5
CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
Page
1 Exterior mirrors adjustable from inside* 172 Air vents73, 76, 833Lever for the multi-functional switch:
67, 68
Turn signal lights, main beam, parking light,
low beam, headlight flasher and cruise control*
4 Instrument cluster:
48, 56
Instruments and warning lights
5 Lever for windscreen wiper/ washer
50, 71with switch for multifunction display
6 Switch for heated rear window 637 Switch for ESP/TCS*638 Switch for hazard warning light system 639 Thumbwheel for seat heater*65
10 Remote fuel filler flap release from driver’s
65
seat*
11 Passenger airbag 10312 Storage compartment in the front doors -
13 Button for central locking and electrical
8, 15
power windows
14 Remote bonnet release 135
15 Switch for parking light, low beam, rear fog 62
light
and instrument lighting
66
Page
16
Storage compartment below the steering wheel
-
17 Horn, driver airbag* 10318 Lever for adjusting height of steering column19 Ignition lock 4320 Ashtrays90
21 Gearshift lever (manual gearbox), or
38, 39
Selector lever (automatic gearbox)
22 Handbrake 3623 Control for heating and air conditioning* 72, 75, 7924 Storage compartment -25 Radio
1)
-
26 Storage compartment on the front
87
passenger side
The arrangement of the controls and the styling of the dash
panel depend on the model version.
Equipment marked with * is fitted as standard only to certain
model versions or is available only for certain models as optional
equipment.
On right-hand drive vehicles the arrangement of the controls
and switches and the location of some items may vary. The sym-
bols on the controls and switches are the same as for left-hand
drive vehicles.
1)Cars with factory-fitted radio are supplied with a radio instruction lea\
flet.
43
36CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
HandbrakePull the lever up firmly in order to apply the
handbrake. In addition, on a steep hill, also
engage 1st gear (or position P on cars with
an automatic gearbox). The handbrake le-
ver should therefore always be applied
firmly to avoid driving off inadvertently with-
out releasing the handbrake. The hand-
brake warning light comes on when the
handbrake is applied and the ignition is
switched on, see also page 61.
To release handbrake, pull lever up slightly,
press locking knob in and push lever fully
down.
Armrest*Front armrestTo fold down the armrest, press the button
A on the front end of the armrest. Fold down
armrest and release button again.
The movement of your arm may be re-
stricted if the armrest is folded down. It is
therefore recommended not to drive in
towns with the armrest folded down.
A stowage compartment is provided in the
armrest. Press button B to open the stow-
age compartment and raise lid.
Rear armrest*The armrest at the rear can be folded down
by pulling on the strap in the direction of
the arrow.
41
CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
Information for drivingStarting engineThe engine can only be started if the selector
lever is in position „N“ or „P“ - see page 44.Selecting a forward gear
Always first of all depress the brake pe-
dal before selecting a forward gear when
the vehicle is stationary and the engine
is running.
Do not depress the accelerator when
moving the selector lever if the car is sta-
tionary.
If you inadvertently move the gearshift
lever into position „N“ when driving, you
first of all have to release the accelera-
tor and wait until the engine is running
at idle speed before again engaging a
forward gear. Warning
When the engine is idling and the car
is stationary (e.g. at traffic lights or
when stopped in congested traffic)
it is always necessary to depress the
brake pedal in order to hold the ve-
hicle no matter the selector lever po-
sition, because the power transmis-
sion is not fully interrupted even
when the engine is idling and the car
may creep forward.
If a forward gear is engaged when the
vehicle is stationary, on no account
inadvertently operate the throttle
(e.g. by hand from the engine com-
partment) otherwise the car will im-
mediately move forward - this may
also happen even if the handbrake is
properly applied.
Move selector lever into position „P“
and apply the handbrake before car-
rying out any work on the running
engine.
Driving off
Select a gear (
R, D , 3 , 2 , 1 ). Wait until the
gearbox has shifted into gear and the
power is transmitted to the driven wheels
(can be felt from a slight engagement jolt)
before then pressing the accelerator.
Coming to a stop
You do not have to move the selector lever
to position „N“ if stopped only for a short
time, e.g. at traffic lights. It is sufficient to
hold the car with the brake. The engine
must only be running at idling speed, how-
ever.
Parking
On the flat it is sufficient to engage the Park
lock. If parked on a downhill stretch, first of
all apply the handbrake fully and then en-
gage the Park lock. Doing this ensures that
there is no excessive stress acting on the
Park lock mechanism and the Park lock can
be more easily released.
Warning
When the car is parked, the selector
lever should always be moved into
position „P“ for only this position
prevents the car moving off by itself.
44CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENTFor all models:Position 1
To lock the steering wheel , withdraw key
and turn wheel until you hear the locking
pin engage.
Warning
Do not withdraw key from lock until
vehicle is stationary! The steering
lock might otherwise unintentionally
engaged.
Note
If you forget to switch off the side lights or
a turn signal light, an audible signal will
sound after you switch off the ignition or
withdraw the key and then open the driv-
er’s door.
Position 2
If the key is difficult to turn in the lock or
cannot be turned to this position at all, move
the steering wheel back and forward slightly
to release the locking pin. Warning
If the vehicle is allowed to roll, the
ignition key must be in position 2 in
the lock - ignition on. This position
is also indicated by the warning
lights coming on. Failure to turn the
ignition key into this position can
result in the steering locking uninten-
tionally.
Do not withdraw the ignition key un-
til after the vehicle has come to a stop
and has been properly secured to
prevent it moving by applying the
handbrake or engaging a gear.
Position 3
The starter is operated when the key is
turned into this position. The ignition key
must be turned back each time into posi-
tion „1“ before again attempting to start the
engine. The starter repeat lockout in the ig-
nition lock prevents the starter again being
operated when engine is already running.
When the key is in this position, the main/
low beam headlights and other major elec-
trical components which are on, are then
switched off.
The starter may only be operated (ignition
key position 3), if the engine is not run-
ning. If the starter is immediately operated
after switching off the engine, the starter
or the engine can be damaged.
Starting engineGeneral notesWarning
Never run the engine in non-venti-
lated or enclosed areas, the exhaust
gases of the engine contain besides
the odourless and colourless carbon
monoxide a poisonous gas - hazard!
Carbon monoxide can cause uncon-
sciousness and death.
Never leave your vehicle unattended
with the engine running.
Before starting, move gear lever into
Neutral (selector lever of automatic gear-
box into position „P“ or „N“ ) and apply
handbrake firmly.
On models with a manual gearbox, de-
press the clutch pedal when operating
starter so that the starter only has to crank
the engine.
As soon as engine starts, release igni-
tion key immediately - otherwise the starter
may suffer damage.
After starting a cold engine, it may sound
noisy for a moment or two because the oil
pressure has to build up in the hydraulic
tappets first.
Do not warm engine up by running it with vehicle stationary. Drive off
straight away.
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.
125
DRIVING TIPS
Technical requirements
If the car is supplied with a factory-fitted
towing bracket, all that is technically and
legally necessary for towing a trailer has
already been taken into account.
If the trailer to be towed has a 7-pin con-
nector, you can obtain an adapter cable
from Škoda Dealers.
Škoda Dealers are acquainted with the
details of retrofitting a towing bracket and
modifying the cooling system. You should
therefore have a towing bracket fitted by a
Škoda Dealer. Operating instructions
The permissible trailer weights must on
no account be exceeded.
The trailer weights stated are only ap-
plicable for altitudes up to 1000 m above
mean sea level (MSL). As the engine out-
put and thus the climbing ability drops due
to the decreasing air density, the weight of
vehicle and trailer must also be reduced by
10 % for each further 1000 m or part the-
reof.
Take this fact into account when driving at
high altitudes.
You should make full use of the maxi-
mum permissible drawbar weight indicated
on the ball head of the towing bracket, but
do not exceed it.
The load carried in the trailer should be
distributed so that any heavy objects are
placed as close as possible to the axle,
taking into account the permissible trailer
weight and drawbar load. The objects
should also be secured to prevent them
slipping.
Select the tyre pressure of the car for full
loads and also check the pressure of the
trailer tyres.
The headlight beam control of the car
should be set to match the particular load
conditions.
The handbrake of the car should be ap-
plied when hitching up and unhitching the
trailer.
Inspect the ball head to ensure that
it is properly locked each time before
setting off.
The inspection is performed by turn-
ing the closed locking lever down-
wards.
If the locking lever can only be turned
approx. 5°, the locking mechanism is
OK.
After the inspection pull the locking
lever back again to its stop.
The towing device must not be used,
if it does not wish to close or the
locking lever turns slightly in the clo-
sed position.
137
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Warning
Particular care is required when per-
forming work in the engine compart-
ment!
Never open the bonnet if you see
that steam or coolant is escaping
from the engine compartment - risk
of scalding!
You must wait long enough, until the
steam or coolant has stopped escap-
ing.
Switch off engine and withdraw ig-
nition key.
Apply handbrake properly.
Move gearshift into Neutral (on
models with automatic gearbox mo-
ve selector lever into position „P“).
Allow engine to cool down.
If the engine is still warm:
- do not place your hand into the ra- diator fan, it might start suddenly.
- do not open filler cap of coolant reservoir as cooling system is
pressurized - risk of scalding.
Avoid short circuits in the electri-
cal system - particularly at the bat-
tery!
If you wish to work under the ve-
hicle, you must secure the vehicle
from rolling away and support it with
suitable supporting blocks: the car
jack is not sufficient for this - risk of
injury!
If it is necessary to carry out test
work when engine is running, there
is an additional risk from rotating
parts - e.g. ribbed belt, alternator,
radiator fan etc. - and from the high-
voltage ignition system.
Never touch the electrical cables
of the ignition system.
Absolutely avoid any jewellery,
loose items of clothing or long hair
from getting into the rotating parts of
the engine - Hazard! Therefore re-
move any jewellery beforehand, tie
up your hair and wear tight fitting
clothing.
It is essential to comply with all the
warning information given in this
manual and with the general rules of
safety when carrying out work on the
engine.
When topping up fluids, ensure that no mix-
ups occur otherwise this may cause severe
operating problems!
The floor below the car should be
inspected regularly in order to de-
tect leaks in good time. If patches of oil or other fluids are visible, the car shouldbe taken to a Škoda Dealer for an inspec-
tion.
162DO-IT-YOURSELF
Tyre repair spray* The tyre repair spray is precisely for fast
repairs on small tyre defects up to 5 mm.
The spray does not replace a permanent
tyre repair, the repair serves only as an in-
termediate solution until the next service.
The repair can be directly performed on
the vehicle. Carefully read the enclosed in-
structions for direction of use.
On front-wheel drive vehicles, the spray is
located in the well at the front right of the
polypropylene part behind the spare wheel,
and on 4x4 vehicles, in the boot on the left.
Certain models are equipped with a tyre
repair set which includes a compressor and
a repair flask, instructions and accessories.
On front-wheel drive vehicles this set is lo-
cated in the well at the front right of the
polypropylene part behind the spare wheel,
and on 4x4 vehicles, in the boot on the left
next to the first-aid box.
Apply the handbrake before jack-
ing up the car. Never start the engine
when the car is jacked up - risk of
accident.
If it is necessary to carry out work
underneath the vehicle, ensure that
it is supported on suitable stands.
Spare wheelThe spare wheel is stowed in the well below the
floor covering of the luggage compartment and
is secured by a handwheel.
To ensure that the spare wheel is always
ready for use, check the inflation pressure at
regular intervals.
Vehicles with tyres 205/60 R15 and wheel trims
6.5Jx15 have an emergency wheel as a spare
wheel, which has different dimensions and which
is provided with a warning sticker.
Please pay attention to the following instructions,
if you are going to use an emergency wheel:
After fitting on the wheel, the warning sticker
must not be concealed (e.g. by the wheel trim).
Do not drive with this spare wheel at more
than 80 km/h - risk of accident.
Avoid acceleration at full throttle, sharp braking
and fast cornering.
The inflation pressure for this spare wheel is
identical to the inflation pressure of the standard
tyres.
Use this spare wheel only to reach the near-
est service station, as it is not intended for con-
tinuous use.
Tyre repair set*