2010 SKODA OCTAVIA gearbox

Instruments and warning lights
36
Temperature of the clutches of the automatic gearbox DSG*

In the event that the temperature of the clutches of the automatic gearbox DSG is too
high, the symbol
 and the warning are shown in the information display*.
Gearbox overheated: Stop! Owner's man.!
An audible signal sounds as an additional warning signal.
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.
Caution
In the event that the clutches of the automatic gearbox have overheated, bring the
vehicle to a stop and switch off the engine. You must wait until the symbol
 and the
warning go out - risk of gearbox damage! Yo u can continue the trip as soon as the
symbol and the warning go out.
s43s.1.book Page 36 Thursday, May 13, 2010 1:21 PM

Starting-off and Driving
108

You should not switch on any major elec trical components during the heating
period otherwise the vehicle battery 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To lock the steering , with the ignition key withdrawn, turn the steering wheel until the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 th e same time switched on low beam or main
beam or other electrical components wi th 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 r unning 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 (ignition
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 unexpected
locking of the steering wh eel - risk of accident!

Only remove the ignition key from the ignition lock when the vehicle has
come to a standstill (by applying the handbrake or moving the selector lever
into the position P). The steering lock can engage imme diately - risk of acci-
dent!

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 start the engi ne or switch on electrical equipment
(e.g. power windows) - risk of accident or injury!
Starting the engineGeneral
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.

Before starting, it is necessary to depres s the clutch pedal and to hold it pressed
until the engine starts. If you start the engi ne without depressing the clutch pedal, the
engine does not start and a message is shown in the display of the instrument cluster
to remind you of th e necessity to depress the clutch pedal.

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 normal 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 221.
It is only possible to tow-start vehicles fi tted with a manual gearbox. The tow-starting
distance must not be more than 50 metres page 225.
WARNING

Never run the engine in non ventilated or enclosed areas. The exhaust gases
of the engine contain besides the odorless and colourless carbon monoxide a
A3
A1A2A3
A2
A1
A2
WARNING (continued)
s43s.1.book Page 108 Thursday, May 13, 2010 1:21 PM

Starting-off and Driving
110

The brake booster only operates when the engine is running. Greater phys-
ical effort for braking is required when en gine 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 period 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 co olant temperature rises because of an accu-
mulation 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 197, “Working in the engine compartment”.
Shifting (manual gearbox)
Shift into reverse only when the vehicle is stationary. Depress the clutch pedal and hold
it fully depressed. Wait a mo ment before engaging reverse gear in order to avoid any
shift noises.
The reversing lights will come on once reverse gear is engaged, provided the ignition 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 pres-
sure of the hand will be transferred to the gearshift forks in the gearbox. This can, over
a period of time, lead to earl y wear of the gearshift forks.

Depress the clutch pedal fully when changi ng gears, in order to avoid unnecessary
wear and damage.
HandbrakeApplying the handbrake– Pull the handbrake lever up fully.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 112 The shift pattern: 5-speed or 6-
speed manual gearbox
Fig. 113 Centre console: Handbrake
s43s.1.book Page 110 Thursday, May 13, 2010 1:21 PM

Starting-off and Driving111
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Releasing the handbrake– Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time press in the locking
button fig. 113 .
– Hold the button pressed and push the handbrake lever down fully .
The handbrake warning light
 lights up when the handbrak e is applied, provided the
ignition is on.
A warning signal sounds and the following text appears in the display* if you have inad-
vertently driven off with the handbrake applied:
Release parking brake!
The handbrake warning is acti vated 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 result 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).
Rear parking aid*The parking aid provides a warning of obstacles behind the vehicle.The audible parking aid determines the di stance between the rear bumper and an
obstacle located behind the ve hicle with the aid of ultrasound sensors. The tones of
the parking aid can be adapted in th e menu of the information display* page 25.
The sensors are integrated in the rear bumper.
Range of sensors
The clearance warning begins at a distance of about 160 cm from the obstacle (area
 fig. 114 ). The interval between the warning signals becomes shorter as the clear-
ance is reduced.
A continuous tone sounds from a distance of approx. 30 cm (area ) - danger area.
You should not reverse any further after this signal sounds! If the vehicle is
equipped with a factory-fitted towing device*, the border of the danger area starts -
continuous tone - 5 cm further behind th e vehicle. The vehicle can be extended
through an installed deta chable towing device.
On vehicles equipped with a factory-fitted radio* or navigation system*, the distance
to the obstruction is shown graphically in the display. On vehicles with a factory-fitted
towing device, the sensors are deactivated when towing a trailer. The driver is informed
about this by a graphic display (vehicle towing a trailer) in the radio* or the navigation*
display. The factory-fitted radio* or navigati on system* can be set so that the play func-
tion volume decreases when activating the parking aid, see Owner's Manual radio* or
navigation system*. This improves the audibility of the parking aid.
Fig. 114 Parking aid: Detection range of
rear sensors
AA
AB
s43s.1.book Page 111 Thursday, May 13, 2010 1:21 PM

Starting-off and Driving113
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
the play function volume decreases when activating the parking aid, see Owner's
Manual radio* or navigation system*. This
improves the audibility of the parking aid.
Activating
The parking aid is activated when the reverse gear is engaged and the ignition is
switched on or by pressing the button page 112, fig. 115 - left, the symbol lights
up in the button. The activation is conf irmed by a brief acknowledgement signal.
Deactivating
The parking aid is deactivated after pressing the button  page 112, fig. 115 - left,
or at a speed of more than 10 km/h - the symbol
 in the button is no longer illumi-
nated.
WARNING

The parking aid is not a substitute for the driver paying proper attention and
it is always the driver's responsibility to take care when reversing the vehicle or
carrying out similar manoeuvres.

You should therefore satisfy yourself, befo re reversing, that there is no small
obstacle, such as a rock, thin post, trailer drawbar etc., in front or behind your
vehicle. Such an obstacle might not be within the range detected by the sensors.

Under certain circumstances, surfaces of certain objects and types of
clothing cannot reflect the signal of the parking aid. Thus, these objects or
people who wear such clothing are not recognised by the sensors of the parking
aid.Note

Only the front parking aid operates if yo u are towing a trailer (applies only to
models which feature a factory-fitted towing device*).

If a warning signal sounds for about 3 seco nds after activating the system and there
is no obstacle close to your vehicle, this indicates a system fault. The fault is confirmed
additionally when the symbol flashes in the button page 112, fig. 115 - left.
Have the fault rectified by a specialist workshop.

The sensors must be kept clean and free of ice to enable the parking aid to operate
properly.

If the parking aid is activated and the sele ctor lever of the automatic gearbox is in
the position , warning signal indicates inte rruption (vehicle can no longer move).
Cruise control system (CCS)*IntroductionThe cruise control system (CCS) maintains a constant speed, more than 30 km/h (20
mph), once it has been set, without you havi ng to depress the accelerator pedal. This
is only possible within the range which is permitted by the power output and braking
power of the engine. The cruise control system makes it possible - particularly on long
journeys - for you to rest your “accelerator foot”.
WARNING

For safety reasons, the cruise control system must not be used in dense
traffic or on unfavourable ro ad surfaces (such as icy roads, slippery roads, loose
gravel) - risk of accident!

In order to prevent unintentional use of the cruise control system, always
switch off the system after use.Note

Models fitted with a manual gearbox: Alwa ys depress the clutch pedal if you switch
on the cruise control system when the gearbo x is in Neutral! Otherwise the engine can
rev up unintentionally.

The cruise control system is not able to maintain a constant speed when driving on
steep downhill sections. The weight of the vehicle increases the speed at which it
travels. One should shift down in good time to a lower gear or slow the vehicle down
by applying the foot brake.

It is not possible on vehicles fitted with an automatic gearbox to switch on the
cruise control system if the sele ctor lever is in the position P, N or R.



AP
s43s.1.book Page 113 Thursday, May 13, 2010 1:21 PM

Starting-off and Driving
114
Storing a speedThe cruise control system is operated by means of the switch and the rocker button
in the left lever of the multi-functional switch.
– Press the switch fig. 116 into the position ON.
– After the desired speed has been reached, press the rocker button into the SET
position.
After you have released the rocker button out of the position SET, the speed you
have just stored is maintained at a consta nt speed without having to depress the accel-
erator.
You can increase the speed by depressing the accelerator. Releasing the accelerator
will cause the speed to drop again to the set speed.
T h i s d o e s n o t a p p l y, h o w e v e r, i f y o u d r i v e a t a s p e e d w h i c h i s m o re t h a n 1 0 k m / h h i g h e r
than the set speed for a period of longer than 5 minutes. The stored speed will be
cancelled in the memory. You then have to re-store the desired speed.
One can reduce the speed in the usual manner. The system is switched off temporarily
by actuating the brake or clutch pedal page 114.
WARNING
First ensure that it is not too high for the traffic conditions which exist at that
moment before resuming the stored speed.
Changing a stored speed
You can also change the speed of the vehicle without depressing the
accelerator.Fa s t er–You can increase the stored speed without depressi ng the accelerator, by pressing
the rocker button fig. 116 in the RES position.
– The speed of the vehicle will increase cont inuously if you hold the rocker button
pressed in the RES position. Once the vehicle ha s reached the desired speed,
release the rocker button. The set speed is then stored in the memory.Slower– You can decrease the stored speed by pressing the rocker button in the SET
position.
– Holding down the rocker button pressed in the SET position will cause the speed
of the vehicle to reduce continuously. Once the vehicle has reached the desired
speed, release the rocker button. The set speed is then stored in the memory.
– If you release the rocker button when the vehicle is travelling at a speed of less than 30 km/h, the speed is not stored, the memory is erased. It is then necessary to again
store the speed with the rocker button in the position SET after an increase in
speed of the vehicle to more than 30 km/hour.Switching off the cruise control system temporarily–You can switch off the cruise control system temporarily by depressing the brake
pedal or clutch pedal, on vehicles fitted with an automatic gearbox only with the
brake pedal.
– You can switch off temporarily the cruise control system, if you press the switch in the middle position.
The set speed remains stored in the memory.
The Resumption of the stored speed is achieved by releasing the brake or clutch
pedal, on vehicles fitted with automatic gearbox only after releasing the brake pedal
and after shortly pressing the rocker button fig. 116 into the position RES.
Fig. 116 Operating lever: Rocker button
and switch of the cruise control system
AA
AB
AA
AB
AB
AB
AB
AB
AA
AB
s43s.1.book Page 114 Thursday, May 13, 2010 1:21 PM

Automatic gearbox
116
Automatic gearboxAutomatic gearbox*Information for driving with the 6-speed automatic gearbox*
Your car is equipped with a conv entional 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 redu ce the fuel consumption. Shifting up and
down through the gears is performed automa tically. 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 120.Starting-off and Driving– Depress the brake pedal fully and keep it depressed.
– Press the Shiftlock button (button in ha ndle of the selector lever), move the
selector lever into the desired position, e.g. D  page 118, and then release the
Shiftlock button.
– Wait a moment until the gearbox has shif ted (a slight engagement nudge can be
felt).
– Release the brake pedal and depress the accelerator .Stop– The selector lever position N does not have to be selected when stopping just for
a short time, such as at a cross roads. It is absolutely sufficient 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 108.
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 necessary
to release pressure on the accelerator pedal and wait for idling speed of the engine to
be reached before engaging a driv e 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 accident!

Never move the selector lever into position R or P when driving - risk of an
accident!

When the engine is running and the vehi cle 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 interrupted, also not
when the engine is idling - the vehicle creeps.
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 transmission of the engine to the front wheels is not inter-
rupted. Shifting up and down through the gears is performed 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 120.
s43s.1.book Page 116 Thursday, May 13, 2010 1:21 PM

Automatic gearbox117
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Starting-off and Driving– Depress the brake pedal fully and keep it depressed.
– Press the Shiftlock button (button in ha ndle 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 .Stop– The selector lever position N does not have to be selected when stopping just for
a short time, such as at a cross roads. It is absolutely sufficient 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 le ver is in position P or N
 page 108. 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 necessary
to release pressure on the accelerator 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 accident!

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 mean s of the “accelerator”, this means by
letting the clutch slip. This can lead to ov erheating of the clutch. If there is a risk
of overheating of the clutch due to overlo ad, the clutch is opened automatically
and the vehicle rolls backward - risk of accident!

If yo u m us t s to p a t a sl ope , d e pre s s a nd ho ld t he b ra ke pe d a l , s o t ha t y ou c a n
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 func tion 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 detect ed by the flashing of the selector level
indicator and the “jerk” of the clutches, finally the clutches are opened. The power
transmission from the engine to the front whee ls is interrupted and as a result of this
the vehicle can no longer be driven. If th e clutch opens automatically, depress the
brake pedal, wait a few seconds and only then continue driving.
s43s.1.book Page 117 Thursday, May 13, 2010 1:21 PM