Contents
4
Important safety information regarding the use of seat
belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How are seat belts correctly fastened? . . . . . . . . . .
Belt tensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description of the airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deactivating an airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transporting children safely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What you should know about transporting children!
Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching a child seat using the “ISOFIX” system .
Attaching child seat using the “Top Tether” system
Driving Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intelligent Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic stability programme (ESP)* . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake booster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antilock brake system (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Assist* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Uphill-Start off-Assist* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electromechanical power steering . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre inflation pressure-control system* . . . . . . . . .
Diesel particle filter* (diesel engine) . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving and the Environment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The first 1 500 kilometres and then afterwards . .
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving in an economical and environmentally
conscious manner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Environmental compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Motoring abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Avoiding damage to your vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Detachable towing device* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the
vehicle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the exterior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the interior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspecting and Replenishing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield washer system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels and Tyres. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories, changes and replacement of partsAccessories and replacement parts . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakdown assistance. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakdown assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First-aid box* and Warning triangle* (Octavia) . .
First-aid box* and warning triangle* (Estate car) .
Fire extinguisher* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle tool kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre repair kit* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tow-starting and towing vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and light bulbs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Performances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel consumption according to the regulations
(99/100/EU) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.4 ltr./59 kW - EU4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.6 l/75 kW - EU 4, EU 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.6 l/85 kW FSI - EU 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.8 l/118 kW TFSI - EU 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.0 l/110 kW FSI - EU 4, EU 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.0 ltr./147 kW - EU 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.9 l/77 kW TDI PD - EU 4, EU 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.0 l/103 kW TDI PD - EU 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.0 l/100 kW TDI PD - EU 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.0 l/125 kW TDI PD DPF - EU 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
159
160
162
163
163
165
167
169
171
173
173
176
179
180
181
181
181
184
185
185
185
186
186
187
188
189
189
190
190
194
194
195 196
196
198
199
199
199
199
204
206
206
206
207
209
209
212
214
217
218
221
223
223
229
229
229
231
231
231
231
231
232
232
233233
238
239
243
243
248
255
255
255
255
255
255
255
256
257
258
260
262
264
266
268
270
272
274
276
279
NKO A5 20 MR08.book Page 4 Wednesday, April 11, 2007 2:54 PM
Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights21
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Auto Check Control*
Car state
The Auto Check Control carries out a check of certain functions and vehicle compo-
nents. The check is performed constantly when the ignition is switched on, both
when the vehicle is stationary, as well as when driving.
Operational faults, urgent repairs, service work or other information appear in the
display of the instrument cluster. The disp lays are shown with a red or yellow light
symbol depending on the priority of the message.
The red symbols indicate danger (priority 1) while the yellow symbols indicate a
warning (priortity 2). Information for the driver may also appear in addition to the
symbols ⇒page 24.
There is at least one error message to be read when the term Vehicle status is
flashing in the main menu. After selecting this menu the first of the error messages
is displayed. If there are several error messages, they are shown on the display
under the message e.g. 01/03 ⇒ fig. 15 . This display indicates that the first of a total
of three error messages should be displa yed. The respective symbols light up one
after the other in an interval of 5 seconds. Investigate the displayed faults as soon
as possible.
As long as the operational faults are not rectified, the symbols are always indicated
again. After the first display, the symbols are indicated without information for the
driver. If a fault occurs, a warning signal will also sound in addition to the symbol and text
in the display:
•Priority 1 - three warning signals
•Priority 2 - one warning signal
Red symbols
A red symbol signals danger.
Proceed as follows if a red symbol is displayed:
– Stop the vehicle.
– Switch the engine off.
– Investigate the function indicated.
– Obtain professional assistance.
Meaning of the red symbols:
Fig. 15 Information
display: Display of opera-
tional fault
Coolant level too low/coolant tempera-
ture too high⇒
page 28
Engine oil pressure too low⇒page 29
Fig. 16 Information
display: Oil pressure is
low
NKO A5 20 MR08.book Page 21 Wednesday, April 11, 2007 2:54 PM
Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
22
Three successive warning signals will sound if a red symbol appears.
If several operational faults of priority 1 exist, the symbols appear one after the
other and are each illuminated for about 5 seconds.
Yellow symbols
A yellow symbol signals a warning.
Check the relevant function as soon as possible.
The meaning of the yellow symbols:
One warning signal will sound if a yellow symbol appears.
If several operational faults of priority 2 exist, the symbols appear one after the
other and are each illuminated for about 5 seconds.
Set-up
You can change certain settings by means of the information display. The current
setting is shown on the information display in the respective menu at the top below
the line ⇒fig. 18 .
You can select the following information (depending on the equipment installed on
the vehicle):
•Time
•Winter tyres
•Language
•Units
•Lights & Vision&
•Aux. Heating (auxiliary heating)
•Back
After selecting the menu Back you will reach one level higher in the menu.
Set hours
Here you can set the time, the time format (12 or 24 hour indicator) and the time
change summer/winter time.
Fuel level low⇒ page 29
Check engine oil level,
engine oil sensor faulty⇒page 30
Brake pad worn⇒page 29
Washer fluid level low⇒page 29
Fig. 17 Information
display: Fuel level low
Fig. 18 Setting the clock
NKO A5 20 MR08.book Page 22 Wednesday, April 11, 2007 2:54 PM
Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights25
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
WARNING
•If you do not pay attention to the warning lights coming on and the corre-
sponding descriptions and warning notes, this may result in severe body
injuries or major vehicle damage.
•The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. There is a risk
of injuries, scalding, accidents and fire when working in the engine
compartment, e.g. inspecting and replenis hing oil and other fluids. It is also
essential to observe all warnings ⇒page 210.
Note
•Arrangement of the indicator lights de pends on the model and model version.
The symbols shown in the following function al description are to be found as indi-
cator lights in the instrument cluster.
•Operational faults are shown in the instrument cluster as red symbols (priority
1 - danger) or yellow symbols (priority 2 - warning).
Turn signal system
Either the left or right indicator light flashes depending on the position of the
turn signal lever.
The indicator light flashes at twice its normal rate if a turn signal light fails. 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 indicator lights to flash.
Further information about the turn signal system ⇒page 56.
Airbag system⇒page 28
Coolant temperature/coolant level⇒page 28
Brake pad wear*⇒page 29
Fluid level in windshield washer system*⇒page 29
Fuel reserve⇒page 29
Engine oil pressure⇒page 29
Bonnet⇒page 30
Open door*⇒page 30
Engine oil level*⇒page 30
Tyre pressure*⇒page 30
Selector lever lock*⇒page 31
*Speed regulating system*⇒page 31
Antilock brake system (ABS)⇒page 31
Traction control system (TCS)⇒page 31
Electronic stability programme (ESP)*⇒page 32
Dynamo⇒page 32
Brake system⇒page 32
Seat belt warning light*⇒page 33
NKO A5 20 MR08.book Page 25 Wednesday, April 11, 2007 2:54 PM
Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights29
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
STOP Check coolant! Owner's manual (STOP! Check coolant! Owner's
manual)
WARNING
•If you must stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe
distance from the traffic and switch off the engine and switch on the hazard
warning light system ⇒page 55.
•Take care when opening the coolant expa nsion bottle. If the engine is hot,
the cooling system is pressurized - risk of scalding! It is best to allow the
engine to cool down before removing the cap.
•Do not touch the coolant fan The coolant fan may switch on automati-
cally even if the ignition is off.
Thickness of the brake pads*
The warning light comes on for a few seconds 3) when the ignition is switched
on.
If the warning light
comes on, contact a specialist garage immediately and have
the brake pads on all of the wheels inspected.
A peep sounds as an addi tional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: Check brake pads!
Windshield washer fluid level*
The warning light comes on when the ignition is switched on if there is insuffi-
cient fluid in the windshield wash er system. Top up with liquid ⇒page 221.
A peep sounds as an addi tional warning signal. The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
To p u p w a s h f l u i d !
Fuel reserve
The warning light comes on, if the fuel level is still below 8 litres.
A peep sounds as an ad ditional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: Please refuel! (Please refuel!)
Note
The Text in the information display* goes out only after refuelling and driving a
short distance.
Engine oil pressure
The warning light comes on for a few seconds 4) when the ignition is switched
on.
Stop the vehicle and switch the engine off if the warning light does not go off
after the engine has started or flashes while driving. Check the oil level and top up
with oil as necessary ⇒page 213.
3 peeps sound as an additional warning signal.
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under the
conditions prev ailing to top up with oil. Keep the engine switched off and obtain
professional assistance from a specialist garage, otherwise it could lead to severe
engine damage.
Do not drive any further if the warning light flashes even if the oil is at the correct
level. Do not run the engine not at idling speed either. Contact the nearest specialist
garage to obtain professional assistance.
3)The warning light on vehicles fitted with information display does not come on after
switching the ignition on, but only if a fault exists.4)The warning light on vehicles fitted with information display does not come on after
switching the ignition on, but only if a fault exists or the engine oil level is too low.
NKO A5 20 MR08.book Page 29 Wednesday, April 11, 2007 2:54 PM
Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
30
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
STOP! Oil Pressure Engine off! Owner's manual
WARNING
•If you must stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe
distance from the traffic and switch off the engine and switch on the hazard
warning light system ⇒ page 55.
•The red oil pressure light is not an oil level indicator! One should
therefore check the oil level at regular intervals, preferably after every refu-
eling stop.
Bonnet
The warning light comes on if the bonnet is unlocked.
The warning light comes on even when the ignition is switched off. The warning
light goes out about 15 seconds after locking the vehicle.
Open door*
The warning light comes on if one or several door s are opened or if the boot lid
is opened.
The warning light on vehicles fitted wi th information display comes on when
switching the ignition off. The warning li ght goes out about 15 seconds after locking
the vehicle.
The warning light on vehicles fitted wi th information display goes out after
switching the ignition off.
Engine oil level*
Warning light lights up
If the warning light
lights up, the quantity of oil in the engine is probably too low.
Check as soon as possible the oil level or top up ⇒page 213 with engine oil.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: Check oil level!
The warning light will go out if the bonnet is left open for more than 30 seconds. If
no engine oil has been replenished, the warning light will come on again after
driving about 100 km.
Warning light
flashes
A fault on the engine oil level sensor is indicated additionally by an audible signal
and the warning light coming on several times after the ignition has been switched
on.
In this case have the engine inspecte d without delay by a specialist garage.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: Oil sensor workshop!
Tyre inflation pressure*
The warning light lights up, if there is a substantial drop in inflation pressure in
one of the tyres. Reduce the speed and check or correct as soon as possible the
inflation pressure in the tyres ⇒page 223.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
If the warning light flashes, there is a system fault. Visit the nearest specialist garage
and have the fault rectified.
Further information about tyre pressure-control system ⇒page 187.
NKO A5 20 MR08.book Page 30 Wednesday, April 11, 2007 2:54 PM
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
NKO A5 20 MR08.book Page 118 Wednesday, April 11, 2007 2:54 PM
Driving and the Environment
190
Catalytic converter
Proper operation of the emission co ntrol system (catalytic converter)
is of major significance for drivin g your vehicle in an environmen-
tally conscious way.
Please refer to the following guidelines:
– For vehicles with petrol engine only refuel with unleaded petrol
⇒ page 206, “Grades of petrol”.
– Never run the fuel tank completely empty.
– Do not switch off the ignition while you are driving the vehicle.
– Do not pour too much oil into the engine ⇒page 213, “Replenishing
engine oil”.
– Do not tow-start the vehicle over a distance of more than 50 metres
⇒ page 242, “Tow-starting a vehicle”.
If you drive your vehi cle in a country in which unleade d petrol is not available, you
must have the catalytic converter replaced later when driving the vehicle into a
country in which use of a cata lytic converter is mandatory.
WARNING
•In view of the high temperatures which may be produced in the catalytic
converter, one should always park a vehicle in such a way that the catalytic
converter cannot come into contact with easily flammable materials below
the vehicle - a risk of fire!
•Never use additional underbody protection or corrosion-protection
agents for the exhaust pipes, catalyti c converters or heat shields. Such
substances might ignite when driving - risk of fire!
Caution
•Vehicles fitted with catalytic converter should neve r be allowed to let the fuel
tank to run completely empty. An irregular fuel supply can result in poor ignition or misfiring. Unburnt fuel may get into the exhaust system and damage the catalytic
converter.
•Filling the tank even only once with le
aded petrol will result in the catalytic
converter being destroyed.
•If you detect misfiring, a drop in perf ormance or irregular engine running when
driving, reduce your speed immediately and have the vehicle inspected by the
nearest specialist garage. The symptoms described may be caused by a fault in the
ignition system. Unburnt fuel may get in to the exhaust system and damage the
catalytic converter.
For the sake of the environment
Even if the exhaust system is operating properly, a sulphur-like exhaust odour may
be produced under certain operating condit ions of the engine. This depends on the
sulphur content of the fuel. It is often su fficient to refuel with unleaded premium-
grade petrol of a different brand or at a different filling station.
Driving in an economical and environmentally
conscious manner
General
Your personal style of driving is a major factor.
Your fuel consumption, any pollution of the environmental and the wear-and-tear
to the engine, brakes and tyres, depend essentially on three factors:
•your personal style of driving,
•the conditions under which your vehicle is operated,
•technical aspects.
You can easily improve your fuel economy by 10 - 15 percent by driving in an
economical way with foresight. This section is intended to provide you with a
number of tips on how to protect the en vironment and at the same time save
money.
NKO A5 20 MR08.book Page 190 Wednesday, April 11, 2007 2:54 PM