As title says really,

Is there a safe way of removing the air box? anything I should be careful of etc

I want to reset the linkage so thinking this is the best way to access the cables is this correct?

Thanks

Haynes says it's the first thing to do to get at the linkages:

Disconnect the MAF wiring

Disconnect the vacuum hose from the air filter cover

Loosen clip & disconnect air duct from MAF

Disconnect duct from bottom of air cleaner

Undo retaining bolt at base of air cleaner assembly at the back

Pull assembly up, releasing pins from grommets

HTH

Hey thanks for the reply!

I've only just seen this and decided to give it a go anyway, i managed to work out how to get it of without having to remove the MAF

I over adjusted the gear linkage to much though and as a novice had a little panic as I couldn't Select 1st gear! But after working out how the cable pulleys work all was good in the world!

Thanks and sorry for my story

Pull assembly up, releasing pins from grommets

 

I'm a little stuck at this point - the air box doesn't want to move.  I don't want to pull too hard  and tear the grommets out of the air box before they budge of the plastic pins.

Admittedly my engine is a petrol and not in the manual, but I guess the theory is the same..

 

Thoughts anyone?

Just be brave and pull - they are in there tight!

Here's a link to a website with service manuals for Skoda.

http://skoda.workshop-manuals.com/octavia-mk2/index.php?id=3112

Edited 16 August, 201312 yr by FriendlyFire

In the end I worked a narrow screwdriver around the pegs to lever the edges of the grommets up over them.  Looked like just pulling might have torn them out.

Cheers - I'll bookmark that until VAG have it taken down...