2011 SKODA OCTAVIA steering

Main menu ⇒ page 18
Door, luggage compartment door and bonnet ajar
warning ⇒ page 18
Service Interval Display ⇒ 
page 12 Selector lever position for an automatic gearbox ⇒ 
page 108 
Main menu Fig. 7 Information display: Controls on the windshield wiper lever/controls on the multifunc-
tion steering wheel
Operating with the buttons on the windshield wiper lever
– You can activate the Main Menu by pressing the rocker switch A
⇒  fig. 7 for
more than 1
second.
– You can select individual menu points by means of the rocker switch A . When
the pushbutton B is briefly pressed, the information you have selected is dis-
played.
Operating with the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel
– You can activate the Main menu by pressing the rocker switch C
⇒  fig. 7
for
more than 1 second.
– By briefly pressing the C button you will reach one level higher.
– You can select the individual menus by pressing the handwheel D . After brief-
ly pressing the handwheel D , the desired menu is indicated.
You can select the following information (depending on the equipment installed
on the vehicle):
■ MFD ⇒

  page 14 ■
Audio
■ Navigation
■ Phone ⇒ page 116
■ Aux.

Heating ⇒ page 94
■ Assistants ⇒ page 46
■ Vehicle status ⇒ page 19
■ Settings ⇒ page 19
The menu point Audio is only then displayed when the factory-fitted car radio is
switched on.
The menu point Navigation is only then displayed when the factory-fitted radio
navigation system is switched on.
The menu point Aux. heating is only then displayed, if the vehicle is factory-fitted
with auxiliary heating.
The menu point Assistants is only then displayed, if the vehicle is fitted with cor-
nering lights. Note
● If warning messages are shown in the information display, these messages
can be confirmed with the button B on the windshield wiper lever or with the
button D on the multifunction steering wheel in order to call up the main menu.
● If you do not activate the information display at that moment, the menu shifts
to one level higher every 10 seconds.
● The operation of the factory-fitted car stereo or radio navigation system is de-
scribed in separate operating instructions to be found in the on-board literature. 
Door, luggage compartment door and bonnet ajar warning The door, luggage compartment and bonnet ajar warning lights up if at least one
door, the luggage compartment or bonnet are not closed. The symbol indicates
which door is still open or whether the luggage compartment door or bonnet is
not closed
.
The symbol goes out as soon as the doors, luggage compartment door and bonnet
are completely closed.
A warning signal sounds if the car is driven at a speed of more than 6km/hour and
if the engine or the luggage compartment door is open. 18
Instruments and warning lights


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

CAUTION
As long as the warning light  lights up, one must take into account an increased
fuel consumption and in certain circumstances a power reduction of the engine. Note
Further information about diesel particle filter ⇒  page 160. 
Airbag system Monitoring the airbag system
The warning light
 comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
There is a fault in the system if the warning light does not go out or flashes while
driving ⇒  . This also applies if the warning light does not come on when the ig-
nition is switched on.
The following text will be displayed in the information display:
Error: Airbag (Error: Airbag)
The functionality of the airbag system is also monitored electronically when one
airbag has been switched off.
The following situation applies if the front, side and head airbags or belt ten-
sioner have been switched off using the vehicle system tester:
● The warning light  lights up for 4
seconds after switching on the ignition and
then flashes again for 12 seconds in intervals of 2 seconds.
The following text will be displayed in the information display: Airbag/belt tensioner deactivated
The following situation applies if the airbag has been switched off using the
switch for the airbag in the front passenger storage compartment:
● the warning light  comes on for 4
seconds after the ignition has been
switched on,
● switching off the airbag is indicated in the middle of the dash panel by the
lighting up of the indicator light 

  (airbag switched off) ⇒  page 146. WARNING
Have the airbag system checked immediately by a specialist garage if a fault
exists. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being activated in the event
of an accident. Control system for exhaust
 The warning light
 comes on after the ignition has been switched on.
If the warning light does not go out after starting the engine or it lights up when
driving, a fault exists in an exhaust relevant component. The engine management
system selects an emergency programme which enables you to drive to the near-
est specialist garage by adopting a gentle style of driving. 
Electromechanical power steering   The warning light
 comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
If the warning light after switching on the ignition or when driving lights up con-
tinuously, a fault exists in the electromechanical power steering.
● If the yellow warning light lights up , this indicates a partial failure of the
power steering and the steering forces can be greater.
● If the red warning light lights up , this indicates a complete failure of the
power steering and the steering assist has failed (significantly higher steering
forces).
Further information ⇒ page 159. WARNING
Contact your specialist garage if the power steering is defective. Note
● If the yellow warning light  goes out after starting the engine again and a
short drive, it is not necessary to visit a specialist garage.
● If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the yellow warning
light  comes on after switching on the ignition. The warning light must go out
after driving a short distance. 24
Instruments and warning lights

Selector lever lock
If the
green warning light  lights up, operate the brake pedal. This is necessary,
in order to be able to move the selector lever out of the position P or N.
Further information about the selector lever lock ⇒ page 111.
Tyre inflation pressure The warning light
 lights up, if there is a substantial drop in inflation pressure in
one of the tyres. Reduce the speed and check or correct as soon as possible the
inflation pressure in the tyres ⇒
 page 192.
If the warning light flashes, there is a system fault. Visit the nearest specialist ga-
rage and have the fault rectified.
Further information about the tyre pressure monitoring system ⇒ page 159. WARNING
● When the warning light  lights up, immediately reduce the speed and
avoid sudden steering and brake manoeuvres. Please stop the vehicle without
delay at the nearest possible stop and inspect the tyres and their inflation
pressures.
● Under certain circumstances (e.g. sporty style of driving, wintry or unpaved
roads) the warning light  can be delayed or does not light up at all.Note
If the battery has been disconnected, the warning light  comes on after switch-
ing on the ignition. The warning light must go out after driving a short distance. 
Antilock brake system (ABS) The warning light
 shows the functionality of the ABS.
The warning light comes on for a few seconds after the ignition has been switch-
ed on or when starting the engine. The warning light goes out after an automatic
check sequence has been completed. A fault in the ABS
The system is not functioning properly if the ABS warning light
 does not go out
within a few seconds after switching on the ignition, does not light up at all or
lights up while driving. The vehicle will only be braked by the normal brake sys-
tem. Visit a specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropri-
ately as you will not know how great the damage is.
Further information about ABS ⇒ page 158

, Antilock brake system (ABS).
A fault in the entire brake system
If the ABS warning light  comes on together with the brake system warning
light  (handbrake must be released), there is a fault not only in the ABS but also
in another part of the brake system ⇒  .
WARNING
● If the brake system warning light  comes on together with the ABS
warning light  stop the vehicle immediately and check the brake fluid level
in the reservoir ⇒ page 186, Brake fluid

. If the fluid level has dropped below
the MIN marking, do not drive any further - risk of accident! Contact a Škoda
dealer to obtain professional assistance.
● Pay attention to the following instructions ⇒
 page 181, Working in the en-
gine compartment before checking the brake fluid level and opening the bon-
net.
● If the brake fluid is at the correct level, the ABS control function has failed.
The rear wheels may then block very rapidly when braking. In certain circum-
stances, this can result in the rear end of the car breaking away - risk of skid-
ding! Drive carefully to the nearest specialist garage and have the fault recti-
fied. 
Bonnet  The warning light
 comes on if the bonnet is unlocked. If the engine bonnet un-
locks while driving , the warning light lights up and an audible signal sounds.
The warning light comes on even when the ignition is switched off. The warning
light lights up for a maximum of 5 minutes.
In vehicles with an information display, this warning light is replaced by a vehicle
symbol ⇒ page 18  27
Instruments and warning lights Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

Unlocking and locking
Vehicle key
Description Fig. 9 Set of keys without remote control/Keys with remote control key
Two keys are provided with the vehicle. Depending on the equipment, your vehi-
cle can be equipped with keys without radio remote control ⇒
 fig. 9 - left, or with
radio remote control ⇒ fig. 9 - right. WARNING
● Always withdraw the key whenever you leave the vehicle - even if it is only
for a short time. This is particularly important if children are left in the vehicle.
The children might otherwise start the engine or operate electrical equipment
(e.g. power windows) - risk of injury!
● Do not withdraw the ignition key from the ignition lock until the vehicle
has come to a stop. The steering lock might otherwise engage unintentionally
- risk of accident! CAUTION
● Each key contains electronic components; therefore protect them against
moisture and severe shocks.
● Keep the groove of the keys absolutely clean as impurities (textile fibres, dust
etc.) have a negative effect on the proper operation of the locking cylinder and the
ignition lock. Note
Please approach an authorised ŠKODA Service Partner if you lose a key since he
can obtain a new one for you. 
Changing the battery in the remote control key Fig. 10 Remote control key - remove cover/remove battery
Each remote control key contains a battery which is housed under the cover
B ⇒ 
fig. 10 . If the battery is discharged, the red warning light A does not flash after
you press a button on the remote control key ⇒

  fig. 9 . We recommend that you
have the batteries of the key replaced by an authorised ŠKODA Service Partner.
You should, however, proceed as follows if you wish to replace the discharged
battery yourself:
– Fold open the key.
– Press off the battery cover with your thumb or using a flat screwdriver at the
points of the arrows 1 from
⇒
 fig. 10.
– Remove the discharged battery from the key by pressing the battery down-
wards at the point of the arrow 2
⇒
 fig. 10.
– Insert the new battery. Ensure that the “+” symbol on the battery is facing up-
wards. The correct polarity is shown on the battery cover.
– Position the battery cover on the key and press on it until it is heard to lock in
place. £30
Unlocking and locking

Lights and Visibility
Lights
Switching lights on and off  Fig. 24 Dash panel: Light switch
Switching on side lights
– Turn the light switch ⇒ fig. 24 into position .
Switching on the low beam and main beam
– Turn the light switch into position .
– Push the main beam lever slightly forward in the spring-tensioned position in
order to switch on the main beam ⇒ fig. 30 .
Switching off lights (except daylight driving lights)
– Turn the light switch into position.
The dipped beam continues to shine while the ignition is switched on and the
light switch is in the position  or  . After switching off the ignition, the low
beam is switched off automatically and only the side lights come on. The parking
light also goes out after the ignition key is removed.
On vehicles with separate lights for daylight driving lights in the fog lights or in
the front bumper, the low beam does not light up when the light switch is in posi-
tion 0 even if the ignition is switched on.
On models fitted with right-hand steering the position of certain switches differs
from that shown in ⇒
 fig. 24. The symbols which mark the switch positions are
identical, however. WARNING
Never drive with only the side lights on - risk of accident! The side lights are
not bright enough to light up the road sufficiently in front of you or to be seen
by other oncoming traffic. In this case, always switch on the low beam when it
is dark or if visibility is poor. Note
● If the light switch is in the position , the ignition key is removed and the
driver's door is open, an acoustic warning signal will sound. The acoustic warning
signal is switched off over the door contact when the driver's door is closed (igni-
tion off). The vehicle can be parked with the side lights on.
● If the light switch is in the position  and the ignition key is removed, the
lights will go out.
● If the car is parked for a lengthy period, we recommend switching off all lights,
or leaving only the parking lights switched on.
● The switching on of the described lights should only be undertaken in accord-
ance with the legal requirements.
● If a fault occurs in the light switch, the low beam comes on automatically
● In the event of cool or humid weather conditions, the headlights can be misted
up from inside.
–The temperature difference between interior and external area of the head-
light lenses is decisive.
– When the driving lights are switched on, the light outlet surfaces are free
from mist after a short period. The headlight lenses can possibly mist up at the
border areas.
– It also concerns reverse light and turn signal lights.
– This mist has no influence on the life of the lighting system. 
“DAY LIGHT” Switching on daylight driving lights
–
Switch on the ignition without turning the light switch out of the position 0 or

 . £44
Lights and Visibility

Deactivating the function daylight driving lights
–
Pull the turn signal light lever towards the steering wheel within 3 seconds af-
ter switching on the ignition and at the same time, slide it to the bottom and
hold it in this position for at least 3 seconds.
Activating the function daylight driving lights
– Pull the turn signal light lever towards the steering wheel within 3 seconds af-
ter switching on the ignition and at the same time, slide it towards the top and
hold it in this position for at least 3
seconds.
On vehicles fitted with an information display, you can also activate or deactivate
in the menu the function daylight driving lights:
■ Settings
■ Lights & Vision
On vehicles with separate lights for daylight driving lights in the fog lights or in
the front bumper, the parking lights and the licence plate light do not come on
when activating the function daylight driving lights (neither front nor rear).
If the vehicle is not equipped with separate lights for daylight driving lights, the
combination of the low beam, the parking lights (front and rear) including the li-
cence plate light is used as daylight driving lights.
In some countries, the national legal provisions require that the rear parking lights
also come on together with the separate lights for daylight driving lights when ac-
tivating the function daylight driving lights.
When the daylight driving lights are switched on, the illumination of the instru-
ment cluster is switched off, however, it is switched on in the position  when it
is dark and the low beam shines with full brightness (100 % of the performance). Automatic driving lamp control Fig. 25 Dash panel: Light switch
Switching on automatic driving lamp control
– Turn the light switch ⇒ fig. 25 into position .
Switching off automatic driving lamp control
– Turn the light switch to the position 0,  or .
If the light switch is in the position , the symbol illuminates when the ignition
is switched on  next to the light switch. If the low beam is activated with the
light sensor, the symbol  illuminates additionally next to the light switch.
If the light comes on automatically, the side lights and low beam as well as licence
plate light light up at the same time.
If the automatic light control is switched on, the light is regulated with the light
sensor in the rear mirror holder. If the light intensity drops below the set value, e.g
when driving during the day into a tunnel, the low beam and the side lights as
well as the licence plate light come on automatically. If the light intensity increa-
ses again, the lights switch off automatically.
Motorway lights
If the automatic light control has been switched on and the vehicle speed is over
140 km/h for at least 10 seconds, the side lights and low beam are switched on
automatically.
If the vehicle speed is below 65

km/h for at least 2 minutes, the lights are switch-
ed off. £ 45
Lights and Visibility Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

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