CAUTIONThe following instructions must be observed, otherwise there is a risk of dam-
age to the engine and to the exhaust 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!
■
The biofuel RME must not be used!
CAUTION
Diesel fuel additives■The diesel fuel in accordance with the prescribed standards meets all the
conditions for a smooth running engine. Therefore, we recommend that you do
not add any fuel additives to the diesel - there is a risk of engine damage or
damage to the exhaust system.
Engine compartment
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening and closing the bonnet
129
Engine compartment overview
129
Windscreen washer fluid
130WARNINGNever cover the engine with additional insulation material (e.g. with a cov-
er) – risk of fire!WARNINGWhen working in the engine compartment, the following instructions must
be observed - otherwise risk of injury or fire. The engine compartment of
your car is a hazardous area!WARNINGInstructions before beginning work in the engine compartment■Stop the engine and remove the ignition key, on vehicles with the KESSY
system, open the driver's door.■
Firmly apply the handbrake.
WARNING (Continued)■ For vehicles with manual transmission the lever into the neutral position.
For vehicles with automatic transmission , place the selector lever in the P
position.■
Allow the engine to cool.
■
Never open the bonnet if you can see steam or coolant flowing out of the
engine compartment – risk of scalding! Wait until the steam or coolant has
stopped escaping.
WARNINGInformation for working in the engine compartment■Keep everyone away from the engine compartment.■
Do not touch any hot engine parts – risk of burns!
■
Never touch the radiator fan. The radiator fan may still turn suddenly
about 10 minutes after switching off the ignition!
■
Do not smoke in the vicinity of the engine and avoid the use of open
flames or sparks.
■
Do not leave any items (e.g. cloths or tools) in the engine compartment.
This presents a fire hazard and the risk of engine damage.
■
Read and observe the information and warning instructions on the fluid
containers.
WARNINGInformation for working in the engine compartment with the engine run-
ning■
If it is necessary to work on the engine with the engine running, beware
of rotating engine parts and electrical plants - they can be fatal!
■
Never touch the electric wiring on the ignition system.
■
Avoid short circuits in the electrical system, particularly on the vehicle's
battery.
CAUTION
Only refill using fluids with the proper specification - risk of damage to the ve-
hicle!
Note
■ Fluids with the proper specifications can be purchased from the ŠKODA Origi-
nal Accessories or from the ŠKODA Genuine Parts ranges.■
We recommend you have the operating fluids replaced by a specialist garage.
128General Maintenance
WARNING■The following instructions must be followed at all times when working on
the engine compartment » page 128.■
Never open the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir while the
engine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurised - risk of scalding or
injury from splashes of coolant!
■
To protect against the coolant splashing, cover the cap with a cloth when
opening.
■
Coolant and coolant fumes are harmful - avoid contact with the coolant. If
the coolant comes into contact with the eye or skin, wash the affected area
with plenty of water for several minutes, and where appropriate seek medi-
cal help.
CAUTION
Do not cover the radiator and install any parts (e.g auxiliary lights.) in front of
the air intakes - risk of the engine overheating.
Checking and refilling
Fig. 155
Coolant expansion reservoir
Read and observe and on page 132 first.
Check and refill coolant under the following conditions.
The vehicle is on a horizontal surface.
The engine is not warm (if the engine is warm the result of the check may
be wrong).
The engine is turned off.
Check the coolant level - the coolant level must lie between the marks
A
and
B
» Fig. 155. If the coolant level is below the mark
B
, top up with coolant.
Refilling
The reservoir must always contain a small amount of coolant »
.
›Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion tank and unscrew the
cap carefully .›
Always top up using coolant of the correct specification.
›
Turn the cap until it clicks into place.
The specification for the coolant is shown in the coolant expansion reservoir
» Fig. 155 .
If the specified coolant is not available, then refilling only with distilled or dem-
ineralised water, and get a specialist garage to correct the water-coolant addi-
tive mix as soon as possible.
CAUTION
■ If the expansion tank is empty, do not top up with coolant. The system could
aerate - risk of engine damage! Stop driving! Switch off the engine and seek
assistance from a specialist garage.■
Do not fill the coolant above the mark
A
. » Fig. 155 The coolant could, when
heated, be expelled from the cooling system - risk of damage to the engine
parts.
■
If it is not possible to add coolant,
do not continue driving! Switch off the
engine and seek assistance from a specialist garage.
■
A coolant additive which does not correspond to the correct specification can
reduce the anti-corrosion effect of the cooling system - risk of damage to the
cooling system and the engine.
■
If non-distilled (non-demineralised) water has been used to top up, the cool-
ant should be replaced by a specialist garage - risk of engine damage.
■
A loss of coolant indicates leaks in the cooling system - risk of engine dam-
age. Top up with coolant and then seek assistance from a specialist garage.
Note
Too low coolant level is indicated in the instrument cluster by the warning
light and shown by the message » page 35. We still recommend inspecting
the coolant level directly at the reservoir from time to time.132General Maintenance