ECO mode SKODA ROOMSTER 2011 1.G Owner's Manual

Introduction
You have opted for a ŠKODA – our sincere thanks for your confidence in us.
Your new ŠKODA offers you a vehicle featuring the most modern engineering and a wide range of equipment
which you will undoubtedly wish to use to the full during your daily motoring. That is why, we recommend
that you read this Owner's Manual attentively to enable you to become familiar with your car and all that it
offers as quickly as possible.
Please do not hesitate to contact your specialist garage or importer should you have any further questions or
any problems regarding your vehicle which may arise. He will be ready at any time to receive your questions,
suggestions and criticisms.
National legal provisions, which deviate from the information contained in these operating instructions, take
precedence over the information contained in the operating instructions.
We wish you much pleasure with your ŠKODA and pleasant motoring at all times.
Your ŠKODA AUTO a.s. (hereinafter ŠKODA) £

On-board literature
The on-board literature for your vehicle consists of this
“Owner's Man-
ual ” as well as a “Service schedule” and a “ Help on the road”. There can
also be other additional operating manuals and instructions on-board
(e. g. an operating manual for the radio) depending on the vehicle model
and equipment.
If one of the publications listed above is missing, please contact a spe-
cialist garage immediately, where one will be glad to assist you in such
matters.
One should note that the details given in the vehicle's technical docu-
mentation always take precedence over those in the Owner's Manual.
Owner's Manual
This Owner's manual describes all possible equipment variants without
identifying them as special equipment, model variants or market-de-
pendent equipment.
Consequently, this vehicle does not need to contain all of the equip-
ment components described in this Owner's manual.
The scope of equipment for your vehicle is described in the sales docu-
mentation you were given when purchasing the car. For more informa-
tion, contact your local ŠKODA retailer.
The illustrations can differ in minor details from your vehicle; they are
only intended for general information.
In addition to information regarding all the controls and equipment, the
Owner's Manual also contains important information regarding care and
operation for your safety and also to retain the value of your vehicle. To
provide you with valuable tips and aids. You will learn how you can op-
erate your vehicle safely, economically and in an environmentally con-
scious way.
For safety reasons, please also pay attention to the information on ac-
cessories, modifications and replacement of parts ⇒  page 166. The other chapters of the Owner's Manual are also important, however,
for proper treatment of your car - in addition to regular care and main-
tenance - helps to retain its value and in many cases is also one of the
conditions for possible warranty claims.
The Service schedule
Contains:
● Vehicle data;
● Service intervals;
● Overview of the service work;
● Service proof;
● Confirmation of mobility warranty (only valid in certain countries);
● important information on the warranty.
The confirmations of the carried out service work are one of the condi-
tions for possible warranty claims.
Please always present the Service schedule when you take your car to a
specialist garage.
If the Service schedule is missing or worn, please contact the specialist
garage where your car is serviced regularly. You will receive a duplicate,
in which the previously carried out service work are confirmed.
Help on the road
Contains the most important telephone numbers in individual countries
as well as the addresses and telephone numbers of

ŠKODA importers.2
Introduction

Button for display mode:
–
Set hours/minutes
– Activating/deactivating the second speed in mph or km/h
– Service interval - Display of the remaining number of days, kilometres or
miles to the next Inspection Service/Reset 1)
Button for:
– Reset trip counter for distance driven
– Resetting Service Interval Display
– Set hours/minutes
– Activate/deactivate display mode
Fuel gauge ⇒ page 11 
Engine revolutions counter The red zone of the rev counter scale
1
⇒  fig. 2 indicates the range in which the
engine control unit begins to limit the engine speed. The engine control unit re-
stricts the engine speed to a steady limit value.
Shift into the next higher gear or select the selector lever position D of the auto-
matic gearbox before reaching the red zone of the rev counter scale.
Avoid high engine speeds during the driving time and before the engine has been
warmed up to operating temperature ⇒ page 132. For the sake of the environment
Shifting to a higher gear in good time helps to reduce the fuel consumption, mini-
mises operating noise levels, protects the environment and contributes to a lon-
ger life and reliability of the engine. 
Speedometer Warning against excessive speeds
An acoustic warning signal will sound when the vehicle speed exceeds 120 kilo-
metres per hour. The acoustic warning signal will switch off again when the vehi-
cle speed goes below this speed limit.

5 6
7 Coolant temperature gauge
The coolant temperature gauge
4 ⇒ fig. 2
operates only when the ignition is
switched on.
Please pay attention to the following guidelines regarding temperature ranges in
order to avoid damage to the engine:
Cold range
If the pointer is in the left-hand area of the scale it means that the engine has not
yet reached its operating temperature. Avoid running at high engine speeds, at
full throttle and at severe engine loads.
The operating range
The engine has reached its operating temperature as soon as the pointer moves
into the mid-range of the scale. The pointer may also move further to the right at
high engine loads and high outside temperatures. This is not critical provided the
warning symbol  in the instrument cluster does not flash.
If the symbol  in the instrument cluster flashes it means that either the coolant
temperature is too high or the coolant level is too low. Please refer to the follow-
ing guidelines ⇒ page 23, Coolant temperature/ Coolant quantity   . WARNING
Pay attention to the warning notes ⇒ page 150
, Working in the engine com-
partment before opening the bonnet and inspecting the coolant level. CAUTION
Additional headlights and other attached components in front of the fresh air inlet
impair the cooling efficiency of the coolant. There is then a risk of the engine
overheating at high outside temperatures and high engine loads! 
Fuel gauge The fuel gauge
7
⇒
 fig. 2 only operates when the ignition is switched on. £1)
Valid for countries where the values are indicated in British measuring units. 11
Instruments and warning lights Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assis-
tance Praktik Technical data

–
You can drive at the desired speed, e.g. 50 km/h.
– Press button B to accept the current speed as the speed limit (the value
flashes).
If you wish to change the speed limit that was set, it is changed in 5 km/h inter-
vals (e.g. the accepted speed of 47 km/h increases to 50 km/h or decreases to 45
km/h).
– Confirm the speed limit that was set by pressing button B again, or wait ap-
prox. 5 seconds until the setting is saved automatically (the value stops flash-
ing).
Change or delete speed limit
– With switch A , choose the menu point
Warning against excessive speeds.
– Remove the speed limit with button B .
– Pressing the button B again activates the change mode for the speed limit.
If you exceed the set speed limit, an acoustic warning signal will sound as a warn-
ing. At the same time the message Warning against excessive speeds appears
with the set limit value.
The set speed limit remains stored even after switching off the ignition. WARNING
Pay attention primarily to the traffic situation! As the driver you are fully re-
sponsible for road safety. 
MAXI DOT display (information display) Introduction The information display provides you with information in a convenient way con-
cerning the current operating state of your vehicle . The information system also
provides you with data (depending on the equipment installed in the vehicle) re-
lating to the radio, mobile phone, multi-functional indicator, radio navigation sys-
tem, the unit connected to the MDI input and the automatic gearbox.
Certain functions and operating conditions are always being checked on the vehi-
cle when the ignition is switched on and also while driving. Functional faults, if required repair work and other information are indicated by
red symbols
⇒
 page 18 and yellow symbols ⇒ page 19.
Lighting up of certain symbols is combined with an acoustic warning signal.
Information and texts giving warnings are also shown in the display ⇒ page 20.
The following information can be shown in the display (depending on the equip-
ment installed on the vehicle): Main menu ⇒ page 17
Door, luggage compartment door and bonnet ajar
warning ⇒ page 18
Service Interval Display ⇒ 
page 12 Selector lever position for an automatic gearbox ⇒ page 87 
Main menu Fig. 7 Information display: Control ele-
ments
– You can activate the Main Menu by pressing the rocker switch A
⇒  fig. 7 for
more than 1

second.
– You can select individual menu points by means of the rocker switch A . When
the pushbutton B is briefly pressed, the information you have selected is dis-
played.
You can select the following information (depending on the equipment installed
on the vehicle):
■ MFD ⇒

  page 14
■ Audio
■ Navigation £ 17
Instruments and warning lights Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assis-
tance Praktik Technical data

The following situation applies if the front, side and head airbags or belt ten-
sioner have been switched off using the vehicle system tester:
●
The warning light  lights up for 3 seconds after switching on the ignition and
then flashes for 12 seconds afterwards in 2 second intervals.
The following text will be displayed in the information display: Airbag/belt tensioner deactivated!
If the passenger front airbag has been switched off using the switch (for switch-
ing off airbags) in the end face of the dash panel on the front passenger side:
● the warning light  comes on for 4 seconds after the ignition has been
switched on;
● switching off the airbag is indicated in the middle of the dash panel by the
lighting up of the yellow indicator light in display  

    ⇒  page 117. WARNING
Have the airbag system checked immediately by a specialist garage if a fault
exists. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being activated in the event
of an accident. Note
Further information about switching off airbags ⇒ page 116
, Deactivating airbags.
Diesel particle filter  (diesel engine) If the warning light
 comes on, this means that soot has accumulated in the
diesel particle filter because of the frequent short distances.
In order to clean the diesel particulate filter, the vehicle should be driven at an
even speed of at least 60 km/h at engine speeds of 1

800 - 2 500 rpm for at least
15 minutes or until the warning light goes out with the 4th or 5th gear engaged
(automatic gearbox: position S) when the traffic situation permits it. This increa-
ses the exhaust temperature and the soot deposited in the diesel particle filter is
burnt.
Always pay attention to the valid speed limits ⇒  .
The warning light 
goes out after the successful cleaning of the diesel particle
filter. If the filter is not properly cleaned, the warning light
 does not go out and the
warning light  begins to flash. In the information display Diesel-particle filter
owner's manual appears. Afterwards the engine control unit shifts the engine in-
to the emergency mode, which only has a reduced power output. After switching
the ignition off and on again the warning light  comes on.
Have the vehicle inspected without delay by your specialist garage. WARNING
● If you do not pay attention to the warning light coming on and the corre-
sponding descriptions and warning notes, this may result in injuries or major
vehicle damage.
● Always adjust your speed to suit weather, road, region and traffic condi-
tions. The route indicated by the warning light must not tempt you to disre-
gard the national regulations for road traffic. CAUTION
As long as the warning light  lights up, one must take into account an increased
fuel consumption and in certain circumstances a power reduction of the engine. Note
Further information about diesel particle filter ⇒
 page 131, Diesel particle filter
(diesel engine). 
Seat belt warning light  The warning light
 comes on after the ignition is switched on as a reminder for
the driver and front passenger to fasten the seat belt. The warning light only goes
out if the driver or front passenger has fastened his seat belt.
If the seat belt has not been fastened by the driver or front passenger, a perma-
nent warning signal sounds at vehicle speeds greater than 20 km/h and simulta-
neously the warning light  flashes.
If the seat belt is not fastened by the driver or front passenger during the next 90
seconds, the warning signal is deactivated and the warning light  lights up per-
manently.
In case of a load on the front passenger seat e.g. a bag (this is not recommended
for safety reasons) the warning light  indicates that the seat belt is not fastened.
For further information on the seat belts ⇒ page 105, Why seat belts?

. 27
Instruments and warning lights Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assis-
tance Praktik Technical data

Activating daylight driving lights
–
Remove the cover of the fuse box on the left side of the dash panel
⇒ page 179.
– Turn the light switch into position O ⇒ fig. 21 - left.
– Switch on the switch for daylight driving lights ⇒  fig. 21 - right.
Deactivating daylight driving lights
– Switch off the switch for daylight driving lights ⇒ fig. 21 - right.
– Turn the light switch to the position side lights  or low beam  ⇒
 fig. 21 -
left.
Activating daylight driving lights on vehicles with “START-STOP”
– Switch off the ignition.
– Pull the turn signal light lever towards the steering wheel, at the same time
slide it to the top and hold it in this position.
– Switch on the ignition - wait until the right-turn signal light flashes 4x.
– Switch off the ignition - an audible signal sounds, which confirms the activa-
tion of the daylight driving lights.
– Release the turn signal light lever.
Deactivating daylight driving lights on vehicles with
“START-STOP”
– Switch off the ignition.
– Pull the turn signal light lever towards the steering wheel, at the same time
slide it to the bottom and hold it in this position.
– Switch on the ignition - wait until the left -turn signal light flashes 4x.
– Switch off the ignition - an audible signal sounds, which confirms the deactiva-
tion of the daylight driving lights.
– Release the turn signal light lever.
On vehicles with separate lights for daylight driving lights in the fog lights or in
the front bumper, the parking lights and the licence plate light do not come on
when activating the function daylight driving lights (neither front nor rear).
If the vehicle is not equipped with separate lights for daylight driving lights, the
combination of the low beam, the parking lights (front and rear) including the li-
cence plate light is used as daylight driving lights. In some countries, the national legal provisions require that the rear parking lights
also come on together with the separate lights for daylight driving lights when ac-
tivating the function daylight driving lights. 
Halogen projector headlights with cornering light function For a better cornering illumination, the halogen projector headlights with corner-
ing light function are set in the optimal position in line with the vehicle speed and
the steering angle.
If the warning light
 comes on while driving or after the ignition is switched on, a
fault is confirmed. WARNING
If there is a fault in the halogen projector headlights with cornering light func-
tion, the warning light  lights up in the instrument cluster. The halogen pro-
jector headlights with cornering light function are automatically lowered to
the emergency position, which prevents a possible dazzling of oncoming traf-
fic. Thus the illuminated length of the road is shortened. Drive carefully and
have the car inspected immediately by a specialist garage. 
Tourist light Halogen projector headlights with cornering light function
This mode makes it possible to drive in countries with opposing traffic system,
driving on the left/right, without dazzling the oncoming vehicles. When the mode
“tourist light

” is active, the side to side swivel of the headlights is deactivated.
Activating tourist light
Before activating the tourist light, the following conditions must be met:
Ignition switched off, light switched off (light switch in the position O), control dial
for the headlamp beam adjustment in the position -, no gear engaged or selector
lever in the position N (automatic gearbox), tourist light deactivated.
– Switch on the ignition.
Up to 10 seconds after the ignition is switched on:
– Turn the light switch to the position  ⇒  page 39.
– Engage the reverse gear (manual gearbox) or move the selector lever into the
position R

(automatic gearbox). £40
Lights and Visibility

–
Turn the control dial for headlamp beam adjustment from the position - to the
position 3 ⇒ page 42.
Deactivating tourist light
Before deactivating the tourist light, the following conditions must be met:
Ignition switched off, light switched off (light switch in the position O), control dial
for the headlamp beam adjustment in the position 3, no gear engaged or selector
lever in the position N (automatic gearbox), tourist light activated.
– Switch on the ignition.
Up to 10 seconds after the ignition is switched on:
– Turn the light switch to the position  ⇒  page 39.
– Engage the reverse gear (manual gearbox) or move the selector lever into the
position R
(automatic gearbox).
– Turn the control dial for headlamp beam adjustment from the position 3 to the
position - ⇒  page 42.
The adaptation of the halogen projector headlights must be performed as follows
⇒  page 137

. Note
When the “tourist light” mode is active, the warning light  flashes for about 10
seconds each time the ignition is switched on. 
Fog lights  Fig. 22 Dash panel: Light switchSwitch on the front fog lamp
–
First of all turn the light switch into position  or  ⇒
 fig. 22.
– Pull the light switch out to the first detent 1 .
The warning light  lights up in the instrument cluster when the fog lights are
switched on ⇒

  page 20. 
Fog lights with the function “CORNER” The fog lights with the function “CORNER” are designed for a bet-
ter illumination of the surrounding area near the vehicle when
corning, parking etc.
The fog lights with the function

“CORNER” are adjusted according to the steering
angle or after switching on the turn signal light 1)
in the following circumstances:
● the vehicle is stationary and the engine is running or it moves with a speed of
maximum 40 km/h;
● the daylight driving lights are not switched on;
● Low beam switched on.
A fault in the system of the fog lights with the function
“CORNER” is confirmed by
the warning light  lighting up. Note
If the fog lights are switched on, the function “CORNER” is not active. 
Rear fog light  Switching on the rear fog light
–
First of all turn the light switch into position  or  ⇒
 fig. 22.
– Pull the light switch into position 2 . The fog lights light up at the same time.
If the vehicle is not fitted with fog lights, the rear fog light is switched on by turn-
ing the light switch to the position  and is pulled out directly to the position 2 .
This switch does not have two positions, but only one position. £1)
If both switch on versions are conflicting, for example if the steering wheel is turned to the left and
the right turn signal light is switched on, the turn signal light has the higher priority. 41
Lights and Visibility Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assis-
tance Praktik Technical data

CAUTION
● In cold temperatures and in winter, check before the trip or before switching
on the ignition that the wiper blades are not frozen. Switching on windshield wip-
ers when the blades are frozen to the windshield may result in damage both to
the blades and the motor of the windshield wipers!
● If you switch off the ignition while the windshield wipers are on, the wipers
will sweep in the same mode the next time the ignition is switched on. At low
temperatures, the wipers may freeze to the window between switching off the ig-
nition and the next time you switch the ignition on again.
● Carefully detach frozen wiper blades from the front or rear window.
● Remove snow and ice from the window wipers before driving. Note
The content of the windshield wiper reservoir is 3.5 litres. On vehicles which are
equipped with a headlight cleaning system, the content of the reservoir is 5.4 li-
tres. 
Headlight cleaning system The headlights are being cleaned after the windshield washer system has been
operated for the fifth time, the low beam or main beam are switched on as well as
the windshield wiper lever is held in the position
5
⇒
 fig. 30 for about 1 second.
You should remove stubborn dirt (such as insect residues) from the headlight len-
ses at regular intervals, for example when refuelling. Please refer to the following
guidelines ⇒ page 144, The headlight lenses.
You should remove any snow from the fixtures of the washer nozzles and clear ice
in winter with a de-icing spray in order to ensure proper operation of the cleaning
system. CAUTION
Never remove the nozzles from the headlamp cleaning system by hand - risk of
damage! Replacing wiper blades for the windshield wipers Fig. 31 Wiper blade for the windshield
wiper
Removing the wiper blade
– Fold windshield wiper arm away from the windshield.
– Press the locking button, in order to unlock the wiper blade and pull off in the
direction of arrow.
Attaching the wiper blade
– Push the wiper blade until it locks up to the stop.
– Check whether the wiper blade is correctly attached.
– Fold the windshield wiper arm back onto the windshield.
Windshield wiper blades in proper condition are essential to obtain good visibility.
Wiper blades should not be allowed to become dirtied by dust, insect remains and
preserving wax.
Juddering or smearing of the wiper blades could then be due to wax residues left
on the windshield by vehicle washing in automatic vehicle wash systems. It is
therefore important to degrease the lips of the windshield wiper blades after ev-
ery pass through an automatic vehicle wash system .£ 47
Lights and Visibility Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assis-
tance Praktik Technical data

Storage compartments on the front passenger side ⇒ page 65
Storage compartment on the driver's side ⇒ page 66
Stowage compartment for spectacles ⇒ page 66
Stowage compartment in centre console ⇒ page 66
Storage compartment in the front seat ⇒ page 66
Front seat armrest with storage compartment ⇒ page 67
Storage compartment in the front doors ⇒ page 67
Storage compartments in the luggage compartment ⇒ page 67
Flexible storage compartment ⇒ page 68
Clothes hooks ⇒ page 68
WARNING
● Please do not place anything on top of the dash panel. Such objects might
slide or fall down when driving (when accelerating or cornering) and may dis-
tract you from concentrating on the traffic situation - risk of accident!
● Ensure that when driving no objects from the centre console of from other
storage possibilities may get into the footwell of the driver. You would then
no longer be able to apply the brakes, operate the clutch or accelerator - risk
of accident! 
Storage compartments on the front passenger side Fig. 63 Dash panel: Storage compart-
ments on the front passenger side
On some vehicles, the storage compartments are not equipped with lids.
Opening and closing the storage compartments on the front passenger side
– Pull the handle of the lid in direction of arrow ⇒  fig. 63 and fold it open. –
Swivel the flap until it is heard to lock.
A pin holder is located inside the lower flap. WARNING
The storage compartments must always be closed when driving for safety rea-
sons. 
Cooling of storage compartment on front passenger side Fig. 64 Storage compartment: Using
cooling system
– You can switch the cooling system on or off using the control dial ⇒ fig. 64 .
Opening the air inlet when the air conditioning system is on causes fresh or interi-
or air to flow into the storage compartment.
We recommend that you switch off the cooling if it is operating in the heating
mode or if you are not using the cooling system for the storage compartment.  65
Seats and Stowage Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assis-
tance Praktik Technical data

Heating and air conditioning system
Introduction
Description and information The heating effect is dependent upon the coolant temperature, thus full heat out-
put only occurs when the engine has reached its operating temperature.
If the cooling system is switched on, the temperature and air humidity drops in
the vehicle. The well-being of the occupants of the car is enhanced as a result of
this particularly at high outside temperatures and a high air humidity. The system
prevents the windows misting up during the cold season of the year.
It is possible to briefly activate recirculated air mode in order to enhance the cool-
ing effect - air-conditioning system ⇒
 page 74, Climatronic ⇒ page 77.
The air inlet in front of the windshield must be free of ice, snow or leaves in order
to ensure that the heating and cooling systems operate properly.
After switching on the cooling Condensation from the evaporator of the air condi-
tioning may drip down and form a puddle below the vehicle. This is quite normal
and not an indication of a leak! WARNING
● For your own safety and that of other road users, ensure that all the win-
dows are free of ice, snow and misting. Please familiarize yourself about how
to correctly operate the heating and ventilation systems, how to demist and
defrost the windows, as well as with the cooling mode.
● You should not leave recirculated air mode on over a longer period of time,
as

“stale” air may result in fatigue in the driver and occupants, divert your at-
tention and also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an accident
increases. Switch recirculated air mode off as soon as the windows begin
misting up. Note
● The used air streams out through the air removal openings in the luggage
compartment.
● We recommend that you do not smoke in the vehicle when the recirculating air
mode is operating since the smoke which is drawn at the evaporator from the in-
terior of the vehicle forms deposits in the evaporator of the air conditioning sys- tem. This produces a permanent odour when the air conditioning system is oper-
ating which can only be eliminated through considerable effort and expense (re-
placement of compressor).
● Please refer to the information regarding the recirculated air mode for heating
⇒

  page 71 and/or for air-conditioning system ⇒ page 74 or Climatronic
⇒  page 77.
● To ensure that the heating and air conditioning systems work properly, do not
block up the air outlet vents with any objects. 
Using the air conditioning system economically The compressor on the air conditioning system uses power from the engine when
in cooling mode which will effect the fuel consumption.
It recommended to open the windows or the doors of a vehicle for which the inte-
rior has been strongly heated through the effect of direct sunlight in order to al-
low the heated air to escape.
The cooling system should not be switched on while travelling when the window
is open.
The desired interior temperature can also be achieved without switching in the
cooling system just by switching to fresh air mode. For the sake of the environment
When you economize on fuel, you also reduce pollutant emissions. 
Operational problems If the cooling system does not operate at outside temperatures higher than +5 °C,
there is a problem in the system. The reasons for this may be:
●
The fuse on the air conditioning system has blown. Check the fuse, replace it if
necessary ⇒ page 179.
● The cooling system has switched off automatically for a short time because
the coolant temperature of the engine is too hot ⇒ page 11.
If you are not able to rectify the operational problem yourself, or if the cooling ca-
pacity decreases, switch the cooling system off. Contact a specialist garage.  69
Heating and air conditioning system Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assis-
tance Praktik Technical data