2011 SKODA OCTAVIA instrument cluster


Low beam
⇒ page 23
 Rear fog light
⇒ page 23
 Speed regulating system
⇒ page 23
 Failure of the light bulbs
⇒ page 23
 Diesel particle filter (diesel engine)
⇒ page 23
 Airbag system
⇒ page 24
 Control system for exhaust
⇒ page 24
  Electromechanical power steering
⇒ page 24
 Engine oil pressure
⇒ page 25
 EPC fault light (petrol engine)
⇒ page 25
 Glow plug system (diesel engine)
⇒ page 25
 Coolant temperature/coolant level
⇒ page 25
 Traction control system (TCS)
⇒ page 26
 Electronic stability programme (ESP)
⇒ page 26
 Switch off traction control system (TCS)
⇒ page 26
 Selector lever lock
⇒ page 27
 Tyre pressure
⇒ page 27
 Antilock brake system (ABS)
⇒ page 27 
Bonnet
⇒ page 27
 Seat belt warning light
⇒ page 28
 Boot lid
⇒ page 28
 Open door
⇒ page 28
 Fluid level in windshield washer system
⇒ page 28
 Brake system
⇒ page 28
 Handbrake
⇒ page 29
 Generator
⇒ page 29
 Engine oil level
⇒ page 29
 Fuel reserve
⇒ page 29 WARNING
● 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, accidents and fire when working in the engine compart-
ment, e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and other fluids. It is also essential
to observe all warnings ⇒
 page 181, Working in the engine compartment. Note
● The arrangement of the indicator lights depends on the 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 symbols (priority 2 - warning). 22
Instruments and warning lights

Do not continue your journey
if for some reason it is not possible under the con-
ditions prevailing to top up with coolant. Keep the engine switched off and obtain
professional assistance from a specialist garage, otherwise it could lead to severe
engine damage.
If the coolant is within the specified range, the increased temperature may be
caused by an operating problem at the coolant fan. Check the fuse for the coolant
fan, replace it if necessary ⇒
 page 212, Fuse assignment in engine compartment.
Do not continue driving if the warning light does not go off although the fluid is
at the correct level and also the fuse of the fan is in proper order. Contact a spe-
cialist garage to obtain assistance.
Please refer to the following guidelines ⇒ page 184, Cooling system.
The following text will be displayed in the information display: Check coolant! Owner's manual! Check coolant! Car documentation! WARNING
● If you must stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic and switch off the engine and switch on the hazard
warning light system ⇒ page 49.
● Take care when opening the coolant expansion bottle. If the engine is hot,
the cooling system is pressurized - risk of scalding! It is best to allow the en-
gine to cool down before removing the cap.
● Do not touch the coolant fan The coolant fan may switch on automatically
even if the ignition is off. 
Traction control system (TCS) The warning light
 comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
The warning light comes on when driving when a control cycle is activated.
The warning light lights up permanently if there is a fault in the TCS 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 156, Traction control system (TCS)

. 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. 
Anti-spin regulation (ASR)  The TCS system is switched off by pressing the button
⇒ fig. 139 and the warning
light  lights up. 
Electronic stability programme (ESP)  The warning light
 comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
When the ESP helps to stabilise the vehicle, the warning light  flashes in the in-
strument cluster.
The warning light lights up permanently if there is a fault in the ESP system.
The fact that the ESP system operates together with the ABS 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 154, Electronic stability programme (ESP).
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
The EDL is a part of the ESP. A fault in the EDL is indicated by the lighting up of
the ESP warning light in the instrument cluster. Have the vehicle inspected imme-
diately by your specialist garage. Further information on the EDL ⇒ page 155,
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDL). 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. 26
Instruments and warning lights

The warning light
 lights up in the instrument cluster when the fog lights are
switched on ⇒
 page 21. 
Fog lights with the function “CORNER” The fog lights with the function “CORNER” are designed for a bet-
ter illumination of the surrounding area near the vehicle when
corning, parking etc.
The fog lights with the function

“CORNER” are adjusted according to the steering
angle or after switching on the turn signal light 1)
in the following circumstances:
● the vehicle is stationary and 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 the 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  ⇒
 fig. 26 .
– Pull the switch into position 2 .
The warning light 

lights up in the instrument cluster when the rear fog light is
switched on ⇒ page 21.
Only the rear fog light of the trailer lights up if the vehicle has a factory-fitted
towing device or a towing device from ŠKODA original accessories and when you
are towing a trailer 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 (con-
form with any varying legal provisions) to avoid dazzling vehicles behind your ve-
hicle. 
Instrument lighting  You can adjust the brightness of the instrument lighting.
Fig. 27 Dash panel: Instrument lighting
Instrument lighting
– Switch on the light.
– Turn the control dial ⇒
 fig. 27 to the desired intensity of the instrument light-
ing.
The illumination intensity of the Information display ⇒ page 17 is set automatically.
It is only possible to adjust the instrument lighting with the control dial if the light
intensity drops below the set value of the light sensor. 1)
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. 48
Lights and Visibility

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

3
- start engine
Applies to all models:
Position 1 To
lock the steering , with the ignition key withdrawn, turn the steering wheel un-
til 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 2 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
3 The engine is started in this position. At the same time switched on low beam or
main beam or other electrical components with major power consumption are
briefly switched off. The ignition key moves back into position
2 when one relea-
ses the key.
The ignition key must be turned back into position 1 each time before starting
the engine again. The starter repeat lock in the ignition lock prevents the starter
being engaged when the engine is running and thus getting damaged.
Ignition key withdrawal lock (automatic gearbox)
You can only withdraw the ignition key after switching off the ignition if the selec-
tor lever is in position P.WARNING
● When driving, the ignition key must always be in the position 2 (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 wheel - 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 immediately - 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 engine or switch on electrical
equipment (e.g. power windows) - risk of accident or injury! Starting the engine
General You can only start the engine only using an original ignition key.
Manual gearbox
– Place the gearshift lever into neutral and put on the handbrake firmly before
starting the engine.
– Engage the clutch pedal and keep it depressed until the engine starts.
If you start the engine without depressing the clutch pedal, the engine does not
start and the following message appears in the Information display Depress
clutch! or CLUTCH in the display of the instrument cluster.
– Let go of the key as soon as the engine starts otherwise there may be damage
to the starter.
Automatic gearbox
– Place the gearshift lever into P or N before starting the engine, and apply the
handbrake firmly.
– 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 another vehicle as a jump-start aid ⇒

 page 206. WARNING
● Never run the engine in non ventilated or enclosed areas. The exhaust
gases of the engine contain besides the odorless and colourless carbon mon-
oxide a poisonous gas - hazard! Carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness
and death.
● Never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running. £ 99
Starting-off and Driving Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

The function is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on.
In the start-stop mode, the engine automatically switches to the vehicle's idle
phase, e.g. when stopped at traffic lights.
Information regarding the current state of the
“START-STOP” system is indicated
in the display of the instrument cluster.
Automatic engine shut down (stop phase)
– Stop the vehicle (where necessary, apply the handbrake).
– Take the vehicle out of gear.
– Take your foot off the clutch.
Automatic engine restart (start phase).
– Push down on the clutch.
Switching the
“START-STOP” system on and off
You can switch the “START STOP” system on/off by pressing the button ⇒ fig. 105.
When start-stop mode is deactivated, the warning light in the button lights up.
If the vehicle is in the stop phase when manually switching off the system, the en-
gine starts immediately.
The “START-STOP” system is very complex. Some of the procedures are hard to
check without servicing. The general conditions for the proper functioning of the
“START-STOP” system are listed in the following overview.
Conditions for the automatic engine shut down (stop phase) The gearshift lever is in Neutral.
The clutch pedal is not pressed!
The driver has fastened the seat belt.
The driver's door is closed.
The bonnet is closed.
The vehicle is at a standstill.
The factory-fitted towing device is not electrically connected to a trailer.
The engine is at operating temperature.
The charge state of the vehicle battery is sufficient.
The stationary vehicle is not on a steep slope or a steep downhill section.
The engine speed is less than 1200 1/min. The temperature of the vehicle battery is not too low or too high.
The pressure in the brake system is sufficient.
The difference between the outdoor- and the set temperature in the interior is
not too great.
The vehicle speed since the last time the engine was switched off was greater
than 3 km/h.
No cleaning of the diesel particle filter takes place
⇒ page 23 The front wheels are not turned excessively (the steering angle is less than 3/4
of a steering wheel revolution). Conditions for an automatic restart (start phase)
The clutch is pressed.
The max./min. temperature is set.
The Defrost function for the windscreen is switched on.
A high blower stage has been selected.
The “START STOP” button is pressed.
Conditions for an automatic restart without driver intervention
The vehicle moves at a speed of more than 3 km/h.
The difference between the outdoor- and the set temperature in the interior is
too great.
The charge state of the vehicle battery is not sufficient.
The pressure in the brake system is not sufficient.
Messages in the instrument cluster display (valid for vehicles without
Information display) ERROR: START STOP
Error in the START-STOP system
START STOP NOT POSSIBLE Automatic engine shut down is not
possible
START STOP ACTIVE Automatic engine shut down (stop
phase)
SWITCH OFF IGNITION
Switch off the ignition
START MANUALLY
Start the engine manually
£106
Starting-off and Driving

WARNING
● The brake servo unit and power steering only operate if the engine is run-
ning.
● Never let the vehicle roll with the engine switched off. CAUTION
If the “START-STOP” system is used at very high outside temperatures over a very
long period of time, the vehicle battery can be damaged. Note
● Changes to the outdoor temperature can have an effect on the internal tem-
perature of the vehicle battery even after several hours. If the vehicle remains
outdoors for a long time in minus temperatures or in direct sunlight, it can take
several hours until the internal temperature of the vehicle battery reaches a suita-
ble temperature for proper operation of the
“START STOP” system.
● In some instances it may be necessary to start the engine manually with the
ignition key (e.g. when the seat belt is not inserted or the driver's door is opened
for more than 30 seconds). Follow the messages in the instrument cluster display.
● If the Climatronic is running in automatic mode, under certain conditions, the
engine may not switch off automatically.  107
Starting-off and Driving Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

Automatic gearbox
Information for driving with the 6-speed automatic
gearbox The maximum speed is reached in the 5th gear. The 6th gear serves as an eco-
nomic driving programme, which is intended to reduce the fuel consumption.
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 112.
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 110, 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 ⇒  .
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, how-
ever, 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 . If the
selector lever is not in the P or N positions when locking the steering, switching
the ignition on or off or when leaving the engine on, the following message will
appear in the Information display Move selector lever to position P/N! or, in the
instrument cluster display:  P/N. 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 is not in the P positin
when the driver's door is open and the ignition is switched off, or if it is not in the
P position when the ignition is switched off and the driver's door is opened, the
following message will appear in the Information display: Move selector lever to
position P! or, in the instrument cluster display:  P. The message disappears af-
ter a few seconds by switching on the ignition or by moving the selector lever into
the position P .
If the selector lever position N is selected by accident while driving it is first nec-
essary 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!
● 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 (ex-
cept 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 gear-
box).
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 interrupted. Shifting up and down through the gears is performed £108
Automatic gearbox