SKODA ROOMSTER 2009 1.G Owner's Manual

Starting-off and Driving 100Ignition lockPetrol engines
- ignition switched off, engine off
- 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 electrical 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To lock the steering, with the ignition key withdrawn, turn the steering wheel until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 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 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 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 (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!
•
Do not withdraw the ignition key from the lock until the vehicle 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 engineGeneral
You can only start the engine only using an original ignition key.•
Place the gearshift lever into neutral and put on the handbrake firmly before
starting the engine.
•
The clutch pedal should be fully depressed when starting the engine - the
starter then only has to crank the engine.
Fig. 120 Ignition lock posi-
tions
A1A2A3A1A2A3
A1A2
A3
A2
A1
A2
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Starting-off and Driving101
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Praktik
Technical Data
•
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 213.
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 216.
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 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 operating 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. When
driving the engine reaches its operating temperature more rapidly and the pollutant
emissions 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 electrical fuel pump is defect if the engine still
does not start. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary ⇒page 218.
•
If the engine does not start, 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 temper-
ature.
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 218.
A3
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Starting-off and Driving 102•
Contact the nearest specialist garage to obtain professional assistance.
Starting the engine after 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 100, fig. 120.
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 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 for 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 185, “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 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.
A1
Fig. 121 The shift pattern: 5-
speed manual gearbox
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Starting-off and Driving103
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Praktik
Technical Data
HandbrakeApplying 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. 122.
– Hold the button pressed and push the handbrake lever down fully
⇒.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 display* if you have
inadvertently driven off with the handbrake applied:
HANDBRAKE ON
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
example, 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 before
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.The audible parking aid determines the distance between the rear bumper and an
obstacle located behind the vehicle with the aid of ultrasound sensors. The sensors
are integrated in the rear bumper.
Fig. 122 Centre console:
Handbrake
Fig. 123 Parking aid: Range
of sensors
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Starting-off and Driving 104Range of sensors
The clearance warning begins at a distance of about 160 cm from the obstacle (area
⇒page 103, fig. 123). 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 ) - danger area.
You should not reverse any further after this signal sounds!
Activating
The parking aid is activated automatically when reverse gear is engaged and the
ignition is turned on. This is confirmed by a brief acknowledgement signal.
Deactivating
The parking aid is deactivated by removing the reverse gear.
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 parking the
vehicle or carrying out similar manoeuvres.
•
You should therefore satisfy yourself, before reversing, that there is no
small obstacle, such as a rock, thin post, trailer drawbar etc., behind your
vehicle. Such an obstacle might not be within the range detected by the
sensors.Note
•
When operating with a trailer, the parking aid is without function.
•
A system fault is indicated if a warning signal sounds for about 5 seconds after
switching the ignition on and engaging reverse gear and there is no obstacle close
to your vehicle. 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 selector lever of the automatic gearbox is
in the position , warning signal indicates interruption (vehicle can no longer
move).
Cruise control system (CCS)*IntroductionThe cruise control system (CCS) maintains a constant speed, more than 30 km/h,
once it has been set, without you having to depress the accelerator pedal. This is
only possible within the range which is permitted by the power output and braking
power of the engine. The cruise control system makes it possible - particularly 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: Always 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 selector lever is in the position P, N or R.
AA
AB
AP
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Starting-off and Driving105
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Praktik
Technical Data
Storing a speedThe cruise control system is operated by means of the switch and
rocker button in the left lever of the multi-functional switch.
– Press the switch ⇒fig. 124 into the position ON.
– After the desired speed has been reached, press the rocker button
into the SET- position - the current speed is stored.After you have released the rocker button out of the position SET-, the speed
you have just stored is maintained at a constant speed without having to depress
the accelerator.
Yo u c a n increase the speed by depressing the accelerator. Releasing the acceler-
ator will cause the speed to drop again to the set speed.
This does not apply, however, if you drive at a speed which is more than 10 km/h
higher than the set speed for a period of longer than 5 minutes. The stored speed
will be cancelled in the memory. You then have to re-store the desired speed.
One can reduce the speed in the usual manner. The system is switched off tempo-
rarily by actuating the brake or clutch pedal ⇒page 106.
WARNING
First ensure that it is not too high for the traffic conditions which exist at that
moment before resuming the stored speed.Changing a stored speed
You can also change the speed of the vehicle without depressing the
accelerator.Fa s t er
–You can increase the stored speed without depressing the acceler-
ator, by pressing the rocker button ⇒fig. 124 into the RES+ posi-
tion.
– The speed of the car will increase continuously if you hold the rocker
button pressed in the RES+ position. Once the vehicle has reached
the desired speed, release the rocker button. The set speed is then
stored in the memory.
Slower
–You can decrease the stored speed by pressing the rocker button
in the SET- position.
– Holding down the pushbutton pressed in the SET- position will cause
the speed of the vehicle to reduce continuously. Once the vehicle has
reached the desired speed, release the rocker button. The set speed is
then stored in the memory.
– If you release the rocker button when the vehicle is travelling at a
speed of less than 30 km/h, the speed is not stored, the memory is
erased. It is then necessary to again store the speed with the rocker
button in the position SET- after an increase in speed of the vehicle
to more than 30 km/hour.
Fig. 124 Operating lever:
Rocker button and switch of
cruise control system
AA
AB
AA
AB
AB
AB
AB
AB
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Starting-off and Driving 106Switching off the cruise control system temporarily– You can switch off temporarily the cruise control system, if you
depress the brake or clutch pedal.The set speed remains stored in the memory.
Press the rocker button in the position RES+ for the resumption of the stored
speed after releasing the clutch or brake pedal.
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 ⇒page 105, fig. 124 to the right into position
OFF.
ABAA
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Automatic gearbox107
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Praktik
Technical Data
Automatic gearbox6-speed automatic gearbox*IntroductionYour car is equipped with an electronically controlled 6-speed automatic gearbox.
Shifting up and also down through the gears is performed automatically.
At the same time this is a conventional 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.Information for driving with an automatic gearbox
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 110.
Starting-off and Driving
– Depress the brake pedal and hold 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 108,
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 sufficient to hold
the vehicle stationary 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
⇒page 100.
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 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 acci-
dent!
•
Never move the selector lever into position R or P when driving - risk of
an accident!
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Automatic gearbox 108•
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.
Selector lever positionsThe selector lever position you have engaged is shown in the information display
of the instrument cluster with the corresponding gear symbol highlighted ⇒fig. 126. In the positions D and S the gear you have already engaged will be addi-
tionally 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.
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, with the ignition switched on, on a vehicle travelling at less than 5 km/hour or on
a stationary vehicle.
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
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 wish to move into position D from N when
the vehicle is travelling at less than 5 km/hour or is stationary ⇒.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 125 Selector leverFig. 126 Information
display: Selector lever posi-
tions
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Automatic gearbox109
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Praktik
Technical Data 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 110 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.
The gearbox does not shift into the 6th gear in the position S, because the
maximum speed is achieved with the 5th gear.
The Shiftlock on the selector lever grip must 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 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.
•
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 185, “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 order to move the selector lever out
of this position. The warning light
 ⇒page 35 lights up in the instrument cluster
as a reminder for the driver when the selector lever is in position 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 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
5)- 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.
Note
On vehicles which are fitted with an automatic gearbox, you can withdraw the igni-
tion key after switching off the ignition in any position of the selector lever.5)This function is only valid for some countries.
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