2008 SKODA OCTAVIA stop start

Seats and Stowage95
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Cup holder in rear centre console*
– Press on the panel in the area ⇒fig. 108 - the cup holder comes
out.
– Pull the cup holder out as far as the stop.
– Adjust the cup holder by moving the locking plate .
WARNING
•Do not place any hot beverages into the cup holder while the car is
moving. The hot beverages may spill - risk of scalding!
•Do not use any cups or beakers which are made of brittle material (e.g.
glass, porcelain). You might be injured by them in the event of an accident.
Note holder
The note holder is designed e.g. for attaching a car park ticket in parking areas.
The attached note has to always be removed before starting off in order not to
restrict the driver's vision.
Ashtray*
Front ashtray
Fig. 108 Centre console at
rear: Cup holder
AA
AB
Fig. 109 Windscreen: Note
holder
Fig. 110 Centre console:
Front ashtray
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Starting-off and Driving
124
Starting-off and Driving
Setting steering wheel position
You can set the height and the forward/back position of the steering
wheel to the desired position.
– Adjust the driver seat ⇒page 12.
– Pull the lever below the steering column ⇒fig. 144 down ⇒.
– Set the steering wheel to the desired position (concerning height and forward/back position). – Push the lever upwards as far as the stop.
WARNING
•You must not adjust the steering wh
eel when the vehicle is moving!
•The driver must maintain a distance of at least 25 cm to the steering
wheel ⇒fig. 145 . Not maintaining this minimum distance will mean that the
airbag system will not be able to properly protect you - hazard!
•For s afe ty re a so ns t he le ve r m ust al wa y s b e fi rm ly pus he d up to a voi d the
steering wheel alteri ng its position unintentionally when driving - risk of
accident!
•If you adjust the steering wheel furthe r towards the head, you will reduce
the protection offered by the driver airb ag in the event of an accident. Check
that the steering wheel is aligned to the chest.
•When driving, hold the steering wheel with both hands firmly on the
outer edge in the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock position. Never hold the steering
wheel firmly in the 12 o'clock position or in another way (e.g. in the middle
of the steering wheel or at the inner steering wheel edge). In such cases,
injuries to the arms, the hands and the head can occur when the driver
airbag is deployed.
Fig. 144 Adjustable steering
wheel: Lever below steering
column
Fig. 145 Safe distance to
steering wheel
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Starting-off and Driving127
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 257.
•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 into ⇒page 125, fig. 146 .
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 225, “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. 147 The shift pattern: 5-
speed or 6-speed manual
gearbox
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Starting-off and Driving
128
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. 148 .
– 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. 148 Centre console:
Handbrake
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Automatic gearbox
134
Automatic gearbox
Automatic gearbox*
Information for driving with the 6-speed automatic gearbox*
Your car is equipped with a conventional 6-speed automatic
gearbox.
The maximum speed is reached in the 5th gear. The 6th gear serves as an
economic driving programme, which is intended to reduce the fuel
consumption. Shifting up and down through the gears is performed auto-
matically. You can also, however, switch the gearbox over into the
Tiptronic mode . This mode makes it possible for you to also shift gears
manually ⇒page 138.
Starting-off and Driving
– Depress the brake pedal fully and keep it depressed.
– Press the Shiftlock button (button in handle of the selector lever),
move the selector lever into the desired position, e.g. D ⇒ page 136,
and then release the Shiftlock button.
– Wait a moment until the gearbox has shifted (a slight engagement nudge can be felt).
– Release the brake pedal and depress the accelerator ⇒.
Stopping for a short time
– The selector lever position N does not have to be selected when stop-
ping just for a short time, such as at a cross roads. It is absolutely suffi-
cient to hold the stopped vehicle st ationary by depressing the foot
brake. The engine can, however, be allowed just to idle. Parking
– Depress the brake pedal and hold it depressed.
– Apply the handbrake firmly.
– Press and Shiftlock button in the
selector lever, move the selector
lever to P and then release the Shiftlock button.The engine can only be started when the selector lever is in position P or N
⇒ page 126.
It is sufficient to engage selector lever position P when parking on a flat surface.
When parking on a slope you should first apply the handbrake firmly and then
move the selector lever into position P. This is to ensure that there is no excessive
pressure acting on the lock mechanism and that it is easier to subsequently move
the selector lever out of position P.
If the selector lever position N is selected by accident wh ile driving it is first neces-
sary to release pressure on the accelerato r pedal and wait for idling speed of the
engine to be reached before engaging a drive position in the selector lever.
WARNING
•Do not depress the accelerator when changing the position of the
selector lever if the car is stationary and the engine is running - risk of acci-
dent!
•Never move the selector lever into position R or P when driving - risk of
an accident!
•When the engine is running and the vehicle is stationary, it is necessary
to hold the car with the brake pedal in all the positions of the selector lever
(except P and N) since the power transmission is never completely inter-
rupted, also not when the engine is idling - the vehicle "creeps".
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Automatic gearbox135
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Information for driving with the automatic gearbox DSG*
The abbreviation DSG means Direct shift gearbox (Direct shift
gearbox).
Two independent clutches are needed for the power transmission
between the engine and the gearbox. These replace the torque converter
of the conventional automatic gearbox. Their shifting is matched in such
a way that there are no jerks when shifting the gear and the power trans-
mission of the engine to the front wheels is not interrupted. Shifting up
and down through the gears is perf ormed automatically. You can also,
however, switch the gearbox over into the Tiptronic mode. This mode
makes it possible for you to also shift gears manually ⇒page 138.
Starting-off and Driving
– Depress the brake pedal fully and keep it depressed.
– Press the Shiftlock button (button in handle of the selector lever),
move the selector lever into the desired position, e.g. in D, and then
release the Shiftlock button.
– Release the brake pedal and depress the accelerator ⇒.
Stopping for a short time
– The selector lever position N does not have to be selected when stop-
ping just for a short time, such as at a cross roads. It is absolutely suffi-
cient to hold the stopped vehicle stationary by depressing the foot
brake. The engine can, however, be allowed just to idle.
Parking
– Depress the brake pedal and hold it depressed.
– Apply the handbrake firmly.
– Press and Shiftlock button in the selector lever, move the selector lever to P and then release the Shiftlock button.
The engine can only be started when the selector lever is in position P or N
⇒ page 126. At temperatures below -10 °C the engine can only be started in the
selector lever position P.
It is sufficient to engage selector lever position P when parking on a flat surface.
When parking on a slope you should first apply the handbrake firmly and then
move the selector lever into position P. This is to ensure that there is no excessive
pressure acting on the lock mechanism and that it is easier to subsequently move
the selector lever out of position P.
If the selector lever position N is selected by accident while driving it is first neces-
sary to release pressure on the accelerato r pedal and wait for idling speed of the
engine to be reached before engaging a drive position in the selector lever.
WARNING
•Do not depress the accelerator when changing the position of the
selector lever if the car is stationary an d the engine is running - risk of acci-
dent!
•Never move the selector lever into position R or P when driving - risk of
an accident!
•If you are stopping at a hill (downhill section), never try to hold the car
stationary with the gear engaged by me ans of the “accelerator”, this means
by letting the clutch slip. This can lead to overheating of the clutch. If there is
a risk of overheating of the clutch due to overload, the clutch is opened auto-
matically and the vehicle rolls backward - risk of accident!
•If you must stop at a slope, depress and hold the brake pedal, so that you
can prevent the vehicle from rolling back.
Caution
•The double clutch on the automatic gear box DSG is equipped with an overload
protection. If you make use of the uphill function on a vehicle which is stationary or
driving slowly uphill, it will result in an increase of thermal stress of the clutches.
•An overheating of the clutches can be detected by the flashing of the selector
level indicator and the “jerk” of the clut ches, finally the clutches are opened. The
power transmission from the engine to the front wheels is interrupted and as a
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Communication143
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Universal telephone preinstallation GSM II*
Introduction
This enables you to make full use of the advantages of a normal carphone (“hands-
free system - Hands Free” using a micropho ne integrated in the vehicle, optimal
transmission of signals using an external aerial
15) etc.). The equipment includes
also the voice control. The telephone is connected by means of the Bluetooth®
technology ⇒page 144, “Bluetooth®”. On vehicles fitted with a telephone
mount*, it is also possible to establish the connection via the interface of the
adapter
16) ⇒ page 145, “Operating telephone calls with the aid of the adapter*.”.
A phone phonebook is part of the mobile ph one preinstallation with voice control.
In the phone phonebook there are 1500 free memory locations available. This
phone phonebook is independent of the appliance used for the mobile phone.
Furthermore the volume can be changed individually during the call at any time
with the button for setting the radio* or on vehicles fitted with multifunction
steering wheel* with function buttons on the steering wheel.
If the system answers with the voice response “ Telephone is not ready”, please
check the operating state of the telephone as follows:
•Is the telephone switched on?
•Is the PIN code entered?
Dialogue
The period, in which the telephone system is ready to receive voice commands and
carry out the voice commands, is called DIALOGUE. The system gives audible feed-
back and guides you if necessary through the relevant functions. You can start or
end the dialogue at any time by pres sing the PTT button on the adapter*
⇒ page 145 or on the multifunction steering wheel* ⇒page 146.
The dialogue is always automatically ended after carrying out an operation, e.g.
after erasing the name from the phonebook. When receiving an incoming call, the dialogue is immediately interrupted and you
can accept the call by pressing the button
 on the multifunction steering wheel*
⇒ page 146 or by pressing the button for receiving a call directly on your tele-
phone.
If a voice command is not detected, the system answers with “ Sorry?” and a new
entry can be performed. After the 2nd error the system repeats the aid. After the 3rd
error the answer “ Cancel” is given and the dialogue is ended.
Optimum understanding of the voice commands depends on the following
factors:
•Speak with a normal tone of voice without intonation and excessive voice
pauses.
•Avoid insufficient articulation.
•Close the doors, windows and sliding roof, in order to reduce or stop disturbing
exterior noise.
•It is recommended to speak louder at higher speeds, so that the tone of your
voice is louder than the increased surrounding noise.
•During the dialogue avoid additional noise in the vehicle, e.g. simultaneously
talking occupants.
•Do not speak, if the system makes an announcement.
•The microphone for voice control is direct ed to the driver and front passenger.
Therefore the driver and the front passenger can operate the equipment.
WARNING
Pay attention primarily to the traffic situation! As the driver you are fully
responsible for road safety. Use the tele phone system only to such an extent,
so that you are in full contro l of your vehicle at any time.
Caution
Taking the mobile phone out of the adapter during the call can lead to interruption
of the connection. When taking out the mobile phone, the connection to the
factory-fitted antenna is interrupted, this reduces the quality of the transmitting
and receiving signal. This might result a dditionally in harmful radiation from the
15)Valid for telephone used with adapter* in the telephone mount.16)Not valid for adapter “Bluetooth only” ⇒page 146.
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Towing a trailer209
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
should be attached to folding arms. Adjust
the mirrors so that they provide you with
an adequate field of view to the rear.
Headlights
Before starting off with a hitched trailer, also check the setting of the headlights.
Alter the setting as necessary with th e aid of the headlight beam adjuster
⇒ page 64.
Detachable ball head
The ball rod is detachable on vehicles which feature a factory-fitted towing device.
It is stowed together with separate fitting instructions in the spare wheel well in the
luggage compartment of the vehicle.
Further information on the towing device ⇒page 210.
Note
•We recommend that you also have your vehicle inspected between service
intervals if you tow a trailer frequently.
•The handbrake on the towing vehicle must be put on when coupling and
decoupling the trailer.
Driving Tips
Particular caution is required when towing a trailer.
– Do not, as far as possible, drive with your vehicle unladen and the
trailer laden.
– Do not make full use of the legal maximum speeds. This applies in particular to downhill sections.
– Apply the brakes in good time.
– Keep a check on the coolant temperature gauge if the outside temper- ature is high.
Distribution of weight
The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and the trailer
is laden. Maintain a particularly low speed if you cannot avoid driving with this
combination.
Driving speed
Do not drive faster than 80 km/hour for safety reasons. This also applies for coun-
tries in which higher speeds are allowed.
The fact that the driving stability of the vehicle + trailer combination reduces with
increasing speed means that the legally allowed speed should not be used when
there are unfavourable road, weather or wind conditions, particularly near accident
black spots.
You must always reduce your speed immedi ately as soon as you detect even just
the slightest swaying of the trailer. On no account attempt to stop the trailer from
“swaying” by accelerating.
Apply the brakes in good time! If the trailer is fitted with a trailer brake, apply the
brakes gently at first and then brake firmly . This will avoid brake jolts resulting from
the trailer wheels locking. Shift down gears in good time before negotiating a down-
hill section to allow the engine to also act as a brake.
Engine overheating
Please keep a check on the coolant temperature gauge if you have to negotiate a
lengthy slope in a low gear at a high engine speed when the outside temperature is
very high ⇒page 18, “Coolant temperature gauge”.
If the needle of the coolant temperature gauge moves into the right-hand area or
even the red area of the scale, reduce yo ur speed immediately. Stop and switch off
the engine if the warning light
 in the instrument cluste r begins flashing. Wait a
few minutes and check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle
⇒ page 229, “Inspecting the coolant level”.
Please refer to the following guidelines ⇒page 37, “Coolant temperature/ Coolant
quantity ”.
The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating.
Any increase in the cooling effect of the coolant fan through shifting down a gear
and increasing the engine speed is not possible since the fan speed is independent
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