2009 SKODA SUPERB engine

Inspecting and replenishing
222
Inspecting and replenishingEngine compartmentBonnet remote releaseBonnet remote release – Pull the unlocking lever below the
dash panel on the driver's side
⇒
fig. 200
.
The bonnet jumps out of its lock as a result of the spring force.
Opening and closing the bonnet.Opening the bonnet – Unlock the bonnet
⇒
fig. 200
.
– Ensure that the arms of the windsc
reen wipers are correctly in place
against the windscreen
before opening
the bonnet otherwise
damage could occur to the paintwork.
– Press the locking button
⇒
fig. 201
, the bonnet is then unlocked.
– Grasp the bonnet at the bottom part
of the radiator grille and lift it
towards the top so that it is held opened by the gas pressure support.
Closing the bonnet – You can overcome the force of the gas pressure support by pulling the
bonnet towards the bottom.
– Allow the bonnet to drop from a height
of about 30 cm into the lock -
bonnet
do not press down on it
!
Fig. 200 Bonnet release lever
Fig. 201 Radiator grille: Lever of the locking button
s2dk.1.book Page 222 Wednesday, April 8, 2009 12:23 PM

Inspecting and replenishing
223
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
WARNING
•
Never open the bonnet if you see that steam or coolant is flowing out of
the engine compartment - risk of scaldi
ng! Wait long enough until the steam
or coolant has stopped escaping.•
For safety reasons, the bonnet must always be properly closed when
driving. One should therefore check that
the lock has in fact engaged prop-
erly after closing the bonnet.•
Stop your vehicle immediately while driv
ing if you notice that the lock is
not properly engaged and close the bonne
t properly - risk of an accident!
Caution
Ensure that the arms of the windscreen
wipers are correctly
in place against the
windscreen before opening the bonnet otherwise damage could occur to the paintwork.Working in the engine compartment Particular care is required when carrying out any work in the engine compartment!There is a risk of injuries, scalding,
accidents and fire when working in the
engine compartment, e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and other fluids. For this reason, it is essential to comply with the warning instructions stated below and with the general applicable
rules of safety. The engine compart-
ment of your car is a hazardous area
⇒
.
WARNING
•
Never open the bonnet if you see that steam or coolant is flowing out of
the engine compartment - risk of scaldi
ng! Wait long enough until the steam
or coolant has stopped escaping.•
Switch off the engine and pull out the ignition key.
•
Apply the handbrake firmly.
•
If your vehicle is fitted with a ma
nual gearbox, move the gearshift lever
into Neutral, or if it is fitted with
automatic gearbox, move the selector lever
into position P.•
Allow the engine to cool down.
•
Keep children clear of the engine compartment.
•
Never spill oil and other fluids over the hot engine. Such fluids (e.g. the
antifreeze contained in the coolant) may ignite!•
Avoid short circuits in the electrical system - particularly on the battery.
•
Never place your hand into the radiator fan as long as the engine is still
warm. The fan might suddenly start running!•
Never open the cap of the coolant expa
nsion bottle as long
as the engine
is still warm. The cooling system is pressurized!•
Cover over the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir with a large cloth
when opening it as protection for your
face, hands and arms from hot steam
or hot coolant.•
Do not let objects, such as e.g cleani
ng cloth or tools lie in the engine
compartment.•
If you wish to work under the vehicle, 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!•
In cases where it be necessary to carry out inspection work when the
engine is running there is an additional risk from rotating parts (e.g. the V- ribbed belt, alternator, radiator fan) and from the high-voltage ignition system. Please observe in addition the following.
− Never touch the electrical cabl
es 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 remove any jewellery beforehand, tie up your hair and wear tight fitting clothing.
•
Please also comply with the warnin
g instructions stated below when
carrying out any essential work on th
e fuel system or on the electrical
system.
WARNING (continued)
s2dk.1.book Page 223 Wednesday, April 8, 2009 12:23 PM

Inspecting and replenishing
224
−Always separate the car batter
y from the electrical system.
− Do not smoke. − Never carry out any work close to naked flames. − Always keep a working fire
extinguisher at hand.
Caution
When replenishing fluids in the engine, always ensure that the fluids are on no account mixed up. This may result in ma
jor operating problems and also vehicle
damage!Overview of the engine compartment The main inspection pointsFig. 202 Diesel engine 1.9 litre/77 kW
Coolant expansion bottle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Windshield washer fluid reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Engine oil filler opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Engine oil dipstick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brake fluid reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Battery (below a cover) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Note
The location of the inspection points in
the engine compartment of petrol and
diesel engines is practically identical.Engine oilCheck engine oil level The dipstick indicates the level of oil in the engine.Checking the oil level – Ensure that the vehicle is positioned on a level surface. – Switch the engine off. – Open the bonnet
⇒
page 223.
WARNING (continued)
A1
227
A2
234
A3
225
A4
224
A5
228
A6
229
Fig. 203 Dipstick
s2dk.1.book Page 224 Wednesday, April 8, 2009 12:23 PM

Inspecting and replenishing
225
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
– Wait a few minutes and pull out the oil dipstick. – Wipe off the dipstick with a clea
n cloth and insert it again fully.
– Then withdraw the dipstick ag
ain and read off the oil level.
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 225. It is sufficient, once this is done,
to keep the oil level within range .
It is normal for the engine to consume oi
l. The oil consumption 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. Th
e oil consumption may be sl
ightly 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 -
but not above this
,
if the engine has been operating at high loads, for example during a lengthy motorway trip during the
summer months, towing a trai
ler or negotiating a high
mountain pass. The warning light in the instrument cluster* will indicate
⇒page 42, “Engine oil
level
” whether the oil level is too low. In this case, check the oil level as soon as
possible. Top up with an appropriate quantity of oil.
Caution
•
The oil level must on no account ex
tend beyond the ra
nge . Danger of
damaging the catalytic converter.
•
Do not continue your journey
if for some reason it is not possible under the
conditions prev
ailing to top up with oil.
Switch of the engine and contact
and
obtain professional assistance from a specialist garage.
Note
Engine oil specifications
⇒page 270.
Replenishing engine oil– Inspecting the engine oil level
⇒
page 224.
– Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening.– Pour in a suitable grade of oil in portions of 0.5 litres
⇒
page 270.
– Inspect the oil level
⇒
page 224, “Check engine oil level”.
– 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 223, “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 224. Oil will other-
wise be drawn in through the crankcas
e ventilation and may pass through the
exhaust system to atmosphere. The oil ma
y combust in the catalytic converter and
damage it.
AAAB
AA
AC
AB
AA
AA
Aa
s2dk.1.book Page 225 Wednesday, April 8, 2009 12:23 PM

Inspecting and replenishing
226
Changing engine oilThe engine oil must be changed at the intervals stated in the Service schedule or according to the service interval indicator
⇒page 20, “Service Interval Display”.
WARNING
•
Only carry out the engine oil change, if you have the required profes-
sional knowledge!•
Read and observe the warning notes
⇒page 223, “Working in the engine
compartment” before working in the engine compartment.•
Let the engine cool down - risk of burning from hot oil.
•
Wear an eye protection - risk of
caustic burns due to oil splashes.
•
Oil is toxic! Store old oil in a safe place out of the reach of children and
unauthorized persons until you dispose of it properly.
Caution
You must not pour any additives into th
e engine oil - risk of engine damage!
Damage, which results from such product, are excluded from the warranty.
For the sake of the environment
•
You must on no account pour oil into the ground or into the sewage system.
•
In view of the problems involved in prop
erly disposing of old oil, the necessary
special tools and the knowledge required for such work, we recommend that you have the oil and oil filter change carried
out by an authorised Škoda Service Partner.
Note
After your skin has come in contact with
the oil, you must thoroughly wash your
skin.
Cooling systemCoolant The job of the coolant is to cool the engine.The cooling system does not require an
y maintenance under normal operating
conditions. The coolant consis
ts of water with a concentration of coolant additive
of 40 %. This mixture not only provides
antifreeze protection down to -25°C but
also protects the cooling and heating system
from corrosion. It also prevents the
formation of scale and significantly increases the boiling point of the coolant. You must therefore not reduce the concentration of antifreeze agent in the coolant by adding water, also not
during the summer months or in countries with a warm
climate.
The concentration of coolant additive in the coolant must be at least
40%. You can increase the amount of antifreeze
in the coolant if a higher concentration
of antifreeze is necessary for climatic
reasons but only up to 60% (antifreeze
protection down to approx. -40°C). The an
tifreeze protection tails off above that
concentration. Vehicles exported to countri
es with a cold climate (e.g. Sweden, Norway, Finland)
are already factory-filled with a coolant which offers antifreeze protection down to about -35°C. In these countries the concentr
ation of coolant additive should be at
least 50 %. Coolant The cooling system is factory-filled with c
oolant (purple in colour), which complies
with the specification TL-VW 774 G. We recommend that you use the same co
olant additive - G12 PLUS-PLUS (purple
in colour) for topping up the system. Please contact an authorised Škoda Service Partner if you have any questions regarding the coolant or if you wish
to fill up with a different coolant.
An authorised Škoda Service Partner can
also supply you with the correct coolant
additives.
s2dk.1.book Page 226 Wednesday, April 8, 2009 12:23 PM

Inspecting and replenishing
227
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Caution
•
Other coolant additives may cause operational problems which, in partic-
ular, involves significantly redu
cing 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 levelThe coolant expansion bott
le is located in the engine compartment on
the right. – Switch the engine off. – Open the bonnet
⇒
page 223, “Working in the engine compartment”.
– Check the level of coolant in
the coolant expansion bottle
⇒
fig. 204
.
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 38. We nevertheless recommend inspecting
the coolant level directly at the 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 leak
s 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 223, “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. 204
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 replenishi
ng the system, must comply with one
specific specification
⇒page 226, “Coolant”. Do not use an alternative additive if
the coolant additive G12 PLUS is not available in exceptional cases. Just top up the
Fig. 204 Engine compart- ment: Coolant expansion bottle
Ab
Aa
Aa
s2dk.1.book Page 227 Wednesday, April 8, 2009 12:23 PM

Inspecting and replenishing
228
system with water and as soon as possible
arrange adjustment to correct the mixing
ratio of water and coolant additive again by a specialist garage. Only use fresh coolant for topping up the system.Do not fill up over the “MAX” marking! Exce
ss coolant which is heated up is forced
out of the cooling system through the pressure relief valve in the cap of the coolant compensation bottle. Wait until the engine has cooled down for a system which has suffered a major loss of coolant before pouring in coolant. Th
is is necessary to
avoid engine damage.
WARNING
•
The cooling system is pressurized! Do not open the cap of the coolant
expansion bottle if the engine is still hot - risk of scalding!•
The coolant additive and thus all of the coolant is harmful to your health.
Avoid contact with the coolant. Coolant vapours are also harmful to the health. It is important, therefore, to always safely store any coolant additive in its original container out of the reach of children - risk of poisoning!•
If any splashes of coolant get into yo
ur eyes, rinse out your eyes immedi-
ately with clear water and contact
a doctor as soon as possible.
•
You should also consult a doctor without delay if you have inadvertently
swallowed coolant.
Caution
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under the conditions prevailing to top up with coolant. Switch of the engine and contact

and obtain professional assistan
ce from a specialist garage.
For the sake of the environment
Do not re-use coolant if it is necessary to
drain the coolant in the system. It should
be collected and disposed of in comp
liance with environmental protection
regulations.
Radiator fan The radiator fan may switch on suddenly.The radiator fan is driven by an electric motor and controlled according to the coolant temperature. The radiator fan may continue running for
up to 10 minutes after the engine has
been switched off - even if the ignition is
also off. It may al
so switch on suddenly
after a certain time, if•
the coolant temperature has risen because of an accumulation of heat or
•
the warm engine compartment is heated
up additionally by strong sunlight.
WARNING
You must therefore be aware when work
ing in the engine compartment that
the fan may switch on suddenly - risk of injury!Brake fluidInspecting the brake fluid level
Fig. 205 Engine compart- ment: Brake fluid reservoir
s2dk.1.book Page 228 Wednesday, April 8, 2009 12:23 PM

Inspecting and replenishing
229
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
The brake fluid reservoir is located on
the left of the engine compartment.
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
⇒
page 223, “Working in the engine compartment”.
– Inspect the brake fluid level in the reservoir
⇒
page 228, fig. 205
. The
level must be between the “MIN” and “MAX” markings.
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 the 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 41. In this case
stop immediately and
do not drive any further! Obtain professional assistance.
WARNING
•
Read and observe the warning notes
⇒page 223 before working in the
engine compartment.•
If the fluid level has dropped below the MIN marking, do not drive any
further - risk of accident! Obtain professional assistance.Replacing brake fluidBrake 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. The specification for
the brake fluid is “FMVSS 116 DOT 4”.
We recommend that you have th
e brake fluid replaced by an
authorised 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 therefor
e 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 brak
e fluid, the special
tools and the professional knowledge required, you should have the brake fluid replaced by authorised Škoda Service Partners.BatteryWorking on the battery
Fig. 206 Engine compart- ment: The battery
s2dk.1.book Page 229 Wednesday, April 8, 2009 12:23 PM