check engine light SKODA ROOMSTER 2014 1.G User Guide

Brakes
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Information on braking
108
Handbrake
109WARNING■ Greater physical effort is required for braking when the engine is switch-
ed off – risk of accident!■
The clutch pedal must be depressed when braking on a vehicle with man-
ual transmission, when the vehicle is in gear and at low revs. Otherwise,
the function of the brake booster may be impaired – risk of accident!
■
If a front spoiler, full wheel trim, etc. is mounted retrospectively, it must
be ensured that the air supply to the front wheel brakes is not reduced.
The front brakes may overheat, which can have a negative impact on the
functioning of the braking system – there is a risk of an accident.
■
When leaving the vehicle, never leave persons who might, for example,
release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear unattended in the ve-
hicle. The vehicle could then start to move – risk of accident!
CAUTION
■ Observe the recommendations on the new brake pads » page 113.■Never let the brakes slip with light pressure on the pedal if braking is not
necessary. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer
braking distance and excessive wear.
Information on braking
Read and observe
and on page 108 first.
If the brakes are applied in full and the control unit for the braking system con-
siders the situation to be dangerous for the following traffic, the brake light
flashes automatically.
After the speed was reduced below around 10 km/h or the vehicle was stop-
ped, the brake light stops flashing and the hazard warning light system
switches on. The hazard warning light system is switched off automatically af- ter accelerating or driving off again.
Before travelling a long distance down a steep gradient, reduce speed and
shift into the next lowest gear. As a result, the braking effect of the engine will
be used, reducing the load on the brakes. Any additional braking should be
completed intermittently, not continuously.
Wear-and-tear
The wear of the brake pads is dependent on the operating conditions and driv- ing style.
The brake pads wear more quickly if a lot of journeys are completed in towns
and over short distances or if a very sporty style of driving is adopted.
Under these severe conditions , the thickness of the brake pads must also be
checked by a specialist garage between services.
Wet roads or road salt
The performance of the brakes can be delayed as the brake discs and brake
pads may be moist or have a coating of ice or layer of salt on them in winter.
The brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.
Corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the bake pads occur if the vehicle has been parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the braking
system. The brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.
Faults in the brake surface
If it is found that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and that
the brake pedal can be depressed further, the brake system may be faulty.
Visit a specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropri-
ately as you will not know the exact extent of the damage.
Low brake fluid level
An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake system.
The level of the brake fluid is monitored electronically » page 40,
 Brake sys-
tem .
Brake booster
The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The
brake booster only operates when the engine is running.108Driving

Avoiding full throttleFig. 114
Principle sketch: Fuel consump-
tion in litres/100 km. and speed
in km/h.
Read and observe on page 114 first.
Driving more slowly saves fuel.
Sensitive use of the accelerator will not only significantly reduce fuel con-
sumption but also positively influence environmental pollution and wear of
your vehicle.
The maximum speed of your vehicle should, as far possible, never be used.
Fuel consumption, pollutant emissions and vehicle noises increase dispropor-
tionally at high speeds.
The graph » Fig. 114 shows the ratio of fuel consumption to the speed of your
vehicle. Fuel consumption will be halved if you drive at only three-quarters of
the possible top speed of your vehicle.
Reducing idling
Read and observe
on page 114 first.
Idling also costs fuel.
In vehicles not equipped with the START-STOP system, turn off the engine when in a traffic jam, at a level crossing or traffic lights with longer wait times.
Even after just 30 - 40 seconds you will have saved more fuel than that is nee-
ded when you start the engine up again.
If an engine is only idling it takes much longer for it to reach its normal operat-
ing temperature. Wear-and-tear and pollutant emissions, though, are particu-
larly high in the warming-up phase. Therefore, start driving as soon as the en-
gine has started, In this case high engine speeds should be avoided.
Avoiding short distancesFig. 115
Principle sketch: Fuel consump-
tion in l/100 km at different tem-
peratures
Read and observe on page 114 first.
Short distances result in an above-average high fuel consumption. We there- fore recommend avoiding distances of less than 4 km if the engine is cold.
A cold engine consumes the most fuel immediately after the start. Fuel con-
sumption drops to 10 litres/100 km after just 1 kilometre. The consumption sta-
bilises once the engine and catalytic converter have reached their operating
temperature.
An important factor in this connection is also the ambient temperature. The
graph » Fig. 115 shows the different levels of fuel consumption after driving a
certain distance at a temperature of +20 °C and a temperature of -10 °C.
Checking tyre pressure
Read and observe
on page 114 first.
Tyres which are correctly inflated save fuel.
Always ensure the tyre inflation pressure is correct » page 157. If the pressure
is too low, the tyres will have to overcome a higher rolling resistance. This will
not only increase fuel consumption but also tyre wear and the driving behav-
iour will worsen.
Always check the tyre inflation pressure when the tyres are cold.
Avoiding unnecessary ballast
Read and observe
on page 114 first.
Transporting ballast costs fuel. 
115Starting-off and Driving

■Oncoming vehicles can generate water waves which can exceed the permis-
sible water level for your vehicle.■
Potholes, mud or rocks can be hidden under the water, making it difficult or
impossible to drive through water.
■
Do not drive through salt water, as the salt can cause corrosion. A vehicle
coming into contact with salt water is to be thoroughly rinsed with fresh wa-
ter.
Note
After driving through water, we recommend having the vehicle checked by a
specialist garage.
Driving abroad
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Unleaded petrol
118
Headlights
118
In certain countries, it may be possible that the ŠKODA service partner net-
work is limited or has not been established. This is the reason why procuring
certain spare parts may be somewhat complicated and specialist garages may
only be able to make limited repairs.
Unleaded petrol
A vehicle fitted with a petrol engine must always be refuelled with unleaded
petrol » page 143 , Unleaded petrol . Information regarding the locations of fill-
ing stations that offer unleaded petrol is, for example, provided by the auto-
mobile associations.
Headlights
The low beam of your headlights is set asymmetrically. It illuminates the side
of the road on which the vehicle is being driven to a greater extent.
When driving in countries in which the traffic drives on the other side of the
road than in your home country, the asymmetrical low beam may dazzle on-
coming drivers. In order to avoid this, the headlights must be adjusted at a
specialist garage.
NoteYou can find out more information on adjusting the headlights at a specialist
garage.118Driving

Attaching and detaching trailersFig. 130
13-pin socket and safety eye
Coupling
›
Lift off protective cap
5
» Fig. 124 on page 126 towards the top.
›
Place the trailer onto the ball.
›
Insert the trailer cable into the 13-pin socket
A
» Fig. 130 .
If the trailer that is to be towed has a 7-pin connector, you can use a suitable
adapter from ŠKODA Original Accessories to establish a connection to the elec-
tricity.
›
Hook the breakaway cable of the trailer to the security lock slot
B
.
Ensure that the breakaway cable of the trailer, when it is mounted into the
safety eye on all trailer positions relative to the vehicle (sharp curves, reverse
driving and the like), is seen to sag.
The uncoupling of the trailer is carried out in reverse order.
Exterior mirrors
You have to have additional exterior mirrors fitted if you are not able to see
the traffic behind the trailer with the standard rear-view mirrors. The national
legal requirements must be observed.
Headlights
The front of the vehicle can be lifted when a trailer is being towed and the
headlights can dazzle other road users.
Adjust the headlight setting on the headlight range control » page 60, Head-
light beam adjustment .
WARNING■
Incorrectly or improperly connected electrical installations may cause mal-
function of the entire vehicle electronics and lead to accidents and serious
injury from electric shock.■
Work on the electrical system must only be carried out by specialist ga-
rages.
■
Never directly connect the trailer's electrical system with the electrical
connections for the tail lights or other current sources.
■
After coupling the trailer and connecting up the power socket, check the
rear lights on the trailer to ensure they are working.
■
The handbrake on the towing vehicle must be applied when coupling and
uncoupling the trailer.
■
Never use the safety eyelet for towing!
Loading a trailer
The vehicle/trailer combination must be balanced, whereby the maximum per-
missible drawbar load must be utilised. If the drawbar load is too low, it jeop-
ardises the performance of the vehicle/trailer combination.
Distribution of the load
Distribute the load in the trailer in such a way that heavy items are located as
close to the axle as possible. Secure the items from slipping.
The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and the
trailer is laden. Maintain a particularly low speed if you cannot avoid driving
with this combination.
Tyre pressure
Correct the tyre inflation pressure on your vehicle for a “full load” » page 157.
Trailer load
The permissible trailer load must not be exceeded under any circumstan-
ces » page 183 , Technical data .
The details given in the vehicle's technical documentation always take prece-
dence over the details in the Owner's Manual.
The trailer loads specified apply only to altitudes up to 1,000 metres above
mean sea level.
The engine output falls as altitude increases, as does the ability to climb.
Therefore, for every additional 1000 m in height (or part), the maximum per-
missible towed weight must be reduced by 10 %. 
130Driving

The towed weight comprises the actual weights of the (loaded) towing vehicle
and the (loaded) trailer.
The trailer and drawbar load information on the type plate of the towing
equipment are merely test data for the towing equipment. The vehicle-specific
values are detailed in the vehicle documents.WARNING■ The maximum permissible axle and drawbar load and the permissible
weight of the trailer must not exceed - this could cause an accident!■
A sliding cargo can significantly adversely affect stability and driving safe-
ty - there is a risk of accident!
Towing a trailer
Driving speed
For safety reasons, do not drive faster than 80 km/h when towing a trailer.
Immediately reduce your speed as soon as even the slightest swaying of the
trailer is detected. Never attempt to stop the trailer from “swaying” by acceler-
ating.
Brakes
Apply the brakes in good time! If the trailer is fitted with a trailer brake, apply
the brakes gently at first, then brake firmly. This will avoid brake jolts resulting
from the trailer wheels locking.
On downhill sections shift down a gear in good time to also use the engine as
a brake.
Engine overheating
The speed must be reduced immediately if the needle for the coolant tempera-
ture gauge moves into the right-hand area or the red area of the scale.
Stop and switch off the engine if the warning light  in the instrument cluster
starts to flash. Wait a few minutes and check the level of coolant » page 151,
Checking the coolant level .
Further information » page 41,

 Coolant
.
The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating.
WARNING■ Always drive particularly carefully with the trailer.■Adapt your speed to the conditions of the road surface and to the traffic
situation.
Note
If you tow a trailer frequently, you should also have your vehicle inspected be-
tween service intervals.
Anti-theft alarm system
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is activated when the electrical connec-
tion to the trailer is interrupted.
Always switch off the anti-theft alarm system before a trailer is coupled or un-
coupled » page 53 .
Conditions for including a trailer in the anti-theft alarm system. The vehicle is factory-fitted with an anti-theft alarm system and towing
equipment.
The trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle by means of the
trailer socket.
The electrical system of the vehicle and trailer is functional.
The vehicle is locked with the vehicle key and the anti-theft alarm system
is activated.
CAUTION
For technical reasons, trailers with rear LED lights cannot be connected to the
anti-theft alarm system.131Hitch and trailer

Trailer fitting and mounting recessRead and observe
and on page 136 first.
Close the mounting recess with the cap to prevent any ingress of dirt.
If dirt is present, clean the inner surfaces of the mounting recess and treat
with a suitable preservative.
Always check the ball head before hitching a trailer. Apply a suitable grease, if
necessary.
Fit the protective cap when stowing away the ball head to protect the luggage
compartment against dirt.
CAUTION
Apply grease to the inner part of the mounting recess. Make sure you do not
remove any grease.
Wheels
Read and observe
and on page 136 first.
Wheel rims
Also thoroughly wash the wheel rims when washing the vehicle on a regular
basis.
Regularly remove salt and brake abrasion, otherwise the rim material will be
corroded.
Damage to the paint layer on the wheel rims must be touched up immediately.
Light alloy wheels
After washing thoroughly and treat the wheel rims with a protective product
for light alloy wheels. Products which cause abrasion must not be used to
treat the wheel rims.
CAUTION
Severe layers of dirt on the wheels can also result in wheel imbalance. This
may show itself in the form of a wheel vibration which is transmitted to the
steering wheel which, in certain circumstances, can cause premature wear of
the steering. This means it is necessary to remove the dirt.Underbody protection
Read and observe
and on page 136 first.
The underside of your vehicle is protected for life against chemical and me-
chanical influences.
When driving, it cannot be guaranteed that no damage to the protective layer
will occur.
We recommend having the protective layer underneath the vehicle and the
chassis checked — preferably before the beginning of winter and at the end of
winter.
WARNINGNever use additional underbody protection or anti-corrosion agents for ex-
haust pipes, catalytic converters, diesel particle filters or heat shields.
When the engine reaches its operating temperature, these substances may ignite - risk of fire!
Taking care of the interior
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Natural leather
140
Synthetic leather, fabrics and Alcantara ®
141
Seat covers
141
Seat belts
141
Regular and proper care helps to ensure efficiency and maintain the
value of
your vehicle.
We recommend using vehicle care products from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
These are available from ŠKODA Partners. The usage instructions on the pack-
age must be observed.
WARNING■ Vehicle care products may be harmful to your health if not used according
to the instructions.■
Always keep the vehicle care products safe from people who are not com-
pletely independent, e.g. children - there is a danger of poisoning! 
139Car care

›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

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.
The washing water should always be mixed with antifreeze in winter 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.
CAUTION
■ Under no circumstances must radiator antifreeze or other additives be added
to the windscreen washer fluid.■
If the vehicle is fitted with a headlight cleaning system, only cleaning prod-
ucts which do not attack the polycarbonate coating of the headlights must be
added to the windscreen washer fluid.
■
Do not remove the filter from the windscreen washer fluid reservoir when re-
filling, as this may cause contamination of the liquid transportation system,
leading in turn to a windscreen washer system malfunction.
Engine oil
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Specifications and capacity
148
Checking the oil level
149
Replenishing
150
The engine has been factory-filled with a high-grade oil that can be use
throughout the year - except in extreme climate zones.
The engine oils are undergoing continuous further development. Thus the in- formation stated in this Owner's Manual is only correct at the time of publica-
tion.
ŠKODA Service Partners are informed about the latest changes by the manu-
facturer. We therefore recommend that the oil change be completed by a
ŠKODA Service Partner.
The specifications (VW standards) stated in the following can be indicated sep-
arately or together with other specifications on the bottle.
The oil capacities include oil filter change. Check the oil level when filling; do
not over fill. The oil level must be between the markings » page 149.WARNING■
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 145.■
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible 
to top
up the engine oil under the prevailing conditions! Switch off the engine and
seek assistance from a specialist garage.
■
 Do not drive on if the oil level is above range
A
» Fig. 136 on
page 149 . Switch off the engine and seek assistance from a specialist ga-
rage.
CAUTION
Do not pour any additives into the engine oil – risk of serious damage to the
engine parts!
Note
■ Before a long drive we recommend that you purchase and carry with you en-
gine oil which complies with the specification for your vehicle.■
We recommend that you use oils from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
■
If oil comes into contact with your skin, the affected area must be washed
thoroughly.
Specifications and capacity
Read and observe
and on page 148 first.
Specifications and capacity (in l) for vehicles with flexible service intervals
Petrol enginesSpecificationCapacity1.2 litres/51 kWVW 503 00, VW 504 002.81.2 l/63 kW TSIVW 504 003.91.2l/77 kW TSIVW 504 003.91.4 litres/63 kWVW 503 00, VW 504 003.2 148General Maintenance

Diesel enginesa)SpecificationCapacity1.2 l/55 kW TDI CRVW 507 004.31.6 litres/66 kW TDI CR DPFVW 507 004.31.6 litres/77 kW TDI CR DPFVW 507 004.3a)
Engine oil VW 505 01 can optionally be used in diesel engines
without DPF
Specifications and capacity (in l) for vehicles with fixed service intervals
Petrol enginesSpecificationCapacity1.2 litres/51 kWVW 501 01, VW 502 002.81.2l/63 kW TSIVW 502 003.91.2l/77 kW TSIVW 502 003.91.4 l/63 kWVW 501 01, VW 502 003.21.6 l/77 kWVW 501 01, VW 502 003.6
If the oils specified above are not available, oils according to ACEA A2 or
ACEA A3 can be used once for refilling.
Diesel engines a)SpecificationCapacity1.2 l/55 kW TDI CRVW 507 004.31.6 litres/66 kW TDI CR DPFVW 507 004.31.6 litres/77 kW TDI CR DPFVW 507 004.3a)
Engine oil VW 505 01 can optionally be used in diesel engines
without DPF
If the oils specified above are not available, oils according to ACEA B3 or
ACEA B4 can be used once for refilling.
CAUTION
Only the above-mentioned oils can be used on vehicles with flexible service in-
tervals. We recommend always refilling with oil of the same specification since
this will maintain the properties of the oil. In exceptional cases, a maximum of
0.5 l of specification VW 502 00 (only for petrol engines) or specification
VW 505 01 (only for diesel engines) engine oil can be used to refill once. Other
engine oils must not be used - there is risk of engine damage.Checking the oil levelFig. 136
Principle sketch: Dipstick
Read and observe and on page 148 first.
The dipstick indicates the engine oil level » Fig. 136.
Checking the oil level
Ensure that the vehicle is positioned on a level surface and the engine has
reached its operating temperature.
›
Switch off the engine.
Wait a few minutes until the engine oil flows back into the sump.
›
Open the bonnet.
›
Pull out the dipstick.
›
Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth and insert it again to the stop.
›
Pull the dipstick out again and check the oil level.
Oil level within range
A
No oil must be refilled.
Oil level within range
B
Oil can be refilled. The oil level may lie in range
A
.
Oil level within range
C
The engine must be topped up with oil so that the oil level at least reaches
range
B
.
The engine burns some oil. The oil consumption may be as much as 0.5 l/1 000
km depending on your style of driving and the conditions under which you op-
erate your vehicle. Consumption may be slightly higher than this during the
first 5 000 kilometres.
The oil level must be checked at regular intervals. We recommend it be
checked after each time you refuel or prior to making a long journey. 
149Inspecting and replenishing

We recommend maintaining the oil level within the range A, but not above , if
the engine has been operating at high loads, for example, during a lengthy
motorway trip during the summer months, towing a trailer or negotiating a
high mountain pass.
The warning light in the instrument cluster will indicate whether the oil level is
too low » page 40 , 

Engine oil . Check the oil level using the dipstick as
soon as possible. Add oil accordingly.
CAUTION
The oil level must never be above the A range » Fig. 136 – there is a risk of
damaging the exhaust system!
Replenishing
Read and observe
and on page 148 first.
›
Check the oil level » page 149.
›
Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening » Fig. 134 on page 147 .
›
Replenish the oil in portions of 0.5 litres in accordance with the correct speci-
fications » page 148 , Specifications and capacity .
›
Check the oil level » page 149.
›
Carefully screw on the oil filler opening cap and push the dipstick in fully.
Coolant
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Capacity
151
Checking the coolant level
151
Replenishing
151
The coolant consists of water with coolant additive. This mixture guarantees
antifreeze protection, protects the cooling/heater system against corrosion
and prevents lime formation.
Vehicles exported to countries with a mild climate are already factory-filled
with a coolant which offers antifreeze protection down to about -25 ℃. In
these countries, the concentration of coolant additive should be at least 40%.
Vehicles exported to countries with a cold climate are already factory-filled
with a coolant which offers antifreeze protection down to about -35 °C. In
these countries, the concentration of coolant additive should be at least 50%.
If a higher concentration of antifreeze is required for climatic reasons, the con-
centration of coolant additive can be increased up to a maximum of 60% (anti-
freeze protection down to approx. -40 °C).
When refilling, only use the same antifreeze identified on the coolant expan-
sion vessel » Fig. 137 on page 151 .WARNINGThe 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 145.
CAUTION
■
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible  to top up
the coolant under the prevailing conditions! Switch off the engine and seek as-
sistance from a specialist garage.■
If the expansion tank is empty, do not top up with coolant. The system could
ventilate - there is a risk of engine damage, 
do not continue driving! Switch
off the engine and seek assistance from a specialist garage.
■
The concentration of coolant additive in the coolant must never be under
40%.
■
Over 60% of coolant additive in the coolant reduces the antifreeze protec-
tion and cooling effect.
■
A coolant additive that does not comply with the correct specifications can
significantly reduce the corrosion protection.
■
Any faults resulting from corrosion may cause a loss of coolant and can con-
sequently result in major engine damage!
■
Do not fill the coolant above the mark
A
» Fig. 137 on page 151 .
■
If a fault causes the engine to overheat, we recommend visiting a specialist
garage, as otherwise serious engine damage may occur.
■
Additional headlights and other attached components in front of the air inlet
impair the cooling efficiency of the coolant.
■
Never cover the radiator - there is a risk of the engine overheating.
150General Maintenance