Engine SKODA ROOMSTER 2012 1.G Owner's Guide

START/STOP
Fig. 85
Centre console: Button for the
START-STOP system
The START-STOP system helps you to save fuel while at the same time reducing
harmful exhaust emissions and CO 2 emissions.
The function is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on.
In the start-stop mode, the engine automatically switches to the vehicle's idle
phase, e.g. when stopped at traffic lights.
Information regarding the current state of the
START-STOP system is indicated in
the display of the instrument cluster.
Automatic engine shut down (stop phase)
› Stop the vehicle (where necessary, apply the handbrake).
› Take the vehicle out of gear.
› Release the clutch pedal.
Automatic renewed engine restart (start phase).
› Depress the clutch pedal.
Switching the
START-STOP system on and off
The START/STOP system can be switched on/off by pressing the button  » Fig. 85.
When start-stop mode is deactivated, the warning light in the button lights up.
If the vehicle is in the stop phase when manually switching off the system, the
engine starts immediately.
The

START-STOP system is very complex. Some of the procedures are hard to
check without servicing. The general conditions for the proper functioning of the
START-STOP system are listed in the following overview. Conditions for the automatic engine shut down (stop phase)
› The gearshift lever is in Neutral.
› The clutch pedal is not depressed.
› The driver has fastened the seat belt.
› The driver's door is closed.
› The bonnet is closed.
› The vehicle is at a standstill.
› The factory-fitted towing device is not electrically connected to a trailer.
› The engine is at operating temperature.
› The charge state of the vehicle battery is sufficient.
› The stationary vehicle is not on a steep slope or a steep downhill section.
› The engine speed is less than 1

200 rpm.
› The temperature of the vehicle battery is not too low or too high.
› There is sufficient pressure in the braking system.
› The difference between the outdoor- and the set temperature in the interior is
not too great.
› The vehicle speed since the last time the engine was switched off was greater
than 3 km/h.
› No cleaning of the diesel particle filter takes place
» page 22.
› The front wheels are not turned excessively (the steering angle is less than 3/4
of a steering wheel revolution).
Conditions for an automatic restart (start phase)
› The clutch is depressed.
› The max./min. temperature is set.
› The defrost function for the windscreen is switched on.
› A high blower stage has been selected.
› The START STOP button is pressed.
Conditions for an automatic restart without driver intervention
› The vehicle moves at a speed of more than 3 km/h.
› The difference between the outdoor- and the set temperature in the interior is
too great.
› The charge state of the vehicle battery is not sufficient.
› There is insufficient pressure in the braking system.
If the driver's seat belt is removed for more than 30 seconds or the driver's door is
opened during stop mode, the engine must be started manually with the key. The
following messages in the instrument cluster display must be observed. £
85
Starting-off and Driving

Messages in the instrument cluster display (valid for vehicles without
Information display)
ERROR START STOP Error in the START-STOP system
START STOP NOT POSSIBLE Automatic engine shut down is not
possible.
START STOP ACTIVE Automatic engine shut down (stop
phase)
SWITCH OFF IGNITION Switch off the ignition.
START MANUALLY Start the engine manually.WARNING
■ The brake servo unit and power steering only operate if the engine is run-
ning.
■ Never let the vehicle roll with the engine switched off. CAUTION
Deactivate the START-STOP system before driving through water on the
street » page 124. Note
■ Changes to the outdoor temperature can have an effect on the internal temper-
ature of the vehicle battery even after several hours. If the vehicle remains out-
doors for a long time in minus temperatures or in direct sunlight, it can take sev-
eral hours until the internal temperature of the vehicle battery reaches a suitable
temperature for proper operation of the
START STOP system.
■ If the Climatronic is running in automatic mode, under certain conditions, the
engine may not switch off automatically. Ð86
Using the system

Automatic gearbox
Automatic gearbox
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Introductory information 87
Starting-off and driving 88
Selector lever positions 88
Manual shifting of gears (Tiptronic) 89
Selector lever lock 89
Kickdown function 90
Dynamic shift programme 90
Emergency programme 90
Selector lever-emergency unlocking 91
WARNING
■ Do not depress the accelerator if changing the position of the selector lever
when the vehicle is stationary and the engine is running - risk of accident!
■ Never move the selector lever into position R or P when driving - risk of an
accident!
■ When the engine is running and the vehicle is stationary, it is necessary to
hold the car with the brake pedal in all the positions of the selector lever (ex-
cept P and N) since the power transmission is never completely interrupted,
also not when the engine is idling - the vehicle creeps.
■ The selector lever must be placed into position P and the handbrake firmly
applied before the bonnet can be opened and work on the running engine can
be completed - risk of accident! The safety guidelines must always be ob-
served » page 136, Engine compartment . WARNING (Continued)
■ If stopping on a hill (downhill gradient), never try to maintain the vehicle sta-
tionary with the gear engaged by means of the
“accelerator pedal”, i.e. by let-
ting 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 automati-
cally and the vehicle rolls backward - risk of accident!
■ If you have to stop on a slope, depress and hold the brake pedal to prevent
the vehicle from rolling back.
■ On a smooth or slippery road surface using the kickdown function can cause
the driven wheels to spin - risk of skidding! CAUTION
■ The double clutch on the automatic gearbox DSG is equipped with an overload
protection. If the uphill function is used when the vehicle is stationary or driving
slowly uphill, the thermal stress on the clutches is increased. ■ If the clutch system overheats, the symbol  is shown in the information dis-
play along with the message Gearbox overheated. Stop! Owner's man.! appears.
An audible signal sounds as a warning signal. Stop the vehicle, switch off the en-
gine, and wait until the symbol  disappears - risk of gearbox damage! You can
continue your journey as soon as the symbol disappears. Ð Introductory information
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 87.
Shifting up and down through the gears is performed automatically. The gearbox
can also be switched to Tiptronic mode. This mode makes it possible for you to
also shift gears manually » page 89.
The engine can only be started when the selector lever is in position P or N . If
the selector lever is not in the P or N positions when locking the steering, switch-
ing the ignition on or off or when leaving the engine on, the following message
will appear in the Information display Move selector lever to position P/N! or, in
the instrument cluster display:  P/N
.
At temperatures below -10 °C the engine can only be started in the selector lever
position P 1)
. £
ä
1)
Applies to DSG.
87
Automatic gearbox

When parking on a level road surface, it suffices to engage selector lever position
P. When parking on a slope, the handbrake should be applied firmly before the
park position is selected. This ensures that there is no excessive pressure on the
lock mechanism and that it is subsequently easier to move the selector lever out
of position P.
If the selector lever position N is accidentally selected while driving, it is first nec-
essary to release pressure on the accelerator pedal and wait for the idling speed
of the engine to be reached before the selector lever can be engaged in the drive
position. ÐStarting-off and driving
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 87.
Starting off
› Firmly depress and hold the brake pedal.
› Press the Shiftlock button (button in the selector lever handle), move the selec-
tor lever into the desired position » page 88 and then release the Shiftlock
button.
› Wait a moment until the gearbox has shifted (a slight engagement nudge can
be felt) 1)
.
› Release the brake pedal and accelerate.
Stop
› The selector lever position
N does not have to be selected when stopping 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.
› Firmly apply the handbrake.
› Press and Shiftlock button in the selector lever, move the selector lever to
P
and then release the Shiftlock button. Ð
ä Selector lever positions
Fig. 86
Selector lever/information display: Selector lever positions
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 87.
The current selector lever position is indicated in the information display of the
instrument cluster 1
» Fig. 86
. P
- Parklock
The driven wheels are locked mechanically in this position.
The Parklock must only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary.
If you wish to move the selector lever into/out of this position, the Shiftlock but-
ton in the selector lever handle and the brake pedal must be actuated at the
same time.
If the battery is used, the selector lever cannot be moved out of the position P. R
- Reverse gear
Reverse gear must only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary and the en-
gine is 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 re-
verse lights will come on. £
ä
1)
Applies to AG.
88 Using the system

N
- Neutral
The transmission is in Neutral in this position.
The brake pedal must be depressed to move the selector lever out of the position
N (if the lever is in this position for longer than 2
seconds) into the position D or R
when the vehicle is travelling at less than 5 km/h or the vehicle is stationary and
the ignition is switched on. D
- Position for driving forward (normal programme)
When the selector lever is in this position, the forward gears are automatically
shifted up and down in line with the engine load, vehicle speed and dynamic shift
programme.
The brake pedal must be depressed to move the selector lever into position D
from Nwhen the vehicle is travelling at less than 5

km/h or is stationary.
Under certain circumstances (e.g. when driving in mountainous regions or when
towing a trailer) it may be beneficial to select the manual shift pro-
gramme » page 89 for a short time in order to adapt the gearbox ratios manual-
ly to the driving situations. S
- Position for driving forward (sports programme)
Shifting up later into a higher gear makes it possible to fully exploit the power po-
tential of the engine. The gearbox also then shifts down at higher engine speeds
as in the position D .
The Shiftlock on the selector lever grip must be pressed when moving the selec-
tor lever out of the position D into the position S. ÐManual shifting of gears (Tiptronic)
Fig. 87
Selector lever/information display: Selector lever positions First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 87.
Tiptronic mode makes it possible to manually shift gears on the selector lever.
Switching to manual shifting
› Push the selector lever to the right out of position
D. The selector lever posi-
tion you have engaged is indicated in the information display of the instrument
cluster together with the engaged gear 1

» Fig. 87 on the right.
Shifting up gears
› Press the selector lever forwards +
» Fig. 87.
Shifting down gears
› Press the selector lever backwards -
» Fig. 87.
It is possible to switch to manual shifting when the car is stationary and when
driving.
When accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up into the higher gear just
before the maximum permissible engine speed is reached.
If a lower gear is selected, the 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. Note
The kickdown function is also available when manually shifting gears. Ð Selector lever lock
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 87.
Automatic selector lever lock

With the ignition on, the selector lever is locked when it is in the positions P and
N. The brake pedal must be depressed to move the selector lever out of this posi-
tion. The indicator light  » page 24 illuminates in the instrument cluster as a re-
minder for the driver when the selector lever is in the positions P and N.£
ä
ä
89
Automatic gearbox

The selector lever is not locked when quickly moving across the position
N (e.g.
from R to D). This, for example, helps to rock out a vehicle that is stuck. The selec-
tor 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
the Shiftlock button is pressed.
Ignition key withdrawal lock
After the ignition is switched off, the ignition key can only be withdrawn if the se-
lector lever is in the position P. If the ignition key is withdrawn, the selector lever
is blocked in position P . ÐKickdown function
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 87.
The kickdown function provides you with maximum acceleration power.
When the accelerator pedal is fully depressed, the kickdown function is activated
in the desired driving program. This function has precedence over the driving pro-
gramme and serves for maximum acceleration of the vehicle when exploiting the
maximum power potential of the engine without taking into account the current
selector lever position ( D, S or Tiptronic ). The gearbox shifts down to one or sev-
eral gears in line with the driving state and the vehicle accelerates. The gearbox
does not shift up into the highest gear until the engine has reached its maximum
revolutions for this gear range. ÐDynamic shift programme
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 87.
The automatic gearbox of your vehicle is controlled electronically. Shifting up and
down through the gears is performed automatically on the basis of pre-defined
driving programmes.
ä
ä Adopting a moderate style of driving
will cause the gearbox to select the most
economical driving programme. Shifting up into a higher gear as soon as possible
and shifting down as late as possible will have a favourable effect on your fuel
consumption.
When adopting a sporty style of driving with rapid movements of the accelerator
pedal combined with sharp acceleration, frequent changes in speed and exploit-
ing the top speed of the car, the gearbox will adjust to this style of driving once
the accelerator pedal (kickdown function) is depressed and will shift down earlier,
frequently by several gears in comparison to a moderate style of driving.
Selecting the most appropriate driving programme for the particular style of driv-
ing is a continuous process. Irrespective of this it is, however, possible to switch
or shift down into a dynamic shift programme by depressing the accelerator rap-
idly. The gearbox shifts down into a lower gear in accordance with the speed,
therefore enabling rapid acceleration (e.g. when overtaking) without the accelera-
tor pedal having to be depressed into the kickdown range. The original pro-
gramme will be reactivated to match your particular style 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 and down when negoti-
ating an uphill stretch. When driving downhill, it is possible to shift down into the
Tiptronic position, in order to exploit the engine brake torque. Ð Emergency programme
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 87.
An emergency programme exists in the event of a fault in the system.
The gearbox operates in a corresponding emergency programme if there are
functional faults in the gearbox electronics. All of the display elements illuminate
or go out.
A functional fault can have the following effect:
› The gearbox only shifts into certain gears;
› The reverse gear
R cannot be used,
› The manual shift programme is switched off in emergency mode.
£
ä
90 Using the system

Deployment factors
It is not possible to generally determine which deployment conditions apply to
the airbag system in every situation. An important role is played by factors such
as the type of object that the vehicle hits (hard, soft), the impact angle, vehicle
speed, etc.
A decisive factor for the deployment of the airbags is the deceleration which oc-
curs. The control unit analyses the nature of the collision and activates the rele-
vant restraint system. If the vehicle deceleration which occurs and is measured
during the collision remains below the prescribed reference values specified in
the control unit, the airbags are not deployed although the vehicle may well suf-
fer severe damage to the bodywork as a consequence of the accident.
The following will be deployed in the event of a severe frontal collision:
› driver’s front airbag;
› passenger’s front airbag.
The following will be deployed in the event of a severe side collision: › front side airbag on the side of the accident;
› head airbags on the side of the accident.
In the event of an accident in which the airbags are deployed:
› the interior lighting comes on (if the switch for the interior light is in the door
contact position),
› the hazard warning light is switched on;
› all the doors are unlocked;
› the fuel supply to the engine is interrupted. Note
A grey white or red, non-harmful gas is released when the airbag is inflated. This
is perfectly normal and is not an indication of a fire in the vehicle. Ð Front airbags
Fig. 99
Driver airbag in the steering wheel/front passenger airbag in the
dashboard Fig. 100
Safe distance to steering wheel/inflated airbags.
In the event of a severe frontal collision, the front airbag system offers additional
protection for the head and chest area of the driver and front passenger.
The front airbag for the driver is housed in the steering wheel » Fig. 99 -  .
The front airbag for the front seat passenger is located in the dash panel above
the stowage compartment 
- » Fig. 99.
If the airbags are deployed, the airbags are filled with a propellant gas and infla-
ted in front of the driver and front passenger » Fig. 100 -  . The forward move-
ment of the driver and of the front passenger is cushioned when they make con-
tact with the fully inflated airbag and the risk of injury to head and chest is thus
reduced. £
110 Safety

Driving Tips
Driving and the Environment
The first 1 500 km
New engine
The engine has to be run in during the first 1 500 kilometres.
Up to 1 000 kilometres › Do not drive faster than 3/4 of the maximum speed of the gear in use, i.e. 3/4 of
the maximum permissible engine speed.
› No full throttle.
› Avoid high engine speeds.
› Do not tow a trailer.
From 1 000 up to 1
500 kilometres
› Gradually
increase the power output of the engine up to the full speed of the
gear engaged, i.e. up to the maximum permissible engine speed.
During the first operating hours the engine has higher internal friction than later
until all of the moving parts have harmonized. The driving style which you adopt
during the first approx.1

500 kilometres plays a decisive part in the success of
running in your car.
Never drive at unnecessarily high engine speeds even after the running-in period
is complete. The maximum permissible engine speed is marked by the start of the
red scale area of the revolutions counter. On vehicles fitted with a manual gear-
box, at the very latest shift up into the next gear when the red area is reached.
During acceleration (depressing the accelerator) exceptionally high engine
speeds are automatically reduced, yet the engine is not protected against too
high engine speeds which are caused by incorrectly shifting down the gears re-
sulting in a sudden increase of the engine speeds above the permitted maximum
revolutions which can lead to engine damage.
For a vehicle fitted with a manual gearbox the converse situation also applies: Do
not drive at an engine speed that is too low. Shift down a gear when the engine
is no longer running smoothly. Observe the recommended gear » page 11, Recom-
mended gear . CAUTION
All the speed and engine revolution figures apply only when the engine is at its
normal operating temperature. Never rev up a cold engine when the vehicle is
stationary or when driving in individual gears. For the sake of the environment
Not driving at unnecessarily high engine revolutions and shifting to a higher gear
as early as possible are ways to minimise fuel consumption and operating noise
levels and protects the environment. Ð New tyres
New tyres have to be “
run in” since they do not offer optimal grip at first. Drive
especially carefully for the first 500 km or so. Ð New brake pads
New brake pads initially do not provide full braking efficiency. The brake pads
must initially be “run in

”. Drive especially carefully for the first 200 km or so. Ð Catalytic converter
Proper operation of the emission control system (catalytic converter) is of major
significance for driving your vehicle in an environmentally conscious way.
The following guidelines must be observed: › Vehicles fitted with a petrol engine must always be refueled with unleaded pet-
rol » page 135, Unleaded petrol ;
› Do not pour too much oil into the engine
» page 139, Checking the engine oil
level;
› Do not switch off the ignition while driving.
If you drive your vehicle in a country in which unleaded petrol is not available, you
must have the catalytic converter replaced later when driving the vehicle into a
country in which use of a catalytic converter is mandatory. £
119
Driving and the Environment

WARNING
■ In view of the high temperatures which can be produced in the catalytic con-
verter, the vehicle should be parked in such a way that the catalytic converter
cannot come into contact with easily flammable materials under the vehicle -
risk of fire!
■ Never use additional underbody protection or anti-corrosion agents for ex-
haust pipes, catalytic converters or heat shields - risk of fire! CAUTION
■ Never drive until the fuel tank is completely empty! The irregular supply of fuel
can cause misfiring, which can result in considerable damage to parts of the en-
gine and exhaust system. ■ Just filling the tank with leaded petrol once will damage the exhaust system! ÐEconomical and environmentally friendly driving
Introductory information
Your fuel consumption, any pollution of the environmental and the wear-and-tear
to the engine, brakes and tyres, depend essentially on three factors:
› your personal style of driving;
› the conditions under which your vehicle is operated;
› technical aspects.
The fuel economy by can be improved by 10
-15 % by always looking ahead and
driving in an economical way.
Fuel consumption is also be influenced by external factors which are beyond the
driver's control. Consumption increases during the winter or under difficult condi-
tions, on poor roads, etc.
Fuel consumption can vary considerably from the manufacturer's data, as a result
of outside temperatures, the weather and driving style.
The technical requirements for low fuel usage and economic efficiency of the ve-
hicle have already been built into the vehicle at the works. ŠKODA places a partic-
ular emphasis on minimising negative effects on the environment. It is necessary
to take note of the guidelines given in this chapter in order to make best use of
these characteristics and to maintain their effectiveness. The optimal engine speed should be obtained when accelerating, in order to
avoid a high fuel consumption and resonance of the vehicle.
Ð Looking ahead when driving
A vehicle's highest fuel consumption occurs when accelerating, therefore unnec-
essary accelerating and braking should be avoided. If looking ahead when driving,
less braking and consequently less accelerating are required. If possible, let your
vehicle coast to a stop, or use the engine brake, if you can see that the next set
of traffic lights is on red, for example. Ð Shifting to save energy
Fig. 108
Principle sketch: Fuel consump-
tion in litres/100 km depending
on the selected gear
Shifting up early saves on fuel.
Manual gearbox › Drive no more than about one length of your vehicle in first gear.
› Shift up into the next gear at approx. 2

000 revolutions.
An effective way of achieving good fuel economy is to shift up early. Observe the
recommended gear » page 11, Recommended gear .
A suitably selected gear can have an effect on fuel consumption » Fig. 108.
Automatic gearbox › Slowly
apply the accelerator pedal. However, do not depress it to the kickdown
position.
› If the accelerator pedal is only depressed slowly on a vehicle fitted with an au-
tomatic gearbox, an economic driving programme is automatically selected.
£
120 Driving Tips

Note
Observe the recommended gear » page 11, Recommended gear .ÐAvoiding full throttle
Fig. 109
Principle sketch: Fuel consump-
tion in litres/100 km. and speed
in km/h.
Driving more slowly means saving fuel.
Sensitive use of the accelerator will not only significantly reduce fuel consump-
tion but also positively influence environmental pollution and wear of your vehi-
cle.
The maximum speed of your vehicle should, as far possible, never be used. Fuel
consumption, pollutant emissions and vehicle noises increase disproportionally at
high speeds.
The » Fig. 109 shows the ratio of fuel consumption to the speed of your vehicle.
Fuel consumption will be halved if only three-quarters of the possible top speed
of your vehicle is used. ÐReducing idling
Idling also costs fuel.
In vehicles not equipped with the
START-STOP system, turn off the engine when
in a traffic jam, at a level crossing or traffic lights with longer wait times. Even af-
ter just 30 - 40 seconds you will have saved more fuel than that is needed when
you start the engine up again. If an engine is only idling it takes much longer for it to reach its normal operating
temperature. Wear-and-tear and pollutant emissions, though, are particularly
high in the warming-up phase. Therefore, start driving as soon as the engine has
started, whereby high engine speeds should be avoided. Ð Regular servicing
A poorly tuned engine uses an unnecessarily high amount of fuel.
By having your vehicle regularly maintained by a ŠKODA

specialist garage, you
create the conditions needed for driving economically. The maintenance state of
your vehicle has a positive effect on traffic safety and value retention
A poorly tuned engine can result in a fuel consumption which is 10 % higher than
normal.
Also check the oil level when refuelling. Oil consumption is dependent to a con-
siderable extent on the load and speed of the engine. Oil consumption could be
as high as 0.5 litres/1 000 km depending on your style of driving.
It is quite normal that a new engine has a higher oil consumption at first, and rea-
ches its lowest level only after a certain running in time. The oil consumption of a
new vehicle can therefore only be correctly assessed after driving about
5 000 km. For the sake of the environment
■ Additional improvements to the fuel economy can be made by using synthetic
high-lubricity oils.
■ Regularly check the ground under the vehicle. Have your vehicle inspected by a
ŠKODA specialist garage if you find any stains caused by oil or other fluids on the
floor. Note
We recommend that your vehicle is serviced on a regular basis by a ŠKODA Serv-
ice Partner. Ð
121
Driving and the Environment