warning SKODA ROOMSTER 2009 1.G Owner's Manual

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Technical Data
– Unlock the interlock on the positive terminal side of the battery
⇒page 192, fig. 181.
– Pull up the cover in direction of arrow ⇒page 192, fig. 181 (automatic
gearbox) or ⇒page 192, fig. 182 (manual gearbox).
– The installation of the battery cover on the positive terminal side takes
place in the reverse order.Removal and installation of the battery is not recommended since it can, under
certain circumstances, lead to major damage to the battery and fuse boxes. Contact
a specialist garage.
There is a risk of injuries, scalding, accidents and burns when carrying out any work
on the battery and on the electrical system. For this reason, it is essential to comply
with the warning instructions ⇒ stated below and with the general applicable
rules of safety.
WARNING
•
The battery acid is strongly corrosive and must, therefore, be handled
with the greatest of care. Always wear protective gloves, eye and skin
protection when handling batteries. Corrosive fumes in the air irritate the
air passages and lead to conjunctivitis and inflammation of the air passages
in the lungs. Battery acid corrodes dental enamel and creates deep wounds
after contact with the skin which take a long time to heal. Repeated contact
with diluted acids causes skin diseases (inflammations, ulcers, slin cracks).
Acids coming into contact with water are diluted accompanied by significant
development of heat.
•
Do not tilt the battery otherwise battery electrolyte may flow out of the
battery vent openings. Protect the eyes with safety glasses or a shield! There
is the danger of suffering blindness! If any battery electrolyte gets into your
eye, rinse out your eye immediately with clear water for several minutes.
Contact a doctor without delay.
•
Splashes of acid on your skin or clothes should be neutralised as soon as
possible using soap suds and then rinsed with plenty of water. Contact a
doctor immediately if you swallow battery electrolyte.
•
Keep batteries out of the reach of children.
•
Hydrogen is released when you charge a battery and a highly explosive
gas mixture is produced. An explosion can be caused through sparkling over
during unclamping or loosening of the cable plug while the ignition is on.
•
Bridging of the poles will create a short circuit (e.g. through metal
objects, cables). Possible consequences of a short circuit: Melting of lead
struts, explosion and burning of the battery, jets of acid spurting out.
•
It is prohibited to work with a naked flame and light, to smoke or to carry
out any activities which produce sparks. 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
engine, the ignition as well as all electrical components and disconnect the
negative cable (-) on the battery. If you wish to replace a bulb it is sufficient
to switch off the appropriate light.
•
Never charge a frozen or thawed battery - risk of explosion and caustic
burns! Replace a frozen battery.
•
Never use a battery which is damaged - risk of explosion! Immediately
replace a damaged battery.Caution
•
You must only disconnect the battery if the ignition is switched off, otherwise
the electrical system (electronic components) of the vehicle may be damaged.
When disconnecting the battery from the electrical system of the vehicle, first
disconnect the negative terminal (-) of the battery. Then disconnect the positive
terminal (+).
•
When reconnecting the battery, first connect the positive terminal (+) and only
then the negative terminal (-) of the battery. You must on no account connect the
cables wrongly - risk of a cable fire.
•
Ensure that battery acid does not come into contact with the vehicle body
otherwise damage could occur to the paintwork.WARNING (continued)
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Inspecting and replenishing195
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Technical Data
Caution
If the vehicle has not been driven for more than 3 to 4 weeks, the battery will
discharge because certain electrical components consume electricity (e.g. control
units) also in idle state. You can prevent the discharging of the battery by discon-
necting the negative terminal or charging the battery constantly with a very low
charging current. Please also refer to the notes when working on the battery ⇒
in “Working on the battery” on page 192.
Note
•
Batteries with three-tone indicator, which are mounted as of factory, are
marked with a code which always begins with 1J0, 7N0 or 3B0. The exact marking
can be e.g. 1J0 915 105 AC.
•
Replacement batteries with three-tone indicator, which were obtained from
Škoda original accessories, are marked with the code 000 915 105 Ax, whereby
“x” stands for a variable. The exact marking can be e.g. 000 915 105 AB.
Inspecting the electrolyte levelThe battery is practically maintenance-free under normal operating conditions.
We do, however, recommend that you have the electrolyte level inspected from
time to time by a specialist garage when outside temperatures are high or when
driving on long trips. You should also have the electrolyte level ⇒page 195
checked each time the battery is charged.
The electrolyte level of the battery will also be checked as part of the Inspection
Service.Operation in winterThe battery has to provide greater amounts of electricity during the winter. It also
has only part of the initial power output at low temperatures that it has at normal
temperatures.
A discharged battery may already freeze at temperatures just below 0°C.We therefore recommend that you have the battery checked by a specialist garage
before the start of the winter, and recharged if necessary.
Charging the battery
A properly charged battery is essential for reliably starting the
engine.– Read the warning notes ⇒ in “Working on the battery” on
page 192 and ⇒.
– Switch the ignition and all electrical components off.
– Only for “quick-charging”: Disconnect both battery cables (first of all
“negative”, then “positive”).
– Carefully attach the terminal clamps of the charger to the battery
terminals (red = “positive”, black = “negative”).
– You can now plug the mains cable of the charger into the power socket
and switch on the charger.
– When charging is completed: switch the charger off and unplug the
mains cable from the power socket.
– Only then should you disconnect the terminal clamps of the charger.
– Reconnect the cables to the battery (first of all “positive”, then “nega-
tive”).It is not normally necessary to disconnect the cables of the battery if you recharge
the battery using low amperages (as for example from a mini-charger). Please also
refer to the instructions from the charger manufacturer.
A charging current of 0.1 of the total battery capacity (or lower) is that which should
be used until full charging is achieved.
It is, however, necessary to disconnect both cables before charging the battery with
high amperages, so-called “quick-charging”.
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Inspecting and replenishing 196“Quick-charging” a battery is dangerous ⇒ in “Working on the battery” on
page 192. It requires a special charger and appropriate knowledge. We therefore
recommend that you have your battery quick-charged only by your specialist
garage.
A discharged battery may already freeze at temperatures just below 0°C ⇒. We
recommend that you no longer use a battery which has thawed out because the
casing of the battery may be cracked through the formation of ice and this would
allow battery electrolyte to flow out.
The vent plugs of the battery should not be opened for charging.
WARNING
Never charge a frozen or thawed battery - risk of explosion and caustic
burns! Replace a frozen battery.Disconnecting and reconnecting the batteryOn disconnecting and reconnecting the battery the following functions are initially
deactivated or are no longer able to operate fault-free.
We recommend having the vehicle checked by a specialist garage to ensure full
functionality of all electrical systems.
Replacing the batteryYou should only replace a battery with a new battery of the same capacity, voltage
(12 V), amperage and of the same size. Specialist garages have a range of suitable
batteries available.
We re c o m m e nd t h a t y o u o n l y ha v e a n o l d b a t te r y d i s p o s e d o f b y a s p e c i a l i s t g a ra g e
since it does require special disposal.
For the sake of the environment
Batteries contain poisonous substances such as sulphuric acid and lead. They must
be disposed of in accordance with local environmental protection regulations and
on no account as domestic waste.Windshield washer systemThe windshield washer reservoir contains the cleaning fluid for the windscreen or
rear window and for the headlamp cleaning system*. The reservoir is located in the
front left of the engine compartment ⇒fig. 184.
The filling level of the container is 2 litres, 5.5 litres on vehicles which also have a
headlight washing system.
Operation
Operating measure
Electrical power window (operational faults)
⇒page 51
Enter radio code number
see Radio Operating Instructions
Set hours
⇒page 22
Data in the multi-functional indicator* are
deleted.
⇒page 22
Fig. 184 Engine compart-
ment: Windshield washer
fluid reservoir
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Inspecting and replenishing197
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Technical Data Clear water is not sufficient to intensively clean the windscreen and headlights. We
therefore recommend using clean washing water together with the screen cleaner
from Škoda genuine accessories (in winter additionally with antifreeze) which is
capable of removing stubborn dirt. Follow the instructions for use on the packaging
when using screen cleaning products.
You should always add antifreeze to the cleaning water in winter even if your
vehicle is fitted with heated windscreen washer nozzles*.
It is also possible in exceptional cases to use methylated spirits when no screen
cleaner with antifreeze is available. The concentration of methylated spirits must
not be more than 15 %. Please note, however, that the antifreeze protection at this
concentration is only adequate down to -5°C.
WARNING
Read and observe the warning notes ⇒page 185, “Working in the engine
compartment” before working in the engine compartment.
Caution
•
On no account should you add radiator antifreeze or other additives to the
windscreen washer fluid.
•
If the vehicle is fitted with headlight cleaning system, you should only add
cleaning products which do not attack the polycarbonate coating of the headlights
to the windscreen washer fluid. Please contact your specialist garage, who will tell
you which cleaning agent you can use.Note
Do not take the filter out of the windscreen wash container when filling it up again
with liquid otherwise dirt can get into the liquid transportation system and can lead
to faults in operation of the windscreen wash system.
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Wheels and Tyres 198Wheels and TyresWheelsGeneral information•
New tyres do not offer optimal grip at first and should therefore be run in for
about 500 km at a moderate speed and an appropriately cautious style of driving.
You will also profit from longer tyre life.
•
The tread depth of new tyres may differ because of design features and the
configuration of the tread (depending on the type of tyre and the manufacturer).
•
Drive over curbs on the side of the road and other such obstacles slowly and,
where possible, at a right angle in order to avoid damage to tyres and wheel trims.
•
Inspect your tyres from time to time for damage (punctures, cuts, splits and
bulges). Remove foreign bodies from the tyre profile.
•
Damage to tyres and wheels is frequently not visible. Unusual vibrations or
pulling of the vehicle to one side could be a sign of tyre damage. Please reduce
your speed immediately and stop if you suspect that a wheel is damaged.
Inspect the tyres for signs of damage (bulges, splits, etc.). If no visible damage is
present, please drive at an appropriately slow speed and carefully to the nearest
specialist garage in order to have your vehicle inspected.
•
Also protect your tyres from contact with oil, grease and fuel.
•
Immediately replace any dust caps of the valves which have got lost.
•
Mark wheels before removing them so that their previous direction of running
can be maintained when mounted them again.
•
Always store wheels or tyres which been removed in a cool, dry and, where
possible, dark place. Tyres which are not fixed to a wheel trim should be stored
upright.
Unidirectional tyres*
The direction of rotation of the tyres is marked by arrows on the wall of the tyre. This
indicates the direction of rotation of the tyre, and it is essential that the tyres are
fitted on to run in this direction. Only then are the tyres able to provide the optimal
properties in terms of grip, low noise, wear-and-tear and aquaplaning.Further information concerning the use of unidirectional tyres ⇒page 202.
WARNING
•
New tyres during the first 500 km do not offer optimal grip and should
therefore be run appropriately - risk of accident!
•
Never drive with damaged tyres - risk of accident!Note
Please observe the various differing legal requirements regarding tyres.Tyre lifeThe life of your tyres very much depends on the following points:
Tyre pressure
The working life of tyres will be shortened considerably if the tyres are insufficiently
or over-inflated and this will have an adverse effect on the handling of your vehicle.
Correctly inflated tyres are of particular importance when travelling at high speeds.
It is therefore good to check the pressure at least once a month and also before
Fig. 185 An opened fuel filler
flap with a tyre size and tyre
inflation pressure table
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Wheels and Tyres199
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Technical Data setting off on a long trip. Please do not forget the spare wheel when checking the
tyres.
The tyre inflation pressures for summer tyres are indicated on the inside of the fuel
filler flap ⇒page 198, fig. 185. The inflation pressures for winter tyres are 20 kPa
(0.2 bar) higher than those for summer tyres ⇒page 202.
The tyre pressure should be at the highest pressure specified for your vehicle at all
times.
Always check the inflation pressure of tyres when cold. Do not reduce the higher
pressure of warm tyres. Adapt the inflation pressure of the tyres accordingly if your
vehicle is carrying a significantly higher payload.
Driving style
Fast cornering, sharp acceleration and braking (squealing tyres) increase wear-and-
tear on your tyres.
Balancing wheels
The wheels of a new vehicle are balanced. There are a wide range of influences
when driving which may result in an imbalance and which makes themselves felt
through vibration in the steering.
You should have the wheels rebalanced since any imbalance increases wear-and-
tear on the steering, the suspension and tyres. A wheel must also be rebalanced
when a new tyre is fitted and each time a tyre is repaired.
Wheel alignment errors
Incorrect wheel alignment at the front and rear will not only increase wear-and-tear
on the tyres but will also has an adverse effect on vehicle safety. Contact your
specialist garage if you notice any unusual tyre wear.
WARNING
•
If the inflation pressure is too low, the tyre must perform a greater flexing
work. At higher speeds the tyre will warm up as a result of this. This can
result in tread separation and even a tyre blowout.
•
Immediately replace the damaged rims or tyres.
•
Tyres which are 6 years old or more should only be fitted in exceptional
cases and when adopting an appropriately cautious style of driving.For the sake of the environment
Tyres which are insufficiently inflated increase your fuel consumption.Wear indicatorsThe base of the tread of the original tyres has wear indicators 1.6 mm high, installed
at right angles to the direction of travel. These wear indicators are located at 6 - 8
points depending on the make and are evenly spaced around the circumference of
the tyre ⇒fig. 186. Markings on the walls of the tyres through the letters “TWI”,
triangular symbols or other symbols identify the position of the wear indicators.
A remaining tread of just 1.6 mm, measured in the grooves of the tread next to the
wear indicators, means that your tyres have reached their legally permissible
minimum tread depth.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 186 Tyre tread with wear
indicators
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Wheels and Tyres 200
WARNING
•
You must have your tyres replaced with new ones at the latest when the
wear indicators have been worn down. The legally permissible minimum
tread depth should be observed.
•
Worn tyres do not provide the necessary adhesion to the road surface at
high speeds on wet roads. One could experience “aquaplaning” (uncon-
trolled movements of the vehicle - “swimming” on a wet road surface).
Changing wheels aroundIf significantly greater wear is present on the front tyres, we recommend changing
the front wheels around with the rear wheels. You will then obtain approximately
the same life for all the tyres.
It may be advantageous to swap the tyres over “crosswise” when certain types of
wear characteristic arise on the running surface of the tyres (but not in the case of
unidirectional tyres). Specialist garages are familiar with details.
We recommend that you change the wheels around every 10 000 km in order to
achieve even wear on all wheels and to obtain optimal tyre life.New tyres and wheelsTyres and wheel rims are important design elements. One should therefore use the
tyres and wheel rims which have been released for use by Škoda Auto. They are
exactly matched to the vehicle type and therefore contribute significantly to good
road holding and safe driving characteristics ⇒.
Only fit radial tyres of the same type on all 4 wheels, size (rolling circumference)
and, if possible, the same tread pattern on one axle.
The specialist garage has access to the most current information about which tyres
we have released for use on your vehicle.
We recommend that you have any work relating to tyres or wheels carried out by a
specialist garage. Your dealer has all of the necessary special tools and replace-
ment parts available plus the required specialist knowledge and is also in a position to properly dispose of the old tyres. A large number of specialist garages also have
an attractive range of tyres and wheels available.
The tyre/wheel combinations which are approved for your vehicle are indicated in
your vehicle documents. Approval and licensing may differ according to the legis-
lation prevailing in individual countries.
Proper knowledge of the tyre data makes it easier for you to select the correct type
of tyre. Tyres do, for example, have the following inscription on their walls:
185 / 65 R 14 86 T
What this means is:
The following speed restrictions apply to tyres.
185
Tyre w idt h in mm
65
Height/width ratio in %
R
Code letter for the type of tyre - R adial
14
Diameter of wheel in inches
86
Load index
T
Speed symbol
Speed symbol
Permissible maximum speed
Q
160 km/h
R
170 km/h
S
180 km/h
T
190 km/h
H
210 km/h
V
240 km/h
W
270 km/h
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Wheels and Tyres201
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Technical Data The date of manufacture is also stated on the tyre wall (possibly only on the inside
of wheel).
DOT ... 22 09...
means, for example, that the tyre was manufactured in the 22nd week of the year
2009.
Any spare wheel which differs from the tyres fitted to the vehicle (e.g. winter tyres
or low-profile tyres) should only be used for a short time in the event of a puncture
and when adopting an appropriately cautious style of driving. It should be replaced
as quickly as possible by a normal wheel.
WARNING
•
Only use those tyres or wheel rims which have been approved for your
model of Škoda Auto vehicle. Failure to observe this instruction will
adversely affect the road safety of your vehicle - risk of accident! Approval
and licencing of your vehicle on public roads may also become void as a
result.
•
You must on no account drive at a higher speed than is permissible for
your tyres - risk of an accident resulting from tyre damage and loss of control
over your vehicle.
•
Tyres which are 6 years old or more should only be fitted in exceptional
cases and when adopting an appropriately cautious style of driving.
•
Never fit tyres which have already been used without having adequate
knowledge of their previous history. Tyres age even if they have not been
used at all or only very little. A spare tyre must only be used in exceptional
cases and only then when adopting an appropriately cautious style of
driving.
•
Do not, where possible, replace individual tyres but at least replace them
on both wheels of a given axle at the same time. Always fit the tyres with the
deeper tread depth to the front wheels.For the sake of the environment
Old tyres must be disposed of in conformity with the appropriate regulations.
Note
It is not normally possible to fit wheels from other models of cars for technical
reasons. This may also apply in certain circumstances to the wheels of the same
type of vehicle.Wheel boltsWheels and wheel bolts are matched to each other in terms of design. Each time
you fit other wheels - e.g. light alloy wheels or wheels with winter tyres - you must
therefore also use the matching wheel bolts of the correct length and shape of
spherical cap. This is essential to ensure that the wheels are tightly fitted and that
the brake system operates properly.
If you retrofit wheel trims (or have this done), please also ensure that an adequate
flow of air remains assured for cooling the brake system.
The specialist garages are informed about the technical possibilities which exist
regarding converting or retrofitting wheels, tyres and wheel trims.
WARNING
•
In case of incorrect treatment of the wheel bolts, the wheel can loosen
when the car is moving - risk of accident!
•
The wheel bolts must be clean and must turn easily. However, they must
never be treated with grease or oil.
•
If the wheel bolts are tightened to a too low tightening torque, the rim
can lossen when the car is moving - risk of accident! A tightening torque
which is too high can damage the bolts and threads and this can result in
permanent deformation of the contact surfaces on the rims.Caution
The prescribed tightening torque of the wheel bolts for steel and light alloy wheels
is 120 Nm.
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Wheels and Tyres 202Winter tyresThe handling of your vehicle will be significantly improved when driving on wintry
roads if you fit winter tyres. Summer tyres do not offer the same grip on ice, snow
and at temperatures below 7 °C because of their construction (width, rubber blend,
tread pattern). This applies in particular to vehicles which are equipped with low-
profile tyres or high-speed tyres (code index H, V or W on wall of tyre).
Winter tyres must be mounted on all four wheels to obtain the best handling char-
acteristics.
You must only fit those types of winter tyre which are approved for your vehicle. The
permissible sizes of winter tyres are stated in your vehicle documents. Approvals
may differ because of national legislation.
Please remember that the tyres should be inflated to 20 kPa (0.2 bar) more than is
the case for summer tyres ⇒page 198.
Winter tyres no longer offer the same winter performance once the tyre tread has
worn down to a depth of about 4 mm.
Ageing a l s o c a u s e s w i n t e r t y re s t o l o s e m o s t of their winter performance properties
- even in cases where the remaining tread depth is still clearly more than 4 mm.
Speed restrictions apply to winter tyres as well as to summer tyres ⇒page 200,
⇒.
You can fit winter tyres of a lower speed category to your vehicle provided that you
also do not drive faster than the permissible maximum speed for such tyres, even
if the possible maximum speed of your vehicle is higher. The corresponding tyre
category can damage the tyres when exceeding the permissible maximum speed.
Please pay attention to the notes if you decide to fit winter tyres ⇒page 198.
You can also fit so-called “all-year tyres” instead of winter tyres.
Please contact your specialist garage if there are any points which are not clear who
will be able to provide you with information regarding the maximum speed for your
tyres.
WARNING
You must on no account drive your car at more than the permissible
maximum speed for your winter tyres - risk of an accident resulting from
tyre damage and loss of control over your car.
For the sake of the environment
Fit your summer tyres on again in good time since summer tyres offer you better
grip and handling on roads which are free of snow and ice as well as ar tempera-
tures below 7 °C - the braking distance is shorter, there is less tyre noise, tyre wear
is reduced and fuel consumption is reduced.
Note
Please observe the various differing legal requirements regarding tyres.Unidirectional tyres*The direction of rotation of the tyres is marked by arrows on the wall of the tyre.
This indicates the direction of rotation of the tyre, and it is essential that the tyres
are fitted on to run in this direction. Only then are the tyres able to provide the
optimal properties in terms of grip, low noise, wear-and-tear and aquaplaning.
Should it be necessary to fit on a spare wheel in exceptional cases with a tyre not
dedicated to the running direction or in opposite running direction, please adopt a
cautious style of driving as the tyre is no longer able to provide optimal grip and
handling in such a situation. This particularly important on wet roads. Please refer
to the notes ⇒page 208, “Spare wheel*”.
You should have the defective tyre replaced as soon as possible and restore the
correct direction of rotation on all tyresSnow chainsSnow chains must only be mounted on the front wheels.
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Wheels and Tyres203
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Technical Data When driving on wintry roads, snow chains improve not only traction, but also the
braking performance.
For technical reasons, it is only permissible to fit snow chains with the following
wheel/tyre combinations:
Only use fine-link snow chains. They must not project more than 9 mm -
including the chain lock.
Remove the full wheel trims before installing the snow chains.
Observe the national legal requirements relating to the use of snow chains and the
maximum vehicle speed with snow chains.
WARNING
Please pay attention to the information in the supplied fitting instructions of
the snow chain manufacturer.
Caution
You must take the chains off as soon as you drive on roads which are free of snow.
They adversely affect the handling of your vehicle, damage the tyres and are rapidly
destroyed.
Note
•
Only fit snow chains from the range of Škoda genuine accessories.
•
When driving with snow chains, switch off the traction control system (TCS).
Wheel size
Depth (D)
Tyre s iz e
5J x 14
35 mm
175/70
6J x 14
37 mm
185/65
6J x 15
43 mm
185/55
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