2007 SKODA OCTAVIA Brake

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights33
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
If there is a fault in the ABS which also in
fluences the function of the normal brake
system (e.g. distribution of brake pressure), the ABS warning light
 comes on
together with the brake system warning light . Be aware that not only the ABS but
also another part of th brake system is defective ⇒.
3 peeps sound as an additional warning signal.
One should get used to high pedal forces, long braking distances and long free play
of the brake pedal when driving to the next specialist garage.
For further information on the brake system ⇒page 184, “Brakes”.
Handbrake applied
The warning light
 also comes on if the handbrake is applied. An audible warning
is also given if you drive the vehicle for at least 3 seconds at a speed of more than 6
km/h.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Handbrake on!
WARNING
•Pay attention to the following instructions ⇒page 210, “Working in the
engine compartment” before checking the brake fluid level and opening the
bonnet.
•If the brake system warning light  does not go out a few seconds after
switching on the ignition or comes on when driving, stop immediately and
check the brake fluid in the reservoir ⇒page 217, “Brake fluid”. If the fluid
level has dropped below the MIN marking, do not drive any further - risk of
accident! Contact a Škoda dealer to obtain professional assistance.
Seat belt warning light* 
The warning light  comes on after the ignition is switched on as a reminder to
fasten the seat belt. The warning light only goes out if the driver has fastened his
seat belt.
If the seat belt has not been fastened, a permanent warning signal sounds at vehicle
speeds greater than 20 km/h and simultaneously the warning light
 flashes. If the seat belt is not fastened during
the next 90 seconds, the warning signal is
deactivated and the warning light
 lights up permanently.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: Please fasten seatbelt!
For further information on the seat belts ⇒page 158, “Seat belts”.
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Seats and Stowage67
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Seats and Stowage
Front seats
Basic information
The front seats have a wide range of differ ent settings and can thus be matched to
the physical characteristics of the driver and front passenger. Correct adjustment of
the seats is particularly important for
•safely and quickly reaching the controls,
•a relaxed, fatigue-free body position,
•achieving the maximum protection offere d by the seat belts and the airbag
system.
WARNING
•Never transport more occupants than the maximum seating in the
vehicle.
•Each occupant must correctly fasten the seat belt belonging to the seat.
Children must be fastened ⇒page 173, “Transporting children safely” with
a suitable restraint system.
•The front seats and the head restraints must always be adjusted to match
the body size of the seat occupant as well as the seat belts must always be
correctly fastened in order to provide an optimal protection for you and your
occupants.
•Always keep your feet in the footwell when the car is being driven - never
place your feet on the instrument panel, out of the window or on the
surfaces of the seats. This is particularly important for the front seat
passenger. You will be exposed to increa sed risk of injury if it becomes
necessary to apply the brake or in the ev ent of an accident. If an airbag is
deployed, you may suffer fatal injuries when adopting an incorrect seated
position!
•It is important for the driver and front passenger to maintain a distance
of at least 25 cm from the steering wheel or dash panel. Not maintaining this minimum distance will mean that the airb
ag system will not be able to prop-
erly protect you - hazard! The front seats and the head restraints must
always also be correctly adjusted to match the body size of the occupant.
•Ensure that there are no objects in the footwell as any objects may get
behind the pedals during a driving or braking manoeuvre. You would then
no longer be able to operate the clutch, to brake or accelerate.
Adjusting the front seats
Adjusting a seat in a forward/back direction
–Pull the lever ⇒fig. 59 up and push the seat into the desired posi-
tion.
– Release the lever and push the seat further until the lock is heard to engage.
Adjusting height of seat*
– Lift the seat if required by pulling or pumping lever upwards.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 59 Controls at seat
A1
A1
A2
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Seats and Stowage
76
Operation of the pedals must not be hindered!
WARNING
•Greater pedal distances may be needed when there is a fault in the brake
system.
•Do not place any footmats or other additional floor coverings in the area
of the pedals in order to ensure that all the pedals can be fully depressed and
are able to return unobstructed to their initial position - risk of accident!
•There must be no objects on the floor which could roll under the pedals.
You would then no longer be able to apply the brakes, operate the clutch or
accelerator - risk of accident!
luggage compartment
Loading the luggage compartment
Please observe the following in the inte rest of having good handling char-
acteristics of your vehicle:
– Distribute the items of luggage as evenly as possible.
– Place heavy objects as far forward as possible.
– Attach the items of luggage to the lashing eyes or the safety net* ⇒page 77.
In the event of an accident, there is such a high kinetic energy which is produced by
small and light objects that they can caus e severe injuries. The magnitude of the
kinetic energy depends on the speed at wh ich the vehicle is travelling and on the
weight of the object. The speed at which the vehicle is travelling is in this case the
more significant factor.
Example: In the event of a frontal collision at a speed of 50 km/h, an unsecured
object with a weight of 4.5 kg produces an energy, which corresponds to 20 times
its own weight. This means that it results in a weight of approx. 90 kg. You can imagine the injuries that can occur, if this
“bullet” is flying through the interior
compartment and hits an occupant.
WARNING
•Store the objects in the luggage compartment and attach them to the
lashing eyes.
•Loose objects in the passenger compartment can be thrown forward
during a sudden manoeuvre or in case of an accident and can injure the
occupants or other oncoming traffic. This risk is still increased, if the objects
which are flying around are hit by a depl oyed airbag. In this case, the objects
which are thrown back can injure the occupants - hazard.
•Please note that the handling properti es of your vehicle may be affected
when transporting heavy objects as a result of the displacement of the
centre of gravity. The speed and style of driving must be adjusted accord-
ingly.
•The items carried in the luggage compar tment should be stored in such
a way that no objects are able to slip forward if there are any sudden driving
or braking manoeuvres undertaken - risk of injury!
•Never drive with the boot lid fully opened or slightly ajar otherwise
exhaust gases may get into the interior of the vehicle - risk of poisoning!
•On no account exceed the permissible axle loads and the permissible
gross weight of the vehicle - risk of accident!
•Never transport occupants in the luggage compartment!
Caution
Please ensure that the heating elements of the rear window heater are not
damaged as a result of objects sliding in this area.
Note
Tyre pressure must be adjusted to the load ⇒page 223, fig. 204 .
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Seats and Stowage
94
Closing stowage compartment
– Open the lid up to the stop, then you can fold it downwards.
Setting height
– First of all fold the lid to the bottom and lift it in the direction of arrow
into one of the 4 fixed positions.
Adjusting in forward/back direction
– Push the lid into the desired position.
Opening air inlet
– Pull the lock in upward direction ⇒fig. 108 .
Closing air inlet
– Push the lock as far as the stop downwards.
On vehicles fitted with air conditioning, the storage compartment is equipped with
a lockable inlet for thermally treated (warmed-up) air.
At open air supply, air flows into the storage with a temperature which is as high as
the one out of the air outlet nozzles, depending on temperature setting.
The air inlet in the storage compar tment is connected to position
 through
adjustment of the control dial for air distribution. This po sition causes the
maximum amount of air to flow into the storage compartment (depending on the
rotary regulator position for the fan).
You can use the storage compartment, for example, to temper drinks cans, etc.
If you do not use the air inlet in the storage compartment, the end cover
should always be kept closed.
Note
Push the lid of the armrest up to stop to the rear before operating the handbrake.
Stowage compartment in rear centre console*
The storage compartment is equipped with a removeable insert.
– Open the storage compartment by pulling on the upper edge of the storage compartment in the direction of arrow ⇒fig. 109 .
WARNING
The storage compartment is not a substitute for the ashtray and must also
not be used for such purposes - risk of fire!
AA
AA
Fig. 109 Centre console
at rear: Storage compart-
ment
AA
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Starting-off and Driving117
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Ignition lock
Petrol engines
- ignition switched off, engine off, the steering can be locked.
- ignition switched on
- start engine
Diesel engines - interruption of fuel supply, ignition switched off, engine off, the steering can
be locked.
- heating glow plugs on, ignition switched on
•You should not switch on any major elec trical components during the heating
period otherwise the vehicle batter y will be drained unnecessarily.
- start engine
Applies to all models:
Position
To lock the steering , with the ignition key withdrawn, turn the steering wheel until
the steering locking pin is heard to engage. You should always lock the steering as
a general rule if you leave your vehicle. This acts as a deterrent against possible theft
of your vehicle ⇒.
Position Move the steering wheel back and forward
a little if the ignition key cannot, or
cannot easily be turned into this position, in order to release the steering lock.
Position
The engine is started in this position. At the same time switched on low beam or
main beam or other electrical compon ents with major power consumption are
briefly switched off. The ignition key moves back into position when one
releases the key.
The ignition key must be turned back into position each time before starting the
engine again. The starter repeat lock in th e ignition lock prevents the starter being
engaged when the engine is ru nning and thus getting damaged.
Ignition key withdrawal lock (automatic gearbox)
You can only withdraw the ignition key after switching off the ignition if the selector
lever is in position P.
WARNING
•When driving, the ignition key must always be in the position (igni-
tion 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 unex-
pected locking of the steering wheel - risk of accident!
•Only remove the ignition key from the ignition lock when the vehicle has
come to a standstill (put on the handbrake or select the selector lever posi-
tion P). The steering lock can enga ge immediately - risk of accident!
•Always withdraw the ignition key if you are going to leave the vehicle,
even for a short time. This is particularly important if children are left in the
vehicle. The children might otherwise star t the engine or switch on electrical
equipment (e.g. power windows) - risk of accident or injury!
Fig. 132 Ignition lock
positions
A1
A2
A3
A1
A2
A3
A1
A2
A3
A2
A1
A2
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Starting-off and Driving
118
Starting the engine
General
You can only start the engine only using an original ignition key.
•Place the gearshift lever into neutral (or place the selector lever to the position
P or N in the case of an automatic gearbox) and put on the handbrake firmly before
starting the engine.
•The clutch pedal should be fully depressed when starting the engine which
means that the starter only has to crank the engine.
•Let go of the key as soon as the engine starts otherwise there may be damage
to the starter.
The engine running noises ma y louder at first be louder for a short time after
starting the cold engine until oil pressure can be built up in the hydraulic valve
clearance compensation. This is quite no rmal and is not an operating problem.
If the engine does not start ...
You can use the battery of anothe r vehicle as a jump-start aid ⇒page 238.
It is only possible to tow-start vehicles fitted with a manual gearbox. The tow-
starting distance must not be more than 50 metres ⇒page 242.
WARNING
•Never run the engine in non ventilat ed or enclosed areas. The exhaust
gases of the engine contain besides the odorless and colourless carbon
monoxide a poisonous gas - hazard! Carbon monoxide can cause uncon-
sciousness and death.
•Never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running.
Caution
•The starter may only be operated (ignition key position ), if the engine is not
running. If the starter is immediately operated after switching off the engine, the
starter or the engine can be damaged.
•Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttle and high engine loads as long as the
engine has not yet reached its normal oper ating temperature - risk of damaging the
engine!
•Vehicles which are fitted with an exhaust gas catalytic conver ter should not be
tow-started over a distance of more than 50 metres.
For the sake of the environment
Never warm up the engine when the vehicle is standing. Drive off right away.
Through this the engine reaches its operating temperature more rapidly and the
pollutant emissions are lower.
Petrol engines
These engines are fitted with a starter system which selects the correct fuel/air
mixture for every external air temperature.
•Do not operate accelerator befo re and when starting engine.
•Interrupt the attempt at starting after 10 seconds if the engine does not start
right awayand wait for about 30 seconds before repeating the attempt.
•It is possible that the fuse on the electrical fuel pump is defect if the engine still
does not start. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary ⇒page 243.
•Contact the nearest specialist garage to obtain professional assistance.
It may be necessary, if the engine is very hot, to slightly depress the accelerator
after the engine has started.
Diesel engines
Glow plug system
Diesel engines are equipped with a glow plug system, the preglow period being
controlled automatically in line with the coolant temperature and outside temper-
ature.
The preglow indicator light
 comes on after the igniti on has been switched on.
A3
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Starting-off and Driving119
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
You should not switch on any major electrical components during the heating
period otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
•You should start the engine immediately after the glow plug warning light 
has gone out.
•The glow plug warning light will come on for about one second if the engine is
at a normal operating temperature or if th e outside temperature is above +5°C. This
means that you can start the engine right away.
•Interrupt the attempt at starting after 10 seconds if the engine does not start
right awayand wait for about 30 seconds before repeating the attempt.
•It is possible that the fuse on the diesel preglow system is defect if the engine
still does not start. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary ⇒page 243.
•Contact the nearest specialist garage to obtain professional assistance.
Starting the engine after the fuel tank has run dry
It may take longer than normal to start the engine after refuelling if the fuel tank has
run completely dry - up to one minute. This is because the fuel system must first of
all be filled while the attempting to start the engine.
Switching off the engine
– The engine can be switched off by turning the ignition key from posi- tion ⇒page 117, fig. 132 into position .
WARNING
•Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary - risk of acci-
dent!
•The brake booster only operates when the engine is running. Greater
physical effort for braking is required when engine is switched off. Because
if you do not stop as normal, this can cause an accident and severe injuries.
Caution
you should not switch the engine off right away at the end of your journey after the
engine has been operated for a lengthy peri od at high loads but should be allowed
it to run at idling speed for about 2 minutes. This prevents any accumulation of heat
when the engine is switched off.
Note
•The radiator fan may continue running fo r a further 10 minutes or so after the
engine and the ignition have been switched off. The coolant fan may, however, also
switch on again after some time if the coolant temperature rises because of an
accumulation of heat in the engine or if the engine is warm and the engine
compartment is additionally heated by strong sunlight.
•This is why particular care is required when carrying out any work in the engine
compartment ⇒page 210, “Working in the engine compartment”.
Shifting (manual gearbox)
Shift into reverse only when the car is stationary. Depress the clutch pedal and hold
it fully depressed. Wait a moment before engaging reverse gear in order to avoid
any shift noises.
A1
Fig. 133 The shift
pattern: 5-speed or 6-
speed manual gearbox
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Starting-off and Driving
120
The reversing lights will come on once reverse gear is engaged, provided the igni-
tion is on.
WARNING
Never engage the reverse gear when driving - risk of accident!
Note
•One should not lay the hand on the shift lever while driving the vehicle. The
pressure of the hand will be transferred to the gearshift forks in the gearbox. This
can, over a period of time, lead to early wear of the gearshift forks.
•Depress the clutch pedal fully when chan ging gears, in order to avoid unneces-
sary wear and damage.
Handbrake
Applying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up fully. Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up slightly
and at the same time press in the
locking button ⇒fig. 134 .
– Hold the button pressed and push the handbrake lever down fully ⇒ .
The handbrake warning light  lights up when the handbrake is applied, provided
the ignition is on.
A warning signal sounds and the following text appears in the display* if you have
inadvertently driven off with the handbrake applied:
Handbrake on
The handbrake warning is activated if you drive at a speed of more than 6 km/h for
more than 3 seconds.
WARNING
•Please note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake
which is only partially released can re sult in the rear brakes overheating
which will have a negative effect on the operation of the brake system - risk
of accident! In addition this can result in premature wear of the rear brake
pads.
•Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. The children might, for
example, release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear. The vehicle
might then move off - risk of accident!
Caution
After the car has come to a stop, always firs t of all apply the handbrake firmly before
then additionally engaging a gear (manual gearbox) or moving the selector lever
into position P (automatic gearbox).
Fig. 134 Centre console:
Handbrake
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