2010 SKODA OCTAVIA TOUR traction control

Instruments and warning lights
26WARNING

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 inju-
ries or major vehicle damage.

The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. There is a risk of
injuries, scalding, accident s and fire when working in the engine compartment,
e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and other fluids. It is also essential to
observe all warnings page 148.
Note

Arrangement of the indicator lights depends on the model and model version. The
symbols shown in the following functional description are to be found as indicator
lights in the instrument cluster.

Operational faults are shown in the instrument cluster as red symbols (priority 1 -
danger) or yellow symbol s (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 49.
Turn signal system for vehicles towing a trailer

*
The warning light
 flashes together with the other turn signal lights only if the vehicle
is towing a trailer.
The indicator light does not flash if a turn sign al light on the trailer or on the vehicle is
not operating.
Main beam

The indicator light
 comes on when the main beam is selected or also when the
headlight flasher is operated.
Further information about the main beam page 49.
Low beam

The warning light
 comes on when low beam is selected page 46.

Brake pad wear*
page 29

Fuel reserve
page 29

Engine oil
page 29

Open door*
page 30

Fluid level in windshield washer system*
page 29

Antilock brake system (ABS)*
page 30

Traction control system (TCS)*
page 31

Electronic stability programme (ESP)*
page 31

Dynamo
page 31

Brake system
page 31

Seat belt warning light*
page 32
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Instruments and warning lights31
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Traction control system (TCS)*

The warning light
 comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
The warning light flashes when a control cycle is activated while driving.
The warning light will come on and remains on if the TCS is switched off or if there is a
fault in the system.
The fact that the TCS system operates together with the ABS means that the TCS
warning light will also come on if the ABS system is not operating properly.
If the warning light  comes on immediately after starting the engine, the TCS system
can be switched off for technical reasons. In this case, the TCS system can be switched
on again by switching the ignition on and off. If the warning light goes out, the TCS
system is fully functional again.
Further information about the TCS page 125, “Traction control system (TCS)”.
Electronic stability programme (ESP)*

The warning light
 comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
Components of the ESP system also include the Traction Control System (TCS), the
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) and the Antilock Brake System (ABS).
The warning light flashes when a control cycle is activated while driving.
The warning light will come on and remains on if the ESP is switched off or if there is a
fault in the system.
The fact that the ESP system operates together with the ABS and the EDL means that
the ESP warning light will also come on if the ABS system is not operating properly.
If the warning light  comes on immediately after starting the engine, the ESP system
can be switched off for technical reasons. In this case, the ESP system can be switched
on again by switching the ignition on and off. If the warning light goes out, the ESP
system is fully functional again.
Further information on the ESP page 123, “Electronic stability programme (ESP)*”.
Note
If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light
 comes on
after switching on the ignition. The warning light must go out after driving a short
distance.
Alternator

The warning light
 comes on after the ignition has been switched on. It should go
out after the engine has started.
If the warning light does not go out after the engine has started, or comes on when
driving, drive to the nearest specialist garage. The vehicle battery will be discharged in
this case so switch off all non-essential electrical components.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
Caution
If the warning light
 comes on when driving and in addition the warning light

(cooling system fault) also comes on in di splay, you must then stop the car immedi-
ately and switch the engine off - risk of engine damage!
Brake system

The warning light
 comes on for several seconds afte r the ignition is switched on.
If the warning light  stays on when the ignition is switched on or comes on while
driving, there is a fault in the brake system. Visit the nearest specialist garage immedi-
ately and have the brake system inspected.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
STOP BRAKE FLUID SERVICE MANUAL
3 peeps sound as an additional warning signal.
One should get used to high pedal forces, long braking distances and long free play of
the brake pedal when driving to the next specialist garage.
For further information on the brake system page 125, “Brakes”.
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Intelligent Technology123
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Driving TipsIntelligent TechnologyElectronic stability programme (ESP)*GeneralGeneral
The ESP aids you in maintaining control of your vehicle in situations in which the
vehicle is driving at its dynamic limits, such as entering a curve fast. The risk of skidding
is reduced and your vehicle thus offers greater driving stability depending on the
conditions of the road surface. The system operates at all speeds.
The following systems are integrated into the electronic stability programme:
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL),

Traction control system (TCS),

Antilock brake system (ABS),

Brake Assist.
Operating principle
The ESP switches on automatically when the engine is started and then conducts a self-
test. The ESP control unit processes data from the individual systems. It also processes additional measurement data which are supplied by highly sensitive sensors: the rota-
tional velocity of the vehicle about its vert
ical axis, the lateral acceleration of the
vehicle, the braking pressure and the steering angle.
The direction which the driver wishes to take is determined based on the steering
angle and the speed of the vehicle and is co nstantly compared with the actual behav-
iour of the vehicle. If differences exist, such as the vehi cle beginning to skid, the ESP will
automatically brake the appropriate wheel.
The car is stabilised again by the forces wh ich take effect when the wheel is braked.
Intervention into the brake system takes place primarily on the outer front wheel of a
vehicle which tends to oversteer (tendency for the rear of the vehicle to break away)
while occurs this is on the inner rear wh eel of a vehicle which tends to understeer
(tendency to shift out of the curve). This braking control cycle is accompanied by
noises.
The ESP operates in combination with the ABS page 126, “Antilock brake system
(ABS)*”. If there is a fault in the ABS system, the ESP also does not operate.
The ESP warning light lights up in the instrument cluster when there is a fault on the
ESP page 31.
Switching off
You can switch the ESP off and on agai n as you wish, by pressing the button fig. 134 .
The ESP warning light lights up in the instrument cluster when the system is switched
off page 31.
The ESP should normally always be switched on. It may be good practice in certain
exceptional cases, such as when you wish to have wheel slip, to switch off the system.
Examples:

when driving with snow chains

when driving in deep snow or on a loose surface

when it is necessary to rock a vehicle when it has become stuck.
then you should switch on the ESP again.
Fig. 134 ESP switch
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Intelligent Technology125
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Traction control system (TCS)
The traction control system prevents the driven wheels from spinning
when accelerating.General
The TCS makes it much easier, and sometimes at all possible, to start off, accelerate
and climb a steep hill when the conditions of the road surface are unfavourable.
Operating principle
The TCS switches on automatically when th e engine is started and then conducts a
self-test. The system monitors the speeds of the driven wheels with the aid of the ABS
sensors. If the wheels are spinning, the force transmitted to the road surface is auto-
matically adapted by reducing the engine speed. The system operates at all speeds.
The TCS operates in combination with the ABS page 126, “Antilock brake system
(ABS)*”. The TCS will not function if a fault exists in the ABS system.
The TCS warning light lights up in the instru ment cluster when there is a fault on the
TCS page 31.
Switching off
You can switch the TCS off and on again as you wish by pressing the button fig. 135 .
The TCS warning light lights up in the instru ment cluster when the system is switched
off page 31.
The TCS should normally always be switched on. It may be good practice in certain
exceptional cases, such as when you wish to have wheel slip, to switch off the system. Examples:

when driving with snow chains

when driving in deep snow or on a loose surface

when it is necessary to rock a vehicle when it has become stuck.
then you should switch on the TCS again.
WARNING
You should always adjust your style of driving to the conditions of the road
surface and the traffic situation. The increased safety offered must not tempt
you to take greater risks than otherwise - risk of an accident!
Note

All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres in order to achieve problem-free
operation of the TCS. Differing rolling circumferences of the tyres can lead to an unde-
sirable reduction in the engine output.

Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or another combina-
tion of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the TCS page 166, “Accesso-
ries, changes and replacement of parts”.
BrakesWhat has a negative effect on braking efficiency?Wear-and-tear
Wear-and-tear to the brake pa ds is greatly dependent on the operating conditions of
the vehicle and your style of driving. Particularly if you drive a great deal in towns and
over short distances or if you adopt a sporty style of driving, it may be necessary to
have the thickness of the brake pads insp ected at a specialist garage between the
service inspections.
Wet roads or road salt
There may be a certain delay before the brakes take full effect un der certain conditions
such as when driving through water, during heavy rain showers or after the vehicle has
been washed in an automatic vehicle wash , since the brake discs and brake pads may
Fig. 135 TCS switch
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Wheels and Tyres
164
Winter tyres must be mounted on all four wheels to obtain the best handling charac-
teristics.
You must only fit those types of winter tyre which are approved for your vehicle. The
permissible sizes of winter tyres are stated in your vehicle documents. Approvals
may differ because of national legislation.
Please remember that the tyres should be inflated to 20 kPa (0.2 bar) more than is the
case for summer tyres page 160, fig. 153.
Winter tyres no longer offer the same winter performance once the tyre tread has
worn down to a depth of about 4 mm.
Ageing also causes winter tyres to lose most of their winter performance properties -
even in cases where the remaining tread depth is still clearly more than 4 mm.
Speed restrictions apply to winter tyres as well as to summer tyres page 162,
 .
You can fit winter tyres of a lower speed ca tegory to your vehicle provided that you
also do not drive faster than the permissible maximum speed for such tyres, even if the
possible maximum speed of your vehicle is higher. The corresponding tyre category
can damage the tyres when exceeding the permissible maximum speed.
Please pay attention to the notes if you decide to fit winter tyres page 160.
You can also fit so-called “all-year tyres” instead of winter tyres.
Please contact your specialist garage if there are any points which are not clear who
will be able to provide you with inform ation regarding the maximum speed for your
tyres.
WARNING
You must on no account drive your car at more than the permissible maximum
speed for your winter tyres - risk of an accident resulting from tyre damage and
loss of control over your car.
For the sake of the environment
Fit your summer tyres on again in good time since summer tyres offer you better grip
and handling on roads which are free of snow and ice as well as ar temperatures below 7 °C - the braking distance is shorter, there is less tyre noise, tyre wear is reduced and
fuel consumption is reduced.
Note
Please observe the various differing legal requirements regarding tyres.Snow chainsSnow chains must only be mounted on the front wheels.
When driving on wintry roads, snow chains
improve not only traction, but also the
braking performance.
For technical reasons, it is only permissi ble to fit snow chains with the following
wheel/tyre combinations.
Only use fine-link snow chains . They must not project more than 15 mm - including
the chain lock.
Remove the full wheel trims if you wish to fit snow chains to the wheels.
Observe the national legal requirements re lating to the maximum vehicle speed with
snow chains.
WARNING
Please pay attention to the information in the supplied fitting instructions of
the snow chain manufacturer.
Wheel size
Depth (D)
Ty re s i z e
6J x 14
38 mm
175/80
6J x 15
38 mm
195/65
5.5J x 16
36 mm
205/55
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Index203
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Service Interval Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Setting temperature
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Setting the clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Shifting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Side airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Side lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Snow chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Spare wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Stability system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 after fuel tank has run empty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Diesel engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Petrol engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Storage compartment Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Storage compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Storage facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Sun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Switching lights on and off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Switching off the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
TTaking care of your vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
TCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Telephone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Temperature outside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
the first 1 500 kilometres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 The roof luggage rack system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Thickness of brake pads
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Tilting roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Towing device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
towing vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Tow-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Traction control system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Traction control system (TCS) Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134 General Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Transporting children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Tread depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Turn signal lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Two-way radio systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Tyre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Tyres Winter tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
UUnderbody protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Unlocking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39VVanity mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Vehicle tool kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167 Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
WWarning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Warning symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Warning triangle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Washing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
with a high-pressure cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Washing the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Washing vehicle by hand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Wax treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Wheel Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Wheel bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Wheel trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160, 170
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 de-icing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Windscreen washer nozzles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Windshield washer fluid reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . 159 Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Windshield washer system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159 Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Windshield wiper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Winter tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Wiper blades Replacing the wiper blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53XXenon headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
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