2011 SKODA OCTAVIA handbrake

Table of Contents
Layout of this Owner's Manual
(explanations)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Using the system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Cockpit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Instruments and warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Overview of the instrument cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Engine revolutions counter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Coolant temperature gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Fuel gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Counter for distance driven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Service reminder indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Digital clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Shift recommendation for changing gears . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Multi-functional indicator (onboard computer) . . . . . . . 14
MAXI DOT display (information display) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Auto Check Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Unlocking and locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Vehicle key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Child safety lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Central locking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Anti-theft alarm system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Power windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Electric sliding/tilting roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Lights and Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Interior lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Windshield wiper and wash system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Rear-view mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Seats and Stowage
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Front seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Adjusting front seats electrically . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Middle rear head restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Rear seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Seat heaters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
luggage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Net partition (Estate car) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
The roof rack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Cup holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Note holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Ashtray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Cigarette lighter, power sockets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Storage compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Heating and air conditioning system . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Description and information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Using the air conditioning system economically . . . . . 85
Operational problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Air outlet vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Air conditioning system (manual air conditioning
system) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Climatronic (automatic air conditioning) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and ventilation) . . 94
Starting-off and Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Setting steering wheel position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Switching off the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Shifting (manual gearbox) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Pedals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Rear parking aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Front and rear parking aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Cruise control system (CCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
“(START-STOP)” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 Automatic gearbox
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Information for driving with the 6-speed automatic
gearbox
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Information for driving with the automatic gearbox
DSG
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Selector lever positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Selector lever lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Kickdown function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Dynamic shift programme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Tiptronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Manual shifting on the multifunction steering wheel . 112
Emergency programme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Selector lever-emergency unlocking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Multifunction steering wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Mobile phones and two-way radio systems . . . . . . . . . . 115
Universal telephone preinstallation GSM II . . . . . . . . . . 116
Voice control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Universal telephone preinstallation GSM IIl . . . . . . . . . . 122
Voice control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Internet connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Music playback via Bluetooth ®
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Multimedia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Passive Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Basic information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Correct seated position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Why seat belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
The physical principle of a frontal collision . . . . . . . . . . 135
Important safety information regarding the use of
seat belts
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
How are seat belts correctly fastened? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Description of the airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142 3
Table of Contents Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data


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

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

Handbrake 
The warning light
 comes on if the handbrake is applied. An audible warning is
also given if you drive the vehicle for at least 3 seconds at a speed of more than 6
km/h.
The following text will be displayed in the information display:
Release parking brake! (Release parking brake!) 
Alternator The warning light
 comes on after the ignition has been switched on. It should
go out after the engine has started.
If the warning light does not go out after the engine has started, or comes on
when driving, drive to the nearest specialist garage. The vehicle battery will be
discharged in this case so switch off all non-essential electrical components. CAUTION
If the warning light  comes on when driving and in addition the warning light 
(cooling system fault) also comes on in display, you must then stop the car imme-
diately and switch the engine off - risk of engine damage! 
Engine oil level Warning light
 lights up
If the warning light  lights up, the quantity of oil in the engine is probably too
low. Check as soon as possible the oil level or top up ⇒ page 183, Replenishing
engine oil with engine oil.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display:
Check oil level! (Check oil level!)
The warning light will go out if the bonnet is left open for more than 30 seconds.
If no engine oil has been replenished, the warning light will come on again after
driving about 100 km. Warning light
 flashes
A fault on the engine oil level sensor is indicated additionally by an audible signal
and the warning light coming on several times after the ignition has been switch-
ed on.
In this case have the engine inspected without delay by a specialist garage.
The following text will be displayed in the information display:
Oil sensor workshop! (Oil sensor workshop!) 
Fuel reserve  The warning light
 comes on, if the fuel level is still below 9 litres.
An audible signal sounds as an additional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display: Please refuel! Range...km (Please refuel! (Range...km) Note
The Text in the information display goes out only after refuelling and driving a
short distance. 
Temperature of the clutches of the automatic gearbox DSG  In the event that the temperature of the clutches of the automatic gearbox DSG is
too high, the symbol and the warning are shown in the  Information display:
Gearbox overheated. Stop! Owner's man.! (Transmission overheated. Stop!
An audible signal sounds as an additional warning signal. WARNING
If you must stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe distance
from the traffic and switch off the engine and switch on the hazard warning
light system. CAUTION
In the event that the clutches of the automatic gearbox have overheated, bring
the vehicle to a stop and switch off the engine. You must wait until the symbol 
and the warning go out - risk of gearbox damage! You can continue the trip as
soon as the symbol and the warning go out.  29
Instruments and warning lights Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

The armrest is adjustable for height and length.
Opening storage compartment
–
Open the lid of the armrest in the direction of arrow ⇒  fig. 84 - left.
Closing storage compartment
– Open the lid up to the stop, then you can fold it downwards.
Setting height
– First of all fold the lid to the bottom and lift it in the direction of arrow into one
of the 4 fixed positions.
Adjusting in forward/back direction
– Push the lid into the desired position.
Opening air inlet
– Pull the lock A in upward direction.
Closing air inlet
– Push the lock A as far as the stop downwards.
On vehicles fitted with air conditioning, the storage compartment is equipped
with a lockable inlet for thermally treated (warmed-up) air.
At open air supply, air flows into the storage with a temperature which is as high
as the one out of the air outlet nozzles, depending on temperature setting.
The air inlet in the storage compartment is connected to position  through ad-
justment of the control dial for air distribution. This position causes the maximum
amount of air to flow into the storage compartment (depending on the rotary reg-
ulator position for the fan).
You can use the storage compartment, for example, to temper drinks cans, etc.
If you do not use the air inlet in the storage compartment, the end cover should
always be kept closed. Note
Push the lid of the armrest up to stop to the rear before operating the handbrake. Rear seat armrest with storage compartment
Fig. 85 Armrest of rear seats:
The armrest includes a storage compartment. You open the compartment by
pressing the button on the front side and raising the cover ⇒

 fig. 85 . 
Stowage compartment in rear centre console Fig. 86 Centre console at rear: Stowage
compartment
The storage compartment is equipped with a removable insert.
– Open the storage compartment by pulling on the upper edge of the storage
compartment A in the direction of arrow
⇒ fig. 86 . WARNING
The storage compartment is not a substitute for the ashtray and must also
not be used for such purposes - risk of fire! 81
Seats and Stowage Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

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

Note
● The radiator fan may continue running for a further 10 minutes or so after the
engine and the ignition have been switched off. The coolant fan may, however, al-
so switch on again after some time if the coolant temperature rises because of an
accumulation of heat in the engine or if the engine is warm and the engine com-
partment is additionally heated by strong sunlight.
● This is why particular care is required when carrying out any work in the en-
gine compartment ⇒
 page 181, Working in the engine compartment. 
Shifting (manual gearbox) Fig. 100 The shift pattern: 5-speed or 6-
speed manual gearbox
Shift into reverse only when the car is stationary. Depress the clutch pedal and
hold it fully depressed. Wait a moment before engaging reverse gear in order to
avoid any shift noises.
The reversing lights will come on once reverse gear is engaged, provided the igni-
tion is on. WARNING
Never engage the reverse gear when driving - risk of accident! Note
● One should not lay the hand on the shift lever while driving the vehicle. The
pressure of the hand will be transferred to the gearshift forks in the gearbox. This
can, over a period of time, lead to early wear of the gearshift forks.
● Depress the clutch pedal fully when changing gears, in order to avoid unneces-
sary wear and damage. Pedals Operation of the pedals must not be hindered!
WARNING
● In the driver's footwell, only a footmat, which is attached to the two corre-
sponding attachment points, may be used.
● No objects are allowed in the driver's footwell – risk of obstruction or limi-
tation in operating the pedal! Note
● Greater brake pedal distances may be needed when there is a fault in the
brake system.
● Use only footmats from the range of ŠKODA Original Accessories, which are at-
tached at two attachment points. 
Handbrake Fig. 101 Centre console: Handbrake
Applying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up fully.
Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time press in the locking
button ⇒

 fig. 101 .
– Hold the button pressed and push the handbrake lever down fully ⇒  .
£ 101
Starting-off and Driving Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

The handbrake warning light
 lights up when the handbrake is applied, provided
the ignition is on.
A warning signal sounds and the following text appears in the Information display
if you have inadvertently driven off with the handbrake applied:
Release parking brake! (Release parking brake!)
The handbrake warning is activated if you drive at a speed of more than 6 km/h
for more than 3 seconds. WARNING
● Please note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake which
is only partially released can result in the rear brakes overheating which will
have a negative effect on the operation of the brake system - risk of accident!
In addition this can result in premature wear of the rear brake pads.
● Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. The children might, for ex-
ample, release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear. The vehicle
might then move off - risk of accident! CAUTION
After the car has come to a stop, always first of all apply the handbrake firmly be-
fore then additionally engaging a gear (manual gearbox) or moving the selector
lever into position P (automatic gearbox). 
Rear parking aid The parking aid provides a warning of obstacles behind the vehicle.
Fig. 102 Parking aid: Detection range of
rear sensorsThe audible parking aid determines the distance from the rear bumper to an ob-
stacle behind the car with the aid of ultrasound sensors. The tones of the parking
aid can be adapted in the menu of the Information display
⇒
 page 19. The sensors
are integrated in the rear bumper.
Range of sensors
The clearance warning begins at a distance of about 160 cm from the obstacle
(area A ⇒
 
fig. 102). The interval between the warning signals becomes shorter as
the clearance is reduced.
A continuous tone sounds from a distance of approx. 30 cm (area B ) - danger
area. You should not reverse any further after this signal sounds! If the vehicle is
equipped with a factory-fitted towing device, the indication threshold of the dan-
ger area starts -

continuous tone - 5 cm further behind the vehicle. The vehicle
can be extended through an installed detachable towing device.
On factory-fitted radio navigation systems and car stereos, the distance to the ob-
struction can also be shown graphically in the display. On vehicles with a factory-
fitted towing device, the rear sensors are deactivated when towing a trailer. The
driver is informed about this by a graphic display (vehicle towing a trailer) in the
radio or the radio navigation display. In some factory fitted radios or radio naviga-
tion systems, you can configure the system to reduce the playback volume when
the parking aid is active, see the owner's manual for the radio or radio navigation
system. This makes it easier to hear the parking aid.
Activating
The parking aid is activated automatically when reverse gear is engaged and the
ignition is turned on. This is confirmed by a brief audible signal.
Deactivating
The parking aid is deactivated by removing the reverse gear. £102
Starting-off and Driving