
Airbag system
144
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 protec-
tion.
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 deactiva tion of the airbags carried out by a
specialist garage.
On vehicles equipped with the switch for deactivation of the airbags, you can deac-
tivate the front and side passenger airbag by means of this switch ⇒page 144.
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 directio n of travel of the vehicle (in some coun-
tries this must be in the direction of trav el due to other legal regulations applying)
⇒ page 146, “Important safety information 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 warning light for the airbag system lights up for 3 seconds after switching
on the ignition and then flashes for 12 seconds afterwards in 2 second intervals.
Front passenger airbags sw itched off using the switch for front passenger
airbags* in stowage compartmen t on the front passenger side:
•The airbag warning light comes on in th e 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 ⇒ fig. 153 .
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.
Switch for the front seat passenger airbags*
Fig. 152 Storage
compartment: Switch for
the front seat passenger
airbags
Fig. 153 Indicator light
for a switched off front
seat passenger airbag
NKO B5 20.book Page 144 Friday, March 2, 2007 1:46 PM

Intelligent Technology155
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Driving Tips
Intelligent Technology
Electronic stability programme (ESP)*
General
General
The ESP aids you maintain control of your vehicle in situations in borderline driving
situations such as when negotiating a curve too fast. The risk of skidding is reduced
and your car thus offers greater driving stability depending on the conditions of the
road surface. This occurs at all speeds.
The following systems are integrated into the electronic stability programme:
•Electronic Differential Lock (EDL),
•Traction control system (TCS),
•Antilock brake system ABS,
•Brake Assist. Operating principle
The ESP switches on automatically when the engine is started and then conducts a
self-test. The ESP control unit processes data from the individual systems. It also
processes additional measurement data which are supplied by highly sensitive
sensors: the rotational velocity of the vehi
cle about its vertical axis, the lateral accel-
eration of the vehicle, the brakin g pressure and the steering angle.
The direction which the driver wishes to ta ke is determined based on the steering
angle and the speed of the vehicle and is constantly compared with the actual
behaviour of the vehicle. If differences exis t, such as the car beginning to skid, the
ESP will automatically brake the appropriate wheel.
The car is stabilised again by the forces which take effect when the wheel is braked.
Intervention into the brake system takes place primarily on the outer front wheel of
a vehicle which tends to oversteer (tendency for the rear of the vehicle to break
away) while occurs this is on the inner re ar wheel of a vehicle which tends to under-
steer (tendency to shift out of the curve). This braking control cycle is accompanied
by noises.
The ESP operates in combination with the ABS ⇒page 159, “Antilock brake system
(ABS)”. If there is a fault in the ABS system, the ESP also does not operate.
The ESP warning light ⇒page 28 lights up in the instrument cluster when there is a
fault on the ESP.
Switching off
You can switch the ESP off and on again as you wish, by pressing the button
⇒ fig. 163 . The ESP warning light ⇒page 28 lights up in the instrument cluster
when the ESP is switched off.
The ESP should normally always be switched on. It may be good practice to switch
the system off only in particular exceptional situations if you desire wheel slip.
Examples:
•when driving with snow chains,
B1Z-0042HB1Z-0042HFig. 163 ESP switch
NKO B5 20.book Page 155 Friday, March 2, 2007 1:46 PM

Intelligent Technology
156
•when driving in deep snow or on a loose surface,
•when it is necessary to rock a ca r free when it has become stuck.
then you should switch on the ESP again.
WARNING
It is also not possible for the ESP to overcome the physical limits of the
vehicle. Even if a vehicle fitted with ESP you should still always adapt your
style of driving to the condition of the road surface and the traffic situation.
This particularly applies when driving on slippery and wet roads. The
increased safety offered must not tempt you to take greater risks than other-
wise - risk of an accident!
Note
•All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres in order to achieve problem-
free operation of the ESP. Differing rolling circumferences of the tyres can lead to an
undesirable reduction in the engine output.
•Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or other assign-
ment of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the ESP ⇒page 205.
Traction control system (TCS)*
The traction control system prevents the driven wheels from spinning
when accelerating.
General
The TCS makes it much easier, and sometimes at all possible, to start off, accelerate
and climb a steep hill when the conditions of the road surface are unfavourable.
Operating principle
The TCS switches on automatically when th e engine is started and then conducts a
self-test. The system monitors the speeds of the driven wheels with the aid of the
ABS sensors. If the wheels ar e spinning, the force transmitted to the road surface is
automatically adapted by reducing the engi ne speed. This occurs at all speeds.
The TCS operates in combination with the ABS ⇒page 159, “Antilock brake system
(ABS)”. The TCS will not function if a fault exists in the ABS system.
The TCS warning light ⇒page 28 lights up in the instrument cluster when there is a
fault on the TCS.
Switching off
You can switch the TCS off and on again as you wish by pressing the button
⇒ fig. 164 . The TCS warning light ⇒page 28 lights up in the instrument cluster
when the TCS is switched off.
B1Z-0042HB1Z-0042HFig. 164 TCS switch
NKO B5 20.book Page 156 Friday, March 2, 2007 1:46 PM

Inspecting and Replenishing
188
– After this, once again withdraw the dipstick and read off the oil level ⇒page 187, fig. 175 .
Oil level within range
– You must not top up the oil.
Oil level within range
–You may top up the oil. It is possible that the oil level may then be
within range after doing this.
Oil level within range
–You must top up the oil ⇒page 188. It is sufficient, once this is done,
to keep the oil level is within range .
It is normal for the engine to consume oil. The oil cons umption may be as much as
0.5 l/1 000 km depending on your style of driving and the conditions under which
you operate your vehicle. The oil consumpt ion may be slightly higher than this
during the first 5 000 kilometres.
One should therefore check the oil level at regular intervals, preferably every time
after the fuel tank is filled or after driving for long stretches.
We recommend maintaining the oil level within the range if the engine has been
operating at high loads, for example during a lengthy motorway trip during the
summer months, towing a trailer or negotiating a high mountain pass, but not
above this .
The warning light in the instrument cluster will indicate whether the oil level is too
low ⇒page 27, “Engine oil ”. In this case, check the oil level as soon as possible.
Top up with an approp riate quantity of oil.
WARNING
Read and observe the warning notes ⇒page 185, “Working in the engine
compartment” before working in the engine compartment.
Caution
•The oil level must on no account ex tend beyond the range . Danger of
damaging the catalytic converter.
•Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under the
conditions prevailing to top up with oil. Switch the engine off and obtain profes-
sional assistance from a specialist garage, otherwise it could lead to severe engine
damage.
Replenishing engine oil
– Inspect the oil level ⇒page 187.
– Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening.
– Pour in a suitable grade of oil in portions of 0.5 litres ⇒page 186,
“Engine oil specifications”.
– Inspect the oil level ⇒page 187.
– Carefully screw on the cap of the filler opening and push the dipstick in fully.
WARNING
•Avoid dripping oil onto hot parts of the engine when topping up will oil -
a risk of fire!
•Read and observe the warning notes ⇒page 185, “Working in the engine
compartment” before working in the engine compartment.
For the sake of the environment
The oil level must on no account be above the range ⇒page 187, fig. 175. Oil
will otherwise be drawn in through the cr ankcase ventilation and may pass through
the exhaust system to atmosphere. The oi l may combust in the catalytic converter
and damage it.
Aa
Ab
Aa
Ac
Ab
Aa
Aa
Aa
NKO B5 20.book Page 188 Friday, March 2, 2007 1:46 PM

Inspecting and Replenishing
190
Caution
•Other coolant additives may cause operational problems which, in partic-
ular, involves significantly reducing the anticorrosion effect.
•Any faults or problems resulting from corrosion may cause a loss of
coolant and, as a consequence of th is, result in major engine damage.
Inspecting the coolant level
The coolant expansion bottle is located in the engine compartment on
the left.
– Switch the engine off.
– Open the bonnet ⇒ in “Working in the engine compartment” on
page 185.
– Check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle ⇒fig. 176 .
The coolant level when the engine is cold must lie between the “MIN”
and “MAX” markings. The level may also rise slightly above the “MAX”
marking when the engine is warm.
If the coolant level in the reservoir is too low, this is indicated by the warning light
in the instrument cluster ⇒ page 22. We nevertheless recommend inspecting
the coolant level directly at th e reservoir from time to time. Loss of coolant
A loss of coolant is first and foremost an
indication of a leak in the system. You
should not merely top up the coolant in the reservoir. It is also important to have
the cooling system inspected without delay by a specialist garage.
Losses can only occur through the pressure relief in the cap of the coolant expan-
sion bottle which is completely free of leaks if the coolant boils as a result of over-
heating and is forced out of the cooling system.
WARNING
Read and observe the warning notes ⇒page 185, “Working in the engine
compartment” before working in the engine compartment.
Caution
One should contact a specialist garage as soon as possible if the source of over-
heating itself cannot be determined and removed, since there may be grave
damage to the engine.
Replenishing the coolant
– Switch the engine off.
– Allow the engine to cool down.
– Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir ⇒fig. 176 and unscrew the cap carefully by turning it to the left
⇒ .
– Top up the coolant.
– Screw the cap tight until it is heard to lock.
The coolant which you use for replenishing the system, must comply with one
specific specification ⇒page 189, “Coolant”. Do not use an alternative additive if
the coolant additive G12 PLUS is not available in exceptional cases. Just top up the
B1Z-0042HB1Z-0042H
Fig. 176 Engine
compartment: Coolant
expansion bottle
NKO B5 20.book Page 190 Friday, March 2, 2007 1:46 PM

Inspecting and Replenishing
192
⇒page 186. The brake fluid reservoir on right-hand steering models is
positioned on the other side of the engine compartment.
– Switch the engine off.
– Open the bonnet ⇒ in “Working in the engine compartment” on
page 185.
– Pull off the rubber seal ⇒page 191, fig. 177 partially away and lift
the cover slightly.
– Inspect the brake fluid level at the reservoir . The level must be
between the “MIN” and “MAX” markings. The markings are indicated
on the side of the reservoir.
A slight drop in the fluid level results when driving due to normal wear-and-tear
and automatic adjustment of the br ake pads, and is perfectly normal.
There may be an indication of a leak in th e brake system, however, if the fluid level
drops significantly within a short time or if it drops below the “MIN” marking. A situ-
ation where the brake fluid level is too low is indicated by the warning light
lighting up in the instrument cluster ⇒page 29. In this case stop the car immedi-
ately and do not drive any further! Cont act a Škoda Dealer to obtain profes-
sional assistance.
WARNING
•Read and observe the warning notes ⇒page 185, “Working in the engine
compartment” before working in the engine compartment.
•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 fluid
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. This causes the fluid to absorb moisture from the
surrounding air over a period of time. Excessive water in the brake fluid may be the
cause of corrosion in the brake system. Th e water content also lowers the boiling point of the brake fluid.
This is why brake fluid mu st be replaced every two
years.
One may only use new genuine brake fluid from Škoda Auto a.s. The specification
for the brake fluid is “FMVSS 116 DOT 4”.
We recommend that you have the brake fluid replaced by a Škoda Service Partner
as part of an Inspection Service.
WARNING
•Using old brake fluid can result in seve re stress on the brakes because of
the formation of vapour bubbles in th e brake system. This greatly impairs
the braking efficiency and thus al so the safety of your vehicle.
•Brake fluid is toxic! It must therefore be kept safely in closed original
containers and well away from children and unauthorized persons.
Caution
Brake fluid damages the paintwork of the vehicle.
For the sake of the environment
In view of the problems involved with prop er disposal of brake fluid, the special
tools and the professional knowledge required, you should have the brake fluid
replaced by a Škoda Service Partner.
AB
AC
AA
NKO B5 20.book Page 192 Friday, March 2, 2007 1:46 PM

Fuses and light bulbs221
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Fuse assignment
Certain electrical components are only standard on certain vehicle model versions
or only suppliable as optional equipment for certain models.
No.Amperes
1Heatable windscreen washing nozzles5
2Tu r n s i g n a l s10
3Not assigned
4Licence plate light5
5
Instrument cluster - warning ligh ts, seat heaters, cruise con-
trol system, exterior mirror ad justment, lighting of controls
and switches, outside temperature display, air conditioning,
audible parking aid, navigation system, multifunction steer-
ing wheel
10
6Heating of the external mirror5
7ABS, EDS, ASR, ESP, cruise co ntrol system, engine electron-
ics10
Fig. 202 Schematic
representation of fuse
carrier
8Automatic headlight beam adjustment5
9Parking aid5
10CD changer, mobile phone, multifunction steering wheel5
11DVD player7,5
12Power supply for diagnostic socket10
13Brake lights10
14Central locking control unit, interior lighting10
15Instrument cluster, air cond itioning, automatic gearbox,
exterior mirror adjustment memory and navigation system10
16ESP5
17Two-way radio system, special vehicles (police etc.)10
18Right main beam10
19Left main beam10
20Low beam on the right15
21Low beam on the left15
22Parking light on the right5
23Parking light on the left5
24Windscreen washer system, windscreen wiper pump and
intermittent switch25
25Fan for fresh air, the air co nditioning unit, Climatronic30
26Rear window heating, recirculated air mode30
27Not assigned
28Fuel pump, diesel additional pump20
29Engine control20
30Electric sliding/tilting roof/DVD player20/7,5
No.Amperes
NKO B5 20.book Page 221 Friday, March 2, 2007 1:46 PM

Index
252
Heater
Air conditioning system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Heating Air conditioning system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
I
Ignition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Immobiliser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Information display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Instrument cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Instrument lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Interior light Luggage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Interior lighting front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Interior monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Intermittent wiping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
ISOFIX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
ISOFIX system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
J
Jacking points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215, 216
K
Keeping windows demisted Air conditioning system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
L
Lashing eyes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Leather care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Light bulbs Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Lighting of the interior of the vehicle front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Lights Range adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
switching on and off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Lights and Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Liquid in reservoir for windscreen washer system Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Lock Central locking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
lock Central locking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Locking and unlocking from inside . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Low beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Lugagge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Luggage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37, 67
CD-ROM player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Folding double hooks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Lashing eyes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Luggage rack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Lumbar support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60M
Main beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46, 49 Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Manual shifting of gears . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Memory for the on-board computer . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Storing and retrieving settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Mobile phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121, 123
Motoring abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167 Headlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Multifunction steering wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Operating cruise control system . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Operating mobile phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Operation of radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Multi-functional indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
N
Navigation system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22, 124
New tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
NKO B5 20.book Page 252 Friday, March 2, 2007 1:46 PM