2006 SKODA OCTAVIA power steering

Table of Contents
Abbreviations
Using the system
Cockpit 7
Overview 6
Instruments and warning lights 8
Instrument cluster 8
Multifunction display (onboard computer) 12
MAXI DOT (information display) 15
Warning lights 18
Unlocking and locking 26
Vehicle key 26
Child safety lock 27
Central locking system 27
Remote control 30
Anti-theft alarm system 31
Boot lid 33
Electric power windows 34
Electric sliding/tilting roof 37
Lights and visibility 39
Lights 39
Interior light 45
Visibility 47
Windscreen wipers and washers 48
Rear window 51
Seats and Stowage 54
Front seats 54
Seat heaters 57
Head restraints 58
Rear seats 59
Boot 60Variable loading floor in the boot 64
Net partition (Combi) 65
Roof rack system 66
Cup holder 68
Ashtray 68
Cigarette lighter, 12-volt power socket 69
Storage compartments 70
Clothes hooks 77
Parking ticket holder 77
Heating and air conditioning system 79
Heating and air conditioning system 79
Air outlet vents 80
Heating 80
Air conditioning system (manual air conditioning
system) 82
Climatronic (automatic air conditioning
system) 85
Auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and
ventilation) 87
Starting-off and Driving 91
Starting and stopping the engine 91
Brakes and brake assist systems 93
Shifting (manual gearbox) 97
pedals 97
Parking aid 98
Cruise control system (CCS) 99
START/STOP 100
Automatic gearbox 102
Automatic gearbox 102
Communication 107
Mobile phones and two-way radio systems 107
Operating the phone on the multifunction
steering wheel 108
Symbols in the information display 109
Phone Phonebook 109
Universal telephone preinstallation GSM II 109
Universal telephone preinstallation GSM IIl 112Voice control 116
Multimedia 118
Safety
Passive Safety 121
General information 121
Correct seated position 122
Seat belts 125
Seat belts 125
Airbag system 129
Description of the airbag system 129
Front airbags 130
Side airbags 131
Head airbags 132
Deactivating airbags 133
Transporting children safely 135
Child seat 135
Driving Tips
Driving and the Environment 139
The first 1 500 km 139
Catalytic converter 139
Economical and environmentally friendly
driving 140
Environmental compatibility 142
Driving abroad 143
Avoiding damage to your vehicle 143
Driving through water on the street 144
Towing a trailer 145
Towing a trailer 145
General Maintenance
Taking care of and cleaning the vehicle 148
Taking care of your vehicle 148
3
Table of Contents

The following is displayed in the information display:
Gearbox overheated. Stop! Owner's man.!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and wait until the symbol  disappears -
risk of gearbox damage! You can continue your journey as soon as the symbol dis-
appears.
Problem with the engine oil pressure 
If the symbol  is shown in the information display, you must have your vehicle
checked immediately by a
ŠKODA specialist garage. The information about the
maximum permissible engine speed is displayed together with this symbol. WARNING
If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 44. Note
As long as the operational faults are not rectified, the symbols are always indica-
ted again. After they are displayed for the first time, the symbols continue to be
indicated without any extra messages for the driver. ÐWarning lights
Overview
The warning lights show certain functions/faults and may be accompanied by au-
dible signals.
 Handbrake
» page 19
 Brake system
» page 19
 Seat belt warning light
» page 19
 Generator
» page 20 
Open door
» page 20
 Coolant temperature/coolant level
» page 20
 Bonnet
» page 20
 Boot lid
» page 21
  Engine oil
» page 21
  Electromechanical power steering
» page 21
 Traction control (TCS)
» page 21
 Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
» page 22
 Antilock brake system (ABS)
» page 22
 Rear fog light
» page 22
 Bulb failure
» page 22
 Exhaust inspection system
» page 22
 Glow plug system (diesel engine)
» page 23
 EPC fault light (petrol engine)
» page 23
 Diesel particle filter (diesel engine)
» page 23
 Fuel reserve
» page 23
 Airbag system
» page 24£18
Using the system

WARNING
If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 44. ÐBoot lid 
The warning light  comes on when the ignition is switched on if the luggage
compartment door is open. If the boot lid opens while driving , the warning
light lights up and an audible signal sounds.
The warning light comes on even when the ignition is switched off. The warning
light lights up for a maximum of 5 minutes. ÐEngine oil 

The warning light  lights up red (low oil pressure)
The following is displayed in the information display:
Oil Pressure: Engine off! Owner's manual!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the engine
oil » page 161 , Checking the engine oil level .
Even if the oil level is correct, do not drive any further if the warning light is
flashing . Also do not leave the engine running at an idling speed.
Seek help from a ŠKODA
specialist garage.
The warning light  lights up yellow (oil quantity too low)
The following is displayed in the information display:
Check oil level!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the engine
oil » page 161 .
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.
The warning light  flashes yellow (engine oil level sensor faulty)
The following is displayed in the information display:
Oil sensor: Workshop! If the engine oil level sensor is faulty, the warning light flashes
 several times
and an audible signal sounds when the ignition is turned on.
Seek help from a

ŠKODA specialist garage. WARNING
If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 44. Ð Electromechanical power steering 

If the warning light  lights up, this indicates a partial failure of the power steer-
ing and the steering forces can be greater. Seek help from a
ŠKODA specialist ga-
rage.
If the warning light  lights up, this indicates a complete failure of the power
steering and the steering assist has failed (significantly higher steering forces).
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
Further information » page 92. WARNING
If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 44. Note
If the vehicle battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the yellow warning
light  comes on after switching on the ignition. The warning light should go out
after driving a short distance. If the yellow warning light  does not go out after
starting the engine again and a short drive, it is necessary to visit a

ŠKODA spe-
cialist garage. Ð Traction control system (TCS) 
The warning light flashes  to show that the ASR is currently operating. £
21
Instruments and warning lights

Unlocking and locking
Vehicle key
Introductory information
Fig. 8
Key without remote control/key with remote control (remote control
key)
Two keys are provided with the vehicle. Depending on the equipment, your vehi-
cle can be equipped with keys without radio remote control » Fig. 8 -  or with
radio remote control»
Fig. 8 -  . WARNING
■ Always withdraw the key whenever you leave the vehicle - even if it is only
for a short time. This is particularly important if children are left in the vehicle.
The children might otherwise start the engine or operate electrical equipment
(e.g. power windows) - risk of injury!
■ Do not withdraw the ignition key from the ignition lock until the vehicle has
come to a stop. The steering lock might otherwise engage unintentionally -
risk of accident! CAUTION
■ Each key contains electronic components; therefore it must be protected
against moisture and severe shocks.
■ Keep the groove of the keys absolutely clean. Impurities (textile fibres, dust,
etc.) have a negative effect on the functionality of the locking cylinder and igni-
tion lock. Note
Please approach a ŠKODA Service Partner if you lose a key as they can obtain a
new one for you. Ð Replacing the battery in the remote control key
Fig. 9
Remote control key: Remove cover/remove battery
Each remote control key contains a battery that is located under the cover A
» Fig. 9. The battery needs replacing if red warning light
» Fig. 8 on page 26 -
 does not go on when you press a button on the remote control key. We recom-
mend that you ask a ŠKODA

Service Partner to replace the key battery. However,
if you would like to replace the discharged battery yourself proceed as follows.
› Flip out the key.
› Press off the battery cover with your thumb or using a flat screwdriver in the
region of arrows 1
» Fig. 9.
› Remove the discharged battery from the key by pressing the battery down-
wards in the region of arrow 2
.
› Insert the new battery. Ensure that the “+” symbol on the battery is facing up-
wards. The correct polarity is shown on the battery cover.
› Place the battery cover on the key and press it down until it clicks into place.
£
26 Using the system

Starting-off and Driving
Starting and stopping the engine
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Adjusting the steering wheel position 92
Electromechanical power steering 92
Electronic immobiliser 92
Ignition lock 93
Starting engine 93
Switching the engine off 93
WARNING
■ Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving only when the
vehicle is stationary!
■ Maintain a distance of 25 cm 1
to the steering wheel
» Fig. 93 on page 92
-  . Not maintaining this minimum distance will mean that the airbag system
will not be able to properly protect you - hazard!
■ The lever for adjusting the steering wheel must be locked whilst driving so
that the position of the steering wheel cannot accidently change during the
journey - risk of accident!
■ If the steering wheel is adjusted further towards the head, the protection
provided by the driver airbag in the event of an accident is reduced. Check
that the steering wheel is aligned to the chest. ■ When driving, hold the steering wheel with both hands firmly on the outer
edge in the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock position. Never hold the steering wheel in
the 12 o'clock position or in any other way (e.g. in the middle or inner edge of
the steering wheel). In such cases, you could injure the arms, hands and head
when the driver airbag is deployed.
■ When driving, the ignition key must always be in the position 2
» Fig. 94 on
page 93 (ignition switched on) without the engine running. This position is
indicated by the warning lights coming on. If this is not the case, it could result
in unexpected locking of the steering wheel - risk of accident! WARNING (Continued)
■ Only pull the ignition key from the ignition lock when the vehicle has come
to a complete stop (by applying the handbrake). Otherwise the steering wheel
could block - risk of accident!
■ When leaving the vehicle, the ignition must always be removed. This is par-
ticularly important if children are left in the vehicle. Otherwise the children
could, for example, start the engine - risk of accident or injury!
■ Never leave the engine running in unventilated or closed rooms. The ex-
haust gases of the engine contain besides the odorless and colourless carbon
monoxide a poisonous gas - hazard! Carbon monoxide can cause unconscious-
ness and death. ■ Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running.
■ Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary - risk of acci-
dent! CAUTION
■ The starter may only be operated (ignition key position 3
» Fig. 94 on
page 93), if the engine is not running. The starter or engine can be damaged if
the starter is activated when the engine is running. ■ Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts otherwise the starter
could be damaged. ■ Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttle and high engine loads as long as the
engine has not yet reached its operating temperature - risk of damaging the en-
gine!
■ Do not tow start the engine - danger of damaging the engine! On vehicles with
a catalytic converter, unburnt fuel may get into the catalytic converter where it
may ignite. This in turn may damage the catalytic converter. The battery from an-
other vehicle can be used as a jump-start aid » page 185, Jump-starting.
■ Do not switch the engine off immediately at the end of your journey after the
engine has been operated over a prolonged period at high loads but leave it to
run at an idling speed for about 1
minute. This prevents any possible accumulation
of heat when the engine is switched off. For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine while the vehicle is stationary. If possible, start your
journey as soon as the engine has started. Through this the engine reaches its
operating temperature more rapidly and the pollutant emissions are lower. £
91
Starting-off and Driving

Note
■ The engine can only be started with a genuine ŠKODA key with the matching
code. ■ The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time after
starting the cold engine. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem. ■ After switching off the ignition, the radiator fan can intermittently continue to
operate for approx. 10
minutes.
■ If the engine does not start up after a second attempt, the fuse for the fuel
pump/glow plug system (Diesel engines) may have a fault. Check the fuse and re-
place, if necessary » page 190, Fuses in the dash panel

or seek assistance from a
ŠKODA specialist garage.
■ We recommend locking the steering wheel whenever leaving the vehicle. This
acts as a deterrent against the attempted theft of your car. ÐAdjusting the steering wheel position
Fig. 93
Adjustable steering wheel: Lever below the steering wheel/safe dis-
tance to the steering wheel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 91.
The height and forward/back position of the steering wheel can be adjusted.
›
First of all adjust the driver's seat
» page 55, Manually adjusting the front seats .
› Pull the lever below the steering wheel down
» Fig. 93 - .
› Adjust the steering wheel to the desired position (with regard to the height and
forward/back position).
› Push the lever upwards to the stop. Ð
ä Electromechanical power steering
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 91.
The power steering enables you to steer the vehicle with less physical force.
With the electromechanical power steering, the steering assist is automatically
adapted to the speed and to the steering angle.
It is still possible to fully steer the vehicle if the power steering fails or if the en-
gine is not running (vehicle being towed in). However, greater physical effort is
required to turn the steering wheel.
If there is a fault in the power steering, the warning light  or  lights up in the
instrument cluster » page 21, Electromechanical power steering   . Ð Electronic immobiliser
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 91.
An electronic chip is integrated in the head of the key. The immobiliser is deacti-
vated with the aid of this chip when the key is inserted in the ignition lock. The
electronic immobiliser is automatically activated when the ignition key is with-
drawn from the lock.
The engine will not start if a non-authorized ignition key is used.
The following is displayed in the information display: Immobilizer active. Ð
ä
ä
92 Using the system

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 inside 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 23.
› 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 pedal 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. 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 144. 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. Ð 101
Starting-off and Driving

Automatic gearbox
Automatic gearbox
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Introductory information 102
Starting-off and driving 103
Selector lever positions 103
Manual shifting of gears (Tiptronic) 104
Selector lever lock 105
Kickdown function 105
Dynamic shift programme 105
Emergency programme 106
Selector lever-emergency unlocking 106
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 158 , 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 102.
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 104.
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.
102 Using the system