2012 SKODA CITIGO brake fluid


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

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

Faults in the brake surface
If it is found that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and that the
brake pedal can be depressed further, the brake system may be faulty. Visit a
ŠKODA specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropriate-
ly as you will not know how great the damage is.
Low brake fluid level
An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake system. The
level of the brake fluid is monitored electronically
» page 15, Brake system .
Brake booster
The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The
brake booster only operates when the engine is running. ÐHandbrake
Fig. 64
Centre console: Handbrake
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 58.
Apply
› Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
Loosening
› Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and
at the same time push in the locking
button » Fig. 64 .
› Move the lever right down while pressing the lock button.
The handbrake warning light  lights up when the handbrake is applied, provided
the ignition is on.
A warning signal sounds if the vehicle is inadvertently driven off with the hand-
brake applied.
ä The handbrake warning is activated if the vehicle is driven at a speed of more
than 6 km/h for more than 3
seconds. Ð Stabilisation control (ESC)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 58.
The ESC is automatically activated after starting the engine. The ESC helps to
maintain control of the vehicle in situations where it is being operated at its dy-
namic limits, such as a sudden change to the direction of travel. The risk of skid-
ding is reduced and your car thus offers greater driving stability depending on the
conditions of the road surface.
The direction which the driver wishes to take is determined based on the steering
angle and the speed of the vehicle and is constantly compared with the actual
behaviour of the vehicle. In the event of deviations, such as if the car starts to
skid, the ESC automatically brakes the appropriate wheel.
During an intervention of the system, the warning light  flashes in the instru-
ment cluster.
If there is an ESC fault, the warning light then lights up in the instrument cluster
 » page 17.
The following systems are integrated into the electronic stabilisation control
(ESC):
› Antilock brake system (ABS),
› Traction control (TCS);
› Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
› Brake assist,
› Uphill start assist.
Hydraulic brake assist
The Brake Assist is activated by the very quick operation of the brake pedal. It in-
creases the braking effect and helps to shorten the braking distance. To achieve
the shortest possible braking distance, the brake pedal must be applied firmly
and held in this position until the vehicle has come to a complete standstill.
The ABS is activated faster and more effectively with the intervention of the
brake assist system.
The brake assist function is automatically switched off when the brake pedal is
released. £
ä
60 Using the system

Regular inspections of gas systems
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 106.
Every two years, the following inspections must be carried out:
› Check solenoid valves on the gas tanks for proper function.
› Check natural gas tank and lines for leaks and fixing, if necessary look for dam-
ages.
› Check the condition of fuel filler cap, filler tube and sealing ring, clean sealing
ring if necessary. ÐSafe natural gas
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 106.
The safety concept of the natural gas system ensures safe operation. It is equip-
ped with the following security features.
› At each natural gas tank, there is a solenoid valve that closes automatically af-
ter turning off the ignition or when running in petrol mode.
› A thermal fuse prevents uncontrolled rise in pressure in the natural gas tank in
case of fire.
› A flow limiter prevents sudden emptying of the natural gas tank in case the
pressure system is damaged.
› All the attachment points and materials are designed for maximum safety. ÐNatural gas quality and consumption
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 106.
Natural gas is divided into quality groups H-gas and L-gas. The two types of gas
are subdivided according to their calorific value and nitrogen and carbon dioxide
contents. H-gas has a higher calorific value and lower nitrogen or carbon dioxide
content than L-gas.ä
ä
ä The higher the calorific value of natural gas, the lower is the consumption. How-
ever, the calorific value and the nitrogen and carbon dioxide contents can vary
within a quality group. Therefore, the consumption of the vehicle may even vary
when driving with only one natural gas quality (either only H-gas or L-gas).
The engine control of your vehicle automatically adjusts to the different natural
gas qualities. Therefore both natural gas qualities can be mixed in the fuel tank. It
is therefore not necessary to run the natural gas tank completely empty to fill up
another quality. Ð Engine compartment
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening and closing the bonnet 110
Engine compartment overview 110
Checking the engine oil level 111
Replenishing the engine oil 111
Changing engine oil 112
Coolant 112
Checking the coolant level 112
Replenishing the coolant 113
Radiator fan 113
Checking the brake fluid 113
Changing the brake fluid 114
Windscreen washer system 114
There is a risk of injuries, scalding, accidents and fire when working in the en-
gine 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 vehicle's engine compartment is
a hazardous area . £
108 General Maintenance

WARNING
■ Never open the bonnet if you can see steam or coolant flowing out of the
engine compartment – risk of scalding! Wait until the steam or coolant has
stopped escaping.
■ Turn off the engine and withdraw the ignition key.
■ If the vehicle is fitted with a manual gearbox, move the gearshift lever into
Neutral, or if the vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox, move the selec-
tor lever into position P .
■ Firmly apply the handbrake.
■ Allow the engine to cool.
■ For safety reasons, the bonnet must always be properly closed when driving.
This is why after closing the bonnet, the lock must always be checked to en-
sure it has engaged properly. ■ If you notice that the lock is not properly engaged while driving, stop the ve-
hicle immediately and close the bonnet – risk of an accident!
■ Keep children clear of the engine compartment.
■ Do not touch any hot engine parts – risk of burns!
■ Never spill fluids on the hot engine. Such fluids (e.g. the antifreeze con-
tained in the coolant) may ignite!
■ Avoid short circuits in the electrical system – particularly on the vehicle's
battery.
■ Never touch the radiator fan while the engine is still warm. The fan might
suddenly start running! ■ Never open the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir while the en-
gine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurized! ■ When opening the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir, cover it
with a cloth to protect your face, hands and arms from hot steam or hot cool-
ant.
■ Do not leave any items such as cloths or tools in the engine compartment.
■ If you wish to work under the vehicle, you must secure the vehicle from roll-
ing away and support it with suitable supporting blocks: the car jack is not
sufficient for this – risk of injury! WARNING (Continued)
■ If any inspection work has to be carried out when the engine is running,
there is an additional risk from rotating parts (e.g. V-belt, alternator, radiator
fan) and the high-voltage ignition system. The following must also be ob-
served: ■Never touch the electric wiring on the ignition system.
■ Always make sure that no jewellery, loose clothing or long hair can get
caught in rotating engine parts – hazard! Always remove any jewellery, tie
back long hair and wear tight fitting clothing before completing any work.
■ Additionally, the following warning instructions must be observed if work
has to be carried out on the fuel or electrical system. ■Always disconnect the vehicle battery from the electrical system.
■ Do not smoke.
■ Never work near open flames.
■ Always have a functioning fire extinguisher nearby. CAUTION
Always top up using the correct specification of fluids. This may result in major
operating problems and also vehicle damage! For the sake of the environment
In view of the environmentally friendly disposal of fluids, the specials tools and
knowledge required for such work, we recommend that fluids are changed by a
Škoda
Service Partner as part of the inspection service. Note
■ If you have any questions regarding the fluids, visit a
ŠKODA Service Partner.
■ Fluids with the correct specifications can be purchased from ŠKODA Original Ac-
cessories. Ð
109
Inspecting and replenishing

Opening and closing the bonnet
Fig. 97
Unlocking the bonnet Fig. 98
Securing the bonnet
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 108.
Opening
›
Pull the release lever under the dash panel 1
» Fig. 97 in the direction of the
arrow.
Before opening the bonnet, ensure that the arms of the windscreen wipers are
correctly in place against the windscreen otherwise the paintwork could be dam-
aged.
› Press the release lever in the direction of the arrow 2
» Fig. 97 and the bonnet
is unlocked.
› Grab hold of the bonnet and lift.
ä ›
Take the bonnet support out of its holder 3
in the direction if the ar-
row » Fig. 98 and secure the opened bonnet by inserting the end of the support
in the opening 4
designed for it.
Closing
› Lift the bonnet slightly and unhook the bonnet support. Press the bonnet sup-
port into the holder 3
designed to hold it.
› Let the bonnet drop into the lock carrier lock from a height of around 20
cm –
do not push it in .
› Check that the bonnet is closed properly. Ð Engine compartment overview
Fig. 99
1.0 ltr./55 kW MPI Petrol engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 108.
Engine oil dipstick 111
Engine oil filler opening 111
Coolant expansion reservoir 112
Brake fluid reservoir 113
Vehicle battery 115
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir 114
Ð
ä 1
2
3
4
5
6
110
General Maintenance

Loss of coolant
A loss of coolant is first and foremost an
indication of a leak in the system. Do
not merely top up the coolant. Have the cooling system checked by a
ŠKODA spe-
cialist garage immediately. CAUTION
If a fault causes the engine to overheat, we recommend visiting a ŠKODA Service
Partner immediately, otherwise serious engine damage may occur. ÐReplenishing the coolant
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 108.
›
Switch off the engine.
› Allow the engine to cool.
› Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir
» Fig. 101 on
page 112 and unscrew the cap carefully.
› Replenish the coolant.
› Turn the cap until it clicks into place.
Do not use an alternative additive if the specified coolant is not available in an
emergency. In this case, just use water and have the correct mixing ratio of water
and the coolant additive restored by a ŠKODA

specialist garage as soon as possi-
ble.
Only use new coolant to top up the system.
Do not fill the coolant above the mark “MAX” » Fig. 101 on page 112! Excess cool-
ant heats up and then is forced out of the cooling system through the pressure
relief valve in the cap. WARNING
■ 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 health.
Therefore always safely store the coolant additive in its original container out
of the reach of children – risk of poisoning!
■ If any coolant splashes into your eyes, immediately rinse out your eyes 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.
ä CAUTION
Do not continue your journey, if it is not possible  to top up the coolant under
the prevailing conditions . Contact a

ŠKODA Service Partner to avoid the risk of
serious engine. Ð Radiator fan
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 108.
The radiator fan is driven by an electric motor and controlled according to the
coolant temperature.
After switching off the ignition, the radiator fan can intermittently continue to op-
erate for approx. 10 minutes.
Ð Checking the brake fluid
Fig. 102
Engine compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 108.
The brake fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment.
›
Switch off the engine.
› Open the bonnet
» page 110.
› Check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir
» Fig. 102. The level must be be-
tween the
“MIN” and “MAX” markings.
When driving, a slight drop in the fluid level is caused by the wear-and-tear and
automatic adjustment of the brake pads, and is therefore perfectly normal. £
ä
ä
113
Inspecting and replenishing

There may be an indication of a leak in the brake system, however, if the fluid lev-
el drops significantly within a short time or if it drops below the
“MIN” marking. If
the brake fluid level is too low, this is indicated by the warning light  lighting up
in the instrument cluster » page 15, Brake system  .WARNING
If the fluid level has dropped below the MIN marking,  do not continue your
journey – risk of accident! Seek help from a
ŠKODA specialist garage.ÐChanging the brake fluid
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 108.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. Over time it therefore absorbs moisture from the
environment. Excessive water in the brake fluid may be the cause of corrosion in
the brake system. The water content also lowers the boiling point of the brake
fluid.
The brake fluid must comply with the following standards or specifications:
› VW 50114;
› FMVSS 116 DOT4. WARNING
Using old brake fluid can result in severe stress on the brakes because of the
formation of vapour bubbles in the brake system. This greatly impairs the
braking efficiency and thus also the safety of your vehicle. CAUTION
Brake fluid damages the paintwork of the vehicle. Ð
ä Windscreen washer system
Fig. 103
Engine compartment: Wind-
screen washer fluid reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 108.
The windscreen washer reservoir contains the cleaning fluid for the windscreen
or rear window. The reservoir is located in the engine compartment .
The capacity
of the windscreen washer fluid reservoir is approximately 3

litres.
Clear water is not sufficient to intensively clean the windscreen and headlights.
We therefore recommend using clean water with a screen cleaner (including anti-
freeze in the winter) that is able to remove stubborn dirt.
Under exceptional circumstances, methylated spirits can also be used if no screen
cleaner with antifreeze is available. The concentration of methylated spirits must
not be more than 15 %. The freeze protection at this concentration is sufficient
only to -5 °C. CAUTION
Under no circumstances must radiator antifreeze or other additives be added to
the windscreen washer fluid. Note
Do not remove the filter from the windscreen washer fluid reservoir when replen-
ishing it with liquid otherwise the liquid transportation system can be contamina-
ted, which can cause the windscreen washer system to malfunction. Ð
ä
114 General Maintenance