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
Windscreen washer fluid level
If the windscreen washer fluid level is too low, the indicator light comes on.
Top up with liquid » page 174.
The following is displayed in the information display: Top up wash fluid! ÐTurn 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. This
does not apply when towing a trailer.
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 45. ÐLow beam
The indicator light comes on when low beam is selected » page 40.ÐFog lights
The indicator light comes on when the fog lights are operating » page 42.ÐSpeed regulating system
The indicator light comes on when the cruise control is operating » page 104.ÐSelector lever lock
If the indicator light lights up, operate the brake pedal. This is necessary, to be
able to move the selector lever from position P or N » page 111.Ð Downhill Drive Support
The warning light comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched
on.
The warning light comes on when the speed of the car is less than 30 km/h and
after pressing the
OFF ROAD button » page 98 .
The warning light flashes when the Downhill Drive Support actively intervenes.
If your vehicle exceeds the speed of 30 km/h, Downhill Drive Support is deactiva-
ted. The warning light goes out. If the speed is subsequently reduced below 30
km/h, the Downhill Drive Support is activated. The warning light comes on.
The Downhill Drive Support is activated again when the engine is switched off
and the car is restarted within 30 seconds.
The Downhill Drive Support is deactivated after switching off the ignition.
In the event of a fault, the warning light does not come on when the speed of the
car is less than 30 km/h and after pressing the OFF ROAD button.
Further information » page 98, OFF ROAD mode . Ð Main beam
The indicator light comes on when the main beam or headlight flasher are se-
lected » page 45. Ð 25
Instruments and Indicator Lights
Note
■ If the on-board voltage drops, the windscreen and rear window heater switches
off automatically, to provide sufficient electrical energy for the engine con-
trol » page 180, Automatic load deactivation .
■ The position and shape of the switch may vary according to the model. ÐSun visors
Fig. 35
Sun visor/double sun visor
The sun visor for the driver or front passenger can be pulled out of the fixture and
swivelled towards the door in the direction of the arrow 1
» Fig. 35.
The vanity mirrors in the sun visors are provided with covers. Push the cover in
the direction of the arrow 2
.
On vehicles that are equipped with a double sun visor, the auxiliary visor can be
unfolded in the direction of the arrow 3
after swivelling the sun visor towards
the door. WARNING
The sun visors must not be swivelled towards the side windows in the deploy-
ment area of the head airbags if any objects, such as ball-point pens, etc. are
attached to them. This might result in injuries to the occupants if the head air-
bag is deployed. Ð Windscreen wipers and washers
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Activating the windscreen wipers and washers 49
Automatic rear window wiper 50
Alternative park position of the rear window wiper 50
Headlight cleaning system 51
Replacing the windscreen wiper blades 51
Replacing the rear window wiper blade 52
The windscreen wipers and the wash system only operate if the ignition is
switched on and the bonnet is closed 1)
.
If the intermittent wipe is switched on, the intervals are also controlled depend-
ing on speed.
The rain sensor automatically regulates the break between the individual wiper
strokes depending on the intensity of the rain.
The rear window is wiped once if the windscreen wipers are on when reverse
gear is selected.
After the windscreen wiper switches off each time or the ignition switches off for
the third time, the position of the windscreen wiper changes, this counteracts an
early fatigue of the wiper rubbers.
The rear window wiper only operates if the boot lid is closed.
Top up with windscreen wiper fluid » page 174. £1)
On vehicles which do not have a contact switch for the bonnet, the windshield wiper and wash sys-
tem operates also when the bonnet is opened.
48 Using the system
WARNING
■ Properly maintained windscreen wiper blades are essential for clear visibility
and safe driving » page 51.
■ Do not use the windscreen washer system at low temperatures, without
heating the windscreen beforehand. Otherwise the window cleaner could
freeze on the windscreen and restrict the view to the front. ■ The rain sensor only operates as a support. The driver is not released from
the responsibility to set the function of the windscreen wipers manually de-
pending on the visibility conditions. CAUTION
■ In cold temperatures and during the winter, check before the journey or before
switching on the ignition that the wiper blades are not frozen to the windscreen.
If the windscreen wipers are switched on when the blades are frozen to the
windscreen, this may damage both the blades and windscreen wiper motor!
■ If the ignition is switched off while the windscreen wipers are switched on, the
windscreen wipers will continue wiping in the same mode after the ignition is
turned back on. The windscreen wipers could freeze up in cold temperatures be-
tween the time the ignition was turned off and when it was turned back on again.
■ Carefully detach frozen wiper blades from the front or rear window.
■ Remove snow and ice from the windscreen wipers before driving.
■ If the windscreen wipers are handled carelessly, there is a risk of damage to the
windscreen.
■ Replace the windscreen wiper blades once or twice a year for safety reasons.
These can be purchased from a ŠKODA Service Partner.
■ The ignition must not be switched on if the front windscreen wiper arms are fol-
ded out. The wiper blades would move back into their rest position and while do-
ing so damage the paintwork of the bonnet. Note
■ If the slower 2
» Fig. 36 on page 49
or the faster 3
wiper setting is switched
on and the vehicle speed decreases to below 4 km/h, the lower wiper step is
switched on automatically. At a speed increase of more than 8 km/h the previous
wiper setting is established again.
■ If there is an obstacle on the windscreen, the wiper will try to push away the
obstacle. If the obstacle continues to block the wiper, the wiper stops automati-
cally after 5 attempts to eliminate the obstacle, in order to avoid a damage to the
wiper. Remove the the obstacle and switch the wiper on again. ■
The windscreen washer nozzles for the windscreen are heated when the en-
gine is running and the outside temperature is less than approx. +10
°C.
■ The content of the windscreen washer fluid reservoir is 3 litres. On vehicles fit-
ted with the headlight cleaning system, the volume is 5.5
litres. On vehicles fitted
with auxiliary heating, the content of the windscreen wiper reservoir is 4.5 litres.
■ The wiper blades should be cleaned on a regular basis with a windscreen clean-
er to avoid any smears. The wiper blades should be cleaned with a sponge or
cloth if they are heavily soiled by insect residues, for example. Ð Activating the windscreen wipers and washers
Fig. 36
Windscreen wiper lever
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 48.
Flick wipe
›
If you only wish to wipe the windscreen
briefly, push the lever into the spring-
tensioned position 4
» Fig. 36
. If the lever is held in the lower position for more
than 1 second, the wiper wipes faster.
Periodic wiping
› Position the lever upwards into position 1
» Fig. 36
.
› Set the desired break between the individual wiper strokes with the switch A
.
Slow wipe
› Position the lever upwards into position 2
» Fig. 36
.
Fast wipe
› Position the lever upwards into position 3
» Fig. 36
. £
ä
49
Lights and visibility
A
Embankment angle (front and rear)
Transition from the horizontal plane to an upward slope or from a downward
slope back to the plane. The angle indication determines the angle at which you
can drive the vehicle down the embankment, at a slow speed, without the bump-
er or the underbody of the vehicle touching the ground. B
Slope angle
The difference of altitude (upward slope) which is overcome on a stretch of road
of 100 m, is indicated in percentage or degrees, i.e the gradiant at which the vehi-
cle can climb a hill on its own (among other things, depending on the road surface
and the engine power). C
Ground clearance
The distance between the road surface and the deepest point of the vehicle un-
derbody. D
Ramp angle
The angle indication determines the angle at which you can drive the vehicle over
a ramp, at a slow speed, without the underbody of the vehicle touching the ramp
edge.
Overhang angle (°)
Overhang angle, front 19 (17.1a)
)
Overhang angle, rear 26.7 (25.2a)
)
Ramp angle 19.4 (17.2a)
) a)
GreenLine
Slope angle (°)/ability to climb (%) 1.2 ltr./77 kW TSI 24/45
1.4 ltr./90 kW TSI 27/50
1.8 ltr./118 (112) kW TSI 29/55
1.6 ltr./77 kW TDI CR 29/55
2.0 ltr/81 kW TDI CR - MG5 29/55
2.0 l/81 kW TDI CR - MG6 4x4 31/60
2.0 ltr./103 kW TDI CR 31/60
2.0 ltr./103 kW TDI CR - Green tec 29/55
2.0 ltr./125 kW TDI CR 31/60 Ð Before driving off-road
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 151.
Important information
› The first priority should always be
safety.
› Do not drive off-road if your vehicle is not suited to it. Your vehicle is not de-
signed for expedition-like travel.
› Before every off-road journey, make sure that the vehicle is appropriately
equipped for the planned journey.
› Check the tyre inflation pressure on your vehicle and adjust where necessary.
› Fill up. The fuel consumption of the vehicle is much higher when driving off-
road than when driving on the road.
› Pay attention to possible hazards before driving on unfamiliar territory.
› Before driving, always put the seat belt on correctly. Make sure that your front
passenger and your passengers seated on the rear seats always fasten their
seat belts correctly.
› You must be seated in such a way that you have good front visibility, especially
when driving uphill or downhill. You must never be seated in such a way that
the distance between your chest and the middle of the airbag cover is less than
25 cm » page 138, Front airbags.
› Use a suitable pair of shoes which makes it safer to operate the pedals.
› Install the towing eye at the front or at the rear before driving off-road. It is not
always possible to install the towing eye if the vehicle got stuck.
› Check the car tool kit, stock up where necessary.
› Fill the engine oil up to the mark A
» page 172
, Checking the engine oil level .
› Fill up the windscreen washer fluid.
› Your vehicle has a higher centre of gravity than normal cars. This increases the
risk of vehicle rollover when driving on-road and off-road.
› Secure the items in your vehicle properly. Ð
ä
153
Driving and the Environment
Diesel fuel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 167.
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 171
Engine compartment overview 171
Checking the engine oil level 172
Replenishing the engine oil 172
Changing engine oil 173
Coolant 173
Checking the coolant level 174
Replenishing the coolant 174
Radiator fan 175
Checking the brake fluid 175
Changing the brake fluid 175
Windscreen washer system 176
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. £
169
Inspecting and replenishing
Opening and closing the bonnet
Fig. 139
Bonnet/radiator grille release lever: Release lever Fig. 140
Securing the bonnet with the
bonnet support
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 169.
Opening
›
Pull the release lever under the dash panel 1
» Fig. 139.
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. 139 and the bon-
net is unlocked.
› Grab hold of the bonnet and lift.
› Take the bonnet support out of its holder in direction of arrow 3
and secure
the opened bonnet by inserting the end of the support in the opening 4
de-
signed for it » Fig. 140.
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. 141
1.8 ltr./118 kW TSI Petrol engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 169.
Coolant expansion reservoir 174
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir 176
Engine oil filler opening 172
Engine oil dipstick 172
Brake fluid reservoir 175
Battery (below a cover) 176
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
171
Inspecting and replenishing
Windscreen washer system
Fig. 145
Engine compartment: Wind-
screen washer fluid reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 169.
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 filling level of the container is about 3
litres and about 5.5 litres on vehicles
that have a headlight washing system 1)
.
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.
ä 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 178
Checking the battery electrolyte level 178
Operation in winter 178
Charging a vehicle battery 179
Disconnecting and reconnecting the vehicle battery 179
Replacing the vehicle battery 179
Automatic load deactivation 180
Warning symbols on the vehicle battery Symbol Importance
Always wear eye protection.
Battery acid is severely caustic. Always wear gloves and eye protec-
tion.
Keep fire, sparks, open flames and lit cigarettes well clear of the ve-
hicle battery.
When charging the vehicle battery, a highly explosive gas mixture is
produced.
Keep children away from the vehicle battery.
£1)
In some countries, 5.5 ltr. applies for both variants.
176 General Maintenance