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
›
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
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
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
WARNING
■ For safety reasons, the cruise control system must not be used in dense
traffic or on unfavourable road surfaces (such as icy roads, slippery roads,
loose gravel) - risk of accident!
■ The saved speed may only be resumed if it is not too high for the current
traffic conditions. ■ Always switch off the cruise control system after use to prevent uninten-
tional use of the system. CAUTION
■ Always depress the clutch pedal if switching to the neutral position (vehicle
with a manual gearbox) when the cruise control system is switched on! Otherwise
the engine can rev up unintentionally.
■ The cruise control system is not able to maintain a constant speed when driving
in areas with steeper gradients. The weight of the vehicle increases the speed at
which it travels. Therefore, shift to a lower gear in good time or slow the vehicle
down by applying the foot brake. Note
It is not possible on vehicles fitted with an automatic gearbox to switch on the
cruise control system if the selector lever is in the position P, N or R. ÐStoring a speed
Fig. 105
Turn signal and main beam lev-
er: Rocker switch and switch of
the cruise control system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 104.
ä Storing a speed
› Turn the switch A
» Fig. 105 into the ON position.
› After the desired speed has been reached, press the rocker button B
into the
SET position.
After you have released the rocker button B
out of the position SET
, the speed
you have just stored is maintained at a constant speed without having to depress
the accelerator. Ð Changing a stored speed
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 104.
Increasing the speed with the accelerator
›
Depress the accelerator to increase the speed.
› Release the accelerator to reduce the speed back down to the preset speed.
However, if the saved speed is exceeded by more than 10 km/h for a period of
more than 5 minutes by depressing the accelerator, the stored speed is deleted
from the memory. You have to re-store the desired speed.
Increasing the speed with the rocker button B
›
Press the rocker button B
» Fig. 105 on page 105 into the RES position.
› The speed will increase continuously, if the rocker button is pressed and held in
the RES position. Release the rocker button once the desired speed is reached.
The set speed is then stored in the memory.
Decreasing the speed
› The stored speed can be
reduced by pressing the rocker button B
» Fig. 105 on
page 105 into the position SET.
› The speed will decrease continuously, if the rocker button is pressed and held
in the SET position. Release the rocker button once the desired speed is
reached. The set speed is then stored in the memory.
› If the rocker button is released at a speed of less than 30 km/h, the speed is
not stored and the memory is erased. The speed must then be stored again by
pressing the rocker button B
in the position SET after increasing the speed of
the vehicle to more than 30
km/h.
The speed can also be reduced by depressing the brake pedal, which temporarily
deactivates the system. Ð
ä
105
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