2006 SKODA OCTAVIA deactivate airbag

Using the system
Cockpit
Overview
Electric windows 34
Electric exterior mirror adjustment 52
Air outlet vents 80
Lever for the multifunction switch:
› Turn signal light, headlight and parking light, headlight flasher 45
› Speed regulating system 99
Steering wheel:
› With horn
› With driver’s front airbag 130
› with pushbuttons for radio, navigation system and mobile
phone 108, 118
Instrument cluster: Instruments and warning lights 8
Lever for the multifunction switch:
› Multifunction display 12
› Windscreen wiper and wash system 48
Regulator for front left seat heating 57
Air outlet vents 80
Switch for hazard warning lights 44
Storage compartment on the dash panel 72
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Radio
› Navigation system
Regulator for front right seat heating 57
Storage compartment on the front passenger side 71
Key switch for switching off the front passenger airbag (in front
passenger storage compartment) 133
Front passenger airbag 130
Fuse box (on side of dash panel) 190
Light switch 401
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18 Regulator for the instrument lighting and regulator for the head-
light beam range adjustment 43, 44
Bonnet release lever 160
Storage compartment on the driver's side 71
Lever for adjusting the steering wheel 92
Ignition lock 93
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Operating controls for the heating 80
› Operating controls for the air conditioning system 82
› Operating controls for Climatronic 85
TCS switch 96
Front and rear parking aid 98
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Gearshift lever (manual gearbox) 97
› Selector lever (automatic gearbox) 103
Tyre pressure monitoring system 175
Depending on equipment fitted:
› Ashtrays 68
› Storage compartment 72
Warning light for the deactivated front seat passenger airbag 133
Note
The arrangement of the controls and switches and the location of some items on
right-hand drive models may differ from that shown in »
Fig. 1. The symbols on
the controls and switches are the same as for left-hand drive models. Ð 19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
7
Cockpit

Airbag system 
If the warning light  lights up, there is a fault in the airbag system.
The following is displayed in the information display: Error: Airbag
The functionality of the airbag system is monitored electronically even if one of
the airbags is switched off.
If a front, side or head airbag or belt tensioner has been switched off using the
vehicle system tester:
› The warning light
 lights up for around 4
seconds after switching on the igni-
tion and then flashes approximately another 12 seconds in 2 second intervals.
The following is displayed in the information display: Airbag/belt tensioner deactivated!
The following applies if the airbag has been switched off using the key switch
in the storage compartment: › The warning light
 comes on for 4 seconds after the ignition has been switch-
ed on.
› Switching off the airbag is indicated by the lighting up of the warning light

 (airbag switched off) in the middle of the dash panel » page 133.WARNING
If there is a fault, have the airbag system checked immediately by a ŠKODA
specialist garage. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being activated in
the event of an accident. ÐTyre control display 
The warning light  lights up, if there is a substantial drop in inflation pressure in
one of the tyres. Check and adjust the pressure in all tyres » page 170.
An audible signal sounds as a warning signal.
If the warning light  lights up, there is a fault in the system.
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
Further information »

page 175, Tyre control display. Note
If the battery has been disconnected, the warning light  illuminates after the ig-
nition is switched on. The warning light should go out after driving a short dis-
tance. Ð Windscreen washer fluid level 
If the windscreen washer fluid level is too low, the warning light  comes on. Top
up with liquid » page 165.
The following is displayed in the information display: Top up wash fluid! Ð Switching off traction control system (TCS) 
The ASR is switched off by pressing the button » Fig. 96
on page 95 and the
warning light  illuminates.
The following is displayed in the information display: Traction control (ASR) deactivated. Ð Turn signal system 

Either the left  or right  warning light flashes depending on the position of the
turn signal lever.
If a turn signal light fails, the warning light flashes at twice its normal rate. This
does not apply when towing a trailer.
Switching off the hazard warning light system is switched on will cause all of the
turn signal lights as well as both warning lights to flash.
Further information » page 45, Turn signal and main beam lever .Ð Fog lights 
The warning light  comes on when the fog lights are operating » page 42.Ð
24 Using the system

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

›
The windows open while the key
is held in the unlock position.
› The warning light in the driver door stops flashing if the car is not fitted with an
anti-theft alarm system
» page 31.Note
If the vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft alarm system, you must insert the key
into the ignition lock and switch the ignition on within 15 seconds after unlocking
the door in order to deactivate the anti-theft alarm system. The alarm is trig-
gered if the ignition is not switched on within 15 seconds. ÐLocking the vehicle with the key
› Turn the key in the locking cylinder of the driver's door in the opposite direction
of travel (lock position) B
» Fig. 11
on page 28.
› The doors, the boot lid and the fuel filler flap are locked.
› The switched on interior lights will switch off over the door contact.
› The windows and the electric sliding/tilting roof close while the key
is held in
the lock position.
› The safe securing system is immediately activated.
› The warning light in the driver door begins flashing. Note
If the driver's door has been opened, the vehicle cannot be locked. ÐVehicle locking/unlocking from the inside
Fig. 12
Centre console: Central locking
button
If the vehicle was not locked from the outside, you can also unlock and lock it
with the rocker switch » Fig. 12 without the ignition switched on. Locking all doors and the boot lid
› Press the button in the area  » Fig. 12. The symbol
 in the button comes on.
Unlocking all doors and the boot lid
› Press the button in the area  » Fig. 12. The symbol 
in the button is no longer
illuminated.
The following applies if your vehicle has been locked using the central locking
button.
› It is not possible to open the doors or the boot lid from the outside (safety fea-
ture, e.g. when stopping at traffic lights etc.).
› The doors can be unlocked and opened from the inside by pulling on the open-
ing 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.
› If at least one door has been opened, the vehicle cannot be locked.
› In the event of an accident in which the airbags are deployed, the locked doors
are automatically unlocked from the inside in order to enable rescuers to gain
access to the vehicle.
The central locking button can be used to control the convenience opening and
closing of the windows »

page 36. WARNING
The central locking system also operates if the ignition is switched off. Chil-
dren should never be left unattended in the vehicle since it is difficult to pro-
vide assistance from the outside when the doors are locked. Locked doors
make it difficult for rescuers to get into the vehicle in an emergency - hazard! Note
If the safe securing system is activated » page 28, the door opening lever and the
central locking buttons do not operate. Ð
29
Unlocking and locking

Correct seated position for the driver
Fig. 110
The correct distance of the driver to the steering wheel/The correct
head restraint adjustment
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 122.
For your own safety and to reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident,
we recommend the following setting.
› Adjust the steering wheel so that the distance A
» Fig. 110 between the steer-
ing wheel and your chest is at least 25 cm.
› Adjust the driver’s seat in the forward/back direction so that the pedals can be
fully depressed with slightly bent legs.
› Adjust the seat backrest so that the highest point of the steering wheel can be
reached with your arms at a slight angle.
› Adjust the head restraint so that the top edge B
of the head restraint is at the
same level as the upper part of your head.
› Correctly fasten the seat belt
» page 125, Seat belts.
Manual driver seat adjustment » page 55, Manually adjusting the front seats .
Electrical driver seat adjustment » page 55, Adjusting front seats electrically .Ð Correct seated position for the front passenger
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 122.ä
ä For the safety of the front passenger and to reduce the risk of injury in the event
of an accident, we recommend the following setting.
› Position the front passenger seat back as far as possible. The front passenger
must maintain a distance of at least 25
cm to the dash panel so that the airbag
offers the greatest possible safety if it is deployed.
› Adjust the head restraint such that the top edge of the head restraint is at the
same level as the upper part of your head B
» Fig. 110
on page
123.
› Correctly fasten the seat belt
» page 125.
In exceptional cases the front passenger airbag can be deactivated » page 133,
Deactivating airbags .
Manual front passenger adjustment » page 55, Manually adjusting the front
seats .
Electrical front passenger seat adjustment » page 55, Adjusting front seats elec-
trically. Ð Correct seated position for the occupants on the rear seats
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 122.
To reduce the risk of injury in the event of a sudden braking manoeuvre or an ac-
cident, the occupants on the rear seats must observe the following.
› Adjust the head restraint such that the top edge of the head restraint is at the
same level as the upper part of the head B
» Fig. 110 on page 123.
› Correctly fasten the seat belt
» page 125, Seat belts.
› Use a suitable child restraint system if transporting children in the vehi-
cle » page 135, Transporting children safely . Ð
ä
123
Passive Safety

Airbag system
Description of the airbag system
Introductory information
The operational readiness of the airbag system is monitored electronically. The
airbag warning light  comes on for a few seconds each time the ignition is
switched on »
page 24.
The airbags inflate in fractions of a second and at a high speed to offer additional
protection in the event of an accident.
The airbag system (according to vehicle equipment) consists of: › an electronic control unit;
› Front airbags for the driver and front seat passenger
» page 130;
› side airbags » page 131;
› head airbags » page 132;
› an airbag warning light in the instrument cluster
» page 24;
› a key switch for the front seat passenger airbag
» page 133;
› an warning light in the middle of the dash panel to indicate the front seat pas-
senger airbag is switched off » page 133.
A fault in the airbag system exists if:
› the warning light
 does not illuminate when the ignition is switched on;
› the warning light
 does not go out 4 seconds after the ignition is switched on;
› the warning light
 goes out and comes on again after the ignition is switched
on;
› the warning light
 comes on or flashes when driving;
› the warning light in the middle of the dash panel for the deactivated front seat
passenger airbag flashes. WARNING
■ The airbag is not a substitute for the seat belt, but instead forms part of the
complete passive vehicle safety concept. Please note that an airbag can only
offer you optimal protection in combination with a seat belt which is fas-
tened.
■ To ensure passengers are protected with the greatest possible effect when
the airbag is deployed, the front seats must be correctly adjusted to match
the body size »
page 122, Correct seated position .
■ If you do not fasten the seat belts when driving, lean too far forward or
adopt an incorrect seated position, you are exposing yourself to increased risk
of injury in the event of an accident. ■ If there is a fault, have the airbag system checked immediately by a ŠKODA
specialist garage. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being activated in
the event of an accident.
■ No modifications of any kind must be made to parts of the airbag system.
Any work on the airbag system including the installation and removal of sys-
tem components due to other repair work (e.g. removal of the steering wheel)
must only be carried out by a

ŠKODA specialist garage.
■ Never make any changes to the front bumper or bodywork.
■ It is prohibited to manipulate individual parts of the airbag system as this
might result in the airbag being deployed. ■ The protective function of the airbag system is sufficient for only one acci-
dent. The airbag system must then be replaced if the airbag has been de-
ployed.
■ The airbag system needs no maintenance during its working life.
■ If you sell your vehicle, provide the complete vehicle documentation to the
new owner. Please note that the information relating to the possibility of de-
activating the front passenger airbag must be included! ■ When disposing of vehicle or parts of the airbag system, it is important to
comply with the national legal requirements. Ð When are the airbags deployed?
The airbag system is only functional when the ignition is switched on.
In certain accident situations, the several airbags may be deployed simultaneous-
ly.
The airbags are not deployed in the case of minor frontal and side collisions, rear-
end collisions, tilting of the vehicle and vehicle rollover. £
129
Airbag system

WARNING (Continued)
■ The airbag control unit operates with sensors located in the front doors. For
this reason no adjustments must be carried out to the doors and door panels
(e.g. additional installation of loudspeakers). Resulting damages can have a
negative affect on the operation of the airbag system. All work on the front
doors and their panels must only be carried out by a
ŠKODA specialist garage.
■ There must no other persons (e.g. children) or animals between the passen-
ger and the deployment area of the head airbag. In addition, none of the occu-
pants should lean their head out of the window when driving, or extend their
arms and hands out of the window.
■ The sun visors must not be swivelled towards the side windows in the de-
ployment area of the head airbags if any objects, such as ball-point pens, etc.
are attached to them. This might result in injuries to the occupants if the head
airbag is deployed.
■ The installation of impermissible accessories in the vicinity of the head air-
bags can considerably impair the protection offered by the head airbag in the
event of it being deployed. When the deployed head airbag is inflated, parts of
the fitted accessories could be thrown into the interior of the car and injure
the occupants » page 177, Accessories, changes and replacement of parts .Ð Deactivating airbags
Deactivating airbags
Deactivation of airbags is envisaged only for particular instances, such as if:
› using a child seat on the front passenger seat, in which the child has its back to
the vehicle's direction of travel (in some countries this must be in the direction
of travel due to different legal regulations applying) » page 135, Transporting
children safely ;
› not being able to maintain a distance of at least 25 cm between the middle of
the steering wheel and chest, despite the driver's seat being correctly adjusted;
› special attachments are required in the area of the steering wheel because of a
physical disability;
› other seats have been installed (e.g. orthopaedic seats without side airbags).
The front passenger airbag can be switched off with the key-operated
switch » page 133 , Key switch for the front seat passenger airbag .
We recommend that you ask a

ŠKODA Service Partner to switch off any other air-
bags. Monitoring the airbag system
The functionality of the airbag system is monitored electronically even if one of
the airbags is switched off.
If the airbag was switched off using diagnostic equipment:
› The airbag warning light
 illuminates for around 4

seconds after the ignition is
switched on and then flashes approximately another 12 seconds in 2 second in-
tervals.
The following applies if the airbag has been switched off using the key switch
in the storage compartment:
› The airbag warning light
 comes on for around 4 seconds after the ignition is
switched on;
› The deactivated airbag is indicated by the illumination of the warning light

 in the middle of the dash panel » Fig. 120 on page 133 3
.
Note
■ The national regulations for switching off airbags must be observed.
■ A ŠKODA Service Partner will be able to inform you which airbags in your vehicle
can/must be deactivated. Ð Key switch for the front seat passenger airbag
Fig. 120
Storage compartment: Key-operated switch for the front passenger
airbag/warning light for front seat passenger airbag deactivation
Only the front passenger airbag is deactivated with the key switch.
Deactivating an airbag › Switch off the ignition.
› Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch into position 2
» Fig. 120 OFF.
£
133
Airbag system

›
Check whether the warning light
   in the middle of the dash panel 3
lights up when the ignition is switched on.
Activating an airbag
› Switch off the ignition.
› Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch into position 1
» Fig. 120 ON.
› Ensure that the warning light

 in the middle of the dash panel 3
does
not light up when the ignition is switched on.
Warning light 
  (airbag switched off)
If the front passenger airbag is switched off, the warning light comes on for
about 4 seconds after the ignition is switched on.
There is a system fault in the deactivated airbag » if the airbag warning light
flashes. Immediately visit a ŠKODA specialist garage. WARNING
■ The driver is responsible for whether the airbag is switched on or switched
off.
■ Only switch off the airbag when the ignition is switched off! Otherwise a
fault can occur in the system for deactivating the airbag. ■ If the airbag warning light 
  (airbag switched off) flashes, the front
passenger airbag will not be deployed in the event of an accident! Have the
airbag system checked by a ŠKODA specialist garage immediately. Ð134
Safety