2006 SKODA OCTAVIA towing

Table of Contents
Abbreviations
Using the system
Cockpit 7
Overview 6
Instruments and warning lights 8
Instrument cluster 8
Multifunction display (onboard computer) 12
MAXI DOT (information display) 15
Warning lights 18
Unlocking and locking 26
Vehicle key 26
Child safety lock 27
Central locking system 27
Remote control 30
Anti-theft alarm system 31
Boot lid 33
Electric power windows 34
Electric sliding/tilting roof 37
Lights and visibility 39
Lights 39
Interior light 45
Visibility 47
Windscreen wipers and washers 48
Rear window 51
Seats and Stowage 54
Front seats 54
Seat heaters 57
Head restraints 58
Rear seats 59
Boot 60Variable loading floor in the boot 64
Net partition (Combi) 65
Roof rack system 66
Cup holder 68
Ashtray 68
Cigarette lighter, 12-volt power socket 69
Storage compartments 70
Clothes hooks 77
Parking ticket holder 77
Heating and air conditioning system 79
Heating and air conditioning system 79
Air outlet vents 80
Heating 80
Air conditioning system (manual air conditioning
system) 82
Climatronic (automatic air conditioning
system) 85
Auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and
ventilation) 87
Starting-off and Driving 91
Starting and stopping the engine 91
Brakes and brake assist systems 93
Shifting (manual gearbox) 97
pedals 97
Parking aid 98
Cruise control system (CCS) 99
START/STOP 100
Automatic gearbox 102
Automatic gearbox 102
Communication 107
Mobile phones and two-way radio systems 107
Operating the phone on the multifunction
steering wheel 108
Symbols in the information display 109
Phone Phonebook 109
Universal telephone preinstallation GSM II 109
Universal telephone preinstallation GSM IIl 112Voice control 116
Multimedia 118
Safety
Passive Safety 121
General information 121
Correct seated position 122
Seat belts 125
Seat belts 125
Airbag system 129
Description of the airbag system 129
Front airbags 130
Side airbags 131
Head airbags 132
Deactivating airbags 133
Transporting children safely 135
Child seat 135
Driving Tips
Driving and the Environment 139
The first 1 500 km 139
Catalytic converter 139
Economical and environmentally friendly
driving 140
Environmental compatibility 142
Driving abroad 143
Avoiding damage to your vehicle 143
Driving through water on the street 144
Towing a trailer 145
Towing a trailer 145
General Maintenance
Taking care of and cleaning the vehicle 148
Taking care of your vehicle 148
3
Table of Contents

Inspecting and replenishing 155
Fuel 155
Engine compartment 158
Vehicle battery 165
Wheels and Tyres 170
Tyres 170
Accessories, changes and replacement of parts 177
Introductory information 177
Changes and impairments of the airbag
system 177
Do-it-yourself
Do-it-yourself 178
First-aid kit and warning triangle 178
Fire extinguisher 178
Vehicle tool kit 179
Changing a wheel 179
Breakdown kit 182
Jump-starting 185
Towing the vehicle 186
Fuses and light bulbs 189
Fuses 189
Bulbs 191
Technical data
Technical data 197
Introductory information 197
Data on the vehicle data sticker and the type
plate 197
Dimensions 198
Specifications and engine oil capacity 200
Vehicle-specific information depending on
engine type 201
Multi-purpose vehicles (AF) 207 Index
4 Table of Contents

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

Locking
The turn signal lights flash once to confirm that the vehicle has been correctly
locked.
If the doors or the boot lid remain open after the vehicle has been locked, the
turn signal lights do not flash until they have been closed.
WARNING
If the car is locked from the outside and the safe securing system is activated,
there must not be any person in the car as it is then not possible to open ei-
ther a door or a window from the inside. The locked doors make it more diffi-
cult for rescuers to get into the vehicle in an emergency - hazard! Note
■ Only operate the remote control when the doors and boot lid are closed and the
vehicle is in your line of sight. ■ To avoid the car being locked inadvertently once in the car, the lock button of the remote control must not be pressed before the key is inserted into the ig-
nition lock. Should this happen, press the unlock button
 of the remote control.
ÐSynchronisation
If the vehicle cannot be unlocked by actuating the remote control system then it
is possible that the code in the key and the control unit in the vehicle are no lon-
ger synchronised. This can occur when the buttons on the radio-operated key are
actuated a number of times outside of the operative range of the equipment or
the battery on the remote control was replaced.
This means it is necessary to synchronise the code as follows:
› press any button on the remote control key;
› pressing of the button means that the door will unlock with the key within 1 mi-
nute. Ð Anti-theft alarm system
Introductory information
The anti-theft alarm system increases the level of protection against people
seeking to break into the vehicle. The system triggers audible and visual warning
signals if an attempt is made to break into the vehicle.
How is the alarm system activated?
The anti-theft alarm system is activated when the vehicle is locked with the radio
remote control or the key in the driver's door . It is activated 30 seconds after
locking the door.
How is the alarm system deactivated?
The alarm system is deactivated by pressing the unlock button on the radio re-
mote control. The anti-theft alarm system is reactivated if the vehicle is not
opened within 30 seconds after transmitting the radio signal.
The alarm system is also deactivated if you unlock the driver door using the key
within 45 seconds of locking the vehicle.
If the vehicle is unlocked by inserting the key into the driver door, the key must
be inserted into the ignition lock and the ignition switched on within 15
seconds
of unlocking the door to deactivate the alarm system. The alarm is triggered if
the ignition is not switched on within 15 seconds.
When is the alarm triggered?
The following security areas of the locked vehicle are monitored: › bonnet;
› boot lid;
› doors;
› ignition lock;
› Vehicle inclination
» page 32;
› Interior of the vehicle
» page 32;
› A drop in voltage of the on-board power supply;
› Socket of the factory-fitted towing device.
An alarm is immediately triggered if either of the two battery terminals is discon-
nected while the anti-theft alarm system is activated.
How is the alarm switched off?
The alarm is switched off by unlocking the vehicle with the radio remote control
or switching on the ignition. £
31
Unlocking and locking

Note
■ The working life of the alarm siren is 5 years.
■ Before leaving the car, it must be checked that all of the windows, doors and
the electric sliding/tilting roof are properly closed to ensure the full functionality
of the anti-theft alarm system. ■ Coding of the radio remote control and the receiver unit precludes the use of
the radio remote control from other vehicles. ÐInterior monitor and towing protection monitoring
Fig. 14
Button for interior monitor and
towing protection monitoring
The interior monitor detects movements inside the car and then triggers the
alarm.
Switching off
› Switch off the ignition.
› Open the driver door.
› Press the button
 » Fig. 14 on the centre column on the driver side, the sym-
bol  that lights up in the button changes from red to orange.
› Lock the vehicle within 30 seconds.
The interior monitor and the towing protection monitoring are switched on again
automatically the next time the car is locked. Note
■ Switch off the interior monitor and the towing protection monitoring if there is
a possibility of the alarm being triggered by movements from (e.g. children or ani-
mals) within the vehicle interior or if the vehicle has to be transported (e.g. by
train or ship) or towed. ■ The opened glasses storage compartment reduces the effectiveness of the in-
terior monitor. To ensure the full functionality of the interior monitor, the glasses
storage compartment must always be closed before locking the vehicle. Ð Emergency locking of the doors
Fig. 15
Rear door: Emergency locking of
the door
An emergency locking mechanism is located on the face side of the doors which
have no locking cylinder, it is only visible after opening the door. › Remove the panel A
» Fig. 15.
› Insert the key into the opening under the panel and press the stopping lever B
as far as the stop toward the inside.
› Replace the cover.
After closing the door, it no longer be opened from the outside. The door can be
unlocked from the inside by pulling on the door handle again, and then opened
from the outside. Ð
32 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

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

Conditions for the automatic engine shut down (stop phase):
›
The gearshift lever is in Neutral.
› The clutch pedal is not depressed.
› The driver has fastened the seat belt.
› The driver's door is closed.
› The bonnet is closed.
› The vehicle is at a standstill.
› The factory-fitted towing device is not electrically connected to a trailer.
› The engine is at operating temperature.
› The charge state of the vehicle battery is sufficient.
› The stationary vehicle is not on a steep slope or a steep downhill section.
› The engine speed is less than 1
200 rpm.
› The temperature inside the vehicle battery is not too low or too high.
› There is sufficient pressure in the braking system.
› The difference between the outdoor- and the set temperature in the interior is
not too great.
› The vehicle speed since the last time the engine was switched off was greater
than 3 km/h.
› No cleaning of the diesel particle filter takes place
» page 23.
› The front wheels are not turned excessively (the steering angle is less than 3/4
of a steering wheel revolution).
Conditions for an automatic restart (start phase):
› The clutch pedal is depressed.
› The max./min. temperature is set.
› The defrost function for the windscreen is switched on.
› A high blower stage has been selected.
› The START STOP button is pressed.
Conditions for an automatic restart without driver intervention: › The vehicle moves at a speed of more than 3 km/h.
› The difference between the outdoor- and the set temperature in the interior is
too great.
› The charge state of the vehicle battery is not sufficient.
› There is insufficient pressure in the braking system.
If the driver's seat belt is removed for more than 30 seconds or the driver's door is
opened during stop mode, the engine must be started manually with the key. The
following messages in the instrument cluster display must be observed. Messages in the instrument cluster display (valid for vehicles without
Information display)
ERROR START STOP Error in the START-STOP system
START STOP NOT POSSIBLE Automatic engine shut down is not
possible.
START STOP ACTIVE Automatic engine shut down (stop
phase)
SWITCH OFF IGNITION Switch off the ignition.
START MANUALLY Start the engine manually. WARNING
■ The brake servo unit and power steering only operate if the engine is run-
ning.
■ Never let the vehicle roll with the engine switched off. CAUTION
Deactivate the START-STOP system before driving through water on the
street » page 144. Note
■ Changes to the outdoor temperature can have an effect on the internal temper-
ature of the vehicle battery even after several hours. If the vehicle remains out-
doors for a long time in minus temperatures or in direct sunlight, it can take sev-
eral hours until the internal temperature of the vehicle battery reaches a suitable
temperature for proper operation of the

START STOP system.
■ If the Climatronic is running in automatic mode, under certain conditions, the
engine may not switch off automatically. Ð 101
Starting-off and Driving