
Starting-off and Driving115
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
- start engine
Diesel engines - fuel supply interrupted, ignition switched off, engine off
- heating glow plugs on, ignition switched on
•You should not switch on any major electrical components during the
heating period otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
- start engine
Applies to all models:
Position
To lock the steering , with the ignition key withdrawn, turn the steering
wheel until the steering locking pin is heard to engage. You should always
lock the steering as a general rule if you leave your vehicle. This acts as
a deterrent against possible theft of your vehicle ⇒.
Position
Move the steering wheel back and forward a little if the ignition key cannot,
or cannot easily be turned into this position, in order to release the
steering lock.
Position
The engine is started in this position. At the same time switched on low
beam or main beam or other electrical components with major power
consumption are briefly switched off. The ignition key moves back into
position when one releases the key.
The ignition key must be turned back into position each time before
starting the engine again. The starter repeat lock in the ignition lock
prevents the starter being engaged when the engine is running and thus
getting damaged. Ignition key withdrawal lock (automatic gearbox)
You can only withdraw the ignition key after switching off the ignition if the
selector lever is in position
P.
Starting engine
General
You can only start the engine only using an original ignition
key.
•Place the gearshift lever into neutral (or place the selector lever to the
position P or N in the case of an automatic gearbox) and put on the hand-
brake firmly before starting the engine.
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WARNING
•When driving, the ignition key must always be in the position
(ignition switched on) without the engine running. This position is
indicated by the warning lights coming on. If this is not the case, it
could result in unexpected locking of the steering wheel - risk of
accident!
•Only remove the ignition key fr om the ignition lock when the
vehicle has come to a standstill (put on the handbrake or select the
selector lever position P). The steering lock might otherwise
engage unintentionally - risk of accident!
•Always withdraw the ignition key if you are going to leave the
vehicle, even for a short time. This is particularly important if chil-
dren are left in the vehicle. The children might otherwise start the
engine or operate electrical equipment (e.g. power windows) - risk
of injury!
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Starting-off and Driving
116
•The clutch pedal should be fully depressed when starting the engine
which means that the starter only has to crank the engine.
•Let go of the key as soon as the engine starts otherwise there may be
damage to the starter.
The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time
after starting the cold engine until oil pressure can be built up in the
hydraulic valve clearance compensation. This is quite normal and is not
an operating problem.
If the engine does not start ...
You can use the battery of another vehicle as a jump-start aid
⇒ page 236.
It is only possible to tow-start vehicles fitted with a manual gearbox. The
tow-starting distance must not be more than 50 metres ⇒page 238.
Caution
•Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttle and high engine loads as
long as the engine has not yet reached its normal operating temperature
- risk of damaging the engine!
•Do not allow the engine to idle for long periods. If vehicle is stationary,
there is not sufficient air flowing through the cooler. In certain specific situ-
ations it can happen that the engine overheats - risk of engine damage!
•Vehicles which are fitted with an exhaust gas catalytic converter
should not be tow-started over a distance of more than 50 metres.
For the sake of the environment
Never warm up the engine when the vehicle is standing. Drive off right
away. This enables you to avoid unnecessary pollutant emissions.
Petrol engine
These engines are fitted with a starter system which selects the correct
fuel/air mixture for every external air temperature.
•Do not operate accelerator before and when starting engine.
•Interrupt the attempt at starting after 10 seconds if the engine does not
start right awayand wait for about 30 seconds before repeating the
attempt.
•It is possible that the fuse on the electrical fuel pump is defect if the
engine still does not start ⇒page 241.
•Contact the nearest Škoda dealer to obtain professional assistance.
It may be necessary, if the engine is very hot, to slightly depress the
accelerator after the engine has started.
Diesel engine
Glow plug system
Diesel engines are equipped with a glow plug system, the preglow period
being controlled automatically in line with the coolant temperature and
outside temperature.
The preglow indicator light
comes on after the ignition has been
switched on.
WARNING
There is the danger of poisoning if the engine is left running in an
enclosed space!

Starting-off and Driving117
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
You should not switch on any major electrical components during
the heating period otherwise the ve
hicle battery will be drained
unnecessarily.
•You should start the engine immediately after the glow plug warning
light has gone out.
•The glow plug warning light will come on for about one second if the
engine is at a normal operating temperature or if the outside temperature
is above +5°C. This means that you can start the engine right away.
•Interrupt the attempt at starting after 10 seconds if the engine does not
start right awayand wait for about 30 seconds before repeating the
attempt.
•It is possible that the fuse on the diesel preglow system is defect if the
engine still does not start ⇒page 241.
•Contact the nearest Škoda dealer to obtain professional assistance.
Starting the engine after the fuel tank has run dry
It may take longer than normal to start the engine after refuelling if the fuel
tank has run completely dry - up to one minute. This is because the fuel
system must first of all be filled while the attempting to start the engine.
Switching the engine off
– Turn the ignition key into position ⇒page 114.
Caution
you should not switch the engine off right away at the end of your journey
after the engine has been operated for a lengthy period at high loads but
should be allowed it to run at idling speed for about 2 minutes. This
prevents any accumulation of heat when the engine is switched off.
Note
•The radiator fan may continue running for a further 10 minutes or so
after the engine and the ignition have been switched off. The coolant fan
may, however, also switch on again after some time if the coolant temper-
ature rises because of an accumulation of heat in the engine or if the
engine is warm and the engine compartment is additionally heated by
strong sunlight.
•This is why particular care is required when carrying out any work in
the engine compartment ⇒page 203.
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Communicating and Navigating133
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Initialisation
– Withdraw the ignition key.
– First insert the adapter without the mobile phone into the
mount in the direction of arrow ⇒page 132, fig. 117
until the adapter is touching the stop. Press the adapter
slightly in the direction of arrow until it locks into position.
– Plug the adapter cable into the mobile phone socket. The socket is located on the mobile phone mount below.
– Switch on the ignition.
– Wait approximately 20 seconds, switch off the ignition and pull the ignition key out of the ignition lock.
– Insert the mobile phone into the adapter (as specified in manufacturer's instructions) and switch on the ignition.
Removing the mobile phone and adapter
– Press the button and remove the mobile telephone.
An initialisation must be carried out:
•after the first connection of the adapter
•after reconnecting the battery
•after pulling out the adapter cable from the power socket for the mobile
phone
This enables you to make full use of the advantages of a normal carphone
(“handsfree system” using a microphone integrated in the vehicle, optimal
transmission of signals using an external aerial etc.). The battery of the
mobile phone is also constantly charged. Please contact your Škoda dealer If there are any points which are not
clear.
Please also refer to the additional instructions
⇒page 135.
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Communicating and Navigating
134
Telephone pre-installation at the front or rear*
(GSM III)
Initialisation of the adapter
– Withdraw the ignition key.
– Insert the adapter into the mount (the mobile phone
must not be inserted in the adapter).
– Plug the adapter cable into the mobile phone socket.
– Switch on the ignition.
– Wait approximately 20 seconds, switch off the ignition and pull the ignition key out of the ignition lock.
– Insert the mobile phone into the adapter (as specified in manufacturer's instructions) and switch on the ignition.
An initialisation must be carried out:
•after the first connection of the adapter
•after reconnecting the battery
•after pulling out the adapter cable from the power socket for the mobile
phone
This enables you to make full use of the advantages of a normal carphone
(“handsfree system” using a microphone integrated in the vehicle, optimal
transmission of signals using an external aerial etc.). The battery of the
mobile phone is also constantly charged.
A telephone mount is factory-fitted for the front mobile phone and for the
rear mobile phone. The front telephone mount is located on the front
center console ⇒fig. 118 , the rear on the rear center console ⇒fig. 119 .
Adapter (Cullmann) and mobile phone are not factory-fitted by Škoda
Auto.
Please also refer to the additional instructions ⇒page 135.
Fig. 118 Universal tele-
phone connection at
the front
Fig. 119 Universal tele-
phone connection at
the rear
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Inspecting and Replenishing203
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
The bonnet is held in the opened position by a pressurized gas spring.
Caution
•Never open the bonnet using the handle - danger of causing damage.
•Before opening the bonnet, ensure that the arms of the windscreen
wipers are correctly in place against the windscreen. Otherwise, there is
a risk of damage to the paintwork.
Working in the en gine compartment
Particular care is required when carrying out any work in
the engine compartment!
There is a risk of injuries, scalding , accidents and fire when working
in the engine compartment, e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and
other fluids. For this reason, it is essential to comply with the
warning instructions st ated below and with the general applicable
rules of safety. The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous
area ⇒ .
WARNING
•Never open the bonnet if you see that steam or coolant is
flowing out of the engine compartmen t - risk of scalding! Wait long
enough until the steam or coolant has stopped escaping.
•For safety reasons, the bonnet must always be properly closed
when driving. One should therefore check that the lock has in fact
engaged properly after closing the bonnet.
•Stop your vehicle immediately wh ile driving if you notice that
the lock is not properly engaged and close the bonnet properly -
risk of an accident!
WARNING
•Switch off the engine and pull out the ignition key.
•Apply the handbrake firmly.
•If your vehicle is fitted with a manual gearbox, move the gear-
shift lever into Neutral, or if it is fitted with automatic gearbox,
move the selector lever into position P.
•Allow the engine to cool down.
•Keep children clear of the engine compartment.
•Never spill oil and other fluids over the hot engine. Such fluids
(e.g. the antifreeze contained in the coolant) may ignite!
•Avoid short circuits in the electrical system - particularly on the
battery.
•Never place your hand into the radiator fan as long as the
engine is still warm. The fan might suddenly start running!
•Never open the cap of the coolant expansion bottle as long as
the engine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurized!
•Cover over the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir with a
large cloth when opening it as protection for your face, hands and
arms from hot steam or hot coolant.
•In cases where it be necessary to carry out inspection work
when the engine is running there is an additional risk from rotating
parts (e.g. the V-ribbed belt, alternator, radiator fan) and from the
high-voltage ignition system.
•Please also comply with the warning instructions stated below
when carrying out any essential work on the fuel system or on the
electrical system:
−Always separate the car battery from the electrical system.
− Do not smoke.
− Never carry out any work close to naked flames.

Inspecting and Replenishing
216
Removing and installing the battery
– Please also refer to the notes when working on the battery ⇒page 212.
– Switched off all electrical components and remove the ignition key.
– Pull off gasket and take out the cover of the plenum chamber in the direction of the arrow ⇒fig. 161 .
– Unclamp the battery negative terminal (-).
– Unclamp the battery positive terminal (+).
– Unscrew the screw ⇒fig. 162 completely and remove the
locking plate.
– Move the battery in the direction of the arrow and pull it out in an upward direction.
– Installation takes place in the reverse order.
Please also refer to the following notes when connecting up the battery
⇒ page 216.
Note
We do not recommend that you remove and install the battery yourself
(even when you are following the instructions given in this manual) since
a battery can be heavily damaged in the process under certain circum-
stances. Please contact your Škoda dealer.
Disconnecting and reconnecting the battery
On 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 Škoda dealer to ensure
full functionality of all electrical systems.
Replacing the battery
You should only replace a battery with a new battery of the same capacity,
voltage (12 V), amperage and of the same size. Škoda dealers have a
range of suitable batteries available.
We recommend that you only have an old battery disposed of by your
Skoda dealer 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 protec-
tion regulations and on no account as domestic waste.
AA
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AC
OperationOperating measure
Power windows⇒page 52
Enter radio code numbersee Radio Operating Instruc-
tions
Setting clock⇒page 15
Data in the multi-functional indicator are
deleted.⇒page 18

Index
254
Multifunction steering wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Operating cruise control system . . . . . . 130
Operation of radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Multi-functional indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
N
Natural leather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Navigation system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27, 135
O
Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205 Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Onboard computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Open door Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Opening a single door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Operation in winter Biodiesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
De-icing windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Snow chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
The battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Overview of the engine compartment . . . . . 204
P
Paint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Paint damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Parking aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Parking light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Parking lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Pedals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Polishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Power socket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93, 94
Power steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Power windows
Central locking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Operational problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Switch on the driver's door . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Switches in front passenger door and in rear doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
R
Rear fog light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Rear window heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Rear-view mirror Exterior mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Interior rear-view mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Recirculated air mode Heating and ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 Emergency release of fuel filler flap . . . 201
Remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Synchronisation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Replacing fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Roof aerial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Running in the car . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
S
Safety instructions Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Safety wheel bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Saving energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Seat belt height adjuster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Seat belt warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138, 143 Belt tensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Blocking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Fasten . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Height adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
taking off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Seat heaters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Service Interval Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Service key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Setting temperature The air conditioning system . . . . . . . . . . 103
Setting the clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Shifting gears . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Ski bag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Sliding/tilting roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Snow chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Spare wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16