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 by mistake do not start the engine or
switch on the ignition! Extensive damage to engine parts can occur! We rec-
ommend 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 bio fuel 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
183
Engine compartment overview
184
Radiator fan
184
Windscreen washer system
184WARNINGInjuries 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.
WARNING (Continued)■ 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!
■
If coolant is swallowed, consult a doctor immediately.
■
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.
182General Maintenance
Engine compartment overviewFig. 161
Principle sketch: Engine compartment
Read and observe
and on page 182 first.
Image description » Fig. 161
Coolant expansion reservoir
188
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir
184
Engine oil filler opening
187
Engine oil dipstick
186
Brake fluid reservoir
189
Battery (below a cover)
189
Note
The 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 182 first.
The radiator fan is powered by an electric motor. Operation is controlled ac-
cording to the temperature of the coolant.
123456WARNINGAfter switching off the ignition, the fan may intermittently continue to op-
erate for approx. 10 minutes.
Windscreen washer system
Fig. 162
Engine compartment: Wind-
screen washer fluid reservoir
Read and observe and on page 182 first.
The windscreen washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine compart-
ment » Fig. 162 .
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 litres or about 5.5 litres on vehicles that
have a headlight cleaning system 1)
.
Clear water is not sufficient to intensively clean the windscreen and head-
lights. We recommend using clean water together with a screen cleaner from
the range of ŠKODA Original Accessories (with antifreeze in winter), which will
remove any stubborn dirt.
In Winter, the washing water should always be mixed with antifreeze even if
the vehicle has heated windscreen washer nozzles.
Under exceptional circumstances, methylated spirits can also be used if no
screen cleaner with antifreeze is available. The concentration of methylated
spirits must not be more than 15 %. The freeze protection at this concentration
is sufficient only to -5 °C.
1)
In some countries, 5.5 ltr. applies for both variants.
184General Maintenance
Brake fluid
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Checking the brake fluid level
189
Changing
189WARNING■ The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. The following
warning instructions must be followed at all times when working in the en-
gine compartment » page 182.■
Do not continue your journey if the fluid level has fallen below the MIN
marking » Fig. 165 on page 189 ,
- there is a risk of an accident. Seek help
from a specialist garage.
■
Do not use used brake fluid - the function of the brake system may be im-
paired – risk of accident!
CAUTION
Brake fluid damages the paintwork of the vehicle.
Note
■ The brake fluid is changed as part of a compulsory inspection service.■We recommend using brake fluids from the ŠKODA Original Accessories
range.
Checking the brake fluid level
Fig. 165
Engine compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir
Read and observe and on page 189 first.
The brake fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment » Fig. 165.
›Switch off the engine.›Open the bonnet.›
Check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir
» Fig. 165.
The level must be between the “MIN” and “MAX” markings.
A slight drop in the fluid level results when driving due to normal wear-and-
tear and automatic adjustment of the brake pads.
There may be an indication of a leak in the brake system, however, if the fluid
level drops significantly within a short time or if it drops below the “MIN” mark-
ing.
If the brake fluid level is too low, this is shown by the indicator light
» page 33 ,
Brake system
lighting up in the instrument cluster.
Changing
Read and observe
and on page 189 first.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. Over time it therefore absorbs moisture from the
environment.
Excessive water in the brake fluid may be the cause of corrosion in the brake
system.
The water content lowers the boiling point of the brake fluid.
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
191
Checking the battery electrolyte level
191
Charging
192
Replace
192
Disconnecting or reconnecting
192
Automatic load deactivation
193
189Inspecting and replenishing
›Switch on the ignition.›Press the
» Fig. 170 symbol button for longer than 2 seconds.
If the warning light
in the instrument cluster lights up and does not go out
after the system configuration, this indicates a system fault.
If the warning light
in the instrument cluster flashes, there is a system fault.
Tyre pressure indicator
The warning light
in the instrument cluster lights up when any of the fol-
lowing conditions are met.
› The tyre inflation pressure is low.
› The structure of the tyre is damaged.
› The vehicle is loaded on one side.
› The wheels of one axle are loaded more heavily (e.g. when towing a trailer or
when driving uphill or downhill).
› Snow chains are mounted.
› The spare wheel is mounted.
› One wheel per axle was changed.WARNING■
When the warning light in the instrument cluster lights up, immediate-
ly reduce the speed and avoid sudden steering and brake manoeuvres.
Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and inspect the tyres and their infla-
tion pressure.■
Under certain circumstances (e.g. sporty style of driving, wintry or un-
paved roads) the warning light
in the instrument cluster can be delayed
or does not light up at all.
CAUTION
■ The system cannot warn in case of very rapid tyre inflation pressure loss, e.g.
in case of sudden tyre damage. In this case carefully bring the vehicle to a
standstill without sudden steering movements or sharp braking.■
To ensure a proper functioning of the tyre control display, it is necessary to
repeat the basic setting every 10000 km or once a year.
■
The tyre pressure monitor does not replace the need to check tyre pressure
regularly.
Spare and temporary spare wheelFig. 171
Fixing the spare or temporary
spare wheel
Read and observe and on page 193 first.
The spare or temporary spare wheel is located in a well under the floor cover-
ing in the boot and is fixed in place with a special bolt » Fig. 171.
Take out the wheel
›
Open the tailgate.
›
Raise the floor covering in the boot » page 98.
›
Remove the box with the tool kit.
›
Unscrew the nut » Fig. 171 anticlockwise.
›
Take out the wheel.
Stow the wheel
›
Place the wheel into the spare wheel well with the wheel rim pointing down-
ward.
›
Screw on the nut » Fig. 171 clockwise until the wheel is safely secured.
›
Place the box with the tool kit back into the spare wheel and secure it with
the tape.
›
Fold back the floor in the luggage compartment.
›
Close the boot lid.
Fit a wheel in the appropriate dimensions and design as soon as possible.
If the dimensions or design of the spare wheel differ from the tyres fitted to
the vehicle (e.g. winter tyres or low-profile tyres), it must only be used briefly
in the event of a puncture and if an appropriately cautious style of driving is
adopted »
.
Temporary spare wheel
A warning label is displayed on the rim of the temporary spare wheel.
197Wheels
Please note the following if you intend to use the temporary spare wheel.› The warning label must not be covered after installing the wheel.
› Be particularly observant when driving.
› The temporary spare wheel is inflated to the maximum inflation pressure for
the vehicle » Fig. 168 on page 194 .
› The tyre inflation pressure of the spare wheel R 18 is 420 kPa.
› Only use this temporary spare wheel to reach the nearest specialist garage,
as it is not intended for long-term use.WARNING■ Never drive with more than one temporary spare wheel mounted!■Never use the temporary spare wheel if it is damaged.■
If the dimensions or design of the temporary spare wheel differ from the
fitted tyres, never drive faster than 80 km/h (or 50 mph).
■
Avoid accelerating at full throttle, sharp braking and fast cornering.
CAUTION
Observe the instructions on the warning sign of the temporary spare wheel.
Full wheel trim
Read and observe
and on page 193 first.
Pulling off
›
Hook the clamp found in the vehicle tool kit » page 201 into the reinforced
edge of the wheel trim.
›
Push the wheel wrench through the clamp, support on the tyre and pull off
the wheel trim.
Fitting
›
Press the wheel trim onto the wheel rim at the designated valve opening.
›
Then press the trim into the wheel rim until its entire circumference locks
correctly in place.
CAUTION
■ Use the pressure of your hand only, do not strike the full wheel trim. Avoid
heavy impacts when the trim has not yet been inserted into the wheel rim.
This could cause damage to the guide and centring elements of the trim.■
When using the anti-theft wheel bolt, ensure that it is in the hole in the
valve area » page 204 , Securing wheels against theft .
■
If wheel trims are retrofitted it must be ensured that an adequate flow of air
is assured to cool the brake system.
Wheel boltsFig. 172
Remove the cap
Read and observe and on page 193 first.
Pulling off
›
Push the extraction pliers » page 201 sufficiently far onto the cap until the
inner catches of the pliers are positioned at the collar of the cap.
›
Remove the cap in the direction of the arrow » Fig. 172.
Fitting
›
Push the cap onto the wheel bolt up to the stop.
The wheel bolt caps are housed in a plastic box in the spare wheel or in the
storage space for the spare wheel.
Wheel bolts
Read and observe
and on page 193 first.
Wheels and wheel bolts are matched to each other in terms of design. Each
time you fit other wheels rims, e.g. light alloy wheel rims or wheels with winter
tyres, you must also use the matching wheel bolts with the correct length and
dome shape. The right fastening of wheels depends on this.
Winter operation
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Winter tyres
199
Snow chains
199198General Maintenance
WARNINGNotes for vehicle lifting■If the wheel has to be changed on a slope, first of all block the opposite
wheel with a stone or similar object to prevent the vehicle from unexpect-
edly rolling away.■
Secure the base plate of the lifting jack with suitable means to prevent
possible moving. A soft and slippery ground under the base plate may move
the lifting jack, causing the vehicle to fall down. It is therefore always nec-
essary to place the lifting jack on a solid surface or use a wide and stable
base. Use a non-slip base (e.g. a rubber foot mat) if the surface is smooth,
such as cobbled stones, tiled floor, etc.
■
Only attach the lifting jack to the attachment points provided for this pur-
pose.
■
Always raise the vehicle with the doors closed.
■
Never position any body parts, such as arms or legs under the vehicle,
while the vehicle is raised with a lifting jack.
■
Never start the engine when the vehicle is raised – risk of injury.
WARNINGInformation on the wheel bolts■The wheel bolts must be clean and must turn easily. Never treat them
with grease or oil.■
The prescribed tightening torque of the wheel bolts for steel and light al-
loy wheels is 120 Nm.
■
If the wheel bolts are tightened to a too low tightening torque, the rims
could come loose when the car is moving – risk of accident! A tightening
torque which is too high can damage the bolts and threads and this can re-
sult in permanent deformation of the contact surfaces on the rims.
■
In case of incorrect treatment of the wheel bolts, the wheel can loosen
when the car is moving – risk of accident!
Note
The national legal requirements must be observed when changing a wheel.
Preliminary work
Read and observe
on page 201 first.
Always change a wheel on a level surface as far as possible.
The following steps must be carried out before actually changing the wheel:
› Have
all the occupants get out. The passengers should not stand on the
road (instead they should remain behind a crash barrier, for instance) while
the wheel is being changed.›
Switch off the engine.
›
Move the gearshift lever into Neutral or move the selector lever for the auto-
matic gearbox into position P .
›
Apply the handbrake firmly.
›
Uncouple a trailer.
›
Remove the vehicle tool kit » page 201 and the spare wheel » page 197 from
the boot.
Changing a wheel
Read and observe
on page 201 first.
›
Remove the full wheel trim » page 198 or caps » page 198 .
›
First of all slacken the anti-theft wheel bolt and then the other wheel
bolts » page 203 .
›
Jack up the vehicle until the wheel that needs changing is clear of the
ground » page 203 .
›
Unscrew the wheel bolts and place them on a clean surface (cloth, paper,
etc.).
›
Remove the wheel carefully.
›
Attach the spare wheel and slightly screw on the wheel bolts.
›
Lower the vehicle.
›
Alternately tighten wheel bolts opposite (diagonally) with the wheel wrench.
Tighten the anti-theft wheel bolt last » page 203.
›
Replace the wheel trim or the caps.
Note
■
All bolts must be clean and must turn easily.■Under no circumstances grease or oil the wheel bolts!■
When fitting unidirectional tyres, ensure that the direction of rotation is cor-
rect » page 193 .
Follow-up work
Read and observe
on page 201 first.
The following steps must also be performed after changing the wheel.
›
Stow and attach the replaced wheel in the spare wheel well using a special
bolt » page 197 .
202Do-it-yourself
WARNING■A tyre filled with sealant has the same driving characteristics as a stand-
ard tyre.■
Do not travel faster than 80 km/h.
■
Avoid accelerating at full throttle, sharp braking and fast cornering.
■
Check the tyre pressure after driving for 10 minutes.
■
The sealant is hazardous to heath. Remove immediately if it comes into
contact with the skin.
For the sake of the environment
Used sealant or sealant whose expiry date has passed must be disposed of in
accordance with environmental protection regulations.
Note
■ Observe the manufacturer's usage instructions for the breakdown kit.■A new bottle of sealant can be purchased from ŠKODA Original Parts.■
Immediately replace the tyre that was repaired using the breakdown kit, or
consult a specialist garage about repair options.
Breakdown kit
Fig. 181
Principle sketch: Components of the breakdown kit
Read and observe
on page 205 first.
The kit is located in a box under the floor covering in the luggage compart-
ment.
Components of the breakdown kit » Fig. 181
Valve remover
Sticker with speed designation “max. 80 km/h”/“max. 50 mph” Inflation hose with plug
Air compressor
Tyre inflation hose
Tyre inflation pressure indicator
Air release valve
ON and OFF switch
12 volt cable connector
Tyre inflator bottle with sealing agent
Replacement valve core
The valve remover 1
has a slot at its lower end which fits into the valve core.
This is the only way in which you can remove and re-install the valve core from
the tyre valve. The same also applies to the replacement valve core
11
.
Preparations for using the breakdown kit
Read and observe
on page 205 first.
The following preparatory work must be carried out before using the break-
down kit.
›
Park the vehicle as far away as possible from the flow of traffic. Park on as
flat and firm a surface as possible.
›
If you are in flowing traffic, switch on the hazard warning light system and
set up the warning triangle at the prescribed distance! The national legal re-
quirements must be observed.
›
Have all the occupants get out. The passengers should not stand on the
road (instead they should remain behind a crash barrier, for instance) while
the wheel is being changed.
›
Switch off the engine and move the gearshift lever into Neutral or move the
selector lever on the automatic gearbox into position P.
›
Apply the handbrake firmly.
›
Check that you can carry out the repairs with the breakdown kit » page 204.
Uncouple a trailer.
›
Remove the breakdown kit from the boot.
›
Stick the sticker
2
» Fig. 181 on page 205 on the dashboard in the driver's
field of view.
1234567891011205Emergency equipment and self-help
Negative cable - colour coding in the majority of cases is black.
Jump-starting in vehicles with the START-STOP system
Fig. 183
Engine earth: START-STOP sys-
tem
Read and observe and on page 207 first.
On vehicles with the START-STOP system, the jump-start cable of the charger
must never be connected directly to the negative pole of the vehicle battery,
but only to the engine earth » Fig. 183.
Jump-starting vehicles with the vehicle battery in the boot
Fig. 184
Detail of the engine compart-
ment: Jump-starting point
Read and observe and on page 207 first.
On vehicles with the vehicle battery in the boot, the positive terminal of the
battery supplying the power can only be connected to the jump-starting point
in the engine compartment of the vehicle being started by means of a jump-
start cable » Fig. 184.
›
Open the protective cap of the jump-starting point in the direction of the ar-
row » Fig. 184 .
›
Connect the positive terminal of the battery supplying the power with the
jump-starting point.
› Attach the negative terminal of the battery supplying the power to a solid
metal part firmly connected to the engine block or to the engine block itself.›
Start the engine.
›
After starting the engine, close the protective cap of the jump-starting point.
Towing the vehicle
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Front towing eye
209
Rear towing eye
210
Vehicles with a tow hitch
210
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!
A tow bar is the safest way of towing a vehicle and also minimises any shocks.
Only use a tow rope if a suitable tow bar is not available.
When towing, the following guidelines must be observed.
Driver of the tow vehicle
›
Release the clutch particularly gently when starting off or depress the accel-
erator particularly gently if the vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox.
›
On vehicles with a manual transmission, only push down on the accelerator
pedal once the rope is taught.
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, horn, windscreen wipers and windscreen washer sys-
tem 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.
208Do-it-yourself