Starting-off and Driving
Starting and stopping the engine
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Adjusting the steering wheel position 93
Electromechanical power steering 93
Electronic immobiliser 93
Ignition lock 94
Starting engine 94
Switching the engine off 94
WARNING
■ Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving only when the
vehicle is stationary!
■ Maintain a distance of 25 cm 1
to the steering wheel
» Fig. 94 on page 93
- . 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. 95 on
page 94 (ignition switched on) without the engine running. This position is
indicated by the indicator lights coming on. If this is not the case, it could re-
sult 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 unconscious-
ness 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
» Fig. 95 on
page 94), if the engine is not running. The starter or engine can be damaged if
the starter is activated 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 197, 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. £
92 Using the system
Ignition lock
Fig. 95
Positions of the vehicle key in
the ignition lock
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 92.
Petrol engines
Ignition switched off, engine off, the steering can be locked
Ignition switched on
Starting engine
Diesel engines Fuel supply interrupted, ignition switched off, engine switched off, the steer-
ing can be locked.
Heating glow plugs on, 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. 95, 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 92.
Vehicles with a diesel engine are equipped with a glow plug system. The pre-
glow indicator light comes on after the ignition has been switched on. The en-
gine should be started immediately after the preglow indicator light goes out. ä 1
2
3
1
2
3
ä You should not switch on any major electrical components during the heating
period otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
Procedure for starting the engine
› Before starting the engine, place the gearshift lever into neutral or place the se-
lector lever in the position P or N and firmly put on the handbrake.
› Fully depress and hold the clutch pedal, switch on the ignition 2
» Fig. 95 on
page 94
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
.
› 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.
The engine will not start if the clutch pedal is not depressed.
The following is displayed in the information display:
Depress clutch to start!
The following is shown in the information display of the information cluster:
CLUTCH Ð Switching the engine off
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 92.
Switch off the engine by turning the ignition key into position 1
» Fig. 95
on
page 94. Ð Brakes and brake assist systems
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Information for braking 95
Handbrake 96
Stabilisation Control (ESC) 96
£
ä
94 Using the system
Antilock brake system (ABS) 97
Traction control system (TCS) 97
Electronic differential lock (EDL) 98
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!
■ 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 146.
■ 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 189 , Accessories, changes and replacement of parts .
■ If a fault occurs in the ABS system, the ESC, ASR and EDL also do not work. A
indicator light » page 22 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 94.
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
fairly high speed. £
ä
95
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 19, 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. 96
Centre console: Handbrake
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 94.
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. 96 .
› Move the lever right down while pressing the lock button.
The handbrake indicator light lights up when the handbrake is applied, provi-
ded the ignition is on.
A warning signal sounds if the vehicle is inadvertently driven off with the hand-
brake applied.
The following is displayed in the information display: ä Release parking brake!
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)
Fig. 97
ESC system: TCS button
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 94.
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.
The ESC cannot be switched off, the button » Fig. 97 only deactivates the TCS
system and the indicator light in the instrument cluster lights up.
During an intervention of the system, the indicator light flashes in the instru-
ment cluster.
In the event of an ESC fault, the ESC indicator light illuminates in the instrument
cluster » page 22.
The following systems are integrated into the stabilisation control (ESC):
› Antilock brake system (ABS),
› Traction control (TCS),
› Electronic differential lock (EDL)
£
ä
96 Using the system
During an intervention of the system, the TCS indicator light
flashes in the in-
strument cluster.
The TCS indicator light »
page 22 lights up in the instrument cluster when
there is a fault on the TCS.
If necessary, the TCS can be switched off and on again by pressing the button » Fig. 98
, or on vehicles with ESP, by pressing the button » Fig. 97 on
page 96
. The TCS indicator light lights up in the instrument cluster when the
TCS is switched off.
TCS OFF ROAD
After activating the OFF ROAD mode, » page 98 the ASR OFF ROAD is activated.
The TCS OFF ROAD provides a more effective acceleration of the vehicle on an
unfirm ground, as it allows higher traction between the slipping wheels and the
ground.
The system operates when starting off or at low speeds. ÐElectronic differential lock (EDL)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 94.
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.
EDL OFF ROAD
After activating the OFF ROAD
mode, » page 98 the EDL OFF ROAD is activated.
The EDL OFF ROAD supports the vehicle traction when driving on unfirm ground.
EDL is activated earlier in the OFF ROAD mode than in the normal mode. The
brake pressure builds up more quickly on the faster moving wheel, on one axle, as
well as diagonally. Ð
ä OFF ROAD mode
Fig. 99
OFF ROAD button
The OFF ROAD mode comprises functions which assist off-road driving.
The following functions are integrated in the
OFF ROAD mode:
› Start-Off Assist
› Downhill Drive Support,
› ABS OFF ROAD » page 97;
› ASR OFF ROAD » page 98
;
› EDL OFF ROAD » page 98
.
Switching on OFF ROAD
The OFF ROAD mode is switched on by pressing the button » Fig. 99
. The indi-
cator light in the button lights up. The warning light lights up in the instrument
cluster if the system is switched on » page 25.
Switching off
OFF ROAD
Pressing the button switches the OFF ROAD mode off. The indicator light in the
button goes out. When switching off the ignition, the OFF ROAD mode is also
switched off and can be switched on again, if necessary, after switching on the
ignition. If the engine is switched off by accident and restarted within 30 seconds,
the OFF ROAD mode remains switched on.
Start-Off Assist
When the vehicle is stationary, the Start-Off Assist is activated after switching it
on using the button for the OFF ROAD mode» Fig. 99 .
When depressing the accelerator pedal fully, the engine speed required for the
start-up procedure of the stationary vehicle is restricted. The overspeed trip unit
is automatically deactivated after terminating the start-up procedure. As part of
the Assist System, the accelerator pedal is adapted in its characteristics for an
easier start-off on slippery and loose soil. £
98 Using the system
Downhill Drive Support
The Downhill Drive Support maintains a constant speed on a steep downhill sec-
tion when driving forwards and backwards by automatically intervening in the
brake system of all wheels. It prevents the wheels locking because the ABS re-
mains active. The warning light in the instrument cluster indicates that the
Downhill Drive Support is available » page 25.
The vehicle speed, which is maintained by the Assist System, is selected by the
driver while driving on a downhill section as of the moment the first intervention
of the Assist System is performed or else, while driving on a downhill section, the
driver must control the vehicle speed until the Assist System intervenes for the
first time. When the Assist System actively intervenes, this is indicated by the
warning light flashing or by a pulsating movement of the brake pedal, similar to
the intervention of the ABS.
You can increase or reduce the speed, even when no gear is engaged, by operat-
ing the accelerator or brake pedal. Thus the function is always interrupted and is
reactivated afterwards.
The Downhill Drive Support is activated automatically if the following conditions
are met:
› the
OFF ROAD mode is switched on and the warning light lights up in the in-
strument cluster,
› the engine of the vehicle is running and either the 1st, 2nd, 3rd gear, the reverse
gear or no gear is engaged,
› the engine of the vehicle is running, the selector lever of the automatic gearbox
is in the position R, N, D, S or Tiptronic,
› the speed is less than 30 km/h,
› the downhill gradient is at least 10 % (when driving over sleepers, the limit can
briefly drop to 8 %),
› neither the accelerator nor the brake pedal is operated.
It is however a requirement that the vehicle has sufficient grip on the soil. The
Downhill Drive Support cannot properly fulfil its function on slushy soil due to
physical reasons (ice or mud).
The Downhill Drive Support is deactivated when braking or accelerating or if the
downhill gradient is less than 8 %. The vehicle speed is steadily regulated by the Assist System in vehicles with a
manual gearbox
depending on the type of gearbox or engine:
› 1st gear - approx. 8 1)
- 30 km/h
› 2nd gear - approx. 13 1)
- 30 km/h
› 3rd gear - approx. 22 1)
- 30 km/h
› Reverse gear - approx. 9 1)
- 30 km/h
› Neutral for driving forwards - as well as driving backwards - approx. 2 1)
- 30 km/
h
Vehicles with automatic gearbox :
› Selector lever in position D, S or Tiptronic (for 1st, 2nd, 3rd gear) for driving for-
wards - approx. 2-30 km/h
› Selector lever in position R for driving backwards - approx. 2 - 30 km/h
› Selector lever in position N for driving forwards and backwards - approx. 2 - 30
km/h WARNING
■ A lack of fuel can cause irregular engine running or cause the engine to shut
down. The
OFF ROAD mode would lose its effectiveness - risk of accident!
■ Adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road and
traffic conditions. The increased safety offered by the
OFF ROAD mode must
not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise - risk of an accident! CAUTION
■ The OFF ROAD
mode is not designed for the use on common roads.
■ All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres approved by the manufactur-
er to ensure the OFF ROAD mode operates correctly. Note
■ During an intervention of the Downhill Drive Support, the brake lights do not
light up. ■ Do not switch the OFF ROADmode while the assistant is in effect. Ð1)
The indicated values represent the average of the lower speed limits if a gear is engaged (depending
on the type of gearbox or engine).
99
Starting-off and Driving
Switching off the cruise control system temporarily
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 104.
The cruise control system is
temporarily switched off by pressing the switchA
» Fig. 105 on page 105 » page 105
into the spring-tensioned position CANCEL
or by depressing the brake or clutch pedal.
The set speed remains stored in the memory.
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 104.
›
Turn the switch A
» Fig. 105 on page 105 into the OFF position.
ÐSTART/STOP
Fig. 106
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.
ä
ä 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.
Switching the
START-STOP system on and off
The START/STOP system can be switched on/off by pressing the but-
ton » Fig. 106.
When start-stop mode is deactivated, the indicator 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 factory-fitted towing device is not electrically connected to a trailer.
› 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 inside 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.
› No cleaning of the diesel particle filter takes place
» page 23.
› The front wheels are not turned excessively (the steering angle is less than 3/4
of a steering wheel revolution).
£
106 Using the system
Conditions for an automatic restart (start phase):
›
The clutch pedal 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.
If the driver's seat belt is removed for more than 30 seconds or the driver's door is
opened during stop mode, the engine must be started manually with the key. The
following messages in the instrument cluster display must be observed.
Messages in the instrument cluster display (valid for vehicles without
Information display)
ERROR START STOP Error in the START-STOP system
START STOP NOT POSSIBLE Automatic engine shut down is not
possible.
START STOP ACTIVE Automatic engine shut down (stop
phase)
SWITCH OFF IGNITION Switch off the ignition.
START MANUALLY Start the engine manually.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
Deactivate the START-STOP system before driving through water on the
street » page 151. 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.
■ If the Climatronic is running in automatic mode, under certain conditions, the
engine may not switch off automatically. Ð Fatigue detection system (break recommendation)
The fatigue detection system advises the driver on the basis of information about
the steering behaviour, to take a break from driving. The system recommends a
break at speeds of 65 km/h to 200
km/h.
After the ignition has been switched on, the system evaluates the steering be-
haviour for 15 minutes. This baseline analysis is constantly compared with the
current steering behaviour. If the system detects deviations from normal steering
behaviour due to possible fatigue of the driver, it recommends to take a break
from driving.
The symbol will appear in the information display for a few seconds and the fol-
lowing message will be displayed:
Break recommended.
An audible signal is also emitted.
The system deletes the stored baseline analysis if one of the following condi-
tions is met:
› the vehicle is stopped and the ignition is turned off,
› the seat belt taken off and the driver's door is opened,
› the vehicle is stopped for more than 15 minutes.
If none of the conditions for deleting the stored baseline analysis is met, the sys-
tem will recommend a driving break again.
Switching on/off
The system can be switched on/off in the main menu of the information dis-
play » page 15 in the menu item Assistants. £
107
Starting-off and Driving