
WARNING (Continued)■Avoid creating sparks when working with cables and electrical devices.
Strong sparking represents a risk of injury.■
Before carrying out any work on the electrical system, switch off the en-
gine, the ignition and all electrical components and disconnect the negative
terminal (-) on the battery.
CAUTION
Improper handling of the battery can lead to damage. We recommend having
all work on the vehicle battery carried out by a specialist garage.
CAUTION
■ The vehicle battery must only be disconnected if the ignition is switched off,
otherwise the vehicle's electrical system (electronic components) can be dam-
aged. When disconnecting the battery from the electrical system, first of all
disconnect the negative terminal (-) of the battery, and then the positive ter-
minal (+).■
When connecting the battery to the electrical system, first of all connect the
positive terminal (+) of the battery, and then the negative terminal (-). Under
no circumstances must the battery cables be connected incorrectly – risk of a
cable fire.
■
Ensure that battery acid does not come into contact with the bodywork – risk
of damage to the paintwork.
■
Do not place the battery in direct daylight in order to protect the vehicle bat-
tery housing from the effects of ultra-violet light.
■
If the vehicle has not been driven for more than 3 to 4 weeks, the battery will
discharge. This is because certain electrical components consume electricity
(e. g. control units) also in idle state. Prevent the battery from discharging by
disconnecting the battery's negative terminal (-) or continuously charging the
battery with a very low charging current.
■
If the vehicle is frequently used for making short trips, the vehicle battery
will not have time to charge up sufficiently and may discharge.
For the sake of the environment
A vehicle battery that has been removed is a special type of hazardous waste.
These must be disposed of in accordance with national legal regulations.
Note
You should replace batteries older than 5 years.Open coverFig. 139 
Plastic cover of the vehicle bat-
tery
Read and observe  and  on page 153 first.
The battery is located in the engine compartment below a plastic box.
›
Open the cover in the direction of the arrow  » Fig. 139.
The installation of the battery cover on the positive terminal side takes place
in the reverse order.
Checking the battery electrolyte level
Fig. 140 
Vehicle battery: Electrolyte level
indicator
Read and observe  and  on page 153 first.
On vehicles with a vehicle battery fitted with a colour indicator,  » Fig. 140 the
colouring of the display can indicate the acidic level.
Air bubbles can influence the colour of the indicator. For this reason carefully knock on the indicator before carrying out the check.
› Black colour - electrolyte level is correct.
› Colourless or light yellow colour - electrolyte level too low, the battery must
be replaced. 
154General Maintenance          

Vehicles with a START-STOP system are fitted with a battery control unit for
checking the energy level for the recurring engine start.
We recommend that you have the acid level checked regularly by a specialist garage, especially in the following cases.
› High external temperatures.
› Longer day trips.
› After each charge.
Winter time
The vehicle battery only has some of its starting power at low temperatures.  A
discharged vehicle battery may freeze at temperatures just below 0 °C .
We therefore recommend that you have the battery checked and, if necessary,
recharged by a specialist garage before the start of the winter.
CAUTION
For technical reasons, on vehicles with the description “AGM”, the electrolyte
level cannot be checked.
Note
The battery acid level is also checked regularly by a specialist garage as part of
the inspection service.
Charging
Read and observe 
 and  on page 153 first.
A properly charged vehicle battery is essential for reliably starting the engine.
›
Switch off the ignition and all of the electrical components.
›
Disconnect both battery cables (“negative” first, then “positive”) only when“rapid charging” the battery.
›
Attach the terminal clamps of the charger to the battery terminals (red =
“positive”, black = “negative”).
›
Plug the mains cable of the charger into the power socket and switch the
charger on.
›
Once charging is complete: Switch off the charger and remove the mains ca-
ble from the power socket.
›
Only then disconnect the charger's terminal clamps.
›
Reconnect the cables to the battery (first “positive”, then “negative”).
It is not necessary to disconnect the battery cables if you are recharging the
vehicle battery using low amperages (for example from a mini-charger).  Refer
to the charger manufacturer's instructions .
A charging current of 0.1 multiple of the total vehicle battery capacity (or low-
er) must be used until full charging is achieved.
Both cables must be disconnected before charging the battery with high
amperages, known as “ rapid charging”.
The vent plugs of the vehicle battery should not be opened for charging.WARNING“Quick-charging” the vehicle battery is  dangerous and requires a special
charger and specialist knowledge.
CAUTION
On vehicles with the START/STOP system, the pole terminal of the charger
must not be connected directly to the negative terminal of the vehicle battery,
but only to the engine earth  » page 173, Jump-starting in vehicles with the
START-STOP system .
Note
We therefore recommend that vehicle batteries be rapid charged by a special-
ist garage.
Replacing
Read and observe 
 and  on page 153 first.
The new vehicle battery must have the same capacity, voltage, current and
size as the original battery. Suitable vehicle battery types can be purchased
from a specialist garage.
We recommend having the battery replaced by a specialist garage, where the
new vehicle battery will be installed properly and the original battery will be
disposed of in accordance with national regulations.
Disconnecting or reconnecting
Read and observe 
 and  on page 153 first.
The following functions are initially deactivated or are no longer able to oper-
ate faultlessly after the vehicle battery has been disconnected and reconnec-
ted. 
155Inspecting and replenishing            

OperationOperating measureElectrical power window (operational faults)» page 57Enter the radio/navigation system code
number»  User manual of the radio
or  » user manual of the naviga-
tion systemSetting the clock» page 32Data in the multifunction display are de-
leted.» page 33
Note
We recommend having the vehicle checked by a specialist garage in order to
ensure full functionality of all electrical systems.
Automatic load deactivation
Read and observe 
 and  on page 153 first.
The vehicle voltage control unit automatically prevents the battery from dis-
charging when the battery is put under high levels of strain. This may be no-
ticed from the following.
› The idling speed is raised to allow the generator to deliver more electricity to
the electrical system.
› Where necessary, large convenience consumers such as seat heaters and
rear window heaters have their power limited or are shut off completely in
the event of an emergency.
CAUTION
■ Despite such intervention by the vehicle electric system management, the
vehicle battery may be drained. For example, when the ignition is switched on
a long time with the engine turned off or the side or parking lights are turned
on during longer parking.■
Consumers that are supplied via a 12-V power socket can cause the vehicle
battery to discharge when the ignition is switched off.
Note
Driving comfort is not impaired by consumers being deactivated. The driver is
often not aware of it having taken place.Wheels
Tyres and wheel rims
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Service life of tyres
157
Unidirectional tyres
158
Spare and temporary spare wheel
159
Full wheel trim
159
Wheel bolts
160
Only use tyres or wheel rims that have been approved by ŠKODA for your mod-
el of vehicle.
WARNINGThe national legal regulations must be observed for the use of tyres.WARNINGInstructions for the use of tyres■For the first 500 km, new tyres do not yet provide optimum grip, and ap-
propriate care should therefore be taken when driving – risk of accident!■
For reasons of driving safety, do not replace tyres individually.
■
Never exceed the maximum permissible  load bearing capacity of moun-
ted tyres.
■
Never exceed the maximum permissible  speed for the mounted tyres.
■
An incorrect wheel alignment at the front or rear impairs handling.
■
Unusual vibrations or pulling of the vehicle to one side could be a sign of
tyre damage. If there is any doubt that a wheel is damaged, immediately re-
duce your speed and stop! If no external damage is evident, drive slowly
and carefully to the nearest specialist garage to have the vehicle checked.
WARNINGInformation regarding tyre damage or wear■Never use tyres if you do not know anything about the condition and age.■
Never drive with damaged tyres – there is the risk of an accident occur-
ring. 
156General Maintenance         

If the tyre pressure is 1.3 bar or less› Do not drive the vehicle!  You cannot properly seal with tyre with the
breakdown kit.
If the tyre pressure is 1.3 bar or more›
Set the tyre pressure back to the correct value.
›
Continue driving carefully to the nearest specialist garage at a maximum speed of 80 km/h (50 mph).
Jump-starting
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Jump-starting using the battery from another vehicle
172
Jump-starting in vehicles with the START-STOP system
173
The battery of another vehicle can be used to jump-start your vehicle if the en-
gine will not start because the battery is flat.
WARNING■ Pay attention to the warning instructions relating to work in the engine
compartment  » page 145.■
A discharged vehicle battery may already freeze at temperatures just be-
low 0 °C. If the battery is frozen, do not jump start with the battery of an-
other vehicle – there is a risk of explosion.
■
Keep any sources of ignition (naked flame, smouldering cigarettes, etc.)
away from the battery – risk of explosion!
■
Never jump-start vehicle batteries with insufficient acid levels – risk of
explosion and chemical burns.
■
The vent screws of the battery cells must be tightened firmly.
Note
We recommend you buy jump-start cables from a car battery specialist.Jump-starting using the battery from another vehicleFig. 153 
Jump-starting: A – flat battery, B
– battery providing current
Read and observe  on page 172 first.
The starting process using the battery of another vehicle requires the use of
jumper cables.
The jump-start cables must be attached in the following sequence.
›
Attach clamp 
1
 to the positive terminal of the discharged battery
A
  » Fig. 153 .
›
Attach clamp 
2
 to the positive terminal of the battery supplying power 
B
.
›
Attach clamp 
3
 to the negative terminal of the battery supplying power 
B
.
›
Attach clamp 
4
 to a solid metal component firmly connected to the engine
block or to the engine block itself.
Starting engine
›
Start the engine on the vehicle providing the power and allow it to idle.
›
Start the engine of the vehicle with the discharged battery.
›
If the engine does not start, halt the attempt to start the engine after 10 sec-
onds and wait for 30 seconds before repeating the process.
›
Remove the jumper cables exactly in the  reverse sequence as for clamping.
Both batteries must have a rated voltage of 12 V. The  capacity (Ah) of the bat-
tery supplying the power must not be significantly less than the capacity of
the discharged battery in your vehicle.
Jump-start cables
Only use jump-start cables which have an adequately large cross-section and
insulated terminal clamps. Obey the instructions of the jump start cable manu-
facturer.
Positive cable  - colour coding in the majority of cases is red.
Negative cable  - colour coding in the majority of cases is black. 
172Do-it-yourself    

WARNING■Do not clamp the jump-start cable to the negative terminal of the dis-
charged battery. There is the risk of detonating gas seeping out the battery
being ignited by the strong spark which results from the engine being star-
ted.■
The non-insulated parts of the terminal clamps must never touch each
other – there is a risk of short circuit.
■
The jump-start cable connected to the positive terminal of the battery
must not come into contact with electrically conducting parts of the vehicle
– there is a risk of short circuit.
■
Route the jump-start cables so that they cannot be caught by any rotat-
ing parts in the engine compartment.
■
There must not be any contact between the two vehicles otherwise cur-
rent may flow as soon as the negative terminals are connected.
Jump-starting in vehicles with the START-STOP system
Fig. 154 
Engine earth: START-STOP sys-
tem
Read and observe  on page 172 first.
The jump-start cable must only be connected to the engine earthing point on
vehicles with the START-STOP system  » Fig. 154.
Towing the vehicle
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Front towing eye
174
Rear towing eye
174
Vehicles with a tow hitch
174The following guidelines must be observed when towing.
Vehicles with  manual transmission  may be towed in with a tow bar or a tow
rope or with the front or rear wheels raised.
Vehicles with  automatic transmission  may be towed in with a tow bar or a tow
rope or with the front wheels raised. If the vehicle is raised at rear, the auto-
matic gearbox is damaged!
Driver of the tow vehicle›
Engage the clutch gently when starting off or depress the accelerator partic-
ularly gently if the vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox.
›
Only then, approach correctly when the rope is taut.
The maximum towing speed is  50 km/h.
Driver of the towed vehicle
›
Switch on the ignition so that the steering wheel is not locked and so that
the turn signal lights, windscreen wipers and windscreen washer system can
be used.
›
Take the vehicle out of gear or move the selector lever into position  N if the
vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox.
Please note that the brake servo unit and power steering only operate if the
engine is running. If the engine is not running, significantly more physical force
is required to depress the brake pedal and steer the vehicle.
If using a tow rope, ensure that it is always kept taught.
Both drivers should be familiar with the problems which might possibly occur while a vehicle is being towed. Unskilled drivers should not attempt to tow in
another vehicle or to be towed in.
The vehicle must be transported on a special breakdown vehicle or trailer if it
is not possible to tow in the vehicle in the way described or if the towing dis-
tance is greater than 50 km.
WARNING■ When towing, respect the national legal provisions, especially those
which relate to the identification of the towing vehicle and the vehicle be-
ing towed.■
When towing, exercise increased caution.
■
The tow rope must not be twisted, as this may in certain circumstances
result in the front towing eye being unscrewed on your vehicle.
■
Do not use a one-sided twisted tow rope, because the towing eye could
become unscrewed on the vehicle. 
173Emergency equipment and self-help    

NoteThe detachable ball rod must always be in the vehicle so that it can be used for
towing, if necessary.Fuses and light bulbs
Fuses
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Fuses in the dash panel
176
Fuses in the engine compartment
177
Individual electrical circuits are protected by fuses.
› Before replacing a fuse, switch off the ignition and the appropriate consumer
› Find out which fuse belongs to the component that is not operat-
ing  » page 176 , Fuses in the dash panel  or » page 177 , Fuses in the engine
compartment .
› Take the plastic clip out of its fixture in the cover of the fuse box, place it on
the relevant fuse and pull it out.
Fuse colourMaximum amperagelight brown5dark brown7.5red10blue15yellow20white25green30WARNINGAlways read and observe the warnings before completing any work in the
engine compartment  » page 145.
CAUTION
■
“Never repair” fuses or replace them with a fuse of a higher amperage –
there is a risk of fire. This may also cause damage at another part of the elec-
trical system.■
A blown fuses is recognisable by the molten metal strip. Replace the faulty
fuse with a new one of the  same amperage.
■
If a newly inserted fuse burns through again, then a specialist should be con-
sulted immediately. 
175Fuses and light bulbs    

Note■We recommend always carrying replacement fuses in the vehicle. A box of
replacement fuses can be purchased from ŠKODA Original Accessories.■
There can be multiple power consuming devices for one fuse.
■
A single consumer may use several fuses.
Fuses in the dash panel
Fig. 157 
Underside of the dash panel: Dis-
tribution board cover.
Fig. 158 
Schematic representation of the fuse box for vehicles with left-
hand steering/right-hand steering
Read and observe 
 and  on page 175 first.
The fuses are located on the left side of the dash panel behind a cover.
› Carefully remove the cover in the direction of the arrow 
» Fig. 157.
› After the fuse has been replaced, replace the cover in the dash panel in the
opposite direction of the arrow so that the guide lugs are guided into the
openings of the dash panel. Close the cover until it clicks into place.
Fuse assignment in the dash panelNo.Consumer1S-contact2START-STOP, air-conditioning system3Instrument cluster, headlamp beam adjustment4Control unit for ABS, button for START STOP5Petrol engine: Speed regulating system6Reversing light (manual gearbox)7Ignition, engine control unit, automatic gearbox8Brake pedal switch, clutch pedal switch9Operating controls for the heating, control unit for air conditioning
system, parking aid, control unit for cornering lights, radiator fan,
washing nozzles10Windscreen Wiper and Washer System11Mirror adjustment12Control unit for trailer detection13Control unit for automatic gearbox14Motor for halogen projector headlights with cornering light function15PDA navigation system16Electro-hydraulic power steering17Light switch power supply18Mirror heater19S-contact20Alarm21Reversing light, fog lights with the function CORNER
22
Operating controls for the heating, control unit for air conditioning
system, parking aid, mobile phone, instrument cluster, steering an-
gle sender, ESC, vehicle voltage control unit, multifunction steering
wheel23Interior lighting, storage compartment and luggage compartment,
side lights24Central control unit25Seat heaters26Rear window wiper 176Do-it-yourself    

No.Consumer27Telephone preinstallation28Petrol engine: AKF valve, Diesel engine: Control flap29Injection, coolant pump30Fuel pump, ignition, Cruise control system, operation of PTC relay31Lambda probe32High pressure fuel pump, pressure valve33Engine control unit34Engine control unit, vacuum pump35Daytime running lights/radio for vehicles with START-STOP36Main beam37Rear fog light, DC/DC converter START-STOP38Fog lights39Air blower for heating40-41Not assigned42Rear window heater43Horn44Windscreen wipers45Central control unit for convenience system46Engine control unit, fuel pump47Cigarette lighter, power socket in the luggage compartment48ABS, START-STOP (DC/DC) converter, ESC49Turn signal lights, brake lights50START-STOP (DC/DC) transformer, radio51Electrical power window (front and rear) - left side52Electrical power window (front and rear) - right side53Parking light = left side, electrical sliding/tilting roof54START-STOP (instrument cluster), alarm55Control unit for automatic gearbox56Headlight cleaning system, parking light - right side57Left low beam, headlight range adjustment58Low beam on the rightFuses in the engine compartmentFig. 159 
Vehicle battery: Distribution board cover.
Fig. 160 
Schematic representation of fuse
box in engine compartment
Read and observe  and  on page 175 first.
› Press the securing clips on the fuse box cover together at the same time in
the direction of arrow 
A
  » Fig. 159  and remove the cover in the direction of
arrow 
B
.
› Release the fixtures in the openings 
C
 using a flat screwdriver and fold the
cover upwards in direction of arrow 
D
.
Fuse assignment in engine compartment
No.Consumer1Generator2Not assigned3Interior4Electrical auxiliary heating system5Interior 177Fuses and light bulbs