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).
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.
78CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENTVentilation (fresh air operation)With the following settings, unheated fresh
air flows out of vents 3 and 4:
Switch off air conditioner by pressing
pushbutton D
Switch off recirculated air mode by press-
ing pushbutton E
Rotary switch B to desired position
Rotary control A fully to the left
Rotary control C to ........................ Open vents 3 and 4
If desired, the rotary control C can also be
turned into other positions.
General notes If the air conditioning is switched on,
air may flow out of the vents at a tempe-
rature of as low as +5 °C in certain con-
ditions. Lengthy periods sitting in the
car and irregular distribution of the air
flow from the vents (in particular in the
leg area) and large temperature differ-
ences, e.g. when getting out of the car,
may result in more sensitive persons
suffering chills.
For this reason, please follow the in-
structions presented in this chapter.
If the ambient temperature is high and
the air very humid, condensed water may
drip off the evaporator and form a pud-
dle under the vehicle. This is quite nor-
mal and does not indicate a leak.
All the controls can be set to any desired
intermediate position except rotary switch
B (in the range of positions 1 to 4) and the
pushbuttons D and E.
Using air conditioner economically In the cooling mode, the compressor of
the air conditioner draws power from the
engine and thus affects the fuel consump-
tion.
If the inside temperature is very high
after the car has been parked in the sun, it
is recommended to open doors or windows
briefly to enable the hot air to escape.
The air conditioner should not be switched
on during a journey if the windows are ope-
ned.
If the desired interior temperature can
be reached without switching on the air
conditioner, it is better to select the fresh
air mode.
If the air conditioning system has not
been switched on for a lengthy period,
odours may be produced at the evaporator
because of deposits. Switch on the air con-
ditioning system at least once a month, also
during the cold season of the year, to the
maximum blower speed in order to remove
such odours. At the same time open a win-
dow.
84CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENTGeneral notesIt is important to ensure that the sensor
between the defroster vents for the wind-
shield in the middle of the instrument panel
and the air grille (item 18 - refer to page
79) is not covered over.
The air inlet in front of the windshield
must be free of ice, snow and leaves to
enable the Climatronic to operate properly.
The heating efficiency depends on the
temperature of the coolant - full heating ca-
pacity is therefore only available once the
engine has reached its normal operating
temperature.
If the AUTO mode has not been switched
on for a lengthy period, odours may be
caused as a result of environmentally-re-
lated deposits on the evaporator.
In order to avoid such odour problems, the
cooling system should be switched on at
least once a month at the highest blower
speed - also during the cool season of the
year. At the same time, open a window for
a short time.
At high outside temperatures and high
air humidity condensation may drip from the
evaporator and form a puddle of water be-
low the vehicle. This is quite normal and
not an indication of a leak.
The blower should always be switched
on at a low setting when driving at low
speeds in order to prevent the windows
misting up. Select the ECON or AUTO
mode in this case.
If the air conditioning system has not
been switched on for a lengthy period,
odours may be produced at the evaporator
because of deposits. Switch on the air con-
ditioning system at least once a month, also
during the cold season of the year, to the
maximum blower speed in order to remove
such odours. At the same time open a win-
dow.
Economic use of the Climatronic
systemIn the cooling mode the compressor of the
Climatronic system draws power from the
engine and thus influences the fuel con-
sumption. Pay attention to the following
points in order to minimize the operating
time of the system.
If the interior of the vehicle has been
warmed up considerably by the sun’s rays
when the car is parked, it is recommended
to briefly open the windows or doors to al-
low the warm air to escape.
The Climatronic should not be switched
on when driving if the windows or the slid-
ing roof* are open.
Select the ECON mode if it is possible
to also achieve the desired interior tem-
perature without operating the cooling sys-
tem.
127
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Filling the tankThe fuel filler neck is inserted into the rear
right body panel.
The fuel tank holds about 55 litres.
Notes
The fuel filler flap can be opened from the
driver’s seat* - see page 65.
On this version the fuel cap cannot be
locked separately.
A sticker with data is affixed to the fuel filler
flap - see page 181.When refuelling, the filler cap can be in-
serted at the flap.
After refuelling, fit on the filler cap tight until
it is heard to click. After this, close the filler
flap.
If your car is not fitted with a remote re-
lease for the fuel filler flap at the driv-
er’s seat*, the following instructions
apply:
Use the car key to unlock the filler cap of
the fuel filler neck by turning it to the left
and unscrew it.
When refuelling, the filler cap can be in-
serted at the flap.
After refuelling, screw the filler cap tight until
it is heard to click. Lock the filler cap by
turning the key of the car to the right, with-
draw the key and close the fuel filler flap.
As soon as the petrol pump at the
filling station switches off automati-
cally for the first time after being prop- erly used, the fuel tank is „full“. Do notfill in any more petrol otherwise the ex-pansion chamber in the tank will be filled
and fuel might flow out when it warms up.
Note
Never run the fuel tank completely empty
on models fitted with a catalytic con-
verter. The irregular fuel supply may re-
sult in misfiring and uncombusted fuel
may get into the exhaust system. This
can cause overheating and damage to
the catalytic converter.
Warning
Observe any statutory regulations
when carrying a reserve canister of
fuel. For safety reasons, it is recom-
mended that you do not carry a re-
serve canister in the car. In the event
of an accident, the canister could be
damaged and fuel spillage could oc-
cur.
140GENERAL MAINTENANCE
The car should be standing horizontally
when checking the oil level. Wait a few min-
utes after switching off the engine to allow
the oil to flow back into the sump.
Then, withdraw the dipstick, wipe it off with
a clean cloth and re-insert it fully.
After this, once again withdraw the dipstick
and read off the oil level:
a- Oil must be topped up.
After topping up, it is sufficient if the oil
level is somewhere in the range b.
b - Oil may be topped up.
After topping up, the oil level may then
be in the range c.
c - Oil must not be topped up.
If the engine is driven particularly hard, as
for example during long trips on motorways
in summer, when towing a trailer or driving
over mountain passes, the oil level should
be kept within the range c if possible - not
above .Topping up engine oilUnscrew the cap 2 of the oil filler opening
in the cylinder head cover and pour in the
quantity of oil needed. Check the oil level
with the dipstick. The oil level must on no account be hig-
her than the range „c“.
Otherwise, oil may
be drawn into the combustion chamber and
passed through the exhaust system to at-
mosphere. This can have a detrimental ef-
fect on combustion and on the operating
life of the catalytic converter.
Warning
When topping up the oil, do not spill
it onto hot engine components - dan-
ger of fire.
Carefully close the cap of the filler opening
and fully insert the dipstick into the inspec-
tion hole. Otherwise, oil might flow out when
the engine is running.
In the event that you do not have enough
fuel, do not drive any further. Switch off
the engine and contact a Škoda Dealer for
professional assistance, otherwise there is
a risk of serious engine damage.
The illustration shows part of an engine
compartment with the 2.0-ltr./85 kW engine.
For further information regarding the ar-
rangement in the engine compartment - see
page 136.
Checking oil levelIt is normal that the engine consumes a cer-
tain
quantity of oil . The oil consumption
may be as much as 0.5 ltr/1000 km if oper-
ating conditions are disadvantageous (e.g.
when driving in town) - see also page 119.
The engine oil level should therefore be
checked at regular intervals. This is best
done each time you refuel and before a long
journey.
The position of the dipstick 1 is shown in
the illustration.
153
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Wheels
General information New tyres at first do not offer optimal grip
and should therefore be run in for the first
500 km at a moderate speed and an ap-
propriately cautious style of driving. You
will also profit from longer tyre life.
Because of design characteristics and
different types of tread, the tread depth of
new tyres may vary (depending on the type
of tyre and manufacturer).
Inspect the tyres regularly for signs of
damage (foreign bodies, piercing, cuts, splits
and dents, particularly in the area of the tyre
shoulder). Foreign bodies which penetrate
into the tyre may damage it from the inside.
Only an expert can assess damage to a tyre
and determine whether a repair is possible.
If it is not possible to repair a tyre or if this is
unsafe, the tyre must then be replaced. The
damaged tyre may blow out!
If it is necessary to drive up onto a kerb,
do this at a very low speed and at right
angles if possible. Avoid driving up onto
kerbs with pointed edges. Driving quickly
onto kerbs or driving onto a kerb at an ob-
lique angle or driving over obstacles with
pointed edges or points (e.g. stones) can
result in concealed tyre damage which can-
not be detected immediately. This harbours
the risk of an accident in the event of the
tyre puncturing at a high speed.
Damage to tyres and wheels is fre-
quently not visible. Unusual vibrations or
the vehicle pulling to one side, may be an
indication of tyre damage. If you suspect
that a wheel is damaged, immediately
reduce your speed and stop!
Inspect the tyres (dents, splits etc.). If you
cannot find any defect, drive at a slow
speed to the nearest Škoda dealer and
have the vehicle inspected.
Keep oil, grease and fuel away from the
tyres.
Replace any lost valve caps without de-
lay.
If the wheels are taken off, they should
be marked first of all so that they can be
refitted to rotate in the same direction.
If wheels or tyres are taken off, always
store them in a cool, dry and dark place.
Tyres which are not fitted to a rim, should
be stored upright.Tyre lifeThe life of the tyres depends essentially on
the following points:
Inflation pressure
The tyre inflation pressures are indicated
on a sticker on the inside of the fuel filler
flap. Further information is available from
your Škoda Dealer. Tyre pressure is an important factor, particu-
larly when driving at high speeds. The infla-
tion pressure should always be checked at
least once a month and before setting off on
a long journey.
Do not forget to check the air pressure in
the spare wheel when checking the tyre air
pressures.
The spare wheel with a standard tyre
should always be inflated to the maximum
pressure indicated for the car.
Always check the inflation pressure
when the tyres are cold. Do not reduce the
pressure of a warm tyre. Adjust the infla-
tion pressure accordingly if there is any
major change in the load of the car.
If the tyres are not sufficiently or excessively
inflated, this will have a detrimental effect
on tyre life and also on the handling of the
car.
Warning
When driving continuously at a high
speed, a tyre which is not sufficiently
inflated has to perform greater flex-
ing work and thus heats up exces-
sively. This can cause sections of the
tread to detach and even result in a
tyre blow-out.
181
TECHNICAL DATA
Technical Data
General comments
The details given in the official vehicle registration documents always take prece-
dence over the details in th e Owner's Manual. Please refer to the official vehicle
registration documents or consult your Škoda Service Partner concerning the
engine with which your vehicle is equipped.
Used abbreviations
Performances
The listed performance values were determined without performance-reducing
equipment, e.g. air conditioning system.
Weight
The loading capacity is reduced in line with the range of the special equipment. The
unloaden weight contains a fuel tank topped up to 90%. A driver with a weight of
75 kg is also included in the value.
Identification details
Vehicle data sticker
The vehicle data sticker ⇒fig. 1 is located on the floor of the luggage compartment
and is also stated in the Service schedule.
The vehicle data sticker co ntains the following data:
Vehicle identificati on number (VIN)
Vehicle type
Gearbox code, paint number, interior equipment number, engine output,
engine code
Partial description of the vehicle
AbbreviationImportance
kWKilowatt, measuring unit for the engine output
rpmEngine revolutions per minute
NmNewton meter, measuring unit for the engine torque
CO2 in g/kmdischarged quantity of carbon dioxide in grams per driven kilom-
eter
RONResearch octane number, measur ing unit for the knocking resist-
ance of petrol
M5 / M65-speed/6-speed manual gearbox
AG4 / AG54-speed/5-speed automatic gearbox
Fig. 1 Vehicle data sticker
A1
A2
A3
A4