
Starting-off and Driving119
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
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 th e 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 243.
•Contact the nearest specialist garage 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 off the engine
– The engine can be switched off by turning the ignition key from posi- tion ⇒page 117, fig. 132 into position .
WARNING
•Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary - risk of acci-
dent!
•The brake booster only operates when the engine is running. Greater
physical effort for braking 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 peri od 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 fo r 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 temperature 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.
A1
Fig. 133 The shift
pattern: 5-speed or 6-
speed manual gearbox
NKO A5 20 MR08.book Page 119 Wednesday, April 11, 2007 2:54 PM

Inspecting and Replenishing209
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Inspecting and Replenishing
Engine compartment
Bonnet remote release
Bonnet remote release
– Pull the unlocking lever below the dash panel on the driver's side
⇒ fig. 194 .
The bonnet jumps out of its lock as a result of the spring force. A handle appears at
the same time in the radiator grille.
Opening and closing the bonnet.
Opening the bonnet
– Unlock the bonnet ⇒fig. 194 .
– Ensure that the arms of the windscreen wipers are correctly in place against the windscreen before opening the bonnet otherwise
damage could occur to the paintwork.
– Pulling on the handle ⇒fig. 195 will lock the bonnet fully.
Fig. 194 Bonnet release
lever
Fig. 195 Radiator grille:
handle
Fig. 196 Securing the
bonnet with the bonnet
support
NKO A5 20 MR08.book Page 209 Wednesday, April 11, 2007 2:54 PM

Inspecting and Replenishing
210
– Grip with the hand under the radiat or grille and lift up the bonnet.
– Take the bonnet support out of its holder and set it in the opening designed for it ⇒page 209, fig. 196 .
Closing the bonnet
– Lift the bonnet slightly and unhook the bonnet support. Press the bonnet support into the hold er designed to hold it.
– Allow the bonnet to drop from a height of about 30 cm into the lock - bonnet do not press down on it !
WARNING
•Never open the bonnet if you see that steam or coolant is flowing out of
the engine compartment - risk of scaldi ng! 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 prop-
erly after closing the bonnet.
•Stop your vehicle i mmediately while driving if yo u notice that the lock is
not properly engaged and close the bonn et properly - risk of an accident!
Caution
Never open the bonnet using the handle - danger of causing damage.
Working in the engine 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 an d replenishing oil and other fluids. For
this reason, it is essential to comply with the warning instructions stated below and with the general applicable rules of safety. The engine compart-
ment 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 compartment - risk of scaldi ng! Wait long enough until the steam
or coolant has stopped escaping.
•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 gearshift 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 expa nsion 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.
•Do not let objects, such as e.g cleaning cloth or tools lie in the engine
compartment.
•If you wish to work under the vehicl e, 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!
•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 observe in addition the following:
NKO A5 20 MR08.book Page 210 Wednesday, April 11, 2007 2:54 PM

Inspecting and Replenishing
216
Replenishing the coolant
– Switch the engine off.
– Allow the engine to cool down.
– Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir
⇒page 215, fig. 199 and unscrew the cap carefully by turning it to the
left ⇒ .
– Top up the coolant.
– Screw the cap tight until it is heard to lock.
The coolant which you use for replenishing the system, must comply with one
specific specification ⇒page 214, “Coolant”. Do not use an alternative additive if
the coolant additive G12 PLUS is not availa ble in exceptional cases. Just top up the
system with water and as soon as possible arrange adjustment to correct the mixing
ratio of water and coolant additive again by a specialist garage.
Only use fresh coolant for topping up the system.
Do not fill up over the “MAX” marking! Exce ss coolant which is heated up is forced
out of the cooling system through the pressure relief valve in the cap of the coolant
compensation bottle.
Wait until the engine has cooled down for a system which has suffered a major loss
of coolant before pouring in coolant. Th is is necessary to avoid engine damage.
WARNING
•The cooling system is pressurized! Do not open the cap of the coolant
expansion bottle if the engine is still hot - risk of scalding!
•The coolant additive and thus all of the coolant is harmful to your health.
Avoid contact with the coolant. Coolant vapours are also harmful to the
health. It is important, therefore, to always safely store any coolant additive
in its original container out of the reach of children - risk of poisoning!
•If any splashes of coolant get into yo ur eyes, rinse out your eyes immedi-
ately with clear water and contact a doctor as soon as possible.
•You should also consult a doctor without delay if you have inadvertently
swallowed coolant.
Caution
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under the
conditions prevailing to top up with coolant. Switch of the engine and contact
and obtain professional assistance from a specialist garage.
For the sake of the environment
Do not re-use coolant if it is necessary to drain the coolant in the system. It should
be collected and disposed of in comp liance with environmental protection
regulations.
Radiator fan
The radiator fan may switch on suddenly.
The radiator fan is driven by an electric motor and controlled according to the
coolant temperature.
The radiator fan may continue running for up to 10 mi nutes after the engine has
been switched off - even if the ignition is also off. It may also switch on suddenly
after a certain time, if
•the coolant temperature has risen because of an accumulation of heat or
•the warm engine compartment is heated up additionally by strong sunlight.
WARNING
You must therefore be aware when work ing in the engine compartment that
the fan may switch on suddenly - risk of injury!
WARNING (continued)
NKO A5 20 MR08.book Page 216 Wednesday, April 11, 2007 2:54 PM

Inspecting and Replenishing
222
Caution
•On no account should you add radiator antifreeze or other additives to the
windscreen washer fluid.
•If the vehicle is fitted with headligh t cleaning system, you should only add
cleaning products which do not attack th e polycarbonate coating of the headlights
to the windscreen washer fluid. Please contact your Škoda Service Partner, who will
tell you which cleaning agent you can use.
NKO A5 20 MR08.book Page 222 Wednesday, April 11, 2007 2:54 PM

Fuses and light bulbs245
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
F11Lambda probe upstream of catalytic converter,
engine control unit10
F12Lambda probe downstream of catalytic converter10
F13Control unit for automatic gearbox15
F14Not assigned
F15Coolant pump10
F16Windshield wiper lever and turn signal light lever5
F17Instrument cluster5
F18Audio amplifier (sound system)30
F19Radio15
F20Phone5
F21Not assigned
F22Not assigned
F23Engine control unit10
F24Control unit for CAN databus5
F25Not assigned
F26Not assigned
F27Not assigned
F28Engine control unit25
F29Actuation for coolant pump after-running5
F30Control unit for auxiliary heating20
F31Front window wiper30
F32Not assigned
F33Not assigned
F34Not assigned
No.Power consumerAmperes
F35Not assigned
F36Not assigned
F37Not assigned
F38Radiator fan, valves10
F39Clutch pedal switch, brake pedal switch5
F40Ignition coils20
F41Not assigned
F42Actuation of fuel pump5
F43Not assigned
F44Not assigned
F45Not assigned
F46Not assigned
F47Central control unit, Left main headlights30
F48Central control unit, Right main headlights30
F49Power supply for terminal 15 (ignition on)40
F50Not assigned
F51Not assigned
F52Power supply relay - terminal X a)40
F53Accessory equipment50
F54Not assigned
a)In order not to drain the battery unnecessarily when starting the engine, the electrical
components of this terminal are automatically switched off.
No.Power consumerAmperes
NKO A5 20 MR08.book Page 245 Wednesday, April 11, 2007 2:54 PM

Index283
Petrol engines
Starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Polishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Power steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186 Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Power window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Power windows Button in front passenger door and in rear doors46
Buttons on the driver's door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Central locking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
R
Radiator fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Rear armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Rear fog light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Rear window heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Rear window heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Rear-view mirror Exterior mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Interior mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Recharge battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Synchronisation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Replacing fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Replacing the wiper blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Roof aerial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Running in the car . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
S
Safe securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Safety information Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Safety wheel bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Saving electrical energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Seat belt height adjuster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Seat belt warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158, 162 Belt tensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
fastening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Height adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Safety information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
taking off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Seat heaters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Selector lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127, 133
Selector lever lock Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Selector lever positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127, 133
Selector lever-emergency unlocking . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Selector lever-emergency unl ocking (DSG) . . . . . 137
Service Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Service Interval Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Setting temperature Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Setting the clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Shifting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119 Side airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Side lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Snow chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Spare wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Stability system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
after fuel tank has run empty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Diesel engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Petrol engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Steering Driver-steering recommendation . . . . . . . . . 183
Steering force assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Storage compartment Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Storage compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Storage facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Sun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Sun screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Switching lights on and off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Switching off the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
T
Taking care of your vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
TCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183 Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Telephone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Temperature outside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Temporary spare wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
the first 1 500 kilometres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
NKO A5 20 MR08.book Page 283 Wednesday, April 11, 2007 2:54 PM