Handbrake
» page 20
Brake system
» page 20
Fastening the seat belt
» page 20
Generator
» page 20
Open door
» page 20
Engine oil pressure
» page 21
Coolant temperature/coolant level
» page 21
Bonnet
» page 21
Boot lid
» page 21
Power steering
Steering lock (KESSY system)
» page 21
Engine oil level
» page 22
Electronic stability control (ESC)
Traction control system (TCS) » page 22
» page 23
Antilock brake system (ABS)
» page 23
Rear fog light
» page 23
Lamp failure
Adaptive headlights » page 23
,
» page 23
Control system for exhaust
» page 23
Glow plug system (diesel engine)
» page 24
EPC fault light (petrol engine)
» page 24
Diesel particle filter (diesel engine)
» page 24
Fuel reserve
» page 24
Airbag system
» page 25
Tyre control display
» page 25
Windscreen washer fluid level
» page 25
Thickness of brake pads
» page 25
Turn signal (left/right).
» page 25
Low beam
» page 25
Fog lights
» page 26
Speed regulating system
» page 26
Selector lever lock
Starting (KESSY system)
» page 26
Main beam
» page 26 WARNING
■ If illuminated indicator 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 176, Engine compartment .Ð
19
Instruments and Indicator Lights
Handbrake
The indicator 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 indicator 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 181 » .
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 53.
■ The following guidelines should be observed when opening the bonnet and
checking the brake fluid level » page 176, Engine compartment .
■ If the indicator light is displayed simultaneously with indicator light
» page 23 , Antilock brake system (ABS) , do not continue your jour-
ney! Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage. ■ A fault to the braking system or the ABS system can increase the vehicle's
braking distance - risk of accident! ÐSeat belt indicator light
The indicator light comes on after the ignition is switched on as a reminder for
the driver and front passenger to fasten the seat belt. The indicator 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 20 km/h and simulta-
neously the indicator 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 indicator light lights up
permanently. Ð Dynamo
If the indicator 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 53, Switches for the hazard warning light system . CAUTION
If the indicator light (cooling system fault) comes on in addition to the indicator
light when driving, stop the vehicle immediately and switch the engine off -
risk of engine damage! Ð Open door
The indicator light
comes on, if one or several doors are opened. 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 53. Ð
20 Using the system
Airbag system
If the indicator light lights up, there is a fault in the airbag system.
The following is displayed in the information display: Error: Airbag
The functionality of the airbag system is monitored electronically even if one of
the airbags is switched off.
If a front, side or head airbag or belt tensioner has been switched off using the
vehicle system tester:
› The indicator light
lights up for around
4 seconds after the ignition is switch-
ed on and then flashes for around 12 seconds.
The following is displayed in the information display: Airbag/belt tensioner deactivated!
If the airbag was switched off using the key-operated switch on the side of the
dash panel on the passenger side:
› The indicator light
comes on for around 4 seconds after the ignition has been
switched on.
› The switched off airbags are indicated in the middle of the dash panel by the
lighting up of the indicator light (airbag switched
off) » page 153. 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. ÐTyre control display
The indicator light lights up, if there is a substantial drop in inflation pressure
in one of the tyres. Check and adjust the pressure in all tyres » page 188, Service
life of tyres .
If the indicator light
lights up, there is a fault in the system.
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
Further information » page 192, Tyre control display. Note
If the battery has been disconnected, the indicator light illuminates after the
ignition is switched on. The indicator light must go out after driving a short dis-
tance. Ð Windscreen washer fluid level
If the windscreen washer fluid level is too low, the indicator light comes on.
Top up with liquid » page 182, Windscreen washer system.
The following is displayed in the information display: Top up wash fluid! Ð Thickness of brake pads
If the indicator light is slit, the brake pads are worn.
The following text will be displayed in the information display: Check brake pads!
Seek help from a
ŠKODA specialist garage. Ð Turn signal system
Either the left or right indicator light flashes depending on the position of
the turn signal lever.
If a turn signal light fails, the indicator light flashes at twice its normal rate.
Switching off the hazard indicator light system is switched on will cause all of the
turn signal lights as well as both indicator lights to flash.
Further information » page 54, Turn signal and main beam lever .Ð Low beam
The indicator light comes on when low beam is selected » page 49.Ð
25
Instruments and Indicator Lights
CAUTION
■ Observe the recommendations on the new brake pads » page 158.
■ Never let the brakes slip with light pressure on the pedal if braking is not neces-
sary. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer braking
distance and excessive wear. ■ All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres approved by the manufactur-
er to ensure the brake assist systems operate correctly. Note
■ If the brakes are applied in full and the control unit for the braking system con-
siders the situation to be dangerous for the following traffic, the brake light
flashes automatically. After the speed was reduced below around 10 km/h or the
vehicle was stopped, the brake light stops flashing and the hazard warning light
system switches on. The hazard warning light system is switched off automatical-
ly after accelerating or driving off again. ■ Before negotiating a steep downhill section, reduce the speed, shift down into
the next lower gear (manual gearbox) or select a lower drive position (automatic
gearbox). As a result, the braking effect of the engine will be used, reducing the
load on the brakes. Any additional braking should be completed intermittently,
not continuously. ■ Changes to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, brakes, chassis or another combina-
tion of tyres and wheels) can influence the functionality of the brake assist sys-
tems »
page 194 , Accessories, changes and replacement of parts .
■ If a fault occurs in the ABS system, the ESC, ASR and EDL also do not work. A
indicator light » page 23 comes on if a fault occurs in the ABS system. ÐInformation on braking
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 108.
Wear-and-tear
The wear of the brake pads is dependent on the operating conditions and driving
style. The brake pads wear more quickly if a lot of journeys are completed in
towns and over short distances or if a very sporty style of driving is adopted. If
operated under severe conditions, the thickness of the brake pads must be
checked by a ŠKODA specialist garage before the next service appointment. ä Wet roads or road salt
The performance of the brakes can be delayed as the brake discs and brake pads
may be moist or have a coating of ice or layer of salt on them in winter. The
brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.
Corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the bake pads occur if the vehicle has
been parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the braking
system. If the brake system is not used much or if there is corrosion on the sur-
face, we recommend cleaning the brake discs by firmly applying the brakes from a
fairly high speed.
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 20, 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. Ð Handbrake
Fig. 116
Centre console: Handbrake
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 108.
Apply
›
Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
£
ä
109
Starting-off and Driving
Diesel fuel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 174.
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 177
Engine compartment overview 178
Checking the engine oil level 178
Replenishing the engine oil 179
Changing engine oil 179
Coolant 179
Checking the coolant level 180
Replenishing the coolant 180
Radiator fan 181
Checking the brake fluid 181
Changing the brake fluid 182
Windscreen washer system 182
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. £
176 General Maintenance
›
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. ÐEngine compartment overview
Fig. 157
1.6 l/77 kW TDI CR diesel engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 176.
Coolant expansion reservoir 180
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir 182
Engine oil filler opening 179
Engine oil dipstick 178
Brake fluid reservoir 181
Battery (below a cover) 182
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 Checking the engine oil level
Fig. 158
Dipstick
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 176.
The dipstick indicates the level of oil in the engine
» Fig. 158.
Checking the oil level
› Ensure that the vehicle is positioned on a level surface and the engine has
reached its operating temperature.
› Switch off the engine.
› Open the bonnet.
› Wait a few minutes until the engine oil flows back into the oil sump and remove
the dipstick.
› Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth and insert it again to the stop.
› Then pull the dipstick out again and check the oil level.
Oil level within range A
›
No oil must be refilled.
Oil level within range B
›
Oil can
be refilled. It is possible that the oil level may then be within range A
after doing this.
Oil level within range C
›
Oil must be refilled. It is sufficient, once this is done, to keep the oil level within
range B
.
It is normal for the engine to consume oil. The oil consumption may be as much as
0.5 l/1 000 km depending on your style of driving and the conditions under which
you operate your vehicle. Consumption may be slightly higher than this during the
first 5 000 kilometres. £
ä
178 General Maintenance
Do not fill the coolant above the mark A
(max.)
» Fig. 159 on page 180! Excess
coolant heats up and then is forced out of the cooling system through the pres-
sure 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. 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. ÐRadiator fan
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 176.
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
ä Checking the brake fluid
Fig. 160
Engine compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 176.
The brake fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment.
› Switch off the engine.
› Open the bonnet
» page 177.
› Check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir
» Fig. 160. 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 indicator light lighting
up in the instrument cluster » page 20, 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.Ð
ä
181
Inspecting and replenishing
Changing the brake fluid
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 176.
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. ÐWindscreen washer system
Fig. 161
Engine compartment: Wind-
screen washer fluid reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 176.ä
ä
The windscreen washer fluid reservoir contains the cleaning fluid for the wind-
screen or rear window and for the headlight cleaning system. The windscreen
washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment.
The capacity of the reservoir is about 3 litres or about 5.5
litres on vehicles that
have a headlight cleaning system.
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.
Antifreeze should always be added to the cleaning water in the winter even if the
vehicle is fitted with heated windscreen washer nozzles.
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.
■ If the vehicle is fitted with a headlight cleaning system, only cleaning products
which do not attack the polycarbonate coating of the headlights must 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 Vehicle battery
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Battery cover 184
Checking the battery electrolyte level 185
Operation in winter 185
£
182 General Maintenance