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We recommend that you have the brake fluid replaced by an authorised Škoda
Service Partner as part of an Inspection Service.
WARNING
Using old brake fluid can result in severe stress on the brakes because of the
formation of vapour bubbles in the br ake system. This greatly impairs the
braking efficiency and thus also the safety of your vehicle.
Caution
Brake fluid damages the paintwork of the vehicle.
For the sake of the environment
In view of the problems involved with proper disposal of brake fluid, the special tools
and the professional knowledge required, you should have the brake fluid replaced by
a Škoda Service Partner.BatteryWorking on the batteryFig. 126 Engine compartment: Polyester cover of the vehicle battery / plastic cover of the
vehicle batteryThe battery is located in the engine compartment under a polyester cover fig. 126 -
left, or it may be located under a plastic cover* fig. 126 - right. – Open the battery cover in direction of arrow
fig. 126 or press the elastic
interlock on the side of the battery cover, fold the cover up and remove it.
– The installation of the battery co ver takes place in the reverse order.
The edge of the battery cover fig. 126 - left is inserted between the battery and the
side wall of the battery cove r when working on the battery.
Removal and installation of the battery is not recommended since it can, under certain
circumstances, lead to major dama ge. Contact a specialist garage.
There is a risk of injuries, scalding, accidents and burns when carrying out any work on
the battery and on the electrical system. For th is reason, it is essential to comply with
the warning instructions stated below and with the general applicable rules of
safety.
WARNING
The battery acid is strongly corrosive and must, therefore, be handled with
the greatest of care. Always wear prot ective gloves, eye and skin protection
when handling batteries. Corrosive fumes in the air irritate the air passages and
lead to conjunctivitis and inflammation of the air passages in the lungs. Battery
acid corrodes dental enamel and crea tes deep wounds after contact with the
skin which take a long time to heal. Repeated contact with diluted acids causes
skin diseases (inflammations, ulcers, skin cracks). Acids coming into contact
with water are diluted accompanied by significant development of heat.
Do not tilt the battery otherwise battery electrolyte may flow out of the
battery vent openings. Protect the eyes with safety glasses or a shield! There is
the danger of suffering blindness! If an y battery electrolyte gets into your eye,
rinse out your eye immediately with clear water for several minutes. Contact a
doctor without delay.
Splashes of acid on your skin or clothes should be neutralised as soon as
possible using soap suds and then rinsed with plenty of water. Contact a doctor
immediately if you swallow battery electrolyte.
Keep batteries out of the reach of children.
Hydrogen is released when you charge a battery and a highly explosive gas
mixture is produced. An explosion can be caused through sparkling over during
unclamping or loosening of the cable plug while the ignition is on.
A1
A2
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Bridging of the poles will create a short circuit (e.g. through metal objects,
cables). Possible consequences of a short circuit: Melting of lead struts, explo-
sion and burning of the battery, jets of acid spurting out.
It is prohibited to work with a naked flame and light, to smoke or to carry out
any activities which produce sparks. Avoi d creating sparks when working with
cables and electrical devices. Strong spar k build-up represents a risk of injury.
Before carrying out any work on the electrical system, switch off the engine,
the ignition as well as all electrical components and disconnect the negative
cable (-) on the battery. If you wish to replace a bulb it is sufficient to switch off
the appropriate light.
Never charge a frozen or thawed battery - risk of explosion and caustic
burns! Replace a frozen battery.
Never jump-start the batteries which have a too low electrolyte level - risk
of explosion and caustic burns!
Never use a battery which is damaged - risk of explosion! Immediately
replace a damaged battery.Caution
You must only disconnect the battery if th e ignition is switched off, otherwise the
electrical system (electronic components ) of the vehicle may be damaged. When
disconnecting the battery from the electrical system of the vehicle, first disconnect the
negative terminal (-) of the battery. Th en disconnect the positive terminal (+).
When reconnecting the battery, first connect the positive terminal (+) and only
then the negative terminal (-) of the batt ery. You must on no account connect the
cables wrongly - risk of a cable fire.
Ensure that battery acid does not come into contact with the vehicle body other-
wise damage could occur to the paintwork.
Do not place the battery in direct daylight in order to protect the battery housing
from the effects of ultra-violet light.
For the sake of the environment
A removed battery is a special type of wa ste which is harmful to the environment -
contact your specialist garage regarding disposing of the battery.
Note
Please also refer to the guidelines page 149, also after connecting the battery.Battery with a two-tone indicatorAn indicator for the electrolyte level, the so-called magic eye fig. 127 , is located on
the top of the battery. The indicator changes its colour in line with the electrolyte level
in the battery.
Air bubbles can influence the colour of the in dicator. For this reason carefully knock on
the indicator before carrying out the check.
Black colour - electrolyte level is correct.
Colourless or light yellow colour - electrolyte level too low, the battery must be
replaced.
Batteries, which are more than 5 years old, must be replaced. We recommend you
have the battery checked or repl aced by a specialist garage.Caution
If the vehicle has not been driven for more th an 3 to 4 weeks, the battery will discharge
because certain electrical co mponents consume electricity (e.g. control units) also in
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 127 The battery: Show
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Technical Data
Charging the battery
A properly charged battery is essentia l for reliably starting the engine.– Read the warning notes in “Working on the battery” on page 146 and .
– Switch the ignition and all electrical components off.
– Only for “quick-charging”: Disconnect both battery cables (first of all “negative”,
then “positive”).
– Carefully attach the terminal clamps of the charger to the battery terminals (red = “positive”, black = “negative”).
– You can now plug the mains cable of the charger into the power socket and switch
on the charger.
– When charging is completed: switch th e charger off and unplug the mains cable
from the power socket.
– Only then should you disconnect the terminal clamps of the charger.
– Reconnect the cables to the battery (first of all “positive”, then “negative”).
It is not normally necessary to disconnect th e cables of the battery if you recharge the
battery using low amperages (as for example from a mini-charger). Please also refer
to the instructions from the charger manufacturer.
A charging current of 0.1 of the total battery capacity (or lower) is that which should be
used until full charging is achieved.
It is, however, necessary to disconnect both cables before charging the battery with
high amperages, so-called “ quick-charging”.
“Quick-charging” a battery is dangerous in “Working on the battery” on
page 146. It requires a special charger and appropriate knowledge. We therefore
recommend that you have your battery qu ick-charged only by your Škoda Service
Par tner.
A discharged battery may already freeze at temperatures just below 0 °C . We
recommend that you no longer use a batter y which has thawed out because the casing
of the battery may be cracked through th e formation of ice and this would allow
battery electrolyte to flow out.
The vent plugs of the battery should not be opened for charging.
WARNING
Never charge a frozen or thawed battery - risk of explosion and caustic
burns. Replace a frozen battery.
Never charge a battery which has a too lo w electrolyte level - risk of explo-
sion and caustic burns.
Disconnecting and reconnecting the batteryOn disconnecting and reconnecting the battery the following functions are initially
deactivated or are no longer able to operate fault-free.
We recommend having the vehicle checked by a Škoda Service Partner to ensure full
functionality of all electrical systems.Replacing the batteryYou should only replace a battery with a ne w battery of the same capacity, voltage (12
V), amperage and of the same size. Škoda Service Partners have a range of suitable
batteries available.
We recommend that you only have an old battery disposed of by your Škoda Service
Partner since it does require special disposal.
For the sake of the environment
Batteries contain poisonous substances such as sulphuric acid and lead. They must be
disposed of in accordance with local envi ronmental protection regulations and on no
account as domestic waste.Operation
Operating measure
Electrical power window (operational faults)
page 41
Enter radio code number
see Radio Operating Instructions
Set hours
page 18
Data in the multi-functional indicator* are
deleted.
page 18
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150
In view of the problems involved with it s proper disposal, we recommend having
the battery replaced by a specialist garage.
Windshield washer systemThe windshield washer reservoir contains the cleaning fluid for the windscreen or rear
window and for the headlamp cleaning system*. The reservoir is located at the front
right of the engine compartment fig. 128 .
The filling level of the container is 3 litres, 5.5 li tres on vehicles which also have a
headlight washing system.
Clear water is not sufficient to intensively clean the windscreen and headlights. We
therefore recommend using clean washing water together with the screen cleaner
from Škoda genuine accessories (in winter additionally with antifreeze) which is
capable of removing stubborn dirt. Follow the instructions for use on the packaging
when using screen cleaning products.
You should always add antifreeze to the cleani ng water in winter even if your vehicle is
fitted with heated wind screen washer nozzles*.
It is also possible in exceptional cases to use methylated spirits when no screen cleaner
with antifreeze is available. The concentratio n of methylated spirits must not be more
than 15 %. Please note, however, that the antifreeze protection at this concentration is
only adequate down to -5 °C.
WARNING
Read and observe the warning notes page 140, “Working in the engine
compartment” before working in the engine compartment.
Caution
On no account should you add radiator an tifreeze or other additives to the wind-
screen washer fluid.
If the vehicle is fitted with headlight clea ning system, you should only add cleaning
products which do not attack the polycarbonate coating of the headlights to the wind-
screen washer fluid. Please contact your Škoda Service Partner, who will tell you which
cleaning agent you can use.
Fig. 128 Engine compartment: Wind-
shield washer fluid reservoir
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162
–Take the vehicle tool kit page 159 and the spare wheel* page 160 out of the
luggage compartment.
WARNING
If you find yourself in flowing traffic switch on the hazard warning lights
system and place the warning triangle on the side of the road at the prescribed
distance from your vehicle while observing all national legal provisions. In this
way you are protecting not only yourself but also other road users.
Never start the engine with the vehicle si tting on the raised jack - danger of
suffering injury.Caution
If you have to change a wheel on a slope first block the opposite wheel with a stone or
similar object in order to secure the vehicle from unexpec tedly rolling away.
Note
Comply with the national legal regulations.Changing a wheelAlways change a wheel on a level surface as far as possible.
– Take off the full wheel trim* page 163 or the caps page 163.
– In the case of light alloy wheels remove the wheel trim cap page 163.
– First of all slacken the safety wheel bo lt* and afterwards the other wheel bolts
page 164.
– Jack up the vehicle until the wheel to be changed is clear of the ground page 164.
– Unscrew the wheel bolts and place them on a clean surface (cloth, paper etc.).
– Take off the wheel.
– Fit on the spare wheel and ti ghten the wheel bolts slightly.
–Lower the car. – Tighten the wheel bolts firmly, alternatel
y and diagonally using the wheel wrench
(crosswise) and last the safety wheel bolt* page 164.
– Mount the full wheel trim/wheel trim cap or the caps.
Note
All bolts must be clean and must turn easily.
You must never grease or oil the wheel bolts!
When fitting on unidirectional tyres, ensu re that the tyres rotate in the correct
direction page 151.
Subsequent stepsAfter changing the wheel, you mu st perform the following steps.
– Stow and attach the replaced wheel in the spare wheel well.
– Stow the vehicle tool kit in the space provided.
– Check the tyre pressure on the spare wheel just mounted as soon as possible.
– Have the tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked with a torque wrench as
soon as possible. Steel and light alloy wheels must be tightened to a tightening
torque of 120 Nm.
– Change the damaged wheel or consult a sp ecialist garage about possibilities for
getting repairs done.
WARNING
It is necessary to observe the guidelines given on page 153 if the vehicle is
subsequently fitted with tyres which are di fferent to those it was fitted with at
the works.
Note
If you find, when changing the wheel, that the wheel bolts are corroded and diffi-
cult to turn, the bolts must be replaced before checking the tightening torque.
Drive cautiously and only at a moderate speed to a workshop where the tightening
torque can be checked.
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Not positioning the lifting jack* at the specified points can result in damage
to the vehicle. The jack can also slip off if it does not have sufficient grip - risk of
injury!
It is important to support the vehicle with suitable supporting blocks if you
wish to work under the lifted vehicle - risk of injury!
Securing wheels against being stolen*
You need a special adapter for sl ackening the safety wheel bolts.– Pull off the full wheel trim/cap from the wheel hub or cap from the safety wheel
bolt.
– Insert the adapter with its toothed side fu lly into the inner toothing of the safety
wheel bolt right down in such a way that only the outer hexagon is jutting out
fig. 139 .
– Insert the wheel wrench* fully onto the adapter .
– Slacken the wheel bolt, or tighten it firmly page 164.
– Reinstall the full wheel trim/wheel cap afte r removing the adapter or place the cap
onto the safety wheel bolt.
– Have the tightening torque checked with a torque wrench as soon as possible.
Steel and light alloy wheels must be tightened to a tightening torque of 120 Nm .The safety wheel bolts on vehicles fitted wi
th them (one safety wheel bolt per wheel)
can only be loosened or tighten up by using the adapter provided.
It is meaningful to note th e code number hammered into the rear side of the adapter
or the rear side of the safety wheel bolts. You can obtain a replacement adapter from
an authorised Škoda Service Partner, if necessary, by quoting this number.
We recommend that you always carry the ad apter for the wheel bolts with you in the
vehicle. It should be stow ed in the vehicle tool kit.
Caution
Damage can occur to the adapter and safety wh eel bolt if the safety wheel bolt is tight-
ened up too much.
Note
The set of safety wheel bolts can be obta ined from an authorised Škoda Service
Par tner.Jump-startingInitial stepsYou can use the battery of another vehicle fo r jump-starting yours if the engine does
not start because the battery on your vehicle is flat. You will require jump-start cables
for this purpose.
Both batteries must have a rated voltage of 12 V. The capacity (Ah) of the battery
supplying the power must not be significantly less than the capacity of the discharged
battery in your vehicle.
Jump-start cables
Only use jump-start cables which have an adequately large cross-section and insu-
lated terminal clamps. Please pay attention to the manufacturer's instructions.
Positive cable - colour coding in the majority of cases red.
Negative cable - colour coding in the majority of cases black.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 139 Safety wheel bolt with adapter
AB
AA
AB
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166WARNING
A discharged battery may already freeze at temperatures just below 0 °C. In
case of frozen battery carry out no jump-starting - risk of explosion!
Please pay attention to the warning instructions relating to working in the
engine compartment page 140, “Working in the engine compartment”.Note
There must not be any contact between the two vehicles otherwise current may
flow as soon as the negative terminals are connected.
The discharged battery must be properly connected to the system of the vehicle.
Switch off any mobile phone, pay attention to the instructions for use of the mobile
phone in such a situation.
We recommend you buy jump-start cabl es from a car battery specialist.
Start engineIt is important to connect the jump-start cables in the correct order.Connecting positive terminals– Attach one end to the positive terminal fig. 140 of the discharged battery .
– Attach the other end to the positive term inal of the battery supplying the power
.
Connecting negative term inal and engine block– Attach one end to the negative termin al of the battery supplying the power .
– Attach the other end to a solid metal part which is connected firmly to the engine block, or to the engine block itself.Starting the engine– Start the engine of the vehicle providing current and run the engine at idling speed.
– Now start the engine of the vehicle with the discharged battery.
– Interrupt the attempt at starting an engine after 10 seconds if it does not start right away and wait for about 30 seconds before repeating the attempt.
– Disconnect the cables on the engine in exactly the reverse order they were
connected up.
WARNING
The non-insulated parts of the terminal clamps must never make contact
with each other. Furthermore, the cable connected to the positive terminal of
the battery must not come into contact with electrically conducting parts of the
vehicle - risk of a short circuit!
Do not affix the jump starting cables to the negative terminal of the
discharged battery. There is the risk of detonating gas seeping out the battery
being ignited by the strong spark which results from the engine being started.
Run the jump-start cables so that they cannot be caught by any rotating
parts in the engine compartment.
Do not bend over the batteries - risk of caustic burns!
The vent screws of the battery cells must be tightened firmly.
Keep any sources of ignition (naked flame, smouldering cigarettes etc.)
away from the battery - risk of an explosion!
Never jump-start the batteries which ha ve a too low electrolyte level - risk
of explosion and caustic burns!
Fig. 140 Jump-starting using the
battery from another vehicle: A - flat
vehicle battery, B - battery providing
current
A1
AA
A2
AB
A3
AB
A4
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Tow-starting and towing vehicleGeneralPlease pay attention to the following instructions if you are going to use a tow rope:Driver of the towing vehicle– Do not drive off until the tow rope is taught.
– Release the clutch particularly gently when starting off.Driver of the towed vehicle– Switch the ignition on so that the steeri ng wheel is not blocked and you can also
operate the turn signal lights, the headlight flasher, the windscreen wipers and
windscreen washer system.
– Move the gearshift lever into Neutral.
– Note that the brake servo unit and power steering only operate if the engine is running. You will require significantly grea ter physical force to depress the brake
pedal and to steer th e vehicle if the engine is not running.
– Ensure that the tow rope is always kept taught.
Tow rope or tow bar
A tow bar is safest way of towing a vehicle an d also minimizes any shocks. You can use
a tow rope only if a suitable tow bar is not available.
The tow rope must be elastic to protect the vehicle. Thus one should only use plastic
fibre rope or a rope made out of a similarly elastic material.
Only attach the tow rope to the towing eyes provided for this purpose page 167
and page 168.
Driving style
Towing another vehicle requires a certain am ount of practice. Both drivers should be
familiar with the particular points about to wing a vehicle. Unskilled drivers should not
attempt to tow in another vehicle or to be towed in.
One should be constantly vigi lant not to allow impermissibly high towing forces or
jerky loadings. There is always a risk of excessive stresses and damage resulting at the points to which you attach the tow rope or
tow bar when you attempt to tow a vehicle
which is not standing on a paved road.
Caution
If the gearbox of your vehicle no longer contains any oil because of a defect, your
vehicle must only be towed in with the driven wheels raised clear of the ground, or on
a special vehicle transporter or trailer.
Note
Please comply with any national legal provisions particularly regarding the
switched on signal systems, when towi ng in or tow-starting another vehicle.
The tow rope must not be twisted as it may in certain circumstances result in the
front towing eye being unscrewed out of your vehicle.
Front towing eye
The towing eye is stored in th e box for the vehicle tool kit.Fig. 141 Front bumper: protective grille/installing the towing eyeRemove the protective grille carefully as follows:
– Press on grille with the hand (at the end removed from the licence plate) and
release it in the direction of the arrow fig. 141 - left.
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