2012 SKODA CITIGO check engine light


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

Adjusting height of seat
›
To lift the seat, pull or pump the lever 2
» Fig. 35 upwards.
› To lower the seat, push or pump the lever 2
downwards.
Adjusting the angle of the seat backrest
› Remove the load on the seat backrest (do not lean on it), pull the lever 3
» Fig. 35 or 4 1)
towards the rear and set the desired angle of the seat back-
rest with the back.
Folding the front seat forwards and moving it 1
)
› Pull the lever 3
» Fig. 35
or 4
and fold the seat backrest fully forwards. At the
same time, move the seat forwards.
Moving seats into the initial position 1
)
› Move the seat towards the rear until the lock is heard to engage.
› Then push the seat backrest back into the upright position until the unlocking
button clicks into place - check by pulling on the seat backrest. ÐFront seat heating
Fig. 36
Heated front seats
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 38.
The front seats can be heated electrically. In some seat versions, the seat back-
rest is heated as well.
The seat heating can only be switched on when the engine is running.
› Heating on the driver's and front passenger's seat can be switched on and
regulated by pressing the button  or
 » Fig. 36.
ä Pressing once switches the seat heating on at its maximum level.
With repeated pressing of the switch, the level of the seat heating is down-regu-
lated up to the switch-off. The level of the seat heating is indicated by the num-
ber of illuminated warning lights in the switch. WARNING
If, as an occupant, you have a subdued pain and/or temperature sensitivity,
e.g. through medication, paralysis or because of chronic illness (e.g. diabetes),
we recommend you do not use seat heating on the driver or front passenger
seat. This can lead to burns on the back, the posterior and the legs which are
difficult to heal. If the seat heating is used, we recommend to make regular
breaks in your journey when driving long distances, so that the body can recu-
perate from the stress of the journey. Please consult your doctor, who can
evaluate your specific condition. CAUTION
■ Do not kneel on the seats or otherwise apply pressure at specific points to
avoid damaging the heating elements for the seat heaters.
■ Do not use the seat heaters if the seats are not occupied by persons or if ob-
jects, such as a child seat, bag, etc., are fastened or stored on them. A fault of the
heating elements in the seat heating can occur.
■ Do not clean the seats using moisture » page 102, Fabric covers on electrically
heated seats. Note
If the on-board voltage drops, the seat heating is switched off automatically, in
order to provide sufficient electrical energy for the engine control »

page 118,
Automatic load deactivation . Ð1)
Applies to front seats with the Easy Entry system.
39
Seats and Stowage

Heating and air conditioning system
Heating and air conditioning system
Introductory information
The heating effect is dependent upon the coolant temperature, thus full heat
output only occurs when the engine has reached its operating temperature.
If the cooling system is switched on, the temperature and air humidity drops in
the vehicle. The well-being of the occupants of the car is enhanced as a result of
this particularly at high outside temperatures and a high air humidity. The system
prevents the windows misting up during the cold season of the year.
It is possible to briefly activate recirculated air mode to enhance the cooling ef-
fect.
Please refer to the information regarding the recalculated air mode for air-condi-
tioning » page 55.
The air inlet in front of the windscreen must be free of ice, snow or leaves to en-
sure that the heating and cooling system operates properly.
After switching on the cooling Condensation from the evaporator of the air condi-
tioning may drip down and form a puddle below the vehicle. This is quite normal
and not an indication of a leak! WARNING
■ For your own safety and that of other road users, ensure that all the win-
dows are free of ice, snow and misting. Please familiarize yourself about how
to correctly operate the heating and ventilation systems, how to demist and
defrost the windows, as well as with the cooling mode.
■ Do not leave recirculated air mode on over a longer period of time, as “stale”
air can cause fatigue of the driver and passengers, reduce attention levels and
also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an accident increases.
Switch off recirculated air mode as soon as the windows start to mist up. Note
■ The used air streams out through the vents in the luggage compartment.
■ We recommend that you do not smoke in the vehicle when the recirculating air
mode is operating since the smoke which is drawn at the evaporator from the in-
terior of the vehicle forms deposits in the evaporator of the air conditioning sys-
tem. This produces a permanent odour when the air conditioning system is oper-
ating which can only be eliminated through considerable effort and expense (re-
placement of compressor).
■ To ensure that the heating and air conditioning systems work properly, do not
block up the air outlet vents with any objects. Ð Using the air conditioning system economically
The compressor on the air conditioning system uses power 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 inte-
rior has been strongly heated through the effect of direct sunlight in order to al-
low the heated air to escape.
The cooling system should not be switched on while travelling when the window
is open.
If the desired interior temperature can also be achieved without activating the
cooling system, fresh air mode should be selected. For the sake of the environment
Pollutant emissions are also reduced when fuel is saved. Ð Operational problems
If 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.
› One of the fuses has blown. Check the fuse and replace if necessary
»
page 138.
› The cooling system has switched off automatically for a short time because the
coolant temperature of the engine is too hot » page 13.
If you cannot rectify the functional fault yourself, or the cooling capacity decrea-
ses, the cooling system must be switched off. Visit a ŠKODA specialist garage. Ð
51
Heating and air conditioning system

Starting-off and Driving
Starting and stopping the engine
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Adjusting the steering wheel position 57
Electromechanical power steering 57
Electronic immobiliser 57
Ignition lock 58
Starting engine 58
Switching the engine off 58
WARNING
■ Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving only when the
vehicle is stationary!
■ Maintain a distance of 25 cm B
to the steering wheel
» Fig. 62 on page 57.
Not maintaining this minimum distance will mean that the airbag system will
not be able to properly protect you – hazard! ■ The lever for adjusting the steering wheel must be locked whilst driving so
that the position of the steering wheel cannot accidently change during the
journey – risk of accident! ■ If the steering wheel is adjusted further towards the head, the protection
provided by the driver airbag in the event of an accident is reduced. Check
that the steering wheel is aligned to the chest. ■ When driving, hold the steering wheel with both hands firmly on the outer
edge in the 9
o'clock and 3 o'clock position. Never hold the steering wheel in
the 12 o'clock position or in any other way (e.g. in the middle or inner edge of
the steering wheel). In such cases, you could injure the arms, hands and head
when the driver airbag is deployed. ■ When driving, the ignition key must always be in the position 2
» Fig. 63 on
page 58

(ignition switched on) without the engine running. This position is
indicated by the warning lights coming on. If this is not the case, it could result
in unexpected locking of the steering wheel – risk of accident! WARNING (Continued)
■ Only pull the ignition key from the ignition lock when the vehicle has come
to a complete stop (by applying the handbrake). Otherwise the steering wheel
could block – risk of accident!
■ When leaving the vehicle, the ignition must always be removed. This is par-
ticularly important if children are left in the vehicle. Otherwise the children
could, for example, start the engine – risk of accident or injury!
■ Never leave the engine running in unventilated or closed rooms. The ex-
haust gases of the engine contain besides the odorless and colourless carbon
monoxide a poisonous gas – hazard! Carbon monoxide can cause uncon-
sciousness and death. ■ Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running.
■ Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary – risk of acci-
dent! CAUTION
■ The starter may only be operated (ignition key position 3
» page 58), if the
engine is not running. The starter or engine can be damaged if the starter is acti-
vated when the engine is running. ■ Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts otherwise the starter
could be damaged. ■ Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttle and high engine loads as long as the
engine has not yet reached its operating temperature – risk of damaging the en-
gine!
■ Do not tow start the engine - danger of damaging the engine! On vehicles with
a catalytic converter, unburnt fuel may get into the catalytic converter where it
may ignite. This in turn may damage the catalytic converter. The battery from an-
other vehicle can be used as a jump-start aid » page 134, Jump-starting .
■ Do not switch the engine off immediately at the end of your journey after the
engine has been operated over a prolonged period at high loads but leave it to
run at an idling speed for about 1

minute. This prevents any possible accumulation
of heat when the engine is switched off. For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine while the vehicle is stationary. If possible, start your
journey as soon as the engine has started. Through this the engine reaches its
operating temperature more rapidly and the pollutant emissions are lower. £
56 Using the system

Note
■ The engine can only be started with a genuine ŠKODA key with the matching
code. ■ The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time after
starting the cold engine. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem. ■ After switching off the ignition, the radiator fan can intermittently continue to
operate for approx. 10
minutes.
■ If the engine does not start up after a second attempt, the fuse for the fuel
pump may have a fault. Check the fuse and replace, if necessary » page 138,
Fuses on the underside of the dash panel or seek assistance from a ŠKODA

spe-
cialist garage.
■ We recommend locking the steering wheel whenever leaving the vehicle. This
acts as a deterrent against the attempted theft of your car. ÐAdjusting the steering wheel position
Fig. 62
Adjustable steering wheel: Lever below the steering wheel/safe dis-
tance to the steering wheel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 56.
The height of the steering wheel can be adjusted.
› First of all adjust the driver's seat
» page 38.
› Pull the lever A
» Fig. 62 below the steering wheel down.
› Adjust the height of the steering wheel to the desired position.
› Push the lever upwards to the stop. Ð
ä Electromechanical power steering
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 56.
The power steering enables you to steer the vehicle with less physical force.
With the electromechanical power steering, the steering assist is automatically
adapted to the speed and to the steering angle.
It is still possible to fully steer the vehicle if the power steering fails or if the en-
gine is not running (vehicle being towed in). However, greater physical effort is
required to turn the steering wheel.
If there is a fault in the power steering, the warning light  or  lights up in the
instrument cluster » page 16. WARNING
Contact your ŠKODA specialist garage if the power steering is defective. Ð Electronic immobiliser
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 56.
An electronic chip is integrated in the head of the key. The immobiliser is deacti-
vated with the aid of this chip when the key is inserted in the ignition lock. The
electronic immobiliser is automatically activated when the ignition key is with-
drawn from the lock.
The engine will not start if a non-authorized ignition key is used. Ð
ä
ä
57
Starting-off and Driving