2008 SKODA OCTAVIA fuel

Heating and air conditioning system119
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
dent increases. Switch recirculated
air mode off as soon as the windows
begin misting up.
Note
•If the windscreen mists up, press the button ⇒page 116, fig. 140.
After the windscreen has been demisted, press the button .
•The automatic air distribution control operates only if the outside temperature
is higher than approx. 2°C.
Controlling blower
There are a total of seven blower stages available.
The Climatronic system controls the bl ower stages automatically in line
with the interior temperature. You can also, however, adapt the blower
stages manually to suit your particular needs.
– P re s s a g a i n t h e b u t t o n o n t h e l e f t s i d e ( re d u c e b l o w e r s p e e d ) o r o n the right side (increase blower speed).
If you switch off the blower, the Climatronic is switched off.
The set blower speed is displayed above the button when the respective
number of warning lights come on.
WARNING
•“Stale air” may result in fatigue in the driver and occupants, reduce
attention levels and also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an
accident increases.
•Do not switch the Climatronic system off for longer than necessary.
•Switch the Climatronic system on as soon as the windows mist up.
Defrosting windscreen
Defrosting windscreen - switching on
–Press the button ⇒page 116, fig. 140 .
Defrosting windscreen - switching off
– Once again press the button or the button .
The temperature control is controlled auto matically. More air flows out of the air
outlet vents 1.
Auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and ventilation)*
Description and important information
The auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and ventilation) heats or
supplies the interior of the vehicl e with fresh air independent of the
engine.
Auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating)
The auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating) func tions in connection with the Climatic or
Climatronic.
It can be used when stationary, when engi ne is switched off for preheating of the
vehicle as well as while driving (only during the heating phase of the engine).
The auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating) warms up the coolant during the combus-
tion of fuel from the vehicle tank. The coolant warms up the air, which (if the blower
speed is not set to zero) flows into the occupant compartment.
11)
Auxiliary ventilation
The auxiliary ventilation enables fresh air to flow into the vehicle interior by
switching off the engine, whereby the interior temperature is effectively decreased
(e.g. with the vehicle parked in the sun).
WARNING (continued)
A1AUTO


11)However the coolant does not warm up the engine.

AUTO
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Heating and air conditioning system
120
WARNING
•The auxiliary heating must never be op erated in closed rooms - risk of
poisoning!
•The auxiliary heating must not be running during refueling - risk of fire.
•The exhaust pipe of the auxiliary heating is located on the underside of
the vehicle. Therefore do not place the vehicle, if you wish to operate the
auxiliary heating, in such a way that the exhaust gases of the auxiliary
heating can come easily into contact with inflammable materials (e.g. dry
grass) or easily inflammable substances (e.g. fuel run out).
Note
•If the auxiliary heating runs, the fuel consumption comes from the vehicle tank.
Therefore the auxiliary heating should not be operated, if there is very little fuel in
the tank.
•The exhaust pipe of the auxiliary heating, which is located on the underside of
the vehicle, must not be clogged and the exhaust flow must not be blocked.
•If the auxiliary heating and ventilation is running, the vehicle battery discharges.
If the auxiliary heating and ventilation has been operated several times over a
longer period, the vehicle must be driven a few kilometers in order to recharge the
vehicle battery.
•The auxiliary heating only switches the bl ower on, if it has achieved a coolant
temperature of approx. 50 °C.
•At low outside temperatures, this can resu lt in a formation of water vapour in
the area of the engine compartment. This is quite normal and is not an operating
problem.
•After switching off the auxiliary heatin g, the coolant pump runs for a short
period.
•The auxiliary heating and ventilation does not switch on or comes on, if the
vehicle battery indicates a low loading state.
•The auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating) does not switch on, if the following was
shown in the information display or before switching off the ignition: Please
refuel! .
•When driving, the auxiliary heating can only be switched on, if the exterior
temperature is lower than 5 °C.
•The air inlet in front of the windscreen must be free of ice, snow or leaves in
order to ensure that the auxili ary heating operates properly.
•So that warm air can flow into the vehi cle interior after switching on the auxil-
iary heating, you must maintain the te mperature normally selected by you (we
recommend 22°C). It is recommended to put the air flow in the position
.
•On vehicles with DPF (diesel particle filter) the warm coolant heats up the
engine.
Using the system
So that the auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and ventilation) func-
tions according to your expectations, it is necessary to carry out the
basic setting before its programming.
Basic setting
– On the information display, select from the Main menu the menu
point Setup (settings).
– From the menu Settings select Aux. heating (auxiliary heating).
– In the menu Aux. heating (auxiliary heating) ⇒ fig. 141 select the
menu point Weekday and set the current day.
Fig. 141 Information
display: Aux. Heating (auxil-
iary heating)
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Starting-off and Driving125
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. 146 Ignition lock posi-
tions
A1
A2
A3
A1
A2
A3
A1
A2
A3
A2
A1
A2
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Starting-off and Driving
126
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 may 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 252.
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 256.
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 257.
•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 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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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 gearbox
138
Dynamic shift programme
The automatic gearbox of your vehicle is controlled electronically. Shifting up and
down through the gears is performed auto matically on the basis of pre-defined
driving programmes.
Adopting a moderate style of driving will cause the gearbox to select the most
economical driving programme. Shifting up into a higher gear as soon as possible
and shifting down as late as possible will have a favourable effect on your fuel
consumption.
Adopting a sporty style of driving with rapid movements of the accelerator pedal
combined with sharp acceleration and frequent changes in speed, exploiting the
top speed of the car or depressing the a ccelerator pedal (kickdown function), will
cause the gearbox to switch over to this style of driving and shift down earlier with
frequent changes in gears in comparison to the moderate style of driving.
Selecting the most appropriate driving programme for the particular style of driving
is a continuous process. Irrespective of this it is, however, possible to switch or shift
down into a dynamic shift programme by depressing the accelerator rapidly. The
gearbox shifts down into a lower gear matc hing the speed of the car and this allows
you to accelerate rapidly (e.g. when ov ertaking) without having to depress the
accelerator pedal fully into the kickdown range. The original programme will be
reactivated to match your part icular style of driving once the gearbox has shifted up
again.
When driving in hilly regions, the gears are selected to match uphill and downhill
sections. This avoids the gearbox frequently shifting up and down when negotiating
an uphill stretch. When driving downhill, it is possible to shift down into the
Tiptronic position, in order to exploit the engine brake torque.
Tiptronic
The Tiptronic allows the driver to also shift gears manually.
The selector lever position you have engaged is indicated in the informa-
tion display of the instrument cluster together with the engaged gear
⇒fig. 156 .
Switching over to manual shifting
– Push the selector lever to the right out of position D. After switching
over, the current engaged gear is indicated in the display.
Fig. 155 Selector lever:
Manual shifting of gears
Fig. 156 Information
display: Manual shifting of
gears
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Airbag system175
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
When are the airbags deployed?
The airbag system is designed in such a way that the driver and front passenger
airbag are deployed in the event of a frontal collision of major severity.
In the case of a violent side crash , the side airbag* on the side of the car at which
the collision occurs, is deployed together with the head airbag*.
In certain accident situations, the front airbags as well as the side and head airbag
may be deployed together.
The airbags are not deployed in the case of minor frontal and side collisions, in the
case of rear-end collisi ons and vehicle rollover.
Deployment factors
It is not possible to state globally which deployment conditions apply to the airbag
system in every situation as the circumstances which exist in the case of accidents
vary greatly. An important role in this case , for example, is played by factors such as
the type of object (hard, soft) against whic h the vehicle impacts or the type of object
against which the vehicle impa cts, the angle of impact, the relative vehicle speed
during the accident etc.
A decisive factor for the deployment of the airbags is the deceleration which occurs
during a collision. The control unit analyses the nature of the collision and activates
the relevant restraint system. If the vehi cle deceleration which occurs and is meas-
ured during the collision remains below the prescribed reference values specified
in the control unit, the airbags are not deployed although the vehicle may well
suffer severe damage to the bodywork as a consequence of the accident.
The airbags are not deployed if:
•ignition off,
•a minor frontal collision,
•a minor side collision,
•a rear-end collision,
•rollover.
Note
•A grey white, non harmful gas is released when airbag is inflated. This is
perfectly normal and is not an indi cation of a fire in the vehicle.
•In the event of an accident in which the airbags are deployed:
−The interior lighting comes on (if the switch for the interior light is in the door
contact position),
− The hazard warning light is switched on,
− All the doors are unlocked,
− the fuel supply to the engine is interrupted.
Front airbag
Description of the front airbags
The airbag system is not a substitute for the seat belt!
Fig. 177 Driver airbag in the
steering wheel
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