60CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENTOpening doors*If a door is open, this is indicated by this
warning light.
Vehicles with information display
As an additional warning signal, a peep
sounds if the car is driven at a speed of
more than 6km/hour and if the door or the
luggage compartment door is open.Washer fluid level*The warning light comes on if the washer
fluid level is too low. Top up washer fluid -
see page 151.
An audible warning signal also sounds (sin-
gle peep signal).Bulbs*This warning light comes on if the bulb of
the luminous element is faulty during:
Operation of brakes (brake light)
Malfunction of illumination (low beam (or
fog light)
An audible warning signal also sounds (sin-
gle peep signal)
Testing engine electronics*The warning light comes on when the igni-
tion is switched on.
If the warning light does not go out after
starting the engine, or comes on or flashes
when driving, this indicates a fault in the
engine electronics system or in systems
which influence exhaust emissions. A pro-
gramme stored in the engine control unit
makes it possible to continue driving with
certain restrictions - contact a Škoda dealer
for professional help.Electronic stability
program (ESP)*The warning light comes on for a few se-
conds when the ignition is switched on.
The ESP system also includes the traction
control system (TCS).
The light flashes when driving if the system
has activated a control cycle.
The warning light will come on and remain
on if the system is switched off or if a sy-
stem fault exists.
As the ESP system operates in combination
with the ABS, EDL and EBC, the ESP warn-
ing light also comes on if the ABS system fails.
Further details are given on pages 84 and
122 - 124.
Traction control system (TCS)*The warning light comes on for a few se-
conds when the ignition is switched on.
The light flashes when driving if the system
has activated a control cycle.
The warning light will come on and remain
on if the system is switched off or if a sy-
stem fault exists.
As the TCS system operates in combinati-
on with the ABS, EDL and EBC, the TCS
warning light also comes on if the ABS sy-
stem fails.
Further details are given on pages 65 and
122 - 124.Anti-lock brake system (ABS)*The warning light monitors the ABS, or ABS
and EDL* system.
The ABS warning light should come on for
a few seconds when the ignition is switched
on. If the ABS warning light does not go off
after a few seconds, if it does not come on
at all, or comes on when driving, the sys-
tem is not operating properly. The car is
braked in this case without operation of the
ABS; only the normal brake system then
operates. Contact a Škoda Dealer as
soon as possible and adapt your style
of driving to the fault which exists for
you cannot know the extent of the pro-
blem.
61
CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
Electronic differential lock (EDL)*The EDL system operates in combination
with the ABS. A failure of the EDL system
is indicated by the ABS warning light co-
ming on. You should then contact a Škoda
Dealer without delay.
Models fitted with ESP are equipped with
electronic differential lock (EDL).
If a major fault is present in the ABS sy-
stem, an audible warning signal also
sounds (3 peeps). Further information on
the ABS and EDL systems is given on
pages 122 and 124.Electronic immobiliserWhen the ignition is switched on, a data
harmonization is performed between key
and control unit. If the data exchanged are
correct, this is confirmed by the warning li-
ght coming on for a few seconds.
If an unauthorized car key (e.g. forged key)
has been used, the warning light changes
to a continuous flashing light. It is then no
longer possible to start the car - see page
7.
Brake fluid levelThe warning light comes on for a few se-
conds after switching on the ignition.Warning
If the warning light comes on when
the ignition is switched on or when
driving, there is a fault in the brake
system. Contact the nearest Škoda
Dealer without delay and have the
brake system inspected.
An audible warning signal sounds
(3 peeps).
You can drive on carefully to the near-
est Škoda Dealer but allow for higher
pedal pressures, longer braking dis-
tances and greater idle travel of the
brake pedal.
The warning light also comes on when the
handbrake is applied.
Charge indicatorThe warning light comes on when the igni-
tion is switched on. It should go out when
the engine is started.
If the warning light comes on when driving
or does not go out after the engine has
started, stop the car and switch off the
engine. Check the ribbed belt.
If it is loose or broken, do not drive any
further . The belt has to be tensioned or
replaced.
If the ribbed belt is in proper order and the
warning light nevertheless comes on, it is
possible to drive on to the nearest Škoda
Dealer. In this case, the battery will not be
charged; switch off all unnecessary elec-
trical components in the vehicle.
An audible warning signal sounds (single
peep signal).Seat belt warning system*This warning light comes on to request the
driver to fasten the seat belt.
If the driver’s belt is not fastened, an audi-
ble warning signal sounds for 6 seconds.
64CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT3 - Electronic stabilityprogram* ESPModels fitted with anti-lock brake system
(ABS) can be equipped additionally with an
electronic stability program (ESP).
The ESP makes it possible to enhance
control over the vehicle in situations in
which the vehicle is operating at the dyna-
mic limits, such as driving too fast into a
curve. The ESP is an extension of the ABS/
EBC//TCS/EDL function and reduces the
risk of skidding in all road conditions. The
system operates over the entire speed of
the vehicle in conjunction with the ABS. If
a fault develops in the ABS system, the ESP
then also does not operate.
The ESP is switched on automatically each
time the engine is started. It can be swit-
ched off and on, as desired, together with
the TCS system, by pressing the pushbut-
ton.
If the system is switched off, the ESP warn-
ing light comes on - see page 60.
In exceptional cases where wheel slip is
desired, it is beneficial to switch off the ESP
system. For example:
- when driving with snow chains
- when starting off in deep snow or on a
loose surface
- when rocking the car free if it has got stuck.
The system should be switched on again
after this.
Note
The same tyres must be fitted to all four
wheels if the ESP system is to operate
properly. Differing rolling circumferences of
the tyres can result in an undesirable re-
duction in engine output.
Repairs on the vehicle (e.g. on engine,
braking system, chassis or another combi-
nation of wheels and tyres) can influence
the function of the ESP.
Operating principle of ESP
The ABS, EBC, EDL, TCS systems are in-
tegrated in the electronic stability program.
In addition to the data available from these
functions, the ESP control unit is also sup-
plied with signals which are transmitted by
highly sensitive sensors. What is measu-
red is the spinning rotary motion about the
vertical axis of the vehicle, the lateral ac-
celeration of the vehicle, the brake pressu-
re and the steering lock.
Note
The direction selected by the driver is de-
termined with the aid of the movement of
the steering and the vehicle speed and
constantly compared with the actual behav-
iour of the vehicle. If variations exist, such
as the vehicle beginning to slide, the ESP
automatically brakes the wheel in question
and reduces engine speed.
The vehicle is again stabilised as a result
of the forces acting on the wheel during the
braking operation. If the vehicle is overs-
teering (tending to break away at the rear),
it is primarily the outside front wheel which
is braked, whereas, if the vehicle is under-
steering (tending to slide out of the curve),
the rear inner wheel is then braked.
Warning
The ESP system is also not able to
overcome the physical limits of the
vehicle. You should remember this,
particularly when driving on slippery
and wet road surfaces.
Your style of driving should always
be adapted to the condition of the
road and the traffic situation. The
enhanced safety offered by the ESP
must not tempt you to take any risks
which compromise your safety.
65
CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
3 - Traction control system* TCSVehicles fitted with the anti-lock brake sys-
tem (ABS) can additionally be equipped
with a traction control system (TCS).
On front-wheel drive vehicles, the TCS pre-
vents the driven wheels from slipping when
the car is accelerated, by reducing the en-
gine output. The system operates in com-
bination with the ABS over the entire vehi-
cle speed range. If a fault develops in the
ABS, the TCS is also affected.
The TCS switches on automatically when
the engine is started. If desired, the sys-
tem can be switched off and on by press-
ing the pushbutton.
If the system is switched off, the TCS warn-
ing lamp comes on - refer to page 60.
The TCS should always be switched on in
normal driving conditions. It is only benefi-
cial to switch off the system in certain ex-
ceptional cases if wheel slip is desired.For example:
- when driving with snow chains
- when starting off in deep snow or on a
loose surface
- when rocking the car free if it has got stuck.
The system should be switched on again
after this.
Note
The same tyres must be fitted to all four
wheels if the TCS system is to operate
properly. Differing rolling circumferences of
the tyres can result in an undesirable re-
duction in engine output.
Repairs on the vehicle (e.g. on engine,
braking system, chassis or another combi-
nation of wheels and tyres) can influence
the function of the ASR.
Warning
Always adapt your style of driving to
the condition of the road and the traf-
fic situation. The increased safety
offered by the TCS system must not
induce you to take risks with your
safety.
The traction control system greatly facili-
tates starting-off, accelerating and climb-
ing hills, or at all makes this possible, even
when driving on poor road conditions.
4 - Knurled wheel for seat heating*The cushion and backrest of the front seats
can be heated electrically when the igni-
tion is on.
The heater can be switched on with the
appropriate knurled wheel and regulated as
desired.
To switch heating off, turn knurled wheel to
the basic position „0“.
Note
Do not switch on the seat heater until after
starting the engine. This considerably re-
duces the drain on the battery capacity.5 - Releasing fuel filler flap from driver’s seat*The fuel filler flap opens when the switch is
pressed. For further information - see page
127.
66CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENTEmergency release of fuel filler flap
If the remote release at the driver’s seat*
does not operate properly, it is possible to
unlock the fuel filler flap manually:
Open tailgate, detach the luggage com-
partment trim on the right and pull off.
Then, push the locking rod in direction
of arrow - see illustration.
Headlight range controlIf the low beam is switched on, it can be
matched exactly to the load of the vehi-
cle with the headlight range control.
You can turn the knurled wheel until the
low beam has been adjusted in such a way
that other road users are not dazzled.
The individual headlight beam settings cor-
respond approximately to the following ve-
hicle load:
- - driver, front passenger
I - 5 persons
II - 5 persons and an additional 180 kg in
the luggage compartment, in line with the
permissible load of the front and rear axles
III - driver and an additional 330 kg in the
luggage compartment, in line with the per-
missible load of the front and rear axles.
Warning
Adjust the headlight beam control,
so that the traffic on the opposite
side is not dazzled.
Headlights fitted with Xenon bulbs adapt
automatically to the load and driving
state (e.g. accelerating, braking) when
ignition is switched on and when driv-
ing.
72CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENTAfter the ignition is switched off, you have
to re-activate the rain sensor. To do this,
move the lever into position 0 and then back
again into position 1.
Warning
Do not use the windscreen washer
system at low temperatures, without
heating the windscreen beforehand.
Otherwise the window cleaner could
freeze on the windscreen and restrict
the view to the front.Headlight washer system*When the side lights, low beam or main
beam are switched on, the headlight lenses
are also washed every time the windscreen
is washed.
There is a time delay of about 3 second af-
ter operating the lever (position 5) before
the headlights are washed.
Stubborn dirt (such as insect residues)
should be removed from the headlight
lenses at regular intervals, for example
when refuelling.
In winter, also clean off any snow on the
washer nozzles or use de-icing spray to re-
move the ice to ensure proper operation.
Rear window Intermittent wipe
Stalk in position 6.
The wiper operates every 6 seconds.
Automatic wash/wipe*
Push down stalk away from steering wheel
into position 7. The washer system and the
wiper operate so long as the stalk remains
in this position.
Release stalk. The washer system no lon-
ger operates and the wiper performs a fur-
ther 1 to 3 sweeps (depending on the length
of the washing operation).
The stalk remains in position 6 after be-
ing released.
Switching off intermittent wipe
Stalk in position 0.
Heating and ventilationControlsRotary control A - temperature selection
clockwise - increases heat output
anti-clockwise - decreases heat output
Rotary switch B - blower and shutting-
off air supply
The quantity of air which flows through the
heater is regulated with rotary switch B.
The air supply can be regulated in four
stages.
The blower is switched off in position 0. To
switch off the fresh air supply press button
D , see below. The air supply should only
be switched off for a short time as the win-
dows may mist up.
75
CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
General notesThe air inlet in front of the windscreen
should be kept free of ice, snow and leaves
to ensure the heating and ventilation sys-
tem can operate properly.
All the controls can be set to any desired
intermediate position, except blower switch
B in the blower positions 1 - 4.
The blower should always be set to run
when driving at low speeds in order to pre-
vent the windows from misting up.
The heat output depends on the cool-
ant temperature - full heat output is there-
fore only available when the engine is
warm.
The stale air flows out of the car through
the vent openings behind the right side trim
panel of the luggage compartment. The air conditioning system is a combined
cooling and heating system which offers
maximum comfort during all seasons of the
year.
The air conditioner operates only when the
engine is running, at an ambient tempera-
ture above about +5 °C and the blower
speed between 1 and 4.
If the air conditioning system is operating,
this reduces not only the temperature in-
side the car but also the air humidity.
This enhances the comfort of the car occu-
pants if the humidity of the ambient air is
high.
ControlsOn models with another type of dash panel,
the air vents are regulated in a similar way.
Rotary control A - temperature selection
clockwise - increases heat output
anti-clockwise - decreases heat output
Rotary switch B - blower
The air flow can be regulated with the ro-
tary switch
B.
The air flow can be set in four stages.
Blower and air conditioner are switched off
in position 0. Pushbutton E (recirculated air
mode)should be operated to prevent pol-
luted outside air (odours) entering the car.
Rotary control C - air distribution
Distributes air to the air outlet vents.
Air conditioning*
86CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENTConvenience systemWhen the car is locked, the roof can be
closed as follows:
Turn key into lock position (driver or pas-
senger door) and hold until the roof is
closed. The closing operation is immedi-
ately interrupted if the key is released.
Warning
Close the sliding/tilting roof with
care! Closing the roof inattentively
can result in injuries.
Do not leave the ignition key in the
ignition lock when getting out of the
car.
The rollback protection is not active
if the convenience system is used.
Refer to p. 16 for more detailed in-
formation.
Emergency operationIf the system is faulty, the sliding/tilting roof
can be closed manually:
Use a screwdriver to carefully remove
the plastic cover.
Take crank handle out of its fixture, in-
sert fully into the opening and close or open
sliding/tilting roof.
Insert crank handle into its fixture again
and fit on the plastic cover.
Sun visorsThe large sun visors can be taken out of
the side fixtures and swivelled toward the
doors. The small sun visor above the inte-
rior rear-view mirror* can only be folded
down.Sun visors with vanity lighting*The lighting of the vanity mirror comes on
automatically when the sun visor is folded
down.