2008 SKODA OCTAVIA steering

Unlocking and locking
42
Unlocking and locking
Key
The vehicle is supplied with two keys. Depending on the equipment fitted, your
vehicle can be equipped with keys without remote control ⇒fig. 37 , with keys with
light* or with keys with radio remote control* ⇒fig. 38 .
WARNING
•Always withdraw the key whenever you leave the vehicle - even if it is
only for a short time. This is particularly important if children are left in the vehicle. The children might otherwise st
art the engine or operate electrical
equipment (e.g. power windows) - risk of injury!
•Do not withdraw the ignition key from the ignition lock until the vehicle
has come to a stop. The steering lock might otherwise engage unintention-
ally - risk of accident!
Caution
•Each key contains electronic components; therefore protect them against mois-
ture and severe shocks.
•Keep the groove of the keys absolutely cl ean as impurities (textile fibres, dust
etc.) have a negative effect on proper op eration of the keys and the ignition lock.
Note
Please approach a Škoda Service Partner if you lose a key since he can obtain a new
one for you.
Key with light*
Fig. 37 Set of keys without
remote control
Fig. 38 Radio-operated key
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 39 Key with light
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Lights and Visibility59
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Lights and Visibility
Lights
Switching lights on and off 
Switching on side lights
– Turn the light switch into position
.
Switching on the low beam and main beam
– Turn the light switch into position
.
– Press the main beam lever forward in order to switch on the main beam ⇒page 65, fig. 62 .
Switching off lights (except daylight driving lights)
– Turn the light switch into position 0.
Low beam comes on only if the ignition is switched on. After switching off the igni-
tion, the low beam is switched off automati cally and only the side lights come on.
For vehicles which are equipped with the function Coming/Leaving-Home*
⇒ page 61, the side lights also go out. On models fitted with
right-hand steering the position of certain switches differs
from that shown in ⇒ fig. 56. The symbols which mark the switch positions are
identical, however.
WARNING
Never drive with side lights on - risk of accident! The side lights are not
bright enough to light up the road suffic iently in front of you or to be seen by
other oncoming traffic. In this case, always switch on the low beam when it
is dark or if visibility is poor.
Note
•An audible warning will sound if you wi thdraw the ignition key and open the
driver's door when the vehicle lights are still on.
•The acoustic warning signal is switched off over the door contact when the
driver's door is closed (ignition off). The vehicle can be parked with the side lights
on.
•If the car is parked for a lengthy period , we recommend switching off all lights,
or leaving only the parking lights switched on.
•The switching on of the described lights should only be undertaken in accord-
ance with the legal requirements.
•If a fault occurs in the light switch , the low beam comes on automatically
•In the event of cool or humid weather co nditions, the headlights can be misted
up from inside.
−The temperature difference between interior and external area of the head-
light lenses is decisive.
− When the driving lights are switched on , the light outlet surfaces are free
from mist after a short period. The headlight lenses can possibly mist up at the
border areas.
− It also concerns reverse light and turn signal lights.
− This mist has no influence on th e life of the lighting system.
Fig. 56 Dash panel: Light
switch
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Lights and Visibility
60
Daylight driving lights*
In some countries, the national legislation requires that the vehicles are
equipped with the function daylight driving lights.
Switching on daylight driving lights
– Switch on the ignition without turning the light switch out of the posi- tion 0.
Deactivate function daylight driving lights
– Pull the turn signal light lever towards the steering wheel up to 3 seconds after switching on the ignition and at the same time, slide it to
the bottom and hold it in this position for at least 3 seconds.
Activate function daylight driving lights
– Pull the turn signal light lever towards the steering wheel up to 3 seconds after switching on the ignition and at the same time, slide it to
the top and hold it in this position for at least 3 seconds.
When the daylight driving lights are switched on, the side lights and the low beam
shine together.
On vehicles which are fitted with bulbs for daylight driving lights* in the fog lights,
the parking lights do not switch on when activating the function daylight driving
lights.
When the daylight driving lights are switch ed on, the illumination of the instrument
cluster is switched off, however, it is switched on in the position
 when it is dark
and the low beam shines with full br ightness (100 % of the performance).
On vehicles fitted with an information disp lay*, you can activate or deactivate in the
menu the function dayl ight driving lights:
„SETUP (Settings)
„Lights & Vision (Lights & Vision)
Automatic light control*
Switching on automatic light control*
– Turn the light switch ⇒fig. 57 into position
.
Switching off automatic light control*
– Turn the light switch to the position 0,
 or .
If the light switch is in the position , the symbol illuminates when the ignition
is switched on  next to the light switch. If th e low beam is activated with the
light sensor, the symbol  illuminates additionally next to the light switch.
If the light comes on automatically, the side lights and low beam as well as licence
plate light light up at the same time.
If the automatic light control* is switched on, the light is regulated with the light
sensor in the rear mirror holder. If the li ght intensity drops below the set value, e.g
when driving during the day into a tunnel, the low beam and the side lights as well
as the licence plate light co me on automatically. If the light intensity increases
again, the lights swit ch off automatically.
Motorway lights
If the automatic light control* has been sw itched on and the vehicle speed is over
140 km/h for at least 10 seconds, the sid e lights and low beam are switched on
automatically.
Fig. 57 Dash panel: Light
switch
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Lights and Visibility63
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
The rear fog light warning light

⇒ page 32 lights up in the instrument cluster
when the fog light is switched off.
Fog lights with the function “Corner”*
The fog lights with the function “Corner” improve the illumination of
areas close to the vehicle when turning, parking etc.
The fog lights with the function “Corner” are regulated according to the steering
angle or after switching on the turn signal light8) in the following circumstances:
•the vehicle is stationary an d the engine is running or it moves with a speed of
maximum 40 km/h;
•the daylight driving lights are not switched on;
•the low beam is switched on or th e 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 you engage the reverse gear during the active function “Corner”, both fog lights
illuminate.
Rear fog light 
Switching on the rear fog light
– First of all turn the light switch into position
 or  ⇒ page 62,
fig. 58 .
– Pull the switch into position .
The rear fog light warning light  ⇒ page 32 lights up in the instrument cluster
when the fog light is switched off.
Only the rear fog light of the trailer ligh ts up automatically when you are towing a
trailer using a factory-fitted towing device which is fitted with the rear fog light.
The rear fog light is located in the rear light array on the driver's side.
Caution
The rear fog light should only be switched on if visibility is particularly poor
(conform with any varying legal provisions) to avoid dazzling vehicles behind your
vehicle.
Instrument lighting* 
You can adjust the brightness of the instrument lighting.
Instrument lighting
– Switch on the light.
– Turn the control dial ⇒fig. 59 to the desired intensity of the instru-
ment lighting
9).
8)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.
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9)For the information display* ⇒page 26 the intensity of the lighting is automatically set. The
setting using the control dial ⇒ fig. 59 is only possible when driving in the dark.
Fig. 59 Dash panel: Instru-
ment lighting
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Lights and Visibility65
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Note
Switch on the hazard warning light system if, for example:
•you encounter traffic congestion,
•your vehicle breaks down or an emergency situation occurs.
The turn signal   and main beam lever 
The parking lights and headlight flas her are also switched on and off
using the turn signal and main beam lever.
The turn signal and main beam lever perform the following functions:
Right
 and left  turn signal light
– Push the lever upwards or downwards ⇒fig. 62 .
– If you only wish to flash three times* (the so-called convenience turn signal), push the lever briefly up to the upper or lower pressure point
and release it. This function can be activated/deactivated in the infor-
mation display* ⇒page 26.
– Turn signal for changing lanes - in or der to only flash briefly, move the
lever up or down to the pressure po int and hold it in this position. Main beam

– Switch on the low beam.
– Push the lever forwards.
– Pull the lever back into the initial position in order to switch the main
beam off again.
Headlight flasher

– Pull on the lever of the steering wheel (sprung position) - the main beam and warning light in the instrument cluster come on.
Parking light

– Switch off the ignition.
– Push the lever up or down - the right-hand or left-hand parking light is switched on.
Information concerning the function of the lights.
•The turn signal system only operates when the ignition is switched on. The
corresponding indicator light  or  in the instrument cluster also flashes.
•The turn signal is automatically cancelled after negotiating a curve.
•The indicator light flashes at twice its normal rate if a bulb of the turn signal light
fails.
•The side light and rear light on the appropriate side of the vehicle are switched
on when the parking light is selected. The parking light only operates if the ignition
is switched off.
Caution
Use main beam or the headlight flasher only if this does not risk dazzling other road
users.
Fig. 62 Turn signal and main
beam lever
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Lights and Visibility
70
Fast wipe
– Position the lever up into position .
Automatic wipe/wash for windscreen
– Pull the lever towards the steering wheel into sprung position , the wash system sprays immediately, the windscreen wiper starts wiping
a little later. The wash system and the windscreen wiper operate
simultaneously at a speed of more than 120 km/h.
– Release the lever. The windscreen wash system stops and the wiper continues for another 3 - 4 wiper stro kes (depending on the period of
spraying of the windscreen). At a speed of more than 2 km/h, the wiper
wipes once again* 5 seconds after the last wiper stroke in order to
wipe the last drops from the windsc reen. This function can be acti-
vated/deactivated by a specialist garage.
Rain sensor*
– Move the lever into position .
– You can set the sensitivity of the sensor individually with switch .
Wiping the rear window pane*
– Push the lever away from the steering wheel into position - the widescreen wiper will operate every 6 seconds.
Automatic wipe/wash for the rear window pane*
– Press the lever from the steering wheel forward into the sprung posi- tion , the wash system sprays immediately, the windscreen wiper
starts wiping a little later. As long as you hold the lever in this position,
the wiper operates as well as the wash system.
– Letting go of the lever will cause the windscreen wash system to stop and the wiper to continue for anot her 2 - 3 wiper strokes (depending
on the period of spraying of the windscreen). The lever will stay in
position after releasing it . Switching windscreen wipers off
– Move the lever back into its home position .
After the windscreen wiper switches off each
time or the ignition switches off for
the third time, the position of the windscreen wiper changes, this counteracts an
early fatigue of the wiper rubbers.
The windscreen wipers and the wash system only operate if the ignition is switched
on and the bonnet is closed
10).
If the intermittent wipe is switched on, the intervals are also controlled depending
on speed.
The rain sensor* automatically regulates the break between the individual wiper
strokes depending on the intensity of the rain.
The rear window will be wiped again if the front window wipers are on when
reverse gear is selected.
The windscreen washer nozzles are heated* when the ignition is switched on.
Top up with wash liquid ⇒page 235.
Winter position
If the windscreen wipers are in rest posi tion, they cannot be folded out from the
windscreen. For this reason we recommend adjusting the windscreen wipers in
winter so that they can be folded out fr om the windscreen easily. You can set this
rest position as follows:
•Switch on the windscreen wipers.
•Switch off the ignition. The windscreen wipers remain in the position in which
they were when switching off the ignition.
You can also use the service position ⇒page 71 as a winter position.
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10)On vehicles which do not have a contact swit ch for the bonnet, the windshield wiper and
wash system operates also when the bonnet is opened.
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Seats and Stowage
76
Seats and Stowage
Front seats
Basic information
The front seats have a wide range of different 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 184, “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 increased risk of injury if it becomes
necessary to apply the brake or in the event 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 airbag 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. 75 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. 75 Controls at seat
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Seats and Stowage77
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
– Lower the seat if required by pushing or pumping lever down-
wards.
Adjust the angle of the seat backrest
– Relieve any pressure on the backrest (do not lean on it) and turn the handwheel ⇒page 76, fig. 75 to adjust the desired angle of the
backrest.
Adjusting lumbar support*
– Turn the handwheel until you have set the most comfortable
curvature of the seat upholstery in the area of your spine.
The driver's seat should be adjusted in such a way that the pedals can be pressed
to the floor with slightly bent legs.
The backrest on the driver's seat should be adjusted in such a way that the upper
point of the steering wheel can be easi ly reached with slightly bent arms.
WARNING
•Only adjust the driver seat when the ve hicle is stationary - risk of injury!
•Take care when adjusting the seat! Adjusting the seat without care can
lead to bruises or injuries.
•The backrests must not be angled too far back when driving otherwise
this will affect proper operation of the seat belts and of the airbag system -
risk of injury!
Adjusting front seats electrically*
Adjusting seats
Adopt the correct seated position before setting ⇒page 76.
Adjusting a seat in a forward/back direction
– Press the switch ⇒fig. 76 forwards or backwards ⇒fig. 77 .
Set the height of the seat
– Press the switch ⇒fig. 76 upwards or downwards.
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A4
Fig. 76 Side view: Controls
for adjusting the seat
Fig. 77 Side view: Seat
setting switch
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