2013 SKODA ROOMSTER open bonnet

Winter tyres
Here, you can set the speed at which an audible signal should sound. This func-
tion is, for example, used for winter tyres where the maximum permissible speed
is lower than the maximum speed of the vehicle.
The following is shown on the information display if this speed is exceeded: Winter tyres: maximum ... km/h.
Units of measurement
The units for the temperature, consumption and distance driven can be set here.
Alt. speed dis.
Display of the second speed in mph 1)
can be activated here.
Service
The days and kilometres remaining until the next service can be displayed here.
Factory setting
The display can be restored to its factory settings here.
Door, boot lid and bonnet warning
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 18.
If at least one door is open, or the boot or bonnet is open, the MAXI DOT display
shows the vehicle with the corresponding door or boot/bonnet open.
An audible signal also sounds if the vehicle is travelling at more than 6 km/h.

Auto Check Control
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 18.
Vehicle condition
Certain functions and conditions of individual vehicle systems are checked contin-
uously when the ignition is switched on and also while driving.
Some error messages and other information are displayed in the MAXI DOT dis-
play. The messages are displayed simultaneously with the icons in the MAXI DOT
display or with the warning lights in the instrument cluster » page 20.
The Vehicle status menu item is shown in the main menu of the MAXI DOT dis-
play whenever at least one fault message is present. The first of the fault mes-
sages is displayed after this menu item is selected. Several error messages are
shown on the display under the message e.g. 1/3. This indicates that the first of a
total of three error messages is being displayed.
As long as the operational faults are not rectified, the symbols are always indica- ted again. After they are displayed for the first time, the symbols continue to be
indicated without any extra messages for the driver.
Warning symbolsEngine oil pressure too low» page 21Clutches in the automatic gearbox are too
hot» page 19Check engine oil level,
engine oil sensor defective» page 21
 Clutches in the automatic gearbox are too hot
The 
symbol in the MAXI DOT display indicates that the temperature of the au-
tomatic gearbox clutches is too high.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.
Gearbox overheating. Stop. Read manual.
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and wait until the 
icon goes out – there
is a risk of gearbox damage. You can continue your journey as soon as the icon
disappears.
WARNINGIf you have to stop for technical reasons, park the vehicle at a safe distance
from the traffic, switch off the engine and switch on the hazard warning lights
system » page 45 . 1)
On models on which the speedometer indicates mph, the second speed is displayed in km/h.
19Instruments and Indicator Lights

Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the brake flu-
id » page 167 .
Further information » page 98, Brakes .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 45.■
The following guidelines should be observed when opening the bonnet and
checking the brake fluid level » page 159, Engine compartment .
■
If the warning light  is displayed simultaneously with warning light
 » page 24 ,  Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ,  do not continue your jour-
ney! Seek help from a specialist garage.
■
A fault to the ABS system or the braking system can increase the vehicle's
braking distance – there is a risk of accident.

 Seat belt warning light
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 20.
The 
indicator light comes on after the ignition is switched on as a reminder for
the driver and front passenger to fasten their seat belt. The indicator light only
goes out once the driver and front passenger have fastened their seat belt.
A steady warning signal sounds at vehicle speeds greater than 20 km/h and the 
flashes if the driver and front passenger have not fastened their seat belts.
The warning signal is switched of and the 
indicator light is permanently lit if the
driver and front passenger have not fastened their seat belts within the next 90 seconds.
Further information » page 127.

 Alternator
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 20.
If the warning light lights up 
when the engine is running, the vehicle battery is
not being charged.
Seek help from a specialist garage. The electrical system requires checking.WARNINGIf you have to stop for technical reasons, park the vehicle at a safe distance
from the traffic, switch off the engine and switch on the hazard warning lights
system » page 45 .
CAUTION
 Do not continue driving if the  warning light (coolant system fault) lights up
in addition to the  warning light while you are driving. Stop the engine - there is
a risk of engine damage.
 Door open
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 20.
The warning light 
comes on if one or several doors are opened or 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.
WARNINGIf you have to stop for technical reasons, park the vehicle at a safe distance
from the traffic, switch off the engine and switch on the hazard warning lights
system » page 45 .

  Engine oil
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 20.
The warning light  lights up red (low oil pressure)
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Oil pressure: Engine off. Read manual. 
21Instruments and Indicator Lights

The  warning light comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched
on 1)
.
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the engine oil level » page 164.
Even if the oil level is correct,  do not drive any further if the warning light is
flashing. Also do not leave the engine running at an idling speed.
Seek help from a specialist garage.
The warning light  lights up yellow (oil quantity too low)
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Check oil level!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the engine oil level » page 164.
An audible signal sounds as a warning signal. The warning light will go out if the bonnet is left open for more than 30 seconds.If no engine oil has been replenished, the warning light will come on again after
driving about 100 km.
The warning light 
flashes yellow (engine oil level sensor faulty)
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Oil sensor workshop!
If the engine oil level sensor is faulty, the warning light flashes 
several times
and an audible signal sounds when the ignition is turned on.
Seek help from a specialist garage.WARNINGIf you have to stop for technical reasons, park the vehicle at a safe distance
from the traffic, switch off the engine and switch on the hazard warning lights
system » page 45 .
CAUTION
The red oil pressure light 
is not an oil level indicator! One should therefore
check the oil level at regular intervals, preferably after every refuelling stop.  Coolant
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 20.
The  indicator light remains lit until the engine reaches operating temperature 2)
.
Avoid high speeds, full throttle and high engine loads.
If the warning light  lights up or flashes, either the coolant temperature is too
high or the coolant level is too low.
An audible signal sounds as a warning tone.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.
Check coolant. Read manual.
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, check the level of the coolant » page 166,
and refill the coolant if necessary » page 167.
If the coolant is within the specified range, the increased temperature may be
caused by an operating problem at the radiator fan. Check the fuse for the radia-
tor fan, replace if necessary » page 193, Fuses in the engine compartment .
Do not continue driving if the warning light 

does not go off even though the
coolant level is correct and the fuse for the fan is in working order!
Seek help from a 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 45.■
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.

1)
The  warning light does not light up in vehicles fitted with the MAXI DOT display when the ignition
is switched on, but only if there is a fault or the engine oil level is too low.
2)
Not on vehicles with the MAXI DOT display.
22Operation

OperationFirst read and observe the introductory information given on page 35.
How is the alarm system activated?
The anti-theft alarm system is activated when the vehicle is locked with the radio remote control or the key in the driver's door . It is activated 30 seconds after
locking the door.
How is the alarm system deactivated?
The alarm system is deactivated by pressing the  icon button on the remote
control. The anti-theft alarm system is reactivated if the vehicle is not opened
within 30 seconds after transmitting the radio signal.
If the vehicle is unlocked by inserting the key into the driver door, the key must be inserted into the ignition lock and the ignition switched on within 15 seconds
of unlocking the door to deactivate the alarm system. The alarm is triggered if
the ignition is not switched on within 15 seconds.
When is the alarm triggered?
The following security areas of the locked vehicle are monitored:
› bonnet;
› boot lid;
› doors;
› ignition lock;
› Vehicle inclination
» page 36;
› Interior of the vehicle
» page 36;
› A drop in voltage of the on-board power supply;
› Socket of the factory-fitted towing device.
An alarm is immediately triggered if either of the two battery terminals is discon- nected while the anti-theft alarm system is activated.
How is the alarm switched off?
The alarm is turned off by pressing the 
icon button on the remote control key or
switching the ignition on.

Interior monitor and towing protectionFig. 17
Button for interior monitor and
towing protection
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 35.
The interior monitor detects movements inside the car and then triggers the
alarm.
Switching off
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Open the driver door.
›
Press the 
» Fig. 17 icon button in the driver's door.
›
Lock the vehicle within 30 seconds.
The interior monitor and the towing protection are switched on again automati- cally the next time the car is locked.
Note
■ Switch off the interior monitor and the towing protection if there is a possibility
of the alarm being triggered by movements from (e.g. children or animals) within
the vehicle interior or if the vehicle has to be transported (e.g. by train or ship) or towed.■
The opened glasses storage compartment reduces the effectiveness of the in-
terior monitor. To ensure the full functionality of the interior monitor, the glasses
storage compartment must always be closed before locking the vehicle.

36Operation

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

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

WARNINGThe following instructions must be followed before starting work in the en-
gine compartment:■
Turn off the engine and withdraw the ignition key.
■
Firmly apply the handbrake.
■
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.
■
Allow the engine to cool.
■
Never open the bonnet if you can see steam or coolant escaping from the
engine compartment – risk of scalding! Wait until no more steam or coolant is escaping.
WARNINGThe following instructions must be followed when working in the engine com-
partment.■
Keep children clear of the engine compartment.
■
Never touch the radiator fan while the engine is still warm. The fan might
suddenly start running!
■
Do not touch any hot engine parts – risk of burns!
■
The coolant additive and thus all of the coolant is harmful to your health.
■
Avoid contact with the coolant.
■
Coolant vapours are harmful to health.
■
Never open the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir while the en-
gine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurized!
■
When opening the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir, cover it
with a cloth to protect your face, hands and arms from hot steam or hot cool-
ant.
■
If any coolant splashes into your eyes, immediately rinse out your eyes with
clear water and contact a doctor as soon as possible.
■
Always store the coolant additive securely in its original container, and in
particular out of the reach of children – risk of poisoning!
■
Consult a doctor immediately if coolant is swallowed.
■
Do not leave any items (e.g. cleaning cloths or tools) in the engine compart-
ment.
■
Never spill fluids on the hot engine. Such fluids (e.g. the antifreeze con-
tained in the coolant) may ignite!
WARNINGThe following warning instructions must be observed at all times when work-
ing in the engine compartment while the engine is running.■
Pay particular attention to rotating engine parts (e.g. V-ribbed belt, genera-
tor, radiator fan) and the high-voltage ignition system – risk to life!
■
Never touch the electric wiring on the ignition system.
■
Avoid short circuits in the electrical system - particularly on the vehicle's
battery.
■
Always make sure that no jewellery, loose clothing or long hair can get
caught in rotating engine parts – risk to life! Always remove any jewellery, tie
back long hair and wear tight fitting clothing before completing any work.
WARNINGThe following warning instructions must be observed if work has to be carried
out on the fuel or electrical systems.■
Always disconnect the vehicle battery from the electrical system.
■
Do not smoke.
■
Never work near open flames.
■
Always have a functioning fire extinguisher nearby.
WARNING■ Read and observe the information and warning instructions on the fluid con-
tainers.■
Keep fluids in their original containers and keep securely out of the reach of
children!
■
If you intend to work underneath the vehicle, you must secure the vehicle
from rolling away and support it with suitable supporting blocks; the car jack
is not sufficient – risk of injury!
■
Never cover the engine with additional insulation material (e.g. with a cover)
– risk of fire!
■
The bonnet must always be properly closed when driving. Therefore, the
lock must always be checked after closing the bonnet in order to ensure that
it has engaged properly.
■
If you notice that the lock is not properly engaged while driving, stop the ve-
hicle immediately and close the bonnet – risk of accident! 
160General Maintenance

CAUTIONAlways top up using the correct specification of fluids. This may result in major
operating problems and also vehicle damage!
For the sake of the environment
In view of the requirements for the environmentally friendly disposal of fluids and the special tools and knowledge required for such work, we recommend that flu-
ids be changed by a specialist garage.
Note
■ Please consult a specialist garage for any questions relating to fluids.■Fluids with the correct specifications can be purchased from ŠKODA Original Ac-
cessories.

Opening and closing the bonnet
Fig. 126
Bonnet release lever/release lever
Fig. 127
Securing the bonnet
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 159.
Opening
›
Pull the release lever under the dash panel in the direction of the arrow
1
» Fig. 126 .
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. 126 and the bon-
net is unlocked.
›
Grab hold of the bonnet and lift.
›
Take the bonnet prop out of its bracket and secure the opened bonnet by in- serting the end of the prop in the opening
3
» Fig. 127 provided.
Closing
›
Lift the bonnet slightly and unhook the bonnet support. Press the bonnet prop into the bracket provided.
›
Let the bonnet drop into the lock carrier lock from a height of around 20 cm – do
not push it in .
WARNINGCheck that the bonnet is closed properly.
CAUTION
Never open the bonnet by the locking lever » Fig. 126
.
161Inspecting and replenishing