2014 SKODA ROOMSTER ignition

Assist systems
Brake assist systems
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
119
Antilock Braking System (ABS)
120
Traction Control System (ASR)
120
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
120WARNING■ 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 manufac-
turer 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 132, 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 42 .
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Read and observe
and on page 119 first.
The ESC system helps to maintain control of the vehicle in situations where it
is being operated at its dynamic limits, such as a sudden change in the direc-
tion 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 occurring, such
as the car beginning to skid, the ESC system will automatically brake the ap-
propriate 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. 117 on page 120 button
can only be used to deactivate the TCS. The  warning light comes on in the
instrument cluster when the TCS is deactivated.
In the event of an ESC fault, the ESC warning light illuminates in the instru-
ment cluster 
» page 42 .
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
achieve the shortest possible braking distance, the brake pedal must be ap-
plied firmly until the vehicle has come to a standstill.
The HBA function is automatically switched off when the brake pedal is re-
leased.
The ABS is activated faster and more effectively with the intervention of the
HBA.
Hill Hold Control (HHC)
When driving on slopes, HHC allows you to move your foot from the brake ped-
al to the accelerator pedal without having to use the handbrake.
The system holds the brake pressure produced by the activation of the brake
pedal for approx. 2 seconds after the brake pedal is released. 119Assist systems

The brake pressure drops gradually the more you operate the accelerator ped-
al. If the 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 down-
hill, it is inactive.
Antilock Braking System (ABS)
Read and observe
and on page 119 first.
ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking. Thus helping the driver to
maintain 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 pres- sure on the brake pedal.
Traction Control System (ASR)
Fig. 117
TCS button
Read and observe and on page 119 first.
If the wheels are slipping, the ASR system adapts the engine speed to the con-
ditions of the road surface. The TCS makes it much easier to start off, acceler-
ate and climb steep hills even if the conditions of the road surface are unfav-
ourable.
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
instrument cluster.
The TCS should normally always be enabled. Only in certain exceptional cir-
cumstances 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 
but-
ton » Fig. 117 . The 
warning light comes on in the instrument cluster when the
TCS is deactivated.
The TCS warning light 
» page 45 lights up in the instrument cluster when
there is a fault on the TCS.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
Read and observe
and on page 119 first.
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.
Parking aid
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Function
121
Activation/deactivation
121

120Driving

Error: Start-Stop
ERROR START-STOP
A system error is present. Seek help from a specialist garage.
Tyre pressure monitoring
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Save tyre pressure values
125
The tyre pressure monitoring function (hereinafter referred to only as a sys-
tem) monitors the tyre pressure while driving.
If the rolling circumference of a wheel is changed, the indicator light  in the
instrument cluster lights up and an audible signal sounds.
Information on the procedure for the notification of change of tyre inflation
pressure » page 45 .
The system can only function properly if the tyres have the prescribed inflation
pressure and this pressure values are stored in the system.
WARNING■ The driver is always responsible for the tyre inflation pressure. Tyre pres-
sure should be checked regularly » page 157.■
The system cannot warn in case of very rapid loss of tyre pressure, e.g. in
the event of a sudden puncture.
Save tyre pressure values
Fig. 122
Key for storing the pressure val-
ues
Read and observe on page 125 first.
Saving the tyre pressure values is undertaken as follows.
›
Inflate all the tyres to the specified pressure.
›
Switch on the ignition.
›
Press the 
» Fig. 122 symbol icon and hold down.
The warning light 
in the instrument cluster lights up.
An acoustic signal and the control indicator provide information about the
storage of the tyre pressure values.
›
Release the 
icon button.
The tyre pressure values are always stored in the system, if one of the follow-
ing events occurs.
› Change of tyre inflation pressure.
› Changing one or more wheels.
› Changing position of a wheel on the vehicle.
› Illumination of the warning light
 in the instrument cluster.
WARNINGBefore storing the pressures, the tyres must be inflated to the specified in-
flation pressure » page 157. When storing incorrect pressure values, the
system could possibly not issue any warnings, even with a too low tyre
pressure.
CAUTION
The tyre pressure values are to be saved every 10,000 km or 1x annually to en-
sure correct system functioning.125Assist systems

Washing vehicle
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Washing by hand
135
Automatic car wash systems
135
Washing with a high-pressure cleaner
136
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, ac-
centuate 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
system 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
Read and observe
and on page 135 first.
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
leather.
CAUTION
■ When washing the car by hand, protect your hands and arms from sharp-
edged metal parts (e.g. when cleaning the underfloor, the inside of the wheel
housings or the wheel trims, etc.) - There is a risk of cuts!■
Only apply slight pressure when cleaning the vehicle's paintwork.
Automatic car wash systems
Read and observe
and on page 135 first.
The usual precautionary measures must be taken before washing the vehicle
in an automatic car wash system (e.g. closing the windows and the sliding/tilt-
ing roof etc.).
If your vehicle is fitted with any particular attached parts, such as a spoiler,
roof rack system, two-way radio aerial etc., it is best to consult the operator of
the car wash system beforehand.
After an automatic wash with wax treatment, the lips of the wipers should be
cleaned with cleaning agents specially designed for the purpose, and then de-
greased.
WARNINGFold in the exterior mirrors to prevent damage before washing the vehicle
in an automatic car wash system.135Car care

CAUTION■Even one filling of the tank with petrol that does not meet the standards 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! Engine parts could be significantly damaged!
CAUTION
■ If, in an emergency, the vehicle has to be refuelled with petrol of a lower oc-
tane 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 octane 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!
CAUTION
In no case may fuel additives with metal components be used, especially not
with manganese and iron content. There is a risk of causing considerable
damage to parts of the engine or exhaust system!
CAUTION
Fuels with metal components, such as LRP (lead replacement petrol) must
not be used. There is a risk of causing considerable damage to parts of the
engine or exhaust system!
Note
■ Unleaded petrol that has a higher octane number than that required by the
engine can be used without limitations.■
The use of petrol with an octane rating higher than 95 RON in does not re-
sult in either a noticeable increase in power nor lower fuel consumption in ve-
hicles 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 pet-
rol with a higher octane number than 95 RON can increase the power and re-
duce fuel consumption.
Diesel fuel
Read and observe
and on page 142 first.
The vehicle can only be operated with diesel fuel that meets the EN 5901)
standard.
All diesel engines can be operated using diesel fuel with a maximum of 7% bi-
odiesel (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
fuels available have a different temperature characteristic. ŠKODA Partners
and filling stations in the relevant country will be able to provide you with in-
formation regarding the diesel fuels available.
Diesel fuel additives
The diesel fuel in accordance with the prescribed standards meets all the con-
ditions for a smooth running engine. We therefore recommend that no fuel ad-
ditives are used. This can result in considerable damage to parts of the engine
or the exhaust system.
CAUTION
■ Just filling the tank once with diesel fuel that does not comply with the
standard, can cause severe damage to parts of the engine, the fuel and ex-
haust system!■
If a different fuel other than diesel fuel, which complies to the above men-
tioned standards (e.g. petrol) is used, do not start the engine or switch on the
ignition! Engine parts could be significantly damaged!
■
Water which has collected in the fuel filter can cause engine faults. 
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.
144General Maintenance

CAUTION■The vehicle cannot be operated with biofuel RME, therefore this fuel must
not be filled in the tank and used for driving the vehicle. 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
engine or the exhaust system!
Engine compartment
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening and closing the bonnet
146
Engine compartment overview
147
Radiator fan
147
Windscreen washer system
147WARNINGInjuries 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
warning 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 in-
to Neutral, or if the vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox, move the
selector 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 compartment■Keep all people, especially children, away from 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.
■
Avoid contact with the coolant.
■
Coolant vapours are harmful to health.
■
Never open the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir while the
engine 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
coolant.
■
If any coolant splashes into your eyes, immediately rinse out your eyes
with clear water and contact a doctor as soon as possible.
■
Always keep the coolant in the original container, safe from people who
are not completely independent, especially children - there is a danger of
poisoning!
■
Consult a doctor immediately if coolant is swallowed.
■
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 run-
ning■
Pay particular attention to rotating engine parts (e.g. V-ribbed belt, gen-
erator, 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. 145Inspecting and replenishing

›Let the bonnet drop into the lock carrier lock from a height of around 20 cm –
do not push it in .WARNING■
Check that the bonnet is closed properly.■If you notice that the lock is not properly engaged while driving, stop the
vehicle immediately and close the bonnet – risk of accident!
CAUTION
Never open the bonnet by the locking lever » Fig. 132.
Engine compartment overview
Fig. 134
Principle sketch: Engine compartment
Read and observe
and on page 145 first.
Explanation of graphic » Fig. 134
Coolant expansion reservoir
151
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir
147
Engine oil filler opening
150
Engine oil dipstick
149
Brake fluid reservoir
152
Vehicle battery
153123456NoteThe location of the inspection points in the engine compartment of petrol and
diesel engines is practically identical.
Radiator fan
Read and observe
and on page 145 first.
The radiator fan is powered by an electric motor. Operation is controlled ac-
cording to the temperature of the coolant.
WARNINGAfter switching off the ignition, the fan may intermittently continue to op-
erate for approx. 10 minutes.
Windscreen washer system
Fig. 135
Engine compartment: Wind-
screen washer fluid reservoir
Read and observe and on page 145 first.
The windscreen washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine compart-
ment » Fig. 135 .
This contains the cleaning fluid for the windscreen or rear window and for the
headlight cleaning system.
The capacity of the reservoir is about 3.5 litres or about 5.4 litres on vehicles
that have a headlight cleaning system 1)
. 
1)
In some countries, 5.4 litres applies for both variants.
147Inspecting and replenishing

The brake fluid must comply with the following standards or specifications:› VW 50114;
› FMVSS 116 DOT4.
Vehicle battery

Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Open cover
154
Checking the battery electrolyte level
154
Charging
155
Replacing
155
Disconnecting or reconnecting
155
Automatic load deactivation
156
Warning symbols on the vehicle battery
SymbolMeaningAlways wear eye protection.Battery acid is severely caustic. Always wear gloves and eye pro-
tection.Keep fire, sparks, open flames and lit cigarettes well clear of the
vehicle battery.When charging the vehicle battery, a highly explosive gas mixture
is produced.Keep children away from the vehicle battery.WARNINGThere is risk of injuries, poisoning, chemical burns, explosions or fire when
working on the battery and on the electrical system. It is essential to com-
ply with the generally applicable rules of safety as well as the warning in-
structions outlined below.■
Keep the vehicle battery away from people who are not completely inde-
pendent, especially children.
WARNING (Continued)■ Do not tilt the battery otherwise battery electrolyte may flow out of the
battery vent openings. Protect your eyes by wearing safety goggles or a
face shield – risk of blindness!■
Always wear protective gloves, eye and skin protection when handling
the vehicle battery.
■
The battery acid is strongly corrosive and must, therefore, be handled
with the greatest of care.
■
Corrosive fumes in the air irritate the air passages and lead to conjunctivi-
tis and inflammation of the air passages in the lungs.
■
Battery acid corrodes dental enamel and, if it comes into contact with the
skin, causes deep wounds that take a long time to heal. Repeated contact
with diluted acids causes skin diseases (inflammations, ulcers, slin cracks).
■
If any battery acid comes into contact with your eyes, rinse the affected
eye immediately with clean water for several minutes and consult a doctor
immediately!
■
Splashes of acid on your skin or clothes should be neutralised as soon as
possible using soap suds and then rinsed with plenty of water. If you swal-
low battery acid, consult a doctor immediately!
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
explosion 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 ob-
ject or cable) creates a short circuit - risk of melting the lead bars, and risk
of explosion, battery fire and acid splashes. 
153Inspecting and replenishing