2006 SKODA ROOMSTER warning

Heating and air conditioning system
104
Climatronic (automatic air conditioning)*
Description
The Climatronic system is a combination of an automatic
heating, fresh air and cooling system which provides
optimal comfort for the occupants of the car.
The Climatronic maintains a constant temperature fully automatically,
once it has been set. This is achieved by automatically varying the
temperature of the outflowing air, the blower stages and the air distribu-
tion. The system also takes into account sunlight which eliminates the
need to alter the settings manually. The automatic mode ⇒ page 106
ensures maximum wellbeing of the occupants at all times of the year.
Description of Climatronic system
The cooling operates only if the following conditions are met:
•engine running,
•outside temperature above +2 °C,
•the button is not pressed.
If the cooling system is switched on, the temperature and air humidity
drops in the vehicle. The wellbeing 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.
The heating effect is dependent upon the coolant temperature, thus full
heat output only occurs when the engine has reached its operating
temperature.
It is possible to briefly activate recirculated air mode in order to enhance
the cooling effect ⇒. The air inlet in front of the windscreen must be free of ice, snow or leaves
in order to ensure that the heating and cooling systems operate properly.
The AC compressor is switched off at a high coolant temperature in order
to provide cooling at a high load of the engine.
After switching on the cooling
Condensation from the evaporator of the
air conditioning may drip down and form a puddle below the vehicle. This
is quite normal and not an indication of a leak!
Recommended setting for all periods of the year:
•Set the temperature to 22 °C.
•Press the button ⇒page 105, fig. 96 .
•Move the air outlet vents 3 and 4 so that the air flow is directed slightly
upwards ⇒page 108, fig. 97 .
Switching over between degrees Celsius and degrees Fahrenheit
Press and hold the buttons and ⇒page 105, fig. 96 . The
information in the desired temperature measuring unit appears in the
display.
WARNING
•For your own safety and that of other road users, ensure that all
the windows 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.
•You should not leave recirculated air mode on over a longer
period of time, as “stale” air may result in fatigue in the driver and
occupants, divert your attention and also cause the windows to
mist up. The risk of having an accident increases. Switch recircu-
lated air mode off as soon as the windows begin misting up.
ECON
AUTO
ECONAUTO
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Heating and air conditioning system 107
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Defrosting windscreen - switching off
– Once again press the button or the button .
The temperature control is controlled automatically. More air flows out of
the air outlet vents 1 and 2.
Recirculated air mode
In recirculated air mode air is sucked out of the interior of
the vehicle and then fed back into the interior.
Recirculated air mode prevents polluted air outside the vehicle
from getting into the vehicle, for example when driving through a
tunnel or when standing in a traffic jam.
Switching recirculated air mode on
– Press button , the symbol
 appears on the display.
Switching recirculated air mode off
– Once again press the button or the button , the symbol or the logo is no longer shown on the display.
WARNING
You should not leave recirculated air mode on over a longer period
of time, as “stale” air may result in fatigue in the driver and occu-
pants, divert your attention and also cause the windows to mist up.
The risk of having an accident increases. Switch recirculated air
mode off as soon as the windows begin misting up.
Note
If the windscreen mists up, press the button . After the windscreen has
been demisted, press the button .
Setting temperature
– You can set the desired interior temperature after switching on the ignition with the control dial .
You can set the interior temperature between +18°C and +29°C. The inte-
rior temperature is regulated automatically within this range. If you select
a temperature of less than +18 °C, “LO” is shown on the display. If you
select a temperature above +29 °C, “HI” is shown on the display. In both
limit positions the Climatronic operates at maximum cooling or heating
capacity, respectively. The temperature is not controlled in this case.
Lengthy and uneven distribution of the air flow out of the vents (in partic-
ular at the leg area) and large differences in temperature, for example
when getting out of the vehicle, can result in chills in sensitive persons.
Controlling blower
There are a total of seven blower stages available.
The Climatronic system controls the blower stages automatically
in line with the interior temperature. You can also, however, adapt
the blower stages manually to suit your particular needs.
– Turn the control dial ⇒page 105, fig. 96 to the left (reduce
blower speed) or right (increase blower speed).
AUTO

AUTO
AUTO
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Heating and air conditioning system
108
Switch off the blowers, the Climatronic is switched off and in the display
shows OFF.
The set blower speed is displayed next to the control dial when the
respective number of warning lights come on.
WARNING
•“Stale air” may result in fatigue in the driver and occupants,
reduce attention levels and also cause the windows to mist up. The
risk of having an accident increases.
•Do not switch the Climatronic system off for longer than neces-
sary.
•Switch the Climatronic system on as soon as the windows mist
up.
Air outlet vents
Fig. 97 Air outlet vents
Open air outlet vents
– Turn the rotary knob into the upper position.
Close air outlet vents
– Turn the rotary knob into the lower position.
Redirecting air flow
– The horizontal as well as the vertical direction of the air flow is set with the handle in the middle of the air outlet vents.
You can control the air distribution to the air outlet vents via the buttons of
the operating part of the Climatronic ⇒page 105. Air outlet vents 3 and 4
⇒ page 108, fig. 97 can also be opened or closed individually.
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Starting-off and Driving109
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Starting-off and Driving
Setting steering wheel position*You can set the height and the forward/back position of the
steering wheel to the desired position.
– Adjust the driver seat ⇒page 68.
– Pull the lever below the steering column ⇒fig. 98 down
⇒ .
– Set the steering wheel to the desired position (concerning height and forward/back position).
– Then push the lever up against the steering column until it locks into place.
WARNING
•You must not adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is
moving!
•The driver must maintain a distance of at least 25 cm to the
steering wheel ⇒fig. 99 . Not maintaining this minimum distance
will mean that the airbag system will not be able to properly protect
you - hazard!
•For safety reasons the lever must always be firmly pushed up to
avoid the steering wheel altering its position unintentionally when
driving - risk of accident!
•If you adjust the steering wheel further towards the head, you
will reduce the protection offered by the driver airbag in the event
of an accident. Check that the steering wheel is aligned to the
chest.
•When driving, hold the steering wheel with both hands firmly on
the outer edge in the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock position. Never hold
Fig. 98 Adjustable
steering wheel: Lever
below steering column
Fig. 99 Safe distance
to steering wheel
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Starting-off and Driving
110
the steering wheel firmly in the 12 o'clock position or in another
way (e.g. in the middle of the steering wheel or at the inner steering
wheel edge). In such cases, injuries to the arms, the hands and the
head can occur when the driver airbag is deployed.
Ignition lock
Petrol engines
- ignition switched off, engine off
- ignition switched on
- start engine Diesel engines
- interruption of fuel supply, ignition switched off, engine off, the
steering can be locked.
- 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.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 100 Ignition lock
positions
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Starting-off and Driving111
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
WARNING
•When driving, the ignition key must always be in the position
(ignition switched on) without the en gine 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!
•Do not withdraw the ignition key from the lock until the car has
come to a stop. The steering lock can engage immediately - 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 equi pment (e.g. power windows) - risk
of injury!
Starting the engine
General
You can only start the engine only using an original ignition
key.
•Place the gearshift lever into neutral and put on the handbrake firmly
before starting the engine.
•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 243.
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 247.
WARNING
•Never run the engine in non ventilated or enclosed areas. The
exhaust gases of the engine contain besides the odorless and
colourless carbon monoxide a poisonous gas - hazard! Carbon
monoxide can cause unconsciousness and death.
•Never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running.
Caution
•The starter may only be operated (ignition key position ), if the
engine is not running. If the starter is immediately operated after switching
off the engine, the starter or the engine can be damaged.
•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!
•Vehicles which are fitted with an exhaust gas catalytic converter
should not be tow-started over a distance of more than 50 metres.
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112
For the sake of the environment
Never warm up the engine when the vehicle is standing. Drive off right
away. When driving the engine reaches its operating temperature more
rapidly and the pollutant emissions are lower.
Petrol engines
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. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary
⇒ page 249.
•If the engine does not start, contact the nearest specialist garage 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 engines
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.
You should not switch on any major electrical components during
the heating period otherwise the vehicle 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. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary
⇒ page 249.
•Contact the nearest specialist garage to obtain professional assist-
ance.
Starting the engine after 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 off the engine
– The engine can be switched off by turning the ignition key from position ⇒page 110, fig. 100 into position .
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Starting-off and Driving113
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
WARNING
•Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary - risk
of accident!
•The brake booster only operates when the engine is running.
Greater physical effort for brakin g is required when engine is
switched off. Because if you do not stop as normal, this can cause
an accident and severe injuries.
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 210, “Working in the engine
compartment”.
Shifting (manual gearbox)
Shift into reverse only when the car is stationary. Depress the clutch pedal
and hold it fully depressed. Wait a moment before engaging reverse gear
in order to avoid any shift noises.
The reversing lights will come on once reverse gear is engaged, provided
the ignition is on.
WARNING
Never engage the reverse gear when driving - risk of accident!
Note
•One should not lay the hand on the shift lever while driving the vehicle.
The pressure of the hand will be transferred to the gearshift forks in the
gearbox. This can, over a period of time, lead to early wear of the gearshift
forks.
Fig. 101 The shift
pattern: 5-speed or 6-
speed manual gearbox
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