2011 SKODA OCTAVIA warning

The light comes on after the doors have been locked or on opening the boot lid.
The light goes out after switching on the ignition or up to 30 seconds after closing
all the doors and the boot lid.
If a door or the boot lid remains open, the light goes out within 2 minutes if the
ignition is switched off. WARNING
If the entry light comes on, do not touch its cover - risk of burns! 
Luggage compartment light The lighting comes on automatically when the boot lid is opened. If the lid remains
open for more than about 10 minutes, the luggage compartment lighting switches
off automatically.

Visibility Rear window heater Fig. 34 Switch for rear window heater
– You can switch the rear window heater on or off by pressing the switch ⇒ 
fig. 34 - the indicator light in the switch comes on or goes out.
The rear window heater only operates when the engine is running.
The rear window heater switches off automatically after 10 minutes. For the sake of the environment
As soon as the window is de-iced or free from mist, the heating should be switch-
ed off. The reduced current consumption will have a favourable effect on fuel
economy ⇒ page 165, Saving electricity. Note
● If the on-board voltage drops, the rear window heater switches off automati-
cally, in order to provide sufficient electrical energy for the engine control
⇒
 page 190, Automatic consumer shut-off.
● The position and the shape of the switch can differ depending on equipment
installed in the vehicle. 
Sun visors Fig. 35 Sun visor: Swivelling out/double sun visor
You can pull the sun visor for the driver or front passenger out of the fixture and
swivel it toward the door in the direction of the arrow
1
⇒
 fig. 35.
The vanity mirrors in the sun visors are provided with covers. Push the cover in di-
rection of arrow 2 .
On vehicles which are equipped with double sun visor, you can also unfold the
auxiliary visor in direction of arrow 3 after swivelling the sun visor.
WARNING
The sun visors must not be swivelled to the side windows into the deploy-
ment area of the head airbags if any objects, such as ball-point pens etc. are
attached to them. This might result in injuries to the occupants if the head air-
bag is deployed. 52
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

Replacing wiper blades for the windscreen wipers
Fig. 38 Wiper blade for the windscreen
wiper
One cannot fold out the wiper arms in the rest position from the windscreen. Be-
fore replacing the wiper arms you must put them into the service position.
Service position for changing wiper blades
– Close the bonnet.
– Switch the ignition on and then again off.
– Then press the windscreen wiper lever in the position 4
⇒  fig. 37 within
20 seconds – the wiper arms move into the service position.
Removing the wiper blade
– Fold windscreen wiper arm out from the windscreen and position the wiper
blade at right angles to the wiper arm ⇒
  .
– Take off the wiper blade in direction of arrow ⇒ fig. 38 ⇒  .
Attaching the wiper blade
– Push the new wiper blade over the wiper arm and turn the wiper blade into
the vertical position.
– Check whether the wiper blade is correctly attached.
– Fold the windscreen wiper arms onto the window and switch on the ignition.
By pressing the window wiper lever into the sprung position 4
⇒  fig. 38 or
when driving at a speed greater than 4

km/h, the windscreen wiper arms move
back into the rest position.
Windscreen wiper blades in proper condition are essential to obtain good visibility.
Wiper blades should not be allowed to become dirtied by dust, insect remains and
preserving wax. Juddering or smearing of the wiper blades could then be due to wax residues left
on the windscreen by vehicle washing in automatic vehicle wash systems. It is
therefore important to degrease the lips of the windscreen wiper blades after ev-
ery pass through an automatic vehicle wash system . WARNING
● The ignition must not be switched on if the front windscreen wiper arms
are folded out. The wiper blades would move back into their rest position and
while doing so damage the paintwork of the bonnet.
● If the windscreen wipers are handled carelessly, there is a risk of damage
to the windscreen.
● You should clean the wiper blades regularly with a windscreen cleaner in
order to avoid any smears. Clean a wiper blade with a sponge or cloth if it is
very dirty, for example from insect residues.
● Replace the windscreen wiper blades once or twice a year for safety rea-
sons. These can be bought from an authorised
ŠKODA Service Partner. 
Replacing the wiper blade on the rear window wiper Fig. 39 Wiper blade for the rear window
Removing the wiper blade
– Fold windscreen wiper arm out from the windscreen and position the wiper
blade at right angles to the wiper arm ⇒

 fig. 39.
– Hold the window wiper arm at the top end with one hand.
– With the other hand unlock the locking button A in the direction of arrow and
remove the wiper blade. £56
Lights and Visibility

Attaching the wiper blade
–
Position the wiper blade onto the wiper arm and lock the locking button A .
– Check whether the wiper blade is correctly attached.
– Fold the windscreen wiper arm back onto the windscreen.
The same remarks apply here as for ⇒ page 56
.
Rear-view mirror Manual dimming interior rear-view mirror Basic setting
–
Pull the lever on the bottom edge of the mirror forward.
Dimming mirror
– Pull the lever on the bottom edge of the mirror back. 
Automatic dimming interior mirror Fig. 40 Automatic dimming interior mir-
ror
Switching on the automatic dimming
– Press the button B
⇒  fig. 40 , the warning light A lights up.
Switching off the automatic dimming
– Press again the button B - the warning light goes out
A .If the automatic dimming is switched on, the mirror dims
automatically depending
on the light striking the mirror from the rear. The mirror has no lever on the bot-
tom edge of the mirror. After the reverse gear is engaged, the mirror always
moves back into the normal position.
Do not attach external navigation devices on the windscreen or in the vicinity of
the automatic dimming interior mirror ⇒

  .
WARNING
The display lighting of the external navigation device may cause malfunction
of the automatic dimming interior mirror – risk of accident. Note
● Automatic mirror dimming operates only properly if the sun screen for the rear
window in the housing on the luggage compartment cover is not in use or the
light striking the interior rear-view mirror is not affected by other objects.
● Do not affix any stickers in front of the light sensor, so that you do not impair
the automatic dimming function or put it out of operation.
● If you switch off the automatic dimming interior rear-view mirror, also the ex-
terior mirror dimming is switched off. 
Exterior mirror You can adjust the exterior mirrors electrically.
Fig. 41 Inner part of door: Rotary knob
Adjust the rear mirror before commencing to drive so that there is a clear view to
the rear. £ 57
Lights and Visibility Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

Heating of the external mirror
–
Turn the rotary knob to position  ⇒  fig. 41.
The exterior mirror heater only operates when the engine is running and up to an
outside temperature of +20 °C.
Adjusting left and right exterior mirrors simultaneously
– Turn the rotary knob to position . The movement of the mirror surface is iden-
tical to the movement of the rotary knob.
The adjustment of both mirrors simultaneously or each individual mirror is possi-
ble in the Information display ⇒

 page 19 in the menu point Mirror adjust. (Mirror
adjust.).
Adjusting the right-hand exterior mirror
– Turn the rotary knob to position . The movement of the mirror surface is iden-
tical to the movement of the rotary knob.
Switching off operating control
– Turn the rotary knob to position .
Folding in both exterior mirrors
– Turn the rotary knob to position .
Fold in the exterior mirrors using the remote control key
– If all the windows are closed, press the unlock button 3 on the radio remote
control ⇒ fig. 18 for approx. 2 seconds.
Tilting surface of front passenger exterior mirror
On vehicles fitted with a memory for the driver seat, the surface of the mirror tilts
down slightly when the rear gear is engaged and the rotary knob is in the posi-
tion  ⇒  fig. 41 . This provides an aid in seeing the kerb of the pavement when park-
ing the car.
The mirror returns into its initial position, after the rotary knob is moved out of the
position  and put into another position or if the speed is more than 15 km/h.
Memory for exterior mirrors
On vehicles fitted with a memory for the driver seat, the relevant setting of the
exterior mirror is also stored automatically when the seat position is stored
⇒  page 61. WARNING
● Convex (curved outward) or a spherical exterior mirrors increase the vision
field. They do, however, make objects appear smaller in the mirror. These mir-
rors are only of limited use, therefore, for estimating distances to the follow-
ing vehicles.
● Use whenever possible the interior rear mirror, for estimating the distan-
ces to the following vehicles. Note
● If the exterior mirrors are folded in using the remote control of the vehicle key,
these are folded back into the driving position after opening the door or switching
on the ignition.
● If the exterior mirrors are folded in using the rotary knob ⇒
 fig. 41, they can on-
ly be folded back into the driving position using the rotary knob.
● If the exterior mirrors were folded in using the remote control of the vehicle
key and if the rotary knob was in the fold-in position before switching on the igni-
tion, the mirrors remain in the fold-in position the next time the ignition is switch-
ed on. Folding back into the driving position is performed by actuating the rotary
knob in a different position from the fold-in position.
● Do not touch the surfaces of the exterior mirrors if the exterior mirror heater is
switched on.
● You can set the exterior mirrors by hand, if the power setting function fails at
any time, by pressing on the edge of the mirror surface.
● Contact your specialist garage if a fault exists with the power setting of the
exterior mirrors. 
Automatic dimming exterior mirror on the driver's side The exterior mirror on the driver's side is dimmed together with the interior mirror.
If the automatic dimming is switched on, the mirror dims automatically depending
on the light striking the mirror from the rear.
After the reverse gear is engaged, the mirror always moves back into the normal
(not dimmed) position. £58
Lights and Visibility

Seats and Stowage
Front seats
Basic information The front seats have a wide range of different settings and can thus be matched
to the physical characteristics of the driver and front passenger.
Correct adjustment of the seats is particularly important for:
● safely and quickly reaching the controls,
● a relaxed, fatigue-free body position,
● achieving the maximum protection offered by the seat belts and the airbag
system. WARNING
● Never transport more occupants than the maximum seating in the vehicle.
● Each occupant must correctly fasten the seat belt belonging to the seat.
Children must be fastened ⇒
 page 147, Transporting children safely with a
suitable restraint system.
● The front seats and the head restraints must always be adjusted to match
the body size of the seat occupant as well as the seat belts must always be
correctly fastened in order to provide an optimal protection for you and your
occupants.
● Always keep your feet in the footwell when the car is being driven - never
place your feet on the instrument panel, out of the window or on the surfaces
of the seats. This is particularly important for the front seat passenger. You
will be exposed to increased risk of injury if it becomes necessary to apply the
brake or in the event of an accident. If an airbag is deployed, you may suffer
fatal injuries when adopting an incorrect seated position!
● It is important for the driver and front passenger to maintain a distance of
at least 25 cm from the steering wheel or dash panel. Not maintaining this
minimum distance will mean that the airbag system will not be able to proper-
ly protect you - hazard! The front seats and the head restraints must always
also be correctly adjusted to match the body size of the occupant. WARNING (Continued)
● Ensure that there are no objects in the footwell as any objects may get be-
hind the pedals during a driving or braking manoeuvre. You would then no
longer be able to operate the clutch, to brake or accelerate.
● Do not transport any objects on the front passenger seat except objects
(e.g. child safety seat) provided for this purpose - risk of accident! 
Adjusting the front seats Fig. 42 Controls at seat
Adjusting a seat in a forward/back direction
– Pull the lever 1
⇒
 fig. 42 up and push the seat into the desired position.
– Release the lever 1 and push the seat further until the lock is heard to en-
gage.
Adjusting height of seat
– Lift the seat if required by pulling or pumping lever 2 upwards.
– Lower the seat if required by pushing or pumping lever 2 downwards.
Adjust the angle of the seat backrest
– Relieve any pressure on the seat backrest (do not lean on it) and turn the
handwheel 3 to adjust the angle of the backrest.
Adjusting lumbar support
– Turn the wheel 4 until you have set the most comfortable curvature of the
seat upholstery in the area of your spine. £60
Seats and Stowage

The driver's seat should be adjusted in such a way that the pedals can be fully
pressed to the floor with slightly bent legs.
The seat backrest on the driver's seat should be adjusted in such a way that the
upper point of the steering wheel can be easily reached with slightly bent arms.
WARNING
● Only adjust the driver seat when the vehicle is stationary - risk of injury!
● Take care when adjusting the seat! Adjusting the seat without care can
lead to bruises or injuries.
● The seat backrests must not be angled too far back when driving other-
wise this will affect proper operation of the seat belts and of the airbag sys-
tem - risk of injury! 
Adjusting front seats electrically
Adjusting seats Fig. 43 Side view: Controls for adjusting the seat/seat setting switch
Adopt the correct seated position before setting ⇒ page 60
.
Adjusting a seat in a forward/back direction
– Press the switch A
⇒
 fig. 43 forwards or backwards 1 .
Set the height of the seat cushion
– Press the switch A upwards or downwards. Adjust the angle of the seat cushion
–
Press the switch A at the front in the direction of arrow
2 or at the back in
the direction of arrow 3 .
Adjusting the seat backrest
– Press the switch B in the direction of the desired setting.
Adjusting lumbar support
– Press the switch C at the front in order to enlarge the curvature of the lum-
bar support.
– Press the switch C rear in order to reduce the curvature of the lumbar sup-
port.
– Press the switch C top in order to adjust the curvature of the lumbar support
higher.
– Press the switch C bottom in order to adjust the curvature of the lumbar sup-
port lower.
Switch A is operated in order to move the seat up/down and forward/back, while
switch B is operated in order to move the seat backrest forward or back.
WARNING
● Only adjust the driver seat when the vehicle is stationary - risk of injury!
● Caution when adjusting the seat! You may suffer injuries or bruises as a re-
sult of adjusting the seat without paying proper attention.
● In view of the fact that the seats can also be adjusted when the ignition is
switched off (even when ignition key withdrawn), you should never leave chil-
dren unattended in the car.
● The seat backrests must not be angled too far back when driving other-
wise this will affect proper operation of the seat belts and of the airbag sys-
tem - risk of injury! Note
If the movement of the seat is inadvertently interrupted during an adjustment,
once again press the switch in the appropriate direction and continue with the ad-
justment of the seat to the end.  61
Seats and Stowage Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

The position of the front and rear outer head restraints is adjustable in height.
The middle rear head restraint is adjustable in two positions.
The head restraints must be adjusted to match the size of the seat occupant. Cor-
rectly adjusted head restraints together with the seat belts offer effective protec-
tion for the occupants ⇒ page 132,
Correct seated position.WARNING
● The head restraints must be correctly adjusted in order to offer effective
protection for the occupants in the event of an accident.
● Do not drive under any circumstance with removed head restraints - risk of
injury!
● If the rear seats are occupied, the rear head restraint must not be in the
lower position. 
Middle rear head restraint Fig. 46 Rear seats: middle head re-
straint
IIn certain countries national legal provisions also require the equipment of the
rear seat with fixing eyes for child seat using the
“Top Tether” system
⇒  page 153, Attaching child seat using the “Top Tether” system. For vehicles,
which are equipped with such fixing eyes, a deviating sequence for removing the
middle head restraint must be observed.
Removing and installing the rear middle head restraint
– Pull the head restraint out of the seat backrest as far as the stop.
– Press the locking button in the direction of arrow A , press simultaneously the
locking button into the opening B using a flat screwdriver with a width of
maximum 5 mm and pull out the head restraint. –
To re-insert the head restraint, push it down into the seat backrest far enough
until you hear the locking button engage. WARNING
● The head restraints must be correctly adjusted in order to offer effective
protection for the occupants in the event of an accident.
● Do not drive under any circumstance with removed head restraints - risk of
injury!
● If the rear seats are occupied, the rear head restraint must not be in the
lower position. 
Rear seats Folding the rear seats forwards Fig. 47 Fold the seat cushion forwards/unlock the seat backrest
To enlarge the luggage compartment, the rear seats can be folded forwards, if
necessary remove the seat cushions. The rear seats can be folded forward individ-
ually on vehicles with divided rear seats.
Folding seats forwards
– Before folding the rear seats forwards, you must adapt the position of the
front seats in such a way that they are not damaged when the rear seats are
folded forwards.
– Pull up the seat cushion in direction of arrow 1 and fold forwards in direction
of arrow 2
⇒  fig. 47 . £64
Seats and Stowage