2005 SKODA OCTAVIA ABS

Contents
6
Important safety information regarding the use
of seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How are seat belts correctly fastened? . . . . .
Belt tensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Airbag system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description of the airbag system . . . . . . . . . .
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deactivating an airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transporting children safely. . . . . . . . . . . . .
What you should know about transporting
children! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching child seat using the “ISOFIX” system
Driving Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intelligent Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic stability programme (ESP)* . . . . . .
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake booster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antilock brake system (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Assist* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Uphill-Start off-Assist* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electromechanical power steering . . . . . . . . .
Tyre inflation pressure-control system* . . . . .
Driving and the Environment. . . . . . . . . . . .
The first 1 500 kilometres and then afterwards
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving in an economical and environmentally
conscious manner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Environmental compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Motoring abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Avoiding damage to your vehicle . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Detachable ball head* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General Maintenance. . . . . . . . . .
Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the
vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the exterior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the interior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspecting and Replenishing. . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windscreen Wiper and Washer System . . . .
Wheels and Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories, changes and replacement of
parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories and replacement parts . . . . . . .
Technical changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakdown assistance . . . . . . . .
Breakdown assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First-aid box* and warning triangle* (Octavia)
First-aid box* and warning triangle* (Estate
car) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fire extinguisher* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle tool kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre repair kit* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tow-starting and towing vehicle . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and light bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Te c h n i c a l D a ta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
185
186
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294
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305
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Layout of this Owner's Manual (explanations)
8
Layout of this Owner' s Manual (explanations)
The Owner's Manual has been systematically designed, in order to make
it easy for you to find and absorb the information you require.
Chapters, table of contents and subject index
The text of the manual are divided into relatively short sections which are
combined into easy-to-read chapters. The chapter you are reading at any
particular moment is highlighted at the bottom right of the page.
The Table of contents is arranged according to the chapters and the
detailed Subject index at the end of the Owner's Manual helps you to
rapidly find the information you are looking for.
Sections
The majority of Sections apply to all models.
Since there is a wide range of different equipment and options available it
is clearly unavoidable, despite dividing the contents into sections, that
mention may be made of equipment which is not fitted to your vehicle.
Equipment which is marked * is only standard on certain vehicle model
versions or only suppliable as optional equipment for certain models.
Brief information and instructions
Each section has a Heading.
This is followed by Brief information (in large italic lettering), which tells
you the subject which is dealt with in this section.
Most of the illustrations are accompanied by an Instruction (in relatively
large letters) which explains to you in a straightforward way the action you
have to take. Work steps which have to be carried out are illustrated with
a hyphen.
Notes
All four kinds of notes, which are used in the text, are always stated at the
end of the respective section.
WARNING
The most important notes are marked with the heading Warning.
These Warning notes draw your attention to a serious risk of acci-
dent or injury. While reading the text you will frequently encounter
a double arrow followed by a small warning symbol. This symbol is
intended to draw your attention to a Warning note at the end of the
section to which you must pay careful attention.
Caution
A Caution note draws your attention to the possibility of damage to your
vehicle (e.g. damage to gearbox), or points out general risks of an acci-
dent .
For the sake of the environment
An Environmental note draws your attention to environmental protection
aspects. This is where you will, for example, find tips aimed at reducing
your fuel consumption.
Note
A normal Note draws your attention in a general way to important informa-
tion.
Direction indications
All direction indications such as “left”, “right”, “front”, “rear” relate to the
direction of travel of the vehicle.
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights31
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
WARNING
•If you do not pay attention to the warning lights coming on and
the corresponding 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. It is also essential to observe all warnings ⇒page 248.
Note
•Arrangement of the indicator lights depends on the model and model
version. The symbols shown in the following functional description are to
be found as indicator lights in the instrument cluster.
•Operational faults are shown in the instrument cluster as red symbols
(priority 1 - danger) or yellow symbols (priority 2 - warning).
Electromechanical power steering⇒ page 33
Control system for exhaust⇒page 34
EPC fault light (petrol engine)⇒page 34
Glow plug system (diesel engine)⇒page 34
Airbag system⇒page 35
Coolant temperature/coolant level⇒page 35
Brake pad wear*⇒page 36
Fluid level in windshield washer sys-
tem*⇒page 36
Fuel reserve⇒page 36
Engine oil pressure⇒page 37
Bonnet⇒page 37
Open door*⇒page 37
Engine oil level*⇒page 38
Tyre pressure*⇒page 38
Selector lever lock*⇒page 38
Antilock brake system (ABS)⇒page 38
Traction control system (TCS)⇒page 39
Electronic stability programme (ESP)*⇒page 40
Dynamo⇒page 40
Brake system⇒page 40
Seat belt warning light*⇒page 41
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
38
Engine oil level* 
Warning light  lights up
If the warning light
 lights up, the quantity of oil in the engine is probably
too low. Check as soon as possible the oil level or top up ⇒page 251 with
engine oil.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Check oil level!
The warning light will go out if the bonnet is left open for more than 30
seconds. If no engine oil has been replenished, the warning light will come
on again after driving about 100 km.
Warning light
 flashes
A fault on the engine oil level sensor is indicated additionally by an audible
signal and the warning light coming on several times after the ignition has
been switched on.
In this case have the engine inspected without delay by a specialist
garage.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Oil sensor workshop!
Tyre inflation pressure*
The warning light  lights up, if there is a substantial drop in inflation
pressure in one of the tyres. Reduce the speed and check or correct as
soon as possible the inflation pressure in the tyres ⇒page 264.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal. If the warning light flashes, there is a system fault. Visit the nearest
specialist garage and have the fault rectified.
Further information about tyre pressure-control system
⇒page 220.
WARNING
•When the warning light  lights up, immediately reduce the
speed and avoid sudden steering and brake manoeuvres. Please
stop the vehicle without delay at the nearest possible stop and
inspect the tyres and their inflation pressures.
•Under certain circumstances (e.g. sporty style of driving, wintry
or unpaved roads) the warning light  can be delayed or does not
light up at all.
Note
If the battery has been disconnected, the warning light  comes on after
switching on the ignition. The warning light must go out after driving a
short distance.
Selector lever lock* 
If the warning light  lights up, operate the brake pedal. This is neces-
sary, in order to be able to move the selector lever out of the position P or
N .
Antilock brake system (ABS) 
The warning light  shows the functionality of the ABS.
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights39
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
The warning light comes on for a few seconds after the ignition has been
switched on or when starting the engine. The warning light goes out after
an automatic check sequence has been completed.
A fault in the ABS
If the ABS warning light
 does not go out within a few seconds after
switching on the ignition or does not light up at all or lights up while driving,
the system is not functioning properly and the vehicle will be braked
without the aid of ABS. The vehicle will only be braked by the normal brake
system. Visit a specialist garage as quickly as possible and adjust your
style of driving in the meantime since you will not know how great the
damage is.
Three additional warning tones will sound if there is a major fault in the
ABS.
Further information about ABS ⇒page 218, “Antilock brake system
(ABS)”.
A fault in the entire brake system
If the ABS warning light
 comes on together with the brake system
warning light  (handbrake must be released), there is a fault not only in
the ABS but also in another part of the brake system ⇒.
WARNING
•If the brake system warning light  comes on together with the
ABS warning light  stop the vehicle immediately and check the
brake fluid level in the reservoir ⇒page 256, “Brake fluid”. If the
fluid level has dropped below th e MIN marking, do not drive any
further - risk of accident! Contact a Škoda dealer to obtain profes-
sional assistance.
•Pay attention to the following instructions ⇒page 248, “Working
in the engine compartment” before checking the brake fluid level
and opening the bonnet.
•If the brake fluid is at the correct level, the ABS control function
has failed. The rear wheels may then block very rapidly when
braking. In certain circumstances, this can result in the rear end of
the car breaking away - risk of skidding! Drive carefully to the
nearest specilaist garage and have the fault rectified.
Traction control system (TCS) 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is
switched on.
The warning light comes on when driving when a control cycle is acti-
vated.
The warning light will come on and remains on if the TCS is switched off
or if there is a fault in the system.
The fact that the TCS system operates together with the ABS means that
the TCS warning light will also come on if the ABS system is not operating
properly.
If the warning light
 comes on immediately after starting the engine, the
TCS system can be switched off for technical reasons. In this case, the
TCS system can be switched on again by switching the ignition on and off.
If the warning light goes out, the TCS system is fully functional again.
Further information about the TCS ⇒page 215, “Traction control system
(TCS)”.
WARNING (continued)
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
40
Note
If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light  comes on after switching on the ignition. The warning light must go out
after driving a short distance.
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)* 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is
switched on.
Components of the ESP system also include the Traction Control System
(TCS), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), and the Antilock Brake System
(ABS).
The warning light comes on when driving when a control cycle is acti-
vated.
The warning lig ht will come on an d remains on if the ESP is switched off
or if there is a fault in the system.
The fact that the ESP system operates together with the ABS means that
the ESP warning light will also come on if the ABS system is not operating
properly.
If the warning light
 comes on immediately after starting the engine, the
ESP system can be switched off for technical reasons. In this case, the
ESP system can be switched on again by switching the ignition on and off.
If the warning light goes out, the ESP system is fully functional again.
Further information on the ESP ⇒page 213, “Electronic stability
programme (ESP)*”.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)*
The EDL is a part of the ESP. A fault in the EDL is indicated by the ESP
warning light in the instrument cluster. Have the vehicle inspected without delay by a Škoda dealer. Further information on the EDL
⇒page 214,
“Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)*”.
Note
If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light  comes on after switching on the ignition. The warning light must go out
after driving a short distance.
Dynamo 
The warning light  comes on after the ignition has been switched on. It
should go out after the engine has started.
If the warning light does not go out after the engine has started, or comes
on when driving, drive to the nearest specialist garage. The vehicle battery
will be discharged in this case so switch off all non-essential electrical
components.
Caution
If the warning light  comes on when driving and in addition the warning
light  (cooling system fault) also comes on in display, you must then
stop the car immediately and switch the engine off - risk of engine
damage!
Brake system 
The warning light  flashes or comes on if the brake fluid level is too low,
if there is a fault in the ABS or if the handbrake is applied.
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights41
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
If the warning light
 flashes (handbrake is not applied),
stop and check
the brake fluid level ⇒.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
STOP Brake fluid Owner's manual
If there is a fault in the ABS which also influences the function of the
normal brake system (e.g. distribution of brake pressure), the ABS
warning light
 comes on together with the brake system warning light . Be aware that not only the ABS but also another part of th brake
system is defective ⇒.
3 peeps sound as an additional warning signal.
One should get used to high pedal forces, long braking distances and long
free play of the brake pedal when driving to the next specialist garage.
For further information on the brake system ⇒page 216, “Brakes”.
Handbrake applied
The warning light
 also comes on if the handbrake is applied. An audible
warning is also given if you drive the vehicle for at least 3 seconds at a
speed of more than 6 km/h.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Handbrake on!
WARNING
•Pay attention to the following instructions ⇒page 248, “Working
in the engine compartment” before checking the brake fluid level
and opening the bonnet.
•If the brake system warning light  does not go out a few
seconds after switching on the ignition or comes on when driving,
stop immediately and check the brake fluid in the reservoir
⇒ page 256, “Brake fluid”. If the fluid level has dropped below the MIN marking, do not drive any further - risk of accident! Contact a
Škoda dealer to obtain professional assistance.
Seat belt warning light* 
The warning light  comes on after the ignition is switched on as a
reminder to fasten the seat belt. The warning light only goes out if the
driver has fastened his seat belt.
If you do not fasten the seat belt, a long warning signal sounds for 6
seconds.
If you do not fasten the seat belt, a warning signal sounds continuously at
a speed of more than 10 km/h.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Please fasten seatbelt!
For further information on the seat belts ⇒page 183, “Seat belts”.
WARNING (continued)
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Unlocking and locking43
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
•Keep the groove of the keys absolutely clean as impurities (textile
fibres, dust etc.) have a negative effect on proper operation of the keys
and the ignition lock.
Note
Please approach a Škoda dealer if you lose a key since he can obtain a
new one for you.
Key with light*
Switching on the light
– Press the button in the middle in the direction of arrow . Replacing battery or bulb
– Insert a coin into the slot (arrow ) and press off the upper
part through a rotary movement of the coin.
– Replace the battery or bulb.
– Place the upper and lower part above each other and press the parts together.
You can obtain replacement batteries and replacement bulbs at a
specialist garage.
For the sake of the environment
Dispose of an old battery in accordance with environmental regulations.
Note
The replacement battery must have the same specification as the original
battery.
Fig. 23 Key with light
A1
A2
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