2013 SKODA ROOMSTER brake light

It is still fully possible to steer the vehicle if the power steering fails or if the en-gine is not running (e.g. when towing). However, greater physical effort is re-
quired to turn the steering wheel.
CAUTION
You will place great stresses on the power steering system if the steering is
turned to full lock when the vehicle is stationary. Turning the steering to full lock
in such a situation will be accompanied by noises. Never leave the steering wheel at full lock for more than 15 seconds when the engine is running - there is a risk of
damaging the power steering.
Starting and stopping the engine
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Electronic immobilizer
97
Ignition lock
97
Engine
97
Switching off the engine
98
The engine can only be started using a correctly coded original key. The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time afterstarting the cold engine. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem.
WARNING■ When the vehicle is travelling with the engine off, the ignition key must al-
ways be in position 2 » Fig. 89 on page 97 (ignition switched on). This posi-
tion is indicated by the warning lights coming on. If this is not the case, this
could result in unexpected locking of the steering wheel – risk of accident!■
Only pull the ignition key from the ignition lock when the vehicle has come
to a complete stop (by applying the handbrake). Otherwise, the steering could
be blocked – risk of accident!
■
When leaving the vehicle, the ignition must always be removed. This is par-
ticularly important if children are left in the vehicle. Children could otherwise
start the engine for example – risk of accident or injury!
WARNING (Continued)■ Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running.■Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary – risk of acci-
dent!WARNING■ Never leave the engine running in unventilated or closed rooms. The ex-
haust gases from the engine contain substances such as odourless and col-
ourless carbon monoxide (a poisonous gas) – risk to life! ■ Carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness and death.
CAUTION
■The starter must only be operated when the engine is not running and the vehi-
cle is at a standstill. The starter or engine can be damaged if the starter is activa-
ted when the engine is running 3
» Fig. 89 on page 97.
■
If the engine does not start up after a second attempt, the fuse for the fuel
pump may have a fault. Check the fuse and replace if necessary » page 191, or
seek assistance from a specialist garage.
■
Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts otherwise the starter
could be damaged.
■
Do not tow start the engine – there is a risk of damaging the engine and the
catalytic converter. The battery from another vehicle can be used as a jump-start
aid » page 186 , Jump-starting .
CAUTION
■
Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttle and high engine loads before the en-
gine has reached its operating temperature – risk of damaging the engine!■
Do not switch the engine off immediately at the end of your journey after the
engine has been operated over a prolonged period at high loads but leave it to
run at an idling speed for about 1 minute. This prevents any possible accumulation
of heat when the engine is switched off.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine while the vehicle is stationary. If possible, start your
journey as soon as the engine has started. Through this the engine reaches its
operating temperature more rapidly and the pollutant emissions are lower. 96Driving

NoteAfter switching off the ignition, the radiator fan can intermittently continue to op-
erate for approx. 10 minutes.
Electronic immobilizer
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 96.
An electronic chip is integrated in the head of the key. The immobiliser is deacti-
vated with the aid of this chip when the key is inserted in the ignition lock. The
electronic immobiliser is automatically activated when the ignition key is with-
drawn from the lock.
The engine will not start if a non-authorized ignition key is used.
The MAXI DOT display shows the following: Immobilizer active.

Ignition lock
Fig. 89
Positions of the vehicle key in
the ignition lock
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 96.
Petrol engines » Fig. 89
Ignition switched off, engine off, the steering can be locked
Ignition switched on Starting engine
123Diesel engines » Fig. 89
Fuel supply interrupted, ignition switched off, engine switched off, the steer-
ing can be locked.
Heating glow plugs on, ignition switched on
Starting engine
To lock the steering , with the ignition key withdrawn, turn the steering wheel
until the steering locking pin engages audibly.
If the steering is locked and the key cannot be turned or can only be turned with
difficulty to position 2
» Fig. 89 , move the steering wheel back and forth and the
steering lock will unlock.
Note
We recommend locking the steering wheel whenever leaving the vehicle. This
acts as a deterrent against the attempted theft of your car.
Engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 96.
Vehicles with a diesel engine are equipped with a glow plug system. The glow
plug warning light 
lights up after the ignition has been switched on. Start the
engine once the 
warning light has gone out.
You should not switch on any major electrical components during the heating pe- riod otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
Procedure for starting the engine
›
Move the gearshift lever into neutral or move the selector lever to position P or
N and firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Switch on the ignition
2
» Fig. 89 on page 97.
›
Depress and hold the clutch pedal (vehicles with a manual gearbox) or brake
pedal (vehicles with an automatic gearbox) until the engine starts.
›
Turn the key to position
3
to the stop and release immediately the engine has
started – do not depress the accelerator.
After letting go, the vehicle key will return to position
2
.
›
Release the handbrake.
If the engine does not start within 10 seconds, turn the key to position
1
. Repeat
the start-up process after approx. half a minute.
12397Starting-off and Driving

Switching off the engineFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 96.
Switch off the engine by turning the ignition key to position
1
» Fig. 89 on
page 97.

Brakes
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Information on braking
98
Handbrake
99WARNING■ Greater physical effort is required for braking when the engine is switched
off – risk of accident!■
The clutch pedal must be depressed when braking on a vehicle with manual
transmission, when the vehicle is in gear and at low revs. Otherwise, the func-
tion of the brake booster may 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. The front
brakes may overheat, which can have a negative impact on the functioning of
the braking system – there is a risk of an 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
could then start to move – risk of accident!
CAUTION
■ Observe the recommendations on the new brake pads » page 104.■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.

Information on braking
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 98.
If the brakes are applied in full and the control unit for the braking system consid-
ers 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 automatically after accelerating
or driving off again.
Before travelling a long distance down a steep gradient, reduce speed and shift
into the next lowest gear. As a result, the braking effect of the engine will be
used, reducing the load on the brakes. Any additional braking should be comple-
ted intermittently, not continuously.
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.
Under these severe conditions , the thickness of the brake pads must also be
checked by a specialist garage between services.
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. The brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.
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 specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropriately as you will not know the exact extent of the damage. 
98Driving

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.
Handbrake
Fig. 90
Handbrake
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 98.
Apply
›
Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
Releasing
›
Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time push in the locking
button » Fig. 90 .
›
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.
WARNINGPlease note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake which is
only partially released can result in the rear brakes overheating. This can have
a negative effect on the operation of the brake system – there is a risk of an
accident.

Manual gear changing and pedals
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Manual gear changing
99
Pedals
100
Manual gear changing
Fig. 91
Shift pattern of the 5-speed
manual gearbox
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 99.
Always depress the clutch pedal all the way down. This prevents uneven wear on the clutch.
The gearshift indicator must be observed when changing gear » page 13.
Only engage reverse gear when the vehicle is stationary. Depress the clutch pedal
and hold it fully depressed. Wait a moment before reverse gear is engaged to
avoid any shift noises.
The reversing lights will come on once reverse gear is engaged, provided the igni- tion is on.
WARNINGNever engage reverse gear when driving – risk of accident! 99Starting-off and Driving

Modes and use of selector leverFig. 92
Selector lever /MAXI DOT display: Selector lever positions
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 100.
When the ignition is switched on, the gearbox mode and the gear currently selec-
ted are indicated in the display
1
» Fig. 92 .
The following modes can be selected with the selector lever » Fig. 92.
P
– Parking mode
The driven wheels are locked mechanically in this mode.
Parking mode must only be selected when the vehicle is stationary.
R
- Reverse gear
Reverse gear can only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary and the engine
is at idling speed.
Depress the brake pedal and simultaneously press the shiftlock in the selector
lever grip before shifting to R from P or N.
N
- Neutral
Power transmission to the drive wheels is interrupted in this mode.
D
- Mode for forwards travel (normal programme)
In mode D, the forward gears are automatically changed according to the engine
load, accelerator pedal actuation and driving speed.
S
- Mode for forwards travel (sports programme)
In mode S, the forward gears are shifted automatically up and down at higher en-
gine speeds than in mode D.
The shiftlock on the selector lever grip must be pressed when moving the selec-
tor lever out of D mode into S mode.
Releasing selector lever from P or N modes (selector lever lock) The selector lever is locked in the P and N modes to prevent the forwards travel
mode from being selected accidentally and setting the vehicle in motion. The 
warning light lights up in the instrument cluster » page 27.
The selector lever is released by depressing the brake pedal while simultaneously
pressing the locking button in the selection lever grip.
The selector lever is not locked when shifted quickly through N (e.g. from R to D).
This, for example, helps to rock out a vehicle that is stuck, e.g. in a bank of snow.
The selector lever lock will engage if the lever is in position N for more than ap-
proximately 2 seconds without the brake pedal being depressed.
The selector lever is locked only when the vehicle is stationary and at speeds up
to 5 km/h.
Note
If you want to move the selector lever from mode P to mode D or vice versa, move
the selector lever quickly. This prevents modes R or N from being selected acci-
dentally.
101Starting-off and Driving

MalfunctionFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 100.
Emergency programme
The transmission switches to the emergency programme if there is a fault in the
automatic gearbox system.
Indications of an activated emergency programme include the following:
› Only certain gears are selected.
› Reverse gear
R cannot be used.
› Shifting gears in Tiptronic mode is not possible.
Gearbox overheating
The gearbox may, for example, become too hot due to frequent repeated starting
or stop-and-go traffic. Overheating is indicated by the warning light » page 19, 
Clutches in the automatic gearbox are too hot .
Note
Visit a specialist workshop if the gearbox has switched to the emergency pro-
gramme.
Selector lever-emergency unlocking
Fig. 94
Selector lever-emergency un-
locking
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 100.
If the selector lever lock is defective or its power supply is interrupted (e.g. dis-
charged vehicle battery, faulty fuse), the selector lever can no longer be moved
out of position P in the normal manner, and the vehicle can no longer be driven.
The selector lever emergency unlocking procedure is as follows.›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Carefully pull up the front left and right cover.
›
Pull up rear cover.
›
Use a finger to press the yellow plastic part in the direction of the ar-
row » Fig. 94 .
›
At the same time, press the locking button in the selector lever and move the
selector lever to N.
The selector lever will be locked once more if it is moved again to P.

Running in

Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
New engine
103
New tyres
104
New brake pads
104
New engine
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 103.
The engine has to be run in during the first 1 500 kilometres.Up to 1 000 kilometres
›
Do not drive faster than 3/4 of the maximum speed of the gear in use, i.e. 3/4 of
the maximum permissible engine speed.
›
No full throttle.
›
Avoid high engine speeds.
›
Do not tow a trailer.
From 1 000 up to 1 500 kilometres
Gradually increase the power output of the engine up to the full speed of the
gear engaged, i.e. up to the maximum permissible engine speed.
The red scale on the rev counter indicates the range in which the system beginsto limit the engine speed. 
103Starting-off and Driving

Fuel consumption is also be influenced by external factors which are beyond the
driver's control. Consumption increases during the winter or under difficult condi-
tions, on poor roads, etc.
Fuel consumption can vary considerably from the manufacturer's data, as a result
of outside temperatures, the weather and driving style.
The optimal engine speed should be maintained when accelerating, to avoid a
high fuel consumption and resonance of the vehicle.
CAUTION
All the speed and engine revolution figures apply only when the engine is at its
normal operating temperature.
Looking ahead
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 104.
A vehicle's highest fuel consumption occurs when accelerating, therefore unnec-
essary accelerating and braking should be avoided. If looking ahead when driving, less braking and consequently less accelerating are required.
If possible, let your vehicle coast to a stop, or use the engine brake, if you can see that the next set of traffic lights is on red, for example.

Economical gear changing.
Fig. 95
Principle sketch: Fuel consump-
tion in litres/100 km depending
on the selected gearFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 104.
Shifting up early saves on fuel.
Manual gearbox › Drive no more than about one length of your vehicle in first gear.
› Shift up into the next gear at approximately 2000 rpm.
An effective way of achieving good fuel economy is to shift up early. Observe the
recommended gear » page 13, Recommended gear .
A suitably selected gear can have an effect on fuel consumption » Fig. 95.
Automatic gearbox › Slowly
apply the accelerator pedal. However, do not depress it as far as the
kickdown position » page 102.
› An economic driving programme is automatically selected if the accelerator ped-
al is only depressed slowly.

Avoiding full throttle
Fig. 96
Principle sketch: Fuel consump-
tion in litres/100 km. and speed
in km/h.
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 104.
Driving more slowly saves fuel.
Sensitive use of the accelerator will not only significantly reduce fuel consump-
tion but also positively influence environmental pollution and wear of your vehi-
cle.
The maximum speed of your vehicle should, as far possible, never be used. Fuel
consumption, pollutant emissions and vehicle noises increase disproportionally at
high speeds. 

105Starting-off and Driving

Assist systems
Brake assist systems
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
110
Antilock Braking System (ABS)
111
Traction Control System (ASR)
111
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
111WARNING■ A lack of fuel can cause irregular engine running or cause the engine to shut
down. The brake assist systems would then fail to function – risk of accident!■
Adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road and
traffic conditions. The increased safety provided by the brake assist systems
must not tempt you to take safety risks – risk of accident!
■
In the event of an ABS fault, visit a specialist garage immediately. Adjust
your style of driving according to the damage to the ABS, as you will not know
the exact extent of the damage or the extent to which this is limiting the
braking efficiency.
CAUTION
■ All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres approved by the manufactur-
er to ensure the brake assist systems operate correctly.■
Changes to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, brakes, chassis) can influence the
functionality of the brake assist systems » page 146, Services, modifications and
technical alterations .
■
If a fault occurs in the ABS system, the ESC, TCS and EDL will also fail to work.
An ABS fault is indicated with the warning light  » page 24 .

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 110.
The ESC system helps improve control of the vehicle in situations where it is be-
ing operated at its dynamic limits, such as a sudden change to the direction of
travel. Depending on the road surface conditions, the risk of skidding is reduced,
thereby improving the vehicle's driving stability .
The ESC system is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on.
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 the car beginning to
skid, the ESC system will automatically brake the appropriate wheel.
During an intervention of the system, the warning light 
flashes in the instru-
ment cluster.
The following systems are integrated into the electronic stabilisation control
(ESC) :
› Antilock brake system (ABS),
› Traction control (TCS),
› Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
› Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
› Hill Hold Control (HHC).
The ESC system cannot be deactivated. The 
» Fig. 99 on page 111 button can
only be used to deactivate the TCS. The 
warning light comes on in the instru-
ment cluster when the TCS is deactivated.
In the event of an ESC fault, the ESC warning light illuminates in the instrumentcluster 
» page 23 .
Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
HBA increases the braking effect and helps to shorten the braking distance.
The HBA is activated by very quick operation of the brake pedal. In order to ach-
ieve the shortest possible braking distance, the brake pedal must be applied firm-
ly until the vehicle has come to a standstill.
The HBA function is automatically switched off when the brake pedal is released. The ABS is activated faster and more effectively with the intervention of the HBA. 
110Driving