Instruments and warning lights
32WARNING
Pay attention to the following instruct ions before checking the brake fluid
level and opening the bonnet page 162, “Working in the engine compart-
ment”.
If the brake system warning light
does not go out a few seconds after
switching on the ignition or comes on when driving, stop immediately and
check the brake fluid in the reservoir page 167, “Brake fluid”. If the fluid level
has dropped below the MIN marking, do no t drive any further - risk of accident!
Obtain professional assistance.
Cruise control system*
The warning light
lights up, when operating the speed regulating system.
Airbag system
Monitoring the airbag system
The warning light
comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
There is a fault in the system if the warning light does not go out or comes on or flashes
while driving . This also applies if the warning light does not come on after the
ignition is switched on.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Airbag fault!
The functionality of the airbag system is also monitored electronically when one airbag
has been switched off.
Front, side and head airbags or belt tensioner which have been switched off
using the vehicle system tester:
The warning light
lights up for 3 seconds after switching on the ignition and then
flashes for 12 seconds afterwards in 2 second intervals.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Airbag/belt tensioner deactivated! If the passenger front airbag has been
switched off using the switch (for
switching off airbags)* in th e end face of the dash panel on the front passenger
side:
The warning light
comes on for 4 seconds after the ignition has been switched
on.
switching off the airbag is indicated in the middle of the dash panel by the lighting
up of the yellow indicator light in display
page 125.
WARNING
Have the airbag system checked immediat ely by a specialist garage if a fault
exists. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being activated in the event of
an accident.
Note
Further information about switching off airbags page 124, “Deactivating airbags”.Diesel particle filter*
(diesel engine)
If the warning light
comes on, this means that soot has accumulated in the diesel
particle filter because of the frequent short distances.
In order to clean the diesel particle filter, the vehicle should be driven at an even speed
of at least 60 km/h at engine speeds of 1 800 - 2 500 rpm for at least 15 minutes or until
the warning light goes out with the 4th or 5th gear engaged (automatic gearbox: posi-
tion S) when the traffic situation permits it . This increases the exhaust temperature and
the soot deposited in the diesel particle filter is burnt.
Always pay attention to the valid speed limits .
The warning light
goes out after the successful cleaning of the diesel particle filter.
If the filter is not properly cleaned, the warning light
does not go out and the
warning light
begins to flash. In the information display* appears Diesel-particle
Owner's manual . Afterwards the engine control unit shifts the engine into the emer-
gency mode, which only has a reduced power output. After switching the ignition off
and on again the warning light
comes on.
Have the vehicle inspected without delay by your specialist garage.
s16g.4.book Page 32 Wednesday, February 10, 2010 3:53 PM
Heating and air conditioning system
84
Using the air conditioning system economicallyThe compressor on the Climatic uses powe r from the engine when in cooling mode
which will effect the fuel consumption.
It recommended to open the windows or the doors of a vehicle for which the interior
has been strongly heated through the effect of direct sunlight in order to allow the
heated air to escape.
The cooling system should not be switched on while travelling when the window is
open.
The desired interior temperature can also be achieved without switching in the cooling
system just by switching to fresh air mode.
For the sake of the environment
When you economize on fuel, you also reduce pollutant emissions.Operational malfunctionsIf the cooling system does not operate at outside temperatures higher than +5 °C,
there is a problem in the system. The reasons for this may be:
The fuse of the Climatic is defective. Check the fuse, replace it if necessary
page 191.
The cooling system has switched off automatically for a short time because the
coolant temperature of the engine is too hot page 16.
If you are not able to rectify the operational problem yourself, or if the cooling capacity
decreases, switch the cooling system off. Contact a specialist garage.
Climatronic* (automatic air conditioning)Description
The Climatronic system is a combinat ion of an automatic heating, fresh
air and cooling system which provides optimal comfort for the occu-
pants of the car.The Climatronic maintains a constant temperat ure fully automatically, once it has been
set. This is achieved by automatically varying the temperature of the outflowing air, the
blower stages and the air distribution. The system also takes into account sunlight
which eliminates the need to alter the settings manually. The automatic mode
page 86 ensures maximum wellbeing of the occupants at all times of the year.
Description of Climatronic system
The cooling operates only if the following conditions are met:
engine running,
outside temperature above approx. +2°C,
switched on.
If the cooling system is switched on, th e temperature and air humidity drops in the
vehicle. The wellbeing of the occupants of the car is enhanced as a result of this partic-
ularly at high outside temperatures and a high air humidity. The system prevents the
windows misting up during the cold season of the year.
The heating effect is dependent upon the coolant temperature, thus full heat output
only occurs when the engine has reached its operating temperature.
It is possible to briefly activate recirculat ed air mode in order to enhance the cooling
effect .
The air inlet in front of the windscreen must be free of ice, snow or leaves in order to
ensure that the heating and cooling systems operate properly.
The AC compressor is switched off at a high coolant temperature in order to provide
cooling at a high load of the engine.
After switching on the cooling Condensation from the evaporator of the air condi-
tioning may drip down and form a puddle be low the vehicle. This is quite normal and
not an indication of a leak!AC
s16g.4.book Page 84 Wednesda y, February 10, 2010 3:53 PM
Starting-off and Driving89
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Praktik
Technical Data
Vehicles which are fitted with an exhaust gas catalytic converter should not be tow-
started over a distance of more than 50 metres.For the sake of the environment
Never warm up the engine when the vehicle is standing. Drive off right away. When
driving the engine reaches its operating te mperature more rapidly and the pollutant
emissions are lower.Petrol enginesThese engines are fitted with a starter system which selects the correct fuel-air mixture
for every external air temperature.
Do not operate accelerator before and when starting engine.
Interrupt the attempt at starting after 10 seconds if the engine does not start right
awayand wait for about 30 seconds before repeating the attempt.
It is possible that the fuse on the electric al fuel pump is defect if the engine still
does not start. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary page 191.
If the engine does not start, contact the nearest specialist garage to obtain profes-
sional assistance.
It may be necessary, if the engine is very hot, to slightly depress the accelerator after
the engine has started.
Diesel enginesGlow plug system
Diesel engines are equipped with a glow plug system, the preglow period being
controlled automatically in line with the coolant temperature and outside tempera-
ture.
The preglow indicator light
comes on after the ignition has been switched on.
You should not switch on any major electrical components during the heating
period otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
You should start the engine immediately after the glow plug warning light
has
gone out.
The glow plug warning light will come on for about one second if the engine is at a
normal operating temperature or if the outside temperature is above +5°C. This means
that you can start the engine right away.
Interrupt the attempt at starting after 10 seconds if the engine does not start right
awayand wait for about 30 seconds before repeating the attempt.
It is possible that the fuse on the diesel preglow system is defect if the engine still
does not start. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary page 191.
Contact the nearest specialist garage to obtain professional assistance.
Starting the engine after fuel tank has run dry
It may take longer than normal to start the engine after refuelling if the fuel tank has
run completely dry - up to one minute. This is because the fuel system must first of all
be filled while the attempting to start the engine.
Switching off the engine– The engine can be switched off by turnin g the ignition key from position into
page 87, fig. 92 .
WARNING
Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary - risk of accident!
The brake booster only operates when the engine is running. Greater phys-
ical effort for braking is required when en gine is switched off. Because if you do
not stop as normal, this can cause an accident and severe injuries.Caution
you should not switch the engine off right away at the end of your journey after the
engine has been operated for a lengthy period at high loads but should be allowed it
to run at idling speed for about 2 minutes. This prevents any accumulation of heat
when the engine is switched off.
Note
The radiator fan may continue running fo r a further 10 minutes or so after the
engine and the ignition have been switched off. The coolant fan may, however, also
A1
s16g.4.book Page 89 Wednesday, February 10, 2010 3:53 PM
Intelligent Technology139
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Praktik
Technical Data
If the warning light
does not go out after the basic setting, there is a fault in the
system. Have the vehicle inspected by your nearest specialist garage.
Functional description
After the basic setting of the system the “adaptation” of the tyre inflation pressures and
then the tyre pressure control in the individual tyres are performed.
Warning light
lights up
If the tyre inflation pressure of at least one wheel is insufficiently inflated in comparison
to the stored basic value, the warning light
lights up. Inflate all tyres to the
specified inflation pressure page 173, “Tyre life” and then perform a basic setting of
the system.
Warning light
flashes
If the warning light flashes, there is a system fault. Have the vehicle inspected by your
nearest specialist garage.
WARNING
When the warning light
lights up, immediately reduce the speed and
avoid sudden steering and brake manoeuvr es. Please stop the vehicle without
delay at the nearest possible stop and in spect the tyres and their inflation pres-
sures.
The driver is responsible for the correct tyre inflation pressures. For this
reason, the tyre inflation pressu res must be checked regularly.
Under certain circumstances (e.g. sporty style of driving, wintry or unpaved
roads) the warning light
can be delayed or does not light up at all.
The tyre pressure monitoring system does not take away the responsibility
from the driver for the correct tyre inflation pressure.Note
The tyre pressure monitoring system:
does not replace the regular tyre inflatio n pressure control, because the system
cannot detect an even pressure loss;
cannot warn in case of very rapid tyre inflation pressure loss, e.g. in case of sudden
tyre damage. In this case ca refully bring the vehicle to a standstill without sudden
steering movements and without sharp braking.
Diesel particle filter* (diesel engine)In the diesel particle filter the resu lting soot particles are collected and
burnt during the combustion of diesel fuel.Code 7GG, 7MB or 7MG on the vehicle data sticker, see fig. 128 , indicates that your
vehicle is equipped with a diesel particle fi lter. The vehicle data sticker is located on
the floor of the luggage compartment and is also stated in the Service schedule.
The diesel particle filter filters the soot particles completely from the exhaust. The soot
is collected in the diesel particle filter and burnt regularly. To assist this procedure, we
recommend not to drive regu larly over short distances.
If the diesel particle filter is clogged or there is a fault, it is indicated by the warning light
page 32, “Diesel particle filter* (diesel engine)”.
WARNING
The diesel particle filter achieves very high temp eratures. Therefore do not
park at points where the hot filter comes into direct contact with dry grass or
other combustible materials - risk of fire!
Never use additional underbody protection or corrosion-protection agents
for the exhaust pipes, catalytic converters, diesel particle filter or heat shields.
Fig. 128 Vehicle data sticker
s16g.4.book Page 139 Wednesday, February 10, 2010 3:53 PM
Driving and the Environment
144
You should avoid exploiting the top speed of your vehicle wherever possible. Fuel
consumption, pollutant emissions and vehicle noises increase disproportionally at
high speeds.
The page 143, fig. 130 shows the ratio of fuel consumption to the speed of your
vehicle. You will cut your fuel consumption by half if you only make use three-quarters
of the possible top speed of your vehicle.Reducing idling
Idling also costs fuel.It is worthwhile switching off the engine in a traffic jam or when waiting at a level
crossing or at traffic lights with a lengthy red phase. Even after just 30 - 40 seconds you
will have saved more fuel th an that is needed when you start the engine up again.
If an engine is only idling it takes much longer for it to reach its normal operating
temperature. Wear-and-tear and pollutant emis sions, though, are particularly high in
the warming-up phase. This is why you should drive off right after starting the engine.
Do avoid high engine revolu tions at this time, however.Regular servicing
A poorly tuned engine consumes an unnecessarily high amount of fuel.Having your vehicle serviced regularly at a specialist garge enables you to satisfy one
of the requirements for economical motoring even before you set off on your journey.
Keeping your vehicle properly serviced not on ly has a positive effect on the safety of
your vehicle and maintaining its value, but also saves on fuel.
A poorly tuned engine can result in a fu el consumption which is 10% higher than
normal.
The foreseen maintenance work should be undertaken exactly according to the
Service schedule by a specialist garage.
Also check the oil level after refueling. Oil consumption is dependent to a consider-
able extent on the load and speed of the en gine. Oil consumption could be as high as
0.5 litres/1 000 km depending on your style of driving.
It is quite normal that a new engine has a higher oil consumption at first, and reaches
its lowest level only after a certain running in time. It is therefore not possible to correctly assess the oil consumption of a ne
w vehicle until after you have driven about
5 000 km.
For the sake of the environment
You can achieve additional improvements in your fuel economy by using high-
lubricity oils.
Check the ground below your vehicle at regular intervals to detect any leakages in
good time. Please have your vehicle inspec ted by a specialist garge if you find any
stains caused by oil or other fluids on the floor.
Avoid driving short distances
Short distances result in an above-average high fuel consumption.– Avoid driving a distance of no more than 4 km if the engine is cold.
The engine and catalytic converter mu st first have reached their optimal operating
temperature in order to effectively reduce fuel consumption and pollutant emissions.
The cold engine vehicle cons umes approx. 15 - 20 litres/100 km of fuel immediately
after starting. Fuel co nsumption drops to 10 litres/100 km after just 1 kilometre. The
engine reaches its operating temperat ure (outside temperature and engine
dependent) only after about 4 to 10 kilometres and the fuel consumption then stabi-
lizes. You should therefore avoid driving short distances whenever possible.
An important factor in this connection is also the ambient temperature. The
fig. 131 shows the different fuel consumptions for the same distance, on the one
Fig. 131 Fuel consumption in litres/100
km at different temperatures
s16g.4.book Page 144 Wednesda y, February 10, 2010 3:53 PM
Towing a trailer
148
Towing a trailerTo w i n g a t r a i l e rTechnical requirements
The towing device must satisfy certain technical requirements.Your vehicle is designed primarily for tr ansporting persons and luggage. It can,
however, also be used for towing a traile r - provided certain technical equipment is
fitted.
If your vehicle has been equipped with a towing device from Škoda Original Accesso-
ries, then the towing device satisfies all technical and legal requirements.
Your vehicle is fitted with a 13-pin power socket for the electrical connection between
the vehicle and trailer. If the tr ailer which you wish to tow has a 7-pin connector, you
can use a suitable adapter
13) from Škoda original accessories.
This work must be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications if
a towing device is retrofitted.
Specialist garages are familiar with details re lating to retrofitting a towing device and
for any necessary modifications to the cooling system.
WARNING
We recommend that you have the towing device from Škoda original accesso-
ries installed by a specialist garage. He is familiar with all the relevant details
relating to retrofitting such equipment. There is a risk of an accident if the
towing device is not properly fitted!General Maintenance
There are a number of points to pay attention to when towing a trailer.Trailer load
The permissible trailer load must on no account be exceeded. You can negotiate appropriately steeper inclin
es and descents if you do not make full
use of the permissible trailer load.
The trailer loads specified only apply for altitudes up to 1 000 metres above mean sea
level. On petrol engines without forced indu ction, the engine power output drops with
increasing height due to a lowering of air pr essure and thus the ability to climb, this
means that the trailer load must be reduced by 10% for every further increase of 1 000
metres in height above sea le vel. The towed weight is the weight of the (laden) vehicle
and the (laden) trailer together. One should ta ke this into account before driving up to
higher altitudes. Petrol engines with forced induction use an air pressure correction
method, so that their power output does not depend on the height above sea level.
The trailer and drawbar load information on the type plate of the towing device
are merely test data for the towing device The data relating to your vehicle, which
is often less than this test data, can be found in your vehicle registration docu-
ments.
Distribution of the load
Distribute the load in the trailer in such a way that any heavy items are located as close
as possible to the axle. Secure th e items to prevent them slipping.
Tyre pressure
Correct the tyre inflation pressure on yo ur vehicle for that of “fully laden”, page 173.
The inflation pressure of the tyres fitted to the trailer adjust in accordance with the
manufacturer's recommendation.
Exterior mirrors
You have to have additional ex terior mirrors fitted if you are not able to see the traffic
behind the trailer with the standard rear-view mirrors. Both exterior mirrors should be
attached to folding arms. Adjust the mirrors so that they provide you with an adequate
field of view to the rear.
Headlights
Before starting off with a hitched trailer, al so check the setting of the headlights. Alter
the setting as necessary with the aid of the headlight beam adjuster page 49.13)In some countries the adapter is supplied with the towing device.s16g.4.book Page 148 Wednesda y, February 10, 2010 3:53 PM
Towing a trailer149
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Praktik
Technical Data
Detachable ball head
The ball rod is detachable on vehicles with towing devi
ce and suppliable from Škoda
original accessories. It is stowed together with separate fitting instructions in the spare
wheel well in the luggage compartment of the vehicle.
Note
We recommend that you also have your vehicle inspected between service inter-
vals if you tow a trailer frequently.
The handbrake on the towing vehicle must be put on when coupling and decou-
pling the trailer.
Driving Tips
Particular caution is required when towing a trailer.– Do not, as far as possible, drive with your vehicle unladen and the trailer laden.
– Do not make full use of the legal maximum speeds. This applies in particular to downhill sections.
– Apply the brakes in good time.
– Keep a check on the coolant temperature gauge if the outside temperature is high.
Distribution of weight
The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and the trailer is
laden. Maintain a particularly low speed if you cannot avoid driving with this combina-
tion.
Driving speed
Do not drive faster than 80 km/h for safety reasons. This also applies for countries in
which higher speeds are allowed.
The fact that the driving stability of the vehicle + trailer combination reduces with
increasing speed means that the legally allo wed speed should not be used when there
are unfavourable road, weather or wind cond itions, particularly near accident black
spots. You must always reduce your speed immediat
ely as soon as you detect even just the
slightest swaying of the trailer. On no account attempt to stop the trailer from
“swaying” by accelerating.
Apply the brakes in good time! If the trailer is fitted with a trailer brake, apply the
brakes gently at first and then brake firmly. This will avoid brake jolts resulting from the
trailer wheels locking. Shift down gears in good time before negotiating a downhill
section to allow the engine to also act as a brake.
Engine overheating
Please keep a check on the coolant temperature gauge if you have to negotiate a
lengthy slope in a low gear at a high engi ne speed when the outside temperature is
very high page 16.
If the needle of the coolant temperature gauge moves into the right-hand area or even
the red area of the scale, reduce your speed immediately. Stop and switch off the
engine if the warning light
in the instrument cluster begins flashing. Wait a few
minutes and check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle page 166,
“Inspecting the coolant level”.
Please refer to the following guidelines page 28, “Coolant temperature/ Coolant
quantity ”.
The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating.
Any increase in the cooling effect of the coolant fan through shifting down a gear and
increasing the engine speed is not possible since the fan speed is independent of the
engine speed. One should also not drop a gear for this reason when towing a trailer as
long as the engine can manage th e slope without any drop in speed.
s16g.4.book Page 149 Wednesda y, February 10, 2010 3:53 PM
Inspecting and replenishing161
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Praktik
Technical Data
Inspecting and replenishingEngine compartmentBonnet remote releaseBonnet remote release– Pull the unlocking lever on the left below the dash panel fig. 134 .
The bonnet jumps out of its lock as a result of the spring force.Opening and closing the bonnet.Fig. 135 Radiator grille: Locking lever / se curing the bonnet with the bonnet support
Opening the bonnet– Unlock the bonnet fig. 134 .
– 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.
– Pull on the locking lever fig. 135 , the bonnet is then unlocked.
– Grip the bonnet and lift it up.
– Take the bonnet support out of its holder and set it in the opening designed for it fig. 135 on the right.Closing the bonnet– Lift the bonnet slightly and unhook the bonnet support. Press the bonnet support
into the holder designed to hold it.
– Allow the bonnet to drop from a height of about 30 cm into the lock - bonnet do
not press down on it !
WARNING
Never open the bonnet if you see that steam or coolant is flowing out of the
engine compartment - risk of scalding! 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 properly
after closing the bonnet.
Stop your vehicle immediately while driving if you notice that the lock is not
properly engaged and close the bonnet properly - risk of an accident!Caution
Before opening the bonnet, ensure that the arms of the windscreen wipers are
correctly in place against the windscreen. Othe rwise, there is a risk of damage to the
paintwork.
Fig. 134 Bonnet release lever
s16g.4.book Page 161 Wednesda y, February 10, 2010 3:53 PM