Starting-off and Driving89
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
WARNING
Never run the engine in non ventilated 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 unconsciousness and
death.
Never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running.Caution
The starter may only be operated (ignitio n key position ), if the engine is not
running. If the starter is immedi ately 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 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 emis-
sions are lower.Petrol enginesThese engines are fitted with a starter system which selects the correct fuel-air mixture
for every external air temperature.
Do not depress 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 177.
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 enginesGlow 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 tempera-
ture.
The preglow indicator light
comes on after the ignition has been switched on.
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 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 177.
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 tu rning the ignition key into position
page 87, fig. 100 .
A3
A1
s2rc.book Page 89 Thursd ay, April 22, 2010 10:58 AM
Starting-off and Driving
90WARNING
Never switch off the engine before the ve hicle is stationary - risk of accident!
The brake booster only operates when the engine is running. Greater phys-
ical effort for braking is required when en gine 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 period 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 co olant temperature rises because of an accu-
mulation 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 148, “Working in the engine compartment”.
Shifting
Shift into reverse only when the vehicle 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 reverse gear is engaged, provided the ignition
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 pres-
sure of the hand will be transferred to the gearshift forks in the gearbox. This can, over
a period of time, lead to earl y wear of the gearshift forks.
Depress the clutch pedal fully when changi ng gears, in order to avoid unnecessary
wear and damage.
HandbrakeApplying the handbrake– Pull the handbrake lever up fully.
Fig. 101 Shift pattern on models
fitted with 5-speed manual
gearbox
Fig. 102 Centre console: Hand-
brake
s2rc.book Page 90 Thursd ay, April 22, 2010 10:58 AM
Starting-off and Driving91
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Releasing the handbrake– Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time press in the locking
button page 90, fig. 102 .
– Hold the button pressed and push the handbrake lever down fully .
The handbrake warning light
lights up when the handbrak e is applied, provided the
ignition is on.
A warning signal sounds and the following text appears in the display* if you have
inadvertently driven off wi th the handbrake applied:
HANDBRAKE ON
The handbrake warning is acti vated if you drive at a speed of more than 6 km/h for
more than 3 seconds.
WARNING
Please note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake which
is only partially released can result in the rear brakes overheating which will
have a negative effect on the operation of the brake system - risk of accident! In
addition this can result in premature wear of the rear brake pads.
Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. The children might, for
example, release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear. The vehicle
might then move off - risk of accident!Caution
Each time the vehicle is parked, first of all apply the handbrake and then additionally
engage the 1st gear.
Rear parking aid*The parking aid provides a warning of obstacles behind the vehicle.The audible parking aid determines the di stance between the rear bumper and an
obstacle located behind the vehicle with the aid of ultrasound sensors. The sensors are
integrated in the rear bumper.
Range of sensors
The clearance warning begins at a distance of about 160 cm from the obstacle (area
fig. 103 ). The interval between the warning signals becomes shorter as the clear-
ance is reduced.
A continuous tone sounds from a distance of approx. 30 cm (area ) - danger area.
You should not reverse any further after this signal sounds!
Activating
The parking aid is activated automatically when reverse gear is engaged and the igni-
tion is turned on. This is confirmed by a brief acknowledgement signal.
Deactivating
The parking aid is deactivated by removing the reverse gear.
Fig. 103 Parking aid: Detection
range of rear sensors
AA
AB
s2rc.book Page 91 Thursd ay, April 22, 2010 10:58 AM
Communication
94
CommunicationMobile phone, handsfree-system*Universal preparation for the phoneOnly one telephone mount is factory-fitted. An adapter for the telephone can be
purchased from the range of the Škoda origin al accessories. The mount is attached to
the centre console.Insert mobile phone– Insert the mobile phone into the adapter (as specified in manufacturer's instructions).Inserting adapter with mobile phone into mount– First insert the adapter with the mobile phone into the mount in the direction
of arrow until the adapter is touching the stop.
– Press the adapter slightly in the directio n of arrow until it locks into position.Initialisation– Withdraw the ignition key.
– Insert the adapter without the mobile phone into the mount . – 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 manufacturer's instructions) and switch on the ignition.
Removing the mobile phone with the 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 advantages of a normal carphone (“handsfree
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.
Should you have any questions, please contact a specialist garage.
Please refer to the following guidelines page 94.
Mobile phones and two-way radio systemsThe installation of a mobile phone and two- way radio system in a vehicle should be
carried out by a specialist garage.
Škoda Auto 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.
Fig. 105 Universal preparation
for the phone
AA
AB
A1
A2
AB
AA
AC
s2rc.book Page 94 Thursd ay, April 22, 2010 10:58 AM
Passive Safety97
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
SafetyPassive SafetyBasic informationDriving the safe way
Passive safety measures reduce the risk of injury in accident situations.In this section you will find important info rmation, tips and notes on the subject of
passive safety in your vehicle. We have combined everything here which you should
be familiar with, for example, regarding seat belts, airbags, child seats and safety of
children. It is therefore important, in partic ular, to comply with the notes and warnings
in this section for your own interest and in the interest of those travelling with you.
WARNING
This chapter contains important information on how to use the vehicle for
the driver and his occupants. You will find further information on safety, which
concerns you and those travelling with you, in the following chapters of this
Owner's Manual.
The complete on-board literature should always be in the vehicle. This
applies in particular, if you rent out or sell the vehicle.
Safety equipment
The safety equipment is part of the occupant protection and it can
reduce the risk of injuries in accident situations.“Do not put at risk” your safety and the safety of those travelling with you . In the event
of an accident, the safety equipment can redu ce the risk of injuries. The following list
contains part of the safety equipment in your vehicle:
Three-point seat belts for all the seats*,
belt force limiter for front seats*,
belt tensioner for front seats*,
seat belt height adjuster for front seats,
front airbags*,
side airbags*,
anchoring points for child seat using the “ISOFIX” system,
head restraint adjustable for height,
adjustable steering column.
The specified safety equipment works togeth er, in order to optimally protect you and
those travelling with you in accident situat ions. The safety equipment does not protect
you or the people travelling with you, if you or your occupants adopt an incorrect
seated position or the equipment is not correctly adjusted or used.
For this reason you will be provided with information on why this equipment is very
important, how it protects you and the occupants, what should be observed when
using the equipment and how you and the peop le travelling with you can make full use
of the existing safety equipment. This Owner's Manual contains important warning
notes, which you and those travelling with you should pay attention to in order to
reduce a risk of injury.
Safety concerns everybody!
Before setting off
The driver is always fully responsibl e for his occupants and for the oper-
ating safety of the vehicle.For your own safety and the safety of the pe ople travelling with you, please pay atten-
tion to the following points before setting off:
Ensure that the lighting and the turn signal system are functioning properly.
Inspect the tyre inflation pressure.
Ensure that all the windows offer a good visibility to the outside.
Safely attach the items of luggage page 63, “Loading the luggage compartment”.
s2rc.book Page 97 Thursd ay, April 22, 2010 10:58 AM
Passive Safety
98
Ensure that no objects can obstruct the pedal.
Adjust the mirror, the front seat and the head restraint to match your body size.
Point out to your occupants that the head restraints must be adjusted to match
their body size.
Protect the children in suitable child seats with correctly fastened seat belts
page 115, “Transporting children safely”.
Adopt the correct seated position page 98, “Correct seated position”. Also
inform your occupants to adopt the correct seated position.
Fasten the seat belt correctly. Also inform your occupants to properly fasten the
seat belts page 104, “How are seat belts correctly fastened?”.
What influences the driving safety?
The driving safety is primarily determined by the style of driving and the
personal behaviour of all the occupants.The driver is fully responsible for himself an d his occupants. If your driving safety is
effected, you place yourself and the oncomi ng traffic at risk. Please refer to the
following guidelines.
Do not get distracted from concentrating on the traffic situation, e.g. by your occu-
pants or mobile phone calls.
Never drive when your driving ability is impaired, e.g. through medication, alcohol,
drugs.
Keep to the traffic regulations and the permissible speed limit.
Adjust the driving speed at all times to the road condition as well as to the traffic
and weather conditions.
Take regular breaks on long journe ys - at the latest every two hours.
Correct seated positionCorrect seated position for the driver
Correct seated position for the driver is important for safe and relaxed
driving.For your own safety and to reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident, we
recommend the following setting:
Adjust the steering wheel so that the distance between the steering wheel and your
chest is at least 25 cm fig. 106 .
Position the driver seat in the forward/back direction so that you are able to fully
press the pedals with your legs at a slight angle.
Fig. 106 The correct distance of
the driver from the steering
wheelFig. 107 The correct head
restraint adjustment for the
driver
s2rc.book Page 98 Thursd ay, April 22, 2010 10:58 AM
Passive Safety99
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Adjust the seat backrest so that you ar e able to reach the highest point of the
steering wheel with your arms at a slight angle.
Adjust the head restraint so that the top edge of the head restraint is at the same
level as the upper part of your head page 98, fig. 107 .
Fasten the seat belt correctly page 104, “How are seat belts correctly fastened?”.
Manual driver se at adjustment page 56, “Adjusting the front seats”.
Electrical driver seat adjustment page 57, “Adjusting front seats electrically*”.
WARNING
The front seats and the head restraints must always be adjusted to match
the body size of the seat occupant as well as the seat belts must always be
correctly fastened in order to provide an optimal protection for you and your
occupants.
The driver must maintain a distance of at least 25 cm to the steering wheel
page 98, fig. 106. Not maintaining this minimum distance will mean that the
airbag system will not be able to properly protect you - hazard!
When driving, hold the st eering wheel with both hands firmly on the outer
edge in the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock po sition. Never hold the steering wheel
firmly in the 12 o'clock position or in another way (e.g. in the middle of the
steering wheel or at the inner steering wheel edge). In such cases, injuries to the
arms, the hands and the head can occur when the driver airbag is deployed.
The seat backrests must not be angled too far back when driving otherwise
this will affect proper operation of the se at belts and of the airbag system - risk
of injury!
Ensure that there are no objects in the footwell as any objects may get
behind the pedals during a driving or braking manoeuvre. You would then no
longer be able to operate the clutch, to brake or accelerate.
Correct seated position for the front passenger
The front passenger must maintain a distance of at least 25°cm from
the dash panel so that the combination of the airbag and the seat belt
offers the greatest possible safety when an airbag is deployed.For the safety of the front passenger and to re duce the risk of injury in the event of an
accident, we recommend the following setting:
Adjust the front passenger seat as far as possible to the rear.
Adjust the head restraint so that the top edge of the head restraint is at the same
level as the upper part of your head page 98, fig. 107.
Fasten the seat belt correctly page 104, “How are seat belts correctly fastened?”.
In exceptional cases the front pass enger airbag can be deactivated page 113,
“Deactivating an airbag”.
Manual front passenger adjustment page 56, “Adjusting the front seats”.
Electrical front passenger seat adjustment page 57, “Adjusting front seats electri-
cally*”.
WARNING
The front seats and the head restraints must always be adjusted to match
the body size of the seat occupant as well as the seat belts must always be
correctly fastened in order to provide an optimal protection for you and your
occupants.
The front passenger must maintain a distance of at least 25 cm to the dash
panel. Not maintaining this minimum distance will mean that the airbag
system will not be able to properly protect you - hazard!
Always keep your feet in the footwel l when the vehicle is being driven -
never place your feet on the instrument panel, out of the window or on the
surfaces of the seats. You will be exposed to increased risk of injury if it
becomes necessary to apply the brake or in the event of an accident. If an airbag
is deployed, you may suffer fatal injuries when adopting an incorrect seated
position!
s2rc.book Page 99 Thursd ay, April 22, 2010 10:58 AM
Airbag system
108
Airbag systemDescription of the airbag systemGeneral information on the airbag systemThe front airbag system is complementary to the three-point seat belts and offers
additional protection for the head and chest area of the driver and passenger in the
event of a frontal collision.
In the case of a violent side cr ash, the side airbags* reduce the risk of injuries to the
occupants on the side of the collision .
The airbag system is only functional af ter the ignition has been switched on.
The operational readiness of the airbag syst em is monitored electronically. The airbag
indicator light comes on for a few seconds each time the ignition is switched on.
The airbag system (according to vehicle equipment) consists of:
an electronic control unit,
front airbag for the driver and the front seat passenger*,
side airbags*,
an airbag indicator light in the instrument cluster,
Switch for front passenger airbag* in front passenger storage compartment
page 113,
Indicator light for a switched off front seat passenger airbag* page 113.
A fault in the airbag system exists if:
the airbag indicator light does not light up when the ignition is switched on,
the warning light does not go out after about 4 seconds after the ignition is
switched on,
the airbag indicator light goes out and come s on again after the ignition is switched
on,
the airbag indicator light comes on or flickers when driving.
WARNING
To enable the occupants of a vehicle to be protected with the greatest
possible effect when the airbag is deployed, the front seats must be page 98,
“Correct seated position” correctly adjusted to match the body size of the occu-
pant.
If you do not fasten the seat belts when driving, lean too far forward or
adopt an incorrect seated position, you are exposing yourself to increased risk
of injury in the event of an accident.
Have the airbag system checked immediat ely by a specialist garage if a fault
exists. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being activated in the event of
an accident.
No modifications of any kind may be made to parts of the airbag system.
It is prohibited to manipulate individual parts of the airbag system as this
might result in the airbag being deployed.
The protective function of the airbag system is sufficient for only one acci-
dent. The airbag system must then be re placed if the airbag has been deployed.
The airbag system needs no maintenance during its working life.
If you sell your car, please hand ov er the complete vehicle documentation
to the new owener. Please note that the documents relating to the possibility of
deactivating the front passenger airbag are also part of the vehicle documents!
If the vehicle or individual parts of the airbag system are scrapped, it is
essential to observe the relevant safety precautions. Specialist garages are
familiar with these regulations.
When disposing of vehicle or parts of the airbag system, it is important to
comply with the national legal requirements.
When are the airbags deployed?The airbag system is designed in such a way that the driver and the front passenger
airbag* are deployed in the event of a frontal collision of major severity.
s2rc.book Page 108 Thursday, April 22, 2010 10:58 AM