2012 SKODA CITIGO Owner's Manual


START-STOPSystem
» page 19
 Fuel gauge and fuel reserve indicator
» page 9WARNING
■ If illuminated warning lights and the corresponding descriptions and warn-
ing notes are not observed, this may result in severe injuries or major vehicle
damage.
■ The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. There is a risk of
injuries, scalding, accidents and fire when working in the engine compart-
ment, e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and other fluids. It is essential to ob-
serve safety notes »
page 108, Engine compartment . ÐHandbrake 
The warning light  comes on if the handbrake is applied. An audible warning is
also given if you drive the vehicle for at least 3
seconds at a speed of more than
6 km/h. ÐBrake system 
The warning light  illuminates if the brake fluid level is too low or there is a
fault in the ABS.
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the brake flu-
id » page 113.
Further information » page 58, Brakes and brake assist systems. WARNING
■ If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 31.
■ The following guidelines should be observed when opening the bonnet and
checking the brake fluid level » page 108, Engine compartment . WARNING (Continued)
■ If the warning light  is displayed simultaneously with warning light
 » page 17, Antilock brake system (ABS) ,  do not continue your jour-
ney! Seek help from a

ŠKODA specialist garage.
■ A fault to the braking system can increase the vehicle's braking distance! Ð Seat belt warning light 
The warning light  comes on after the ignition is switched on as a reminder for
the driver and front passenger to fasten the seat belt. The warning light only
goes out if the driver or front passenger has fastened his seat belt.
If the seat belt has not been fastened by the driver or front passenger, a perma-
nent warning signal sounds at vehicle speeds greater than 25

km/h and simulta-
neously the warning light  flashes.
If the seat belt is not fastened by the driver or front passenger during the next
90 seconds, the warning signal is deactivated and the warning light  lights up
permanently.
Further information » page 78, Seat belts. Ð Dynamo 
If the warning light lights up  when the engine is running, the vehicle battery is
not being charged.
Seek help from a ŠKODA

specialist garage. The electrical system requires check-
ing. WARNING
If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 31. CAUTION
If the warning light  (cooling system fault) comes on in addition to the warning
light  in the display when driving, stop the vehicle immediately and switch the
engine off – risk of engine damage! Ð
15
Instruments and warning lights

Engine oil pressure 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched
on.
Stop the vehicle and switch the engine off if the warning light does not go off
after the engine has started or flashes while driving. Check the oil level and top
up with engine oil if necessary » page 111, Checking the engine oil level .
An audible signal sounds as a warning signal.
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible to top up the
engine oil under the prevailing conditions. Serious engine damage is possible.
Therefore, switch the engine off and seek help from a
ŠKODA specialist garage.
Even if the oil level is correct,  do not drive any further if the warning light is
flashing. Also do not leave the engine running at an idling speed.
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage. WARNING
If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 31, Switches for the hazard warning light system .CAUTION
The red oil pressure light  is not an oil level indicator! One should therefore
check the oil level at regular intervals, preferably after every refuelling stop. ÐCoolant temperature/coolant level 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched
on.
If the warning light  lights up or flashes, either the coolant temperature is too
high or the coolant level is too low.
An audible signal sounds as a warning tone.
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, check the level of the coolant » page 112,
and refill the coolant if necessary » page 113. Do not continue your journey
if for some reason it is not possible to top up the
coolant under the prevailing conditions. Serious engine damage is possible.
Therefore, switch the engine off and seek help from a

ŠKODA specialist garage.
If the coolant is within the specified range, the increased temperature may be
caused by an operating problem at the radiator fan. Check the fuse for the radia-
tor fan, replace if necessary » page 140, Fuses in the engine compartment .
Do not continue driving if the warning light   does not go off even though the
coolant level is correct and the fuse for the fan is in working order!
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage. WARNING
If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 31. Ð Electromechanical power steering 

The warning light  comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched
on.
If the warning light after switching on the ignition or when driving lights up con-
tinuously, a fault exists in the electromechanical power steering.
› If the
yellow warning light lights up , this indicates a partial failure of the
power steering and the steering forces can be greater.
› If the
red warning light lights up , this indicates a complete failure of the pow-
er steering and the steering assist has failed (significantly higher steering
forces).
Further information » page 57. Note
■ If the yellow warning light  goes out when you restart the engine and drive for
a short distance, it is not necessary to visit a

ŠKODA specialist garage.
■ If the vehicle battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the yellow warn-
ing light  comes on after switching on the ignition. The warning light should go
out after driving a short distance. Ð
16 Using the system

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) 
The warning light flashes  to show that the ESC is currently operating.
If the warning light  lights up, there is a fault in the ESC.
As the ESC operates in conjunction with the ABS, the ESP warning light will also
come on if the ABS system fails.
If the warning light  comes on immediately after starting the engine, the ESC
can be switched off for technical reasons. In this case, the ESC can be switched
on again by switching the ignition on and off. If the warning light goes out, the
ESC is fully functional again.
Further information » page 60, Stabilisation control (ESC) .Note
If the vehicle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light  comes on after switching on the ignition. The warning light should go out after
driving a short distance. ÐTraction Control System (TCS) 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched
on.
The warning light comes on when driving when a control cycle is activated.
The warning light illuminates permanently if there is a fault in the TCS.
The fact that the TCS operates together with the ABS means that the TCS warn-
ing light will also come on if the ABS system is not operating properly.
If the warning light 
comes on immediately after starting the engine, the TCS
can be switched off for technical reasons. In this case, the TCS can be switched
on again by switching the ignition on and off. If the warning light goes out, the
TCS is fully functional again.
Further information » page 61, Traction control (TC) .Note
If the vehicle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light  comes on after switching on the ignition. The warning light should go out after
driving a short distance. Ð Antilock brake system (ABS) 
If the warning light  lights up, there is a fault in the ABS.
The vehicle will only be braked by the normal brake system without the ABS.
Seek help from a

ŠKODA specialist garage.
Further information » page 61, Antilock brake system (ABS) . WARNING
■ If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 31.
■ If the warning light  » page 15 is displayed simultaneously with the ABS
warning light ,  do not continue your journey! Seek help from a

ŠKODA
specialist garage. ■ The following guidelines should be observed when opening the bonnet and
checking the brake fluid level » page 108, Engine compartment .Ð The rear fog light 
The warning light  comes on when the rear fog lights are operating » page 30.Ð Exhaust inspection system 
If the warning light  lights up, there is a fault in the exhaust inspection system.
The engine control unit allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode.
Seek help from a

ŠKODA specialist garage. Ð EPC 
fault light
If the warning light 

 lights up, there is a fault in the engine control. The engine
control unit allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode.
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage. Ð
17
Instruments and warning lights

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 flashes while
driving » . This also applies if the warning light does not come on when the ig-
nition is switched on.
The functionality of the airbag system is also monitored electronically when one
airbag has been switched off.
The following situation applies if the front or side airbag or belt tensioner have
been switched off using the vehicle system tester:
› The warning light
 lights up for around 4
seconds after switching on the igni-
tion and then flashes approximately another 12 seconds in 2 second intervals.
The following situation applies if the airbag has been switched off using the
key switch for the airbag in the front passenger storage compartment:
› The warning light
 comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched
on;
› The deactivated airbag is indicated by the illumination of the warning light
     in the middle of the dash panel » page 86, Key switch for
the front seat passenger airbag. WARNING
If there is a fault, have the airbag system checked immediately by a ŠKODA
specialist garage. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being activated in
the event of an accident. ÐAutomatic gearbox 



Warning light 
Do not continue your journey if the warning light  lights up and an acoustic sig-
nal sounds. Switch off the engine and seek assistance from a

ŠKODA specialist
garage.
Warning light 
If the warning light  lights up and no gear can be selected, switch the ignition
on and off. If the warning light lights up after you switch on the ignition, seek as-
sistance from a ŠKODA specialist garage. If the warning light
 or warning light  lights up and an acoustic signal sounds,
this means that the automatic gearbox has overheated. Stop and allow the trans-
mission to cool down or drive more quickly than 20

km/h (12 mph).
If the warning light  lights up again, switch off the vehicle, shut off the engine
and allow the gearbox to cool down.
Warning light 
If the warning light  lights up, operate the brake pedal.
Warning light 
If the warning light  lights up, operate the handbrake.
Further information » page 69, Automatic gearbox AGB . WARNING
If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 31. Ð Turn signal system 

Either the left  or right  warning light flashes depending on the position of the
turn signal lever.
If a turn signal light fails, the warning light flashes at twice its normal rate.
Switching off the hazard warning light system is switched on will cause all of the
turn signal lights as well as both warning lights to flash.
Further information » page 31, Turn signal and main beam lever .Ð Speed regulating system 
The warning light  comes on when the cruise control is operating » page 63.Ð Main beam 
The warning light  comes on when the main beam or headlight flasher are se-
lected » page 29. Ð
18 Using the system

Safety belt fastened/not fastened (belt status display) - Rear
seat

/ 
After switching on the ignition, the belt status warning lights up for the rear
seats in the instrument panel display for 30 seconds and indicates whether any
rear seat passengers have fastened their seat belts. The belt status indicator will
then light up when the passenger on the rear seat fastens or unfastens the seat
belt (when the ignition is switched on or during the journey).
If the warning light , is switched on, the passenger on the rear seat has their
seat belt on.
If the warning light , is switched on, the passenger on the rear seat does not
have their seat belt on.
If a seat belt is unfastened on the rear seat during the journey at a speed of more
than 25
km/h, an acoustic signal will sound, and the belt status indicator for the
rear seats will flash for around 30 seconds.
Further information » page 78, Seat belts. ÐCity Safe Drive 
If the City Safe Drive system is currently slowing the vehicle down automatically,
the warning light will flash  quickly .
If the

City Safe Drive system is not currently available, or if there is a system fault,
the warning light will flash  slowly .
When the City Safe Drive system is switched off while the vehicle is travelling at a
speed between 5–30 km/h (3-19 mph), the warning light   will light up in the
instrument cluster display.
If the City Safe Drive system is switched on, the warning light in the instrument
cluster display    will light up for around 5 seconds.
Further information » page 66, City Safe Drive. ÐSTART STOP 
If the START STOP system is active, the warning light will light up .
If the
START STOP system is active, but automatic engine shut down is not possi-
ble, the warning light will light up . When the warning light flashes
 the
START STOP system will not be available.
Further information » page 65, START/STOP . Ð 19
Instruments and warning lights

Unlocking and locking
Vehicle key
Introductory information
Fig. 8
Key without remote control/key with remote control (remote control
key)
Two keys are provided with the vehicle. Depending on the equipment, your vehi-
cle can be equipped with keys without radio remote control » Fig. 8 –  or with
radio remote control»
Fig. 8 – . WARNING
■ Always withdraw the key whenever you leave the vehicle – even if it is only
for a short time. This is particularly important if children are left in the vehicle.
The children might otherwise start the engine or operate electrical equipment
(e.g. power windows) – risk of injury!
■ Do not withdraw the ignition key from the ignition lock until the vehicle has
come to a stop. The steering lock might otherwise engage unintentionally –
risk of accident! CAUTION
■ Each key contains electronic components; therefore it must be protected
against moisture and severe shocks.
■ Keep the groove of the keys absolutely clean. Impurities (textile fibres, dust,
etc.) have a negative effect on the functionality of the locking cylinder and igni-
tion lock. Note
Please contact a ŠKODA Service Partner if you lose a key as they can obtain a new
one for you. Ð Replacing the battery in the remote control key
Fig. 9
Remote control key: Remove cover/remove battery
Each remote control key contains a battery which is housed under the cover B
» Fig. 9. The battery needs replacing if red warning light
» Fig. 8 on page 20 –
 does not go on when you press a button on the remote control key. We recom-
mend that you ask a ŠKODA

Service Partner to replace the key battery. However,
if you would like to replace the discharged battery yourself proceed as follows.
› Flip out the key.
› Press off the battery cover with your thumb or using a flat screwdriver in the
region of arrows 1
» Fig. 9.
› Remove the discharged battery from the key by pressing the battery down-
wards in the region of arrow 2
.
› Insert the new battery. Ensure that the “+” symbol on the battery is facing up-
wards. The correct polarity is shown on the battery cover.
› Place the battery cover on the key and press it down until it clicks into place.
£
20 Using the system

CAUTION
■ Pay attention to the correct polarity when changing the battery.
■ The replacement battery must have the same specification as the original bat-
tery. For the sake of the environment
Dispose of the used battery in accordance with national legal provisions. Note
■ Please contact a ŠKODA Service Partner if you lose a key as they can obtain a
new one for you. ■ The system has to be synchronised, if the vehicle cannot be unlocked or locked
with the remote control key after replacing the battery » page 24.ÐChild safety lock
Fig. 10
Child safety locks on the rear
doors
The child safety lock prevents the rear door from being opened from the inside.
The door can only be opened from the outside.
You can switch the child safety lock on and off using the vehicle key.
Switching on › Turn the slot of the lock on the left-hand door clockwise
»
Fig. 10 – do the same
anti-clockwise on the right-hand door.
Switching off
› Turn the slot of the lock on the left-hand door anti-clockwise – do the same
clockwise on the right-hand door. Ð Central locking system
Introductory information
When using central locking or unlocking, all doors are locked or unlocked simulta-
neously. The luggage compartment lid is then unlocked. You can then open the
luggage compartment lid by pressing the button » page 25.
Automatic locking and unlocking
All the doors and the luggage compartment lid are locked automatically once the
car reaches a speed of about 15

km/h.
If the ignition key is withdrawn, the car is then automatically unlocked again. In
addition, it is possible for the driver to unlock the car by pressing the central lock-
ing button » page 23.
The doors can be unlocked and opened from the inside by a single pull on the
opening lever of the respective door.
Upon request you can have automatic locking and unlocking activated by a
ŠKODA Service Partner. WARNING
Locked doors prevent unwanted entry into the vehicle from outside, for exam-
ple at road crossings. Locked doors do, however, make it more difficult for res-
cuers to get into the vehicle in an emergency – danger to life! Note
■ In the event of an accident in which the airbags are deployed, the locked doors
are automatically unlocked in order to enable rescuers to gain access to the vehi-
cle. ■ Only the driver's door can be unlocked or locked using the key if the central
locking system fails » page 22. The other doors and the luggage compartment
lid can be manually locked or unlocked. ■ Emergency locking of the door » page 25.
■ Emergency unlocking of the luggage compartment lid » page 26.Ð
21
Unlocking and locking

Safe securing system
The central locking system is equipped with a safe securing system. The door
locks are blocked automatically if the vehicle is locked from the outside. The
warning light flashes for around 2 seconds in quick succession, afterwards it be-
gins to flash evenly at longer intervals. It is not possible to open the doors with
the door handle either from the inside or from the outside. This acts as an effec-
tive deterrent against attempts to break into your vehicle.
The safe securing system can be deactivated within 2
seconds by double locking
the vehicle.
If the safe securing system is not operating, the warning light in the driver door
flashes for about 2 seconds fast, goes out and starts to flash evenly at longer in-
tervals after about 30 seconds.
The safe securing system is activated again the next time the vehicle is unlocked
and locked.
If the vehicle is locked and the safe securing system is deactivated, the door can
be opened from the inside by a single pull on opening lever of the respective
door. WARNING
If the vehicle is locked from the outside and the safe securing system is acti-
vated, there must not be any person in the vehicle as it is then no longer pos-
sible to open either a door or a window from the inside. The locked doors
make it more difficult for rescuers to get into the vehicle in an emergency –
hazard! ÐUnlocking the vehicle using the key
Fig. 11
Turning the key for unlocking
and locking the vehicle ›
Turn the key in the locking cylinder of the driver's door in the direction of travel
(unlocking position) A
» Fig. 11.
› Pull the door handle and open the door.
› All the doors are unlocked.
› The luggage compartment lid is then unlocked.
› The switched on interior lights come on over the door contact.
› The safe securing system is deactivated. Ð Locking the vehicle with the key
› Turn the key in the locking cylinder of the driver's door in the opposite direction
of travel (lock position) B
»
Fig. 11
on page 22.
› All the doors and the luggage compartment lid are locked.
› The switched on interior lights will switch off over the door contact.
› The safe securing system is immediately activated.
› The warning light in the driver door begins flashing. Note
If the driver's door has been opened, the vehicle cannot be locked. Ð Door opening lever
Fig. 12
Door opening lever
On vehicles without central locking, you can lock and unlock doors which do not
have a locking cylinder from the inside.
Locking
› Push the door opening lever in the direction of the arrow to make the red
marking A
»
Fig. 12
visible. £
22 Using the system