
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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Automatic gearbox*113
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Tiptronic
The Tiptronic allows the driver to also shift gears manually.
Switching over to manual shifting
– Push the selector lever to the right out of position D. As soon as the
gearbox has switched over, 5 4 3 2 1 appears in the display, with the
gear engaged being highlighted.
Shifting up gears
– One-touch forward of the selector lever (in the Tiptronic position) ⇒fig. 124 . Shifting down gears
– One-touch back of the selector lever (in the Tiptronic position) .
It is possible to switch over to manual both when the car is stationary and also when
driving.
When you accelerate, the gearbox shifts up
automatically in gears 1, 2, 3 and 4 into
the next higher gear just before the maximum permissible engine speed is reached.
If you select a lower gear, the automatic ge arbox does not shift down until there is
no risk of the engine overrevving.
If you operate the kickdown function, the gearbox shifts into a lower gear in line
with the vehicle speed and engine speed.
Emergency programme
An emergency programme exists in th e event of a fault in the system.
The gearbox operates in a corresponding emergency programme if there are func-
tional faults in the gearbox electronics. This is indicated by all of the segments in the
display lighting up or going out.
It is possible to continue to move the selector lever into all the positions. The
gearbox always shifts into 4th gear in the positions D, 4 , 3 and 2. It is also possible
to continue to engage reverse gear in the position R.
The manual shift programme (Tiptronic) is switched off in the emergency mode.
If the gearbox has switched over to emergency mode, drive to the nearest
specialist garage in order to have the fault rectified.
Tow-starting and towing vehicle
Tow-starting a vehicle
It is not possible to tow-start vehi cles fitted with automatic gearbox ⇒page 218.
you can use jump-start cables connected to the battery of another vehicle for
starting your car if the vehicle battery is flat ⇒page 216.
Fig. 124 Selector lever:
Manual shifting of gears
Fig. 125 Information
display: Manual shifting
of gears
A+
A-
NKO B5 20.book Page 113 Friday, March 2, 2007 1:46 PM

Communicating and Navigating
122
– First insert the adapter without the mobile phone into the mount in the direction of arrow ⇒page 121, fig. 132 until the adapter is
touching the stop. Press the adapter slightly in the direction of arrow until it locks into position.
– Plug the adapter cable into the mobile phone socket. The socket is located on the mobile phone mount below.
– Switch on the ignition.
– Wait approximately 20 seconds, switch off the ignition and pull the ignition key out of the ignition lock.
– Insert the mobile phone into the adapter (as specified in manufac- turer's instructions) and switch on the ignition.
Removing the mobile phone and adapter
– Press the button and remove the mobile telephone.
An initialisation mu st be carried out:
•after the first connection of the adapter,
•after reconnecting the battery,
•after pulling out the adapter cable from the power socket for the mobile phone.
This enables you to make full use of the ad vantages of a normal carphone (“hands-
free system” using a microphone integrated in the vehicle, optimal transmission of
signals using an external aerial etc.). The battery of the mobile phone is also
constantly charged.
Please contact your Škoda Service Partner if there are any points which are not
clear.
Please also refer to the additional instructions ⇒page 123, “Mobile phones and
two-way radio systems”.
Telephone pre-installation at the front or rear* (GSM III)
Initialisation of the adapter
– Withdraw the ignition key.
– Insert the adapter into the mount (the mobile phone must not be inserted in the adapter).
– Plug the adapter cable into the mobile phone socket.
– Switch on the ignition.
AB
A1
A2
AA
AC
Fig. 133 Universal tele-
phone connection at the
front
B1Z-0042HB1Z-0042H
Fig. 134 Universal tele-
phone connection at the
rear
AAAB
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Communicating and Navigating123
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
– Wait approximately 20 seconds, switch off the ignition and pull the
ignition key out of the ignition lock.
– Insert the mobile phone into the adapter (as specified in manufac- turer's instructions) and switch on the ignition.
An initialisation must be carried out:
•after the first connection of the adapter,
•after reconnecting the battery,
•after pulling out the adapter cable from the power socket for the mobile phone.
This enables you to make full use of the advantages of a normal carphone (“hands-
free system” using a microphone integrated in the vehicle, optimal transmission of
signals using an external aerial etc.). The battery of the mobile phone is also
constantly charged.
A telephone mount is factory-fitted for the front mobile phone and for the rear
mobile phone. The front telephone mount is located on the front centre console
⇒ page 122, fig. 133 , the rear on the rear centre console ⇒page 122, fig. 134 .
Adapter (Cullmann) and mobile phone are not factory-fitted by Škoda Auto.
Please also refer to the additional instructions ⇒page 123, “Mobile phones and
two-way radio systems”.
Note
For technical reasons it is not possible to use simultaneously the front and rear
mobile phone. Ensure that the adapter is always inserted only in the bracket
.
Mobile phones and two-way radio systems
The installation of a mobile phone and tw o-way radio system in a vehicle should
only be carried out by a Škoda Dealer.
Škoda Auto a.s. permits the operation of mobile phones and two-way radio
systems with a professionally installed external aerial and a maximum transmission
power of up to 10 watts. Our specialist garage is also happy to inform you about the possibilities available
for installing and operating mobile telephones and radio transmitters which have
an output greater than 10 watts. The Škoda Service Partners can provide you with
details about the technical possibilities for retrofitting of mobile telephones and
radio transmitters.
The operation of commercially available mo
bile phones or two-way radio systems
may cause operational problems in the electronic systems of your car. The reasons
for this may be:
•no external aerial,
•external aerial incorrectly installed,
•transmission power gr eater than 10 watts.
You should therefore not operate a mobile phone or two-way radio system
inside the vehicle without the use of an external aerial, or with an external aerial
which has been incorrectly installed.
You should also be aware of the fact that only an external aerial makes it possible
to achieve the optimal range of such equipment.
WARNING
•If a mobile phone or two-way radio sy stem is operated inside the vehicle
without using an external aerial, or wi th an external aerial which has been
incorrectly installed, the result can be excessive electromagnetic fields
which may cause harm to your health.
•Please always pay full attention to the traffic situation around you!
•You must not install two-way radio systems, mobile phones or mounts
on the covers of the airbags or within the immediate deployment range of
airbags. This might result in injuries to the occupants in the event of an acci-
dent!
Note
Please also refer to the operating instructions of the mobile phones and two-way
radio systems.
AAAB
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Inspecting and Replenishing185
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
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 immediately while driv ing if you notice that the lock is
not properly engaged and close the bonne t properly - risk of an accident!
Caution
•Before opening the bonnet, ensure that the arms of the windscreen wipers are
correctly in place against the windscreen. Otherwise, there is a risk of damage to the
paintwork.
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 and 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 ma nual 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.
•Do not touch any hot engine parts - risk of burns!
•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 vehicle, 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:
−Never touch the electrical cabl es of the ignition system.
− Absolutely avoid any jewellery, loose items of clothing or long hair
from getting into the rotating parts of the engine - Hazard! Therefore
remove any jewellery beforehand, tie up your hair and wear tight fitting
clothing.
WARNING (continued)
NKO B5 20.book Page 185 Friday, March 2, 2007 1:46 PM

Inspecting and Replenishing
186
•Please also comply with the warnin g instructions stated below when
carrying out any essential work on the fuel system or on the electrical
system:
−Always separate the car batter y from the electrical system.
− Do not smoke.
− Never carry out any work close to naked flames.
− Always keep a working fire extinguisher at hand.
Caution
When replenishing fluids in the engine, always ensure that the fluids are on no
account mixed up. This may result in major operating problems and also vehicle
damage!
Overview of the engine compartment
The main inspection points
Fig. 174 6-cylinder 2.8 ltr./ 142 kW petrol engine
Battery (below a cover) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil dipstick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant expansion bottle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil filler opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield washer fluid reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Note
The location of the inspection points in the engine compartment of petrol and
diesel engines is practically identical.
Engine oil
Engine oil specifications
The grade of engine oil should be selected in accordance with
precise specifications.
The engine of your vehicle has been factor y-filled with a high-grade oil which you
can use throughout the year - except in extreme climatic regions.
You can mix various oils together with each other when refilling with oil. This does
not, however, apply for models with flexible service intervals (QG1).
Engine oils are, of course, undergoing co ntinuous further development. Thus the
information stated in this Owner's Manual is only correct at the time of publication.
Škoda Service Partners are informed by Škoda Auto a.s. about current changes. This
why you should always have engine oil changed by your Škoda Service Partner.
The specifications (VW standards) stated in the following must be indicated sepa-
rately or together with other specifications on the bottle.
WARNING (continued)A1193A2187
A3191
A4190
A5188
A6197
A7160
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Inspecting and Replenishing193
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Battery
Working on the battery
Particular care is required when carrying out any work on the
battery!
The battery is located in the engine compartment in the plenum chamber
below a cover.
Taking off cover
– Press the cover in direction of arrow ⇒fig. 178 .
There is a risk of injuries, scalding, acci dents and burns when carrying out any work
on the battery and on the electrical system. For this reason, it is essential to comply
with the warning instructions ⇒ stated below and with the general applicable
rules of safety.
WARNING
•The battery acid is strongly corros ive and must, therefore, be handled
with the greatest of care. Always we ar protective gloves, eye and skin
protection when handling batteries. Corrosive fumes in the air irritate the
air passages and lead to conjunctivitis and inflammation of the air passages in the lungs. Battery acid corrodes de
ntal enamel and creates deep wounds
after contact with the skin which take a long time to heal. Repeated contact
with diluted acids causes skin diseases (inflammations, ulcers, slin cracks).
Acids coming into contact with water are diluted accompanied by significant
development of heat.
•Do not tilt the battery otherwise battery electrolyte may flow out of the
battery vent openings. Protect the eyes with safety glasses or a shield! There
is the danger of suffering blindness! If any battery electrolyte gets into your
eye, rinse out your eye immediately with clear water for several minutes.
Contact a doctor without delay.
•Splashes of acid on your skin or clothes should be neutralised as soon as
possible using soap suds and then rinsed with plenty of water. Contact a
doctor immediately if you swallow battery electrolyte.
•Keep batteries out of the reach of children.
•Hydrogen is released when you char ge a battery and a highly explosive
gas mixture is produced. An explosion can be caused through sparkling over
during unclamping or loosening of the cable plug while the ignition is on.
•Bridging of the poles will create a short circuit (e.g. through metal
objects, cables). Possible consequences of a short circuit: Melting of lead
struts, explosion and burning of the battery, jets of acid spurting out.
•It is prohibited to work with a naked flame and light, to smoke or to carry
out any activities which produce sparks. Avoid creating sparks when
working with cables and electrical device s. Strong sparking represents a risk
of injury.
•Before carrying out any work on the electrical system, switch off the
engine, the ignition as well as all electrical components and disconnect the
negative cable (-) on the battery. If you wish to replace a bulb it is sufficient
to switch off the appropriate light.
•Never charge a frozen or thawed battery - risk of explosion and caustic
burns! Replace a frozen battery.
•Never use a battery which is damaged - risk of explosion! Immediately
replace a damaged battery.
B1Z-0042HB1Z-0042H
Fig. 178 Engine
compartment: plenum
chamber - battery cover
WARNING (continued)
NKO B5 20.book Page 193 Friday, March 2, 2007 1:46 PM