2011 SKODA OCTAVIA air condition

Auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and ventilation)
Description and important information The auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and ventilation) heats or
supplies the interior of the vehicle with fresh air independent of the
engine.
Auxiliary heating (parking heating)
The auxiliary heater (parking heater) functions in connection with the air-condi-
tioning system or Climatronic.
It can be used when stationary, when engine is switched off for preheating of the
vehicle as well as while driving (e.g. during the heating phase of the engine).
The engine is also preheated when the vehicle is stationary and the engine is
switched off, if the auxiliary heating is switched on.
The auxiliary heating (parking heating) warms up the coolant during the combus-
tion of fuel from the vehicle tank. The coolant warms up the air, which (if the
blower speed is not set to zero) flows into the occupant compartment.
Auxiliary ventilation
The auxiliary ventilation enables fresh air to flow into the vehicle interior by
switching off the engine, whereby the interior temperature is effectively de-
creased (e.g. with the vehicle parked in the sun). WARNING
● The auxiliary heating must never be operated in closed rooms - risk of poi-
soning!
● The auxiliary heating must not be running during refueling - risk of fire.
● The exhaust pipe of the auxiliary heating is located on the underside of
the vehicle. Therefore do not place the vehicle, if you wish to operate the aux-
iliary heating, in such a way that the exhaust gases of the auxiliary heating
can come easily into contact with inflammable materials (e.g. dry grass) or
easily inflammable substances (e.g. fuel run out). Note
If the auxiliary heating runs, the fuel consumption comes from the vehicle tank.
The auxiliary heating automatically controls the filling level in the fuel tank. If only
a low quantity of fuel is present in the fuel tank, the function of the auxiliary heat-
ing is blocked.
● The exhaust pipe of the auxiliary heating, which is located on the underside of
the vehicle, must not be clogged and the exhaust flow must not be blocked.
● If the auxiliary heating and ventilation is running, the vehicle battery discharg-
es. If the auxiliary heating and ventilation has been operated several times over a
longer period, the vehicle must be driven a few kilometers in order to recharge the
vehicle battery.
● The auxiliary heating only switches the blower on, if it has achieved a coolant
temperature of approx. 50 °C.
● At low outside temperatures, this can result in a formation of water vapour in
the area of the engine compartment. This is quite normal and is not an operating
problem.
● After switching off the auxiliary heating, the coolant pump runs for a short pe-
riod.
● The auxiliary heating and ventilation does not switch on or comes on, if the
vehicle battery indicates a low loading state ⇒

 page 190, Automatic consumer
shut-off.
● The auxiliary heating (parking heating) does not switch on, if the following was
shown in the information display or before switching off the ignition: Please re-
fuel!
● The air inlet in front of the windscreen must be free of ice, snow or leaves in
order to ensure that the auxiliary heating operates properly.
● So that warm air can flow into the vehicle interior after switching on the auxili-
ary heating, you must maintain the comfort temperature normally selected by you
and leave the air outlet vents in an open position. It is recommended to put the air
flow in the position  or . 94
Heating and air conditioning system

Direct switching on/off
Fig. 96 Button for direct switching on/
off of the auxiliary heating (auxiliary
heating and ventilation) on the operat-
ing part of the air conditioning system
The auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and ventilation) can be switched on or off
directly with the  button on the air conditioning system, Climatronic- or heating
⇒  fig. 96 .
If the auxiliary heating and ventilation is not switched off earlier, it switches off
automatically after the expiration of the set operating period, in the menu Run-
ning time. 
Using the system So that the auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and ventilation)
functions according to your expectations, it is necessary to carry
out the basic setting before its programming.
Basic setting
– On the information display, select in the Main menu the menu point Aux. heat-
ing.
– In the menu Aux. heating select the menu point Day of the wk. and set to-
day's date.
– By selecting the menu point Back, you will reach one level higher in the menu
Aux. Heating.
– In the menu Aux.
heating select the menu point Running time and set the de-
sired operating time in steps of 5 minutes. The running time can be 10 to 60
minutes.
– By selecting the menu point Back, you will reach in the menu Aux. heating.
– In the menu Aux.
heating select the menu point Mode. –
In the menu Mode select the desired mode Heating or Ventilation . 
Programming For the programming of the auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and ventilation) in
the menu Aux. heating there are three pre-set times:
● Starting time 1
● Starting time 2
● Starting time 3
In each pre-set time, the day and the time (hour and minute) can be set for
switching on the auxiliary heating and/or ventilation.
An empty position can be found between Sunday and Monday when selecting the
day. If this empty position is selected, the activation is performed without taking
into account the day.
If you leave the pre-set menu by selecting the menu Back or do not make changes
on the display for longer than 10 seconds, the set values are stored, but the pre-
set time is not active.
Both other pre-set times can be programmed and stored in the same way.
Only one programmed pre-set time can be active.
The last programmed pre-set time remains active.
After the auxiliary heating activates at the set time, it is necessary to pre-set a
time again.
Changing the active pre-set time is carried out after selecting the menu point Ac-
tivate in the menu Aux.

heating by selecting a pre-set time.
The prerequisite for the correct switching on of the auxiliary heating (auxiliary
heating and ventilation) according to the programmed pre-set time is the correct
setting of the current time and the weekday ⇒ page 95.
If the system is running, a warning light in the button for direct switching on/off
of the auxiliary heating  lights up.
The running system deactivates after expiration of the operating period or is de-
activated earlier by pressing the button for direct switching on/off of the auxiliary
heating 
⇒
 page 95.
A random pre-set time can be deactivated by selecting the menu point Deactivate
in the menu Activate. £ 95
Heating and air conditioning system Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

After selecting the menu
Factory setting in the menu Aux. heating, it is possible
to return to the factory setting. 
Radio remote control The auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and ventilation) can be
switched on or off with the remote control. Fig. 97 Auxiliary heating: Radio remote control/bottom of the radio remote control with the
battery cover
–
For switching on, press the button ON .
– For switching off, press the button OFF .
The transmitter and the battery are housed in the housing of the remote control.
The receiver is located in the interior of the car.
If the battery is properly charged, the effective range is up to 600

m. For switching
on or off the auxiliary heating, hold the remote control vertically with the antenna A
⇒  fig. 97 towards the top. You must not cover over the antenna with the fin-
gers or the palm of the hand. Obstacles between the radio remote control and the
vehicle, bad weather conditions and a weaker battery can clearly reduce the
range.
The auxiliary heating can only be switched on or off with the radio remote control,
if the distance between the radio remote control and the vehicle is at least 2 m.
Warning light in the radio remote control
The warning light in the radio remote control ⇒ fig. 97

indicates after a keystroke
if the remote control signal was received by the auxiliary heating and if the bat-
tery is adequately charged. Display warning light Description
Lights up green for 2 seconds. The auxiliary heating was switched on.
Lights up red for 2 seconds. The auxiliary heating was switched off.
Slowly flashes green for 2 seconds. The ignition signal was not received.
Quickly flashes green for 2 seconds. The auxiliary heating is blocked, e. g
because the tank is nearly empty or
there is a fault in the auxiliary heating.
Flashes red for 2 seconds. The switch off signal was not received.
Lights up orange for 2 seconds, then
green or red. The battery is weak, however the
switching on or off signal was received.
Lights up orange for 2 seconds, then
flashes green or red. The battery is weak, however the
switching on or off signal was not re-
ceived.
Flashes orange for 5 seconds. The battery is discharged, however the
switching on or off signal was not re-
ceived. CAUTION
There are electronic components in the radio remote control, protect the remote
control against water, severe shocks and direct sun rays. 
Changing the battery of the radio remote control If the warning light of the radio remote control indicates a weak or discharged
battery,
⇒ fig. 97, it must be replaced. The battery is located under a cover on the
back of the radio remote control.
– Insert a flat, blunt object, such as a coin, into the gap of the battery cover, turn
it against the direction of the arrow up to the mark, and unlock the cover
⇒ fig. 97 - right.
– Change the battery, replace the battery cover and lock it by moving it in the
direction of the arrow. For the sake of the environment
Dispose of a used battery in accordance with environmental regulations. £96
Heating and air conditioning system

Note
● Pay attention to the correct polarity when changing the battery.
● The replacement battery must have the same specification as the original bat-
tery.  97
Heating and air conditioning system Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

●
Ensure that no objects can obstruct the pedal.
● Adjust the mirror, the front seat and the head restraint to match your body
size.
● Point out to your occupants that the head restraints must be adjusted to
match their body size.
● Protect the children in suitable child seats with correctly fastened seat belts
⇒ page 147, Transporting children safely.
● Adopt the correct seated position ⇒
 page 132, Correct seated position. Also
inform your occupants to adopt the correct seated position.
● Fasten the seat belt correctly. Also inform your occupants to properly fasten
the seat belts ⇒

 page 137, How are seat belts correctly fastened?. 
What influences the driving safety? The driving safety is primarily determined by the style of driving
and the personal behaviour of all the occupants.
The driver is fully responsible for himself and his occupants. If your driving safety
is effected, you place yourself and the oncoming traffic at risk.
Please refer to the following guidelines.
● Do not get distracted from concentrating on the traffic situation, e.g. by your
occupants or mobile phone calls.
● Never drive when your driving ability is impaired, e.g. through medication, alco-
hol, drugs.
● Keep to the traffic regulations and the permissible speed limit.
● Adjust the driving speed at all times to the road condition as well as to the
traffic and weather conditions.
● Take regular breaks on long journeys - at the latest every two hours. Correct seated position
Correct seated position for the driver Correct seated position for the driver is important for safe and re-
laxed driving.
Fig. 116 The correct distance of the driver from the steering wheel/The correct head restraint
adjustment for the driver
For your own safety and to reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident, we
recommend the following setting.
● Adjust the steering wheel so that the distance between the steering wheel
and your chest is at least 25 cm ⇒ fig. 116 - left.
● Position the driver seat in the forward/back direction so that you are able to
fully press the pedals with your legs at a slight angle.
● Adjust the seat backrest so that you are able to reach the highest point of the
steering wheel with your arms at a slight angle.
● Adjust the head restraint so that the top edge of the head restraint is at the
same level as the upper part of your head ⇒

 fig. 116 - right.
● Fasten the seat belt correctly ⇒
 page 137, How are seat belts correctly fas-
tened?.
Manual driver seat adjustment ⇒ page 60, Adjusting the front seats.
Electrical driver seat adjustment ⇒ page 61, Adjusting front seats electrically. £132
Passive Safety

The speed of the vehicle is, nevertheless, the most important factor. Doubling the
speed of the vehicle from 25 km/h up to 50 km/hour increases the kinetic energy
four times.
The common opinion that it is possible to support your body in a minor accident
with your hands, is incorrect. Even in a collision at only a low speed, the forces
acting on the body are such that it is no longer possible to support your body.
Even if you only drive at a speed within the range from 30 km/hour to 50 km/hour,
the forces which are produced on your body in the event of an accident can easily
exceed 10
000 N (Newton). This equals a weight of one tonne (1 000 kg).
In the event of a frontal collision, occupants of the vehicle not wearing a seat belt,
are thrown forward and strike in an uncontrolled way parts of the interior of the
vehicle, such as steering wheel, dash panel, windscreen, ⇒ fig. 118 - left. The occu-
pants of a vehicle who have not fastened their seat belts may even be thrown out
of the vehicle. This can result in fatal injuries.
It is also important that rear seat occupants fasten their seat belts as they will
otherwise be thrown through the vehicle in an uncontrolled manner in the event
of an accident A rear seat passenger who has not fastened the seat belt is a dan-
ger not only to himself but also for those seated at the front ⇒ fig. 118 - right. 
Important safety information regarding the use of
seat belts The correct use of the seat belts considerably reduces the risk of
injury! WARNING
● The belt webbing must not be jammed in-between at any point or twisted,
or chafe against any sharp edges.
● It is important that the belt webbing is properly routed if the seat belts are
to offer their maximum protection ⇒ page 137, How are seat belts correctly
fastened?

.
● No two persons (also not children) should ever use a single seat belt to-
gether.
● The maximum protection which seat belts can offer is only achieved if you
are correctly seated ⇒

 page 132, Correct seated position. WARNING (Continued)
● The belt webbing must not run across solid or fragile objects (e.g. specta-
cles, ball-point pens, keys etc.) as this may be a cause of injuries.
● Many layers of clothing and loose clothing (e. g. a winter coat over a jacket)
do not allow you to be correctly seated and impairs proper operation of the
seat belts.
● It is prohibited to use clamps or other objects to adjust seat belts (e. g. for
shortening the belts for smaller persons).
● The lock tongue should only be inserted into the lock which is the correct
one for your seat. Wrong use of the safety belt will reduce its capacity to pro-
tect and the risk of injury increases.
● The seat backrests of the front seats must not be tilted too far to the rear
otherwise the seatbelts can lose their effectiveness.
● The three-point seat belt for the rear middle seat can only fulfil its func-
tion reliably when the backrests are correctly locked into position ⇒ page 64

.
● The belt webbing must always be kept clean. Soiled belt webbing may im-
pair proper operation of the inertia reel ⇒

 page 175, Seat belts.
● The slot of the belt tongue must not be blocked by paper or similar objects
otherwise the belt tongue will not lock in place properly.
● Inspect the seat belts regularly to ensure they are in good condition. If you
find seat belts which have damage to the belt, the seat belt connections, to
the inertia reel or to the lock, the relevant seat belt must be replaced by a
specialist garage.
● The seat belts must not be removed or changed in any way. Do not make
an attempt to repair the seat belts yourself.
● Damaged seat belts which have been subjected to stress in an accident
and were therefore stretched, must be replaced - this is best done by a spe-
cialist garage. The anchorage points of the belts must also be inspected. The
anchorage points for the belts should also be checked.
● In certain countries it is possible to use seat belts which differ in terms of
their operation from the seat belts which are described on the pages which
follow. 136
Seat belts

It is also possible under certain special accident situations that the front as well as
the side airbags and head airbags are deployed simultaneously.
The airbags are not deployed in the case of minor frontal and side collisions, rear-
end collisions, tilting of the vehicle and vehicle rollover.
Deployment factors
It is not possible to state globally which deployment conditions apply to the airbag
system in every situation as the circumstances which exist in the case of acci-
dents vary greatly. An important role in this case, for example, is played by factors
such as the type of object against which the vehicle impacts (hard, soft), the angle
of impact, the vehicle speed etc.
A decisive factor for the deployment of the airbags is the deceleration which oc-
curs during a collision. The control unit analyses the nature of the collision and ac-
tivates the relevant restraint system. If the vehicle deceleration which occurs and
is measured during the collision remains below the prescribed reference values
specified in the control unit, the airbags are not deployed although the vehicle
may well suffer severe damage to the bodywork as a consequence of the acci-
dent.
The airbags are not deployed if:
● ignition is switched off;
● a minor frontal collision;
● a minor side collision;
● a rear-end collision;
● Rollover of the vehicle. Note
● A grey white or red, non harmful gas is released when airbag is inflated. This is
perfectly normal and is not an indication of a fire in the vehicle.
● In the event of an accident in which the airbags are deployed:
– the interior lighting comes on (if the switch for the interior light is in the
door contact position),
– the hazard warning light is switched on;
– all the doors are unlocked;
– the fuel supply to the engine is interrupted. Front airbags
Description of the front airbags The airbag system is not a substitute for the seat belt!
Fig. 122 Driver airbag in the steering wheel/front passenger airbag in the dash panel
The front airbag for the driver is housed in the steering wheel
⇒
 fig. 122 - left. The
front airbag for the front passenger is housed in the dash panel above the storage
compartment ⇒ fig. 122 - right. The installation positions are each marked with the
“AIRBAG” logo.
The front airbag system, in combination with three-point safety belts, offers addi-
tional protection for the head and chest area of the driver and front passenger in
the event of a frontal collision of major severity ⇒ page 141.
The airbag is not a substitute for the seat belt, but is part of the complete passive
vehicle safety concept. Please note that an airbag can only offer you optimal pro-
tection in combination with a seat belt which is fastened .
Apart from their normal protective function, a further task of the seat belts is to
also hold the driver and front passenger in a correct seated position in the event
of a frontal collision so as to enable the front airbags to offer the maximum pro-
tection.
You should therefore always fasten the seat belts, not only because this is re-
quired by law, but also for safety reasons and for your own protection ⇒ page 135,
Why seat belts?. Note
The dash panel must be replaced after the front passenger airbag has been de-
ployed. 140
Airbag system

Brakes
What has a negative effect on braking efficiency?
Wear-and-tear
Wear-and-tear to the brake pads 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 inspected 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 under certain con-
ditions 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 be moist or even have a coating of ice on them in winter. You
should dry the brakes as soon as possible by applying and releasing the brakes
several times.
There also may be a certain delay before the full braking efficiency is available
when driving on roads which have been treated with road salt if you have not
used the brakes for some considerable time beforehand. The layer of salt on the
brake discs and brake pads must first be rubbed off when you apply the brakes.
Corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the bake pads occur if the vehicle has
been parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the braking sys-
tem.
We recommend cleaning the brake discs by firmly applying the brakes at a fairly
high speed if you do not make much use of the braking system or if surface corro-
sion is present ⇒  .
Faults in the brake surface
If you notice that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and that the
brake pedal can be depressed further, it is possible that a brake circuit of the dual-
circuit brake system has failed. Drive, in such cases, to the nearest specialist ga-
rage without delay in order to have the problem rectified. Drive at a reduced
speed while on your way to the dealer and adapt your style of driving to the high-
er brake pedal pressure required. Low brake fluid level
An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake system. The
level of the brake fluid is monitored electronically
⇒ page 28, Brake system . WARNING
● Only apply the brakes for the purpose of drying and cleaning the brake
discs if the traffic conditions permit this. Do not place any other road users in
jeopardy.
● When retrospectively mounting a front spoiler, solid wheel hubs etc. one
must ensure that the air supply to the front wheel brakes is not reduced oth-
erwise the braking system could run too hot.
● Allow for the fact that new brake pads do not achieve their full braking ef-
ficiency until approximately 200 kilometres. New brake pads must be first
“run in
” before they develop their optimal friction force. You can, however,
compensate for this slightly reduced braking force by increasing the pressure
on the brake pedal. This guideline also applies to any new brake pads installed
at a future date. CAUTION
● Never allow the brakes to rub by applying slight pressure if you do not wish to
brake the vehicle. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a lon-
ger braking distance and excessive wear.
● Before negotiating a steep downhill section, please reduce your speed, shift
down into the next lower gear (manual gearbox) or select a lower driving stage
(automatic gearbox). This enables you to make full use of the braking power of
the vehicle and reduces the strain on the brakes. Any additional braking should be
done intermittently, not continuously. Note
The brake light flashes automatically in case of an emergency braking at speeds
greater than 60 km/h or with the intervention of the ABS, which lasts longer than
1.5 seconds. After the speed was reduced below 10 km/h or the vehicle was stop-
ped, the brake light stops flashing and the hazard warning light system switches
on. The hazard warning light system is switched off automatically after accelerat-
ing or driving off again.  157
Intelligent Technology Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data