2013 SKODA ROOMSTER ignition

Hill Hold Control (HHC)
When driving on slopes, HHC allows you to move your foot from the brake pedal
to the accelerator pedal without having to use the handbrake.
The system holds the brake pressure produced by the activation of the brakepedal for approx. 2 seconds after the brake pedal is released.
The brake pressure drops gradually the more you operate the accelerator pedal. Ifthe vehicle does not start off within 2 seconds, it starts to roll back.
HHC is active on slopes of >5 % when the driver door is closed. HHC is always only
active on slopes when in forward or reverse start off. When driving downhill, it is inactive.
Antilock Braking System (ABS)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 110.
ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking. Thus helping the driver to main-
tain control of the vehicle.
The intervention of the ABS is noticeable from the pulsating movements of the
brake pedal which is accompanied by noises.
When the ABS system is active, do not brake periodically or reduce the pressure
on the brake pedal.

Traction Control System (ASR)
Fig. 99
TCS buttonFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 110.
If the wheels are slipping, the ASR system adapts the engine speed to the condi-
tions of the road surface. The TCS makes it much easier to start off, accelerate
and climb steep hills even if the conditions of the road surface are unfavourable.
The TCS function is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on.
During an intervention of the system, the TCS warning light  flashes in the in-
strument cluster.
The TCS should normally always be enabled. Only in certain exceptional circum-
stances can it be sensible to switch the system off, for instance:
› when driving with snow chains;
› when driving in deep snow or on a very loose surface;
› when it is necessary to “rock a vehicle free” when it has got stuck.
Ensure the TCS is activated again afterwards.
You can switch TCS off and on again as needed by pressing the 
button » Fig. 99 .
The 
warning light comes on in the instrument cluster when the TCS is deactiva-
ted.
The TCS warning light 
» page 26 lights up in the instrument cluster when there
is a fault on the TCS.

Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 110.
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.
EDL switches off automatically to avoid excessive heat generation on the brake of the wheel 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.

111Assist systems

Parking aid
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Function
112
Activation/deactivation
113WARNING■ The parking aid is not a substitute for the driver paying proper attention and
it is always the driver's responsibility to take care when reversing the vehicle
or carrying out similar manoeuvres. Pay particular attention to small children
and animals as they are not recognised by the parking aid sensors.■
Before reversing, you should make sure that there are no small obstacles,
such as rocks, thin posts, trailer drawbars etc. behind your vehicle. Such ob-
stacles may not be recognised by the parking aid sensors.
■
Under certain circumstances, surfaces of certain objects and types of cloth-
ing cannot reflect the system signals. Thus, these objects or people who wear
such clothing are not recognised by the System sensors.
■
External sound sources can have a detrimental effect on the system. Under
adverse conditions, this may cause objects or people to not be recognised by the system.
CAUTION
■ If a warning signal sounds for about 3 seconds after activating the system and
there is no obstacle close to your car, this indicates a system fault. Have the fault
rectified by a specialist garage.■
The sensors must be kept clean (free of ice, etc.) to enable the parking aid to
operate properly.
■
Under adverse weather conditions (heavy rain, water vapour, very low or high
temperatures etc.) system function may be limited.
■
Additionally installed modules such as bicycle carriers can impair the function of
the parking aid.

FunctionFig. 100
Parking aid: Range of sensors
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 112.
The parking aid (referred to below solely as system) only works when the ignition
is switched on.
The system supports the driver via audible signals, via the display on the radio or
via the factory-installed navigation system when parking and manoeuvring » Ra-
dio user guide, Navigation system user guide.
The system uses ultrasound waves to calculate the distance between the bumper
and an obstacle. The ultrasonic sensors are integrated in the rear bumper.
Range of sensors
The clearance warning begins at a distance of about 160 cm from the obstacle
(area
A
» Fig. 100 ). The interval between the warning signals becomes shorter as
the clearance is reduced.
A continuous tone sounds from a distance of approx. 30 cm (area
B
) - danger
area. You should not reverse any further after this signal sounds!
On vehicles with a factory-fitted towing device, the border of the danger area starts (continuous tone) 5 cm further away from the vehicle. The length of the ve-
hicle can be increased with an installed detachable towing device.

112Driving

START-STOP
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Starting/shutting down the engine
115
Operating conditions for the system
115
Manually activating/deactivating the system
116
Information messages
116
The START-STOP system helps you to save fuel while at the same time reducing
harmful exhaust emissions and CO 2 emissions.
The function is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on.
In the start-stop mode, the engine automatically switches to the vehicle's idle phase, e.g. when stopped at traffic lights. The engine restarts automatically
where necessary.
The system can work only if the following basic conditions are met. The driver's door is closed.
The driver has fastened the seat belt. The bonnet is closed.The driving speed exceeded 4 km/h after the last stop.
No trailer is coupled.
WARNING■ The brake servo unit and power steering only operate if the engine is run-
ning.■
Never let the vehicle roll with the engine switched off.
CAUTION
Always deactivate the START-STOP system before driving through wa-
ter » page 108 .Note■
If the driver's seat belt is removed for more than 30 seconds or the driver's door
is opened during stop mode, the engine will have to be started manually.■
After manually starting the engine, automatic engine shut down is not possible
until the vehicle has travelled the required minimum distance for START-STOP mode.
■
Changes to the outdoor temperature can have an effect on the internal temper-
ature of the vehicle battery even after several hours. If the vehicle remains out-
doors for a long time in minus temperatures or in direct sunlight, it can take sev-
eral hours until the internal temperature of the vehicle battery reaches a suitable
temperature for proper operation of the START STOP system.
■
If Climatronic is running in automatic mode, the engine may not switch off auto-
matically under certain conditions.

Starting/shutting down the engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 115.
›
Stop the vehicle (where necessary, apply the handbrake).
›
Shift the gear lever to Neutral.
›
Release the clutch pedal.
Automatic engine shut down (STOP phase) runs. The 
warning symbol appears
in the instrument cluster display.
›
Depress the clutch pedal.
The new start procedure runs (START phase). The 
warning symbol goes out.

Operating conditions for the system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 115.
The START-STOP system is very complex. Some of the procedures are hard to check without servicing.
No engine shut down runs
Before each STOP phase, the system checks whether certain conditions have
been met. No engine shut down runs in the following situations. 
115Assist systems

Airbag system
Description of the airbag system
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
System description
132
Airbag deployment
132WARNING■ An airbag can only offer you optimal protection in combination with a fas-
tened seat belt .■
The airbag is not a substitute for the seat belt, but instead forms part of the
complete passive vehicle safety concept.
■
To ensure passengers are protected with the greatest possible effect when
the airbag is deployed, the front seats must be correctly adjusted to match
the body size » page 124, Correct seated position .
■
If you do not fasten the seat belts when driving, lean too far forward or
adopt an incorrect seated position, you are exposing yourself to increased risk of injury in the event of an accident.
WARNINGObserve the following instructions for handling the airbag system.■If there is a fault, the airbag system must be checked by a specialist garage
immediately. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being activated in the
event of an accident.■
No modifications of any kind must be made to parts of the airbag system.
■
Any work on the airbag system including the installation and removal of sys-
tem components due to other repair work (e.g. removal of the steering wheel) must only be carried out by a specialist garage.
■
Never make any changes to the front bumper or bodywork.
■
It is prohibited to manipulate individual parts of the airbag system as this
might result in the airbag being deployed.
■
The protective function of the airbag system is sufficient for only one acci-
dent. The airbag system must then be replaced if the airbag has been de-
ployed.

System description
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 132.
The functional status of the airbag system is indicated by the indicator light  in
the instrument cluster » page 26.
When the airbags are deployed, they fill with gas and inflate.
A grey white or red, non-harmful gas is released when the airbag is inflated. This
is perfectly normal and is not an indication of a fire in the vehicle.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, the airbag system consists of the
following modules.
› Electronic control unit.
› Front airbag for the driver and the front passenger
» page 134.
› Side airbags
» page 135.
› Head airbags
» page 136.
› Airbag warning light in the instrument cluster
» page 26.
› Key switch for the front passenger airbag
» page 137.
› Warning light for the front passenger airbag deactivation/activation in the mid-
dle of the dash panel » page 137.
Note
■
The airbag system needs no maintenance during its working life.■If you sell your vehicle, provide the complete vehicle documentation to the new
owner. Please note that the information relating to the possibility of deactivating
the front passenger airbag must be included!■
When disposing of vehicle or parts of the airbag system, it is important to com-
ply with the national legal requirements.

Airbag deployment
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 132.
The airbags inflate in fractions of a second and at a high speed in order to be able
to offer additional protection in the event of an accident.
The airbag system is only functional when the ignition is switched on. 
132Safety

Deactivating airbagsFirst read and observe the introductory information given on page 136.
Deactivating an airbag should be considered in cases such as the ones below.› If using a rear-facing child seat on the front passenger seat (due to different le-
gal regulations, the airbag must be deactivated if using a forwards-facing child
seat in some countries) » page 139, Transporting children safely .
› If it is not possible to maintain a distance of at least 25 cm between the middle
of the steering wheel and chest, despite the driver's seat being correctly adjus-
ted.
› If special attachments are required in the area of the steering wheel because of
a physical disability.
› If different seats have been fitted (e.g. orthopaedic seats without side airbags).
The front passenger airbag can be switched off with the key-operated
switch » page 137 .
We recommend that you ask a ŠKODA service partner to deactivate any other air- bags.
Monitoring the airbag system
The operational capability of the airbag system is monitored electronically, includ-
ing when one of the airbags is switched off.
Airbag deactivated using diagnostic equipment
› The warning light

lights up for approx. 3 seconds after switching on the igni-
tion and then flashes again for approx. 12 seconds.
Front passenger airbag deactivated using the key switch in the storage com-
partment
› The warning light

lights up for approx. 3 seconds after switching on the igni-
tion.
› The



3
» Fig. 119 on page 137 warning light comes on when the ignition is
switched on.
Note■ The national regulations for switching off airbags must be observed.■A ŠKODA service partner will be able to inform you which, if any, of your vehi-
cle's airbags can or must be deactivated.

Deactivating the front passenger airbag
Fig. 119
Key switch for front passenger airbag/warning light for front pas-
senger airbag activation/deactivation
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 136.
Only the front passenger airbag is deactivated with the key switch.
Switching off
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch to position
2
» Fig. 119 OFF .
›
After switching on the ignition, check whether the warning light
3

 1)
is illu-
minated in writing 




is illuminated in the centre panel.
Switching on
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch to position
1
» Fig. 119 ON .
›
After switching on the ignition, check whether the warning light
3


is not
illuminated in writing 




is not illuminated in the centre panel. 

1)
The warning light
  comes on for a few seconds after the ignition is switched on, goes out for
about 1 second and then comes on again.
137Airbag system

WARNING■The driver is responsible for whether the airbag is switched on or switched
off.■
Only switch off the airbag when the ignition is switched off! Otherwise a
fault can occur in the system for deactivating the airbag.
■
If the warning light   flashes, then the front passenger airbag will not be
deployed in the event of an accident. Have the airbag system checked by a
specialist garage immediately.

138Safety

WARNINGObserve the following instructions for handling the airbag system.■It is prohibited to manipulate individual parts of the airbag system, as this
might result in the airbag being deployed.■
Never install any airbag parts into the vehicle that have been removed from
old cars or have been recycled.
■
Never install damaged airbag parts in the vehicle. The airbags may then not
be deployed properly or even at all in the event of an accident.
■
No modifications of any kind must be made to parts of the airbag system.
WARNING■ A change to the vehicle's wheel suspension, including the use of non-ap-
proved wheels and tire combinations, can alter the functioning of the airbag system - risk of accident and fatal injury!■
Never make any changes to the front bumper or the bodywork.

Washing your car
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Washing by hand
149
Automatic car wash systems
150
Washing with a high-pressure cleaner
150
The best way to protect your vehicle against harmful environmental influences is frequent washing.
How often the vehicle should be washed depends on factors such as: › Frequency of use.
› Parking situation (garage, under trees etc.).
› Season.
› Weather conditions.
› Environmental influences.
The longer insect residues, bird droppings, tree sap, road and industrial dust, tar,
soot particles, road salt and other aggressive deposits remain adhering to the
paintwork of your vehicle, the more detrimental their destructive effect can be.
High temperatures, such as those caused by intensive sun's rays, accentuate this
caustic effect.
It is essential to also thoroughly clean the underside of the vehicle at the end of
the winter.WARNING■ When washing your vehicle in the winter: Water and ice in the braking sys-
tem can affect the braking efficiency – risk of accident!■
Only wash the vehicle when the ignition is switched off – risk of accident!
CAUTION
Do not wash your vehicle in bright sunlight – risk of paint damage.
For the sake of the environment
Only wash the vehicle at washing bays intended for this purpose.
Washing by hand
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 149.
Soak the dirt with plenty of water and rinse as well as possible.
Clean the vehicle with a soft sponge, a washing glove or a washing brush . Work
from the top to the bottom - starting with the roof.
Only use a car shampoo for stubborn dirt.
Wash out the sponge or washing glove thoroughly at short intervals.
Clean wheels, door sills and similar parts last. Use a second sponge for such
areas.
Give the vehicle a good rinse after washing it and dry it off using a chamois leath- er. 
149Car care

Note■Unleaded petrol that has a higher octane number than that required by the en-
gine can be used without limitations.■
The use of petrol with an octane rating higher than 95 RON in does not result in
either a noticeable increase in power nor lower fuel consumption in vehicles for
which unleaded petrol 95/91, 92 or 93 RON is specified.
■
On vehicles using prescribed unleaded petrol of min. 95 RON, the use of petrol
with a higher octane number than 95 RON can increase the power and reduce
fuel consumption.

Diesel fuel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 157.
Your vehicle can only be operated with diesel fuel that meets the EN 5901)
stand-
ard.
All diesel engines can be operated using diesel fuel with a maximum of 7% bio-
diesel (B7)2)
.
Operation in winter - Winter-grade diesel fuel
In the cold season, only use “winter-grade diesel fuel” which will still operate
properly even at a temperature of -20 °C.
It is often the case in countries with different climatic conditions that diesel fuelsavailable have a different temperature characteristic. ŠKODA Partners and filling
stations in the relevant country will be able to provide you with information re-
garding the diesel fuels available.
Diesel fuel additives
Additives, so-called “flow improvers ” (petrol and similar agents) should not be mixed with the diesel fuel. This can cause serious damage to engine or exhaust
system parts.
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 you
have the fuel system cleaned by a specialist garage.
■
Water which has collected in the fuel filter can cause engine faults.
CAUTION
■ Your vehicle cannot be operated with RME biofuel; you must therefore not fill
your vehicle or attempt to drive it with this fuel. The use of biofuel RME can cause
considerable damage to parts of the engine or fuel system.■
Additives, so-called “flow improvers” (petrol and similar agents) should not be
mixed with the diesel fuel. This can cause serious damage to engine or exhaust system parts.

Engine compartment
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening and closing the bonnet
161
Engine compartment overview
162
Radiator fan
162
Windscreen washer system
162WARNINGInjuries or scolding or risks of accident or fire may occur when working in the
engine compartment. For this reason, it is essential to comply with the warn- ing instructions outlined below and with the general applicable safety rules.
The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area! 1)
In Germany also DIN 51628, in Austria ÖNORM C 1590, in Russia GOST R 52368-2005 / EN 590:2004.
2)
In Germany complying with standard DIN 52638, in Austria ÖNORM C 1590, in France EN 590.
159Inspecting and replenishing