Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights29
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
The fact that the TCS system operates together with the ABS means that the TCS
warning light will also come on if the
ABS system is not operating properly.
Further information about the TCS ⇒page 156, “Traction control system (TCS)*”.
Antilock brake system (ABS)
The warning light shows the functionality of the ABS and the Electronic Differ-
ential Lock (EDL).
The warning light comes on for a few seconds after the ignition has been switched
on or when starting the engine. The warning light goes out after an automatic check
sequence has been completed.
A fault in the ABS
The system is not functioning properly if the warning light
does not go out within
a few seconds after switching on the ignition , does not light up at all or lights up
while driving. The vehicle will only be br aked by the normal brake system. Visit a
specialist garage as quickly as possible and adjust your style of driving in the mean-
time since you will not know how great the damage is.
Three additional warning tones will sound if there is a major fault in the ABS.
Further information about ABS ⇒page 159, “Antilock brake system (ABS)”.
A fault in the entire brake system
If the ABS warning light
comes on together with the brake system warning light (handbrake must be released), there is a fault not only in the ABS but also in
another part of the brake system ⇒.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: STOP BRAKE FAULT SERVICE MANUAL (STOP! BRAKE FAULT OWNER'S
MANUAL)
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
The EDL is a part of the ABS. A fault in the EDL is indicated by the ABS warning light
in the instrument cluster. Have the ve hicle inspected without delay by a Škoda
Service Partner. Further information on the EDL ⇒page 157, “Electronic Differen-
tial Lock (EDL)”.
WARNING
•If the brake system warning light comes on together with the ABS
warning light stop the vehicle immediately and check the brake fluid
level in the reservoir ⇒page 191, “Brake fluid”. If the brake fluid level has
dropped below the MIN marking, do not drive any further - risk of accident!
Contact a Škoda dealer to obta in professional assistance.
•Pay attention to the following instructions ⇒ page 185, “Working in the
engine compartment” before checking the brake fluid level and opening the
bonnet.
•If the brake fluid is at the correct level, the ABS control function has
failed. The rear wheels may then block very rapidly when braking. In certain
circumstances, this can result in the rear end of the car breaking away - risk
of skidding! Drive carefully to the nearest specialist garage and have the
fault rectified.
Electronic immobiliser
Data is compared between the ignition ke y and the control unit when switching on
the ignition. The indicator light will light up for a few seconds when ignition key
authorisation is confirmed.
The warning light will start flashing conti nuously if a non-authorised ignition key
(for example the wrong ignition key) has been used. The engine cannot be started
⇒ page 32.
It is only possible to start the engine of your car with a Genuine Škoda key with the
matching code.
Brake system
The warning light flashes or comes on if the brake fluid level is too low, if there
is a fault in the ABS or if the handbrake is applied.
If the warning light
flashes (handbrake is not applied), stop and check the brake
fluid level ⇒ .
NKO B5 20.book Page 29 Friday, March 2, 2007 1:46 PM
Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
30
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
STOP BRAKE FLUID SERVICE MANUAL
If there is a fault in the ABS which also influences the function of the normal brake
system (e.g. distribution of brake pressure), the ABS warning light
comes on
together with the brake system warning light . Be aware that not only the ABS but
also another part of th brake system is defective ⇒.
3 peeps sound as an additional warning signal.
One should get used to high pedal forces, long braking distances and long free play
of the brake pedal when driving to the next specialist garage.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: STOP BRAKE FAULT SERVICE MANUAL (STOP! BRAKE FAULT OWNER'S
MANUAL)
For further information on the brake system ⇒page 158, “Brakes”.
Handbrake applied
The warning light
also comes on if the handbrake is applied. An audible warning
is also given if you drive the vehicle for at least 3 seconds at a speed of more than 5
km/h.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
HANDBRAKE ON
WARNING
•Pay attention to the following instructions ⇒page 185, “Working in the
engine compartment” before checking the brake fluid level and opening the
bonnet.
•If the brake system warning light does not go out a few seconds after
switching on the ignition or comes on when driving, stop immediately and
check the brake fluid in the reservoir ⇒page 191, “Brake fluid”. If the fluid
level has dropped below the MIN marking, do not drive any further - risk of
accident! Contact a Škoda dealer to obtain professional assistance.
Alternator
The warning light comes on after the ignition has been switched on. It should go
out after the engine has started.
If the warning light
does not come on after the ignition is switched on, drive to
the nearest specialist garage.
If the warning light does not go out after the engine has started, or comes on when
driving, drive to the nearest specialist garage. The vehicle battery will be discharged
in this case so switch off all non-essential electrical components.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
ALTERNATOR WORKSHOP! (ALTERNATOR WORKSHOP!)
Caution
If the warning light comes on when driving and in addition the warning light
(cooling system fault) also comes on in display, you must then stop the car imme-
diately and switch the engine off - risk of engine damage!
Seat belt warning light
The warning light comes on for a few seconds after the ignition is switched on as
a reminder to fasten the seat belt.
If you do not fasten the seat belt, a long warning signal sounds for 6 seconds.
For further information on the seat belts ⇒page 130.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: FASTEN SEATBELT
For further information on the seat belts ⇒page 130, “Seat belts”.
NKO B5 20.book Page 30 Friday, March 2, 2007 1:46 PM
Seats and Stowage67
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
WARNING
•Greater pedal distances may be needed when there is a fault in the brake
system.
•Do not place any footmats or other additional floor coverings in the area
of the pedals in order to ensure that all the pedals can be fully depressed and
are able to return unobstructed to their initial position - risk of accident!
•There must be no objects on the floor which could roll under the pedals.
You would then no longer be able to apply the brakes, operate the clutch or
accelerator - risk of accident!
luggage compartment
Loading the luggage compartment
Please observe the following in the inte rest of having good handling char-
acteristics of your vehicle:
– Distribute the items of luggage as evenly as possible.
– Place heavy objects as far forward as possible.
– Attach the items of luggage with th e safety net* or with tensioning
straps attached to the lashing eyes ⇒page 68.
In the event of an accident, there is such a high kinetic energy which is produced by
small and light objects that they can caus e severe injuries. The magnitude of the
kinetic energy depends on the speed at wh ich the vehicle is travelling and on the
weight of the object. The speed at which the vehicle is travelling is in this case the
more significant factor.
Example: In the event of a frontal collis ion at a speed of 50 km/h, an unsecured
object with a weight of 4.5 kg produces an energy, which corresponds to 20 times
its own weight. This means that it results in a weight of approx. 90 kg. You can
imagine the injuries that can occur, if this “bullet” is flying through the interior
compartment and hits an occupant.
WARNING
•Store the objects in the luggage compartment and attach them to the
lashing eyes.
•Loose objects in the passenger co mpartment can be thrown forward
during a sudden manoeuvre or in case of an accident and can injure the
occupants or other oncoming traffic. This risk is still increased, if the objects
which are flying around are hit by a deployed airbag. In this case, the objects
which are thrown back can injure the occupants - hazard!
•Please note that the handling properties of your vehicle may be affected
when transporting heavy objects as a result of the displacement of the
centre of gravity. The speed and style of driving must be adjusted accord-
ingly.
•The items carried in the luggage compartment should be stored in such
a way that no objects are able to slip forward if there are any sudden driving
or braking manoeuvres under taken - risk of injury!
•Never drive with the boot lid fully opened or slightly ajar otherwise
exhaust gases may get into the interior of the vehicle - risk of poisoning!
•On no account exceed the permissible axle loads and the permissible
gross weight of the vehicle - risk of accident!
•Never transport occupants in the luggage compartment!
Note
•Tyre pressure must be adjusted to the load ⇒page 200, fig. 183 .
•The air circulation in the interior of th e car helps to prevent the windows from
misting up. Stale air is diverted via the outlet nozzles into the lateral trim panels of
the luggage compartment. Check for yourself that the outlet nozzles are not
covered.
•On vehicles fitted without foldable back rest but with fixed backrest, the luggage
compartment cannot be enlarged.
NKO B5 20.book Page 67 Friday, March 2, 2007 1:46 PM
Starting-off and Driving
100
Ignition lock
Petrol engines
- ignition switched off, engine off
- ignition switched on
- start engine
Diesel engines - fuel supply interrupted, ignition switched off, engine off
- heating glow plugs on, ignition switched on
•You should not switch on any major elec trical components during the heating
period otherwise the vehicle batt ery 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 compon ents 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 th e ignition lock prevents the starter being
engaged when the engine is r unning 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
•When driving, the ignition key must always be in the position (igni-
tion switched on) without the engine running. This position is indicated by
the warning lights coming on. If this is not the case, it could result in unex-
pected locking of the steerin g wheel - risk of accident!
•Only remove the ignition key from the ignition lock when the vehicle has
come to a standstill (put on the handbrake or select the selector lever posi-
tion P). The steering lock can enga ge 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 children are left in the
vehicle. The children might otherwise st art the engine or operate electrical
equipment (e.g. power windows) - risk of injury!
Fig. 114 Ignition lock
positions
A1
A2
A3
A1
A2
A3
A1
A2
A3
A2
A1
A2
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Starting-off and Driving101
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Starting the engine
General
You can only start the engine only using an original ignition key.
•Place the gearshift lever into neutral (or place the selector lever to the position
P or N in the case of an automatic gearbox) 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 anothe r vehicle as a jump-start aid ⇒page 215.
It is only possible to tow-start vehicl es fitted with a manual gearbox. The tow-
starting distance must not be more than 50 metres ⇒page 217.
WARNING
•Never run the engine in non ventilat ed 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 uncon-
sciousness 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 oper ated 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 it s normal operating temperature - risk of damaging the
engine!
•Vehicles which are fitted wi th an exhaust gas catalytic converter should not be
tow-started over a distance of more than 50 metres.
For the sake of the environment
Never warm up the engine when the vehicle is standing. Drive off right away.
Through this 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 electric al fuel pump is defect if the engine still
does not start. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary ⇒page 220.
•If the engine does not start, contact th e 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 temper-
ature.
The preglow indicator light
comes on after the ignition has been switched on.
A3
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Starting-off and Driving
102
You should not switch on any major elec trical 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 220.
•If the engine does not start, contact th e nearest specialist garage to obtain
professional assistance.
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 the engine off
– Turn the ignition key into position ⇒page 100, fig. 114 .
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 minut es. 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 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 185, “Working in the engine compartment”.
A1
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Starting-off and Driving103
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
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 reve rse gear is engaged, provided the igni-
tion 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.
•Depress the clutch pedal fully when changing gears, in or der to avoid unneces-
sary wear and damage.
Handbrake
Applying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up fully.
Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time press in the
locking button ⇒ fig. 117.
– Hold the button pressed and push the handbrake lever down fully ⇒ .
The handbrake warning light lights up when the handbr ake is applied, provided
the ignition is on.
B1Z-0042HB1Z-0042H
Fig. 115 Shift pattern on
models fitted with 5-
speed manual gearbox
B1Z-0042HB1Z-0042H
Fig. 116 Shift pattern on
models fitted with 6-
speed manual gearbox
Fig. 117 Centre console:
Handbrake
NKO B5 20.book Page 103 Friday, March 2, 2007 1:46 PM
Automatic gearbox*109
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Automatic gearbox*
5-speed automatic gearbox
Information for driving with an automatic gearbox
Shifting up and down through the gears is performed automatically.
You can also, however, switch the gearbox over into the Tiptronic mode.
This mode makes it possible for you to also shift gears manually
⇒ page 113.
Starting-off and Driving
– Depress the brake pedal and hold it depressed.
– Press the Shiftlock button (button in handle of the selector lever),
move the selector lever into the desired position, e.g. D ⇒ page 110,
and then release the Shiftlock button.
– Wait a moment until the gearbox ha s shifted (a slight engagement
nudge can be felt).
– Release the brake pedal and depress the accelerator ⇒.
Stopping for a short time
– The selector lever position N does not have to be selected when stop-
p i n g j u s t fo r a s h o r t t im e, s u c h a s a t a cross roads. It is sufficient to hold
the vehicle stationary using the foot brake. The engine can, however,
be allowed just to idle.
Parking
– Depress the brake pedal and hold it depressed.
– Apply the handbrake firmly. – Press and Shiftlock button in the
selector lever, move the selector
lever to P and then release the Shiftlock button.
The engine can only be started when the selector lever is in position P or N
⇒ page 101.
It is sufficient to engage selector lever position P when parking on a flat surface.
When parking on a slope you should first apply the handbrake firmly and then
move the selector lever into position P. This is to ensure that there is no excessive
pressure acting on the lock mechanism and that it is easier to subsequently move
the selector lever out of position P.
If the selector lever position N is selected by accident while driving it is first neces-
sary to release pressure on the accelerato r pedal and wait for idling speed of the
engine to be reached before engaging a drive position in the selector lever.
WARNING
•Do not depress the accelerator when changing the position of the
selector lever if the car is stationary an d the engine is running - risk of acci-
dent!
•Never move the selector lever into position R or P when driving - risk of
an accident!
•When the engine is running and the ve hicle is stationary, it is necessary
to hold the car with the brake pedal in all the positions of the selector lever
(except P and N) since the power transmission is never completely inter-
rupted, also not when the engine is idling - the vehicle "creeps".
NKO B5 20.book Page 109 Friday, March 2, 2007 1:46 PM