handbrake SKODA ROOMSTER 2011 1.G Owner's Manual

Table of Contents
Layout of this Owner's Manual
(explanations)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Using the system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Cockpit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
General view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Instruments and warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Overview of the instrument cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Engine revolutions counter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Coolant temperature gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Fuel gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Counter for distance driven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Service reminder indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Digital clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Shift recommendation for changing gears . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Multi-functional indicator (onboard computer) . . . . . . . 14
MAXI DOT display (information display) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Auto Check Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Unlocking and locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Vehicle key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Locking/Unlocking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Child safety lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Central locking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Anti-theft alarm system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Interior monitor and towing protection monitoring . . 36
Electrical power windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Panorama roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Lights and Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Interior lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Windshield wiper and wash system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Rear-view mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Seats and Stowage
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Front seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Heating the front seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Rear seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Pedals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
luggage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Variable loading floor in the luggage compartment . . 58
Bicycle holder in the luggage compartment . . . . . . . . . 60
Roof rack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Front cup holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Rear cup holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Parking ticket holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Ashtray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Cigarette lighters and power sockets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Storage compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Heating and air conditioning system . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Air outlet vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Air conditioning system (manual air conditioning
system) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Climatronic (automatic air conditioning) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Starting-off and Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Setting steering wheel position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Switching off the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Shifting (manual gearbox) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Pedals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Parking aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Cruise control system (CCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
“START-STOP” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Automatic gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Automatic gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Multifunction steering wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Universal telephone preinstallation GSM II . . . . . . . . . . 94 Voice control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Music playback via Bluetooth
®
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Inputs AUX-IN and MDI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Passive Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Basic information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Correct seated position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Why seat belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
The physical principle of a frontal collision . . . . . . . . . . 105
Important safety information regarding the use of
seat belts
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
How are seat belts correctly fastened? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Belt tensioner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Description of the airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Head airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Deactivating airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Transporting children safely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
What you should know about transporting children! . 118
Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Attaching a child seat using the “ISOFIX” system . . . . 123
Attaching child seat using the “Top Tether” system . . 124
Driving Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Intelligent Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Electronic stability programme (ESP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Brake booster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Antilock brake system (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Uphill Start Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Electrohydraulic power steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129 3
Table of Contents Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assis-
tance Praktik Technical data



Engine oil ⇒ 
page 23  Open door ⇒ page 24
 Fluid level in windshield washer system ⇒ page 24
 Control system for exhaust ⇒ page 24
 Switch off traction control system (TCS) ⇒ page 24
 Tyre pressure monitoring system ⇒ page 24
 Selector lever lock ⇒ 
page 25  Traction control system (TCS) ⇒ 
page 25  Electronic stability programme (ESP) ⇒ 
page 25  Antilock brake system (ABS) ⇒ 
page 25  Brake system ⇒ 
page 26  Handbrake ⇒ 
page 26  Speed regulating system ⇒ 
page 26  Airbag system ⇒ 
page 26  Diesel particle filter (diesel engine) ⇒ page 27
 Seat belt warning light ⇒ page 27 WARNING
● If you do not pay attention to the warning lights coming on and the corre-
sponding descriptions and warning notes, this may result in severe injuries or
major vehicle damage.
● The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. There is a risk of
injuries, scalding, accidents and fire when working in the engine compart-
ment, e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and other fluids. It is also essential
to observe all warnings ⇒
 page 150, Working in the engine compartment. Note
● Arrangement of the indicator lights depends on the model and model version.
● Operational faults are shown in the instrument cluster as red symbols (priority
1 - danger) or yellow symbols (priority 2 - warning). 
Turn signal system   Either the left
 or right
 indicator light flashes depending on the position of the
turn signal lever.
The indicator light flashes at twice its normal rate if a turn signal light fails.
Switching off the hazard warning light system is switched on will cause all of the
turn signal lights as well as both indicator lights to flash.
Further information about the turn signal system ⇒

 page 43. 
Main beam  The indicator light
 comes on when the main beam is selected or also when the
headlight flasher is operated.
Further information about the main beam ⇒

 page 43. 
Low beam  The indicator light
 comes on when low beam is selected
⇒ page 39

.
Rear fog light  The warning light
 comes on when the rear fog lights are operating
⇒
 page 41.  21
Instruments and warning lights Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assis-
tance Praktik Technical data

WARNING
● If the brake system warning light  comes on together with the ABS
warning light  stop the vehicle immediately and check the brake fluid level
in the reservoir ⇒ page 156
, Brake fluid. If the fluid level has dropped below
the MIN marking, do not drive any further - risk of accident! Contact a Škoda
dealer to obtain professional assistance.
● Pay attention to the following instructions ⇒
 page 150, Working in the en-
gine compartment before checking the brake fluid level and opening the bon-
net.
● If the brake fluid is at the correct level, the ABS control function has failed.
The rear wheels may then block very rapidly when braking. In certain circum-
stances, this can result in the rear end of the car breaking away - risk of skid-
ding! Drive carefully to the nearest specialist garage and have the fault recti-
fied. 
Brake system The warning light
 lights up when the brake fluid level is too low or there is a
fault in the ABS.
if the warning light flashes  and an audible signal sounds three times,
stop and
check the brake fluid level ⇒  .
The following text will be displayed in the information display: Brake fluid Owner's manual
If there is a fault in the ABS which also influences the function of the brake sys-
tem (e.g. distribution of brake pressure), the ABS warning light  comes on and at
the same time the brake system warning light starts flashing . Be aware that
not only the ABS but also another part of th brake system is defective ⇒  .
An audible signal sounds three times as an additional warning signal.
One should get used to high pedal forces, an extended free play of the brake ped-
al and long braking distances when carefully driving to the specialist garage.
For further information on the brake system ⇒ page 127,

Brakes. WARNING
● Pay attention to the following instructions before checking the brake fluid
level and opening the bonnet ⇒ page 150

, Working in the engine compart-
ment.
● If the brake system warning light  does not go out a few seconds after
switching on the ignition or comes on when driving, stop immediately and
check the brake fluid in the reservoir ⇒

 page 156, Brake fluid. If the fluid level
has dropped below the MIN marking, do not drive any further - risk of acci-
dent! Contact a Škoda dealer to obtain professional assistance. 
Handbrake  The warning light
 comes on if the handbrake is applied. An audible warning is
also given if you drive the vehicle for at least 3 seconds at a speed of more than 6
km/h.
The following text will be displayed in the information display:
Release parking brake! 
Cruise control  The warning light
 lights up, when operating the speed regulating system. 
Airbag system  Monitoring the airbag system
The warning light
 comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
There is a fault in the system if the warning light does not go out or comes on or
flashes while driving ⇒  . This also applies if the warning light does not come on
after the ignition is switched on.
The following text will be displayed in the information display:
Error: Airbag
The functionality of the airbag system is also monitored electronically when one
airbag has been switched off. £26
Instruments and warning lights

3
- start engine
Applies to all models:
Position 1 To
lock the steering , with the ignition key withdrawn, turn the steering wheel un-
til the steering locking pin is heard to engage. You should always lock the steering
as a general rule if you leave your vehicle. This acts as a deterrent against possible
theft of your vehicle ⇒  .
Position 2 Move the steering wheel back and forward a little if the ignition key cannot, or
cannot easily be turned into this position, in order to release the steering lock.
Position
3 The engine is started in this position. At the same time switched on low beam or
main beam or other electrical components with major power consumption are
briefly switched off. The ignition key moves back into position
2 when one relea-
ses the key.
The ignition key must be turned back into position 1 each time before starting
the engine again. The starter repeat lock in the ignition lock prevents the starter
being engaged when the engine is running and thus getting damaged. WARNING
● When driving, the ignition key must always be in the position 2 (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!
● Do not withdraw the ignition key from the lock until the car has come to a
stop. The steering lock can engage immediately - risk of accident!
● Always withdraw the ignition key if you are going to leave the vehicle,
even for a short time. This is particularly important if children are left in the
vehicle. The children might otherwise start the engine or operate electrical
equipment (e.g. power windows) - risk of injury! Starting the engine
General You can only start the engine only using an original ignition key.
● Place the gearshift lever into neutral (or place the selector lever to the posi-
tion P or N in the case of an automatic gearbox) and put on the handbrake firmly
before starting the engine.
● The clutch pedal should be fully depressed when starting the engine which
means that the starter only has to crank the engine.
● Let go of the key as soon as the engine starts otherwise there may be damage
to the starter.
The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time after
starting the cold engine until oil pressure can be built up in the hydraulic valve
clearance compensation. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem.
If the engine does not start ...
You can use the battery of another vehicle as a jump-start aid ⇒
 page 175. WARNING
● Never run the engine in non ventilated or enclosed areas. The exhaust
gases of the engine contain besides the odorless and colourless carbon mon-
oxide a poisonous gas - hazard! Carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness
and death.
● Never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running. CAUTION
● The starter may only be operated (ignition key position 3 ), if the engine is not
running. If the starter is immediately operated after switching off the engine, the
starter or the engine can be damaged.
● Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttle and high engine loads as long as
the engine has not yet reached its normal operating temperature - risk of damag-
ing the engine!
● 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 or destroy the catalytic converter. You can
use the battery of another vehicle as a jump-start aid ⇒ page 175, Jump-starting

.£ 79
Starting-off and Driving Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assis-
tance Praktik Technical data

Shifting (manual gearbox)
Fig. 79 Shift pattern on models fitted
with 5-speed manual gearbox
Shift into reverse only when the car is stationary. Depress the clutch pedal and
hold it fully depressed. Wait a moment before engaging reverse gear in order 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 the reverse gear when driving - risk of accident! Note
● One should not lay the hand on the shift lever while driving the vehicle. The
pressure of the hand will be transferred to the gearshift forks in the gearbox. This
can, over a period of time, lead to early wear of the gearshift forks.
● Depress the clutch pedal fully when changing gears, in order to avoid unneces-
sary wear and damage. Pedals Operation of the pedals must not be hindered!
WARNING
● In the driver's footwell, only a footmat, which is attached to the two corre-
sponding attachment points, may be used.
● No objects are allowed in the driver's footwell – risk of obstruction or limi-
tation in operating the pedal! Note
● Greater brake pedal distances may be needed when there is a fault in the
brake system.
● Use only footmats from the range of ŠKODA Original Accessories, which are at-
tached at two attachment points. 
Handbrake Fig. 80 Centre console: Handbrake
Applying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up fully.
Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time press in the locking
button ⇒
 fig. 80 .
– Hold the button pressed and push the handbrake lever down fully ⇒  .
£ 81
Starting-off and Driving Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assis-
tance Praktik Technical data

The handbrake warning light
 lights up when the handbrake is applied, provided
the ignition is on.
A warning signal sounds and the following text appears in the Information display
if you have inadvertently driven off with the handbrake applied:
Release parking brake!
The handbrake warning is activated if you drive at a speed of more than 6 km/h
for more than 3 seconds. WARNING
● Please note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake which
is only partially released can result in the rear brakes overheating which will
have a negative effect on the operation of the brake system - risk of accident!
In addition this can result in premature wear of the rear brake pads.
● 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! CAUTION
After the car has come to a stop, always first of all apply the handbrake firmly be-
fore then additionally engaging a gear (manual gearbox) or moving the selector
lever into position P (automatic gearbox). 
Parking aid The parking aid provides a warning of obstacles behind the vehicle.
Fig. 81 Parking aid: Range of sensorsThe audible parking aid determines the distance from the rear bumper to an ob-
stacle behind the car with the aid of ultrasound sensors. The sensors are integra-
ted in the rear bumper.
Range of sensors
The clearance warning begins at a distance of about 160 cm from the obstacle
(area
A ⇒ 
fig. 81 ). The interval between the warning signals becomes shorter as
the clearance is reduced.
A continuous tone sounds from a distance of approx. 30 cm (area B ) - danger
area. You should not reverse any further after this signal sounds! If the vehicle is
equipped with a factory-fitted towing device, the indication threshold of the dan-
ger area starts -

continuous tone - 5 cm further behind the vehicle. The vehicle
can be extended through an installed detachable towing device.
On factory-fitted radio navigation systems and car stereos, the distance to the ob-
struction can also be shown graphically in the display. On vehicles with a factory-
fitted towing device, the rear sensors are deactivated when towing a trailer. The
driver is informed about this by a graphic display (vehicle towing a trailer) in the
radio or the radio navigation display. The factory-fitted radio or navigation system
can be set so that the play function volume decreases when activating the park-
ing aid, see Owner's Manual radio or radio navigation system. As a result, the sig-
nal tones from the parking aid can be better recognised.
Activating
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.
Deactivating
The parking aid is deactivated by disengaging the reverse gear or by switching the
ignition off. £82
Starting-off and Driving

WARNING
First ensure that it is not too high for the traffic conditions which exist at that
moment before resuming the stored speed. 
Switching off the cruise control system completely –
Press the switch A
⇒  fig. 82 to the right into position OFF. 
“START-STOP” Fig. 83 Centre console: START-STOP
System button
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.
– Take your foot off the clutch.
Automatic engine restart (start phase).
– Push down on the clutch. Switching the “START-STOP” system on and off
You can switch the
“START STOP” system on/off by pressing the button ⇒ fig. 83.
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 en-
gine starts immediately.
The START-STOP system involves complicated switching conditions, some of
them cannot be correctly determined 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 pressed!
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 1200 1/min.
The temperature of the vehicle battery is not too low or too high.
The pressure in the brake system is sufficient.
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 27 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 pressed.
The max./min. temperature is set.
£ 85
Starting-off and Driving Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assis-
tance Praktik Technical data

Automatic gearbox
Automatic gearbox Information for driving with the 6-speed automatic gearbox The maximum speed is reached in the 5th gear. The 6th gear serves as an eco-
nomic driving programme, which is intended to reduce the fuel consumption.
Shifting up and down through the gears is performed automatically. You can also,
however, switch the gearbox over into the Tiptronic mode. This mode makes it
possible for you to also shift gears manually ⇒ page 91
.
Starting-off and Driving
– Depress the brake pedal fully and keep it depressed.
– Press the Shiftlock button (button in handle of the selector lever), move the
selector lever into the desired position, e.g. D ⇒  page 89

, and then release
the Shiftlock button.
– Wait a moment until the gearbox has shifted (a slight engagement nudge can
be felt).
– Release the brake pedal and depress the accelerator ⇒  .
Stop
– The selector lever position N does not have to be selected when stopping just
for a short time, such as at a cross roads. It is sufficient to hold the vehicle sta-
tionary using the foot brake. The engine can, however, be allowed just to idle.
Parking
– Depress the brake pedal and hold it depressed.
– Apply the handbrake firmly.
– Press and Shiftlock button in the selector lever, move the selector lever to P
and then release the Shiftlock button.
The engine can only be started when the selector lever is in position P or N . If the
selector lever is not in the P or N positions when locking the steering, switching
the ignition on or off or when leaving the engine on, the following message will
appear in the Information display Move selector lever to position P/N! or, in the
instrument cluster display:  P/N. It is sufficient to engage selector lever position
P when parking on a flat surface.
When parking on a slope you should first apply the handbrake firmly and then
move the selector lever into position P. This is to ensure that there is no excessive
pressure acting on the lock mechanism and that it is easier to subsequently move
the selector lever out of position P. If the selector lever is not in the P position
when the driver's door is open and the ignition is switched off, or if it is not in the
P position when the ignition is switched off and the driver's door is opened, the
following message will appear in the Information display: Move selector lever to
position P! or, in the instrument cluster display:  P. The message disappears af-
ter a few seconds by switching on the ignition or by moving the selector lever into
the position P .
If the selector lever position N is selected by accident while driving it is first nec-
essary to release pressure on the accelerator pedal and wait for idling speed of
the engine to be reached before engaging a drive position in the selector lever. WARNING
● Do not depress the accelerator when changing the position of the selector
lever if the car is stationary and the engine is running - risk of accident!
● Never move the selector lever into position R or P when driving - risk of an
accident!
● When the engine is running and the vehicle is stationary, it is necessary to
hold the car with the brake pedal in all the positions of the selector lever (ex-
cept P and N) since the power transmission is never completely interrupted,
also not when the engine is idling - the vehicle creeps. 
Information for driving with the automatic gearbox DSG The abbreviation DSG means Direct shift gearbox (Direct shift gear-
box).
Two independent clutches are needed for the power transmission between the
engine and the gearbox. These replace the torque converter of the conventional
automatic gearbox. Their shifting is matched in such a way that there are no jerks
when shifting the gear and the power transmission of the engine to the front
wheels is not interrupted. Shifting up and down through the gears is performed £ 87
Automatic gearbox Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assis-
tance Praktik Technical data

automatically. You can also, however, switch the gearbox over into the
Tiptronic
mode. This mode makes it possible for you to also shift gears manually
⇒ page 91.
Starting-off and Driving
– Depress the brake pedal fully and keep it depressed.
– Press the Shiftlock button (button in handle of the selector lever), move the
selector lever into the desired position, e.g. in D, and then release the Shiftlock
button.
– Release the brake pedal and depress the accelerator ⇒  .
Stop
– The selector lever position N does not have to be selected when stopping just
for a short time, such as at a cross roads. It is absolutely sufficient to hold the
stopped vehicle stationary by depressing the foot brake. The engine can, how-
ever, be allowed just to idle.
Parking
– Depress the brake pedal and hold it depressed.
– Apply the handbrake firmly.
– Press and Shiftlock button in the selector lever, move the selector lever to P
and then release the Shiftlock button.
The engine can only be started when the selector lever is in position P or N . If the
selector lever is not in the P or N positions when locking the steering, switching
the ignition on or off or when leaving the engine on, the following message will
appear in the Information display Move selector lever to position P/N! or, in the
instrument cluster display:  P/N. At temperatures below -10 °C the engine can
only be started in the selector lever position P.
It is sufficient to engage selector lever position P when parking on a flat surface.
When parking on a slope you should first apply the handbrake firmly and then
move the selector lever into position P. This is to ensure that there is no excessive
pressure acting on the lock mechanism and that it is easier to subsequently move
the selector lever out of position P. If the selector lever is not in the P position
when the driver's door is open and the ignition is switched off, or if it is not in the
P position when the ignition is switched off and the driver's door is opened, the
following message will appear in the Information display: Move selector lever to
position P! or, in the instrument cluster display:  P. The message disappears af-
ter a few seconds by switching on the ignition or by moving the selector lever into
the position P . If the selector lever position
N is selected by accident while driving it is first nec-
essary to release pressure on the accelerator pedal and wait for idling speed of
the engine to be reached before engaging a drive position in the selector lever. WARNING
● Do not depress the accelerator when changing the position of the selector
lever if the car is stationary and the engine is running - risk of accident!
● Never move the selector lever into position R or P when driving - risk of an
accident!
● If you are stopping at a hill (downhill section), never try to hold the car sta-
tionary with the gear engaged by means of the “accelerator”, this means by
letting the clutch slip. This can lead to overheating of the clutch. If there is a
risk of overheating of the clutch due to overload, the clutch is opened auto-
matically and the vehicle rolls backward - risk of accident!
● If you must stop at a slope, depress and hold the brake pedal, so that you
can prevent the vehicle from rolling back. CAUTION
● The double clutch on the automatic gearbox DSG is equipped with an overload
protection. If you make use of the uphill function on a vehicle which is stationary
or driving slowly uphill, it will result in an increase of thermal stress of the clutch-
es.
● In the event that they overheat, the warning light  and a warning text ap-
pears in the information display ⇒ page 18. In such a case bring the vehicle to a
stop, switch off the engine and wait until the warning light and the warning go
out - risk of gearbox damage! You can continue the trip as soon as the warning
light and the warning go out. 88
Automatic gearbox

WARNING (Continued)
● You must on no account unintentionally operate the throttle (e.g. by hand
from the engine compartment) if a drive position is engaged when the car is
stationary. The vehicle would otherwise immediately start off - also when the
handbrake is firmly applied - risk of an accident!
● You must move the selector lever into position P and firmly apply the
handbrake first before you or any other person opens the bonnet and starts
working on the engine when it is running - risk of accident! It is also essential
to observe all warnings ⇒ page 150
, Working in the engine compartment. 
Selector lever lock Automatic selector lever lock

With the ignition on, the selector lever is locked when it is in the positions P and
N. You must first of all depress the brake pedal in order to move the selector lever
out of this position. The warning light  ⇒

 page 25 lights up in the instrument
cluster as a reminder for the driver when the selector lever is in the positions P
and N.
A time delay element ensures that the selector lever is not blocked when rapidly
switching over the position N (e.g. from R to D). This does, for example, allow one
to see-saw out a stuck vehicle. The selector lever lock will click into place if the
lever is in the N position for more than 2 seconds without the brake pedal being
pressed.
The selector lever lock is only active if the vehicle is stationary or moving at speed
of less than 5 km/hour. The lock is switched off automatically into position N
when the car is travelling at a higher speed.
Shiftlock button
The Shiftlock button in the handle of selector lever prevents certain selector lever
positions being engaged inadvertently. The selector lever lock is cancelled when
you press the Shiftlock button.
Keylock - Ignition key withdrawal lock
You can only withdraw the ignition key after switching off the ignition if the selec-
tor lever is in position P. If the ignition key is withdrawn, the selector lever is
blocked in position P . Kickdown function The kickdown function provides you with maximum acceleration
power.
Fully depressing the accelerator pedal allows the kickdown function to be activa-
ted in the desired driving program. This function has precedence over the driving
programme and serves for maximum acceleration of the vehicle when exploiting
the maximum power potential of the engine without taking into account the cur-
rent selector lever position ( D, S or Tiptronic ). The gearbox shifts down to one or
several gears in line with the driving state and the vehicle accelerates. The gear-
box does not shift up into the highest gear until the engine has reached its maxi-
mum revolutions for this gear range. WARNING
Please note that using the kickdown function can result in the driven wheels
spinning on a smooth or slippery road surface - risk of skidding! 
Dynamic shift programme The automatic gearbox of your vehicle 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.
Adopting a sporty style of driving with rapid movements of the accelerator pedal
combined with sharp acceleration and frequent changes in speed, exploiting the
top speed of the car or depressing the accelerator pedal (kickdown function), will
cause the gearbox to switch over to this style of driving and shift down earlier
with frequent changes in gears in comparison to the 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 rapidly.
The gearbox shifts down into a lower gear matching the speed of the car and this
allows you to accelerate rapidly (e.g. when overtaking) without having to depress £90
Automatic gearbox