2011 SKODA OCTAVIA ESP

Opening a window
–
Hold the key in the locking cylinder of the driver's door in the unlock position
or press the unlock button of the radio remote control until all the windows
are opened.
Closing a window
– Hold the key in the locking cylinder of the driver's door in the lock position or
press the lock button of the radio remote control until all the windows are
closed.
You can interrupt the opening or closing operation of the windows immediately by
releasing the key or the lock button. WARNING
The system is fitted with a force limiter ⇒ page 40 . If there is an obstacle, the
closing process is stopped and the window goes down by several centimetres.
You should then take particular care when closing the windows! You may oth-
erwise suffer severe injuries as a result of getting an arm, for example, jam-
med in the window! Note
On vehicles fitted with anti-theft alarm system the convenience window opening
is possible by means of the key in the locking cylinder only 45 seconds after deac-
tivating the warning system or after activating the anti-theft alarm system. 
Operational faults Electrically operated power windows do not operate
If the battery of the car has been disconnected and then reconnected, the electri-
cally operated power windows do not operate. The system must be activated. Pro-
ceed as follows in order to re-establish the function:
● switch on the ignition,
● slightly pull on the upper edge of the relevant button and hold it until the win-
dow is closed,
● release the switch,
● you must pull the respective switch again in upward direction for approx. 3
seconds. Operation in winter
Ice accumulating on the surface of the windows during the winter may result in a
greater resistance when closing the windows and the window may stop and move
back several centimetres
It is necessary to put the force limiter out of operation in order to close the win-
dow ⇒ page 40, Force limiter of the power windows

. WARNING
The system is fitted with a force limiter ⇒ page 40
. If there is an obstacle, the
closing process is stopped and the window goes down by several centimetres.
You should then take particular care when closing the windows! You may oth-
erwise suffer severe injuries as a result of getting an arm, for example, jam-
med in the window! CAUTION
● Keep the window glass clean to ensure correct function of the electric win-
dows.
● In the event of a freezing up of the windscreen, first of all eliminate the ice
⇒

  page 172 and then operate the power windows otherwise the power window
mechanism could be damaged. 
Electric sliding/tilting roof Description Fig. 22 Detail of the headliner: Control
dial for the power sliding/tilting roof
The sliding/tilting roof is operated by means of the control dial ⇒ fig. 22 and only
functions when the ignition is switched on. The control dial has several positions. £ 41
Unlocking and locking Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

Rain lights
If you switch on the windscreen wipe in the operation rain sensor for longer than
10 seconds or in the operation permanent wipe (position
2 or 3) ⇒ page 53
switching on for longer than 15 seconds, the side lights and low beam are switch-
ed on automatically. The light switches off if the windscreen wipe is in operation
rain sensor for more than around 4 minutes or is not switched on in the operation
permanent wipe. WARNING
The automatic light control only operates as a support. The driver is not re-
leased from his responsibility to inspect the light and if necessary to switch on
the light depending on the light conditions. The light sensor cannot detect for
example rain or snow. For these conditions we recommend to switch on the
low beam ! Note
● Do not affix any stickers in front of the light sensor, so that you do not impair
its function or put it out of operation.
● The same principles as for using the automatic light control also apply to the
light which is switched on manually ⇒

 page 44. 
Cornering lights The cornering lights are used to illuminate the curves by means of the cone of
light swivelling together with the front headlight with Xenon lights. This function
is active when the speed of the car increases to more than 10

km/h.
The swivelling function of the headlights can be switched off/on via the menu
point Assistants in the main menu of the information display ⇒ page 18.WARNING
If the cornering lights are defective, the headlights are automatically lowered
to the emergency position, which prevents a possible dazzling of oncoming
traffic. Thus the illuminated length of the road is shortened. Drive carefully
and have the car inspected immediately by a specialist garage. Parking light Parking light

– Switch off the ignition.
– Pull the turn signal light lever ⇒
 fig. 30 upwards or downwards - the parking
light on the right and left side of the vehicle will be switched on respectively.
The parking light only operates if the ignition is switched off.
If you have switched on the right or left turn signal light and you switch off the
ignition, the parking light is not automatically switched on.
Parking light on both sides
– Turn the light switch into the position  and lock the vehicle. 
Coming Home Function The function makes it possible to switch on the lights in the darkness for a short
time after leaving the vehicle.
Switching on Coming Home Function
– The light switch is in the position automatic driving lamp control  and the
low beam illuminates.
– Switch off the ignition.
– After opening the driver's door, the function Coming Home is switched on.
– Close all the doors and the boot lid and lock the vehicle. After a short time,
switch all lights off.
Depending on equipment fitted the function Coming Home switches on the fol-
lowing lights:
● Parking lights,
● Low beam,
● Entry lighting in the exterior mirrors,
● Licence plate light.
Coming Home Function
The lights go out 10 seconds after closing all the doors and the boot lid.
If a door or the boot lid remains open, the lights go out 60 seconds after switching
off the ignition. £46
Lights and Visibility

Headlamp range adjustment 
Once the low beam is switched on you can then adapt the range of
the headlights to the load of the vehicle. Fig. 28 Dash panel: Lights and Visibility
– Turn the control dial ⇒  fig. 28 until you have adjusted the low beam so that
oncoming traffic is not dazzled.
Settings
The positions correspond approximately to the following vehicle loads: Front seats occupied, luggage compartment empty.
All seats occupied, luggage compartment empty.
All seats occupied, luggage compartment laden.
Driver seat occupied, luggage compartment laden. CAUTION
Headlamp range adjustment should always be adjusted in a way that:
● it does not dazzle other road users, especially oncoming traffic,
● and the range is sufficient for safe driving. Note
Headlights fitted with Xenon bulbs adapt automatically to the load and driving
state of the vehicle (e.g. accelerating, braking) when the ignition is switched on
and when driving. Vehicles which are equipped with Xenon bulbs do not have a
manual headlight range adjustment control. 
- 1
2
3 Switch for hazard warning lights
 Fig. 29 Dash panel: Switch for hazard
warning lights
– Press switch  ⇒  fig. 29 to switch the hazard warning light system on or off.
All the turn signal lights on the vehicle flash at the same time when the hazard
warning light system is switched on. The indicator light for the turn signals and
the indicator light in the switch also flash at the same time. You can also switch
on the hazard warning light system if the ignition is switched off.
The hazard warning light system is switched on automatically if an airbag is de-
ployed in the event of an accident.
Please comply with any legal requirements when using the hazard warning light
system. Note
Switch on the hazard warning light system if, for example:
● you encounter traffic congestion;
● your vehicle breaks down or an emergency situation occurs.  49
Lights and Visibility Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

The turn signal
  and main beam lever The parking lights and headlight flasher are also switched on and
off using the turn signal and main beam lever.
Fig. 30 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 A or downwards
⇒  fig. 30 B .
– 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 Information display
⇒  page 17.
– Turn signal for changing lanes - in order to only flash briefly, move the lever up
or down to the pressure point and hold it in this position.
Main beam 
– Switch on the low beam.
– Push the lever forwards in direction of arrow C (spring-tensioned position).
– If you push the lever towards the steering wheel in direction of arrow D(spring-tensioned position) the main beam is switched off.
Headlight flasher 
– Pull the lever towards the steering wheel (spring-tensioned position) in direc-
tion of arrow D - the main beam and warning light
 in the instrument clus-
ter come on.
Parking light
For a description of the operation, see ⇒ page 46

, Parking light. Information concerning the function of the lights.
● The turn signal system only operates when the ignition is switched on. The
corresponding warning 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. CAUTION
Use main beam or the headlight flasher only if this does not risk dazzling other
road users. Note
Use only in accordance with the legal requirements the described lighting and sig-
nal systems. 
Interior lighting Interior vehicle lighting - Variant 1 Fig. 31 Interior vehicle lighting - Variant
1
Switching on the interior lighting
– Press switch A towards the edge of the light, the symbol
 ⇒
 fig. 31 appears.
Switching off the interior lighting
– Press the switch A into the middle position
O.
Operating the lights with the door contact switch
– Press switch A towards the centre of the light, the symbol
 appears. £50
Lights and Visibility

Automatic wipe/wash for windscreen
–
Pull the lever towards the steering wheel into sprung position 5 , 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 contin-
ues for another 3 - 4 wiper strokes (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
windscreen. This function can be activated/deactivated by a specialist garage.
Rain sensor
– Move the lever into position 1 .
– You can set the sensitivity of the sensor individually with switch A .
Wiping the rear window pane
– Push the lever away from the steering wheel into position 6 - the windshield
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 position 7 ,
the wash system sprays immediately, the windscreen wiper starts wiping a lit-
tle 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 another 2 - 3 wiper strokes (depending on the period of
spraying of the windscreen). The lever will stay in position after releasing it
6 .
Switching windscreen wipers off
– Move the lever back into its home position 0 .
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 switch-
ed on and the bonnet is closed 1)
. 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 re-
verse gear is selected.
Top up with wash liquid ⇒ page 190
.
Winter position
If the windscreen wipers are in rest position, 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 from 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 56 as a winter position. WARNING
● Properly maintained windscreen wiper blades are essential for clear visibil-
ity and safe driving ⇒

 page 56.
● Do not use the windscreen washer system at low temperatures, without
heating the windscreen beforehand. Otherwise the window cleaner could
freeze on the windscreen and restrict the view to the front.
● The rain sensor only operates as a support. The driver is not released from
the responsibility to set the function of the windscreen wipers manually de-
pending on the visibility conditions. £1)
On vehicles which do not have a contact switch for the bonnet, the windshield wiper and wash sys-
tem operates also when the bonnet is opened. 54
Lights and Visibility

–
Distribute the items of luggage as evenly as possible.
– Place heavy objects as far forward as possible.
– Attach the items of luggage to the lashing eyes or the fixing net ⇒ page 67.
In the event of an accident, there is such a high kinetic energy which is produced
by small and light objects that they can cause severe injuries. The magnitude of
the kinetic energy depends on the speed at which the vehicle is travelling and on
the weight of the object. The speed at which the vehicle is travelling is in this case
the more significant factor.
Example: In the event of a frontal collision at a speed of 50 km/h, an unsecured
object with a weight of 4.5 kg produces an energy, which corresponds to 20 times
its own weight. This means that it results in a weight of approx. 90 kg. You can
imagine the injuries that can occur, if this
“bullet” is flying through the interior
compartment and hits an occupant. WARNING
● Store the objects in the luggage compartment and attach them to the
lashing eyes.
● Loose objects in the passenger compartment can be thrown forward dur-
ing a sudden manoeuvre or in case of an accident and can injure the occupants
or other oncoming traffic. This risk is still increased, if the objects which are
flying around are hit by a deployed airbag. In this case, the objects which are
thrown back can injure the occupants - hazard.
● Please note that the handling properties of your vehicle may be affected
when transporting heavy objects as a result of the displacement of the centre
of gravity. The speed and style of driving must be adjusted accordingly.
● The items carried in the luggage compartment should be stored in such a
way that no objects are able to slip forward if there are any sudden driving or
braking manoeuvres undertaken - risk of injury!
● Never drive with the boot lid fully opened or slightly ajar otherwise ex-
haust gases may get into the interior of the vehicle - risk of poisoning!
● On no account exceed the permissible axle loads and the permissible gross
weight of the vehicle - risk of accident!
● Never transport occupants in the luggage compartment! CAUTION
Make sure that transported objects with sharp edges do not damage the follow-
ing:
● heating elements in the rear window,
● elements of the aerial integrated in the rear window (Octavia),
● elements of the aerial integrated in the rear side windows (Estate car). Note
Tyre pressure must be adjusted to the load ⇒ page 192
.
Vehicles of category N1 On vehicles of the category N1, which are not fitted with a protective grille, a lash-
ing set which complies with the standard EN

12195 (1 - 4) must be used for fasten-
ing the load. 
Lashing eyes Fig. 52 Luggage compartment: Lashing eyes Octavia/Estate car
Eyes are located on the sides of the luggage compartment for lashing the goods
to be loaded.
You can also attach a floor fixing net to these eyes for holding small objects.
The floor fixing net and the installation instruction are located in a container un-
der the floor covering of the luggage compartment behind the spare wheel. £ 67
Seats and Stowage Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

Setting air conditioning system
Recommended basic settings of the control elements of the air conditioning sys-
tem for the respective operating modes: Set-up Setting of the control dial Button
Air outlet vents 3
A B C 1 4
Defrost windscreen and side
windows - free from mist
a) Desired tempera-
ture 3 or 4
 Is activated auto-
matically b) Do not switch on Open and align with the side
windowThe fastest heating To the right up to
the stop 3
 Switched off Briefly switched on Opening
Comfortable heating Desired tempera-
ture 2 or 3
   Switched off Do not switch on Opening
The fastest cooling To the left up to
the stop briefly 4, then
2 or 3  Activated Briefly switched on Opening
Optimal cooling Desired tempera-
ture 1, 2 or 3
 Activated Do not switch on Open and align to the roof
Fresh air mode - ventilation To the left up to
the stop Desired position
 Switched off Do not switch on Opening
a)
In countries with high humidity, we recommend you do not use this setting. This can result in heavy cooling of the window glass and the following fogging from outside.
b) The warning light in the 1 button lights after activation, even if not all of the conditions for the function of the cooling system have been met. As a result, the readiness for cooling is signalled when all conditions
are satisfied ⇒ page 88
, Description of the air conditioning system. Note
● Controls A ,
B ,
C and the
1 button and
4 ⇒
 
fig. 94 .
● Air outlet vents 3 ⇒ fig. 91.
● We recommend that you leave the air outlet vents 4 ⇒ fig. 91 in the opened
position. 
Recirculated air mode In recirculated air mode air is sucked out of the interior of the vehi-
cle and then fed back into the interior.
Recirculated air mode prevents polluted air outside the vehicle from getting into
the vehicle, for example when driving through a tunnel or when standing in a traf-
fic jam. Switching recirculated air mode on
– Press the button 
4 ⇒ fig. 94
the warning light lights up in the button.
Switching recirculated air mode off
– Press again the button  - the warning light in the button goes out.
The recirculated air mode is switched off automatically if the air distribution con-
trol C is in position  ⇒

 fig. 94 . You can also switch recirculated air mode on
again from this setting by repeatedly pressing pushbutton  .
£90
Heating and air conditioning system

Buttons/control dial
Setting of the temperature for the left side, operation of the seat heating of
the left front seat
Automatic mode AUTOSwitching off Climatronic
OFFSetting the blower speed
Button for direct switching on/off of auxiliary heater (parking heater)
Switching on/off of the temperature setting in dual mode DUALSwitching cooling on and off
ACSetting of the temperature for the right side, operation of the seat heating of
the right front seat Note
Below the top row of buttons is located the interior temperature sensor. Do not
glue or cover over the sensor, otherwise it could have an unfavourable effect on
the Climatronic. 
Automatic mode The automatic mode is used in order to maintain a constant tem-
perature and to demist the windows in the interior of the car.
Switching automatic mode on
– Set a temperature between +18 ℃ and +26 ℃.
– Move the air outlet vents 3 and 4 ⇒  fig. 91 so that the air flow is directed
slightly upwards.
– Press the button AUTO . In the right or left top corner a warning light lights up,
depending on which unit was last selected.
If the warning light in the top right corner of the button AUTO lights up, the Clima-
tronic operates in

“HIGH” mode. The “HIGH” mode is the standard setting of the
Climatronic.
When pressing again the button AUTO , the Climatronic changes into the “LOW”
mode and the warning light in the top left corner lights up. The Climatronic uses
only in this mode the lower blower speed. However taking into account the noise
level, this is more comfortable, yet be aware that the effectiveness of the air con-
ditioning system is reduced particularly if the vehicle is fully occupied.
By pressing again the button AUTO , you change into the “HIGH” mode.
7 8
9
10
11
12
13
14 The automatic mode is switched off by pressing the button for the air distribution
or increasing or decreasing the blower speed. The temperature is nevertheless
regulated.

switching cooling on and off switching cooling on and off
–
Press the button AC ⇒
 
fig. 95 . The warning light lights up in the button.
– When you again press the switch AC , the cooling system is switched off. The
warning light in the button goes out. Only the function of the ventilation re-
mains active when no lower temperature than the outside temperature can be
reached. 
Setting temperature You can separate the interior temperature for the left and right side separately.
–
You can set the temperature for both sides after switching on the ignition
with the control dial 7
⇒  fig. 95 .
– If you wish to set the temperature for the right side, turn the control dial 14 .
The warning light in the button DUAL lights up, this indicates that differing
temperatures for the left and right side can be set.
If the warning light in the button DUAL lights up, the temperature for both sides
cannot be set with the control dial 7 . You can reinitiate this function by pressing
the button DUAL . The warning light in the button which indicates the possibility to
set differing temperatures for the left and right side, goes out.
You can set the interior temperature between +18 °C and +26 ℃. The interior tem-
perature is regulated automatically within this range. If you chose a temperature
lower than +18 °C, a blue symbol lights up at the start of the numerical scale. If you
chose a temperature higher than +26 °C, a red symbol lights up at the end of the
numerical scale. In both limit positions the Climatronic operates at maximum cool-
ing or heating capacity, respectively. The temperature is not controlled in this
case.
Lengthy and uneven distribution of the air flow out of the vents (in particular at
the leg area) and large differences in temperature, for example when getting out
of the vehicle, can result in chills in sensitive persons. 92
Heating and air conditioning system