coolant level SKODA ROOMSTER 2012 1.G Owner's Manual

›
Set hours/minutes
› Activate/deactivate display mode
Fuel gauge »
page 9 ÐEngine revolutions counter
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 8.
The red scale of the rev counter 1
» Fig. 2 on page 8 indicates the range in which
the engine control unit begins to limit the engine speed. The engine control unit
restricts the engine speed to a steady limit.
You should shift into the next higher gear before the red scale of the revolution
counter is reached, or move the selector lever into position D if your car is fitted
with an automatic gearbox.
Avoid high engine speeds during the running-in period » page 119, New engine
and before the engine has warmed up to the operating temperature.
To maintain the optimum motor speed, observe the gearshift indica-
tor » page 11. For the sake of the environment
Shifting to a higher gear in good time helps to lower fuel consumption, minimises
operating noise levels, protects the environment and contributes to a longer life
and reliability of the engine. ÐSpeedometer
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 8.
Warning against excessive speeds
An audible warning signal will sound when the vehicle speed exceeds 120 km/h.
The audible warning signal is switched off when the vehicle speed falls below
this speed limit.
Note
This function is only valid for some countries. Ð7
ä
ä Coolant temperature gauge
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 8.
The coolant temperature gauge 4
» Fig. 2 on page 8 operates only when the ig-
nition is switched on.
The following guidelines regarding the temperature ranges must be observed to
avoid any damage to the engine.
Cold range
If the pointer is still in the left area of the scale it means that the engine has not
yet reached its operating temperature. Avoid high speeds, full throttle and high
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, for a normal style of driving. The pointer may also
move further to the right at high engine loads and high outside temperatures. CAUTION
Additional headlights and other attached components in front of the fresh air in-
let impair the cooling efficiency of the coolant. There is then a risk of the engine
overheating at high outside temperatures and high engine loads »

page 19. Ð Fuel gauge
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 8.
The fuel gauge 7
» Fig. 2 on page 8 only operates when the ignition is switched
on.
The fuel tank has a capacity of about 55 litres. The indicator light in the instru-
ment cluster lights up when the pointer reaches the reserve mark-
ing » page 22 .
An audible signal sounds as a warning signal. £
ä
ä
9
Instruments and Indicator Lights

WARNING
If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 40. Note
■ If warning messages are shown in the information display, you need to confirm
these messages with the button B
» Fig. 7
on page 15 in order to call up the main
menu.
■ As long as the operational faults are not rectified, the symbols are always indi-
cated again. After they are displayed for the first time, the symbols continue to be
indicated without any extra messages for the driver. ÐWarning lights
Overview
The warning lights show certain functions/faults and may be accompanied by au-
dible signals.
 Handbrake
» page 18
 Brake system
» page 18
 Fastening the seat belt
» page 18
 Generator
» page 18
 Open door
» page 19

 Engine oil
» page 19
  Coolant temperature/coolant level
» page 19 
Electrohydraulic power steering
» page 20
 Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
» page 20
 Traction control (TCS)
» page 21
 Antilock brake system (ABS)
» page 21
 Rear fog light
» page 21
 Bulb failure
» page 21
 Exhaust inspection system
» page 21
 Glow plug system (diesel engine)
» page 22
 EPC fault light (petrol engine)
» page 22
 Diesel particle filter (diesel engine)
» page 22
 Fuel reserve
» page 22
 Airbag system
» page 23
 Tyre control display
» page 23
 Windscreen washer fluid level
» page 23
 Traction control (TCS) switched off
» page 23
  Turn signal (left/right).
» page 23
 Low beam
» page 23
 Fog lights
» page 24£ 17
Instruments and Indicator Lights

CAUTION
If the warning light  (cooling system fault) comes on in addition to the warning
light  when driving, stop the vehicle immediately and switch the engine off -
risk of engine damage! ÐOpen door 
The warning light  comes on if one or several doors are opened or if the boot lid
is opened.
The warning light comes on even when the ignition is switched off. The warning
light lights up for a maximum of 5 minutes. WARNING
If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 40, Switches for the hazard warning light system .Ð warning light 

The warning light  lights up red (low oil pressure)
The following is displayed in the information display:
Oil Pressure: Engine off! Owner's manual!
The warning light 
comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched
on 1)
.
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the engine
oil » page 139, Checking the engine oil level .
Even if the oil level is correct,  do not drive any further if the warning light is
flashing. Also do not leave the engine running at an idling speed.
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage. The warning light
 lights up yellow (oil quantity too low)
The following is displayed in the information display:
Check oil level!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the engine
oil » page 139, Checking the engine oil level .
An audible signal sounds as a warning signal.
The warning light will go out if the bonnet is left open for more than 30 seconds.
If no engine oil has been replenished, the warning light will come on again after
driving about 100 km.
The warning light  flashes yellow (engine oil level sensor faulty)
The following is displayed in the information display:
Oil sensor: Workshop!
If the engine oil level sensor is faulty, the warning light flashes  several times
and an audible signal sounds when the ignition is turned on.
Seek help from a

ŠKODA specialist garage. WARNING
If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 40. CAUTION
The red oil pressure light  is not an oil level indicator! One should therefore
check the oil level at regular intervals, preferably after every refuelling stop. Ð Coolant temperature/coolant level 

The indicator light  lights up until the engine reaches operating temperature 2)
.
Avoid high speeds, full throttle and high engine loads.
If the warning light  lights up or flashes, either the coolant temperature is too
high or the coolant level is too low. £1)
The warning light  on vehicles fitted with an information display does not come on after switching
the ignition on, but only if a fault exists or the engine oil level is too low.
2) Not valid for vehicles with information display.
19
Instruments and Indicator Lights

An audible signal sounds as a warning tone.
The following is displayed in the information display: Check coolant! Owner's manual!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, check the level of the coolant » page 141,
and refill the coolant if necessary » page 141.
If the coolant is within the specified range, the increased temperature may be
caused by an operating problem at the radiator fan. Check the fuse for the radia-
tor fan, replace if necessary » page 168, Fuses in the engine compartment .
Do not continue driving if the warning light   does not go off even though the
coolant level is correct and the fuse for the fan is in working order!
Seek help from a
ŠKODA specialist garage.WARNING
■ If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 40.
■ Carefully open the coolant expansion bottle. If the engine is hot, the cooling
system is pressurized - risk of scalding! It is therefore best to allow the engine
to cool down before removing the cap.
■ Do not touch the radiator fan. The radiator fan may switch itself on auto-
matically even if the ignition is off. ÐElectrohydraulic power steering 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched
on.
If the warning light after switching on the ignition or when driving lights up con-
tinuously, a fault exists in the electrohydraulic power steering. The power steer-
ing operates with reduced steering assist or does not function at all.
Seek help from a

ŠKODA specialist garage.
Further information » page 77. Note
■ If the yellow warning light  goes out when you restart the engine and drive
for a short distance, it is not necessary to visit a

ŠKODA specialist garage.
■ If the vehicle battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the yellow warn-
ing light  comes on after switching on the ignition. The warning light should go
out after driving a short distance. ■ There is no power-assisted steering support when the vehicle is being towed
without the engine running or when the power-assisted steering is defect. The
vehicle is fully steerable however. There is however increased force required to
turn the steering wheel. Ð Electronic Stability Control (ESC) 
The warning light flashes  to show that the ESC is currently operating.
If the warning light  comes on immediately after you start the engine, the ESC
might be switched off due to technical reasons. Switch the ignition off and on
again. If the warning light does not light up after you switch the engine back on,
the ESR is fully functional again.
If the warning light  lights up, there is a fault in the ESC.
The following is displayed in the information display: Error: Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
The ESC cannot be switched off, the button  » page 81
only deactivates the
TCS system and the warning light  in the instrument cluster lights up.
As the ESC operates in conjunction with the ABS, the ESP indicator light will also
come on if the ABS system fails.
Further information » page 80, Stabilisation control (ESC) . Note
If the vehicle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light  comes on after switching on the ignition. The warning light should go out after
driving a short distance. Ð
20 Using the system

Heating and air conditioning system
Heating and air conditioning system
Introductory information
The heating effect is dependent upon the coolant temperature, thus full heat
output 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 to enhance the cooling ef-
fect.
Please refer to the information regarding recirculated air mode for the air-condi-
tioning system » page 72 or for Climatronic »
page 74.
The air inlet in front of the windscreen must be free of ice, snow or leaves to en-
sure that the heating and cooling system operates 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.
■ Do not leave recirculated air mode on over a longer period of time, as “stale”
air can cause fatigue of the driver and passengers, reduce attention levels and
also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an accident increases.
Switch off recirculated air mode as soon as the windows start to mist up. Note
■ The used air streams out through the vents in the boot.
■ 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). ■ To ensure that the heating and air conditioning systems work properly, do not
block up the air outlet vents with any objects. Ð 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.
If the desired interior temperature can also be achieved without activating the
cooling system, fresh air mode should be selected. For the sake of the environment
Pollutant emissions are also reduced when fuel is saved. Ð 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.
› One of the fuses has blown. Check the fuse and replace if necessa-
ry »

page 166 .
› The cooling system has switched off automatically for a short time because the
coolant temperature of the engine is too hot » page 9. £
67
Heating and air conditioning system

Immediately reduce your speed as soon as even the slightest swaying of the trail-
er is detected. Never attempt to stop the trailer from “swaying” by accelerating.
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.
Trailer is connected to the anti-theft alarm system.
› If the vehicle is factory-fitted with an anti-theft alarm system and a towing de-
vice.
› If the trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle by means of the trail-
er socket.
› If the electrical system of the vehicle and trailer is fully functional.
› If the vehicle is locked with the car key and the anti-theft alarm system is acti-
vated.
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is activated as soon as the electrical con-
nection to the trailer is interrupted.
Always deactivate the anti-theft alarm system before a trailer is connected/dis-
connected. Otherwise, the anti-theft alarm system could accidentally be trig-
gered » page 30, Anti-theft alarm system .
Engine overheating
If the needle for the coolant temperature gauge moves into the right-hand area
or the red area of the scale, the speed must be reduced immediately. 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 in the coolant expansion
bottle » page 141, Checking the coolant level .
The following guidelines must be observed » page 19, Coolant temperature/cool-
ant level   .
The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating. WARNING
■ Adapt your speed to the conditions of the road surface and to the traffic sit-
uation.
■ Improper or incorrectly connected electric cables can energise the trailer and
cause functional faults to the vehicle's entire electrical system as well as acci-
dents and severe injuries.
■ Any work on the electrical system must be carried out only by ŠKODA spe-
cialist garages.
■ Never directly connect the trailer's electrical system with the electrical con-
nections for the tail lights or other current sources. CAUTION
■ Avoid abrupt and sudden driving/braking manoeuvres.
■ When the ball rod is removed, the mounting shaft must be sealed with an ap-
propriate cover. This prevents foreign matter from penetrating into the mounting
shaft. See the fitting instructions for the towing device. Note
■ We recommend that you also have your vehicle inspected between service in-
tervals if you tow a trailer frequently. ■ The handbrake on the towing vehicle must be put on when coupling and decou-
pling the trailer.
■ For technical reasons, trailers with rear LED lights cannot be connected to the
anti-theft alarm system. Ð
126 Driving Tips

Diesel fuel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 134.
Your vehicle can only be operated with
diesel fuel, which complies with the
standard EN
590 (standard DIN 51628 in Germany, standard ÖNORM C 1590 in
Austria, GOST R 52368-2005/EN 590:2004 in Russia).
Operation in winter - Winter-grade diesel fuel
In the winter, only use diesel fuel, which complies with the standard EN 590
(standard DIN 51628 in Germany, standard ÖNORM C 1590 in Austria,
GOST R 52368-2005/EN 590:2004 in Russia). “Winter-grade diesel fuel” will still
operate properly even at a temperature of -20 °C.
It is often the case in countries with different climatic conditions that diesel fuels
available have a different temperature characteristic. The ŠKODA Service Partners
and filling stations in the relevant country will be able to provide you with infor-
mation regarding the diesel fuels available.
Preheating fuel
The vehicle is fitted with a fuel filter preheating system. This secures operation of
a vehicle using diesel fuel down to an environmental temperature of -25 °C.
Fuel additives
Fuel additives, so-called “flow improvers” (petrol and similar products) must not
be added to the diesel fuel. CAUTION
■ Just filling the tank once with diesel fuel that does not comply with the stand-
ard, can cause severe damage to parts of the engine, the fuel and exhaust sys-
tem!
■ If a different fuel other than diesel fuel, which complies to the above mentioned
standards (e.g. petrol) is used by mistake do not start the engine or switch on the
ignition! Extensive damage to engine parts can occur! We recommend that the
fuel system is cleaned by a

ŠKODA Service Partner.
■ Water which has collected in the fuel filter can cause engine faults.
■ Your vehicle is not adapted for use of biofuel (RME), therefore this fuel must not
be refuelled and driven. The use of biofuel (RME) can cause considerable damage
to parts of the engine or fuel system. Ð
ä Engine compartment
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening and closing the bonnet 138
Engine compartment overview 138
Checking the engine oil level 139
Replenishing the engine oil 139
Changing engine oil 140
Coolant 140
Checking the coolant level 141
Replenishing the coolant 141
Radiator fan 142
Checking the brake fluid 142
Changing the brake fluid 142
Windscreen washer system 143
There is a risk of injuries, scalding, accidents and fire when working in the en-
gine compartment, e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and other fluids. For this
reason, it is essential to comply with the warning instructions stated below and
with the general applicable rules of safety. The vehicle's engine compartment is
a hazardous area . WARNING
■ Never open the bonnet if you can see steam or coolant flowing out of the
engine compartment - risk of scalding! Wait until the steam or coolant has
stopped escaping.
■ Turn off the engine and withdraw the ignition key.
■ If the vehicle is fitted with a manual gearbox, move the gearshift lever into
Neutral, or if the vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox, move the selec-
tor lever into position P .
■ Firmly apply the handbrake.
■ Allow the engine to cool.
■ For safety reasons, the bonnet must always be properly closed when driving.
This is why after closing the bonnet, the lock must always be checked to en-
sure it has engaged properly. £
136 General Maintenance

Checking the coolant level
Fig. 117
Engine compartment: Coolant
expansion reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 136.
The coolant expansion bottle is located in the engine compartment.
› Switch off the engine.
› Open the bonnet
» page 138.
› Check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle
» Fig. 117. The coolant
level when the engine is cold must lie between the B
(MIN) and A
(MAX) mark-
ings. The level may also rise slightly above the A
(MAX) marking when the en-
gine is warm.
If the coolant level in the coolant expansion tank is too low, this is indicated by
the warning light  lighting up in the instrument cluster » page 19, Coolant tem-
perature/coolant level   . We still recommend inspecting the coolant level di-
rectly at the reservoir from time to time.
Loss of coolant
A loss of coolant is first and foremost an indication of a leak in the system. Do
not merely top up the coolant. Have the cooling system checked by a
ŠKODA spe-
cialist garage immediately. CAUTION
If a fault causes the engine to overheat, we recommend visiting a ŠKODA Service
Partner immediately, otherwise serious engine damage may occur. Ð
ä Replenishing the coolant
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 136.
›
Switch off the engine.
› Allow the engine to cool.
› Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir
» Fig. 117 on
page 141 and unscrew the cap carefully.
› Replenish the coolant.
› Turn the cap until it clicks into place.
Do not use an alternative additive if the specified coolant is not available in an
emergency. In this case, just use water and have the correct mixing ratio of water
and the coolant additive restored by a ŠKODA

specialist garage as soon as possi-
ble.
Only use new coolant to top up the system.
Do not fill the coolant above the mark A
(max.)
» Fig. 117 on page 141! Excess
coolant heats up and then is forced out of the cooling system through the pres-
sure relief valve in the cap. WARNING
■ The coolant additive and thus all of the coolant is harmful to your health.
Avoid contact with the coolant. Coolant vapours are also harmful to health.
Therefore always safely store the coolant additive in its original container out
of the reach of children - risk of poisoning!
■ If any coolant splashes into your eyes, immediately rinse out your eyes with
clear water and contact a doctor as soon as possible.
■ You should also consult a doctor without delay if you have inadvertently
swallowed coolant. CAUTION
Do not continue your journey, if it is not possible  to top up the coolant under
the prevailing conditions . Contact a

ŠKODA Service Partner to avoid the risk of
serious engine. Ð
ä
141
Inspecting and replenishing

Radiator fan
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 136.
The radiator fan is driven by an electric motor and controlled according to the
coolant temperature.
After switching off the ignition, the radiator fan can intermittently continue to op-
erate for approx. 10 minutes. ÐChecking the brake fluid
Fig. 118
Engine compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 136.
The brake fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment.
› Switch off the engine.
› Open the bonnet
» page 138.
› Check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir
» Fig. 118. The level must be be-
tween the “MIN” and “MAX” markings.
When driving, a slight drop in the fluid level is caused by the wear-and-tear and
automatic adjustment of the brake pads, and is therefore perfectly normal.
There may be an indication of a leak in the brake system, however, if the fluid lev-
el drops significantly within a short time or if it drops below the “MIN” marking. If
the brake fluid level is too low, this is indicated by the warning light  lighting up
in the instrument cluster » page 18, Brake system .
ä
ä WARNING
If the fluid level has dropped below the MIN marking,  do not continue your
journey - risk of accident! Seek help from a
ŠKODA specialist garage.Ð Changing the brake fluid
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 136.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. Over time it therefore absorbs moisture from the
environment. Excessive water in the brake fluid may be the cause of corrosion in
the brake system. The water content also lowers the boiling point of the brake
fluid.
The brake fluid must comply with the following standards or specifications:
› VW 50114;
› FMVSS 116 DOT4. WARNING
Using old brake fluid can result in severe stress on the brakes because of the
formation of vapour bubbles in the brake system. This greatly impairs the
braking efficiency and thus also the safety of your vehicle. CAUTION
Brake fluid damages the paintwork of the vehicle. Ð
ä
142 General Maintenance

Index
A
ABS 81
Warning light 21
Accessories 155
Adjusting Exterior mirror 45
Adjusting seats 101
Adjustment Seat 47
Aerial 128
see Radio reception 130
Airbag 109
Deployment 109
Front airbag 110
Head airbag 112
Side airbag 111
Airbag system 109
Air conditioning system Air outlet vents 68
Climatronic 73
Manual air conditioning system 70
Alarm 30
Anti-theft alarm system 30
Antilock brake system 81
Armrest 64
Ashtray 60
Assistance systems ESC 80
Assist systems ABS 21, 81
Cruise control systems (CCS) 83
EDL 81
ESC 20
Parking aid 82
START/STOP 85
TCS 21, 81Auto Check Control 16
Automatic gearbox 87
Dynamic shift programme 90
Emergency programme 90
Information for driving 87
Kickdown 90
Manual shifting of gears 89
Parking 88
Selector lever-emergency unlocking 91
Selector lever lock 89
Selector lever positions 88
Starting off 88
Stopping 88
Tiptronic 89
Automatic load deactivation 147
AUX-IN 99
Avoiding damage to your vehicle 123
B
Before setting off 100
Belts 104
Belt tensioners 107
Bicycle carrier 56
Bonnet Closing 138
Opening 138
Boot Class
N1 vehicles 52
Cover 53
Emergency unlocking 33
Fastening elements 52
Fixing nets 53
Folding hooks 53
Light 41
see Boot lid 32
Unlocking the boot lid 33
Variable loading floor 55
Boot lid 32
Automatic locking 32
Brake assist 80Brake booster 80
Brake fluid Checking 142
Brakes Brake booster 80
Handbrake 80
Running in 119
Warning light 18
Braking Brake fluid 142
Breakdown kit 160
Bulbs Replacing 169
Button in the driver's door Electrical power windows 33
C
Car computer see Multifunction display 12
Car jack 156
Carrier 58
Catalytic converter 119
Central locking button 28
Central locking system 27
lock 28
unlock 28
Changes 155
Changing Engine oil 140
Wheel 157
Charging a vehicle battery 146
Checking Battery electrolyte level 145
Brake fluid 142
Coolant level 141
Engine oil 139
Oil level 139
Windscreen washer fluid 143
Children and safety 115
184 Index