43
CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
Adjustable steering columnThe steering column can be adjusted for
angle and length.
First of all, properly adjust the driver’s seat.
Swivel lever below steering column down
as far as the stop.
Adjust the angle and length of the steer-
ing wheel to suit your body proportions.
Push the lever back up again - toward
the steering column.
Warning
The steering column must not be ad-
justed when driving.
For safety reasons, the lever must al-
ways be pressed firmly up again so
that the steering wheel cannot move
while the vehicle is in motion.
Ignition lockPetrol engines1 - Ignition off, engine off
2 - Ignition on
3 - Starting engineDiesel engines1 - Fuel supply cut off, engine off
2 - Preglow (ignition off)
Do not switch on any large current consum-
ers when heating the glow plugs to prevent
draining the battery unnecessarily.
3 - Starting engine
Emergency programIf a fault develops in the gearbox electron-
ics, emergency programs are activated de-
pending on the type of fault.
The gearbox does continue to shift au-
tomatically but more severe shift jolts can
be felt in this case. You should drive the
car to the nearest Škoda Dealer.
The gearbox no longer shifts automati-
cally.
In this case, the gearbox can still be shifted
manually but only 3rd gear is available in the
selector lever positions „D“ , „3“ and „2“.
1st gear and Reverse gear are available as
usual when the selector lever is moved into
positions „1“ and „R“.
However, the torque converter has to per-
form more work, particularly because 2nd
gear is no longer available. In such cases,
it is possible that the gear oil may become
too warm.
It is therefore necessary to drive the car
immediately to a Škoda Dealer.
45
CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
Avoid high revs and running the engine
at full load until the engine has reached its
normal operating temperature.
Do not allow the engine to idle for a
lengthy period. If the engine is running
when the car is stationary, there is not al-
ways an adequate flow of air through the
radiator. In certain circumstances, this can
result in the engine overheating and also
in engine damage.
On vehicles with a catalytic converter
the engine must not be started by tow-
ing the vehicle more than 50 m. Other-
wise, unburnt fuel can pass into the
catalytic converter and cause damage.
Before trying to start engine by tow-
ing, use the battery from another vehi-
cle for jump-starting if possible - see
page 177.
Petrol enginesThese engines are equipped with a petrol
injection system that automatically supplies
the correct fuel/air mixture at all ambient
temperatures.
The information for starting these engines
therefore applies irrespective of the outside
temperature and is the same whether the
engine is cold or at normal operating
temperature :
Do not operate throttle before and
when starting the engine.
If the engine does not start immediately,
do not operate the starter for more than 10
seconds and wait about 30 seconds before
repeating the attempt to start the engine.
If the engine is very hot, it may be nec-
essary to depress the throttle slightly after
the engine starts.
If the engine still does not start, the fuse
for the electric fuel pump may have blown -
see page 167.
Contact your Škoda Dealer in this case.
Diesel enginesGlow plug system
After switching on the Drive position (igni-
tion on), the glow warning light comes on.
Start the engine immediately after the warn-
ing light goes out.
Starting a cold engine
Ambient temperature above +5 °C:
The engine can be started immediately
without preglow. Do not operate throttle
when starting engine.
Ambient temperature below +5 °C:
Turn the key in ignition lock to position
„2“ (see page 43) - the glow warning light
comes on. It goes out after the ignition tem-
perature is reached (see page 57).
While the glow plugs are working, do not
switch on any other major electrical
components as this would place an un-
necessary load on the battery.
When the warning lamp goes out, start
the engine immediately.
46CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENTIf the engine does not start, once again pre-
heat and start once again as described. If
the engine still does not fire, the fuse for
the diesel glow plug system may have
blown - see page 167.
Contact your Škoda Dealer.
Starting a warm engine
If the engine is already at operating tem-
perature when started, the glow warning
lamp does not come on - the engine can
be started straightaway.
Switching off engineDo not switch off the engine immediately
after operating it for a lengthy period at
high engine loads, but allow it to run at
idling speed for about 2 minutes to avoid
any build-up of heat.Warning
Never switch off the engine before
the vehicle is stationary - risk of ac-
cident!
The brake booster only operates
when the engine is running. Greater
physical effort for braking is required
when engine is switched off. Be-
cause if you do not stop as normal,
this can cause an accident and se-
vere injuries.
After the ignition has been switched
off, the fan may continue running for
a while (up to about 10 minutes) with
the ignition switched off. It may also
start to run again suddenly after a
short time if
- the coolant temperature increases
due to heat build-up
- when engine is warm and the en-
gine compartment is heated addi-
tionally by strong sunlight.
Special care must therefore be taken
when working in the engine compart-
ment!
Audible signalsThe status of certain systems is indicated
by an audible signal sounding; refer to the
chapters on:
- Audible signal when reversing - page 47
- Excess speed signal - page 47
- Warning lamp - page 56
- Information display - page 53
- Switch - page 62.
The audible signal may also sound when
using a car radio - see operating instruc-
tions of the radio.
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.
78CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENTVentilation (fresh air operation)With the following settings, unheated fresh
air flows out of vents 3 and 4:
Switch off air conditioner by pressing
pushbutton D
Switch off recirculated air mode by press-
ing pushbutton E
Rotary switch B to desired position
Rotary control A fully to the left
Rotary control C to ........................ Open vents 3 and 4
If desired, the rotary control C can also be
turned into other positions.
General notes If the air conditioning is switched on,
air may flow out of the vents at a tempe-
rature of as low as +5 °C in certain con-
ditions. Lengthy periods sitting in the
car and irregular distribution of the air
flow from the vents (in particular in the
leg area) and large temperature differ-
ences, e.g. when getting out of the car,
may result in more sensitive persons
suffering chills.
For this reason, please follow the in-
structions presented in this chapter.
If the ambient temperature is high and
the air very humid, condensed water may
drip off the evaporator and form a pud-
dle under the vehicle. This is quite nor-
mal and does not indicate a leak.
All the controls can be set to any desired
intermediate position except rotary switch
B (in the range of positions 1 to 4) and the
pushbuttons D and E.
Using air conditioner economically In the cooling mode, the compressor of
the air conditioner draws power from the
engine and thus affects the fuel consump-
tion.
If the inside temperature is very high
after the car has been parked in the sun, it
is recommended to open doors or windows
briefly to enable the hot air to escape.
The air conditioner should not be switched
on during a journey if the windows are ope-
ned.
If the desired interior temperature can
be reached without switching on the air
conditioner, it is better to select the fresh
air mode.
If the air conditioning system has not
been switched on for a lengthy period,
odours may be produced at the evaporator
because of deposits. Switch on the air con-
ditioning system at least once a month, also
during the cold season of the year, to the
maximum blower speed in order to remove
such odours. At the same time open a win-
dow.
84CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENTGeneral notesIt is important to ensure that the sensor
between the defroster vents for the wind-
shield in the middle of the instrument panel
and the air grille (item 18 - refer to page
79) is not covered over.
The air inlet in front of the windshield
must be free of ice, snow and leaves to
enable the Climatronic to operate properly.
The heating efficiency depends on the
temperature of the coolant - full heating ca-
pacity is therefore only available once the
engine has reached its normal operating
temperature.
If the AUTO mode has not been switched
on for a lengthy period, odours may be
caused as a result of environmentally-re-
lated deposits on the evaporator.
In order to avoid such odour problems, the
cooling system should be switched on at
least once a month at the highest blower
speed - also during the cool season of the
year. At the same time, open a window for
a short time.
At high outside temperatures and high
air humidity condensation may drip from the
evaporator and form a puddle of water be-
low the vehicle. This is quite normal and
not an indication of a leak.
The blower should always be switched
on at a low setting when driving at low
speeds in order to prevent the windows
misting up. Select the ECON or AUTO
mode in this case.
If the air conditioning system has not
been switched on for a lengthy period,
odours may be produced at the evaporator
because of deposits. Switch on the air con-
ditioning system at least once a month, also
during the cold season of the year, to the
maximum blower speed in order to remove
such odours. At the same time open a win-
dow.
Economic use of the Climatronic
systemIn the cooling mode the compressor of the
Climatronic system draws power from the
engine and thus influences the fuel con-
sumption. Pay attention to the following
points in order to minimize the operating
time of the system.
If the interior of the vehicle has been
warmed up considerably by the sun’s rays
when the car is parked, it is recommended
to briefly open the windows or doors to al-
low the warm air to escape.
The Climatronic should not be switched
on when driving if the windows or the slid-
ing roof* are open.
Select the ECON mode if it is possible
to also achieve the desired interior tem-
perature without operating the cooling sys-
tem.
88CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENTNoteInterior lights with off time delay* remain on
for a few seconds after the doors are closed.On models fitted with central locking, the
interior light remains on for about 20 sec-
onds when the car is unlocked, a door is
opened or the ignition key is removed pro-
vided the switch is in the door contact po-
sition.
On an open door, the interior light is
switched off after 60 minutes, in order to
avoid discharging the battery.Reading light (B)*Press the switch B, in order to switch the
reading light on or off - see illustration on
page 87.
Interior light (rear)*The interior light is switched on and off by
pressing on the recess in the lens.
Front door warning light*The light always comes on when the front
door is opened.
Note
If the door is left open for a lengthy time,
this can cause the battery to discharge.
On certain models, a reflector is fitted in
place of the door light.On an open door, the interior light is switched
off after 60 minutes, in order to avoid dis-
charging the battery
102SAFETYThe lap belt should always fit tightly
across the pelvis. If necessary, pull the
belt tight.
To lengthen belt, hold the tongue at right
angles to belt webbing and pull belt web-
bing through to the required length - see
illustration.
The belt is easier to adjust if tongue and
cap are pressed together in the longitudi-
nal direction.
To shorten belt , it is only necessary to pull
the free end of the belt.
The surplus belt length is taken up by mov-
ing the plastic slide.
Seat belt tensioner*Safety for the belted driver and front pas-
senger is enhanced by the belt tensioners
at the inertia reels of the front three-point
seat belts.
The system is activated by sensors in the
event of a frontal collision of considerable
severity. A powder charge is ignited when
the seat belt tensioners are activated. This
causes the inertia reels to be rotated in the
opposite direction of unreeling so that the
seat belts are tensioned.
The belt tensioners are not activated in
minor frontal collisions, in side or rear-end
impacts, in a rollover or in accidents where
there is no significant impact to the front of
the car.
Warning
The operating life of the seat belts
and belt tensioners is 15 years from
the date of manufacture of the vehi-
cle. After this time the seat belts and
seat belt tensioners have to be re-
newed in a Škoda Dealership.