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
188
190
190
192
195
197
199
202
202
206
210
213
213
213
216
217
218
218
219
219
220
221
221
222
223
227
228
228 229
229
231
233
233
233
233
239
242
242
242
245
247
247
250
253
256
258
262
263
263
270
270
270
273
273
273
273274
274
275
275
276
281
283
288
288
294
303
303
303
305
s24s.book Page 6 Thursday, November 24, 2005 12:27 PM
Cockpit11
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Cockpit
An overview
This general view is designed to help you to quickly
become familiar with the instruments, gauges and
controls.
Electric power-operated window* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric exterior mirror adjustment* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air outlet vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lever for the multi-functional switch:
−Turn signal light, headlight and parking light, headlight
flasher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Speed regulating system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering wheel:
− with horn
− with driver airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− with pushbuttons for radio and mobile phone* . . . . . . . .
Instrument cluster: Instruments and indicator lights . . . . . .
Lever for the multi-functional switch:
− Multi-functional indicator* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Windshield wiper and wash system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control dial for heating on the driver's seat* . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air outlet vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch for hazard warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage compartment on the dash panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio*
Control dial for heating on the front passenger seat* . . . . .
Storage compartment on the front passenger side . . . . . . . Switch for the front passenger airbag* (in front passenger
stowage compartment) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front passenger airbag* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse carrier (on side of dash panel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Light switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control dial for the instrument lighting and control dial for the
headlight beam range regulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bonnet release lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage compartment on the driver's side . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lever for adjusting the steering wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
−
Operating controls for the heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Operating controls for Climatic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Operating controls for Climatronic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
− Switch for the ESP* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Switch for TCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front and rear parking aid* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
− Gearshift lever (manual gearbox) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Selector lever (6-speed automatic gearbox)* . . . . . . . . .
− Selector lever (automatic DSG)* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre inflation pressure-control system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
− Rear ashtray - high centre console* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A156
A280
A3122
A4
68
146
A5
192
163
A613
A7
18
75
A888
A9122
A1068
A1111 0
A12
A1388
A14108
A15200
A16192
A17288
A1863
A1967, 67
A20247
A21109
A22138
A23139
A24
11 9
123
128
A25
213
215
A26145
A27
142
150
157
A28220
A29
106
s24s.book Page 11 Thursday, November 24, 2005 12:27 PM
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
s24s.book Page 31 Thursday, November 24, 2005 12:27 PM
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.
s24s.book Page 38 Thursday, November 24, 2005 12:27 PM
Seats and Stowage93
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Note
Tyre pressure must be adjusted to the load ⇒page 264, fig. 199 .
Lashing eyes
Eyes are located on the sides of the loading area for lashing the goods to
be loaded.
You can also attach a floor fixing net* to these eyes for lashing small
objects.
The floor fixing net* and the installation instruction are located in a
container under the floor covering of the luggage compartment behind the
spare wheel.
WARNING
•The load to be transported must be fixed in place in such a way
that it cannot move during the journey and when braking.
•If the items of luggage or objects are attached to the lashing
eyes with unsuitable or damaged lashing straps, injuries can occur
in the event of braking manoeuvres or accidents. In order to
prevent the items of luggage being thrown forward, always use
suitable lashing straps which are firmly attached to the lashing
eyes.
Fig. 71 Luggage
compartment: Lashing
eyes (Octavia)
Fig. 72 Luggage
compartment: Lashing
eyes (Estate car)
s24s.book Page 93 Thursday, November 24, 2005 12:27 PM
Passive Safety
178
For this reason you will be provided with information on why this equip-
ment is very important, how it protects you and the occupants, what
should be observed when using the equipment and how you and the
people travelling with you can make full use of the existing safety equip-
ment. This Owner's Manual contains important warning notes, which you
and those travelling with you should pay attention to in order to reduce a
risk of injury.
Safety concerns everybody!
Before setting off
The driver is always fully responsible for his occupants
and for the operating safety of the vehicle.
For your own safety and the safety of the people travelling with you,
please pay attention to the following points before setting off:
•Ensure that the lighting and the turn signal system are functioning
properly.
•Inspect the tyre inflation pressure.
•Ensure that all the windows offer a good visibility to the outside.
•Safely attach the items of luggage ⇒page 92, “Loading the luggage
compartment”.
•Ensure that no objects can obstruct the pedal.
•Adjust the mirror, the front seat and the head restraint to match your
body size.
•Point out to your occupants that the head restraints must be adjusted
to match their body size.
•Protect the children in suitable child seats with correctly fastened seat
belts ⇒page 202, “Transporting children safely”.
•Adopt the correct seated position ⇒page 179, “Correct seated posi-
tion”. Also inform your occupants to adopt the correct seated position.
•Fasten the seat belt correctly. Also inform your occupants to properly
fasten the seat belts ⇒page 186, “How are seat belts correctly
fastened?”.
What influences the driving safety?
The driving safety is primarily determined by the style of
driving and the personal behaviour of all the occupants.
The driver is fully responsible for himself and his occupants. If your driving
safety is effected, you place yourself and the oncoming traffic at risk.
Please refer to the following guidelines.
•Do not get distracted from concentrating on the traffic situation, e.g. by
your occupants or mobile phone calls.
•Never drive when your driving ability is impaired, e.g. through medica-
tion, alcohol, drugs.
•Keep to the traffic regulations and the permissible speed limit.
•Adjust the driving speed at all times to the road condition as well as to
the traffic and weather conditions.
•Take regular breaks on long journeys - at the latest every two hours.
s24s.book Page 178 Thursday, November 24, 2005 12:27 PM
Intelligent Technology
218
WARNING
•Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary.
•The brake booster only operates when the engine is running.
Greater physical effort for braking is required when engine is
switched off. Because if you do not stop as normal, this can cause
an accident and severe injuries.
Antilock brake system (ABS)
ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking.
General
The ABS contributes significantly to enhancing the active safety of your
vehicle. Compared to a car not fitted with the ABS brake system, you are
able to retain optimal steering ability even during a full brake application
on a slippery road surface because the wheels do not lock up.
You must not expect, however, that the braking distance will be shorter
under all circumstances as a result of the ABS. The braking distance for
example on gravel and fresh snow, when you should anyway be driving
slowly and cautiously, will be longer.
Operating principle
The brake pressure will be reduced on a wheel which is rotating at a speed
which is too low for the speed of the vehicle and tending to lock. This
control cycle is noticeable from a pulsating movement of the brake
pedal which is accompanied by noises. This is consciously intended to
provide the driver with the information that the wheels are tending to lock
(ABS control range). You must always keep the brake pedal depressed to
enable the ABS to optimally control the brake application in this braking
range. Never interrupt the application of the brakes!
WARNING
•The ABS can also not overcome the physical limits of your
vehicle. Please do not forget this, particularly when driving on icy
or wet road surfaces. If the ABS is operating within the control
range, adapt your speed immediatel y to the conditions of the road
surface and the traffic situation. The increased safety offered by
the ABS must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise -
risk of an accident!
•The normal braking system is still fully functional if there is an
ABS fault. Visit a specialist garage as quickly as possible and
adjust your style of driving to take account of the ABS fault in the
meantime since you will not know how great the damage is.
Note
•A warning light comes on if a fault occurs in the ABS system
⇒ page 38.
•Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or other
assignment of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the ABS
⇒ page 270, “Accessories, changes and replacement of parts”.
Brake Assist*
During a severe brake application (e.g. if a hazard exists), the Brake
Assist increases the braking force and thus makes it possible to rapidly
produce the pressure required in the brake system.
The majority of drivers do apply the brakes in good time in dangerous situ-
ations, but do not depress the brake pedal with sufficient pressure. Conse-
quently, it is not possible for the car to achieve its maximum deceleration
and the car covers a greater distance than necessary.
s24s.book Page 218 Thursday, November 24, 2005 12:27 PM
Intelligent Technology
220
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 rolling circumference of a wheel is changed, the warning
light
lights up in the dash panel insert ⇒page 38. The rolling circumfer-
ence of the tyre can change if:
•the tyre inflation pressure is too low,
•the structure of the tyre is damaged,
•the vehicle is loaded on one side,
•the wheels of an axle are loaded heavily (e.g. when towing a trailer or
when driving uphill or downhill),
•snow chains are mounted,
•the temporary spare wheel is mounted,
•one wheel per axle was changed. Basic setting of tyre inflation pressure-control system
After changing the tyre inflation pressures or after changing one or several
wheels, the button for the tyre inflation pressure-control system must be
pressed long enough until an acknowledegment tone sounds when the
ignition is switched on.
•Inflate all tyres to the specified inflation pressure
⇒page 264.
•Switch on the ignition.
•Press the button ⇒ fig. 182 long enough, until an acknowledg-
ment tone sounds, which confirms the storage of the basic values. As long
as the button
is pressed, the warning light lights up in the instru-
ment .
Warning light
lights up
If the tyre inflation pressure of at least one wheel is insufficiently inflated
in comparison to the stored basic value, the warning light
⇒ lights
up.
Warning light
flashes
If the warning light flashes, there is a system fault. Have the vehicle
inspected by your nearest specialist garage.
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.
•The driver is responsible for the correct tyre inflation pressures.
For this reason, the tyre inflation pressures must be checked regu-
larly.
•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.
Fig. 182 Button for
setting the tyre infla-
tion pressure control
value
s24s.book Page 220 Thursday, November 24, 2005 12:27 PM