Airbag system
Description of the airbag system
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
System description
169
Airbag deployment
169WARNING■ 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 161, 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.
WARNINGInformation on the use of 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 169.
The functional status of the airbag system is indicated by the indicator light in
the instrument cluster » page 21.
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 171.
› Driver’s knee airbag
» page 172.
› Side airbags
» page 173.
› Head airbags
» page 174.
› Airbag warning light in the instrument cluster
» page 21.
› Key switch for the front passenger airbag
» page 176.
› Warning light for the front passenger airbag deactivation/activation in the mid-
dle of the dash panel » page 176.
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 169.
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.
169Airbag system
WARNINGThe airbag control unit operates using pressure sensors located in the front
doors. For this reason, no adjustments may be carried out to the doors or door
panels (e.g. installation of additional loudspeakers). Resulting damage can have a negative impact on the function of the airbag system. Any work on thefront doors and door panels must be carried out by a specialist garage. The
following instructions must be observed.■
Never drive with inner door panels removed.
■
Never drive if parts of the inner door panel have been removed and the re-
sulting openings have not been properly sealed.
■
Never drive if the loudspeakers in the doors have been removed, unless the
loudspeaker openings have been properly sealed.
■
Always make sure that the openings are covered or filled if additional loud-
speakers or other equipment parts have been installed in the inner door pan-
els.
■
Always have work carried out by a ŠKODA service partner or a professional
specialist garage.
Note
In vehicles with head airbags, the word AIRBAG can be seen on the B and C col-
umn cladding.
Deactivating airbags
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Deactivating airbags
175
Deactivating the front passenger airbag
176
Deactivating airbags
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 175.
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 177, 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 176 , Deactivating the front passenger airbag .
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 approximately 4 seconds after the ignition is
switched on and then flashes again for approximately 12 seconds.
Front passenger airbag deactivated using the key switch in the storage com-
partment
› The
warning light lights up for approximately 4 seconds after the ignition is
switched on.
› The
warning light
3
» Fig. 148 on page 176 lights up after 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.
175Airbag system
Deactivating the front passenger airbagFig. 148
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 175.
Only the front passenger airbag is deactivated with the key switch.
Switching off
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Open the storage box on the front passenger's side.
›
Fold the key bit out completely for the radio key » .
›
Insert the key into the key slot in the key switch as far as the stop.
›
Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch carefully into the position
OFF » Fig. 148 -
.
›
Pull the key out of the slot in the key switch » .
›
Close the storage box on the front passenger's side.
›
Check that the warning light
in the text
» Fig. 148 -
lights up after the ignition is switched on.
Switching on
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Open the storage box on the front passenger's side.
›
Fold the key bit out completely with the radio key » .
›
Carefully insert the key into the key slot in the key switch as far as the stop.
›
Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch carefully into the position
ON » Fig. 148 -
.
›
Pull the key out of the slot in the key switch » .
›
Close the storage box on the front passenger's side.
›Check that the warning light
in the text - lights up
after the ignition is switched on.
The warning light goes out 65 seconds after the key switch status has
changed or after the ignition is switched on.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 is flashing, the front passenger airbag will not be
deployed in an accident. Have the airbag system checked by a specialist ga- rage immediately.
■
The key can not be inserted in the key switch while driving. ■ Shocks can cause the key to turn in the slot and trigger the airbag!
■ The airbag can be triggered unexpectedly in an accident - it may result in
injury or death!
CAUTION
An insufficiently folded out key bit can damage the key switch!
176Safety
WARNINGInformation on the use of 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.
WARNINGThe airbag control unit operates using pressure sensors located in the front
doors. For this reason, no adjustments may be carried out to the doors or door
panels (e.g. installation of additional loudspeakers). Resulting damage can have a negative impact on the function of the airbag system. Any work on thefront doors and door panels must be carried out by a specialist garage. The
following instructions must be observed.■
Never drive with inner door panels removed.
■
Never drive if parts of the inner door panel have been removed and the re-
sulting openings have not been properly sealed.
■
Never drive if the loudspeakers in the doors have been removed, unless the
loudspeaker openings have been properly sealed.
■
Always make sure that the openings are covered or filled if additional loud-
speakers or other equipment parts have been installed in the inner door pan-
els.
Washing your car
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Washing by hand
188
Automatic car wash systems
188
Washing with a high-pressure cleaner
188
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.
187Vehicle care
›Insert the pump nozzle into the fuel filler tube as far as it will go.
The fuel tank is full just as soon as the pump nozzle switches off for the first time »
.
›
Remove the pump nozzle from the fuel filler tube and put it back in the pump.
›
Screw in the filler cap in the opposite direction of the arrow » Fig. 155 - , until
it audibly clicks into place.
›
Hold the filler cap with one hand, lock it by turning in the opposite direction of the arrow » Fig. 155 - and remove the key.
›
Close the fuel filler flap until it clicks into place.
Check that the fuel filler flap is closed properly.
CAUTION
The fuel tank is full just as soon as the pump nozzle switches off for the first time, provided the nozzle has been operated properly. Do not continue filling the
fuel tank otherwise the expansion volume is filled up.
Note
The fuel capacity for vehicles with front wheel drive is about 55 litres, and for ve-
hicles with four-wheel drive about 60 litres, with about 9 liters as reserve.
Unleaded petrol
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 196.
The vehicle can only be operated with unleaded petrol in compliance with the EN
228 1)
standard.
All petrol engines can be operated using petrol that contains at most 10% bioe-
thanol (E10).
Required fuel - unleaded petrol 95/91 or 92 or 93 RON
Use unleaded fuel with the octane rating 95 RON. Unleaded petrol with the oc-
tane ratings 91, 92 or 93 RON can also be used, but may result in a slight loss in
performance.
Prescribed fuel - unleaded petrol min. 95 RON
Use unleaded fuel with the octane rating 95 RON or higher.
In case of necessity, you can refuel with petrol with the octane ratings 91, 92 or
93 RON, if petrol with the octane rating 95 RON is not available »
.
Prescribed fuel - unleaded fuel 98/95 RON
Use unleaded fuel with the octane rating 98 RON or higher. Unleaded petrol
95 RON can also be used but results in a slight loss in performance.
In case of necessity, you can refuel with petrol with the octane ratings 91, 92 or
93 RON, if unleaded fuel with octane rating 98 RON or 95 RON is not availa-
ble »
.
Fuel additives
Unleaded petrol in accordance with the EN 228 standard 1 )
meets all the condi-
tions for a smooth-running engine. We therefore recommend that no fuel addi-
tives are used. This can result in considerable damage to parts of the engine or
the exhaust system.
CAUTION
■ Even filling the tank with leaded petrol that does not meet the standards once
can lead to serious damage to parts of the exhaust system!■
If a fuel other than unleaded fuel which complies to the above mentioned
standards (e.g. leaded petrol) is used by mistake, do not start the engine or
switch on the ignition! Extensive damage to engine parts can occur! We recom-
mend that you have the fuel system cleaned by a specialist garage.
CAUTION
■ If, in an emergency, the vehicle has to be refuelled with petrol of a lower octane
number than the one prescribed, the journey must only be continued at medium
engine speeds and a low engine load. Driving at high engine revs or a high engine
load can severely damage the engine! Refuel using petrol of the prescribed oc-
tane number as soon as possible.■
Engine parts can be damaged if petrol with a lower octane number than the one
prescribed is used.
■
Even in the event of an emergency, petrol of a lower octane number than 91
RON must not be used, otherwise the engine can be severely damaged!
1)
In Germany also DIN 51626-1 or E10 for unleaded petrol with octane number 91 or 95 or DIN 51626-2
or E5 for unleaded petrol with octane number 95 and 98.
197Inspecting and replenishing
CAUTION■In no case may fuel additives with metal components be used, especially not
with manganese and iron content. LRP(lead replacement petrol) fuels with metal-
lic components may not be used. There is a risk of causing considerable damage
to parts of the engine or exhaust system!■
Fuels with metallic content may not be used. There is a risk of causing consider-
able damage to parts of the engine or exhaust system!
Note
■ Unleaded petrol that has a higher octane number than that required by the en-
gine can be used without limitations.■
On vehicles with prescribed unleaded petrol 95/91, 92 or 93 RON, the use of
petrol with a higher octane number than 95 RON does not result in a noticeable
power increase or a lower fuel consumption.
■
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 196.
The 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 at most 7% biodiesel
(B7) 2)
.
On the Indian market, your vehicle will only be able to run on diesel fuel compli-
ant with standard IS 1460/Bharat IV. If diesel fuel which complies with this stand-
ard is not available, you can refuel with diesel fuel according to standard IS 1460/
Bharat III in case of emergency.
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 fuels
available 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.
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.
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
■ The vehicle cannot be operated with 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.■
Do not mix any fuel additives, so-called “flow improvers” (petrol and similar
agents) into the diesel. This can result in considerable damage to parts of the en-
gine or the exhaust system!
1)
In Germany also DIN 51628, in Austria ÖNORM C 1590, in Russia GOST R 52368-2005 / EN 590:2004.
2)
In Germany according to the DIN 52638 standard, in Austria ÖNORM C 1590, in France EN 590.
198General Maintenance
Engine compartment
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening and closing the bonnet
200
Engine compartment overview
201
Radiator fan
201
Windscreen washer system
201WARNINGInjuries 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!WARNINGInstructions before beginning work in the engine 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.
WARNINGInformation for working in the engine room■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 is harmful to health.
WARNING (Continued)■ 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!
■
If coolant is swallowed, consult a doctor immediately.
■
Do not leave any items (e.g. cloths or tools) in the engine compartment.
■
Never spill fluids on the hot engine. Such fluids (e.g. the antifreeze con-
tained in the coolant) may ignite!
WARNINGInformation for working in the engine compartment with the engine 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.
WARNINGInformation for working on the fuel system or the electrical system■Always disconnect the vehicle battery from the electrical system.■
Do not smoke.
■
Never work near open flames.
■
Always have a functioning fire extinguisher nearby.
199Inspecting and replenishing
›Take the bonnet support out of its holder 3
» Fig. 157 in the direction of the
arrow and secure the opened bonnet by inserting the end of the support into the opening 4
.
Closing
›
Lift the bonnet slightly and unhook the bonnet support. Insert the bonnet sup-
port into the holder
3
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 .
WARNINGCheck that the bonnet is closed properly.
CAUTION
Never open the bonnet using the release lever » Fig. 156.
Engine compartment overview
Fig. 158
Principle sketch: Engine compartment
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 199.
Explanation of graphic » Fig. 158
Coolant expansion reservoir
205
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir
20112Engine oil dipstick203Engine oil filler opening204
Brake fluid reservoir
206
Battery (below a cover)
207
Note
The location of the inspection points in the engine compartment of petrol and
diesel engines is practically identical.
Radiator fan
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 199.
The radiator fan is powered by an electric motor. Operation is controlled accord-
ing to the temperature of the coolant.
WARNINGAfter switching off the ignition, the fan may intermittently continue to oper-
ate for approx. 10 minutes.
Windscreen washer system
Fig. 159
Engine compartment: Wind-
screen washer fluid reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 199.
The windscreen washer fluid reservoir
A
is located in the engine compart-
ment » Fig. 159 .
3456201Inspecting and replenishing