the climbing ability drops due
to the decreasing air density, the weight of
vehicle and trailer must also be reduced by
10 % for each further 1000 m or part the-
reof.
Take this fact into account when driving at
high altitudes.
You should make full use of the maxi-
mum permissible drawbar weight indicated
on the ball head of the towing bracket, but
do not exceed it.
The load carried in the trailer should be
distributed so that any heavy objects are
placed as close as possible to the axle,
taking into account the permissible trailer
weight and drawbar load. The objects
should also be secured to prevent them
slipping.
Select the tyre pressure of the car for full
loads and also check the pressure of the
trailer tyres.
The headlight beam control of the car
should be set to match the particular load
conditions.
The handbrake of the car should be ap-
plied when hitching up and unhitching the
trailer.
Inspect the ball head to ensure that
it is properly locked each time before
setting off.
The inspection is performed by turn-
ing the closed locking lever down-
wards.
If the locking lever can only be turned
approx. 5°, the locking mechanism is
OK.
After the inspection pull the locking
lever back again to its stop.
The towing device must not be used,
if it does not wish to close or the
locking lever turns slightly in the clo-
sed position.
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.