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.
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.
49
CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
3 - Fuel gaugeThe gauge starts to work when the ignition
is switched on.
The fuel tank holds about 55 litres.
If the warning lamp comes on, there are still
about 7 litres of fuel in the fuel tank.4 - SpeedometerDuring the running-in period, refer to the
instructions on page 117.
The speedometer range depends on the
engine power output.
Odometer
The upper counter registers the total di-
stance driven, and the bottom counter the
short trips (trip counter).
The figure after the point in the lower coun-
ter indicates 100 m or 1/10 mile.
The trip counter can be zeroed by pressing
the knob (below the speedometer).
For your own safety, do not attempt to
zero the counter when driving.Service interval display
If the due date of an inspection is reached,
the following text appears in the trip coun-
ter display* or in the information display*
(see page 53)
1):
„Service km 1500“ or
„Service in 1500 km“.
The km figure is reduced in steps of 100 km
prior to the service inspection.
1)On certain models the service message „serv-
ice OIL“ or „service INSP“ appears in the serv-
ice interval display.
If the due date for inspection is reached,
the flashing readout „service“ or „service
now“ appears in the display.
The service message disappears about 20
seconds after starting the engine. You can
also switch to the trip counter display by
pressing the reset knob (for more than 0.5
seconds).
It is recommended to have repair and
service work carried out only in a Škoda
Dealership.
The Škoda Dealership which carried out the
service resets the service interval display
after completion of the work.
It is also possible to reset the service inter-
val display with the reset knob of the trip
counter as follows:
Switch off the ignition and press the re-
set knob of the trip counter below the
speedometer and hold.
Switch on the ignition and release the
reset knob. The message „service“ or
„service now“ appears in the display.
1)
Turn the knob for setting the clock to the
right until the message is reset.
56CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENTIndicator/warning lightsThe position of the indicator/warning lights
depends on the model and engine versi-
on. You will find the symbols presented in
the description which follows on or at the
corresponding indicator/warning lights in
the instrument cluster.
When certain warning lights come on, this
is accompanied by an audible signal. A text
may also be shown in the information dis-
play* - see previous chapters.
Turn signal systemThe right or left indicator light flashes when
switching over the turn signal light upwards
or downwards.
If a turn signal fails, the warning light flashes
twice as fast. This does not apply when
towing a trailer. Both warning lights flash
when the hazard warning system is swit-
ched on.Main beamThe warning light comes on when main
beam is switched on or when the headlight
flasher is used.
Further details are given on page 67.Airbag system*The warning light comes on for a few sec-
onds when ignition is switched on.
If the lamp does not go out or if it comes on
again when driving, there is a fault in the
system. This is also valid if the warning light
does not come on when switching on the
ignition. Further information see page 103.
Text in the information display*: AIRBAG
FAULT (fault at airbag)
The operational readiness of the airbag
system is monitored electronically, also on
deactivated front passenger airbag or side
airbag.
WarningIf you do not pay attention to the warn-
ing lights coming on and the corre-
sponding descriptions and warning
notes, this may result in severe body
injuries or major vehicle damage.The engine compartment of your car
is a hazardous area.There is a risk of injuries, scalding,
accidents and fire when working in the
engine compartment, e.g. inspecting
and replenishing oil and other fluids.Absolutely pay attention to the warn-
ing notes - see page 137.
59
CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
Engine oilWarning light shows red
(engine oil level too low)
The warning light comes on for a few se-
conds when the ignition is switched on.
On vehicles with information display, the
warning light does not come on after switch-
ing on the ignition, only if a fault exists or a
shortage of oil.
If the warning light does not go out after a
few seconds or comes on when driving,
stop the car and switch off the engine,
check oil level and top up oil if necessary –
see page 136.
Text in the information display*: STOP! OIL
PRESSURE STOP ENGINE! SERVICE
MANUAL.
An audible warning signal sounds (peep
signal 3 times).
If the warning light comes on although the
oil is at the correct level, do not continue
driving . The engine must also not be run
at idling speed in this case. Contact a
Škoda Dealership for professional advice. Warning
The oil pressure light is not an oil
level indicator! One should therefore
check the oil level at regular inter-
vals, preferably after every refuelling
stop.
Warning light lights up yellow*
(oil in the engine is too low)
If the warning light lights up yellow, the
quantity of oil in the engine is probably too
low.
Check as soon as possible the oil level or
top up with engine oil - see page 140.
An audible warning signal sounds (3x
beeps).
Text in the information display*: CHECK OIL
LEVEL.
Models fitted with LongLife Service: The
oil level warning is reset when the bonnet
is opened. If the engine oil is not replenis-
hed, the warning appears once again after
driving about 100 km.
Yellow warning light flashes*
(engine oil level gauge faulty)
If a fault occurs at the engine oil level gau-
ge, this is indicated by an audible signal and
by the warning light flashing several times.
Text in the information display*: OIL SEN-
SOR WORKSHOP.
Have the engine inspected without de-
lay by a Škoda Dealership.
89
CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
Cigarette lighter, socketThe cigarette lighter is switched on by
pushing in the insert. Once the heating coil
is glowing, the lighter insert jumps forward.
Remove lighter immediately and use.
Warning
Caution when using cigarette lighter.
Careless or uncontrolled use of the
cigarette lighter can cause burns.
The 12-volt socket or the socket of the
cigarette lighter can also be used for other
electrical accessories with a power con-
sumption of up to 180 watts. If the engine
is not running, however, the battery is dis-
charged.
Luggage compartment socket
(Estate)The socket is located in the left of the lug-
gage compartment.
It complies with the DIN-ISO Standard 4165
and must only be used for connecting ap-
proved electrical accessories with a power
consumption up to 240 watts. If the engine
is switched off when the socket is used, the
battery will be drained.
For further information, see chapter enti-
tled „Accessories“ on page 159.
Luggage compartment light*The light is located in the upper left of the
luggage compartment (right - Estate)
The light comes on automatically when
opening the tailgate of the luggage com-
partment. If the tailgate of the luggage com-
partment remains open for longer than 30
minutes, the luggage compartment light will
automatically switch off.
119
DRIVING TIPS
The technical prerequisites
for low fuel consumption and efficiency we-
re „built in“ at the factory. Particular impor-
tance was placed on the lowest possible
effect on the environment. To retain and
make the best possible use of these char-
acteristics attention should be paid to the
following points:
The prescribed maintenance opera-tions should be carried out exactly
as specified in the Service Schedule.
Having your car serviced by a Škoda Dealer
at the specified intervals not only ensures
that it is always in proper roadworthy con-
dition but that it operates economically, with
minimal environmental impact and provides
you with many years of motoring.
Check the tyre pressures every 4 weeks.
Low tyre pressures increase the rolling re-
sistance. This not only increases the fuel
consumption and tyre wear, but the han-
dling is also impaired.
Do not carry any unnecessary loadsin the luggage compartment.
The weight of the car has a major effect on
fuel consumption, particularly when driving
in towns where you frequently have to ac-
celerate. The rule of thumb which applies
is that every 100 kilograms of weight in-
creases fuel consumption by about 1 litre/
100 km (1 litre/62 miles).
Do not fit the roof rack unless it is
really needed.
Particularly at high speeds the increased
air resistance makes itself felt in higher fuel
consumption.
Electrical consumers should onlybe switched on when they are ac-
tually required.
Heated rear window, fog lights etc. have a
considerable energy demand. The higher
alternator load also increases the fuel con-
sumption. For instance, over a period of 10
hours, the heated rear window will increase
fuel consumption by approximately 1 litre.
Keep a frequent check on your fuel consumption.
The fuel consumption should be checked
each time the tank is filled up. By doing this
inconsistencies on the vehicle which lead
to increased fuel consumption can be de-
tected sooner. Check the oil level each time you refuel.
The oil consumption depends to a great
extent on the engine load and speed. De-
pending on the style of driving the con-
sumption can be as much as 0.5 litre/
1000 km.
It is normal for the oil consumption of a new
engine to reach its lowest level after a cer-
tain mileage has been covered. The con-
sumption cannot be properly assessed until
the vehicle has run approx. 5000 km.
This also applies to the fuel consumption
and the engine output.
120DRIVING TIPS
Do not switch off the ignition when driv-
ing.
Do not overfill engine with oil - see page
140.
Do not tow start vehicle for more than
50 m - see page 179.
Warning
Due to the high temperatures which
can occur in catalytic converters in
very unfavourable conditions, the
vehicle should not be parked in such
a way that the catalytic converter can
come into contact with inflammable
materials.
Note
Even if the emission control system is op-
erating perfectly properly, there may be a
sulphurous exhaust smell in certain engine
operating conditions. This depends on the
sulphur content in the fuel being used.
Quite often this can be remedied by select-
ing another brand of fuel or filling up with
unleaded premium petrol.
Trouble-free operation of the
emission
control system is decisive for environmen-
tally friendly operation of the vehicle.
That is why it is important to note the fol-
lowing points:
Vehicles fitted with a catalytic converter
must only be driven on unleaded petrol -
see page 128.
Never drive until the fuel tank is comple-
tely empty on vehicles fitted with a catalytic
converter. The irregular fuel supply can
cause misfiring. This allows unburnt fuel in-
to the exhaust system which can cause
overheating and damage to the catalytic
converter.
If misfiring, a loss of power and rough
engine running occur when driving, this
may be caused by a fault in the ignition
system. In this case, uncombusted fuel can
get into the exhaust system and thus pass
to the atmosphere. In addition, the catalytic
converter may be damaged as a result of
overheating. Reduce your speed immedi-
ately and have the fault rectified at the near-
est Škoda Dealer. General notes
The wear of the brake pads depends to
a great extent on the driving conditions and
your style of driving. Consequently, it may
also be necessary to have the thickness of
the brake pads inspected at a Škoda Dealer
between the intervals stated in the Service
Schedule, particularly if your car is driven
frequently in towns or over short distances,
or in a very sporty manner.
Change down in good time when driv-
ing downhill, in order to make use of the
engine braking effect. This relieves the
strain on the brake system. When the bra-
kes are applied, do not keep them on con-
tinuously, apply and release the brakes al-
ternately.
Under certain operating conditions, for
example after driving through water, after
heavy rain or after washing the vehicle, the
braking effect may be retarded by wet, or
in winter iced-up brake discs and pads - the
brakes must be dried out first by applying
the footbrake.
Brakes