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
19
CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
Front seatsCorrect seat adjustment is important for:
- reliably and quickly reaching the controlsand switches,
- relaxed, fatigue-free body position,
- maximum protection from the seat belts.
Warning
For this reason, the front seats
should not be pushed too close to
the steering wheel or the instrument
panel.
Each occupant must correctly fas-
ten the seat belt belonging to the
seat. Children must be fastened with
a suitable restraint system - see page
111 .
The front seats and the head re-
straints must always be adjusted to
match the body size of the seat oc-
cupant. The seat belts must always
be correctly fastened in order to pro-
vide an optimal protection for you
and your occupants.
Always keep your feet in the foot-
well when the vehicle is moving - ne-
ver rest them on the instrument panel
or seats.
Never transport more occupants
than the maximum seating in the ve-
hicle.
1 - To move seat forward and back
Pull up the lever located below the seat and
move seat into the desired position. Then,
release lever and move seat further until
the lock engages.
The driver’s seat should be adjusted so that
the pedals can be fully depressed with the
legs slightly angled. Warning
For safety reasons the driver’s seat
must only be moved forward or back
when the vehicle is stationary!
2 - Adjusting seat height*
Move the lever repeatedly up and down in
the top position in order to raise the seat.
Move the lever repeatedly up and down in
the bottom position in order to lower the
seat. Warning
For safety reasons the height of the
driver’s seat must only be adjusted
when the vehicle is stationary!
20CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT3 - Adjusting backrest angle
To adjust the backrest, take weight off back-
rest and then turn knob.
The backrest of the driver’s seat should be
adjusted so that the top of the steering
wheel can be reached with the arms slightly
angled.Warning
Do not lower the backrest too far
when travelling otherwise the protec-
tion offered by the seat belts will be
adversely affected.
Electrically operated seat*Electric seat adjustmentThe seat is positioned electrically with
switches A and B.
The seat can also be positioned when the
ignition is switched on.
The backrest of the seat is positioned
mechanically by turning the wheel C.
4 - Adjusting lumbar support*
The seat padding in the lumbar area of the
spine can be made to arch forward slightly
by turning the handwheel. This offers ef-
fective support to the natural curvature of
the spine. The sitting position is less fatigu-
ing, particularly on long trips.
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.
64CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT3 - Electronic stabilityprogram* ESPModels fitted with anti-lock brake system
(ABS) can be equipped additionally with an
electronic stability program (ESP).
The ESP makes it possible to enhance
control over the vehicle in situations in
which the vehicle is operating at the dyna-
mic limits, such as driving too fast into a
curve. The ESP is an extension of the ABS/
EBC//TCS/EDL function and reduces the
risk of skidding in all road conditions. The
system operates over the entire speed of
the vehicle in conjunction with the ABS. If
a fault develops in the ABS system, the ESP
then also does not operate.
The ESP is switched on automatically each
time the engine is started. It can be swit-
ched off and on, as desired, together with
the TCS system, by pressing the pushbut-
ton.
If the system is switched off, the ESP warn-
ing light comes on - see page 60.
In exceptional cases where wheel slip is
desired, it is beneficial to switch off the ESP
system. For example:
- when driving with snow chains
- when starting off in deep snow or on a
loose surface
- when rocking the car free if it has got stuck.
The system should be switched on again
after this.
Note
The same tyres must be fitted to all four
wheels if the ESP system is to operate
properly. Differing rolling circumferences of
the tyres can result in an undesirable re-
duction in engine output.
Repairs on the vehicle (e.g. on engine,
braking system, chassis or another combi-
nation of wheels and tyres) can influence
the function of the ESP.
Operating principle of ESP
The ABS, EBC, EDL, TCS systems are in-
tegrated in the electronic stability program.
In addition to the data available from these
functions, the ESP control unit is also sup-
plied with signals which are transmitted by
highly sensitive sensors. What is measu-
red is the spinning rotary motion about the
vertical axis of the vehicle, the lateral ac-
celeration of the vehicle, the brake pressu-
re and the steering lock.
Note
The direction selected by the driver is de-
termined with the aid of the movement of
the steering and the vehicle speed and
constantly compared with the actual behav-
iour of the vehicle. If variations exist, such
as the vehicle beginning to slide, the ESP
automatically brakes the wheel in question
and reduces engine speed.
The vehicle is again stabilised as a result
of the forces acting on the wheel during the
braking operation. If the vehicle is overs-
teering (tending to break away at the rear),
it is primarily the outside front wheel which
is braked, whereas, if the vehicle is under-
steering (tending to slide out of the curve),
the rear inner wheel is then braked.
Warning
The ESP system is also not able to
overcome the physical limits of the
vehicle. You should remember this,
particularly when driving on slippery
and wet road surfaces.
Your style of driving should always
be adapted to the condition of the
road and the traffic situation. The
enhanced safety offered by the ESP
must not tempt you to take any risks
which compromise your safety.
67
CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
Multifunction switchThe turn signal system only operates if the
ignition is switched on.
Right turn signals - lever up
Left turn signals - lever down
When turn signals are operating, the ap-
propriate warning light also flashes - see
page 56.
The turn signal lights are cancelled auto-
matically when the steering wheel is moved
back into the straightahead position.
High and low beamIf low beam is switched on, press the lever
away from the steering wheel. A blue warn-
ing light comes on to indicate the high beam
setting. To switch over to the low beam
setting, pull the lever back into its original
position.
Note
On models fitted with xenon headlights*, do
not switch on main beam and fog lights at
the same time when the car is stationary.Coming Home Function*The function enables the lighting of the low
beam for a short time after leaving the ve-
hicle, e.g. for illumination of Coming-Home
etc.
Select function
Switch off light
Switch off ignition
Flash with main beam (headlight flasher)
Open and close door
If the door is open, the light is on for
approx. 3 minutes.
If the door is closed, the light is on for
approx. 30 seconds
Headlight flasherPull lever toward steering wheel as far as
the pressure point - the main beam and the
indicator light come on.
Note
Use of the signal and lighting systems de-
scribed is subject to local national regula-
tions.Parking lightsThe parking light can only be switched on
if the ignition is off.
Right parking lights - lever up
Left parking lights - lever down
Notes
Use of the parking lights is subject to
local national regulations.
If the lever is not in the middle position
after withdrawing the key, an audible sig-
nal sounds when the driver’s door is ope-
ned. The audible signal switches off again
as soon as the door is closed.
70CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
Multifunction steering wheel*What is operated with the pushbuttons on
the steering wheel depends on the equip-
ment fitted to the car.
Pushbuttons 1, 2, 3 and 4 are used to op-
erate the main functions of the cruise con-
trol and the radio system Please also refer
to the additional information provided in the
corresponding operating instructions.
Press the button (refer to arrow) when the
lights are switched on in order to illuminate
the buttons on the steering wheel.Operating cruise controlThe cruise control is switched on by mov-
ing switch A to ON (refer to ill. on p. 68).
The system is switched off completely by
moving switch A fully to the right to the OFF
position (refer to ill. on p. 68).
Storing speed
Switch the cruise control on. As soon as
you have reached the speed you wish to
maintain, briefly press pushbutton 1 in the
position SET-. The car maintains the stored
speed without the need to operate the ac-
celerator pedal. Changing a stored speed -
see page 68.
Changing stored speed
The stored speed can be reduced by
pressing pushbutton 1 in position SET-. If
the button is pressed and held, the speed
reduces continuously. Once you have
reached the speed you wish to maintain,
release the button. The desired speed is
then stored.
The stored speed can be increased by
pressing pushbutton 1 in position RES+. If
the button is pressed and held, the speed
increases continuously. Once you have
reached the speed you wish to maintain,
release the button. The desired speed is
then stored.Switching off cruise control temporarilyThe cruise control is switched off tempo-
rarily by pressing pushbutton 2 in the posi-
tion CANCEL.
The stored speed is resumed by pressing
pushbutton 1 in position RES+.
For further versions of switching off the
cruise control temporarily - refer to p. 69. Warning
The stored speed must only be re-
sumed if it is not too high for the traf-
fic conditions which exist at that
moment.
Operating radio system and CD
changerThe radio system is operated with push-
buttons
3 and 4.Pushbutton 3 with positions VOL+ and
VOL- :
The volume of the radio system, cassette
player, CD changer and recorder of traffic
reports is increased or reduced by press-
ing the button in the appropriate position.
Pushbutton 4 with positions indicated by
the two arrows:
Radio system : You can search up or down
for radio stations in accordance with the
frequency search by pressing the button in
the appropriate position.
Cassette player : You can operate the fast
forward or return by pressing the button in
the appropriate position.
CD changer : You can select preceding or
subsequent sections of music by pressing
the button in the appropriate position.