engine SKODA OCTAVIA 2010 2.G / (1Z) Owner's Guide
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Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Starting-off and DrivingSetting steering wheel positionFig. 110  Adjustable steering wh eel: Lever below steering columnYou can set the height and the forward/back  position of the steering wheel to the 
desired position.
– Adjust the driver seat  page 11.
– Pull the lever below the steering wheel down  fig. 110  - left  .
– Set the steering wheel to the desired position (concerning height and forward/back  position).
– Push the lever upwards as far as the stop.
WARNING
You must not adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving!
The driver must maintain a distance of  at least 25 cm to the steering wheel 
 fig. 110  - right. Not maintaining this minimum distance will mean that the 
airbag system will not be able to properly protect you - hazard!
For safety reasons the lever must always be firmly pushed up to avoid the 
steering wheel altering its po sition unintentionally when driving - risk of acci-
dent!
If you adjust the steering wheel furthe r towards the head, you will reduce 
the protection offered by the driver airbag in the event of an accident. Check 
that the steering wheel is  aligned to the chest.
When driving, hold the steering wheel  with both hands firmly on the outer 
edge in the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock po sition. Never hold the steering wheel 
firmly in the 12 o'clock position or in another way (e.g. in the middle of the 
steering wheel or at the inne r steering wheel edge). In such  cases, injuries to the 
arms, the hands and the head can occur  when the driver airbag is deployed.
Ignition lockPetrol engines
 - ignition switched off, engine  off, the steering can be locked.
 - ignition switched on
 - start engine
Diesel engines  - interruption of fuel supply, ignition swit ched off, engine off, the steering can be 
locked.
 - heating glow plugs on, ignition switched on
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 111  Ignition lock positions
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108
You should not switch on any major elec trical components during the heating 
period otherwise  the vehicle battery 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To   lock the steering , with the ignition key withdrawn, turn the steering wheel until the 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 th e same time switched on low beam or main 
beam or other electrical components wi th 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 r unning 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   (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 wh eel - risk of accident!
Only remove the ignition key from the ignition lock when the vehicle has 
come to a standstill (by applying the handbrake or moving the selector lever 
into the position P). The  steering lock can engage imme diately - risk of acci-
dent!
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 engi ne or switch on electrical equipment 
(e.g. power windows) - risk of accident or injury!
Starting the engineGeneral
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.
Before starting, it is necessary to depres s the clutch pedal and to hold it pressed 
until the engine starts. If you start the engi ne without depressing the clutch pedal, the 
engine does not start and a message is shown in the display of the instrument cluster 
to remind you of th e necessity to depress the clutch pedal.
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 anothe r vehicle as a jump-start aid page 221.
It is only possible to tow-start vehicles fi tted with a manual gearbox. The tow-starting 
distance must not be more than 50 metres  page 225.
WARNING
Never run the engine in non ventilated  or enclosed areas. The exhaust gases 
of the engine contain besides the odorless and colourless carbon monoxide a 
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WARNING (continued)
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Technical Data
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 (ignitio
n key position  ), if the engine is not 
running. If the starter is immedi ately 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 converter 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 emis-
sions are lower.Petrol enginesThese engines are fitted with a starter system which selects the correct fuel-air mixture 
for every external air temperature.
Do not operate accelerator before 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 electric al fuel pump is defect if the engine still 
does not start. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary  page 226.
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 enginesGlow 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 tempera-
ture.
The preglow indicator light 
 comes on after the ignition has been switched on.
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 the 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 226.
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 turnin g the ignition key from position   into 
 page 107, fig. 111.
WARNING
Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary - risk of accident!
WARNING (continued)
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The brake booster only operates when  the engine is running. Greater phys-
ical effort for braking is required when en gine 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 period  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 co olant temperature rises because of an accu-
mulation 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 197, “Working in the engine compartment”.
Shifting (manual gearbox)
Shift into reverse only when the vehicle is  stationary. Depress the clutch pedal and hold 
it fully depressed. Wait a mo ment before engaging reverse gear in order to avoid any 
shift noises.
The reversing lights will come on once reverse gear is engaged, provided the ignition 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 pres-
sure of the hand will be transferred to the gearshift forks in the gearbox. This can, over 
a period of time, lead to earl y wear of the gearshift forks.
Depress the clutch pedal fully when changi ng gears, in order to avoid unnecessary 
wear and damage.
HandbrakeApplying the handbrake– Pull the handbrake lever up fully.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 112  The shift pattern: 5-speed or 6-
speed manual gearbox
Fig. 113  Centre console: Handbrake
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the play function volume decreases when activating the parking aid, see Owner's 
Manual radio* or navigation system*. This 
improves the audibility of the parking aid.
Activating
The parking aid is activated when the  reverse gear is engaged and the ignition is 
switched on or by pressing the button  page 112, fig. 115  - left, the symbol   lights 
up in the button. The activation is conf irmed by a brief acknowledgement signal.
Deactivating
The parking aid is deactivated after pressing the button    page 112, fig. 115 - left, 
or at a speed of more than 10 km/h - the symbol 
 in the button is no longer illumi-
nated.
WARNING
The parking aid is not a substitute for the driver paying proper attention and 
it is always the driver's responsibility to  take care when reversing the vehicle or 
carrying out similar manoeuvres.
You should therefore satisfy yourself, befo re reversing, that there is no small 
obstacle, such as a rock, thin post, trailer drawbar etc., in front or behind your 
vehicle. Such an obstacle might not be  within the range detected by the sensors.
Under certain circumstances, surfaces  of certain objects and types of 
clothing cannot reflect the signal of the parking aid. Thus, these objects or 
people who wear such clothing are not recognised by the sensors of the parking 
aid.Note
Only the front parking aid operates if yo u are towing a trailer (applies only to 
models which feature a factory-fitted towing device*).
If a warning signal sounds for about 3 seco nds after activating the system and there 
is no obstacle close to your  vehicle, this indicates a system fault. The fault is confirmed 
additionally when the symbol   flashes in the button  page 112, fig. 115  - left. 
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 sele ctor lever of the automatic gearbox is in 
the position  , warning signal indicates inte rruption (vehicle can no longer move).
Cruise control system (CCS)*IntroductionThe cruise control system (CCS) maintains a constant speed, more than 30 km/h (20 
mph), once it has been set, without you havi ng 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  control system makes it possible - particularly on long 
journeys - for you to rest your “accelerator foot”.
WARNING
For safety reasons, the cruise control system must not be used in dense 
traffic or on unfavourable ro ad surfaces (such as icy roads, slippery roads, loose 
gravel) - 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: Alwa ys depress the clutch pedal if you switch 
on the cruise control system when the gearbo x 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.
AP
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Automatic gearboxAutomatic gearbox*Information for driving with the 6-speed automatic gearbox*
Your car is equipped with a conv entional 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 redu ce the fuel consumption. Shifting up and 
down through the gears is performed automa tically. 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 120.Starting-off and Driving– Depress the brake pedal fully and keep it depressed.
– Press the Shiftlock button (button in ha ndle of the selector lever), move the 
selector lever into the  desired position, e.g. D  page 118, and then release the 
Shiftlock button.
– Wait a moment until the gearbox has shif ted (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 absolutely sufficient 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 108.
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 necessary 
to release pressure on the accelerator pedal and wait for idling speed of the engine to 
be reached before engaging a driv e 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 vehi cle 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 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 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 transmission of the engine to the front wheels is not inter-
rupted. 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 120.
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Starting-off and Driving– Depress the brake pedal fully and keep it depressed.
– Press the Shiftlock button (button in ha ndle 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, 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 le ver is in position P or  N 
 page 108. 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 necessary 
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 
stationary with the gear engaged by mean s of the “accelerator”, this means by 
letting the clutch slip. This can lead to ov erheating of the clutch. If there is a risk 
of overheating of the clutch due to overlo ad, the clutch is opened automatically 
and the vehicle rolls backward - risk of accident!
If  yo u m us t s to p a t a  sl ope ,  d e pre s s a nd  ho ld  t he  b ra ke  pe d a l , s o t ha t y ou c a n 
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 func tion 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 detect ed by the flashing of the selector level 
indicator and the “jerk” of the clutches,  finally the clutches are opened. The power 
transmission from the engine to the front whee ls is interrupted and as a result of this 
the vehicle can no longer be driven. If th e clutch opens automatically, depress the 
brake pedal, wait a few seconds  and only then continue driving.
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Selector lever positionsFig. 117  Selector lever / informatio n display: Selector lever positionsThe current selector lever position is indica ted in the information display of the instru-
ment cluster  fig. 117  - right. In the positions  D and  S the gear you have already 
engaged will be additionally displayed on the display.
 - Parklock
The driven wheels are locked mechanically in this position.
The Parklock must only be engage d when the vehicle is stationary .
If you wish to move the selector lever into  or out of this position, you must press the 
Shiftlock button in the handle of the select or lever and at the same time depress the 
brake pedal.
If the battery is used, the selector lever cannot be moved out of the position  P.
 - Reverse gear
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 an d the selector lever is in position R, the reverse 
lights will come on.
 - Neutral
The transmission is in Neutral in this position. The brake pedal must be depressed (if the le
ver is in its position for longer than 2 
seconds) in order to move the se lector lever out of the position N into the position  D 
or  R, with the ignition switched on, on a vehicl e travelling at less than 5 km/hour or on 
a stationary vehicle.
 - 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 wish to move into position  D from  N when the 
vehicle is travelling at less th an 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 120 for a 
short time in order to adapt the gearbox  ratios manually to the driving situations.
 - 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 posi-
tion  D.
The gearbox does not shift into the 6th gear in the position  S, because the maximum 
speed is reached with the 5th gear 
11).
The Shiftlock on the selector lever grip mu st be pressed when moving the selector 
lever out of the position  D into the position  S.
WARNING
Never move the selector lever into position R or P when driving - risk of an 
accident!
When the engine is running and the vehi cle 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 interrupted, also not 
when the engine is idling - the vehicle creeps. 
You must on no account unintentionally operate the throttle (e.g. by hand 
from the engine compartment) if a driv e position is engaged when the car is 
APARAN
11)Not valid for vehicles with automatic gearbox DSG.ADAS
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Technical Data
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 hand-
brake 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 197, “Working in the engine compartment”.
Selector lever lockAutomatic 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 or der to move the selector lever out of this 
position. The warning light 
   page 33 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 
seesaw out a stuck vehicle. The selector lever lo ck 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 swit ched off automatically into position  N when the 
car is travelling at a higher speed.
Shiftlock button
The Shiftlock button in the hand le of selector lever prevents certain selector lever posi-
tions 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 selector 
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 a ccelerator pedal allows the kickdown function to be activated in 
the desired driving program. This function has precedence over the driving 
programme and serves for maximum accelerati on of the vehicle when exploiting the 
maximum power potential of the engine wi thout taking into account the current 
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 gearbox does not 
shift up into the highest gear until the en gine has reached its maximum 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 programmeThe 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 po ssible will have a favourable effect on your fuel consump-
tion.
Adopting a  sporty style of driving  with rapid movements of the accelerator pedal 
combined with sharp acceleration and freque nt changes in speed, exploiting the top 
speed of the car or depressing the accele rator 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 driving is 
a continuous process. Irrespective of this it is, however, possible to switch or shift down 
into a dynamic shift programme by depressi ng the accelerator rapidly. The gearbox 
shifts down into a lower gear matching the speed of the car and this allows you to 
WARNING (continued)
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120
accelerate rapidly (e.g. when overtaking)  without having to depress the accelerator 
pedal fully into the kickdown range. The  original programme will be reactivated to 
match your particular styl e of driving once the gearbox has shifted up again.
When driving in hilly regions, the gears  are selected to match uphill and downhill 
sections. This avoids the gearbox frequently shifting up an d down when negotiating an 
uphill stretch. When driving downhill, it is possible to shift down into the Tiptronic 
position, in order to exploit the engine brake torque.Tiptronic
The Tiptronic allows the driver to also shift gears manually.Fig. 118  Selector lever: manual shifting  / information display: manual shiftingThe selector lever position you have engaged is indicated in the information display of 
the instrument cluster together with the engaged gear  fig. 118  - right.Switching over to manual shifting– Push the selector lever to the right out of position  D. After switching over, the 
current engaged gear is indicated in the display.Shifting up gears– One-touch forward of the selector  lever (in the Tiptronic position)  fig. 118  .Shifting down gears– One-touch back of the selector lever (in the Tiptronic position)  . It is possible to switch over to manual both
 when the car is stationary and also when 
driving.
When you accelerate, the gearbox shifts up  automatically into the higher gear just 
before the maximum  permissible engine speed is reached.
If you select a lower gear, the automatic gearbox does not shift down until there is no 
risk of the engine overrevving.
If you operate the kickdown function, the gear box shifts into a lower gear in line with 
the vehicle speed and engine speed.
Manual shifting on the multifunction steering wheel*Switching over to manual shifting– Push the selector lever to the right out of position  D. After switching over, the 
current engaged gear is indicated in the display.Shifting up gears– Press the right rocker switch    fig. 119  for the multifunction steering wheel.Shifting down gears– Press the left rocker switch    fig. 119  for the multifunction steering wheel.Temporarily switching over to manual shifting– If the selector lever is in position  D or  S, press the left rocker switch   or the right 
rocker switch   for the multifunction steering wheel.
A+
A-
Fig. 119  Multifunction steering wheel: 
manual shifting
+-
-
+
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