2006 SKODA OCTAVIA wheel

Air outlet vents
Fig. 86
Air vents at the front Fig. 87
Air vents at the rear
Opening
› Turn the vertical wheel
» Fig. 86 (not into the end position).
Closing
› Turn the vertical wheel
» Fig. 86 into the end position. Changing the air flow direction
›
Swivel upward or downward the grille of the vents in order to change the direc-
tion of the air flow using the vertically arranged thumbwheel » Fig. 86.
› Turn the horizontal thumbwheel on the vent to the right or left in order to
change the air flow to the appropriate side. The thumbweels are located on the
air outlet vents 3, 4 » Fig. 86 and 6 » Fig. 87.
The air outlet vents 3, 4 » Fig. 86 and 6 » Fig. 87 can be closed and opened indi-
vidually.
The air outlet vents 6 » Fig. 87 are only fitted on vehicles with the higher centre
console.
Warmed, unwarmed or cooled air will flow out of the air outlet vents according to
the setting of the regulator of the heating or the air conditioning system and the
atmospheric conditions. Note
The air outlet vents 2 » Fig. 86 ensure in the ventilation and cooling mode for a
comfortable (no-draught) ventilation of the interior of the vehicle, also if the air
outlet vents 4 » Fig. 86 are closed. Ð Heating
Using the system
Fig. 88
Heating: Control elements £
80 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

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