
Contents
4
Communication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Multifunction steering wheel*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Universal telephone preinstallation GSM II* . . . . . 
Phone voice phonebook*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Universal telephone preinstallation GSM III* . . . . 
Phone voice phonebook*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Mobile phones and two-way radio systems . . . . . 
Input AUX-IN* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
MDI input* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
CD changer*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Passive Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Basic information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Correct seated position  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Seat belts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Why seat belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
The physical principle of a frontal collision . . . . . . 
Important safety information regarding the use of seat 
belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
How are seat belts correctly fastened? . . . . . . . . . . 
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Description of the airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Front airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Side airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Head airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Deactivating an airbag  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Transporting children safely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
What you should know about transporting children!
Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Attaching a child seat using the “ISOFIX” system . 
Attaching child seat using the “Top Tether” system
Driving Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intelligent Technology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic stability programme (ESP)*  . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake booster  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antilock brake system (ABS)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Assist*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Uphill-Start off-Assist*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electromechanical power steering  . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre inflation pressure-control system* . . . . . . . . .
Diesel particle filter* (diesel engine) . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving and the Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The first 1 500 kilometres and then afterwards  . .
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving in an economical and environmentally 
conscious manner  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Environmental compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Motoring abroad  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Avoiding damage to your vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the 
vehicle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the exterior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the interior of vehicle  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Biofuel Ethanol E85* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refuelling  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspecting and replenishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cooling system  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield washer system  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels and Tyres. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories, changes and replacement of partsAccessories and replacement parts . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakdown assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakdown assistance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First-aid box* and Warning triangle* (Octavia) . . .
First-aid box* and warning triangle* (Estate car) .
Fire extinguisher*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle tool kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre repair kit* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare wheel*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump-starting  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tow-starting and towing vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and light bulbs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric fuses  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulbs  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used abbreviations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Performances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weight  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification details  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel consumption according to the regulations 
(99/100/EU)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
141
141
143
150
152
158
160
161
161
162
163
163
163
164
168
168
169
169
170
174
174
175
178
180
181
184
184
187
190
191
193
193
193
196
197
197
197
198
198
199
200
201
201
202
202
206
206
207
208
208
211
211
211
211
216
219
219
219
221
222
224
224
227228
231
232
235
237
237
243
243
243
245
245
245
245
245
246
246
247
247
252
253
257
257
262
269
269
269
269
269
269
269
270
271
272
20A5Facelift.book  Page 4  Saturday, September 6, 2008  2:13 PM 

Cockpit9
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Cockpit
Overview
This general view is designed to help you to quickly become familiar 
with the instruments, gauges and controls.
Electric power-operated window* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Electric exterior mirror adjustment*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Air outlet vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Lever for the multi-functional switch:
−Turn signal light, headlight and parking light, headlight flasher
− Speed regulating system*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Steering wheel:
− with horn
− with driver airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
− with pushbuttons for radio, na vigation system and mobile 
phone*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Instrument cluster: Instrum ents and indicator lights . . . . . . . . . . . 
Lever for the multi-functional switch:
− Multi-functional indicator*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
− Windshield wiper and wash system  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Control dial for heating on the driver's seat* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Air outlet vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Switch for hazard warning lights  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Storage compartment on the dash panel* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Depending on equipment fitted:
− Radio*
− Navigation*
Control dial for heating on the front passenger seat*  . . . . . . . . . . 
Storage compartment on the front passenger side  . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Switch for the front passenger airbag* (in front passenger stowage 
compartment)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Front passenger airbag*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Fuse box (on side of dash panel)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Light switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Control dial for the instrument lighting and control dial for the head-
light beam range regulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Bonnet release lever  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Storage compartment on the driver's side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Lever for adjusting the steering wheel  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Ignition lock  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Depending on equipment fitted:
−
Operating controls for the heating  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
− Operating controls for Climatic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
− Operating controls for Climatronic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Depending on equipment fitted:
− Switch for the ESP*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
− Switch for TCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Front and rear parking aid*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Depending on equipment fitted:
− Gearshift lever (manual gearbox)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
− Selector lever (automatic gearbox*) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Tyre inflation pressure-control system*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Depending on equipment fitted:
− Front ashtray - high centre console*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
− Storage compartment*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Indicator light for a switched off front seat passenger airbag* . . 
Note
•Equipment which is marked * is only standard on certain vehicle model 
versions or only suppliable as op tional equipment for certain models.
A153
A273
A3108
A4
65
131
A5
175
141
A617
A7
21
69
A884
A9108
A1064
A11100
A12
A1384
A1499
A15182
A16175
A17257
A1859
A1963, 64
A20224
A21100
A2211
A23125
A24
109
111
115
A25
193
195
A26130
A27
127
136
A28199
A29
95
101
A30182
20A5Facelift.book  Page 9  Saturday, September 6, 2008  2:13 PM 

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights37
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
enables you to drive to the nearest specialist garage by adopting a gentle style of 
driving.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Engine fault Workshop! (Engine fault workshop!)
Coolant temperature/ Coolant quantity 
The warning light   comes on for a few seconds 5) w h e n  th e  i g ni t i o n  i s  s w i t c h e d  o n .
The coolant temperature is too high or the  coolant level too low if the warning light 
 does not go out or flashes while driving.
3 peeps sound as an additional warning signal.
In this case stop and switch the engine off  and check the coolant level; top up the 
coolant as necessary.
Do not continue your journey  if for some reason it is not possible under the 
conditions prevailing to top up with coolant.  Keep the engine switched off and 
obtain professional assistance from a specialist garage, otherwise it could lead to 
severe engine damage.
If the coolant is within the specified  range, the increased temperature may be 
caused by an operating problem at the coolant fan. Check the fuse for the coolant 
fan, replace it if necessary  ⇒page 258, “Fuse assignment in engine compartment - 
version 1” or ⇒ page 260, “Fuse assignment in en gine compartment - version 2”.
Do not continue driving  if the warning light does not go  off although the fluid is at 
the correct level and also the fuse of the fa n is in proper order. Contact a specialist 
garage to obtain assistance.
Please also refer to the additional instructions  ⇒page 228, “Cooling system”.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: Check coolant! Owner's manual
WARNING
•If you must stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe 
distance from the traffic and switch off the engine and switch on the hazard 
warning light system  ⇒page 64.
•Take care when opening the coolant expansion bottle. If the engine is hot, 
the cooling system is pressurized - risk of scalding! It is best to allow the 
engine to cool down before removing the cap.
•Do not touch the coolant fan The coolant fan may switch on automati-
cally even if the ignition is off.
Traction control system (TCS) 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds when  the ignition is switched on.
The warning light comes on when driving when a control cycle is activated.
The warning light will come on and remains  on if the TCS is switched off or if there 
is a fault in the system.
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.
If the warning light 
 comes on immediately after starting the engine, the TCS 
system can be switched off for technical  reasons. In this case, the TCS system can 
be switched on again by swit ching the ignition on and off. If the warning light goes 
out, the TCS system is fully functional again.
Further information about the TCS  ⇒page 195, “Traction control system (TCS)”.
Note
If the battery has been disconnected  and reconnected, the warning light  comes 
on after switching on the ignition. The warn ing light must go out after driving a short 
distance.
5)The warning light   on vehicles fitted with information display does not come on after
switching the ignition on, but only if the coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level
is too low.
20A5Facelift.book  Page 37  Saturday, September 6, 2008  2:13 PM 

Heating and air conditioning system115
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
For the sake of the environment
When you economize on fuel, you also reduce pollutant emissions.
Operational problems
If the cooling system does not operate at outside temperatures higher than +5 °C, 
there is a problem in the system. The reasons for this may be:
•The fuse on the air conditioning system  has blown. Check the fuse, replace it if 
necessary  ⇒page 257.
•The cooling system has switched off automatically for a short time because the 
coolant temperature of the engine is too hot  ⇒page 18.
If you are not able to rectify the operat ional problem yourself, or if the cooling 
capacity decreases, switch the cooling sy stem off. Contact a specialist garage.
Climatronic* (automatic air conditioning)
Description
The Climatronic system is a combination of an automatic heating, 
fresh air and cooling system which provides optimal comfort for the 
occupants of the car.
The Climatronic maintains fully automatically a convenience temperature. This is 
achieved by automatically varying the temperature of the outflowing air, the blower 
stages and the air distribution. The system also takes into account sunlight which 
eliminates the need to alte r the settings manually. The  automatic mode 
¨ ⇒ page 117 ensures maximum wellbeing of th e occupants at all times of the year.
Description of Climatronic system
The cooling operates only if the following conditions are met:
•engine running,
•outside temperature above approx. +2°C,
• switched on.
If the cooling system is switched on, th e temperature and air humidity drops in the 
vehicle. The wellbeing of the occupants of  the car is enhanced as a result of this 
particularly at high outside temperatur es and a high air humidity. The system 
prevents the windows misting up during the cold season of the year.
The heating effect is dependent upon th e coolant temperature, thus full heat 
output only occurs when the engine has reached its operating temperature.
It is possible to briefly activate recirc ulated air mode in order to enhance the 
cooling effect  ⇒page 118.
The air inlet in front of the windscreen must  be free of ice, snow or leaves in order 
to ensure that the heating and cooling systems operate properly.
The AC compressor is switched off at a hi gh coolant temperature in order to provide 
cooling at a high load of the engine.
After switching on the cooling  Condensation from the evaporator of the air condi-
tioning may drip down and form a puddle below the vehicle. This is quite normal 
and not an indication of a leak!
Recommended setting for all periods of the year:
•Set the desired temperature, we recommend 22 °C.
•Press the button    ⇒page 116, fig. 140 .
•Move the air outlet vents  3 and  4 so that the air flow is directed slightly upwards.
Aeration of the vehicle when ignition is switched off*
On models fitted with power sliding/tilting roof with sollar cells, the fresh air blower 
is automatically switched over  to “solar mode” if the sun ray's are sufficient after 
switching off the ignition. The solar cells on  the sliding/tilting roof deliver power for 
the fresh air blower. This supplies the interior of the car with fresh air.
For an optimum ventilation, the air outlet vents  3 and  4 must be opened 
⇒ page 108, fig. 136.
The ventilation functions only when  the sliding/tilting roof is closed.
AC
AUTO
20A5Facelift.book  Page 115  Saturday, September 6, 2008  2:13 PM 

Starting-off and Driving
126
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 no rmal 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 252.
It is only possible to tow-start vehicles  fitted with a manual gearbox. The tow-
starting distance must not be more than 50 metres  ⇒page 256.
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 operated  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 its normal oper ating temperature - risk of damaging the 
engine!
•Vehicles which are fitted with an exhaust gas catalytic conver ter 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 befo re 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 electrical fuel pump is defect if the engine still 
does not start. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary  ⇒page 257.
•Contact the 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 igniti on has been switched on.
A3
20A5Facelift.book  Page 126  Saturday, September 6, 2008  2:13 PM 

Starting-off and Driving127
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
You should not switch on any major electrical 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 th e 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 257.
•Contact the nearest specialist garage to obtain professional assistance.
Starting the engine after the 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 off the engine
– The engine can be switched off by turning the ignition key from posi- tion  into  ⇒page 125, fig. 146 .
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 minutes . This prevents any accumulation of heat 
when the engine is switched off.
Note
•The radiator fan may continue running fo r 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 225, “Working in the engine compartment”.
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.
A1
Fig. 147  The shift pattern: 5-
speed or 6-speed manual 
gearbox
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Automatic gearbox
140
Selector lever-emergency unlocking
In case of interruption of the power su pply (e.g. flat vehicle battery, defec-
tive fuse) or defect of the selector lever lock, the selector lever can no 
longer be shifted from the position  P in the normal way and the vehicle 
can no longer be moved. The selector  lever must be unlocked in case of 
emergency.
– Apply the handbrake firmly.
– Open the stowage compartment in front centre console* or the front  ashtray.
– Carefully pull up the front left and right cover.
– Pull up rear cover.
– Press with a narrow object (e.g. ignition key) the yellow plastic hoop  ⇒fig. 158  to the left.
– Simultaneously press the shiftlock button in the handle of the selector  lever in the position  N
13).
Tow-starting and towing vehicle 
Tow-starting a vehicle
It is not possible to tow-start vehi cles fitted with automatic gearbox ⇒ page 253.
you can use jump-start cables connected  to the battery of another vehicle for 
starting your car if the vehicle battery is flat  ⇒page 252.
Towing a vehicle
Please pay attention to the following info rmation if it comes necessary to tow-in 
your car  ⇒page 253.
13)If the selector lever is moved again into the position  P, it is once again blocked.
Fig. 158  Selector lever-
emergency unlocking
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Fuses and light bulbs257
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Fuses and light bulbs
Electric fuses
Replacing fuses
Defect fuses must be replaced.
Individual electrical circuits are protected by fuses. The fuses are located 
on the left side of the dash panel behind the safety cover and under the 
cover in the engine compartment on the left.
– Switch the ignition off and also  the electrical component affected.
– Use a screwdriver to take off the fuse cover on the side of the dash  panel  ⇒fig. 235 or the fuse cover in the engine compartment 
⇒ page 258.
– Find out which fuse belongs to the relevant component  ⇒page 261, 
“Fuse assignment in the dash panel”,  ⇒page 258, “Fuse assignment 
in engine compartment - version 1” or  ⇒page 260, “Fuse assignment 
in engine compartment - version 2”.
– Take the plastic clip out of its fixture in the fuse cover, insert it onto the  respective fuse and pull out this fuse. – Defect fuses can be detected by their melted metal strips. Replace the 
defect fuse by a new fuse of the  same ampere number.
– Fit on the fuse cover again.
We recommend that you carry the box of replacement fuses with you which was 
delivered in your vehicle. You can obtain replacement fuses 22) from a Škoda 
Service Partner.
Colour coding of fuses
Caution
•Never attempt to “repair” fuses and also do not replace them with a fuse of a 
higher amperage - risk of fire! This may  also cause damage at another part of the 
electrical system.
•Have the electrical system checked as quickly as possible by a specialist garage 
if a newly inserted fuse blows again after a short time.
Fig. 235  Fuse cover: left side 
of the dash panel
22)Replacement fuses are, on the other hand, part  of the basic equipping of the vehicle in some
countries.
ColourMaximum amperage
light brown5
brown7,5
red10
blue15
yellow20
white25
green30
orange40
red50
20A5Facelift.book  Page 257  Saturday, September 6, 2008  2:13 PM