Automatic gearbox*
110
Selector lever positions
The selector lever position you have engaged is shown in the information display
of the instrument cluster with the co rresponding gear symbol highlighted
⇒ fig. 123 .
P - Parklock
The driven wheels are locked mechanically in this position.
The Parklock must only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary ⇒.
If you wish to move the select or lever into or out of this position, you must press the
Shiftlock button in the handle of the select or lever and at the same time depress the
brake pedal. R - Reverse
Reverse gear must only be engaged when
the vehicle is stationary and the engine
idling ⇒ .
The brake pedal must be depressed and at the same time the Shiftlock must be
pressed, if you wish to obtain the selector lever positions R, P or N.
The reversing lights come on when the selector lever is moved into position R when
the ignition is also on.
N - Neutral
The transmission is in Neutral in this position.
The brake pedal must be depressed (if the lever is in its position for longer than 2
seconds) in order to move the selector lever out of the position N into another posi-
tion, with the ignition switched on, on a vehicle travelling at less than 5 km/h or on
a stationary vehicle.
D - Drive, position for driving forward
When the selector lever is in this position, the forward gears are shifted up and
down automatically in line with engine load, vehicle speed and the dynamic shift
programme (DSP).
You must depress the brake pedal ⇒ if you wish to move the selector lever into
position D from N when the vehicle is travelling at less than 5 km/h or is stationary.
In certain circumstances (e.g. when driving in mountainous regions or when towing
a trailer) it may be beneficial to select the manual shift programme ⇒page 113 for
a short time in order to adapt the gearbox ratios manually to the driving situations.
4 - Position when driving in hilly areas
We recommend this position if driving with the selector lever in position D would,
in certain circumstances, result in the gearbox frequently shifting between fourth
and fifth gears.
The gearbox then shifts up and down automa tically into the first, second, third and
fourth gears in line with engine load and vehicle speed. Fifth gear is not engaged in
this case. This makes it possible to expl oit greater engine braking power when the
accelerator is released ⇒.
Fig. 122 Selector lever
Fig. 123 Information
display: Selector lever
positions
NKO B5 20.book Page 110 Friday, March 2, 2007 1:46 PM
Seat belts131
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
The physical principle of a frontal collision
The physical principle of a frontal a ccident can be explained quite simply:
Motion energy, so-called kinetic energy, is produced as soon as the vehicle is
moving, both for the vehicle and its occupants. The magnitude of this kinetic energy
depends essentially on the speed at which the vehicle is travelling and on the
weight of the vehicle and the occupants. The greater the speed and weight increase, the greater the amount of energy which has to be absorbed in the event of an acci-
dent.
The speed of the vehicle is, nevertheless,
the most important factor. Doubling the
speed of the vehicle from 25 km/h up to 50 km/h increases the kinetic energy four
times.
The common opinion that it is possible to support your body in a minor accident
with your hands, is incorrect. Even in a collision at only a low speed, the forces
acting on the body are such that it is no longer possible to support your body.
Even if you only drive at a speed within the range from 30 km/h to 50 km/h, the
forces which are produced on your body in the event of an accident can easily
exceed 10.000 N (Newton). This equals a weight of one tonne (1 000 kg).
In the event of a frontal collision, occupants of the car not wearing a seat belt, are
thrown forward and strike in an uncontrolle d way parts of the interior of the car,
such as steering wheel, dash panel, windscreen, ⇒fig. 138 . The occupants of a
vehicle who have not fastened their seat belts may even be thrown out of the
vehicle. This can resu lt in fatal injuries.
It is also important that rear seat occupants fasten their seat belts as they will other-
wise be thrown through the vehicle in an uncontrolled manner in the event of an
accident A rear seat passenger who has not fastened the seat belt is a danger not
only to himself but also fo r those seated at the front ⇒fig. 139 .
Important safety information regarding the use of
seat belts
The correct use of the seat belts considerably reduces the risk of
injury!
WARNING
•The belt webbing must not be jammed in-between at any point or
twisted, or chafe against any sharp edges.
•It is important that the belt webbing is properly routed if the seat belts
are to offer their maximum protection ⇒page 132, “How are seat belts
correctly fa stened?”.
Fig. 138 The driver is
thrown forward if not
wearing a belt
Fig. 139 The rear seat
occupant is thrown
forward if not wearing a
belt
NKO B5 20.book Page 131 Friday, March 2, 2007 1:46 PM
Intelligent Technology
156
•when driving in deep snow or on a loose surface,
•when it is necessary to rock a ca r free when it has become stuck.
then you should switch on the ESP again.
WARNING
It is also not possible for the ESP to overcome the physical limits of the
vehicle. Even if a vehicle fitted with ESP you should still always adapt your
style of driving to the condition of the road surface and the traffic situation.
This particularly applies when driving on slippery and wet roads. The
increased safety offered must not tempt you to take greater risks than other-
wise - risk of an accident!
Note
•All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres in order to achieve problem-
free operation of the ESP. Differing rolling circumferences of the tyres can lead to an
undesirable reduction in the engine output.
•Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or other assign-
ment of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the ESP ⇒page 205.
Traction control system (TCS)*
The traction control system prevents the driven wheels from spinning
when accelerating.
General
The TCS makes it much easier, and sometimes at all possible, to start off, accelerate
and climb a steep hill when the conditions of the road surface are unfavourable.
Operating principle
The TCS switches on automatically when th e engine is started and then conducts a
self-test. The system monitors the speeds of the driven wheels with the aid of the
ABS sensors. If the wheels ar e spinning, the force transmitted to the road surface is
automatically adapted by reducing the engi ne speed. This occurs at all speeds.
The TCS operates in combination with the ABS ⇒page 159, “Antilock brake system
(ABS)”. The TCS will not function if a fault exists in the ABS system.
The TCS warning light ⇒page 28 lights up in the instrument cluster when there is a
fault on the TCS.
Switching off
You can switch the TCS off and on again as you wish by pressing the button
⇒ fig. 164 . The TCS warning light ⇒page 28 lights up in the instrument cluster
when the TCS is switched off.
B1Z-0042HB1Z-0042HFig. 164 TCS switch
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Intelligent Technology157
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
The TCS should normally always be switched
on. It may be good practice to switch
the system off only in particular exceptional situations if you desire wheel slip.
Examples:
•when driving with snow chains,
•when driving in deep snow or on a loose surface,
•when it is necessary to rock a car free when it has become stuck.
then you should switch on the TCS again.
The EDL ⇒page 157, “Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)” is a part of the TCS. THE
EDL operates independently of the TCS (a lso when the TCS has been switched off
using the TCS button).
WARNING
You should always adjust your style of driving to the conditions of the road
surface and the traffic situation. The increased safety offered must not tempt
you to take greater risks than otherwise - risk of an accident!
Note
•All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres in order to achieve problem-
free operation of the TCS. Differing rollin g circumferences of the tyres can lead to
an undesirable reduction in the engine output.
•Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or other assign-
ment of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the TCS ⇒page 205,
“Accessories, changes and replacement of parts”.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
The electronic differential lock pr events an individual wheel from
slipping.
General
The EDL makes it much easier, and sometimes at all possible, to start off, accelerate
and climb a steep hill when the conditio ns of the road surface are unfavourable. Operating principle
The EDL is activated automatically, that is without any action on the part of the
driver. It monitors the speeds of the driven wheels with the aid of the ABS sensors.
Should only
one drive wheel begin spinning on a sl ippery surface there will be an
appreciable difference in the speed of the driven wheels. The EDL function brakes
the slipping wheel and the differential transmits a greater driving force to the other
driven wheel. This control proce ss is also accompanied by noises.
Overheating of the brakes
The EDL switches off automatically if unus ually severe stresses exist in order to
avoid excessive heat generation in the disc brake on the wheel which is being
braked. The vehicle can continue to be driven and has the same characteristics as a
vehicle not fitted with EDL.
The EDL switches on again automatically as soon as the brake has cooled down.
WARNING
•Depress the accelerator carefully when accelerating on uniformly slip-
pery road surfaces, such as ice and sn ow. The driven wheels might still spin
despite the EDL and affect the stability of the vehicle - risk of an accident!
•You should always adapt your style of driving to the condition of road
surface and to the traffic situation even when your vehicle is fitted with EDL.
The increased safety offered must not tempt you to take greater risks than
otherwise - risk of an accident!
Note
•If the ABS warning light comes on, this may also indicate a fault in the EDL.
Please have the car inspec ted as soon as possible by a specialist garage.
•Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or other assign-
ment of tyres and wheels) can in fluence the function of the EDL ⇒page 205,
“Accessories, changes and replacement of parts”.
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Wheels and Tyres203
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Note
It is not normally possible to fit wheels from other models of cars for technical
reasons. This may also apply in certain circumstances to the wheels of the same
type of vehicle.
Wheel bolts
Wheels and wheel bolts are matched to each other in terms of design. Each time
you fit other wheels - e.g. light alloy wheels or wheels with winter tyres - you must
therefore also use the matching wheel bolts of the correct length and shape of
spherical cap. This is essential to ensure that the wheels are tightly fitted and that
the brake system operates properly.
If you retrofit wheel trims (or have this done), please also ensure that an adequate
flow of air remains assured for cooling the brake system.
The Škoda Service Partners are instructed in the technical possibilities which exist
regarding converting or retrofitti ng wheels, tyres and wheel trim.
WARNING
•In case of incorrect treatment of the wheel bolts, the wheel can loosen
when the car is moving - risk of accident!
•The wheel bolts must be clean and must turn easily. However, they must
never be treated with grease or oil.
•If the wheel bolts are tightened to a too low tightening torque, the rim
can lossen when the car is moving - risk of accident! A tightening torque
which is too high can damage the bolts and threads and this can result in
permanent deformation of the contact surfaces on the rims.
Caution
The prescribed tightening torque of the wheel bolts for steel and light alloy wheels
is 120 Nm.
Winter tyres
The handling of your vehicle will be significantly improved when driving on wintry
roads if you fit winter tyres. Summer tyres do not offer the same grip on ice, snow
and at temperatures below 7 °C because of their construction (width, rubber blend,
tread pattern). This applies in particul ar to vehicles which are equipped with low-
profile tyres or high-speed tyres (code index V, W or Y on wall of tyre).
Winter tyres must be mounted on all four wheels to obtain the best handling char-
acteristics.
You must only fit those types of winter tyre which are approved for your vehicle. The
permissible sizes of winter tyres are stated in your vehicle documents. Approvals
may differ because of national legislation.
Please remember that the tyres should be inflated to 20 kPa (0.2 bar) more than is
the case for summer tyres ⇒page 200.
Winter tyres no longer offer the same winter performance once the tyre tread has
worn down to a depth of about 4 mm.
Ageing also causes winter tyres to lose most of their winter performance properties
- even in cases where the remaining tread depth is still clearly more than 4 mm.
Speed restrictions apply to winter tyres as well as to summer tyres ⇒page 201,
⇒ .
You can fit winter tyres of a lower speed ca tegory to your vehicle provided that you
also do not drive faster than the permissible maximum speed for such tyres, even
if the possible maximum speed of your vehicle is higher. The corresponding tyre
category can damage the tyres when exceeding the permissible maximum speed.
Please pay attention to the notes if you decide to fit winter tyres ⇒page 199.
You can also fit so-called “all-year tyres” instead of winter tyres.
Please contact your specialist garage if there are any points which are not clear who
will be able to provide you with information regarding the maximum speed for your
tyres.
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