ESP SKODA KODIAQ 2016 1.G Manual Online

WARNING■No changes may be made to parts of the airbag system, the front bumper
and the body.■
Any work on the airbag system including the installation and removal of
system components due to other repair work (e.g. removal of the steering
wheel) must only be carried out by a specialist garage.
■
Do not manipulate individual parts of the airbag system, as this might re-
sult in the airbag being deployed.
■
If the airbag is triggered, the airbag system must be exchanged.
WARNINGThe airbag system operates using pressure sensors located in the front
doors. For this reason, no adjustments may be carried out to the doors or
door panels (e.g. installation of additional loudspeakers). The resulting
damage can negatively affect the function of the airbag system - there is a
risk of accidents and fatal injuries! The following guidelines must be ob-
served.■
Any work on the front doors and their door panels must be carried out by
a specialist garage.
■
Never drive with removed inner door panels or openings in the panels.
Acceptance and recycling of used vehicles
Read and observe
on page 266 first.
All new ŠKODA vehicles are 95% recyclable.
Service intervals
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Overview of service intervals
269
Fixed service intervals QI1 - QI4
269
Flexible service interval QI6
269
Digital Service Plan
270
The service interval display in the display of the instrument cluster will remind
you to carry out every service stipulated by the manufacturer at the right time
in order to prevent you from forgetting them » page 49.
The completion of services can be verified through the printed verification
from the digital service schedule and the respective receipts.
The specified service intervals are tailored to normal operating conditions.
In the case of difficult operating conditions, it is necessary to have some serv-
ice work performed before the date of the next service or between the speci-
fied service intervals. This applies mainly to the cleaning or the replacement of
the air filter insert in regions with heavy dust pollution as well as checking and
replacing the toothed belt, but also to vehicles with diesel particle filters,
which can put greater strain on the engine oil.
The following is understood under difficult conditions:
▶ Fuel containing sulphur.
▶ Frequent short trips.
▶ Longer periods of engine idling (e.g. taxis).
▶ Operation in areas with heavy dust pollution.
▶ Frequent trailer operation.
▶ Predominantly stop-and-go traffic as is often the case in city driving, for ex-
ample.
▶ Operation predominantly during winter.
You will be told at the specialist garage whether the operating conditions of your vehicle may make it necessary for service work to be carried out between
the normal service intervals.
Different service charges may apply from the particular scope of work required,
depending on the vehicle type and equipment and the status of your vehicle.
Note
■ The customer is responsible for covering the cost of all services including
changing or replenishing the oil, even during the warranty period, unless sta-
ted otherwise in the ŠKODA AUTO. warranty terms or other agreements.■
You will be informed about the current service scopes for the particular serv-
ice work by the specialist garage.
268General Maintenance

Overview of service intervalsFig. 323
Vehicle data carrier: service interval
The service interval prescribed by the manufacturer is indicated on the vehicle
data » Fig. 323 . The vehicle data is pasted in the instructions and under the
floor covering in the luggage compartment (for vehicles with spare or emer-
gency wheel, the vehicle data carrier is below the respective wheel).
One of the following service intervals applies to your vehicle:
▶ Fixed service interval QI1.
▶ Fixed service interval QI2.
▶ Fixed service interval QI3.
▶ Fixed service interval QI4.
▶ Variable service interval QI6.
In order to operate a vehicle with a flexible service interval, it is necessary
that only the prescribed engine oil is used.
If this engine oil is not available, the oil change is subject to a fixed service in-
terval. In this case, the vehicle must be changed to the fixed service interval.
Note
■
The corresponding motor oil specifications » page 280.■For vehicles with flexible service interval QI6, you can initiate a return to the
fixed service interval or back to the flexible service interval to be performed by
a specialist garage.Fixed service intervals QI1 - QI4
Oil change serv- ice
QI1Every 5,000 km or every 1 year a)
.QI2Every 7,500 km or every 1 year a)
.QI3Every 10,000 km or every 1 year a)
.QI4Every 15,000 km or every 1 year. a)Inspectionb)
Variant 1
QI1 - QI4
After the first 30,000 km or 2 years a)
, then every
30,000 km or every 1 year a)
.Inspection b)
Variant 2Every 15,000 km or every 1 year. a)Inspectionb)
Variant 3Every 10,000 km or every 1 year a)
.Brake fluid
changeQI1 - QI4First change after 3 years, then every 2 years,a)
(whichever comes first).
b)
For information about the valid version for your vehicle, please contact a ŠKODA partner.
WARNINGThe brake fluid must always be changed after the first 3 years and then ev-
ery 2 years. Longer intervals between changing the brake fluid can cause
vapour bubbles to form in the brake system on sharp braking. This can im-
pair the efficiency of the brakes – risk of accident!
Note
For diesel operation with a high sulphur content, the oil must be changed ev-
ery 7,500 km. Ask your specialist garage for information on the countries
where diesel fuel has a high sulphur content.
Flexible service interval QI6
The oil change service intervals depend on the intensity at which the vehicle is
driven and the local conditions in which the vehicle is used. For example, your
vehicle is subjected to different demands when driven over short distances
than when driven over long distances. The intervals are therefore flexible.
Oil change serv-
iceAccording to the service interval display (at the latest af-
ter 30,000 km or 2 years a)
).Inspection b)
Variant 1After the first 30,000 km or 2 years a)
, then every 30,000
km or every 1 year a)
. 269Care and maintenance

Inspectionb)
Variant 2Every 15,000 km or every 1 year a)
.Brake fluid
changeFirst change after 3 years, then every 2 years,a)
(whichever comes first).
b)
For information about the valid version for your vehicle, please contact a ŠKODA partner.
WARNINGThe brake fluid must always be changed after the first 3 years and then ev-
ery 2 years. Longer intervals between changing the brake fluid can cause
vapour bubbles to form in the brake system on sharp braking. This can im-
pair the efficiency of the brakes – risk of accident!
Digital Service Plan
A specialist garage does not confirm the corresponding service evidence in this
Owner´s Manual, but in the service information system called Digital Service
Plan.
Therefore, we recommend that you always print the respective Service Certifi-
cate as evidence of the service work carried out.
Benefits of the digital service plan
▶ High level of security when it comes to the manipulation of the event entries.
▶ Transparent documentation of service work carried out.
▶ Protection against loss or damage of the event entries – you receive a com-
plete service-verification if required.
▶ Optional; request of complete verification in electronic form.
▶ You can have the vehicle serviced in any specialist garage (also abroad) – the
database is accessible worldwide.
▶ Increased transparency when purchasing a used vehicle due to event entries
being stored centrally.
▶ The system entries support you in the enforcement of obligations under the
ŠKODA extended warranty and mobility guarantee.
Cleaning and care
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Washing the vehicle
270
Caring for the outside of the vehicle
271
Remove ice and snow from the windows
273
Caring for the interior
273
Regular and thorough care retains the value of your vehicle.
When using the care product, always observe the instructions on the packag-
ing. We recommend that you use the preservative from the ŠKODA Original Ac-
cessories.
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!
CAUTION
■ Do not use any insect sponges, rough kitchen sponges or similar cleaning
products – risk of damaging the paintwork surface.■
Do not use aggressive cleaning agents or chemical solvents - there is a dan-
ger of damaging the material that is to be cleaned.
Note
We recommend that the vehicle is cleaned and cared for by a ŠKODA Service
Partner.
Washing the vehicle
Read and observe
and on page 270 first.
The best way to protect your vehicle against harmful environmental influencesis frequent washing. 
270General Maintenance

The longer insect residues, bird droppings, road salt and other aggressive de-
posits remain on the paintwork of your vehicle, the more detrimental their de-
structive effect can be. High temperatures, such as those caused by intensive
sun's rays, accentuate this caustic effect.
It is essential to also thoroughly clean the underside of the vehicle at the end
of the winter.
Washing by hand
Wash the vehicle from top to bottom, if necessary, wash using a soft sponge or
washing mitt and plenty of water with appropriate detergents. Wash out the
sponge or washing glove thoroughly at short intervals.
Use a different sponge for the wheels, door sills and lower vehicle areas.
Give the vehicle a good rinse after washing it and dry it off using a chamois
leather.
Automatic car washes
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 blades of the wipers should
be cleaned with cleaning agents specially designed for the purpose, and then
degreased.
Pressure washer
When washing the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner, the instructions for
use of the equipment must be observed. This particularly applies to informa-
tion with respect to the pressure and spray distance from the vehicle surface.WARNING■
When washing your vehicle in the winter: Water and ice in the braking
system can affect the braking efficiency – risk of accident!■
Take care when cleaning the underbody or the inside of the wheel wells -
there is a risk of injury on sharp metal parts!
CAUTION■ Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight, do not exert pressure on the body
while washing. The temperature of the washing water should be max. 60 ° C -
otherwise there is a risk of damaging the vehicle paint.■
Before driving through a car wash, fold in the exterior mirrors - there is a risk
of damage.
CAUTION
Washing the vehicle using pressure washers■The foils should not be washed using pressure washers - there is a risk of
damage .■
Do not aim the water jet directly at the lock cylinders or the door or opening
joints when washing the vehicle in the winter – there is a risk of freezing.
■
During cleaning, always keep a sufficiently large spraying distance to the
parking sensors, the rear camera lens, to external decorative and protective
plastic parts (e.g. roof racks, spoilers, protective strips) and other vehicle parts
made of non-metallic materials such as rubber hoses or insulation materials.
■
The sensors of the parking aid can be sprayed only for a short time and there
must be a minimum distance of 10 cm - there is a risk of damage.
■
When washing the vehicle, do not point the water jet directly at the tow bar
or the trailer socket - there is a risk of seal damage or washing out the grease.
Caring for the outside of the vehicle
Read and observe
and on page 270 first.
Vehicle compo- nentFacts of thematterRemedy
Paint
Spilled fuelClear water, cloth, (clean as soon as
possible)No water drop-
lets form on the
paintUse hard wax (min. twice a year), apply
wax to clean and dry bodyMatt paintUse polish, then preserve (if the polish
does not contain any preservative in-
gredients)Plastic partsSoilingClear water, cloth / sponge provided for
the intended cleaning agent 271Care and maintenance

Vehicle compo-nentFacts of thematterRemedyChromed
and anodised
partsSoilingClear water, cloth or cleaning agent
provided for this purpose, then polish
with a soft dry clothFoilsSoilingSoft sponge and mild soap solution a)Windows
and door mirrorsSoilingWash with clean water and dry using
the intended cloth Headlights/lightsSoilingSoft sponge and mild soap solution a)Camera front,
side, rear view
cameraSoilingWash with clean water and dry with a
soft clothSnow / iceHand brush / de-icerDoor lock cylinderSnow / iceDe-icerWiper / wiper
bladesSoilingGlass cleaner, sponge or clothWheelsSoilingClear water, then coat with appropriate
conservation solutiona)
Mild soap solution = 2 tablespoons of natural soap to 1 litre of lukewarm water.
The jack is maintenance-free. If necessary, the moving parts of the jack should
be lubricated with a suitable lubricant.
The towing device is maintenance-free. Coat the ball head of the towing de-
vice with a suitable grease whenever necessary.
Protection of hollow spaces
All the hollow spaces on your vehicle which are at risk from corrosion are pro-
tected for life by a layer of protective wax applied in the factory.
If any small amount of wax flow out of the cavities at high temperatures, these
must be removed with a plastic scraper and the stains cleaned using a petrole-
um cleaner.
Underbody protection
The underside of your vehicle is already permanently protected by the factory
against chemical and mechanical influences.
We recommend having the protective coating underneath the vehicle and the
chassis checked — preferably before the beginning of winter and at the end of winter.
Product life of the films
Environmental influences (e.g. sunlight, humidity, air pollution, rockfall) affect
the life of the films. Films will age and become brittle – this is entirely normal:
this is not a fault.
Sunlight may also affect the strength of the film colour.
When transporting a load on the roof rack (e.g. roof box or similar), there is an
increased risk of film damage (e.g. of chipping from the secured load).
CAUTION
■ Vehicle paint
■ Damaged areas should be repaired as soon as possible.
■ Do not treat painted parts with or hard waxes.
■ Do not polish the paintwork in a dusty environment - risk of paint scratch-
es. ■ Do not apply any paint care products to door seals or window guides.■
Plastic parts
■ Do not use paint care products.
■
Chromed and anodised parts
■ Do not polish the chrome parts in a dusty environment - risk of surface
scratches.
■
Foils
The following instructions must be observed, otherwise there is a risk of foil
damage.
■ Do not clean with dirty cloths or sponges.
■ To remove ice and snow, do not use a scraper or other means.
■ Do not polish the foils
■ Do not use a pressure washer to clean the foils
■
Rubber seals
■ Do not treat the door seals and window guides with any products - the pro-
tective lacquer layer could be affected.
■
Windows and external mirror glass
■ Do not clean the inside of the windows with sharp objects - there is a risk
of damage to the filaments or glass antenna. ■ Do not use a cloth, which was used to polish the body - this could soil the
window and reduce visibility.
■
Headlights/lights ■ Do not dry off the headlights/lights, do not use sharp objects - there is a
risk of damage to the protective coating and subsequent cracking of the
headlight glass. 
272General Maintenance

■Front, side and rear view cameras
The following instructions must be observed, otherwise there is a risk of
camera damage.
■ Do not remove snow / ice with warm / hot water.
■ To wash, never use a pressure washer or steam jet.
■ For cleaning, do not use abrasive cleaners.■
Door lock cylinder
■ Make sure that as little water as possible gets into the locking cylinder
when washing the vehicle - there is a risk of freezing the lock cylinder!
■
Wheels ■ Heavy contamination of the wheels can affect the balance of the wheels -
this can result in vibrations and, under some circumstances, can cause pre-
mature wear of the steering wheel.
Remove ice and snow from the windows
Fig. 324
Installation location of the ice
scraper, removing the scraper
Read and observe and on page 270 first.
Use a plastic ice scraper for removing snow and ice from the windows and mir-
rors. This can be on the inside of the fuel filler flap.
›
Open the fuel filler flap and slide the scraper in the direction of arrow
» Fig. 324 .
CAUTION
■
Move the scraper in one direction only, otherwise there is a risk of damage to
the glass surface.■
Do not remove snow / ice on the surface that is soiled (e.g. pea gravel, sand,
road salt) - there is a risk of damaging the surface.
■
Remove snow / ice carefully, otherwise there is a risk of damaging the labels
that have been fitted by the factory.
Caring for the interior
Read and observe
and on page 270 first.
Vehicle compo- nentFacts of thematterRemedy
Natural leather /
Faux leather /
Alcantara ®
/
Material
Dust, surface
contaminationVacuum cleanerPollution (fresh)Water, slightly damp cotton / wool
cloth, if necessary, mild soap solution a)
,
then wipe with a soft clothStubborn stainsSpecially prepared detergentCare (natural
leather)Treat the leather periodically with a
suitable leather protector and use a
care cream with light blocker and im-
pregnation after each cleaning.Care (Alcan-
tara ®
/ fabric)Remove stubborn hairs using a “clean-
ing glove”
Remove pills from materials with a
brushPlastic partsSoilingWater, slightly damp cloth or sponge, or
cleaning agent provided for this pur-
poseWindowsSoilingWash with clean water and dry using
the intended clothCovers of electri-
cally heated seatsSoilingSpecially provided cleaning agentSeat belts » Soilingsoft cloth and mild soap solution a)a)
Mild soap solution = 2 tablespoons of natural soap to 1 litre of lukewarm water.
WARNING■
Never clean the seat belts chemically as chemical cleaning products could
destroy the fabric.■
Air fresheners and scents can be hazardous to heath when the tempera-
ture inside the vehicle is high. 
273Care and maintenance

Prescribed petrol 98/(95) RON / ROZ
We recommend using petrol 98 RON.
Optionally, petrol 95 RON can be used (slight power loss, a slightly increased
fuel consumption).
In an emergency petrol 91, 92 or 93 RON can be used (slight loss, a slightly in-
creased fuel consumption) »
.
CAUTION
The following instructions must be observed, otherwise there is a risk of en-
gine damage and damage to the exhaust system.■
If gasoline is used which is lower than the prescribed octane number, then
continue driving at medium engine speeds and minimum engine load. Refuel
using petrol of the prescribed octane number as soon as possible.
■
Petrol with a lower Octane count than 91 should not even be used in an
emergency!
■
If a fuel other than unleaded fuel which complies to the above mentioned
standards (e.g. leaded petrol) is put in the tank by mistake, do not start the en-
gine or switch on the ignition.
CAUTION
Petrol additives (additives)■Unleaded petrol in accordance with the EN 228 standard 1)
meets all the con-
ditions for a smooth-running engine. Therefore, we recommend that you do
not add any fuel additives to the petrol - there is a risk of engine damage or
damage to the exhaust system.■
The following additives and auxiliary products may not be used - there is a
risk of engine damage or damage to the exhaust system! ■ Additives with metal components (metallic additives), in particular with
manganese and iron content. ■ Fuels with metallic content (e.g. LRP - lead replacement petrol).
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/min 92 or 93 RON is specified.
■
On vehicles using prescribed petrol of min. 95 RON, the use of petrol with a
higher octane number than 95 RON can increase the power and reduce fuel
consumption.
Diesel fuel
Read and observe
and on page 274 first.
The correct fuel for your vehicle is specified on the inside of the fuel filler flap
» Fig. 325 on page 274 .
The vehicle can only be operated using diesel fuel that complies with the
standard EN 5902)
and contains a maximum 7% biodiesel (B7)3)
.
Operating under different weather conditions
Use only diesel in accordance with the current or expected weather conditions.
Ask the petrol station personnel whether the diesel fuel offered corresponds
to these conditions.
CAUTION
The following instructions must be observed, otherwise there is a risk of en-
gine damage and damage to the exhaust system.■
If a different fuel other than diesel fuel, which complies to the above men-
tioned standards (e.g. petrol) is put into the tank, do not start the engine or
switch on the ignition!
■
The biofuel RME must not be used! 
1)
In Germany also DIN 51626-1 or E10 for unleaded petrol with octane number 91 or 95 or DIN 51626-2 or E5
for unleaded petrol with octane number 95 and 98.
2)
In Germany DIN 51628, in Austria ÖNORM C 1590, in Russia GOST R 52368-2005 / EN 590: 2004, in India
IS 1460 / Bharat IV or in an emergency IS 1460 / Bharat III.
3)
In Germany according to the DIN 52638 standard, in Austria ÖNORM C 1590, in France EN 590.
276General Maintenance

CAUTIONDiesel 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.
AdBlue ®
and its refilling
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Check level
277
AdBlue ®
Refill
277
In order to reduce pollutant emissions from vehicles with diesel engines and
the SCR catalyst, a urea - AdBlue ®
solution is injected into the exhaust system.
Only use AdBlue ®
that corresponds to the standard ISO 22241-1. Do not add
additives to AdBlue ®
.
The AdBlue ®
-consumption depends on driving style, the operating tempera-
ture of the system and on the weather conditions.
The AdBlue ®
tank filling is about 12 litres.
WARNINGAdBlue®
can cause skin, eye and respiratory irritation. If AdBlue ®
comes into
contact with the eye or skin, wash the affected area with plenty of water
for several minutes, and where appropriate seek medical help. In the case
of skin contact, wash the affected area with water.
CAUTION
AdBlue ®
attacks the surface of some materials (e.g. as painted parts, plastics,
fabrics). Clean the areas affected with AdBlue ®
using a damp cloth and plenty
of cold water. Remove any dried AdBlue ®
with warm water and a sponge.
Note
■ The AdBlue ®
solution freezes at a temperature of -11° C and lower. The sys-
tem has a heater to ensure the operability at low temperatures.■
We recommend purchasing AdBlue ®
refill bottles from the ŠKODA original
parts.
■ The working life of the AdBlue ®
solution is 4 years. If the tank contents are
not used within this period, then this is to be replaced by a specialist garage.
When toppig up, do not use AdBlue ®
for which the shelf life has expired.■
AdBlue ®
is a registered trademark of the VDA. AdBlue ®
is also known as AUS
32 (Aqueous Urea Solution) or DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid).
Check level
Read and observe
and on page 277 first.
The AdBlue ®
level is automatically monitored.
If the available travel distance that can be completed with the remaining AdBl- ue ®
tank capacity drops to about 2400 km, the warning  appears on the in-
strument cluster and a request for replenishment of AdBlue ®
appears.
An indication also appears in the instrument cluster showing the maximum
and minimum AdBlue ®
tank capacity.
If the available travel distance that can be driven with the existing AdBlue ®
-
tank capacity drops down to 0 km, then no motor start is possible.
The distance which can still be driven with the remaining AdBlue ®
, can be de-
termined using the travel data » page 46.
AdBlue®
Refill
Fig. 328
Open fuel filler flap/unscrew tank cap/place the tank cap on the
fuel filler flap
Read and observe
and on page 277 first.
AdBlue ®
You can even top up using a fuel nozzle at a gas station or a refill bot-
tle, if necessary at a specialist garage. 
277Inspecting and replenishing

CAUTIONDo not cover the radiator or fit any parts (e.g. auxiliary lights) in front of the air
intakes - there is a risk of the engine overheating.
Checking and refilling
Fig. 333
Coolant expansion reservoir
Read and observe and on page 281 first.
Check the coolant under the following conditions and refill.
The vehicle is on a horizontal surface.
The engine is not warm (if the engine is warm, the test results could be
inaccurate).
The engine is turned off.
Check the coolant level - the coolant level must be between the marks
A
and
B
» Fig. 333 . If the coolant level is below the mark
B
, refill the coolant.
Refilling
The coolant expansion tank 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 the correct specification of fluids.
›
Turn the cap until it clicks into place.
The specification of the coolant is shown on the coolant expansion reser-
voir » Fig. 333 .
If no specified coolant is available, use only distilled or demineralised water
and have the mixing ratio of water and coolant additive corrected by a special-
ist garage as soon as possible.
CAUTION■ If the expansion tank is empty, do not top up with coolant. The system could
aerate - risk of damaging the engine!  Stop driving! Switch off the engine
and seek assistance from a specialist garage.■
Do not fill the coolant above the mark
A
» Fig. 333 . When it heats up, the
coolant could press out of the cooling system - there is a risk of damage to the
engine parts.
■
If it is not possible to add coolant, 
stop 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 - there is a risk of dam-
age to the cooling system and the engine.
■
If water other than distilled (demineralised) water is used, then have the
coolant replaced by a specialist garage - there is a risk of engine damage.
■
A loss of coolant could be due to leaks in the cooling system - there is a risk
of engine damage. Switch off the engine and seek assistance from a specialist
garage.
Note
A coolant level which is too low is indicated in the instrument cluster by the
warning light  and shown by the relevant message » page 39. We still rec-
ommend inspecting the coolant level directly at the reservoir from time to
time.
Brake fluid
Fig. 334
Brake fluid reservoir
Check the brake fluid under the following conditions.
The vehicle is on a horizontal surface.
The engine is turned off.
Check brake fluid level - the brake fluid level must be between the markings
“MIN” and “MAX” » Fig. 334. 
282General Maintenance

Specification - the brake fluid must comply with VW 501 14 standard (this
standard meets the requirements of FMVSS 116 DOT4).WARNING■ The following warning instructions must be followed at all times when
working in the engine compartment » page 278.■
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” » Fig. 334 marking. 
Stop driving - There is a risk of an accident!
Seek help from a specialist garage.
Note
■ The brake fluid is changed as part of a compulsory inspection service.■A low brake fluid level which is too low is indicated by the warning light
 being shown on the display of the instrument cluster as well as the corre-
sponding message » page 35. We therefore recommend that you check the
coolant level directly at the reservoir from time to time.
Vehicle battery
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Check condition
284
Charging
284
Disconnect/reconnect and change
285
The vehicle battery represents a power source for the motor to start and for the supply of electrical consumers in the car.
Automatic consumer shutdown - Discharge protection of the vehicle battery
The on-board power supply tries as follows to avoid draining the vehicle bat-
tery when it is heavily loaded.
▶ By increasing the engine idle speed.
▶ By limiting the power of certain consumers.
▶ By turning off some consumers (heated seats, heated rear window) for as
long as necessary.
Warning symbols on the vehicle batterySymbolMeaning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.WARNINGBattery acid is highly corrosive - risk of injury, irritation or poisoning! Corro-
sive vapours in the air irritate and damage the respiratory tract and the
eyes. The following guidelines must be observed.■
Always wear protective gloves, eye and skin protection when handling
the vehicle battery.
■
If your eyes or skin come into contact with the electrolyte fluid, immedi-
ately wash the affected area for a few minutes with plenty of water. Seek
medical assistance if required.
■
Keep the vehicle battery away from people who are not completely inde-
pendent, especially children.
■
Do not tilt the battery otherwise battery electrolyte may flow out of the
battery vent openings.
WARNINGWhen working on the car battery, there is the risk of explosion, fire, injury
or irritation! The following guidelines must be observed.■
Avoid smoking, the use of open flames or light and any activities that
could cause sparks.
■
A discharged vehicle battery can freeze slightly. Never charge up a fro-
zen or thawed vehicle battery. Replace a frozen vehicle battery.
■
Never use a damaged vehicle battery – risk of explosion!
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Do not connect the battery terminals with each other by bridging the two
poles of a short circuit. 
283Inspecting and replenishing