2006 SKODA OCTAVIA warning light

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To lock the steering , with the ignition key withdrawn, turn the steering wheel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

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

Increasing the speed with the rocker button B
›
Press the rocker button B
» Fig. 100 on page 99
into the RES position.
› The speed will increase continuously, if the rocker button is pressed and held in
the RES position. Release the rocker button once the desired speed is reached.
The set speed is then stored in the memory.
Decreasing the speed
› The stored speed can be
reduced by pressing the rocker button B
» Fig. 100
on page 99

into the position SET.
› The speed will decrease continuously, if the rocker button is pressed and held
in the SET position. Release the rocker button once the desired speed is
reached. The set speed is then stored in the memory.
› If the rocker button is released at a speed of less than 30 km/h, the speed is
not stored and the memory is erased. The speed must then be stored again by
pressing the rocker button B
in the position SET after increasing the speed of
the vehicle to more than 30

km/h.
The speed can also be reduced by depressing the brake pedal, which temporarily
deactivates the system. ÐSwitching off the cruise control system temporarily
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 99.
The cruise control system is
temporarily switched off
by pressing the switchA
» Fig. 100 on page 99
into the spring-tensioned position CANCEL or by de-
pressing the brake or clutch pedal.
The set speed remains stored in the memory.
Briefly press the rocker button B
into the position RES

to resume the stored
speed after the clutch or brake pedal is released. ÐSwitching off the cruise control system completely
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 99.
›
Turn the switch A
» Fig. 100 on page 99

into the OFF position. Ð
ä
ä START/STOP
Fig. 101
Button for the START-STOP sys-
tem
The START-STOP system helps you to save fuel while at the same time reducing
harmful exhaust emissions and CO 2 emissions.
The function is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on.
In the start-stop mode, the engine automatically switches to the vehicle's idle
phase, e.g. when stopped at traffic lights.
Information regarding the current state of the

START-STOP system is indicated in
the display of the instrument cluster.
Automatic engine shut down (stop phase)
› Stop the vehicle (where necessary, apply the handbrake).
› Take the vehicle out of gear.
› Release the clutch pedal.
Automatic renewed engine restart (start phase).
› Depress the clutch pedal.
Switching the
START-STOP system on and off
The START/STOP system can be switched on/off by pressing the button  » Fig. 101.
When start-stop mode is deactivated, the warning light in the button lights up.
If the vehicle is in the stop phase when manually switching off the system, the
engine starts immediately.
The

START-STOP system is very complex. Some of the procedures are hard to
check without servicing. The general conditions for the proper functioning of the
START-STOP system are listed in the following overview. £
100 Using the system