tow SKODA ROOMSTER 2009 1.G Owner's Guide

Heating and air conditioning system91
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Praktik
Technical Data
Set heatingRecommended settings of heating controls for:
Set-up
Setting of the control dial
Button
Air outlet vents 3
Air outlet vents 4
Defrosting the windscreen and
side windows
up to the stop
towards the right
3

do not switch on
close
open and align with the side
window
Free windscreen and side win-
dows from mist
desired tempera-
ture
2 or 3

 
do not switch on
close
open and align with the side
window
the fastest heating
up to the stop
towards the right
3

briefly switched on
open
open
comfortable heating
desired tempera-
ture
2 or 3

do not switch on
close
open
Fresh air mode - ventilation
up to the stop
towards the left
desired position

do not switch on
open
open
A1
AA
AB
AC
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Heating and air conditioning system 94Set ClimaticRecommended settings of Climatic controls for the respective operating modes:
Set-up
Setting of the control dial
Button
Air outlet vents 4
Defrosting the windscreen and
side windows
recommended
22°C
3

do not switch on
switched off
open and align with the side
window
Free windscreen and side win-
dows from mist
desired tempera-
ture
2

 
do not switch on
switched on
open and align with the side
window
the fastest heating
recommended
22°C
3

briefly switched on
switched off
open
comfortable heating
desired tempera-
ture
2 or 3

 
do not switch on
switched off
open
the fastest cooling
recommended
22°C
briefly 4, then
2or 3

briefly switched on
switched on
open
optimal cooling
desired tempera-
ture
1, 2 or 3

do not switch on
switched on
open and align to the roof
Fresh air mode - ventilation
up to the stop
towards the left
desired position

do not switch on
switched off
open
AA
AB
AC
AD
AE
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Starting-off and Driving99
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Praktik
Technical Data
Starting-off and DrivingSetting steering wheel positionYou can set the height and the forward/back position of the steering
wheel to the desired position.
– Adjust the driver seat ⇒page 63.
– Pull the lever below the steering column ⇒fig. 118 down ⇒.
– Set the steering wheel to the desired position (concerning height and
forward/back position).– Then push the lever up against the steering column until it locks into
place.
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. 119. Not maintaining this minimum distance will mean that the
airbag system will not be able to properly protect you - hazard!
•
For s a fe t y re a s ons the le v e r m ust a lwa y s b e fi rm l y pus he d up t o a vo id the
steering wheel altering its position unintentionally when driving - risk of
accident!
•
If you adjust the steering wheel further 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 position. 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 inner steering wheel edge). In such cases,
injuries to the arms, the hands and the head can occur when the driver
airbag is deployed.
Fig. 118 Adjustable steering
wheel: Lever below steering
columnFig. 119 Safe distance to
steering wheel
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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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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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Automatic gearbox111
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Praktik
Technical Data
Switching over to manual shifting
– Push the selector lever to the right out of position D. After switching
over, 6 5 4 3 2 1 appears in the display with the currently engaged gear
being highlighted.
Shifting up gears
– One-touch forward of the selector lever (in the Tiptronic position)
⇒page 110, fig. 127 .
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 in gears 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
into the next 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 gearbox shifts into a lower gear in line
with the vehicle speed and engine speed.
Emergency programme
An emergency programme exists in the event of a fault in the system.The gearbox operates in a corresponding emergency programme if there are func-
tional faults in the gearbox electronics. This is indicated by all of the segments in the
display lighting up or going out.
It is possible to continue to move the selector lever into all the positions. In the
positions D and S the gearbox remains engaged in the 3rd gear. It is also possible to
continue to engage reverse gear in the position R.
The manual shift programme (Tiptronic) is switched off in the emergency mode.
If the gearbox has switched over to emergency mode, drive to the nearest
specialist garage in order to have the fault rectified.Tow-starting and towing vehicle Tow-starting a vehicle
It is not possible to tow-start or push-start vehicles fitted with automatic gearbox.
you can use jump-start cables connected to the battery of another vehicle for
starting your car if the vehicle battery is flat ⇒page 213.
Towing a vehicle
Please pay attention to the following information if it comes necessary to tow-in
your car ⇒page 215.
Fig. 128 Information
display: Manual shifting of
gears
A+
A-
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Seat belts 132Seat beltsWhy seat belts?It is a proven fact that seat belts offer good protection in accidents ⇒fig. 138. Thus
wearing a seat belt is a legal requirement in most countries.
Seat belts which have been correctly fastened and adjusted hold the occupants of
the car in the correct seated position ⇒fig. 138. The belts reduce the kinetic energy
(energy of motion) to a considerable extent. They also prevent uncontrolled move-
ments which, in turn, may well result in severe injuries.
The occupants of a vehicle who have fastened and correctly adjusted their seat belt,
profit to a major extent from the fact that the kinetic energy is optimally absorbed
by the belts. The structure of the front end of the vehicle and other passive safety
measures, such as the airbag system, also contribute to reducing the kinetic energy.
The energy produced is thus absorbed and there is less risk of injury.
Accident statistics prove that seat belts which are fastened and properly adjusted
reduce the risk of an injury and enhance the chance of survival in a major accident
⇒page 133.It is important that you pay attention to safety measures, particularly when trans-
porting children in the vehicle ⇒page 147, “Transporting children safely”.
WARNING
•
Fasten your seat belt each time before setting off, also when driving in
town! This also applies to the people seated at the rear - risk of injury!
•
Expectant women must also always wear a seat belt. This is the only way
of ensuring optimal protection for the unborn child ⇒page 134, “Fastening
three-point seat belts”.
•
It is important for the belt webbing to be properly routed if the seat belts
are to offer the maximum protection. You can see a description of how safety
belts should be fitted properly on the next pages.Note
Please comply with any differing legal requirements when using the seat belts.
Fig. 138 Driver wearing seat
belt
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Transporting children safely151
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Praktik
Technical Data
Child seats of group 0/0+The optimal solution for babies of up to about 9 months old weighing up to 10 kg
or children up to about 18 months old weighing up to 13 kg is a child safety seat
which is fastened in the opposite direction of travel ⇒page 151, fig. 158.
Child seats in which the child is facing with its back towards the direction of
travel should not be used on the front passenger seat when the vehicle is fitted
with a front passenger airbag ⇒page 148, “Use of child safety seats on the front
passenger seat”.
WARNING
•
It is essential to always switch off the front passenger airbag (airbags) at
a specialist garage or with the switch for front passenger airbag(s)* when
attaching in exceptional circumstances a child safety seat on the front
passenger seat where the child is seated with its back facing in direction of
travel (in some countries also when the child is facing the direction of travel)
⇒page 146.
•
In certain countries national legal provisions require that besides the
front passenger airbag also the side or head passenger airbags are deacti-
vated. Please comply with any differing national legal regulations regarding
the use of child safety seats.
•
If this is not done, a child seated on the front passenger seat may suffer
severe or even fatal injuries if the front passenger airbag or airbags are
deployed.
•
You should have the front passenger airbag (or airbags) reactivated just
as soon as you no longer use a child safety seat on the front passenger seat.
Child safety seats in Group 1Child seats in Group 1 are for babies and small children up to 4 years of age with a
weight of between 9 and 18 kilograms. It is best for children in the lower range of
this group, to use a child seat which allows the child to sit with its back to the direc-
tion of travel. It is best for children in the upper range of the Group 0+, to use a child
seat which allows the child to sit ⇒fig. 159 in the direction of travel.
Child seats in which the child is facing with its back towards the direction of
travel should not be used on the front passenger seat when the vehicle is fitted
with a front passenger airbag ⇒page 148, “Use of child safety seats on the front
passenger seat”.
Fig. 158 Child seats of group
0/0+
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 159 Child seat with
padded table in Group 1
installed on rear seat bench
facing the direction of travel
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Intelligent Technology 158BrakesWhat has a negative effect on braking efficiency?Wear-and-tear
Wear-and-tear to the brake pads is greatly dependent on the operating conditions
of the vehicle and your style of driving. Particularly if you drive a great deal in towns
and over short distances or if you adopt a sporty style of driving, it may be neces-
sary to have the thickness of the brake pads inspected at a specialist garage
between the service inspections.
Wet roads or road salt
There may be a certain delay before the brakes take full effect under certain condi-
tions such as when driving through water, during heavy rain showers or after the
vehicle has been washed in an automatic vehicle wash, since the brake discs and
brake pads may be moist or even have a coating of ice on them in winter. You
should dry the brakes as soon as possible by applying and releasing the brakes
several times.
There also may be a certain delay before the full braking efficiency is available when
driving on roads which have been treated with road salt if you have not used the
brakes for some considerable time beforehand. The layer of salt on the brake discs
and brake pads must first be rubbed off when you apply the brakes.
Corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the bake pads occur if the vehicle has been
parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the braking system.
We recommend cleaning the brake discs by firmly applying the brakes at a fairly
high speed if you do not make much use of the braking system or if surface corro-
sion is present ⇒.
Faults in the brake surface
If you notice that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and that the
brake pedal can be depressed further, it is possible that a brake circuit of the dual-
circuit brake system has failed. Drive, in such cases, to the nearest specialist garage
without delay in order to have the problem rectified. Drive at a reduced speed while
on your way to the dealer and adapt your style of driving to the higher brake pedal
pressure required.Low brake fluid level
An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake system. The
level of the brake fluid is monitored electronically ⇒page 36, “Brake system ”.
WARNING
•
Only apply the brakes for the purpose of drying and cleaning the brake
discs if the traffic conditions permit this. Do not place any other road users
in jeopardy.
•
When retrospectively mounting a front spoiler, solid wheel hubs etc. one
must ensure that the air supply to the front wheel brakes is not reduced
otherwise the braking system could run too hot.
•
Allow for the fact that new brake pads do not achieve their full braking
efficiency until approximately 200 kilometres. New brake pads must be first
“run in” before they develop their optimal friction force. You can, however,
compensate for this slightly reduced braking force by increasing the pres-
sure on the brake pedal. This guideline also applies to any new brake pads
installed at a future date.Caution
•
Never allow the brakes to rub by applying slight pressure if you do not wish to
brake the vehicle. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer
braking distance and excessive wear.
•
Before negotiating a steep downhill section, please reduce your speed and shift
down into the next lower gear (manual gearbox) or select a lower driving stage
(automatic gearbox). This enables you to make full use of the braking power of the
vehicle and reduces the strain on the brakes. Any additional braking should be done
intermittently, not continuously.
Brake boosterThe brake booster boosts the pressure which you generate with the brake pedal.
The necessary pressure is only generated when the engine is running.
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Intelligent Technology 160brake pedal firmly and hold it in this position in order to achieve the shortest
possible braking distance.
The Brake Assist is able to help you achieve a shorter braking distance in emergency
situations by rapidly producing the pressure required in the brake system. It fully
exploits the attributes of the ABS. After you release the brake pedal, the function of
the Brake Assist is automatically switched off and the brakes operate in the normal
way.
The Brake Assist is part of the ESP system. If a fault occurs in the ESP, the Brake Assist
function is also not available. Further information on the ESP ⇒page 155.
WARNING
•
The Brake Assist is also not able to overcome the physical limits of your
vehicle in terms of the braking distance required.
•
Adapt your speed to the conditions of the road surface and to the traffic
situation.
•
The increased safety offered by the Brake Assist must not tempt you to
take a greater safety risk than otherwise.
Electrohydraulic power steeringThe power steering enables you to steer the vehicle with less physical force.
The steering characteristics can be changed by a specialist garage.
You will place great stresses on the power steering system if the steering is turned
to full lock when the vehicle is stationary. Turning the steering to full lock in such a
situation will be accompanied by noises.
It is still possible to fully steer the vehicle if the power steering fails or if the engine
is not running (vehicle being towed in). The only difference is that greater physical
effort is required.
It is possible that the hydraulic pump of the power steering will not run due to the
low vehicle network voltage if the battery has gone flat and the engine must started
with the help off jump leads. This condition will be indicated by lighting up of the
warning light.The power steering operates again if the battery is charged to a specific range when
engine is running. It also operates again, if the engine can be started with its own
battery.
If there is a fault in the power steering, the warning light lights up in the instrument
cluster
 ⇒page 29.
Caution
Do not leave the steering at full lock for more than 15 seconds when the engine is
running - risk of damaging the power steering!
Note
Have the steering inspected as soon as possible by a specialist garage if there is a
leak or fault in the system.Tyre inflation pressure-control system*The tyre inflation pressure-control system compares with the aid of the ABS sensors
the speed and also the rolling circumference of the individual wheels. If the tyre
inflation pressure is significantly changed and thus the rolling circumference of a
wheel, the warning light
 lights up in the instrument cluster ⇒page 35. The tyre
inflation pressure-control system functions late or too sensitively if:
Fig. 167 Button for setting
the tyre inflation pressure
control value
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