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 42, Switches for the hazard warning light system .Note
■ If warning messages are shown in the information display, you need to confirm
these messages with the button B
» Fig. 7
on page 15 in order to call up the main
menu.
■ As long as the operational faults are not rectified, the symbols are always indi-
cated again. After they are displayed for the first time, the symbols continue to be
indicated without any extra messages for the driver. ÐWarning lights
Overview
The warning lights show certain functions/faults and may be accompanied by au-
dible signals.
Handbrake
» page 18
Brake system
» page 18
Seat belt warning light
» page 18
Generator
» page 18
Open door
» page 19
Engine oil
» page 19
Coolant temperature/coolant level
» page 19
Electrohydraulic power steering
» page 20
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
» page 20
Traction control (TCS)
» page 21
Antilock brake system (ABS)
» page 21
Rear fog light
» page 21
Bulb failure
» page 21
Exhaust inspection system
» page 21
Glow plug system (diesel engine)
» page 22
EPC fault light (petrol engine)
» page 22
Diesel particle filter (diesel engine)
» page 22
Fuel reserve
» page 22
Airbag system
» page 23
Tyre control display
» page 23
Windscreen washer fluid level
» page 23
Traction control (TCS) switched off
» page 23
Turn signal (left/right).
» page 23
Low beam
» page 23
Fog lights
» page 24£ 17
Instruments and Indicator Lights
Speed regulating system
» page 24
Selector lever lock
» page 24
Main beam
» page 24WARNING
■ 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 138, 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.
The following is displayed in the information display:
Release parking brake! ÐBrake system
The warning light illuminates if the brake fluid level is too low or there is a
fault in the ABS.
The following is displayed in the information display:
Brake fluid: Owner's manual!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the brake flu-
id » page 144.
Further information » page 81, 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 42.
■ The following guidelines should be observed when opening the bonnet and
checking the brake fluid level » page 138, Engine compartment .
■ If the warning light is displayed simultaneously with warning light
» page 21, 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 to fasten the seat belt. The warning light only goes out if the driver has
fastened his seat belt.
If the seat belt has not been fastened by the driver, a permanent warning signal
sounds at vehicle speeds greater than 20
km/h and simultaneously the warning
light flashes.
If the seat belt is not fastened by the driver during the next 90 seconds, the
warning signal is deactivated and the warning light lights up permanently.
Further information » page 107, 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 42. £
18 Using the system
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 18, 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. 83
Centre console: Handbrake
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 81.
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. 83 .
› 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. Ð
ä Stabilisation control (ESC)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 81.
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.
In the event of an ESC fault, the ESC warning light illuminates in the instrument
cluster » page 20.
The following systems are integrated into the electronic stabilisation control
(ESC):
› Antilock brake system (ABS),
› Traction control (TCS),
› Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDS);
› Brake assist,
› Uphill start assist.
It is not possible to deactivate ESC. You can only use the button » Fig. 84
on
page 84 to switch off ASR. The TCS warning light lights up in the instrument
cluster when the TCS is switched off.
Hydraulic brake assist
The brake assist system is activated by the very quick operation of the brake ped-
al (e.g. in the event of danger). It increases the braking effect and helps to short-
en 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
83
Starting-off and Driving
Diesel fuel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 136.
Your vehicle can only be operated with
diesel fuel, which complies with the
standard EN
590 (standard DIN 51628 in Germany, standard ÖNORM C 1590 in
Austria, GOST R 52368-2005/EN 590:2004 in Russia).
Operation in winter - Winter-grade diesel fuel
In the winter, only use diesel fuel, which complies with the standard EN 590
(standard DIN 51628 in Germany, standard ÖNORM C 1590 in Austria,
GOST R 52368-2005/EN 590:2004 in Russia). “Winter-grade diesel fuel” will still
operate properly even at a temperature of -20 °C.
It is often the case in countries with different climatic conditions that diesel fuels
available have a different temperature characteristic. The ŠKODA Service Partners
and filling stations in the relevant country will be able to provide you with infor-
mation regarding the diesel fuels available.
Preheating fuel
The vehicle is fitted with a fuel filter preheating system. This secures operation of
a vehicle using diesel fuel down to an environmental temperature of -25 °C.
Fuel additives
Fuel additives, so-called “flow improvers” (petrol and similar products) must not
be added to the diesel fuel. CAUTION
■ Just filling the tank once with diesel fuel that does not comply with the stand-
ard, can cause severe damage to parts of the engine, the fuel and exhaust sys-
tem!
■ If a different fuel other than diesel fuel, which complies to the above mentioned
standards (e.g. petrol) is used by mistake do not start the engine or switch on the
ignition! Extensive damage to engine parts can occur! We recommend that the
fuel system is cleaned by a
ŠKODA Service Partner.
■ Water which has collected in the fuel filter can cause engine faults.
■ Your vehicle is not adapted for use of biofuel (RME), therefore this fuel must not
be refuelled and driven. The use of biofuel (RME) can cause considerable damage
to parts of the engine or fuel system. Ð
ä Engine compartment
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening and closing the bonnet 140
Engine compartment overview 140
Checking the engine oil level 141
Replenishing the engine oil 141
Changing engine oil 142
Coolant 142
Checking the coolant level 143
Replenishing the coolant 143
Radiator fan 144
Checking the brake fluid 144
Changing the brake fluid 144
Windscreen washer system 145
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 . 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. £
138 General Maintenance
Opening and closing the bonnet
Fig. 116
Bonnet/radiator grille release lever: Release lever Fig. 117
Securing the bonnet with the
bonnet support
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 138.
Opening
›
Pull the release lever under the dash panel 1
» Fig. 116.
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. 116 and the bon-
net is unlocked.
› Grab hold of the bonnet and lift.
› Take the bonnet support out of its holder and secure the opened bonnet by in-
serting the end of the support in the opening 3
» Fig. 117
designed for it.
ä Closing
› Lift the bonnet slightly and unhook the bonnet support. Press the bonnet sup-
port into the holder 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. 118
1.6 l/77 kW diesel engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 138.
Coolant expansion reservoir 143
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir 145
Engine oil filler opening 141
Engine oil dipstick 141
Brake fluid reservoir 144
Battery (below a cover) 145
Note
The location of the inspection points in the engine compartment of petrol and
diesel engines is practically identical. Ð
ä 1
2
3
4
5
6
140
General Maintenance
Radiator fan
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 138.
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.
ÐChecking the brake fluid
Fig. 121
Engine compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 138.
The brake fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment.
›
Switch off the engine.
› Open the bonnet
» page 140.
› Check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir
» Fig. 121. 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.
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 18, Brake system .
ä
ä 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.Ð Changing the brake fluid
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 138.
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
144 General Maintenance
Index
A
ABS 84
Warning light 21
Accessories 157
Adjusting Exterior mirror 48
Adjusting seats 104
Adjustment Seats 50
Aerial 130
see Radio reception 132
Airbag 111
Deployment 111
Front airbag 112
Head airbag 114
Side airbag 113
Airbag system 111
Air conditioning system Air outlet vents 71
Climatronic 76
Manual air conditioning system 73
Alarm 31
Anti-theft alarm system 31
Antilock brake system 84
Armrest 68
Ashtray 64
Assistance systems ESC 83
Assist systems ABS 21, 84
Cruise control systems (CCS) 86
EDS and XDS 84
ESC 20
Parking aid 85
START/STOP 88
TCS 21, 84Auto Check Control 16
Automatic gearbox 90
Dynamic shift programme 93
Emergency programme 94
Information for driving 90
Kickdown 93
Manual shifting of gears on the multifunction steering wheel 92
Parking 91
Selector lever-emergency unlocking 94
Selector lever lock 93
Selector lever positions 91
Starting off 91
Stopping 91
Tiptronic 92
Automatic load deactivation 149
AUX-IN 102
Avoiding damage to your vehicle 125
B
Before setting off 103
Belts 107
Belt tensioners 110
Bicycle carrier 60
Bonnet Closing 140
Opening 140
Boot Class
N1 vehicles 54
Cover 55
Emergency unlocking 33
Fastening elements 54
Fixing nets 55
foldable boot cover (Combi) 56
Folding hooks 54
Light 44
see Boot lid 33
Unlocking the boot lid 33
Boot lid 33
Automatic locking 33Brake assist 83
Brake booster 83
Brake fluid Checking 144
Brakes Brake booster 83
Handbrake 83
Running in 121
Warning light 18
Braking Brake fluid 144
Breakdown kit 162
Bulbs Replacing 171
Button in the driver's door Electrical power windows 34
C
Car computer see Multifunction display 12
Car jack 158
Carrier 62
Catalytic converter 121
Central locking button 29
Central locking system 27
lock 28
unlock 28
Changes 157
Changing Engine oil 142
Wheel 159
Charging a vehicle battery 148
Checking Battery electrolyte level 147
Brake fluid 144
Coolant level 143
Engine oil 141
Oil level 141
Windscreen washer fluid 145
186 Index
Children and safety 117
Child safety Side airbag 118
Child safety lock 26
Child seat Classification 118
ISOFIX 119
on the front passenger seat 117
Suitability 119
TOP TETHER 119
Chrome parts refer to Taking care of your vehicle 131
Cigarette lighter 64
Cleaning 129
Artificial leather 134
Headlight lenses 132
Material coverings 134
Materials 134
Natural leather 134
Plastic parts 131
Wheels 133
Climatronic Recirculated air mode 77
Clock 11
Clothes hooks 69
Cockpit 12-volt power socket 65
Ashtray 64
Cigarette lighter 64
General view 7
Light 43
Storage compartments 65
Compartments 65
Computer see Multifunction display 12
Coolant Checking 143
Indicator light 19
Replenishing 143
Temperature gauge 9
Correct seated position 104Counter for distance driven 10
Cruise control system (CCS) 86
Cup holders 63
D
Daylight driving light 39
Deactivating an airbag 115
Defrsoting rear window 44
Delayed locking of the boot lid see Boot lid 33
Diesel refer to Fuel 138
Diesel fuel Operation in winter 138
Diesel particulate filter 22
Digital clock 11
Dipstick 141
Display Coolant temperature 9
Service interval 10
Distance driven 10
Door Child safety lock 26
Doors Emergency locking 32
Driving Abroad 125
Driving through water on the street 126
Emissions 177
Fuel consumption 177
Maximum speed 180
E
Economical and environmentally friendly driving 122
EDS 84
Electrical power windows Button in the driver's door 34
Button in the rear door 34Central locking system 35
Operational faults 35
Electric sliding/tilting roof 36
Electronic Differential Lock 84
Electronic immobiliser 80
Emergency Automatic gearbox 94
Changing a wheel 159
Hazard warning light system 42
Jump-starting 165
locking of the doors 32
Selector lever-unlocking 94
Sliding roof 37
Towing the vehicle 166
Tyre repair 162
Unlocking the boot lid 33
Emissions 177
Engine Running in 121
Starting and stopping the engine 79
Starting engine 81
Switching off the engine 81
Engine compartment Brake fluid 144
Coolant 142
Overview 140
Vehicle battery 145
Engine oil Capacity 179
Changing 142
Checking 141
Replenishing 141
Specification 179
Warning light 19
Engine revolutions counter 9
Environment 122
Environmental compatibility 124
Environmentally friendly driving 122
ESC Function 83
Warning light 20
187
Index