Driving through water on the street 151
Off-road driving 151
Towing a trailer 157
Towing a trailer 157
General Maintenance
Taking care of and cleaning the vehicle 160
Taking care of your vehicle 160
Inspecting and replenishing 167
Fuel 167
Engine compartment 169
Vehicle battery 176
Wheels and Tyres 181
Tyres 181
Accessories, changes and replacement of parts 189
Introductory information 189
Changes and impairments of the airbag
system 189
Do-it-yourself
Do-it-yourself 190
First-aid kit and warning triangle 190
Fire extinguisher 190
Vehicle tool kit 190
Changing a wheel 191
Breakdown kit 194
Jump-starting 197
Towing the vehicle 198
Fuses and light bulbs 201
Fuses 201
Bulbs 204 Technical data
Technical data 208
Introductory information 208
Data on the vehicle data sticker and the type
plate 208
Dimensions 209
Specifications and engine oil capacity 210
Vehicle-specific details per engine type 211
Multi-purpose vehicles (AF) 214
Index
4 Table of Contents
Warning symbols
Engine oil pressure too low
» page 21
Clutches of the automatic gearbox DSG are
too hot » page 18
Check engine oil level,
engine oil sensor faulty
» page 172
Problem with engine oil pressure
» page 18Clutches of the automatic gearbox are too hot
A symbol in the information display indicates that the temperature of the
clutches of the automatic gearbox is too high.
The following is displayed in the information display: Gearbox overheated. Stop! Owner's man.!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and wait until the symbol disappears -
risk of gearbox damage! You can continue your journey as soon as the symbol dis-
appears.
Problem with the engine oil pressure
If the symbol is shown in the information display, you must have your vehicle
checked immediately by a
ŠKODA specialist garage. The information about the
maximum permissible engine speed is displayed together with this symbol. 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 44. Note
■ If warning messages are shown in the information display, these messages
must be confirmed with the button B
or with the adjustment wheel D
» Fig. 7
on page 15 to open 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. Ð Indicator lights
Overview
The indicator lights show certain functions/faults and may be accompanied by au-
dible signals.
When switching on the ignition, some indicator lights illuminate briefly as a func-
tion test. These indicator lights will disappear several seconds after the vehicle is
started.
Handbrake
» page 19
Brake system
» page 19
Seat belt warning light
» page 20
Generator
» page 20
Open door
» page 20
Coolant temperature/coolant level
» page 20
Boot lid
» page 21
Electromechanical power steering
» page 21
Engine oil
» page 21
Traction control (TCS)
» page 22
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
» page 22
Traction control (TCS) switched off
» page 22£18
Using the system
Antilock brake system (ABS)
» page 22
Rear fog light
» page 23
Bulb failure
» page 23
Exhaust inspection system
» page 23
Glow plug system (diesel engine)
» page 23
EPC fault light (petrol engine)
» page 23
Diesel particle filter (diesel engine)
» page 23
Fuel reserve
» page 24
Airbag system
» page 24
Tyre control display
» page 24
Windscreen washer fluid level
» page 25
Turn signal (left/right).
» page 25
Low beam
» page 25
Fog lights
» page 25
Speed regulating system
» page 25
Selector lever lock
» page 25
Downhill Drive Support
» page 25
Main beam
» page 25 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 169, Engine compartment . Ð 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! Ð Brake 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 175. 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 44.
■ The following guidelines should be observed when opening the bonnet and
checking the brake fluid level » page 169, Engine compartment .£
19
Instruments and Indicator Lights
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 44.
■ Carefully open the coolant expansion bottle. If the engine is hot, the cooling
system is pressurized - risk of scalding! It is therefore best to allow the engine
to cool down before removing the cap.
■ Do not touch the radiator fan. The radiator fan may switch itself on auto-
matically even if the ignition is off. ÐBoot lid
The indicator light comes on if the boot lid is opened.
The warning light comes on even when the ignition is switched off. The warning
light lights up for a maximum of 5 minutes.
In vehicles with an information display, this warning light is replaced by a vehicle
symbol » page 17. 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 44. ÐElectromechanical power steering
If the indicator light lights up, this indicates a partial failure of the power steer-
ing and the steering forces can be greater. Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist ga-
rage.
If the indicator light lights up, this indicates a complete failure of the power
steering and the steering assist has failed (significantly higher steering forces).
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 44. Note
If the vehicle battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the yellow indica-
tor light comes on after switching on the ignition. The indicator light must go
out after driving a short distance. If the yellow indicator light does not go out
after starting the engine again and a short drive, it is necessary to visit a
ŠKODA
specialist garage. Ð Engine oil
The warning light lights up red (low oil pressure)
The following is displayed in the information display:
Oil Pressure: Engine off! Owner's manual!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the engine
oil » page 172 .
If the indicator light is flashing do not drive any further even if the oil level is
correct. Also do not leave the engine running at an idling speed.
Seek help from a
ŠKODA specialist garage.
The warning light lights up yellow (oil quantity too low)
The following is displayed in the information display:
Check oil level!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the engine
oil » page 172 .
The indicator light will go out if the bonnet is left open for more than 30 seconds.
If no engine oil has been replenished, the indicator light will come on again after
driving about 100 km.
The warning light flashes yellow (engine oil level sensor faulty)
The following is displayed in the information display:
Oil sensor: Workshop! £
21
Instruments and Indicator Lights
If the engine oil level sensor is faulty, the indicator light flashes
several times
and an audible signal sounds when the ignition is turned on.
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 44. ÐTraction control system (TCS)
The indicator light flashes to show that the ASR is currently operating.
If the indicator light comes on immediately after starting the engine, the ASR
can be switched off for technical reasons. Switch the ignition off and on again. If
the indicator light does not light up after you switch the engine back on, the ASR
is fully functional again.
If the indicator light lights up, there is a fault in the ASR.
The following is displayed in the information display: Error: traction control (ASR)
Seek help from a ŠKODA
specialist garage.
Further information » page 97, Traction control system (TCS).Note
If the vehicle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the indicator
light comes on after switching on the ignition. The indicator light must go out
after driving a short distance. ÐElectronic Stability Control (ESC)
The indicator light flashes to show that the ESC is currently operating.
If the indicator light comes on immediately after you start the engine, the ESC
might be switched off due to technical reasons. Switch the ignition off and on
again. If the indicator light does not light up after you switch the engine back on,
the ESR is fully functional again. If the indicator light
lights up, there is a fault in the ESC.
The following is displayed in the information display: Error: Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Seek help from a
ŠKODA specialist garage.
Further information » page 96, Stabilisation Control (ESC) . Note
If the vehicle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the indicator
light comes on after switching on the ignition. The indicator light must go out
after driving a short distance. Ð Switching off traction control system (TCS)
The TCS is switched off by pressing the button » page 97, Traction control
system (TCS) and the warning light illuminates.
The following is displayed in the information display: Traction control (ASR) deactivated. Ð Antilock brake system (ABS)
If the indicator light lights up, there is a fault in the ABS.
The following is displayed in the information display: Error: ABS
The vehicle will only be braked by the normal brake system without the ABS.
Seek help from a
ŠKODA specialist garage. £
22 Using the system
Antilock brake system (ABS) 97
Traction control system (TCS) 97
Electronic differential lock (EDL) 98
WARNING
■ The brake booster only operates when the engine is running. Greater physi-
cal effort for braking is required when the engine is switched off - risk of acci-
dent!
■ Depress the clutch pedal when stopping or braking a vehicle with a petrol
engine and manual transmission in the low rev range. If you fail to do so, the
functionality of the brake booster can be impaired - risk of accident!
■ If a front spoiler, full wheel trim, etc. is mounted retrospectively, it must be
ensured that the air supply to the front wheel brakes is not reduced. Other-
wise, the functionality of the brake system could be impaired - risk of acci-
dent! ■ Please note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake which
is only partially released can result in the rear brakes overheating, which can
have a negative effect on the operation of the brake system - risk of accident!
■ Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. The children might, for ex-
ample, release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear. The vehicle
might then move off - risk of accident!
■ A lack of fuel can cause irregular engine running or cause the engine to shut
down. The brake assist systems would then be without function - risk of acci-
dent! ■ Adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road and
traffic conditions. The increased safety offered by the brake assist systems
must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise - risk of an accident!
■ The normal braking system is still fully functional if there is an ABS fault.
Visit a ŠKODA specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving
according to the damage to the ABS as you will not know how great the dam-
age is and the limitation it is placing on the braking efficiency. CAUTION
■ Observe the recommendations on the new brake pads » page 146.
■ 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 189 , 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 22 comes on if a fault occurs in the ABS system. Ð Information for braking
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 94.
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.
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. £
ä
95
Starting-off and Driving
During an intervention of the system, the TCS indicator light
flashes in the in-
strument cluster.
The TCS indicator light »
page 22 lights up in the instrument cluster when
there is a fault on the TCS.
If necessary, the TCS can be switched off and on again by pressing the button » Fig. 98
, or on vehicles with ESP, by pressing the button » Fig. 97 on
page 96
. The TCS indicator light lights up in the instrument cluster when the
TCS is switched off.
TCS OFF ROAD
After activating the OFF ROAD mode, » page 98 the ASR OFF ROAD is activated.
The TCS OFF ROAD provides a more effective acceleration of the vehicle on an
unfirm ground, as it allows higher traction between the slipping wheels and the
ground.
The system operates when starting off or at low speeds. ÐElectronic differential lock (EDL)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 94.
If one of the wheels starts to spin, the EDL system brakes the spinning wheel and
transfers the driving force to the other wheels. This ensures the stability of the
vehicle and a quick journey.
The EDL switches off automatically if unusually severe stresses exist in order to
avoid excessive heat generation in the disc brake on the wheel which is being
braked. The vehicle can continue to be driven and has the same characteristics as
a vehicle not fitted with EDL. The EDL switches on again automatically as soon as
the brake has cooled down.
EDL OFF ROAD
After activating the OFF ROAD
mode, » page 98 the EDL OFF ROAD is activated.
The EDL OFF ROAD supports the vehicle traction when driving on unfirm ground.
EDL is activated earlier in the OFF ROAD mode than in the normal mode. The
brake pressure builds up more quickly on the faster moving wheel, on one axle, as
well as diagonally. Ð
ä OFF ROAD mode
Fig. 99
OFF ROAD button
The OFF ROAD mode comprises functions which assist off-road driving.
The following functions are integrated in the
OFF ROAD mode:
› Start-Off Assist
› Downhill Drive Support,
› ABS OFF ROAD » page 97;
› ASR OFF ROAD » page 98
;
› EDL OFF ROAD » page 98
.
Switching on OFF ROAD
The OFF ROAD mode is switched on by pressing the button » Fig. 99
. The indi-
cator light in the button lights up. The warning light lights up in the instrument
cluster if the system is switched on » page 25.
Switching off
OFF ROAD
Pressing the button switches the OFF ROAD mode off. The indicator light in the
button goes out. When switching off the ignition, the OFF ROAD mode is also
switched off and can be switched on again, if necessary, after switching on the
ignition. If the engine is switched off by accident and restarted within 30 seconds,
the OFF ROAD mode remains switched on.
Start-Off Assist
When the vehicle is stationary, the Start-Off Assist is activated after switching it
on using the button for the OFF ROAD mode» Fig. 99 .
When depressing the accelerator pedal fully, the engine speed required for the
start-up procedure of the stationary vehicle is restricted. The overspeed trip unit
is automatically deactivated after terminating the start-up procedure. As part of
the Assist System, the accelerator pedal is adapted in its characteristics for an
easier start-off on slippery and loose soil. £
98 Using the system
Downhill Drive Support
The Downhill Drive Support maintains a constant speed on a steep downhill sec-
tion when driving forwards and backwards by automatically intervening in the
brake system of all wheels. It prevents the wheels locking because the ABS re-
mains active. The warning light in the instrument cluster indicates that the
Downhill Drive Support is available » page 25.
The vehicle speed, which is maintained by the Assist System, is selected by the
driver while driving on a downhill section as of the moment the first intervention
of the Assist System is performed or else, while driving on a downhill section, the
driver must control the vehicle speed until the Assist System intervenes for the
first time. When the Assist System actively intervenes, this is indicated by the
warning light flashing or by a pulsating movement of the brake pedal, similar to
the intervention of the ABS.
You can increase or reduce the speed, even when no gear is engaged, by operat-
ing the accelerator or brake pedal. Thus the function is always interrupted and is
reactivated afterwards.
The Downhill Drive Support is activated automatically if the following conditions
are met:
› the
OFF ROAD mode is switched on and the warning light lights up in the in-
strument cluster,
› the engine of the vehicle is running and either the 1st, 2nd, 3rd gear, the reverse
gear or no gear is engaged,
› the engine of the vehicle is running, the selector lever of the automatic gearbox
is in the position R, N, D, S or Tiptronic,
› the speed is less than 30 km/h,
› the downhill gradient is at least 10 % (when driving over sleepers, the limit can
briefly drop to 8 %),
› neither the accelerator nor the brake pedal is operated.
It is however a requirement that the vehicle has sufficient grip on the soil. The
Downhill Drive Support cannot properly fulfil its function on slushy soil due to
physical reasons (ice or mud).
The Downhill Drive Support is deactivated when braking or accelerating or if the
downhill gradient is less than 8 %. The vehicle speed is steadily regulated by the Assist System in vehicles with a
manual gearbox
depending on the type of gearbox or engine:
› 1st gear - approx. 8 1)
- 30 km/h
› 2nd gear - approx. 13 1)
- 30 km/h
› 3rd gear - approx. 22 1)
- 30 km/h
› Reverse gear - approx. 9 1)
- 30 km/h
› Neutral for driving forwards - as well as driving backwards - approx. 2 1)
- 30 km/
h
Vehicles with automatic gearbox :
› Selector lever in position D, S or Tiptronic (for 1st, 2nd, 3rd gear) for driving for-
wards - approx. 2-30 km/h
› Selector lever in position R for driving backwards - approx. 2 - 30 km/h
› Selector lever in position N for driving forwards and backwards - approx. 2 - 30
km/h WARNING
■ A lack of fuel can cause irregular engine running or cause the engine to shut
down. The
OFF ROAD mode would lose its effectiveness - risk of accident!
■ Adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road and
traffic conditions. The increased safety offered by the
OFF ROAD mode must
not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise - risk of an accident! CAUTION
■ The OFF ROAD
mode is not designed for the use on common roads.
■ All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres approved by the manufactur-
er to ensure the OFF ROAD mode operates correctly. Note
■ During an intervention of the Downhill Drive Support, the brake lights do not
light up. ■ Do not switch the OFF ROADmode while the assistant is in effect. Ð1)
The indicated values represent the average of the lower speed limits if a gear is engaged (depending
on the type of gearbox or engine).
99
Starting-off and Driving