2006 SKODA OCTAVIA instrument cluster

WARNING
Locked doors prevent unwanted entry into the vehicle from outside, for exam-
ple at road crossings. Locked doors do, however, make it more difficult for res-
cuers to get into the vehicle in an emergency - danger to life! Note
■ You can have the individual settings activated by a ŠKODA Service Partner or
you can activate them yourself with the help of the information display » page 16,
Settings. ■ In the event of an accident in which the airbags are deployed, the locked doors
are automatically unlocked in order to enable rescuers to gain access to the vehi-
cle. ■ Only the driver's door can be unlocked or locked using the key if the central
locking system fails » page 28. The other doors and the boot lid can be manually
locked or unlocked. ■ Emergency locking of the door » page 32.
■ Emergency unlocking of the boot lid » page 34. ÐSafe securing system
The central locking system is equipped with a safe securing system. The door
locks are blocked automatically if the vehicle is locked from the outside. The
warning light flashes for around 2 seconds in quick succession, afterwards it be-
gins to flash evenly at longer intervals. It is not possible to open the doors with
the door handle either from the inside or from the outside. This acts as an effec-
tive deterrent for attempts to break into your vehicle.
The safe securing system can be deactivated within 2

seconds by double locking
the vehicle.
If the safe securing system is not operating, the warning light in the driver door
flashes for about 2 seconds fast, goes out and starts to flash evenly at longer in-
tervals after about 30 seconds.
The safe securing system is activated again the next time the vehicle is unlocked
and locked.
If the vehicle is locked and the safe securing system is deactivated, the door can
be unlocked and opened from the inside by pulling on the opening lever of the
respective door. By the first pull on the opening lever, the door is unlocked. By
the second pull on the opening lever, the door is opened. WARNING
If the vehicle is locked from the outside and the safe securing system is acti-
vated, there must not be any person in the vehicle as it is then no longer pos-
sible to open either a door or a window from the inside. The locked doors
make it more difficult for rescuers to get into the vehicle in an emergency -
hazard! Note
■ The anti-theft alarm system is activated when the vehicle is locked even if the
safe securing system is deactivated. The interior monitor is however not activa-
ted. ■ After locking the vehicle, you will be informed that the safe securing system is
activated by means of the message CHECK DEADLOCK on the instrument cluster
display. On vehicles that are equipped with an information display, the following
message will appear Check deadlock! Owner's manual! appears.Ð Unlocking the vehicle using the key
Fig. 11
Turning the key for unlocking
and locking the vehicle
› Turn the key in the locking cylinder of the driver's door in the direction of travel
(unlock position) A
» Fig. 11.
› Pull the door handle and open the door.
› All the doors (only the driver's door on vehicles with anti-theft alarm system)
and the fuel filler flap are unlocked.
› The boot lid is then unlocked.
› The switched on interior lights come on over the door contact.
› The safe securing system is deactivated.
£
28 Using the system

›
Unlock the vehicle with the radio remote control and the light is switched on.
Depending on the equipment fitted the COMING HOME/LEAVING HOME function
switches on the following lights:
› Parking lights;
› Low beam;
› Entry lighting in the exterior mirrors;
› Licence plate light.
The COMING HOME/LEAVING HOME function is controlled with the light sensor in
the mount of the interior rear mirror. If the light intensity is higher than the set
value of the light sensor, the light is not switched on after opening the driver's
door or unlocking the vehicle with the radio remote control.
Switching off the COMING HOME function
The light goes out 10 seconds after closing all of the doors and the boot lid.
If a door or the boot lid remains open, the light goes out after 60 seconds.
Switching off the LEAVING HOME function
The light goes out 10 seconds after unlocking the vehicle with the radio remote
control, switching on the ignition or locking the vehicle.
If no door is opened, the vehicle is locked automatically after 30 seconds.Note
■ If the
COMING HOME/LEAVING HOME function is switched on constantly, the
battery will be heavily discharged particularly over short distances. ■ The illumination period for the COMING HOME/LEAVING HOME function can be
changed by means of the information display. ÐTourist light
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 39.
This mode makes it possible to drive in countries with opposing traffic system,
driving on the left/right, without dazzling the oncoming vehicles. When the mode
tourist light is active, the side to side swivel of the headlights is deactivated. ä The mode tourist light is activated/deactivated via the information display in the
menu:
■ Settings
■ Lights & Vision
■ Travel mode
■ Off
■ Switched on Ð Fog lights
Fig. 24
Dash panel: Light switch
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 39.
Switching on
› First of all, turn the light switch to position
 or  » Fig. 24.
› Pull the light switch to position 1
.
The warning light  lights up in the instrument cluster when the fog lights are
switched on » page 18. Ð Fog lights with the function CORNER
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 39.
The fog lights with the function CORNER are designed to improve the illumination
of the surrounding area near the vehicle when turning, parking, etc. £
ä
ä
42 Using the system

The fog lights with the function CORNER are adjusted according to the steering
angle or after switching on the turn signal light
1)
in the following circumstances:
› the vehicle is stationary and the engine is running or it moves with a speed of
maximum 40 km/h;
› the daytime running lights are not switched on;
› the low beam is switched on or the light switch is in the position
 and the
intensity of the ambient light causes the low beam to be switched on;
› the fog lights are not switched on;
› no reverse gear is engaged. Note
If the reverse gear is engaged during the active function CORNER, both fog lights
illuminate. ÐRear fog light
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 39.
Switching on
› First of all, turn the light switch to position
 or  » Fig. 24 on page 42.
› Pull the light switch to position 2
.
If the vehicle is not fitted with fog lights » page 42, the rear fog light is switched
on by turning the light switch to the position  or  and is pulled out directly to
the position 2
. This switch does not have two positions, but only one position.
The warning light 
lights up in the instrument cluster when the rear fog light is
switched on » page 18.
Only the rear fog light on the trailer lights up if the vehicle has a factory-fitted
towing device or a towing device from ŠKODA original accessories and it is driven
with a trailer and the rear fog light switched on.
The rear fog light is located in the rear light array on the driver's side. Ð
ä Instrument lighting 
Fig. 25
Dash panel: Instrument lighting
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 39.
›
Switch on the light.
› Turn the control dial
» Fig. 25 to the desired intensity of the instrument light-
ing.
The illumination intensity of the Information display »

page 15 is set automatical-
ly. It is only possible to adjust the instrument lighting with the control dial if the
light intensity drops below the set value of the light sensor. Ð
ä
1)
If both switch on versions are conflicting, for example if the steering wheel is turned to the left and
the right turn signal light is switched on, the turn signal light has the higher priority.
43
Lights and visibility

Turn signal and main beam lever
Fig. 28
Turn signal and main beam lever
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 39.
The parking light and headlight flasher are also operated with the turn signal and
main beam lever.
Right  and left  turn signal light
› Push the lever upwards A
» Fig. 28
or downwards B
.
› If you only wish to flash three times (the "convenience turn signal"), briefly
push the lever to the upper or lower pressure point and release again. This fea-
ture can be activated/deactivated via the information display » page 15.
› Turn signal for changing lanes - to only flash briefly, move the lever up or down
to the pressure point and hold it in this position.
Main beam 
› Switch on the low beam.
› Push the lever away from the steering wheel in the direction of arrow C
(spring-tensioned position).
› The main beam is switched off by pulling the lever towards the steering wheel
(spring-tensioned position) in the direction of arrow D
.
Headlight flasher 
› Pull the lever towards the steering wheel (spring-tensioned position) in the di-
rection of arrow D
- the main beam and warning light
 in the instrument clus-
ter come on.
Parking light 
Description of the operation » page 41
ä CAUTION
Only use the main beam or the headlight flasher if other road users will not be
dazzled. Note
■ The turn signal system only operates when the ignition is switched on. The cor-
responding warning light  or  in the instrument cluster also flashes.
■ The turn signal is automatically cancelled after negotiating a curve.
■ The warning light flashes at twice its normal rate if a bulb for the turn signal
light fails. Ð Interior light
Interior lighting - version 1
Fig. 29
Interior lighting - version 1
Switching on › Press switch A
» Fig. 29 towards the edge of the light, the symbol
 appears.
Switching off
› Press the switch A
»
Fig. 29
in the middle position O.
Operating with the door contact switch
› Press switch A
» Fig. 29 towards the middle of the light, the symbol
 ap-
pears.
Reading lights
› Press switch B
» Fig. 29 to switch the reading lights on or off.
£
45
Lights and visibility

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

Faults in the brake surface
If it is found that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and that the
brake pedal can be depressed further, the brake system may be faulty. Visit a
ŠKODA specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropriate-
ly as you will not know how great the damage is.
Low brake fluid level
An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake system. The
level of the brake fluid is monitored electronically
» page 19, Brake system .
Brake booster
The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The
brake booster only operates when the engine is running. ÐHandbrake
Fig. 95
Centre console: Handbrake
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 93.
Apply
› Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
Loosening
› Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and
at the same time push in the locking
button » Fig. 95 .
› Move the lever right down while pressing the lock button.
The handbrake warning light  lights up when the handbrake is applied, provided
the ignition is on.
A warning signal sounds if the vehicle is inadvertently driven off with the hand-
brake applied.
The following is displayed in the information display: ä Release parking brake!
The handbrake warning is activated if the vehicle is driven at a speed of more
than 6 km/h for more than 3
seconds. Ð Stabilisation Control (ESC)
Fig. 96
ESC system: TCS button
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 93.
The ESC is automatically activated after starting the engine. The ESC helps to
maintain control of the vehicle in situations where it is being operated at its dy-
namic limits, such as a sudden change to the direction of travel. The risk of skid-
ding is reduced and your car thus offers greater driving stability depending on the
conditions of the road surface.
The direction which the driver wishes to take is determined based on the steering
angle and the speed of the vehicle and is constantly compared with the actual
behaviour of the vehicle. In the event of deviations, such as if the car starts to
skid, the ESC automatically brakes the appropriate wheel.
The ESC cannot be switched off, the button  » Fig. 96
only deactivates the TCS
system and the warning light  in the instrument cluster lights up.
During an intervention of the system, the warning light  flashes in the instru-
ment cluster.
In the event of an ESC fault, the ESC warning light illuminates in the instrument
cluster 
» page 22.
The following systems are integrated into the electronic stabilisation control
(ESC):
› Antilock brake system (ABS),
› Traction control (TCS),
£
ä
95
Starting-off and Driving

›
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDS);
› Active driver-steering recommendation (DSR),
› Brake assist,
› Uphill start assist.
Active driver-steering recommendation (DSR)
This function indicates to the driver in critical situations a steering recommenda-
tion in order to stabilise the vehicle. The active driver-steering recommendation is
activated, for example, on the right and left vehicle side when braking sharply on
different road surfaces.
Hydraulic brake assist
The brake assist system is activated by the very quick operation of the brake ped-
al (e.g. in the event of danger). It increases the braking effect and helps to short-
en the braking distance. To achieve the shortest possible braking distance, the
brake pedal must be applied firmly and held in this position until the vehicle has
come to a complete standstill.
The ABS is activated faster and more effectively with the intervention of the
brake assist system.
The brake assist function is automatically switched off when the brake pedal is
released.
Uphill start assist
The uphill start assist makes it easier to start off on steep hills. The system holds
the brake pressure produced by the activation of the brake pedal for approx.
2 seconds after the brake pedal is released. The driver can therefore move his
foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal and start off on the slope,
without having to actuate the handbrake. The brake pressure drops gradually the
more you operate the accelerator pedal. If the vehicle does not start off within 2
seconds, it starts to roll back.
The uphill start assist is active as of a 5 % slope, if the driver door is closed. It is
always active on slopes when in forward or reverse start off. When driving down-
hill, it is inactive. ÐAntilock brake system (ABS)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 93.
ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking. Thus helping the driver to main-
tain control of the vehicle.
ä The intervention of the ABS is noticeable from the
pulsating movements of the
brake pedal which is accompanied by noises.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal during the intervention of the
ABS. The ABS deactivates if the brake pedal is released. Never interrupt the appli-
cation of the brakes during the intervention of the ABS! Ð Traction control system (TCS)
Fig. 97
TCS button
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 93.
The TCS is automatically activated after starting the engine. If the wheels are
slipping, the TCS adapts the engine speed to the conditions of the road surface.
The TCS makes it much easier to start off, accelerate and climb steep hills even if
the conditions of the road surface are unfavourable.
The TCS should normally always be switched on. It may be advisable to switch off
the system in certain exceptional circumstances, such as:
› when driving with snow chains;
› when driving in deep snow or on a very loose surface;
› when it is necessary to
“rock a vehicle free” when it has got stuck.
Ensure the TCS is switched on again afterwards.
During an intervention of the system, the TCS warning light  flashes in the in-
strument cluster.
The TCS warning light  » page 21 lights up in the instrument cluster when there
is a fault on the TCS. £
ä
96 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