2006 SKODA OCTAVIA gearbox

Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
ÐGlow plug system 
(diesel engine)
The warning light  comes on after the ignition has been switched on. The en-
gine can be started immediately after the pre-glow warning light goes out.
There is a fault in the glow plug system if the warning light  does not come on
at all or lights up continuously .
If the warning light  begins to flash while driving, a fault exists in the engine
control. The engine control unit allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode.
Seek help from a
ŠKODA specialist garage. ÐEPC 
fault light (petrol engine)
If the warning light 

 lights up, there is a fault in the engine control. The engine
control unit allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode.
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage. ÐDiesel particulate filter 
(diesel engine)
The diesel particulate filter separates the soot particles from the exhaust. The
soot particles collect in the diesel particulate filter where they are burnt on a reg-
ular basis.
If the warning light  lights up, soot has accumulated in the diesel particulate
filter.
To clean the diesel particle filter, the vehicle should be driven at an even speed of
at least 60 km/h » at engine speeds of 1 800 - 2 500 rpm for at least 15 mi-
nutes or until the warning light goes out with the 4th or 5th
gear engaged (auto-
matic gearbox: position S) when the traffic situation permits it.
The warning light  only goes out after the diesel particulate filter has been
successfully cleaned.
If the filter is not properly cleaned, the warning light  does not go out and the
warning light  begins to flash.
The following is displayed in the information display: Diesel particulate filter Owner's manual! Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage. WARNING
■ The diesel particle filter achieves very high temperatures. Therefore do not
park in areas where the hot filter can come into direct contact with dry grass
or other combustible materials - risk of fire!
■ Always adjust your speed to suit weather, road, region and traffic condi-
tions. The recommendations indicated by the warning light must not tempt
you to disregard the national regulations for road traffic. CAUTION
As long as the warning light  lights up, one must take into account an in-
creased fuel consumption and in certain circumstances a power reduction of the
engine. Note
■ To assist the combustion process of the soot particles, we recommend that reg-
ularly driving over short distances should be avoided. ■ Using diesel fuel with an increased sulphur content can considerably reduce the
life of the diesel particle filter. A
ŠKODA specialist garage will be able to tell you
which countries use only diesel fuel with high sulphur content. Ð Fuel reserve 
The warning light  will come on if the fuel level is less than 9 litres.
An audible signal sounds as a warning signal.
The following is displayed in the information display: Please refuel! Range ... km Note
The text in the information display goes out only after refuelling and driving a
short distance. Ð
23
Instruments and warning lights

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

If necessary, the TCS can be switched off and on again by pressing the button
 » Fig. 97, or on vehicles with ESP, by pressing the button
 » Fig. 96
on
page 95
. The TCS warning light  lights up in the instrument cluster when the
TCS is switched off. ÐElectronic Differential Lock (EDS and XDS)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 93.
If one of the wheels starts to spin, the EDL system brakes the spinning wheel and
transfers the driving force to the other wheels. This ensures the stability of the
vehicle and a quick journey.
The EDL switches off automatically if unusually severe stresses exist in order to
avoid excessive heat generation in the disc brake on the wheel which is being
braked. The vehicle can continue to be driven and has the same characteristics as
a vehicle not fitted with EDL. The EDL switches on again automatically as soon as
the brake has cooled down.
XDL (only for Octavia RS)
XDL is an extension to the electronic differential lock. XDL does not respond to
traction, but to the relief of the inner front wheel during fast cornering. The active
brake intervention on the brake of the inner wheel prevents it from spinning.
Thus, the traction is improved and the vehicle continues to follow the desired
track. ÐShifting (manual gearbox)
Fig. 98
The shift pattern: 5-speed or 6-
speed manual gearbox
ä
Always depress the clutch pedal fully when changing gear, to prevent excessive
wear of the clutch.
The gearshift indicator must be observed when changing gear
» page 11, Recom-
mended gear .
Only engage reverse gear when the vehicle is stationary. Depress the clutch pedal
and hold it fully depressed. Wait a moment before reverse gear is engaged to
avoid any shift noises.
The reversing lights will come on once reverse gear is engaged, provided the igni-
tion is on. WARNING
Never engage reverse gear when driving - risk of accident! Note
If not in the process of changing gear, do not leave your hand on the gearshift
lever while driving. The pressure from the hand can cause the gearshift mecha-
nism to wear excessively. Ð pedals
The operation of the pedals must not be hindered under any circumstances!
In the driver's footwell, only a footmat, which is attached to the two correspond-
ing attachment points, may be used.
Only use footmats from the range of

ŠKODA Original Accessories, which are fitted
to two attachment points. WARNING
No objects are allowed in the driver's footwell – risk of obstruction or limita-
tion in operating the pedal! Ð
97
Starting-off and Driving

Parking aid
Fig. 99
Parking aid: Range of the sensors/activating the parking aid
The parking aid determines the distance between the front or rear bumper and
an obstacle with the aid of ultrasound sensors. The sensors are integrated in the
front/rear bumper.
The signal tones for the front parking aid sound higher than for the rear parking
aid. The tones of the parking aid can be adapted in the menu of the Information
display » page 16.
Range of sensors
The distance warning begins at a distance of about 160°cm from the obstacle at
the rear of the vehicle and about 120
cm from the obstacle in front of the vehicleA
» Fig. 99
. The interval between the warning signals becomes shorter as the
clearance is reduced.
A continuous tone sounds from a distance of approx. 30

cm B
» Fig. 99
- danger
area. From this moment on do not continue driving!
On vehicles with a factory-fitted radio or navigation system, the distance to the
obstacle is simultaneously graphically illustrated on the display, refer to the oper-
ating instructions for the radio or navigation system.
On vehicles with a factory-fitted towing device, the border of the danger area
starts (continuous tone) 5

cm further away from the vehicle. The length of the ve-
hicle can be increased with an installed detachable towing device.
On vehicles with a factory-fitted towing device, the rear sensors are deactivated
when towing a trailer. Activating/deactivating the rear parking aid
The parking aid is activated automatically when
reverse gear is engaged and the
ignition is turned on. This is confirmed by a brief audible signal.
The parking aid is deactivated by removing the reverse gear.
Activating/deactivating the front and rear parking aid
The parking aid is activated when the ignition is turned on and reverse gear is en-
gaged and or by pressing the button  » Fig. 99
- the symbol  lights up in the
button. This is confirmed by a brief audible signal.
The parking aid is deactivated by pressing the button  or at a speed of more
than 10 km/h (the symbol  in the button is no longer illuminated). WARNING
■ The parking aid is not a substitute for the driver paying proper attention and
it is always the driver's responsibility to take care when reversing the vehicle
or carrying out similar manoeuvres. Pay particular attention to small children
and animals as they are not recognised by the parking aid sensors.
■ Before reversing or parking, check that there is no small obstacle, such as a
rock, thin post, trailer drawbar etc., in front of or behind the vehicle. Such ob-
stacles may not be recognised by the parking aid sensors.
■ Under certain circumstances, surfaces of certain objects and types of cloth-
ing cannot reflect the signals from the parking aid. Thus, these objects or peo-
ple who wear such clothing are not recognised by the parking aid sensors.
■ External sound sources can have a detrimental effect on the parking aid.
Under unfavourable conditions, objects or people may not be recognised. Note
■ If a warning signal sounds for about 3
seconds after activating the system and
there is no obstacle close to your car, this indicates a system fault. The fault is
confirmed additionally when the symbol  flashes in the button  . Have the
fault rectified by a

ŠKODA specialist garage.
■ The sensors must be kept clean (free of ice, etc.) to enable the parking aid to
operate properly.
■ If the parking aid is activated and the selector lever of the automatic gearbox is
in the position P, the warning signal is interrupted (the vehicle cannot move). Ð
98 Using the system

Cruise control system (CCS)
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Storing a speed 99
Changing a stored speed 99
Switching off the cruise control system temporarily 100
Switching off the cruise control system completely 100
The cruise control system (CCS) maintains a constant speed, more than 30 km/h
(20 mph), once it has been set, without you having to depress the accelerator
pedal. This is only possible within the range which is permitted by the power out-
put and braking power of the engine.
The warning light  illuminates in the instrument cluster when the cruise control
system is activated. WARNING
■ For safety reasons, the cruise control system must not be used in dense
traffic or on unfavourable road surfaces (such as icy roads, slippery roads,
loose gravel) - risk of accident!
■ The saved speed may only be resumed if it is not too high for the current
traffic conditions.
■ Always switch off the cruise control system after use to prevent uninten-
tional use of the system. CAUTION
■ Always depress the clutch pedal if switching to the neutral position (vehicle
with a manual gearbox) when the cruise control system is switched on! Otherwise
the engine can rev up unintentionally.
■ The cruise control system is not able to maintain a constant speed when driving
in areas with steeper gradients. The weight of the vehicle increases the speed at
which it travels. Therefore, shift to a lower gear in good time or slow the vehicle
down by applying the foot brake. Note
It is not possible on vehicles fitted with an automatic gearbox to switch on the
cruise control system if the selector lever is in the position P, N or R. Ð Storing a speed
Fig. 100
Turn signal and main beam lever:
Rocker switch and switch of the
cruise control system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 99.
Storing a speed
›
Turn the switch A
» Fig. 100 into the ON position.
› After the desired speed has been reached, press the rocker button B
into the
SET position.
After you have released the rocker button B
out of the position SET
, the speed
you have just stored is maintained at a constant speed without having to depress
the accelerator. Ð Changing a stored speed
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 99.
Increasing the speed with the accelerator
›
Depress the accelerator to increase the speed.
› Release the accelerator to reduce the speed back down to the preset speed.
However, if the saved speed is exceeded by more than 10 km/h for a period of
more than 5 minutes by depressing the accelerator, the stored speed is deleted
from the memory. You have to re-store the desired speed. £
ä
ä
99
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

When parking on a level road surface, it suffices to engage selector lever position
P. When parking on a slope, the handbrake should be applied firmly before the
park position is selected. This ensures that there is no excessive pressure on the
lock mechanism and that it is subsequently easier to move the selector lever out
of position P.
If the selector lever position N is accidentally selected while driving, it is first nec-
essary to release pressure on the accelerator pedal and wait for the idling speed
of the engine to be reached before the selector lever can be engaged in the drive
position. ÐStarting-off and driving
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 102.
Starting off
›
Firmly depress and hold the brake pedal.
› Press the Shiftlock button (button in the selector lever handle), move the selec-
tor lever into the desired position » page 103 and then release the Shiftlock
button.
› Wait a moment until the gearbox has shifted (a slight engagement nudge can
be felt) 1)
.
› Release the brake pedal and accelerate.
Stop
› The selector lever position
N does not have to be selected when stopping for a
short time, such as at a cross roads. It is sufficient to hold the vehicle stationary
using the foot brake. The engine can, however, be allowed just to idle.
Parking
› Depress the brake pedal.
› Firmly apply the handbrake.
› Press and Shiftlock button in the selector lever, move the selector lever to
P
and then release the Shiftlock button. Ð
ä Selector lever positions
Fig. 102
Selector lever/information display: Selector lever positions
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 102.
The current selector lever position is indicated in the information display of the
instrument cluster
1
» Fig. 102.
P
- Parklock
The driven wheels are locked mechanically in this position.
The Parklock must only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary.
If you wish to move the selector lever into/out of this position, the Shiftlock but-
ton in the selector lever handle and the brake pedal must be actuated at the
same time.
If the battery is used, the selector lever cannot be moved out of the position P. R
- Reverse gear
Reverse gear must only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary and the en-
gine is idling.
The brake pedal must be depressed and at the same time the Shiftlock must be
pressed, if you wish to obtain the selector lever positions R, P or N.
When the ignition is switched on and the selector lever is in position R, the re-
verse lights will come on. £
ä
1)
Applies to AG.
103
Automatic gearbox

N
- Neutral
The transmission is in Neutral in this position.
The brake pedal must be depressed to move the selector lever out of the position
N (if the lever is in this position for longer than 2
seconds) into the position D or R
when the vehicle is travelling at less than 5 km/h or the vehicle is stationary and
the ignition is switched on. D
- Position for driving forward (normal programme)
When the selector lever is in this position, the forward gears are automatically
shifted up and down in line with the engine load, vehicle speed and dynamic shift
programme.
The brake pedal must be depressed to move the selector lever into position D
from Nwhen the vehicle is travelling at less than 5

km/h or is stationary.
Under certain circumstances (e.g. when driving in mountainous regions or when
towing a trailer) it may be beneficial to select the manual shift pro-
gramme » page 104 for a short time in order to adapt the gearbox ratios manual-
ly to the driving situations. S
- Position for driving forward (sports programme)
Shifting up later into a higher gear makes it possible to fully exploit the power po-
tential of the engine. The gearbox also then shifts down at higher engine speeds
as in the position D .
The Shiftlock on the selector lever grip must be pressed when moving the selec-
tor lever out of the position D into the position S. ÐManual shifting of gears (Tiptronic)
Fig. 103
Selector lever and multifunction steering wheel First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 102.
Tiptronic mode makes it possible to manually shift gears with the selector lever or
multifunction steering wheel.
Switching to manual shifting
›
Push the selector lever to the right out of position
D. The selector lever posi-
tion you have engaged is indicated in the information display of the instrument
cluster together with the engaged gear 1

» Fig. 102 on page
103 on the right.
Shifting up gears
› Press the selector lever forwards +
» Fig. 103.
› Pull the right rocker switch
+ towards the multifunction steering wheel.
Shifting down gears › Press the selector lever backwards -
» Fig. 103.
› Pull the left rocker switch
- towards the multifunction steering wheel.
Temporarily switching to manual shifting
› If the selector lever is in position
D or S, pull the left rocker switch - or the
right rocker switch + towards the multifunction steering wheel.
› Manual shifting switches off if the rocker switches
- or
+ are not actuated for
some time. You can also switch off the temporary switch-over to manual shift-
ing by pressing the right rocker switch + for more than 1 second.
It is possible to switch to manual shifting when the car is stationary and when
driving.
When accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up into the higher gear just
before the maximum permissible engine speed is reached.
If a lower gear is selected, the gearbox does not shift down until there is no risk
of the engine overrevving.
If you operate the kickdown function, the gearbox shifts into a lower gear in line
with the vehicle speed and engine speed. Note
The kickdown function is also available when manually shifting gears. Ð
ä
104 Using the system