2013 SKODA CITIGO check engine

›Check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle
» Fig. 108. The cool-
ant level when the engine is cold must lie between the “MIN” and “MAX” mark-
ings. The level may also rise slightly above the “MAX” marking when the engine is warm.
If the coolant level in the coolant expansion tank is too low, this is indicated by
the warning light  lighting up in the instrument cluster » page 18,  Coolant .
We still recommend inspecting the coolant level directly at the reservoir from
time to time.
Loss of coolant
A loss of coolant is first and foremost an indication of a leak in the system. Do
not merely top up the coolant. Have the cooling system checked by a specialist
garage.

Replenishing
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 132.
Only top up with new coolant.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Allow the engine to cool.
›
Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion tank and unscrew the cap carefully .
›
Replenish the coolant.
›
Turn the cap until it clicks into place.
Do not use an alternative additive if the specified coolant is not available in an emergency. In this case, use just water and have the correct mixing ratio of water
and coolant additive restored by a specialist garage as soon as possible.

Brake fluid
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Checking the brake fluid level
133
Changing
134WARNING■ The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. The following
warning instructions must be followed at all times when working in the en-
gine compartment » page 127.■
If the fluid level has dropped below the MIN marking » Fig. 108 on page 132,
 do not continue your journey - there is the risk of an accident! Seek help
from a specialist garage.
■
Do not use used brake fluid - the function of the brake system may be im-
paired – risk of accident!
CAUTION
Brake fluid damages the paintwork of the vehicle.
Note
The brake fluid is changed as part of a compulsory inspection service.
Checking the brake fluid level
Fig. 109
Engine compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 133.
The brake fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Open the bonnet.
›
Check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir » Fig. 109.
The level must be between the “MIN” and “MAX” markings. 
133Inspecting and replenishing

WARNING■It is prohibited to work with naked flames or lights.■It is prohibited to smoke or carry out any activities that produce sparks.■
Never use a damaged vehicle battery – risk of explosion!
■
Never charge a frozen or thawed vehicle battery – risk of explosion and
chemical burns!
■
Replace a frozen vehicle battery.
■
Never jump-start vehicle batteries with insufficient acid levels – risk of ex-
plosion and chemical burns.
WARNING■ When you charge a battery, hydrogen is released, and a highly explosive gas
mixture is also produced. An explosion can be caused through sparkling over during unclamping or loosening of the cable plug while the ignition is on.■
Creating a bridge between the poles on the battery (e.g. with a metal object
or cable) creates a short circuit - risk of melting the lead bars, and risk of ex-
plosion, battery fire and acid splashes.
■
Avoid creating sparks when working with cables and electrical devices.
Strong sparking represents a risk of injury.
■
Before carrying out any work on the electrical system, switch off the engine,
the ignition and all of the electrical components and disconnect the negative
terminal ( ) of the battery.
CAUTION
Improper handling of the battery can lead to damage. We recommend having all
work on the vehicle battery carried out by a specialist garage.
CAUTION
■ The vehicle battery must only be disconnected if the ignition is switched off,
otherwise the vehicle's electrical system (electronic components) can be dam-
aged. When disconnecting the battery from the vehicle first disconnect the nega- tive terminal ( ) and only then the positive terminal ( ) of the battery.■
When connecting the battery to the electrical system, connect the positive ter-
minal ( ) first and then the negative terminal ( ) of the battery. Under no circum-
stances must the battery cables be connected incorrectly – risk of a cable fire.
■
Ensure that battery acid does not come into contact with the bodywork – risk of
damage to the paintwork.
■ Do not place the battery in direct daylight in order to protect the vehicle battery
housing from the effects of ultra-violet light.■
If the vehicle has not been driven for more than 3 to 4 weeks, the battery will
discharge. This is because certain electrical components consume electricity (e. g.
control units) also in idle state. The battery discharge can be prevented by discon-
necting the negative terminal ( ) of the battery or by ensuring the battery is con-
tinuously charged with very low charging current.
■
If the vehicle is frequently used for making short trips, the vehicle battery will
not have time to charge up sufficiently and may discharge.
For the sake of the environment
A vehicle battery that has been removed is a special type of hazardous waste.
These must be disposed of in accordance with national legal regulations.
Note
You should replace batteries older than 5 years.
Checking the battery electrolyte level
Fig. 110
Vehicle battery: Electrolyte level
indicator
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 134.
On vehicles with a vehicle battery fitted with a colour indicator, the so-called
magic eye » Fig. 110 , the electrolyte level can be determined by looking at the
change in colour. 
135Inspecting and replenishing

Air bubbles can influence the colour of the indicator. For this reason carefully
knock on the indicator before carrying out the check.
› Black colour – electrolyte level is correct.
› Colourless or light yellow colour – electrolyte level too low, the battery must be
replaced.
Vehicles with a START-STOP system are fitted with a battery control unit for checking the energy level for the recurring engine start.
We recommend that you have the acid level checked regularly by a specialist ga-
rage, especially in the following cases.
› High external temperatures.
› Longer day trips.
› After each charge.
CAUTION
For technical reasons, on vehicles with the description “AGM”, the electrolyte lev-
el cannot be checked.
Note
The battery acid level is also checked regularly by a specialist garage as part of
the inspection service.
Operation in winter
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 134.
The vehicle battery only has a proportion of the starting power in lower tempera-
tures. A discharged vehicle battery may already freeze at temperatures just be-
low 0 °C .
We therefore recommend that you have the battery checked and, if necessary, re-
charged by a specialist garage before the start of the winter.

Charging
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 134.
A properly charged vehicle battery is essential for reliably starting the engine.
› Switch off the ignition and all of the electrical components.›Only when performing a “quick-charge”, disconnect both battery cables (first
“negative”, then “positive”).›
Attach the terminal clamps of the charger to the battery terminals (red = “posi- tive”, black = “negative”).
›
Plug the mains cable of the charger into the power socket and switch on thedevice.
›
After charging has been successful: Switch off the charger and remove themains cable from the power socket.
›
Only then disconnect the charger's terminal clamps.
›
Reconnect the cables to the battery (first “positive”, then “negative”).
It is not necessary to disconnect the cables of the battery if you recharge the ve-
hicle battery using low amperages (for example from a mini-charger). Refer to the
instructions of the charger manufacturer .
A charging current of 0.1 multiple of the total vehicle battery capacity (or lower) must be used until full charging is achieved.
It is necessary to disconnect both cables before charging the battery with high
amperages, known as “ rapid charging”.
The vent plugs of the vehicle battery should not be opened for charging.
WARNING“Quick-charging” the vehicle battery is dangerous and requires a special
charger and specialist knowledge.
CAUTION
On vehicles with the START/STOP system, the pole terminal of the charger must
not be connected directly to the negative terminal of the vehicle battery, but only
to the engine earth » page 152, Jump-starting in vehicles with the START-STOP
system .
Note
We therefore recommend that vehicle batteries be rapid charged by a specialist
garage.
136General Maintenance

ReplaceFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 134.
When replacing a battery, the new vehicle battery must have the same capacity,
voltage, amperage and be the same size. Suitable vehicle battery types can be purchased from a specialist garage.
We recommend having the battery replaced by a specialist garage, where the
new vehicle battery will be installed properly and the original battery will be dis-
posed of in accordance with national regulations.

Disconnecting and reconnecting
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 134.
On disconnecting and reconnecting the vehicle battery the following functions
are initially deactivated or are no longer able to operate fault-free:
OperationOperating measureEnter radio code number» Radio manualSetting the clock» page 14Data in the multifunction display are deleted.» page 13
Note
We recommend having the vehicle checked by a specialist garage in order to en-
sure full functionality of all electrical systems.
Automatic load deactivation
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 134.
The vehicle voltage control unit automatically prevents the battery from discharg-
ing when the battery is put under high levels of strain. This manifests itself by the following.
› The idling speed is raised to allow the generator to deliver more electricity to
the electrical system.
› Where necessary, large convenience consumers such as seat heaters and rear
window heaters have their power limited or are shut off completely in the event of an emergency.
CAUTION
■ Despite such intervention by the vehicle electric system management, the vehi-
cle battery may be drained. For example, when the ignition is switched on a long
time with the engine turned off or the side or parking lights are turned on during longer parking.■
Consumers that are supplied via a 12-V power socket can cause the vehicle bat-
tery to discharge when the ignition is switched off.
Note
Driving comfort is not impaired by consumers being deactivated. The driver is of-
ten not aware of it having taken place.
137Inspecting and replenishing

›Switch off the engine.›Move the gearshift lever into
Neutral or, for an automatic gearbox, move the
selector lever into position N.›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Remove the vehicle tool kit » page 144 and the spare wheel » page 141 from
the boot.

Changing a wheel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 145.
›
Remove the full wheel trim » page 142 or caps » page 142 .
›
First of all slacken the anti-theft wheel bolt and then the other wheel
bolts » page 146 .
›
Jack up the vehicle until the wheel that needs changing is clear of the
ground » page 147 .
›
Unscrew the wheel bolts and place them on a clean surface (cloth, paper, etc.).
›
Remove the wheel carefully.
›
Attach the spare wheel and slightly screw on the wheel bolts.
›
Lower the vehicle.
›
Alternately tighten wheel bolts opposite (diagonally) with the wheel wrench.
Tighten the anti-theft wheel bolt last » page 146.
›
Replace the wheel trim or the caps.
Note
■
All bolts must be clean and must turn easily.■Under no circumstances grease or oil the wheel bolts!■
When fitting unidirectional tyres, ensure that the direction of rotation is cor-
rect » page 138 .

Follow-up work
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 145.
The following steps must also be performed after changing the wheel.
› Stow and attach the replaced wheel in the spare wheel well using a special
bolt » page 141 .›
Stow the tool kit in the space provided and secure using the band.
›
Check the tyre pressure on the installed spare wheel as soon as possible.
›
Have the tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked with a torque wrench
as soon as possible.
›
Replace the damaged wheel or consult a specialist garage about repair options.
Note
■ If it is determined that the wheel bolts are corroded and difficult to turn when
changing the wheel, the bolts must be replaced before checking the tightening
torque.■
Drive cautiously and only at a moderate speed until the tightening torque has
been checked.

Loosening/tightening wheel bolts
Fig. 116
Changing a wheel: Undoing the wheel bolts/installation location of
the anti-theft wheel bolt
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 145.
Loosening
›
Push the wheel wrench onto the wheel bolt up to the stop 1)
.
›
Grasp the end of the wrench and turn the bolt about one turn in the direction of
the arrow » Fig. 116 - 
. 

1)
Use the appropriate adapter for undoing and tightening the anti-theft wheel bolts
» page 148.
146Do-it-yourself

Note■Observe the manufacturer's usage instructions for the breakdown kit.■A new bottle of sealant can be purchased from ŠKODA Original Parts.■
Immediately replace the tyre that was repaired using the breakdown kit, or con-
sult a specialist garage about repair options.

Breakdown kit
Fig. 120
Components of the breakdown kit
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 148.
The kit is located in a box under the floor covering in the luggage compartment.
Components of the breakdown kit
Valve remover
Sticker with speed designation “max. 80 km/h”/“max. 50 mph” Inflation hose with plug
Air compressor
Tyre inflation hose
Tyre inflation pressure indicator
Air release valve
ON and OFF switch
12 volt cable connector
123456789Tyre inflator bottle with sealing agent
Replacement valve core
The valve remover 1
has a slot at its lower end which fits into the valve core.
This is the only way in which you can remove and re-install the valve core from
the tyre valve. The same also applies to the replacement valve core
11
.

Preparations for using the breakdown kit
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 148.
The following preparatory work must be carried out before using the breakdown
kit.
›
Park the vehicle as far away as possible from the flow of traffic. Park on as flat and firm a surface as possible.
›
If you are in flowing traffic, switch on the hazard warning light system and setup the warning triangle at the prescribed distance! The national legal require-
ments must be observed.
›
Let all of the occupants get out. While changing a tyre, the occupants of the
vehicle should not stand on the road (instead they should remain behind a crash
barrier).
›
Switch off the engine and move the gearshift lever into Neutral or move the
selector lever for the automatic gearbox into position N.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Check that you can carry out the repairs with the breakdown kit » page 148.
›
Remove the breakdown kit from the luggage compartment.
›
Stick the sticker
2
» Fig. 120 on page 149 on the dash panel in view of the driv-
er.
›
Do not remove the foreign body, e.g. screw or nail, from the tyre.
›
Unscrew the valve cap.
›
Use the valve remover
1
to unscrew the valve core and place it on a clean sur-
face (rag, paper, etc.).

Sealing and inflating the tyre
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 148.
Sealing
›
Forcefully shake the tyre inflator bottle
10
» Fig. 120 on page 149 several times. 
1011
149Emergency equipment and self-help

›Firmly screw the inflation hose 3 onto the tyre inflator bottle 10 clockwise.
The film on the cap is pierced automatically.›
Remove the plug from the inflation hose
3
and plug the open end fully onto
the tyre valve.
›
Hold the bottle
10
with the bottom facing upwards and fill all of the sealing
agent from the tyre inflator bottle into the tyre.
›
Remove the empty tyre inflator bottle from the valve.
›
Screw the valve core back into the tyre valve using the valve remover
1
.
Inflating
›
Screw the tyre inflation hose
5
» Fig. 120 on page 149 of the air compressor
firmly onto the tyre valve.
›
Check that the air release valve
7
is closed.
›
Start the engine and run it in idle.
›
Plug the connector
9
into 12 Volt socket » page 52, 12-volt power socket .
›
Switch on the air compressor with the ON and OFF switch
8
.
›
Allow the air compressor to run until a pressure of 2.0 - 2.5 bar is achieved. Max-
imum run time of 8 minutes » !
›
Switch off the air compressor.
›
If you cannot reach an air pressure of 2.0 – 2.5 bar, unscrew the tyre inflation
hose
5
from the tyre valve.
›
Drive the vehicle 10 metres forwards or backwards to allow the sealing agent to
“distribute” in the tyre.
›
Firmly screw the tyre inflation hose
5
back onto the tyre valve and repeat the
inflation process.
›
If you cannot reach the required tyre inflation pressure here either, this means
the tyre has sustained too much damage. You cannot seal with tyre with the
breakdown kit »
.
›
Switch off the air compressor.
›
Remove the tyre inflation hose
5
from the tyre valve.
Once a tyre inflation pressure of 2.0 – 2.5 bar is achieved, continue the journey at
a maximum speed of 80 km/h (50 mph).
Check the tyre inflation pressure after driving for 10 minutes » page 150.
WARNING■
The tyre inflation hose and air compressor may get hot as the tyre is being
inflated – there is a risk of injury.■
Do not place the hot tyre inflation hose or hot air compressor on flammable
materials – there is a risk of fire.
■
If you cannot inflate the tyre to at least 2.0 bar, this means the damage sus-
tained was too serious. The sealing agent cannot be used to seal the tyre. 
Do not drive the vehicle. Seek help from a specialist garage.
CAUTION
Switch off the air compressor after running 8 minutes at the latest – there is a
risk of overheating. Allow the air compressor to cool a few minutes before switch- ing it on again.
Check after 10 minutes' driving
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 148.
Check the tyre inflation pressure after driving for 10 minutes!
If the tyre pressure is 1.3 bar or less
›
 Do not drive the vehicle! You cannot properly seal with tyre with the break-
down kit.
If the tyre pressure is 1.3 bar or more
›
Adjust the tyre inflation pressure to the correct value (see inside of fuel filler cap).
›
Continue driving carefully to the nearest specialist garage at a maximum speed
of 80 km/h (50 mph).

Jump-starting
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Jump-starting using the battery from another vehicle
151
Jump-starting in vehicles with the START-STOP system
152

150Do-it-yourself

Fuses and light bulbs
Fuses
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Fuses on the underside of the dash panel
154
Fuses in the engine compartment
156
Fuses in the dash panel
156
Individual electrical circuits are protected by fuses.
Switch off the ignition and the corresponding power consuming device before re-
placing a fuse.
Find out which fuse belongs to the component that is not operating » page 154,
Fuses on the underside of the dash panel , » page 156 , Fuses in the engine com-
partment , or » page 156 , Fuses in the dash panel .
Fuse colourMaximum amperagepurple3light brown5brown7.5red10blue15yellow20white25green30orange40WARNINGAlways read and observe the warnings before completing any work in the en-
gine compartment » page 127, Engine compartment .CAUTION■
“Never repair” fuses and also do not replace them with a fuse of a higher am-
perage – risk of fire! This may also cause damage at another part of the electrical
system.■
If a newly inserted fuse blows again after a short time, have the electrical sys-
tem checked as quickly as possible by a specialist garage.
■
A blown fuses is recognisable by the molten metal strip. Replace the faulty fuse
with a new one of the same amperage.
Note
■
We recommend always carrying replacement fuses in the vehicle. A box of re-
placement fuses can be purchased from ŠKODA Original Accessories.■
There can be several power consuming devices for one fuse.
■
There can be several consumer devices for one fuse, depending on the vehicle's
equipment.
■
Multiple fuses may exist for a single power consuming device.
■
Multiple power consuming devices can share a single fuse.

Fuses on the underside of the dash panel
Fig. 124
Underside of the dash panel: Fuse box / schematic diagram of the
fuse box
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 154.
The fuses are located underneath the steering wheel on the underside of the dash panel » Fig. 124. 
154Do-it-yourself