Setting the air conditioning system
Recommended basic settings of the control elements of the air conditioning sys-
tem for the respective operating modes:
Set-up Setting of the control dial
Button
Air outlet vents 1
A B C D E
Defrost/defog windscreen and
side windows
a) Desired tempera-
ture 3 or 4
ActivatedOpen and align with the side
window
The fastest heating To the right up to
the stop 3
Brief
,
then Switched off
Opening
Comfortable heating Desired tempera-
ture 2 or 3
Switched off
Opening
The fastest cooling To the left up to
the stop briefly 4, then
2 or 3 Brief
,
then Activated
Opening
Optimal cooling Desired tempera-
ture 1, 2 or 3
Activated Open and align to the roof
Fresh air mode – ventilation To the left up to
the stop Desired position
Switched off
Openinga)
We recommend that you do not use this setting in countries with high humidity levels. This can result in heavy cooling of the window glass and the following fogging from outside. Note
■ Controls A
, B
, C
, D
and the button E
» Fig. 61 on page 54.
■ Air outlet vents 1
» Fig. 59
on page 52. ÐRecirculated air mode
Recirculated air mode prevents polluted air outside the vehicle from getting into
the vehicle, for example when driving through a tunnel or when standing in a
traffic jam.
Switching on
› Move the sliding regulator D
» Fig. 61
on page 54 into position . Switching off
›
Move the sliding regulator D
»
Fig. 61
on page 54 into position . WARNING
Do not leave recirculated air mode on over a longer period of time, as “stale”
air can cause fatigue of the driver and passengers, reduce attention levels and
also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an accident increases.
Switch off recirculated air mode as soon as the windows start to mist up. Ð 55
Heating and air conditioning system
Starting-off and Driving
Starting and stopping the engine
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Adjusting the steering wheel position 57
Electromechanical power steering 57
Electronic immobiliser 57
Ignition lock 58
Starting engine 58
Switching the engine off 58
WARNING
■ Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving only when the
vehicle is stationary!
■ Maintain a distance of 25 cm B
to the steering wheel
» Fig. 62 on page 57.
Not maintaining this minimum distance will mean that the airbag system will
not be able to properly protect you – hazard! ■ The lever for adjusting the steering wheel must be locked whilst driving so
that the position of the steering wheel cannot accidently change during the
journey – risk of accident! ■ If the steering wheel is adjusted further towards the head, the protection
provided by the driver airbag in the event of an accident is reduced. Check
that the steering wheel is aligned to the chest. ■ When driving, hold the steering wheel with both hands firmly on the outer
edge in the 9
o'clock and 3 o'clock position. Never hold the steering wheel in
the 12 o'clock position or in any other way (e.g. in the middle or inner edge of
the steering wheel). In such cases, you could injure the arms, hands and head
when the driver airbag is deployed. ■ When driving, the ignition key must always be in the position 2
» Fig. 63 on
page 58
(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! WARNING (Continued)
■ Only pull the ignition key from the ignition lock when the vehicle has come
to a complete stop (by applying the handbrake). Otherwise the steering wheel
could block – risk of accident!
■ When leaving the vehicle, the ignition must always be removed. This is par-
ticularly important if children are left in the vehicle. Otherwise the children
could, for example, start the engine – risk of accident or injury!
■ Never leave the engine running in unventilated or closed rooms. The ex-
haust 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 the vehicle unattended with the engine running.
■ Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary – risk of acci-
dent! CAUTION
■ The starter may only be operated (ignition key position 3
» page 58), if the
engine is not running. The starter or engine can be damaged if the starter is acti-
vated when the engine is running. ■ Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts otherwise the starter
could be damaged. ■ Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttle and high engine loads as long as the
engine has not yet reached its operating temperature – risk of damaging the en-
gine!
■ Do not tow start the engine - danger of damaging the engine! On vehicles with
a catalytic converter, unburnt fuel may get into the catalytic converter where it
may ignite. This in turn may damage the catalytic converter. The battery from an-
other vehicle can be used as a jump-start aid » page 134, Jump-starting .
■ Do not switch the engine off immediately at the end of your journey after the
engine has been operated over a prolonged period at high loads but leave it to
run at an idling speed for about 1
minute. This prevents any possible accumulation
of heat when the engine is switched off. For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine while the vehicle is stationary. If possible, start your
journey as soon as the engine has started. Through this the engine reaches its
operating temperature more rapidly and the pollutant emissions are lower. £
56 Using the system
Note
■ The engine can only be started with a genuine ŠKODA key with the matching
code. ■ The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time after
starting the cold engine. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem. ■ After switching off the ignition, the radiator fan can intermittently continue to
operate for approx. 10
minutes.
■ If the engine does not start up after a second attempt, the fuse for the fuel
pump may have a fault. Check the fuse and replace, if necessary » page 138,
Fuses on the underside of the dash panel or seek assistance from a ŠKODA
spe-
cialist garage.
■ We recommend locking the steering wheel whenever leaving the vehicle. This
acts as a deterrent against the attempted theft of your car. ÐAdjusting the steering wheel position
Fig. 62
Adjustable steering wheel: Lever below the steering wheel/safe dis-
tance to the steering wheel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 56.
The height of the steering wheel can be adjusted.
› First of all adjust the driver's seat
» page 38.
› Pull the lever A
» Fig. 62 below the steering wheel down.
› Adjust the height of the steering wheel to the desired position.
› Push the lever upwards to the stop. Ð
ä Electromechanical power steering
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 56.
The power steering enables you to steer the vehicle with less physical force.
With the electromechanical power steering, the steering assist is automatically
adapted to the speed and to the steering angle.
It is still possible to fully steer the vehicle if the power steering fails or if the en-
gine is not running (vehicle being towed in). However, greater physical effort is
required to turn the steering wheel.
If there is a fault in the power steering, the warning light or lights up in the
instrument cluster » page 16. WARNING
Contact your ŠKODA specialist garage if the power steering is defective. Ð Electronic immobiliser
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 56.
An electronic chip is integrated in the head of the key. The immobiliser is deacti-
vated with the aid of this chip when the key is inserted in the ignition lock. The
electronic immobiliser is automatically activated when the ignition key is with-
drawn from the lock.
The engine will not start if a non-authorized ignition key is used. Ð
ä
ä
57
Starting-off and Driving
Ignition lock
Fig. 63
Positions of the vehicle key in
the ignition lock
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 56.
Ignition switched off, engine off, the steering can be locked
Ignition switched on
Starting engine
To lock the steering , with the ignition key withdrawn, turn the steering wheel
until the steering locking pin engages audibly.
If the steering is locked and the key cannot or can only be turned with difficulty
into the position 2
» Fig. 63, move the steering wheel back and forth and the
steering lock will unlock. ÐStarting engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 56.
Before starting the engine, place the gearshift lever into neutral or place the se-
lector lever in the position N and firmly put on the handbrake.
Fully depress and hold the clutch pedal, switch on the ignition 2
» Fig. 63 on
page 58
and start 3
– do not operate the accelerator. Depress the clutch pedal
until the engine starts.
Let go of the key as soon as the engine starts. After letting go, the vehicle key
will return to position 2
.
ä 1
2
3
ä If the engine does not start within 10 seconds, abort the start-up process and
turn the key to position 1
. Repeat the start-up process after approx. half a mi-
nute.
Release the handbrake before starting off. Ð Switching the engine off
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 56.
Switch off the engine by turning the ignition key into position 1
» Fig. 63 on
page 58
. Ð Brakes and brake assist systems
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Information for braking 59
Handbrake 60
Stabilisation control (ESC) 60
Antilock brake system (ABS) 61
Traction control (TC) 61
Electronic differential lock (EDL) 61
WARNING
■ The brake booster only operates when the engine is running. Greater physi-
cal effort for braking is required when the engine is switched off – risk of acci-
dent!
■ Depress the clutch pedal when stopping or braking a vehicle with a petrol
engine and manual transmission in the low rev range. If you fail to do so, the
functionality of the brake booster can be impaired – risk of accident! £
ä
58 Using the system
WARNING (Continued)
■ If a front spoiler, full wheel trim, etc. is mounted retrospectively, it must be
ensured that the air supply to the front wheel brakes is not reduced. Other-
wise, the functionality of the brake system could be impaired – risk of acci-
dent!
■ Please note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake which
is only partially released can result in the rear brakes overheating, which can
have a negative effect on the operation of the brake system – risk of accident!
■ Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. The children might, for ex-
ample, release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear. The vehicle
might then move off – risk of accident!
■ A lack of fuel can cause irregular engine running or cause the engine to shut
down. The brake assist systems would then be without function – risk of acci-
dent!
■ Adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road and
traffic conditions. The increased safety offered by the brake assist systems
must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise – risk of an accident! ■ The normal braking system is still fully functional if there is an ABS fault.
Visit a ŠKODA specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving
according to the damage to the ABS as you will not know how great the dam-
age is and the limitation it is placing on the braking efficiency. CAUTION
■ Observe the recommendations on the new brake pads » page 91.
■ Never let the brakes slip with light pressure on the pedal if braking is not neces-
sary. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer braking
distance and excessive wear. ■ All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres approved by the manufactur-
er to ensure the brake assist systems operate correctly. Note
■ If the brakes are applied in full and the control unit for the braking system con-
siders the situation to be dangerous for the following traffic, the brake light
flashes automatically. After the speed was reduced below around 10
km/h or the
vehicle was stopped, the brake light stops flashing and the hazard warning light
system switches on. The hazard warning light system is switched off automatical-
ly after accelerating or driving off again. ■ Before negotiating a steep downhill section, reduce the speed, shift down into
the next lower gear (manual gearbox) or select a lower drive position (automatic
gearbox). As a result, the braking effect of the engine will be used, reducing the
load on the brakes. Any additional braking should be completed intermittently,
not continuously. ■ Changes to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, brakes, chassis or another combina-
tion of tyres and wheels) can influence the functionality of the brake assist sys-
tems »
page 125, Accessories, changes and replacement of parts .
■ If a fault occurs in the ABS system, the ESC, TCS and EDL also do not work. A
warning light » page 17 comes on if a fault occurs in the ABS system. Ð Information for braking
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 58.
Wear-and-tear
The wear of the brake pads is dependent on the operating conditions and driving
style. The brake pads wear more quickly if a lot of journeys are completed in
towns and over short distances or if a very sporty style of driving is adopted. If
operated under severe conditions, the thickness of the brake pads must be
checked by a ŠKODA specialist garage before the next service appointment.
Wet roads or road salt
The performance of the brakes can be delayed as the brake discs and brake pads
may be moist or have a coating of ice or layer of salt on them in winter. The
brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.
Corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the bake pads occur if the vehicle has
been parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the braking
system. If the brake system is not used much or if there is corrosion on the sur-
face, we recommend cleaning the brake discs by firmly applying the brakes from a
high speed. £
ä
59
Starting-off and Driving
Briefly press the rocker button B
into the position RES
to resume the stored
speed after the clutch or brake pedal is released. ÐSwitching off the cruise control system completely
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 63.
›
Turn the switch A
» Fig. 68
on page 64 » page 64 into the OFF position. ÐSTART/STOP
Fig. 69
Button for the START-STOP sys-
tem
The START-STOP system helps you to save fuel while at the same time reducing
harmful exhaust emissions and CO 2 emissions.
The function is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on.
In the start-stop mode, the engine automatically switches to the vehicle's idle
phase, e.g. when stopped at traffic lights.
Information regarding the current state of the
START-STOP system is indicated in
the display of the instrument cluster.
Automatic engine shut down (stop phase)
› Stop the vehicle (where necessary, apply the handbrake).
› Take the vehicle out of gear.
› Release the clutch pedal.
Automatic renewed engine restart (start phase).
› Depress the clutch pedal.
ä
Switching the START-STOP system on and off
The START/STOP
system can be switched on/off by pressing the button » Fig. 69.
When start-stop mode is deactivated, the warning light in the button lights up.
If the vehicle is in the stop phase when manually switching off the system, the
engine starts immediately.
The START-STOP system is very complex. Some of the procedures are hard to
check without servicing. The general conditions for the proper functioning of the
START-STOP system are listed in the following overview.
Conditions for the automatic engine shut down (stop phase)
› The gearshift lever is in Neutral.
› The clutch pedal is not depressed.
› The driver has fastened the seat belt.
› The driver's door is closed.
› The bonnet is closed.
› The vehicle is at a standstill.
› The engine is at operating temperature.
› The charge state of the vehicle battery is sufficient.
› The stationary vehicle is not on a steep slope or a steep downhill section.
› The engine speed is less than 1 200 rpm.
› The temperature of the vehicle battery is not too low or too high.
› There is sufficient pressure in the braking system.
› The difference between the outdoor- and the set temperature in the interior is
not too great.
› The vehicle speed since the last time the engine was switched off was greater
than 3 km/h.
› The front wheels are not turned excessively (the steering angle is less than 3/4
of a steering wheel revolution).
Conditions for an automatic restart (start phase)
› The clutch is depressed.
› The max./min. temperature is set.
› The defrost function for the windscreen is switched on.
› A high blower stage has been selected.
› The START STOP button is pressed.
Conditions for an automatic restart without driver intervention
› The vehicle moves at a speed of more than 3 km/h.
› The difference between the outdoor- and the set temperature in the interior is
too great.
› The charge state of the vehicle battery is not sufficient.
› There is insufficient pressure in the braking system.
£
65
Starting-off and Driving
WARNING
■ The brake servo unit and power steering only operate if the engine is run-
ning.
■ Never let the vehicle roll with the engine switched off. CAUTION
If the START-STOP system is used at very high outside temperatures over a very
long period of time, the vehicle battery can be damaged. Note
■ Changes to the outdoor temperature can have an effect on the internal temper-
ature of the vehicle battery even after several hours. If the vehicle remains out-
doors for a long time in minus temperatures or in direct sunlight, it can take sev-
eral hours until the internal temperature of the vehicle battery reaches a suitable
temperature for proper operation of the
START STOP system.
■ In some instances it may be necessary to start the engine manually with the ig-
nition key (e.g. when the seat belt is not inserted or the driver's door is opened in
Stop mode for more than approx. 30 seconds). ÐCity Safe Drive
ä
Introduction Fig. 70
Laser sensor/detection range This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Switching the
City Safe Drive on and off 67
Laser sensor 68
Special driving situations 68
The City Safe Drive system uses the laser sensor » Fig. 70 – to take readings
about the traffic situation in front of the vehicle at a range of around 10 metres (11
yards) » Fig. 70 – in a vehicle speed range of 5 - -30
km/h (3 - -19 mph).
If the driver does not respond to an imminent collision, the City Safe Drive system
can automatically apply the brakes to the vehicle to prevent a possible collision.
If the City Safe Drive system is currently slowing the vehicle down automatically,
the warning light will flash quickly .
Automatic braking interventions can be terminated by pressing the clutch, accel-
erator or by moving the steering wheel.
If the City Safe Drive system is not currently available, or if there is a system fault,
the warning light will flash slowly .
The following conditions cause the City Safe Drive system to become not availa-
ble.
› Taking bends tightly.
› When fully pressing down the accelerator pedal.
› When the City Safe Drive system function is switched off/faulty.
› When the laser sensor is dirty, concealed or has overheated.
» page 68
› In the event of snow, heavy rain or fog.
› When vehicles are travelling side by side.
› When vehicles are crossing.
› When vehicles are approaching in the same lane.
› When the vehicles are very dirty and have a low level of reflection.
› With high levels of dust. WARNING
■ The
City Safe Drive system cannot exceed physical and system-defined lim-
its. The added convenience of the City Safe Drive system must never give you
a reason to takes risks with regard safety. The driver is always the one re-
sponsible for braking in time.
■ The City Safe Drive system cannot prevent accidents and injuries by itself. £
66 Using the system
Automatic gearbox
Automatic gearbox AGB
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Introductory information 69
Starting-off and driving 69
Selector lever positions 70
Manual gearshift (Tiptronic) 70
Kickdown function 71
Dynamic shift programme 71
Operational faults 71
WARNING
■ Do not depress the accelerator if changing the position of the selector lever
when the vehicle is stationary and the engine is running – risk of accident!
■ Never move the selector lever into position R or when driving - risk of an ac-
cident!
■ When the engine is running and the vehicle is stationary, it is necessary to
hold the car with the brake pedal in all the positions of the selector lever (ex-
cept P and N) since the power transmission is never completely interrupted,
also not when the engine is idling – the vehicle creeps.
■ The selector lever must be placed into position N and the handbrake firmly
applied before the bonnet can be opened and work on the running engine can
be completed - risk of accident! The safety guidelines must always be ob-
served » page 108 , Engine compartment .
■ If stopping on a hill (downhill gradient), never try to maintain the vehicle sta-
tionary with the gear engaged by means of the
“accelerator pedal”, i.e. by let-
ting the clutch slip. This can lead to overheating of the clutch, and subse-
quently to the clutch burning out. The vehicle can roll backward - risk of acci-
dent!
■ If you have to stop on a slope, depress and hold the brake pedal to prevent
the vehicle from rolling back.
■ On a smooth or slippery road surface using the kickdown function can cause
the driven wheels to spin – risk of skidding!
■ Always firmly apply the handbrake before leaving the vehicle! Ð Introductory information
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 69.
Shifting up and down through the gears is performed automatically. However, the
gearbox can also be switched into Tiptronic mode M. This mode makes it possible
for you to also shift gears manually » page 70.
The engine can only be left on in position N, when the brake pedal is depressed
.
When parking on a level road surface, it suffices to engage selector lever position
N. When parking on a slope, the handbrake should be applied firmly before the
park position N is selected.
If the selector lever position N is accidentally selected while driving, it is first nec-
essary to release pressure on the accelerator pedal and wait for the idling speed
of the engine to be reached before the selector lever can be engaged in the drive
position. Note
If the N symbol flashes next to the selector lever, engage the selector lever posi-
tion N. Ð Starting-off and driving
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 69.
Starting off
›
Firmly depress and hold the brake pedal.
› Press the selector lever towards the left in the spring-tensioned position in the
direction of the arrow » Fig. 74 on page 70 and insert into position D.
› Release the brake pedal and accelerate.
Stop
› The selector lever position
N does not have to be selected when stopping for a
short time, such as at a cross roads. It is sufficient to hold the vehicle stationary
using the foot brake. The engine can, however, be allowed just to idle.
Parking
› Depress the brake pedal.
› Firmly apply the handbrake.
£
ä
ä
69
Automatic gearbox