2004 SKODA OCTAVIA TOUR ABS

6CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENTKeysTwo keys are supplied with the car. These
keys fit all the locks of the car.Warning
Always withdraw the ignition key
when leaving the car - even if only for
a short time.
Note
Keep the groove of the key absolutely clean
as impurities (textile threads, dust, etc.) can
have a negative affect on the operation of
the locks, the remote control etc. Key tab
The key tab contains the key numbers which
are essential for re-ordering replacement
keys. You can refer to these numbers to or-
der replacement keys from a Škoda Dealer.
Note
You should keep the key tab in a sepa-
rate and safe place for it is only possi-
ble to obtain replacement keys if a key
is lost or damaged by stating this num-
ber.
If you sell your car, please also hand over
the key tab to the new owner.
Key with light*The light is switched on by pressing on the
middle of the key (arrow 1).
Changing battery or bulb


Insert a coin into the slot on the side of
the handle (arrow 2) and lever off top part.

Change battery or bulb.
Replacement batteries and bulbs are avail-
able from Škoda Dealers.
Dispose of the old battery in ac- cordance with environmental regu-
lations.

56CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENTIndicator/warning lightsThe position of the indicator/warning lights
depends on the model and engine versi-
on. You will find the symbols presented in
the description which follows on or at the
corresponding indicator/warning lights in
the instrument cluster.
When certain warning lights come on, this
is accompanied by an audible signal. A text
may also be shown in the information dis-
play* - see previous chapters.
Turn signal systemThe right or left indicator light flashes when
switching over the turn signal light upwards
or downwards.
If a turn signal fails, the warning light flashes
twice as fast. This does not apply when
towing a trailer. Both warning lights flash
when the hazard warning system is swit-
ched on.Main beamThe warning light comes on when main
beam is switched on or when the headlight
flasher is used.
Further details are given on page 67.Airbag system*The warning light comes on for a few sec-
onds when ignition is switched on.
If the lamp does not go out or if it comes on
again when driving, there is a fault in the
system. This is also valid if the warning light
does not come on when switching on the
ignition. Further information see page 103.
Text in the information display*: AIRBAG
FAULT (fault at airbag)
The operational readiness of the airbag
system is monitored electronically, also on
deactivated front passenger airbag or side
airbag.
WarningIf you do not pay attention to the warn-
ing lights coming on and the corre-
sponding descriptions and warning
notes, this may result in severe body
injuries or major vehicle damage.The engine compartment of your car
is a hazardous area.There is a risk of injuries, scalding,
accidents and fire when working in the
engine compartment, e.g. inspecting
and replenishing oil and other fluids.Absolutely pay attention to the warn-
ing notes - see page 137.

60CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENTOpening doors*If a door is open, this is indicated by this
warning light.
Vehicles with information display
As an additional warning signal, a peep
sounds if the car is driven at a speed of
more than 6km/hour and if the door or the
luggage compartment door is open.Washer fluid level*The warning light comes on if the washer
fluid level is too low. Top up washer fluid -
see page 151.
An audible warning signal also sounds (sin-
gle peep signal).Bulbs*This warning light comes on if the bulb of
the luminous element is faulty during:

Operation of brakes (brake light)

Malfunction of illumination (low beam (or
fog light)
An audible warning signal also sounds (sin-
gle peep signal)
Testing engine electronics*The warning light comes on when the igni-
tion is switched on.
If the warning light does not go out after
starting the engine, or comes on or flashes
when driving, this indicates a fault in the
engine electronics system or in systems
which influence exhaust emissions. A pro-
gramme stored in the engine control unit
makes it possible to continue driving with
certain restrictions - contact a Škoda dealer
for professional help.Electronic stability
program (ESP)*The warning light comes on for a few se-
conds when the ignition is switched on.
The ESP system also includes the traction
control system (TCS).
The light flashes when driving if the system
has activated a control cycle.
The warning light will come on and remain
on if the system is switched off or if a sy-
stem fault exists.
As the ESP system operates in combination
with the ABS, EDL and EBC, the ESP warn-
ing light also comes on if the ABS system fails.
Further details are given on pages 84 and
122 - 124.
Traction control system (TCS)*The warning light comes on for a few se-
conds when the ignition is switched on.
The light flashes when driving if the system
has activated a control cycle.
The warning light will come on and remain
on if the system is switched off or if a sy-
stem fault exists.
As the TCS system operates in combinati-
on with the ABS, EDL and EBC, the TCS
warning light also comes on if the ABS sy-
stem fails.
Further details are given on pages 65 and
122 - 124.Anti-lock brake system (ABS)*The warning light monitors the ABS, or ABS
and EDL* system.
The ABS warning light should come on for
a few seconds when the ignition is switched
on. If the ABS warning light does not go off
after a few seconds, if it does not come on
at all, or comes on when driving, the sys-
tem is not operating properly. The car is
braked in this case without operation of the
ABS; only the normal brake system then
operates. Contact a Škoda Dealer as
soon as possible and adapt your style
of driving to the fault which exists for
you cannot know the extent of the pro-
blem.

61
CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
Electronic differential lock (EDL)*The EDL system operates in combination
with the ABS. A failure of the EDL system
is indicated by the ABS warning light co-
ming on. You should then contact a Škoda
Dealer without delay.
Models fitted with ESP are equipped with
electronic differential lock (EDL).
If a major fault is present in the ABS sy-
stem, an audible warning signal also
sounds (3 peeps). Further information on
the ABS and EDL systems is given on
pages 122 and 124.Electronic immobiliserWhen the ignition is switched on, a data
harmonization is performed between key
and control unit. If the data exchanged are
correct, this is confirmed by the warning li-
ght coming on for a few seconds.
If an unauthorized car key (e.g. forged key)
has been used, the warning light changes
to a continuous flashing light. It is then no
longer possible to start the car - see page
7.
Brake fluid levelThe warning light comes on for a few se-
conds after switching on the ignition.Warning
If the warning light comes on when
the ignition is switched on or when
driving, there is a fault in the brake
system. Contact the nearest Škoda
Dealer without delay and have the
brake system inspected.
An audible warning signal sounds
(3 peeps).
You can drive on carefully to the near-
est Škoda Dealer but allow for higher
pedal pressures, longer braking dis-
tances and greater idle travel of the
brake pedal.
The warning light also comes on when the
handbrake is applied.
Charge indicatorThe warning light comes on when the igni-
tion is switched on. It should go out when
the engine is started.
If the warning light comes on when driving
or does not go out after the engine has
started, stop the car and switch off the
engine. Check the ribbed belt.
If it is loose or broken, do not drive any
further . The belt has to be tensioned or
replaced.
If the ribbed belt is in proper order and the
warning light nevertheless comes on, it is
possible to drive on to the nearest Škoda
Dealer. In this case, the battery will not be
charged; switch off all unnecessary elec-
trical components in the vehicle.
An audible warning signal sounds (single
peep signal).Seat belt warning system*This warning light comes on to request the
driver to fasten the seat belt.
If the driver’s belt is not fastened, an audi-
ble warning signal sounds for 6 seconds.

64CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT3 - Electronic stabilityprogram* ESPModels fitted with anti-lock brake system
(ABS) can be equipped additionally with an
electronic stability program (ESP).
The ESP makes it possible to enhance
control over the vehicle in situations in
which the vehicle is operating at the dyna-
mic limits, such as driving too fast into a
curve. The ESP is an extension of the ABS/
EBC//TCS/EDL function and reduces the
risk of skidding in all road conditions. The
system operates over the entire speed of
the vehicle in conjunction with the ABS. If
a fault develops in the ABS system, the ESP
then also does not operate.
The ESP is switched on automatically each
time the engine is started. It can be swit-
ched off and on, as desired, together with
the TCS system, by pressing the pushbut-
ton.
If the system is switched off, the ESP warn-
ing light comes on - see page 60.
In exceptional cases where wheel slip is
desired, it is beneficial to switch off the ESP
system. For example:
- when driving with snow chains
- when starting off in deep snow or on a
loose surface
- when rocking the car free if it has got stuck.
The system should be switched on again
after this.
Note
The same tyres must be fitted to all four
wheels if the ESP system is to operate
properly. Differing rolling circumferences of
the tyres can result in an undesirable re-
duction in engine output.
Repairs on the vehicle (e.g. on engine,
braking system, chassis or another combi-
nation of wheels and tyres) can influence
the function of the ESP.
Operating principle of ESP
The ABS, EBC, EDL, TCS systems are in-
tegrated in the electronic stability program.
In addition to the data available from these
functions, the ESP control unit is also sup-
plied with signals which are transmitted by
highly sensitive sensors. What is measu-
red is the spinning rotary motion about the
vertical axis of the vehicle, the lateral ac-
celeration of the vehicle, the brake pressu-
re and the steering lock.
Note
The direction selected by the driver is de-
termined with the aid of the movement of
the steering and the vehicle speed and
constantly compared with the actual behav-
iour of the vehicle. If variations exist, such
as the vehicle beginning to slide, the ESP
automatically brakes the wheel in question
and reduces engine speed.
The vehicle is again stabilised as a result
of the forces acting on the wheel during the
braking operation. If the vehicle is overs-
teering (tending to break away at the rear),
it is primarily the outside front wheel which
is braked, whereas, if the vehicle is under-
steering (tending to slide out of the curve),
the rear inner wheel is then braked.
Warning
The ESP system is also not able to
overcome the physical limits of the
vehicle. You should remember this,
particularly when driving on slippery
and wet road surfaces.
Your style of driving should always
be adapted to the condition of the
road and the traffic situation. The
enhanced safety offered by the ESP
must not tempt you to take any risks
which compromise your safety.

65
CONTROLS AND EQUIPMENT
3 - Traction control system* TCSVehicles fitted with the anti-lock brake sys-
tem (ABS) can additionally be equipped
with a traction control system (TCS).
On front-wheel drive vehicles, the TCS pre-
vents the driven wheels from slipping when
the car is accelerated, by reducing the en-
gine output. The system operates in com-
bination with the ABS over the entire vehi-
cle speed range. If a fault develops in the
ABS, the TCS is also affected.
The TCS switches on automatically when
the engine is started. If desired, the sys-
tem can be switched off and on by press-
ing the pushbutton.
If the system is switched off, the TCS warn-
ing lamp comes on - refer to page 60.
The TCS should always be switched on in
normal driving conditions. It is only benefi-
cial to switch off the system in certain ex-
ceptional cases if wheel slip is desired.For example:
- when driving with snow chains
- when starting off in deep snow or on a
loose surface
- when rocking the car free if it has got stuck.
The system should be switched on again
after this.
Note
The same tyres must be fitted to all four
wheels if the TCS system is to operate
properly. Differing rolling circumferences of
the tyres can result in an undesirable re-
duction in engine output.
Repairs on the vehicle (e.g. on engine,
braking system, chassis or another combi-
nation of wheels and tyres) can influence
the function of the ASR.
Warning
Always adapt your style of driving to
the condition of the road and the traf-
fic situation. The increased safety
offered by the TCS system must not
induce you to take risks with your
safety.
The traction control system greatly facili-
tates starting-off, accelerating and climb-
ing hills, or at all makes this possible, even
when driving on poor road conditions.
4 - Knurled wheel for seat heating*The cushion and backrest of the front seats
can be heated electrically when the igni-
tion is on.
The heater can be switched on with the
appropriate knurled wheel and regulated as
desired.
To switch heating off, turn knurled wheel to
the basic position „0“.
Note
Do not switch on the seat heater until after
starting the engine. This considerably re-
duces the drain on the battery capacity.5 - Releasing fuel filler flap from driver’s seat*The fuel filler flap opens when the switch is
pressed. For further information - see page
127.

98SAFETYSeat beltsWhy seat belts?It has been clearly demonstrated that
seat belts offer good protection in the
event of an accident. That is why the use
of seat belts is a legal requirement in
most countries.Warning

Fasten your seat belts each time
before setting off - even when driv-
ing in town! This also applies to pas-
sengers in the rear.

Expectant mothers should also
wear a seat belt at all times.

Apart from their normal protective
function, the seat belts are also de-
signed to hold the driver and front
passenger in position in the event of
an accident to allow the airbag to
offer maximum protection.
Transporting children safely - see page
111 - 11 6 . In the event of a frontal collision, car occu-
pants who are not wearing a seat belt are
thrown forward and strike parts of the inte-
rior of the car, such as the steering wheel,
instrument panel, windscreen, in an uncon-
trolled way.
The widespread opinion that you can sup-
port your body with your hands in a minor
collision, is incorrect. The forces to which
the body is subjected even in accidents
which occur at low speed, can no longer
be properly absorbed.It is also important that occupants of the
rear seat wear their seat belts otherwise
they will be thrown through the car in an
uncontrolled way in an accident. A passen-
ger at the rear who is not wearing a seat
belt is therefore a risk not only for himself,
but also for the front seat occupants.

121
DRIVING TIPS
The full braking effect may also be delayed
when the car has been driven for some time
on heavily salted roads without using the
brakes, because the layer of salt on the
discs and pads has to be removed first.Warning
If a front spoiler, full-size wheel trims
etc., are retrofitted, it is necessary to
ensure that the flow of air to the front
brakes is not restricted - otherwise
the brakes may overheat.
Brake booster
The braking force boosts the pressure,
which you generate with the brake pedal.
The necessary pressure is only generated
when the engine is running. Warning
The brake booster only operates
when the engine is running.
Never switch off the engine before
the vehicle is stationary.
In the case that the brake booster is
not operating - e.g. because the vehi-
cle has to be towed or because there
is damage to the brake booster - the
brake pedal has to be depressed with
a significantly greater force, in order
to balance out the missing brake
boosting effect.Because if you do not stop as nor-
mal, this can cause an accident and
severe injuries.
Brake Assist*
The Brake Assist boosts the brake servo
effect during a brake application in a haz-
ardous situation and is able in this way to
assist the rapid build-up of brake pressure.
In emergency situations the majority of car
drivers do apply the brakes in time, but not
with the brake pedal force which is neces-
sary for achieving maximum deceleration.
Valuable braking distance is lost as a result!The Brake Assist is activated as soon as the
brake pedal is depressed very rapidly. A hig-
her brake servo assistance than is usual in
normal brake applications, is then available.
Consequently, it is possible to build up
within a very short time the brake pressure
which is required for achieving maximum
deceleration with only a correspondingly
slight counterforce on the brake pedal.Depress the brake pedal further for achiev-
ing the shortest possible braking distance. Do
not reduce the foot pressure on the pedal!The Brake Assist is able in this way to help
you in critical situations by building up the
brake pressure more rapidly and shorten-
ing the stopping distance. The advantages
offered by the ABS are fully exploited by the
Brake Assist. As soon as the brake pedal is
released, the Brake Assist function is swit-
ched off then automatically and the usual
service brake function is again available.
Warning

The Brake Assist is also not in a
position to overcome the physical
limits which apply to the braking dis-
tance.

This is something you should re-
member particularly when driving on
smooth or wet road surfaces.

Adapt your style of driving always
to the road condition and the traffic
situation. The increased safety which
the Brake Assist offers you must not
lead you to take any safety risk!