2006 SKODA OCTAVIA Owner´s Manual

Switching recirculated air mode on
›
Repeatedly press the button
 5
» Fig. 90
on page 85 until the warning
light on the left side of the button is illuminated.
Switch on automatic air distribution control
› Repeatedly press the button
 5
» Fig. 90

on page 85 until the warning
light on the right side of the button is illuminated.
Switch off automatic air distribution control temporarily
› If the air quality sensor does not automatically switch on the air distribution
control in the event of an unpleasant odour, you can switch it on yourself by
pressing the button  5
» Fig. 90
on page 85. The warning light lights up in
the button on the left side.
Switching recirculated air mode off
› Press the button
AUTO 8
» Fig. 90
on page
85 or repeatedly press the button
 5
» Fig. 90 on page 85
until the warning lights in the button go out.WARNING
Do not leave recirculated air mode on over a longer period of time, as “stale”
air can cause fatigue of the driver and passengers, reduce attention levels and
also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an accident increases.
Switch off recirculated air mode as soon as the windows start to mist up. Note
■ If the windscreen mists up, press the button  1
» Fig. 90 on page 85

. Press
the button AUTO 8
» Fig. 90
on page 85 when the windshield is demisted.
■ The automatic air distribution control operates only if the outside temperature
is higher than approx. 2 °C. ÐControlling blower
The Climatronic system controls the blower stages automatically in line with the
interior temperature. However, the blower stages can be manually adapted to
suit your particular needs.
› Repeatedly press the button
 10
» Fig. 90
on page 85 on the left side (reduce
blower speed) or on the right side (increase blower speed).
If the blower is switched off, the Climatronic system is switched off.
The set blower speed is displayed above the button  10

» Fig. 90 on page 85
when the respective number of warning lights come on. WARNING
■ “
Stale air” may result in fatigue in the driver and occupants, reduce attention
levels and also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an accident
increases.
■ Do not switch off the Climatronic system for longer than necessary.
■ Switch on the Climatronic system as soon as the windows mist up. Ð Defrosting windscreen
Switching on › Press the button
 1
» Fig. 90
on page 85.
Switching off
› Once again press the button
 1
» Fig. 90 on page 85

or the button AUTO .
The temperature control is controlled automatically. More air flows out of the air
outlet vents 1 » Fig. 86 on page 80
. Ð Auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and ventilation)
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Direct switching on/off 88
System settings 89
Radio remote control 89
Changing the battery of the radio remote control 90
Auxiliary heating (parking heating)
The auxiliary heater (parking heater) functions in connection with the air-condi-
tioning system or Climatronic.
It can be used when stationary, when the engine is switched off to preheat the
vehicle and while driving (e.g. during the heating phase of the engine).
The engine is also preheated, if the auxiliary heating is switched on when the ve-
hicle is stationary and the engine is switched off. £
87
Heating and air conditioning system

The auxiliary heating (parking heating) warms up the coolant by combusting fuel
from the vehicle tank. The coolant warms up the air, which (if the blower speed is
not set to zero) flows into the passenger compartment.
Auxiliary ventilation
The auxiliary ventilation enables fresh air to flow into the vehicle interior by
switching off the engine, whereby the interior temperature is effectively de-
creased (e.g. with the vehicle parked in the sun).
WARNING
■ The auxiliary heating must never be operated in closed rooms - risk of poi-
soning! ■ The auxiliary heating must not be running during refuelling - risk of fire.
■ The exhaust pipe of the auxiliary heating is located on the underside of the
vehicle. Therefore, if you wish to operate the auxiliary heating, do not park the
vehicle in such a way that the exhaust gases from the auxiliary heating can
come into contact with highly flammable materials (e.g. dry grass) or easily in-
flammable substances (e.g. spilt fuel). Note
■ If the auxiliary heating runs, the fuel consumption comes from the vehicle tank.
The auxiliary heating automatically controls the filling level in the fuel tank. If only
a low quantity of fuel is present in the fuel tank, the function of the auxiliary
heating is blocked. ■ The exhaust pipe of the auxiliary heating, which is located on the underside of
the vehicle, must not be clogged and the exhaust flow must not be blocked.
■ If the auxiliary heating and ventilation is running, the vehicle battery discharges.
If the auxiliary heating and ventilation has been operated several times over a
longer period, the vehicle must be driven a few kilometres in order to recharge
the vehicle battery.
■ The auxiliary heating only switches the blower on, if it has achieved a coolant
temperature of approx. 50 °C.
■ At low outside temperatures, this can result in a formation of water vapour in
the area of the engine compartment. This is quite normal and is not an operating
problem.
■ After switching off the auxiliary heating, the coolant pump runs for a short peri-
od.
■ The auxiliary heating and ventilation does not switch on or comes on, if the ve-
hicle battery indicates a low loading state » page 169, Automatic load deactiva-
tion . ■
The auxiliary heating (parking heating) does not switch on, if the following was
shown in the information display or before switching off the ignition: Please re-
fuel! ■ The air inlet in front of the windscreen must be free of ice, snow or leaves in
order to ensure that the auxiliary heating operates properly.
■ So that warm air can flow into the vehicle interior after switching on the auxili-
ary heating, you must maintain the comfort temperature normally selected by
you, leave the fan switched on and leave the air outlet vents in an open position.
It is recommended to put the air flow in the position  or .Ð Direct switching on/off
Fig. 91
Button for direct switching on/
off of the auxiliary heating (aux-
iliary heating and ventilation) on
the operating part of the air con-
ditioning system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 87.
The auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and ventilation) can be
directly switched
on or off at any time using the button  » Fig. 91 on the operating part of the air-
conditioning system, on the operating part of the Climatronic system or via the ra-
dio remote control » page 89.
If the auxiliary heating and ventilation is not switched off earlier, it switches off
automatically after the set operating period, in the menu Running time has ex-
pired. Ð
ä
88 Using the system

System settings
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 87.
The following menu items can be selected in the menu
Aux. heating in the infor-
mation display (depending on the equipment fitted in the vehicle):
■ Day of the wk. - Set the current weekday.
■ Time- Set the desired running time in 5
minute increments. The running time
can be 10 to 60 minutes.
■ Mode - Set the desired heating/ventilation mode.
■ Starting time 1-3 - In each pre-set time, the day and the time (hour and minute)
can be set for switching on the auxiliary heating and/or ventilation. An empty
position can be found between Sunday and Monday when selecting the day. If
this empty position is selected, the activation is performed without taking into
account the day.
■ Activate - Enable pre-set mode.
■ Dectivate - Disable pre-set mode.
■ Factory setting - Restore factory setting.
■ Back - Return to main menu.
Only one programmed pre-set time can be active.
The last programmed pre-set time remains active.
After the auxiliary heating activates at the set time, it is necessary to pre-set a
time again.
If the pre-set menu is closed by selecting the menu item Back or if no changes
are made on the display for more than 10 seconds, the set values are stored, but
the pre-set time is not activated.
An warning light on the button  »
Fig. 91
on page 88 is illuminated when the
system is running.
The running system deactivates after expiration of the operating period or can be
deactivated earlier by pressing the button to directly switch on/off the auxiliary
heating  » Fig. 91 on page 88

or by using the radio remote control. Ð
ä Radio remote control
Fig. 92
Auxiliary heating: Radio remote control
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 87.
›
For switching on, press the button
ON » Fig. 92.
› For switching off, press the button
OFF .
The transmitter and the battery are housed in the housing of the remote control.
The receiver is located in the interior of the vehicle.
If the battery is properly charged, the effective range is up to 600

m. To switch
on/off the auxiliary heating, hold the radio remote control vertically with the an-
tenna A

» Fig. 92 facing upwards. The antenna must not be covered with the fin-
gers or the palm of the hand during this process. Obstacles between the radio re-
mote control and the vehicle, bad weather conditions and a weaker battery can
clearly reduce the range.
The auxiliary heating can only be switched on/off safely using the radio remote
control, if the distance between the radio remote control and the vehicle is at
least 2

m.
Warning light in the radio remote control
The warning light in the radio remote control C
» Fig. 92 indicates after a key-
stroke if the remote control signal was received by the auxiliary heating and if the
battery is adequately charged.
Display warning light Importance
Lights up green for 2 seconds. The auxiliary heating was switched on.
Lights up red for 2 seconds. The auxiliary heating was switched off.
Slowly flashes green for 2 seconds. The ignition signal was not received. £ ä
89
Heating and air conditioning system

Display warning light
Importance
Quickly flashes green for 2 seconds. The auxiliary heating is blocked, e. g
because the tank is nearly empty or
there is a fault in the auxiliary heating.
Flashes red for 2 seconds. The switch off signal was not received.
Lights up orange for 2 seconds, then
green or red. The battery is weak, however the
switching on or off signal was received.
Lights up orange for 2 seconds, then
flashes green or red. The battery is weak, however the
switching on or off signal was not re-
ceived.
Flashes orange for 5 seconds. The battery is discharged, however the
switching on or off signal was not re-
ceived.CAUTION
The radio remote control comprises electronic components and must therefore be
protected against water, severe impacts and direct sunlight. ÐChanging the battery of the radio remote control
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 87.
If the warning light on the radio remote control indicates a weak or discharged
battery, C
» Fig. 92 on page 89
, it must be replaced. The battery is located under
a cover B
» Fig. 92
on page 89 on the back of the radio remote control.
› Insert a flat, blunt object, such as a coin, into the gap on the battery cover, turn
the cover in the opposite direction of the arrow up to the mark and unlock it.
› Change the battery, replace the battery cover and lock it by moving it in the di-
rection of the arrow. For the sake of the environment
Dispose of the old battery in accordance with environmental regulations. Note
■ Pay attention to the correct polarity when changing the battery.
■ The replacement battery must have the same specification as the original bat-
tery. Ð
ä
90
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

Ignition lock
Fig. 94
Positions of the vehicle key in
the ignition lock
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 91.
Petrol engines
Ignition switched off, engine off, the steering can be locked
Ignition switched on
Starting engine
Diesel engines Fuel supply interrupted, ignition switched off, engine switched off, the steer-
ing can be locked.
Heating glow plugs on, ignition switched on
Starting engine
To lock the steering , with the ignition key withdrawn, turn the steering wheel
until the steering locking pin engages audibly.
If the steering is locked and the key cannot or can only be turned with difficulty
into the position 2
» Fig. 94, move the steering wheel back and forth and the
steering lock will unlock. ÐStarting engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 91.
Vehicles with a diesel engine are equipped with a glow plug system. The pre-
glow warning light  comes on after the ignition has been switched on. The en-
gine should be started immediately after the preglow warning light goes out.
ä 1
2
3
1
2
3
ä You should not switch on any major electrical components during the heating
period otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
Procedure for starting the engine
› Before starting the engine, place the gearshift lever into neutral or place the se-
lector lever in the position P or N and firmly put on the handbrake.
› Fully depress and hold the clutch pedal, switch on the ignition 2
» Fig. 94 on
page 93 and start 3
- do not operate the accelerator. Depress the clutch pedal
until the engine starts.
› Let go of the key as soon as the engine starts. After letting go, the vehicle key
will return to position 2
.
› If the engine does not start within 10
seconds, abort the start-up process and
turn the key to position 1
. Repeat the start-up process after approx. half a mi-
nute.
› Release the handbrake before starting off.
The engine will not start if the clutch pedal is not depressed.
The following is displayed in the information display:
Depress clutch to start!
The following is shown in the information display of the information cluster:
CLUTCH Ð Switching the engine off
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 91.
Switch off the engine by turning the ignition key into position 1
» Fig. 94
on
page 93. Ð Brakes and brake assist systems
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Information for braking 94
Handbrake 95
Stabilisation Control (ESC) 95
£
ä
93
Starting-off and Driving

Antilock brake system (ABS) 96
Traction control system (TCS) 96
Electronic Differential Lock (EDS and XDS) 97
WARNING
■ The brake booster only operates when the engine is running. Greater physi-
cal effort for braking is required when the engine is switched off - risk of acci-
dent!
■ Depress the clutch pedal when stopping or braking a vehicle with a petrol
engine and manual transmission in the low rev range. If you fail to do so, the
functionality of the brake booster can be impaired - risk of accident!
■ If a front spoiler, full wheel trim, etc. is mounted retrospectively, it must be
ensured that the air supply to the front wheel brakes is not reduced. Other-
wise, the functionality of the brake system could be impaired - risk of acci-
dent! ■ Please note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake which
is only partially released can result in the rear brakes overheating, which can
have a negative effect on the operation of the brake system - risk of accident!
■ Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. The children might, for ex-
ample, release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear. The vehicle
might then move off - risk of accident!
■ A lack of fuel can cause irregular engine running or cause the engine to shut
down. The brake assist systems would then be without function - risk of acci-
dent! ■ Adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road and
traffic conditions. The increased safety offered by the brake assist systems
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 ŠKODA specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving
according to the damage to the ABS as you will not know how great the dam-
age is and the limitation it is placing on the braking efficiency. CAUTION
■ Observe the recommendations on the new brake pads » page 139.
■ Never let the brakes slip with light pressure on the pedal if braking is not neces-
sary. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer braking
distance and excessive wear.
■ All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres approved by the manufactur-
er to ensure the brake assist systems operate correctly. Note
■ If the brakes are applied in full and the control unit for the braking system con-
siders the situation to be dangerous for the following traffic, the brake light
flashes automatically. After the speed was reduced below around 10 km/h or the
vehicle was stopped, the brake light stops flashing and the hazard warning light
system switches on. The hazard warning light system is switched off automatical-
ly after accelerating or driving off again. ■ Before negotiating a steep downhill section, reduce the speed, shift down into
the next lower gear (manual gearbox) or select a lower drive position (automatic
gearbox). As a result, the braking effect of the engine will be used, reducing the
load on the brakes. Any additional braking should be completed intermittently,
not continuously. ■ Changes to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, brakes, chassis or another combina-
tion of tyres and wheels) can influence the functionality of the brake assist sys-
tems »
page 177, Accessories, changes and replacement of parts .
■ If a fault occurs in the ABS system, the ESC, ASR and EDL also do not work. A
warning light  »

page 22 comes on if a fault occurs in the ABS system. Ð Information for braking
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 93.
Wear-and-tear
The wear of the brake pads is dependent on the operating conditions and driving
style. The brake pads wear more quickly if a lot of journeys are completed in
towns and over short distances or if a very sporty style of driving is adopted. If
operated under severe conditions, the thickness of the brake pads must be
checked by a ŠKODA specialist garage before the next service appointment.
Wet roads or road salt
The performance of the brakes can be delayed as the brake discs and brake pads
may be moist or have a coating of ice or layer of salt on them in winter. The
brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.
Corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the bake pads occur if the vehicle has
been parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the braking
system. If the brake system is not used much or if there is corrosion on the sur-
face, we recommend cleaning the brake discs by firmly applying the brakes from a
fairly high speed. £
ä
94 Using the system