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
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/glow plug system (Diesel engines) may have a fault. Check the fuse and re-
place, if necessary » page 201 or seek assistance from a
ŠKODA specialist 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. 94
Adjustable steering wheel: Lever next to the steering column/safe
distance to the steering wheel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 92.
The height and forward/back position of the steering wheel can be adjusted.
›
First of all adjust the driver's seat
» page 56.
› Pull the lever below the steering wheel down
» Fig. 94 - .
› Adjust the steering wheel to the desired position (with regard to the height and
forward/back 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 92.
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 indicator light or lights up in the
instrument cluster » page 21. Ð Electronic immobiliser
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 92.
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.
The following is displayed in the information display: Immobilizer active. Ð
ä
ä
93
Starting-off and Driving
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
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
›
Active driver-steering recommendation (DSR),
› Brake assist,
› Uphill start assist.
Active driver-steering recommendation (DSR)
This function indicates to the driver in critical situations a steering recommenda-
tion in order to stabilise the vehicle. The active driver-steering recommendation is
activated, for example, on the right and left vehicle side when braking sharply on
different road surfaces.
Hydraulic brake assist
The brake assist system is activated by the very quick operation of the brake ped-
al (e.g. in the event of danger). It increases the braking effect and helps to short-
en 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.
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 94.
ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking. Thus helping the driver to main-
tain control of the vehicle.
ä 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!
ABS OFF ROAD
After activating the
OFF ROAD mode, » page 98 the ABS OFF ROAD is activated.
The ABS OFF ROAD increases the braking power of the vehicle on an unfirm
ground, as it keeps the wheels blocked for a longer period of time when the brake
is applied while sliding. The system is only available, if the front wheels are in the
straight-ahead position.
The system operates at speeds of up to 50 km/h. Ð Traction control system (TCS)
Fig. 98
TCS button
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 94.
The TCS is automatically activated after starting the engine. 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.
The TCS should normally always be switched on. It may be advisable to switch off
the system in certain exceptional circumstances, such as:
› when driving with snow chains;
› when driving in deep snow or on a very loose surface;
› when it is necessary to
“rock a vehicle free” when it has got stuck.
Ensure the TCS is switched on again afterwards. £
ä
97
Starting-off and Driving
On vehicles with a factory-fitted towing device, the border of the danger area
starts (continuous tone) 5
cm further away from the vehicle. The length of the ve-
hicle can be increased with an installed detachable towing device.
On vehicles with a factory-fitted towing device, the rear sensors are deactivated
when towing a trailer.
Activating/deactivating the rear parking aid
The parking aid is activated automatically when reverse gear is engaged and the
ignition is turned on. This is confirmed by a brief audible signal.
The parking aid is deactivated by removing the reverse gear.
Activating/deactivating the front and rear parking aid
The parking aid is activated when the ignition is turned on and reverse gear is en-
gaged and or by pressing the button » Fig. 101 - the symbol
lights up in the
button. This is confirmed by a brief audible signal.
The parking aid is deactivated by pressing the button or at a speed of more
than 10 km/h – the symbol in the button is no longer illuminated. WARNING
■ The parking aid is not a substitute for the driver paying proper attention and
it is always the driver's responsibility to take care when reversing the vehicle
or carrying out similar manoeuvres. Pay particular attention to small children
and animals as they are not recognised by the parking aid sensors.
■ Before reversing or parking, check that there is no small obstacle, such as a
rock, thin post, trailer drawbar etc., in front of or behind the vehicle. Such ob-
stacles may not be recognised by the parking aid sensors.
■ Under certain circumstances, surfaces of certain objects and types of cloth-
ing cannot reflect the signals from the parking aid. Thus, these objects or peo-
ple who wear such clothing are not recognised by the parking aid sensors.
■ External sound sources can have a detrimental effect on the parking aid.
Under unfavourable conditions, objects or people may not be recognised. Note
■ If a warning signal sounds for about 3
seconds after activating the system and
there is no obstacle close to your car, this indicates a system fault. The fault is
confirmed additionally when the symbol flashes in the button . Have the
fault rectified by a
ŠKODA specialist garage.
■ The sensors must be kept clean (free of ice, etc.) to enable the parking aid to
operate properly.
■ If the parking aid is activated and the selector lever of the automatic gearbox is
in the position P, the warning signal is interrupted (the vehicle cannot move). Ð Park assist
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Park assist display on the information display 102
Parking with the help of the park assist system and completing the parking
procedure 103
Messages in the information display 104
The parking aid is part of the park assist system, therefore the information and
safety guidelines » page 100, Parking aid must be read and observed.
The park assist system helps you to park in a suitable parallel parking space be-
tween two vehicles or behind a vehicle.
After switching on the ignition and when driving at a speed of up to 30
km/h, the
park assist system automatically searches for suitable parking spaces on the driv-
er's and passenger's side of the vehicle.
During the parking procedure the park assist only takes over the steering move-
ments, the pedals continue to be operated by the driver.
If the park assist system is switched on, a yellow indicator light illuminates up in
the button » Fig. 102 on page 102.
The function of the system is based on:
› the measurement and evaluation of the size of parking spaces when driving,
› the determination of the correct position of the vehicle for parking,
› the calculation of the line on which the vehicle drives backwards into the park-
ing space,
› the automatic turning of the front wheels when parking.
£
101
Starting-off and Driving
Parking with the help of the park assist system and
completing the parking procedure
Fig. 103
Information display: Parking space detected including the informa-
tion to continue driving and to engage reverse gear
Fig. 104
Information display: Information to engage the forward gear
or
the reverse gear
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 101.
The time limit for the parking procedure with the help of the park assist system is
180 seconds.
› If the park assist system has recognised a suitable parking space, it is shown in
the information display » Fig. 103 - .
› Continue driving forwards until the display
» Fig. 103 -
appears.
› Stop the vehicle for at least 1 second.
› Engage reverse gear or move the selector lever into the position
R.
ä ›
As soon as the following message is shown in the information display:
Steering
intervent. active. Check area around veh.! , let go of the steering wheel and the
steering is taken over by the system.
› Observe the direct vicinity of the vehicle and reverse carefully.
› In the event that the parking procedure cannot be carried out in one go, the
parking process is completed in further stages. When the arrow in the informa-
tion display is flashing towards the front » Fig. 104 - , engage the 1st
gear or
move the selector lever to position D.
› Wait until the steering wheel automatically turns into the required position and
then carefully drive forwards.
› When the arrow in the information display is flashing towards the
rear » Fig. 104 , engage the reverse gear or move the selector lever to the po-
sition R.
› Wait until the steering wheel automatically turns into the required position and
then carefully reverse. You can repeat these steps several times.
› Terminate the parking procedure based on the distance information provided
by the park assist system.
As soon as the parking procedure is completed, an audible signal sounds and the
following message appears in the information display: Steering interv. finished. Please take over steering!
Switch off park assist
The park assist switches off during one of the following occurrences:
› Speed of 30 km/h exceeded;
› Speed of 7 km/h exceeded during the parking procedure;
› Time limit of 180
seconds for the parking procedure exceeded;
› Button for the park assist system pressed;
› Parking aid activated;
› TCS system switched off;
› Automatic steering procedure interrupted by the driver (stopping the steering
wheel);
› Reverse gear disengaged or selector lever removed from the position
R when
reversing into the parking space. Ð
103
Starting-off and Driving
Messages in the information display
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 101.
Park Assist finished.
The parking procedure has ended or after switching on the ignition, the vehicle
has not been driven above 10 km/h.
Park Assist: Speed too high.
Reduce the speed to below 30 km/h.
Driver steering intervention: Please take over steering!
The parking procedure is terminated due to driver intervention.
Park Assist finished. ASR deactivated.
The parking procedure cannot be carried out because the TCS system is switched
off.
ASR deactivated. Please take over steering!
The parking procedure was ended because the TCS system was switched off dur-
ing the parking procedure.
Trailer: Park Assist finished.
The parking procedure is not possible because the trailer is hitched and a plug is
inserted in the socket of the towing device.
Time limit exceeded. Please take over steering!
The parking procedure was ended because a time limit of 180 seconds for parking
was exceeded.
Park Assist currently not available.
The Park Assist cannot be switched on because a fault exists on the vehicle. Have
the fault rectified by a ŠKODA specialist garage.
Park Assist ended. System currently not available.
The parking procedure was ended because a fault exists on the vehicle. Have the
fault rectified by a ŠKODA specialist garage.
Park Assist faulty. Workshop!
The parking procedure is not possible because a fault exists on the park assist.
Have the fault rectified by a ŠKODA specialist garage.
Steering intervent. active. Check area around veh.!
The Park Assist is active and takes over the steering movements. Observe the
surrounding area and carefully reverse while operating the pedals. ä
Please take over steering! Finish parking manually!
Assume control of the steering. Complete the parking procedure without using
the park assist system.
Speed too high! Please take over steering!
The parking procedure was ended because the speed was exceeded.
Park Assist: ASR intervention.
The intervention of the TCS while searching for a suitable parking place.
ASR intervention! Please take over steering!
The parking procedure is terminated by the intervention of the TCS.
Park Assist: Stationary time not sufficient.
The stationary time of the vehicle was less than 1 second.
Park Assist: Speed too low.
After the ignition is switched on, the vehicle must exceed the speed of 10 km/h at
least once. Ð Cruise control system (CCS)
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Storing a speed 105
Changing a stored speed 105
Switching off the cruise control system temporarily 106
Switching off the cruise control system completely 106
The cruise control system (CCS) maintains a constant speed, more than 30 km/h,
once it has been set, without you having to depress the accelerator pedal. This is
only possible within the range which is permitted by the power output and brak-
ing power of the engine.
The indicator light illuminates in the instrument cluster when the cruise control
system is activated. £
104 Using the system