2012 SKODA CITIGO lights

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

Faults in the brake surface
If it is found that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and that the
brake pedal can be depressed further, the brake system may be faulty. Visit a
ŠKODA specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropriate-
ly as you will not know how great the damage is.
Low brake fluid level
An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake system. The
level of the brake fluid is monitored electronically
» page 15, Brake system .
Brake booster
The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The
brake booster only operates when the engine is running. ÐHandbrake
Fig. 64
Centre console: Handbrake
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 58.
Apply
› Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
Loosening
› Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and
at the same time push in the locking
button » Fig. 64 .
› Move the lever right down while pressing the lock button.
The handbrake warning light  lights up when the handbrake is applied, provided
the ignition is on.
A warning signal sounds if the vehicle is inadvertently driven off with the hand-
brake applied.
ä The handbrake warning is activated if the vehicle is driven at a speed of more
than 6 km/h for more than 3
seconds. Ð Stabilisation control (ESC)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 58.
The ESC is automatically activated after starting the engine. The ESC helps to
maintain control of the vehicle in situations where it is being operated at its dy-
namic limits, such as a sudden change to the direction of travel. The risk of skid-
ding is reduced and your car thus offers greater driving stability depending on the
conditions of the road surface.
The direction which the driver wishes to take is determined based on the steering
angle and the speed of the vehicle and is constantly compared with the actual
behaviour of the vehicle. In the event of deviations, such as if the car starts to
skid, the ESC automatically brakes the appropriate wheel.
During an intervention of the system, the warning light  flashes in the instru-
ment cluster.
If there is an ESC fault, the warning light then lights up in the instrument cluster
 » page 17.
The following systems are integrated into the electronic stabilisation control
(ESC):
› Antilock brake system (ABS),
› Traction control (TCS);
› Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
› Brake assist,
› Uphill start assist.
Hydraulic brake assist
The Brake Assist is activated by the very quick operation of the brake pedal. It in-
creases the braking effect and helps to shorten the braking distance. To achieve
the shortest possible braking distance, the brake pedal must be applied firmly
and held in this position until the vehicle has come to a complete standstill.
The ABS is activated faster and more effectively with the intervention of the
brake assist system.
The brake assist function is automatically switched off when the brake pedal is
released. £
ä
60 Using the system

Uphill start assist
The uphill start assist makes it easier to start off on steep hills. The system holds
the brake pressure produced by the activation of the brake pedal for approx.
2 seconds after the brake pedal is released. The driver can therefore move his
foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal and start off on the slope,
without having to actuate the handbrake. The brake pressure drops gradually the
more you operate the accelerator pedal. If the vehicle does not start off within 2
seconds, it starts to roll back.
The uphill start assist is active as of a 5
% slope, if the driver door is closed. It is
always active on slopes when in forward or reverse start off. When driving down-
hill, it is inactive. ÐAntilock brake system (ABS)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 58.
ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking. Thus helping the driver to main-
tain control of the vehicle.
The intervention of the ABS is noticeable from the pulsating movements of the
brake pedal which is accompanied by noises.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal during the intervention of the
ABS. The ABS deactivates if the brake pedal is released. Never interrupt the appli-
cation of the brakes during the intervention of the ABS! ÐTraction control (TC)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 58.
If the wheels are slipping, the TCS adapts the engine speed to the conditions of
the road surface. The TCS makes it much easier to start off, accelerate and climb
steep hills even if the conditions of the road surface are unfavourable.
During an intervention of the system, the warning light  flashes in the instru-
ment cluster.
If there is a fault in the TCS, the warning light then lights up in the instrument
cluster  » page 17 . Ð
ä
ä Electronic differential lock (EDL)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 58.
If one of the wheels starts to spin, the EDL system brakes the spinning wheel and
transfers the driving force to the other wheels. This ensures the stability of the
vehicle and a quick journey.
The EDL switches off automatically if unusually severe stresses exist in order to
avoid excessive heat generation in the disc brake on the wheel which is being
braked. The vehicle can continue to be driven and has the same characteristics as
a vehicle not fitted with EDL. The EDL switches on again automatically as soon as
the brake has cooled down. Ð Shifting (manual gearbox)
Fig. 65
Shift pattern of the 5-speed
manual gearbox
Always depress the clutch pedal fully when changing gear, to prevent excessive
wear of the clutch.
The gearshift indicator must be observed when changing gear » page 10.
Only engage reverse gear when the vehicle is stationary. Depress the clutch pedal
and hold it fully depressed. Wait a moment before reverse gear is engaged 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 reverse gear when driving – risk of accident! £
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61
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 (Continued)
■ The City Safe Drive system can carry out unexpected braking interventions
in complex driving situations, e.g. when vehicles scrape past each other.
■ Taking the City Safe Drive system into account in one's own driving behav-
iour can lead to accidents and serious injuries. The
City Safe Drive system is
not a substitute for the driver's attention. ■ Always adapt your speed and safety distance to the vehicle ahead to the
visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
■ The laser beam from the laser sensor can cause serious eye injuries.
■ Never use optical devices, e.g. a range-finder camera or magnifying glass to
look into the laser sensor.
■ The laser beam can also be active when the City Safe Drive system is
switched off or is not available. The laser beam is not visible to the human
eye.
■ The City Safe Drive system cannot detect persons, animals, or crossing vehi-
cles or approaching vehicles in the same lane.
■ The City Safe Drive system cannot exceed physical and system-defined lim-
its. For instance, responses from the
City Save Drive system can happen late
or unexpectedly from the driver's perspective. Always stay attentive and take
control when required. CAUTION
If the vehicle starts to roll after the City Safe Drive system is triggered, use the
foot pedal to break. Note
■ When replacing the windscreen wiper blades, only use windscreen blades ap-
proved by ŠKODA. ■ Do not paint the laser sensor range on the windscreen. Do not cover it up with
stickers or similar. ■ Remove any snow with a hand-held brush and we recommend you remove any
ice with a solvent-free deicing spray. ■ Keep the laser sensor range free of dirt and ice at all times.
■ If the laser sensor range on the windscreen has scratches, cracks, etc, replace
the windscreen. Only use windscreens approved by
ŠKODA. Carrying out repairs
to the windscreen are not permissible. ■
A damaged windscreen in the area of the laser sensor can lead to a failure of
the City Safe Drive

system.
■ Repairing the laser sensor requires specialist expertise. We recommend an au-
thorised
ŠKODA Service partner. Ð Switching the City Safe Drive on and off
Fig. 71
Lower part of the centre con-
sole: Button for the City Safe
Drive system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 66.
Switching on the City Safe Drive
The City Safe Drive

system is automatically switched on after turning on the igni-
tion.
Switching the City Safe Drive system on and off again
The City Safe Drive system is switched off by pressing the button » Fig. 71 in the
front centre console.
When the City Safe Drive system is switched off while the vehicle is travelling at a
speed between 5–30 km/h (3–19 mph), the warning light   will light up in the
instrument cluster display.
You can switch on the City Safe Drive system again with the button » Fig. 71. The
warning light    lights up for around 5 seconds in the instrument cluster dis-
play.
The City Safe Drive system must be switched off in the following cases.
› When the vehicle is being towed away.
› When the vehicle is driven though an automatic car wash.
› When the vehicle is on a rolling test bench.
› When the laser sensor is faulty.
› After force is applied to the laser sensor.
› When driving off-road (overhanging branches).
£
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67
Starting-off and Driving

›
Move the selector lever to the right in the direction of the arrow
» Fig. 74 on
page 70 into position N. ÐSelector lever positions
Fig. 74
Selector lever
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 69.
N
– Neutral
The transmission is in Neutral in this position.
The brake pedal must be depressed to move the selector lever out of the posi-
tion N into position D or R when the vehicle is stationary and the ignition is
switched on. R
– Reverse gear
Reverse gear must only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary and the en-
gine is idling.
The brake pedal must be depressed before setting into position R from position
N.
When the ignition is switched on and the selector lever is in position R, the re-
verse lights will come on. D
– Position for driving forward (normal programme)
When the selector lever is in this position, the forward gears are automatically
shifted up and down in line with the engine load, vehicle speed and dynamic shift
programme.
The brake pedal must be depressed before setting into position D from position
N.
ä
Under certain circumstances (e.g. when driving in mountainous regions) it may be
beneficial to select the manual shift programme » page 70 for a short time in
order to adapt the gearbox ratios manually to the driving situations. M
- Manual gearshift (Tiptronic)
Further information » page 70. Ð Manual gearshift (Tiptronic)
Fig. 75
Selector lever: manual shifting/instrument cluster: engaged gear
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 69.
Tiptronic mode makes it possible to manually shift gears on the selector lever.
Switching to manual shifting when the vehicle is stationary
›
Depress the brake pedal.
› Press the selector lever twice to the left in the spring-tensioned position.
Switching to manual shifting during driving
› Press the selector lever towards the left in the spring-tensioned position in the
direction of the arrow and insert into position M. The selector lever position you
have engaged appears in the display of the instrument cluster 1
» Fig. 75
.
Shifting up gears
› Press the selector lever fowards
» Fig. 75 +
.
Shifting down gears
› Press the selector lever backwards
» Fig. 75 -
.
When accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up into the higher gear just
before the maximum permissible engine speed is reached. £
ä
70 Using the system

If a lower gear is selected, the gearbox does not shift down until there is no risk
of the engine overrevving.
If you operate the kickdown function, the gearbox shifts into a lower gear in line
with the vehicle speed and engine speed.
Note
The kickdown function is also available when manually shifting gears. ÐKickdown function
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 69.
The kickdown function provides you with maximum acceleration power.
When the accelerator pedal is fully depressed, the kickdown function is activated
in the desired driving program. This function has precedence over the driving pro-
gramme and serves for maximum acceleration of the vehicle when exploiting the
maximum power potential of the engine without taking into account the current
selector lever position ( D or Tiptronic M). The gearbox shifts down to one or sev-
eral gears in line with the driving state and the vehicle accelerates. The gearbox
does not shift up into the highest gear until the engine has reached its maximum
revolutions for this gear range. ÐDynamic shift programme
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 69.
The automatic gearbox of your car is controlled electronically. Shifting up and
down through the gears is performed automatically on the basis of pre-defined
driving programmes.
Adopting a moderate style of driving
will cause the gearbox to select the most
economical driving programme. Shifting up into a higher gear as soon as possible
and shifting down as late as possible will have a favourable effect on your fuel
consumption. ä
ä When adopting a
sporty style of driving with rapid movements of the accelerator
pedal combined with sharp acceleration, frequent changes in speed and exploit-
ing the top speed of the car, the gearbox will adjust to this style of driving once
the accelerator pedal (kickdown function) is depressed and will shift down earlier,
frequently by several gears in comparison to a moderate style of driving.
Selecting the most appropriate driving programme for the particular style of driv-
ing is a continuous process. Irrespective of this it is, however, possible to switch
or shift down into a dynamic shift programme by depressing the accelerator rap-
idly. The gearbox shifts down into a lower gear in accordance with the speed,
therefore enabling rapid acceleration (e.g. when overtaking) without the accelera-
tor pedal having to be depressed into the kickdown range. The original pro-
gramme will be reactivated to match your particular style of driving once the
gearbox has shifted up again.
When driving in hilly regions, the gears are selected to match uphill and downhill
sections. This avoids the gearbox frequently shifting up and down when negoti-
ating an uphill stretch. When driving downhill, it is possible to shift down into the
Tiptronic position M, in order to exploit the engine brake torque. Ð Operational faults
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 69.
Faults in the automatic gearbox
In the event of a fault in the automatic gearbox, warning lights may light up in the
instrument panel » page 18, Automatic gearbox     .
In some instances, the gear may run in emergency mode. In this case, the vehicle
can only be driven at reduced speed.
The vehicle does not start off after engaging the selector lever position
If the vehicle does not start off, the problem may be that the selector lever is not
completely in the selected position. In such an instance, press the brake pedal
and put the selector lever into the required position. Note
If the automatic gearbox has a fault, seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage
and fix the fault. Ð ä
71
Automatic gearbox