Starting-off and Driving
74
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To lock the steering , with the ignition key withdrawn, turn the steering wheel until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 positi on, in order to release the steering lock.
Position
The engine is started in this position. At the same time any switched on low beam
or main beam or other electrical compon ents with major electrical consumers are
briefly switched off. The ignition key moves back into position after being
released.
The ignition key must be turned back into position each time before starting the
engine again. The starter repeat lock in the ignition lock prevents the starter being
engaged when the engine is running and thus getting damaged.
WARNING
•
When driving, the ignition key must al ways be in the position (ignition
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 unexpected
locking of the steering wheel - risk of accident!
•
Do not withdraw the ignition key from the lock until the vehicle has come to
a stop. The steering lock can engage 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 import ant if children are left in the vehicle.
Children might otherwise start the engine or switch on electrical equipment (e.g.
power windows) - risk of accident or injury!
Starting the engineGeneral
You can only start the engine only using an original ignition key.•
Place the gearshift lever into neutral an d put on the handbrake firmly before
starting the engine.
•
Before starting, it is necessary to depress the clutch pedal and to keep it pressed
down until the engine starts. If you try and start the engine without pressing the
clutch pedal, the engine will not start. A message in the information display of the
instrument cluster will also appear indicate the need to press the clutch pedal.
•
Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts otherwise you may
damage 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 clear-
ance compensation. This is quite norm al 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 153.
It is only possible to tow-start vehicles fitted with a manual gearbox. The tow-
starting distance must not be more than 50 metres. Observe the following
guidelines page 154, “Tow-starting and towing vehicle”.
WARNING
•
Never run the engine in non ventilated or enclosed areas. The exhaust gases
of the engine contain besides the odourless and colourless carbon monoxide a
poisonous gas - hazard! Carbon mono xide 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 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 operating temperature - risk of damaging the
engine!
•
Vehicles which are fitted with an exhaus t 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.
123
2
1
2
3
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Starting-off and Driving75
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Petrol enginesThese 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 star ting after 10 seconds if the engine does not start
right away and wait for about 30 seconds before repe ating 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 156.
•
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 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 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 away and wait for about 30 seconds before repe ating 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 156.
•
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 tur ning the ignition key into position
page 73, fig. 84 .
WARNING
•
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 caus e 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 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
a c c um ul a tio n o f he a t i n the en g in e o r i f the engine is warm and the engine compart-
ment is additionally heat ed by strong sunlight.
•
This is why particular care is required when carrying out any work in the engine
compartment page 131, “Working in the engine compartment”.
1
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Starting-off and Driving
76
ShiftingShift into reverse only when the vehicle is stationary. Depress the clutch pedal and
hold it fully depressed. Wait a moment be fore engaging reverse gear in order to
avoid any shift noises.
The reversing lights will come on once reverse 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 order to avoid unneces-
sary wear and damage.
HandbrakeApplying 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. 86.
– Hold the button pressed and push the handbrake lever down fully .
The handbrake warning light
lights up when the handbrake is applied, provided
the ignition is on.
A warning signal sounds if you have inadvertently driven off with the handbrake
applied.
The handbrake warning is activated if you drive at a speed of more than 6 km/h for
more than 3 seconds.
WARNING
•
Please note that the hand brake 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 premat ure wear of the rear brake pads.
•
Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. Children might, for example,
release the handbrake or take the vehicl e out of gear. The vehicle might then
move off - risk of accident!
Fig. 85 The shift pattern: 5-speed
manual gearbox
Fig. 86 Centre console: Handbrake
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Passive Safety81
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 situa-
tions.In this section you will find important information, 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 particular, to comply with the notes and warn-
ings 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 yo u, in the following chapters of this
Owner's Manual.
•
The complete on-board literature shou ld 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 th e occupant protection and it can
reduce the risk of injuries in accident situations.“Do not put at risk” your safety and the safe ty of those travelling with you . In the
event of an accident, the safety equipment can reduce the risk of injuries. The
following list contains part of th e safety equipment in your vehicle:•
Three-point seat belts for all the seats,
•
belt force limiter for front seats and outer rear seats*,
•
belt tensioner for front seats,
•
seat belt height adjuster for front seats,
•
front airbag for the driver and the front seat passenger*,
•
side airbags*,
•
head airbags*,
•
anchoring points for child seat using the “ISOFIX” system,
•
anchoring points for child seat using the “Top Tether” system,
•
head restraint adjustable for height,
•
adjustable steering column.
The specified safety equipment works toge ther, in order to optimally protect you
and those travelling with yo u in accident situations. 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 travelli ng 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 responsible for his occupants and for the
operating safety of the vehicle.For your own safety and the safety of the people travelling with you, please pay
attention 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 53, “Loading the luggage compart-
ment”.
•
Ensure that no objects can obstruct the pedal.
•
Adjust the mirror, the front seat and the head restraint to match your body size.
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Passive Safety
82
•
Point out to your occupants that the head restraints must be adjusted to match
their body size.
•
Protect the children in suit able child seats with correctly fastened seat belts
page 97, “Transporting children safely”.
•
Adopt the correct seated position page 82, “Correct seated position”. Also
inform your occupants to adop t the correct seated position.
•
Fasten the seat belt correctly. Also inform your occupants to properly fasten the
seat belts page 87, “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 and his occupants. If your driving safety is
effected, you place yourself and the oncoming traffic at risk. Please refer to the
following guidelines.•
Do not get distracted from concentrating on the traffic situation, e.g. by your
occupants 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 th e 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.Fig. 89 The correct distance of the driver fr om the steering wheel/the correct head restraint
adjustment for the driverFor 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. 89 - left.
•
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.
•
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 to p edge of the head restraint is at the
same level as the upper part of your head fig. 89 - right.
•
Fasten the seat belt correctly page 87, “How are seat belts correctly
fastened?”.
Manual driver seat adjustment page 11, “Adjusting the front seats”.
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.
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Airbag system89
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
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 ches t area of the driver and passenger in the
event of a frontal collision.
In the case of a violent side crash, the si de airbags* and head airbags* reduce the
risk of injuries to the occupant s on the side of the collision .
The airbag system is only functional after the ignition has been switched on.
The operational readiness of the airbag system 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*,
•
head airbags*,
•
an airbag warning light in the instrument cluster,
•
a key-operated switch for switching on /off the front seat passenger airbag*
page 96,
•
an indicator light for a switched off front seat passenger airbag* in the middle
of the dash panel page 96.
A fault in the airbag system exists if:
•
the airbag indicator light does not light up when the ignition is switched on,
•
the airbag indicator light does not go ou t after about 4 seconds after the ignition
is switched on,
•
the airbag indicator light goes out and comes on again after the ignition is
switched on,
•
the airbag indicator light comes on or flickers when driving,
•
an airbag indicator light showing a swit ched-off front passenger airbag* in the
middle of the dash panel flashes.
WARNING
•
To enable the occupants of a vehicle to be protected with the greatest
possible effect when the airbag is depl oyed, the front seats must be correctly
adjusted to match the body size of the occupant page 82, “Correct seated
position”.
•
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 immediately 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 individu al 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 replaced if the airbag has been deployed.
•
The airbag system needs no maintenance during its working life.
•
If you sell your car, please hand over the complete vehicle documentation to
the new owner. Please note that the do cuments 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. The authorised Škoda
Service Partners 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 front passenger
airbag are deployed in the event of a violent frontal collision .
In the case of a violent side collision , the side airbag* on the side of the vehicle at
which the collision occurs, is deployed together with the relevant head airbag*.
In special accident scenarios, the front as well as the relevant side and head airbags
may be deployed together.
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Airbag system
90
The airbags are not deployed in the case of minor frontal and side collisions, in the
case of rear-end collisions and vehicle rollover.
Deployment factors
It is not possible to state globally which deployment conditions apply to the airbag
system in every situation as the circumstances which exist in the case of accidents
vary greatly. An important role in this case is played by factors such as the type of
object against which the vehicle impacts (hard, soft), the angle of impact, the rela-
tive speed during the accident etc.
A decisive factor for the deployment of th e airbags is the deceleration which occurs
during a collision. The control unit analyses the nature of the collision and activates
the relevant restraint system. If the vehicle deceleration which occurs and is meas-
ured during the collision remains below the prescribed reference values specified in
the control unit, the airbags are not deployed although the vehicle may well suffer
severe damage to the bodywork as a consequence of the accident.
The airbags are not deployed if:•
ignition off,
•
a minor frontal collision,
•
a minor side collision,
•
a rear-end collision,
•
Rollover of the vehicle.Note
•
A grey white, non harmful gas is released when airbag is inflated. This is
perfectly normal and is not an indi cation of a fire in the vehicle.
•
In the event of an accident in which the airbags are deployed:
−The interior lighting comes on (if the switch for the interior light is in the door
contact position),
− The hazard warning light is switched on,
− All the doors are unlocked,
− the fuel supply to the engine is interrupted.
Front airbagsDescription of the front airbags
The airbag system is not a substitute for the seat belt!Fig. 95 Driver airbag in the steering wheel /front passenger airbag in the dash panelThe front airbag for the driver is housed in the steering wheel fig. 95 - left. The
front airbag for the front passenger* is housed in the dash panel above the storage
compartment fig. 95 - right. The installation positions are each marked with the
“AIRBAG” logo.
The 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. page 91
The airbag is not a substitute for the seat belt, but is part of the complete passive
vehicle safety concept. Please note that an airbag can only offer you optimal
protection in combination with a seat belt which is fastened .
Apart from their normal protective function, a further task of the seat belts i s t o a l s o
hold the driver and front passenger in a co rrect seated position in the event of a
frontal collision so as to enable the fron t airbags to offer the maximum protection.
You should therefore always fasten the seat belts, not only because this is required
by law, but also for safety reasons and for your own protection page 85, “Why
seat belts?”.
Note
The dash panel must be replaced after the front passenger airbag has been
deployed.
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Airbag system93
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Important safety information on the side airbag
Correct use of the airbag system considerably reduces the risk of
injury!
WARNING
•
It is essential to always switch off the front passenger airbag when
attaching a child safety seat on the fr ont passenger seat where the child is
seated with its back facing in direction of travel (in some countries also when
the child is facing the direction of travel) page 95, “Deactivating an airbag”. If
this is not done, there is a risk of the child suffering severe or even fatal injuries
if the front passenger airbag is deployed . The national legal provisions in certain
countries require that both the front, side and head airbags be deactivated.
When transporting a child on the front passenger seat, please comply with the
appropriate national legal provisions re garding the use of child safety seats.
•
Your head should never be positioned in the deployment area of the side
airbag. You might suffer severe injuries in the event of an accident. This applies
in particular to children who are transported without using a suitable child
safety seat page 99, “Child safety and side airbag*”.
•
If children adopt an incorrect seated position when travelling, they may be
exposed to an increased risk of injury in the event of an accident. This can result
in serious injuries page 97, “What you should know about transporting chil-
dren!”.
•
There must not be any further persons, animals as well as objects positioned
between the occupants and the deployment area of the airbag. No accessories,
such as a can holder, should be attached to the doors.
•
The airbag control unit operates togeth er with the pressure sensors, which
are attached in the front doors. For this reason no modifications must be carried
out at the doors as well as at the door pa nels (for example additional installation
of loudspeakers). Resulting damages c an have a negative affect on the opera-
tion of the airbag system. All work on th e front doors and their panels must only
be carried out by a specialist garage.
•
In the event of a side collision, the side airbags will not function properly, if
the sensors cannot measure the increasing air pressure inside the doors,
because the air can escape through larg e, non-sealed openings in the door
panel.
−Never drive with removed inner door panels.
− Never drive, if parts of the inner door panel have been removed and the
remaining openings have not been properly sealed.
− Never drive, if the loudspeakers in the doors have been removed, only if
the loudspeaker openings have been properly sealed. −
Always make sure that the openings are covered or filled, if additional
loudspeakers or other equipment parts ar e installed in the inner door panels.
− Always work with an authorised Škoda dealer or have it carried out by a
competent specialist workshop.
•
Only hang light items of clothing on the clothes hooks to the vehicle. Never
leave any heavy or sharp-edged objects in the pockets of the items of clothing.
•
Ensure that there are no excessive forces, such as violent knocks, kicks etc.,
impact on the backrests of the seats otherwise the system may be damaged.
The side airbags would not be deployed in such a case!
•
Any seat or protective covers which you fit to the driver or front passenger
seats must only be of the type expressly authorised by Škoda Auto. In view of
the fact that the airbag inflates out of the backrest of the seat, use of non-
approved seat or protective covers wo uld considerably impair the protective
function of the side airbag.
•
Any damage to the original seat covers in the area of the side airbag module
must be repaired without delay by your specialist garage.
•
The airbag modules in the front seats must not display any damage, cracks
or dee p s cr a tc h es. I t i s n o t p erm i ss i bl e to u se f or ce i n ord er t o op en th e m odu l es .
•
A n y w o r k o n t h e s i d e a i r b a g s y s t e m i n cluding removing and installing system
components because of other repair work (e.g. removing seats) must only be
carried out by a specialist garage.WARNING (continued)
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