engine SKODA OCTAVIA 2008 2.G / (1Z) Owner's Guide
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Heating and air conditioning system115
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For the sake of the environment
When you economize on fuel, you also reduce pollutant emissions.
Operational problems
If the cooling system does not operate at outside temperatures higher than +5 °C, 
there is a problem in the system. The reasons for this may be:
•The fuse on the air conditioning system  has blown. Check the fuse, replace it if 
necessary  ⇒page 257.
•The cooling system has switched off automatically for a short time because the 
coolant temperature of the engine is too hot  ⇒page 18.
If you are not able to rectify the operat ional problem yourself, or if the cooling 
capacity decreases, switch the cooling sy stem off. Contact a specialist garage.
Climatronic* (automatic air conditioning)
Description
The Climatronic system is a combination of an automatic heating, 
fresh air and cooling system which provides optimal comfort for the 
occupants of the car.
The Climatronic maintains fully automatically a convenience temperature. This is 
achieved by automatically varying the temperature of the outflowing air, the blower 
stages and the air distribution. The system also takes into account sunlight which 
eliminates the need to alte r the settings manually. The  automatic mode 
¨ ⇒ page 117 ensures maximum wellbeing of th e occupants at all times of the year.
Description of Climatronic system
The cooling operates only if the following conditions are met:
•engine running,
•outside temperature above approx. +2°C,
• switched on.
If the cooling system is switched on, th e temperature and air humidity drops in the 
vehicle. The wellbeing of the occupants of  the car is enhanced as a result of this 
particularly at high outside temperatur es and a high air humidity. The system 
prevents the windows misting up during the cold season of the year.
The heating effect is dependent upon th e coolant temperature, thus full heat 
output only occurs when the engine has reached its operating temperature.
It is possible to briefly activate recirc ulated air mode in order to enhance the 
cooling effect  ⇒page 118.
The air inlet in front of the windscreen must  be free of ice, snow or leaves in order 
to ensure that the heating and cooling systems operate properly.
The AC compressor is switched off at a hi gh coolant temperature in order to provide 
cooling at a high load of the engine.
After switching on the cooling  Condensation from the evaporator of the air condi-
tioning may drip down and form a puddle below the vehicle. This is quite normal 
and not an indication of a leak!
Recommended setting for all periods of the year:
•Set the desired temperature, we recommend 22 °C.
•Press the button    ⇒page 116, fig. 140 .
•Move the air outlet vents  3 and  4 so that the air flow is directed slightly upwards.
Aeration of the vehicle when ignition is switched off*
On models fitted with power sliding/tilting roof with sollar cells, the fresh air blower 
is automatically switched over  to “solar mode” if the sun ray's are sufficient after 
switching off the ignition. The solar cells on  the sliding/tilting roof deliver power for 
the fresh air blower. This supplies the interior of the car with fresh air.
For an optimum ventilation, the air outlet vents  3 and  4 must be opened 
⇒ page 108, fig. 136.
The ventilation functions only when  the sliding/tilting roof is closed.
AC
AUTO
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dent increases. Switch recirculated 
air mode off as soon as the windows 
begin misting up.
Note
•If the windscreen mists  up, press the button      ⇒page 116, fig. 140. 
After the windscreen has been demisted, press the button  .
•The automatic air distribution control operates only if the outside temperature 
is higher than approx. 2°C.
Controlling blower
There are a total of seven blower stages available.
The Climatronic system controls the bl ower stages automatically in line 
with the interior temperature. You can also, however, adapt the blower 
stages manually to suit  your particular needs.
– P re s s  a g a i n  t h e  b u t t o n    o n  t h e  l e f t  s i d e  ( re d u c e  b l o w e r  s p e e d )  o r  o n   the right side (increase blower speed).
If you switch off the blower, the Climatronic is switched off.
The set blower speed is displayed above the button   when the respective 
number of warning lights come on.
WARNING
•“Stale air” may result in fatigue in the driver and occupants, reduce 
attention levels and also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an 
accident increases.
•Do not switch the Climatronic system off for longer than necessary.
•Switch the Climatronic system on as soon as the windows mist up.
Defrosting windscreen
Defrosting windscreen - switching on
–Press the button    ⇒page 116, fig. 140 .
Defrosting windscreen - switching off
– Once again press the button   or the button  .
The temperature control is controlled auto matically. More air flows out of the air 
outlet vents  1.
Auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and ventilation)*
Description and important information
The auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and ventilation) heats or 
supplies the interior of the vehicl e with fresh air independent of the 
engine.
Auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating)
The auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating) func tions in connection with the Climatic or 
Climatronic.
It can be used when stationary, when engi ne is switched off for preheating of the 
vehicle as well as while driving (only during the heating phase of the engine).
The auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating)  warms up the coolant during the combus-
tion of fuel from the vehicle tank. The coolant warms up the air, which (if the blower 
speed is not set to zero) flows into the occupant compartment.
11)
Auxiliary ventilation
The auxiliary ventilation enables fresh air to flow into the vehicle interior by 
switching off the engine, whereby the interior temperature is effectively decreased 
(e.g. with the vehicle parked in the sun). 
WARNING (continued)
A1AUTO
11)However the coolant does not warm up the engine.
AUTO
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120
WARNING
•The auxiliary heating must never be op erated in closed rooms - risk of 
poisoning!
•The auxiliary heating must not be running during refueling - risk of fire.
•The exhaust pipe of the auxiliary heating is located on the underside of 
the vehicle. Therefore do not place the  vehicle, if you wish to operate the 
auxiliary heating, in such a way that  the exhaust gases of the auxiliary 
heating can come easily into contact  with inflammable materials (e.g. dry 
grass) or easily inflammable substances (e.g. fuel run out).
Note
•If the auxiliary heating runs, the fuel  consumption comes from the vehicle tank. 
Therefore the auxiliary heating should not be operated, if there is very little fuel in 
the tank.
•The exhaust pipe of the auxiliary heating, which is located on the underside of 
the vehicle, must not be clogged and  the exhaust flow must not be blocked.
•If the auxiliary heating and ventilation is running,  the vehicle battery discharges. 
If the auxiliary heating and ventilation  has been operated several times over a 
longer period, the vehicle must be driven a few kilometers in order to recharge the 
vehicle battery.
•The auxiliary heating only switches the bl ower on, if it has achieved a coolant 
temperature of approx. 50 °C.
•At low outside temperatures, this can resu lt in a formation of water vapour in 
the area of the engine compartment. This  is quite normal and is not an operating 
problem.
•After switching off the auxiliary heatin g, the coolant pump runs for a short 
period.
•The auxiliary heating and ventilation does not switch on or comes on, if the 
vehicle battery indicates a low loading state.
•The auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating) does not switch on, if the following was 
shown in the information display or before switching off the ignition:  Please 
refuel! .
•When driving, the auxiliary heating can only be switched on, if the exterior 
temperature is lower than 5 °C.
•The air inlet in front of the windscreen must be free of ice, snow or leaves in 
order to ensure that the auxili ary heating operates properly.
•So that warm air can flow into the vehi cle interior after switching on the auxil-
iary heating, you must maintain the te mperature normally selected by you (we 
recommend 22°C). It is recommended to  put the air flow in the position 
.
•On vehicles with DPF (diesel particle filter) the warm coolant heats up the 
engine.
Using the system
So that the auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and ventilation) func-
tions according to your expectations, it is necessary to carry out the 
basic setting before  its programming.
Basic setting
– On the information display, select from the Main menu the menu 
point  Setup (settings).
– From the menu  Settings select Aux. heating (auxiliary heating).
– In the menu  Aux. heating (auxiliary heating)  ⇒ fig. 141  select the 
menu point  Weekday and set the current day.
Fig. 141  Information 
display: Aux. Heating (auxil-
iary heating)
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Starting-off and Driving125
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Ignition lock
Petrol engines
 - ignition switched off, engine  off, the steering can be locked.
 - ignition switched on
 - start engine
Diesel engines  - interruption of fuel supply, ignition switched off, engine off, the steering can 
be locked.
 - heating glow plugs on, ignition switched on
•You should not switch on any major elec trical components during the heating 
period otherwise the vehicle batter y will be drained unnecessarily.
 - start engine
Applies to all models:
Position  
To   lock the steering , with the ignition key withdrawn, turn the steering wheel until 
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   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  
The engine is started in this position. At  the same time switched on low beam or 
main beam or other electrical compon ents with major power consumption are 
briefly switched off. The ignition key moves back into position   when one 
releases the key.
The ignition key must be turned back into  position   each time before starting the 
engine again. The starter repeat lock in th e ignition lock prevents the starter being 
engaged when the engine is ru nning and thus getting damaged.
Ignition key withdrawal lock (automatic gearbox)
You can only withdraw the ignition key after switching off the ignition if the selector 
lever is in position P .
WARNING
•When driving, the ignition key must always be in the position   (igni-
tion 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 unex-
pected locking of the steering wheel - risk of accident!
•Only remove the ignition key from the ignition lock when the vehicle has 
come to a standstill (put on the handbrake or select the selector lever posi-
tion P). The steering lock can enga ge 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 star t the engine or switch on electrical 
equipment (e.g. power windows) - risk of accident or injury!
Fig. 146  Ignition lock posi-
tions
A1
A2
A3
A1
A2
A3
A1
A2
A3
A2
A1
A2
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Starting-off and Driving
126
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 position 
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 no rmal and is not an operating problem.
If the engine does not start ...
You can use the battery of anothe r vehicle as a jump-start aid ⇒page 252.
It is only possible to tow-start vehicles  fitted with a manual gearbox. The tow-
starting distance must not be more than 50 metres  ⇒page 256.
WARNING
•Never run the engine in non ventilat ed or enclosed areas. The exhaust 
gases of the engine contain besides the odorless and colourless carbon 
monoxide a poisonous gas - hazard! Carbon monoxide can cause uncon-
sciousness and death.
•Never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running.
Caution
•The starter may only be operated (ignition key position  ), 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 oper ating temperature - risk of damaging the 
engine!
•Vehicles which are fitted with an exhaust gas catalytic conver ter should not be 
tow-started over a distance of more than 50 metres.
For the sake of the environment
Never warm up the engine when the vehicle is standing. Drive off right away. 
Through this the engine reaches its operating temperature more rapidly and the 
pollutant emissions are lower.
Petrol engines
These engines are fitted with a starter system which selects the correct fuel/air 
mixture for every external air temperature.
•Do not operate accelerator befo re and when starting engine.
•Interrupt the attempt at starting after 10 seconds if the engine does not start 
right awayand wait for about 30 seconds before repeating the attempt.
•It is possible that the fuse on the electrical fuel pump is defect if the engine still 
does not start. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary  ⇒page 257.
•Contact the nearest specialist garage to obtain professional assistance.
It may be necessary, if the engine is  very hot, to slightly depress the accelerator 
after the engine  has started.
Diesel engines
Glow plug system
Diesel engines are equipped with a glow plug system, the preglow period being 
controlled automatically in line with the coolant temperature and outside temper-
ature.
The preglow indicator light 
 comes on after the igniti on has been switched on.
A3
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Starting-off and Driving127
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You should not switch on any major electrical components during the heating 
period otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
•You should start the engine immediately after the glow plug warning light  
has gone out.
•The glow plug warning light will come on for about one second if the engine is 
at a normal operating temperature or if th e outside temperature is above +5°C. This 
means that you can start the engine  right away.
•Interrupt the attempt at starting after 10 seconds if the engine does not start 
right awayand wait for about 30 seconds before repeating the attempt.
•It is possible that the fuse on the diesel  preglow system is defect if the engine 
still does not start. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary  ⇒page 257.
•Contact the nearest specialist garage to obtain professional assistance.
Starting the engine after the fuel tank has run dry
It may take longer than normal to start the  engine after refuelling if the fuel tank has 
run completely dry - up to one minute. This is because the fuel system must first of 
all be filled while the attempting to start the engine.
Switching off the engine
– The engine can be switched off by turning the ignition key from posi- tion  into  ⇒page 125, fig. 146 .
WARNING
•Never switch off the engine before the  vehicle is stationary - risk of acci-
dent!
•The brake booster only operates when the engine is running. Greater 
physical effort for braking is required  when engine is switched off. Because 
if you do not stop as normal, this can cause an accident and severe injuries.
Caution
you should not switch the engine off right  away at the end of your journey after the 
engine has been operated for a lengthy peri od at high loads but should be allowed 
it to run at idling speed for about 2 minutes . This prevents any accumulation of heat 
when the engine is switched off.
Note
•The radiator fan may continue running fo r a further 10 minutes or so after the 
engine and the ignition have  been switched off. The coolant fan may, however, also 
switch on again after some time if the  coolant temperature rises because of an 
accumulation of heat in the engine or if the engine is warm and the engine 
compartment is additionally  heated by strong sunlight.
•This is why particular care is required when carrying out any work in the engine 
compartment  ⇒page 225, “Working in the engine compartment”.
Shifting (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.
A1
Fig. 147  The shift pattern: 5-
speed or 6-speed manual 
gearbox
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people who wear such clothing are not recognised by the sensors of the 
parking aid.
Note
•Only the front parking aid operates if you are towing a trailer (applies only to 
models which feature a factory-fitted towing device*).
•If a warning signal sounds for about 3 seconds after activating the system and 
there is no obstacle close to your car, th is indicates a system fault. The fault is 
confirmed additionally  when the symbol   flashes in the button  ⇒page 130, 
fig. 150 . Have the fault rectified by a specialist workshop.
•The sensors must be kept clean and free of ice to enable the parking aid to 
operate properly.
•If the parking aid is activated and the se lector lever of the automatic gearbox is 
in the position  , warning signal indicates interruption (vehicle can no longer 
move).
Cruise control system (CCS)*
Introduction
The cruise control system (CCS) maintains a constant speed, more than 30 km/h (20 
mph), 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 
braking power of the engine. The cruise co ntrol system makes it possible - particu-
larly on long journeys - for you  to rest your “accelerator foot”.
WARNING
•The cruise control system must not, for safety reasons, be used in dense 
traffic or on unfavourable road surfaces (such as icy roads, slippery roads or 
loose chippings) - risk of accident!
•In order to prevent unintentional use of the cruise control system, always 
switch off the system after use.
Note
•Models fitted with a manual gearbox: Al ways depress the clutch pedal if you 
switch on the cruise control system when  the gearbox is in Neutral. Otherwise the 
engine can rev up unintentionally.
•The cruise control system is not able to maintain a constant speed when driving 
on steep downhill sections. The weight of  the vehicle increases the speed at which 
it travels. One should shift down in good  time to a lower gear or slow the vehicle 
down by applying the foot brake.
•It is not possible on vehicles fitted with  an automatic gearbox to switch on the 
cruise control system if the sele ctor lever is in the position P, N  or  R.
Storing a speed
The cruise control system is operat ed by means of the switch   and 
rocker button   in the left lever of the multi-functional switch.
– Press the switch    ⇒fig. 152 into the position  ON.
WARNING (continued)
AP
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 152  Operating lever: 
Rocker button and switch of 
cruise control system
AA
AB
AA
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Automatic gearbox
134
Automatic gearbox
Automatic gearbox*
Information for driving with the 6-speed automatic gearbox*
Your car is equipped with a  conventional 6-speed automatic 
gearbox.
The maximum speed is reached in the 5th gear. The 6th gear serves as an 
economic driving programme, which is intended to reduce the fuel 
consumption. Shifting up and down  through the gears is performed auto-
matically. 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 138.
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 136, 
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  ⇒.
Stopping for a short time
– The selector lever position  N does not have to be selected when stop-
ping just for a short time, such as at  a cross roads. It is absolutely suffi-
cient to hold the stopped vehicle st ationary by depressing 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 
⇒ page 126.
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 position  N is selected by accident wh ile driving it is first neces-
sary to release pressure on the accelerato r 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 acci-
dent!
•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 
(except P and N) since the power transmission is never completely inter-
rupted, also not when the engine  is idling - the vehicle "creeps".
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Automatic gearbox135
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Information for driving with the automatic gearbox DSG*
The abbreviation DSG means Direct shift gearbox (Direct shift 
gearbox). 
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 trans-
mission of the engine to the front wheels is not interrupted. Shifting up 
and down through the gears is perf ormed 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 138.
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  ⇒.
Stopping for a short time
– The selector lever position  N does not have to be selected when stop-
ping just for a short time, such as at  a cross roads. It is absolutely suffi-
cient to hold the stopped vehicle stationary by depressing 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 
⇒ page 126. 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 position  N is selected by accident while driving it is first neces-
sary to release pressure on the accelerato r 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 an d the engine is running - risk of acci-
dent!
•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 
stationary with the gear engaged by me ans 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 gear box 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 clutches. 
•An overheating of the clutches can be detected by the flashing of the selector 
level indicator and the “jerk” of the clut ches, finally the clutches are opened. The 
power transmission from the engine to the front wheels is interrupted and as a 
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Automatic gearbox
136
result of this the vehicle can no longer be  driven. If the clutch opens automatically, 
depress the brake pedal, wait a few se conds and only then continue driving.
Selector lever positions
The current selector lever position is in dicated in the information display of the 
instrument cluster  ⇒fig. 154 . In the positions  D and  S the gear you have already 
engaged will be additionally displayed on the display.
P - Parklock
The driven wheels are locked mechanically in this position.
The Parklock must only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary  ⇒. I f  y o u  w i s h  t o  m o v e  t h e  s e l e c t o r  l e v e r  i n to  
or out of this position, you must press the 
Shiftlock button in the handle of the selector lever and at the same time depress the 
brake pedal.
If the battery is used, the selector leve r cannot be moved out of the position P .
R - Reverse
Reverse gear must only be engaged when  the vehicle is stationary and the engine 
idling  ⇒ .
The brake pedal must be depressed and at the same time the Shiftlock must be 
pressed, if you wish to obtain the selector lever positions  R, P  or  N.
When the ignition is switched on and the selector lever is in position  R, the reverse 
lights will come on.
N - Neutral
The transmission is in Neutral in this position.
The brake pedal must be depressed (if the lever is in its position for longer than 2 
seconds) in order to move the selector lever out of the position  N into the position 
D  or R , with the ignition switched on, on a vehicle travelling at less than 5 km/hour 
or on a stationary vehicle.
D - Drive, position for driving forward
When the selector lever is in this position, the forward gears are shifted up and 
down automatically in line with engine load, vehicle speed and the dynamic shift 
programme.
You must depress the brake pedal if you wise to move into position  D from  N when 
the vehicle is travelling  at less than 5 km/hour or is stationary  ⇒.
In certain circumstances (e.g.  when driving in mountainous regions or when towing 
a trailer) it may be beneficial to select the manual shift programme  ⇒page 138 for 
a short time in order to adapt the gearbox ratios manually to the driving situations.
S - Position for sporty style of driving
Shifting up later into a higher gear makes it possible to fully exploit the power 
potential of the engine. The gearbox also then shifts down at higher engine speeds 
as in the position  D.
Fig. 153  Selector lever
Fig. 154  Information 
display: Selector lever posi-
tions
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