2011 SKODA OCTAVIA start stop button

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

. Note
If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light  comes
on after switching on the ignition. The warning light must go out after driving a
short distance. 
Anti-spin regulation (ASR)  The TCS system is switched off by pressing the button
⇒ fig. 139 and the warning
light  lights up. 
Electronic stability programme (ESP)  The warning light
 comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
When the ESP helps to stabilise the vehicle, the warning light  flashes in the in-
strument cluster.
The warning light lights up permanently if there is a fault in the ESP system.
The fact that the ESP system operates together with the ABS means that the ESP
warning light will also come on if the ABS system is not operating properly.
If the warning light  comes on immediately after starting the engine, the ESP
system can be switched off for technical reasons. In this case, the ESP system can
be switched on again by switching the ignition on and off. If the warning light
goes out, the ESP system is fully functional again.
Further information on the ESP ⇒

 page 154, Electronic stability programme (ESP).
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
The EDL is a part of the ESP. A fault in the EDL is indicated by the lighting up of
the ESP warning light in the instrument cluster. Have the vehicle inspected imme-
diately by your specialist garage. Further information on the EDL ⇒ page 155,
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDL). Note
If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light  comes
on after switching on the ignition. The warning light must go out after driving a
short distance. 26
Instruments and warning lights

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

Emergency unlocking of the boot lid (Estate car)
Fig. 17 Emergency unlocking of the boot
lid
If there is a fault in the central locking, you can open the boot lid as follows:
– Fold the backrest of the rear seat forwards ⇒ page 64.
– Open up the cover of the lock upwards ⇒ fig. 17.
– Move the operating lever A with the aid of a narrow object e.g. screwdriver up
to the stop in the direction of arrow; the boot lid is then unlocked.
– Open the boot lid/luggage compartment door. 
Remote control Description You can use the remote control key:
●
to unlock and lock the car,
● unlocking boot lid,
● electrically open and close the windows.
The transmitter with the battery is housed in the handle of the remote control
key. The receiver is located in the interior of the car. The operating range of the
remote control key is approx. 10 m. But this range of the remote control can be
reduced if the batteries are weak.
The key has a fold-open key bit which can be used for unlocking and locking the
car manually and also for starting the engine. If a lost key is replaced or if the receiver unit has been repaired or a new unit in-
stalled, it is then necessary for an authorised
ŠKODA Service Partner to initialise
the system. Only after this is it possible to again use the remote control key. Note
● The remote control is automatically deactivated when the ignition is switched
on.
● The operation of the remote control may temporarily be affected by interfer-
ence from transmitters close to the car and which operate in the same frequency
range (e.g. mobile phone, TV transmitter).
● The battery must be replaced if the central locking or anti-theft alarm system
does react to the remote control at less than 3
metres away ⇒ page 30.
● If the driver door is opened, the vehicle cannot be locked using the remote
control. 
Unlocking and locking car Fig. 18 Remote control key
Unlocking the vehicle 
– Press the button 1
⇒  fig. 18 for about 1 second.
Locking the vehicle 
– Press button 3 for about 1 second.
Deactivating safe securing system
– Press button 3 twice in 2 seconds. Further information
⇒
 page 32.
Boot lid remote release 
– Press button 2 for about 1 second. Further information
⇒
 page 35. £36
Unlocking and locking

After you have released the rocker button
B out of the position SET
, the speed
you have just stored is maintained at a constant speed without having to depress
the accelerator.
You can increase the speed by depressing the accelerator. Releasing the accelera-
tor will cause the speed to drop again to the set speed.
This does not apply, however, if you drive at a speed which is more than 10 km/h
higher than the set speed for a period of longer than 5 minutes. The stored speed
will be cancelled in the memory. You then have to re-store the desired speed.
One can reduce the speed in the usual manner. The system is switched off tempo-
rarily by actuating the brake or clutch pedal ⇒ page 105
. WARNING
First ensure that it is not too high for the traffic conditions which exist at that
moment before resuming the stored speed. 
Changing a stored speed You can also change the speed of the vehicle without depressing
the accelerator.
Faster
– You can increase the stored speed without depressing the accelerator, by
pressing the rocker button B
⇒
 fig. 104
in the RES position.
– The speed of the car will increase continuously if you hold the rocker button
pressed in the RES position. Once the car has reached the desired speed, re-
lease the rocker button. The set speed is then stored in the memory.
Slower
– You can decrease the stored speed by pressing the rocker button B in the
SET position.
– Holding down the rocker button pressed in the SET position will cause the
speed of the vehicle to reduce continuously. Once the car has reached the de-
sired speed, release the rocker button. The set speed is then stored in the
memory.
– If you release the rocker button when the car is travelling at a speed of less
than 30 km/h, the speed is not stored, the memory is erased. It is then neces-
sary to again store the speed with the rocker button B in the position
SET
after an increase in speed of the vehicle to more than 30 km/hour. Switching off the cruise control system temporarily –
You can switch off the cruise control system temporarily by depressing the
brake pedal or clutch pedal, on vehicles fitted with an automatic gearbox only
with the brake pedal.
– You can switch off temporarily the cruise control system, if you press the
switch A in the middle position.
The set speed remains stored in the memory.
The Resumption of the stored speed is achieved by releasing the brake or clutch
pedal, on vehicles fitted with automatic gearbox only after releasing the brake
pedal and after shortly pressing the rocker button B
⇒  fig. 104 into the position
RES. WARNING
First ensure that it is not too high for the traffic conditions which exist at that
moment before resuming the stored speed. 
Switching off the cruise control system completely –
Press the switch A
⇒
 fig. 104
to the right into position OFF. 
“(START-STOP)” Fig. 105 Dash panel: START-STOP Sys-
tem button
The “START-STOP” system helps you to save fuel while at the same time reducing
harmful exhaust emissions and CO 2 emissions.
£ 105
Starting-off and Driving Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

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

Automatic gearbox
Information for driving with the 6-speed automatic
gearbox The maximum speed is reached in the 5th gear. The 6th gear serves as an eco-
nomic driving programme, which is intended to reduce the fuel consumption.
Shifting up and down through the gears is performed automatically. You can also,
however, switch the gearbox over into the Tiptronic mode. This mode makes it
possible for you to also shift gears manually ⇒ page 112.
Starting-off and Driving
– Depress the brake pedal fully and keep it depressed.
– Press the Shiftlock button (button in handle of the selector lever), move the
selector lever into the desired position, e.g. D ⇒  page 110, and then release
the Shiftlock button.
– Wait a moment until the gearbox has shifted (a slight engagement nudge can
be felt).
– Release the brake pedal and depress the accelerator ⇒  .
Stop
– The selector lever position N does not have to be selected when stopping just
for a short time, such as at a cross roads. It is absolutely sufficient to hold the
stopped vehicle stationary by depressing the foot brake. The engine can, how-
ever, be allowed just to idle.
Parking
– Depress the brake pedal and hold it depressed.
– Apply the handbrake firmly.
– Press and Shiftlock button in the selector lever, move the selector lever to P
and then release the Shiftlock button.
The engine can only be started when the selector lever is in position P or N . If the
selector lever is not in the P or N positions when locking the steering, switching
the ignition on or off or when leaving the engine on, the following message will
appear in the Information display Move selector lever to position P/N! or, in the
instrument cluster display:  P/N. It is sufficient to engage selector lever position
P when parking on a flat surface.
When parking on a slope you should first apply the handbrake firmly and then
move the selector lever into position P. This is to ensure that there is no excessive
pressure acting on the lock mechanism and that it is easier to subsequently move
the selector lever out of position P. If the selector lever is not in the P positin
when the driver's door is open and the ignition is switched off, or if it is not in the
P position when the ignition is switched off and the driver's door is opened, the
following message will appear in the Information display: Move selector lever to
position P! or, in the instrument cluster display:  P. The message disappears af-
ter a few seconds by switching on the ignition or by moving the selector lever into
the position P .
If the selector lever position N is selected by accident while driving it is first nec-
essary to release pressure on the accelerator pedal and wait for idling speed of
the engine to be reached before engaging a drive position in the selector lever. WARNING
● Do not depress the accelerator when changing the position of the selector
lever if the car is stationary and the engine is running - risk of accident!
● Never move the selector lever into position R or P when driving - risk of an
accident!
● When the engine is running and the vehicle is stationary, it is necessary to
hold the car with the brake pedal in all the positions of the selector lever (ex-
cept P and N) since the power transmission is never completely interrupted,
also not when the engine is idling - the vehicle creeps. 
Information for driving with the automatic gearbox
DSG The abbreviation DSG means Direct shift gearbox (Direct shift gear-
box).
Two independent clutches are needed for the power transmission between the
engine and the gearbox. These replace the torque converter of the conventional
automatic gearbox. Their shifting is matched in such a way that there are no jerks
when shifting the gear and the power transmission of the engine to the front
wheels is not interrupted. Shifting up and down through the gears is performed £108
Automatic gearbox

automatically. You can also, however, switch the gearbox over into the
Tiptronic
mode. This mode makes it possible for you to also shift gears manually
⇒ page 112.
Starting-off and Driving
– Depress the brake pedal fully and keep it depressed.
– Press the Shiftlock button (button in handle of the selector lever), move the
selector lever into the desired position, e.g. D ⇒ page 110, and then release
the Shiftlock button.
– Release the brake pedal and depress the accelerator ⇒  .
Stop
– The selector lever position N does not have to be selected when stopping just
for a short time, such as at a cross roads. It is absolutely sufficient to hold the
stopped vehicle stationary by depressing the foot brake. The engine can, how-
ever, be allowed just to idle.
Parking
– Depress the brake pedal and hold it depressed.
– Apply the handbrake firmly.
– Press and Shiftlock button in the selector lever, move the selector lever to P
and then release the Shiftlock button.
The engine can only be started when the selector lever is in position P or N . If the
selector lever is not in the P or N positions when locking the steering, switching
the ignition on or off or when leaving the engine on, the following message will
appear in the Information display Move selector lever to position P/N! or, in the
instrument cluster display:  P/N. At temperatures below -10 °C the engine can
only be started in the selector lever position P.
It is sufficient to engage selector lever position P when parking on a flat surface.
When parking on a slope you should first apply the handbrake firmly and then
move the selector lever into position P. This is to ensure that there is no excessive
pressure acting on the lock mechanism and that it is easier to subsequently move
the selector lever out of position P. If the selector lever is not in the P positin
when the driver's door is open and the ignition is switched off, or if it is not in the
P position when the ignition is switched off and the driver's door is opened, the
following message will appear in the Information display: Move selector lever to
position P! or, in the instrument cluster display:  P. The message disappears af-
ter a few seconds by switching on the ignition or by moving the selector lever into
the position P . If the selector lever position
N is selected by accident while driving it is first nec-
essary to release pressure on the accelerator pedal and wait for idling speed of
the engine to be reached before engaging a drive position in the selector lever. WARNING
● Do not depress the accelerator when changing the position of the selector
lever if the car is stationary and the engine is running - risk of accident!
● Never move the selector lever into position R or P when driving - risk of an
accident!
● If you are stopping at a hill (downhill section), never try to hold the car sta-
tionary with the gear engaged by means of the “accelerator”, this means by
letting the clutch slip. This can lead to overheating of the clutch. If there is a
risk of overheating of the clutch due to overload, the clutch is opened auto-
matically and the vehicle rolls backward - risk of accident!
● If you must stop at a slope, depress and hold the brake pedal, so that you
can prevent the vehicle from rolling back. CAUTION
● The double clutch on the automatic gearbox DSG is equipped with an overload
protection. If you make use of the uphill function on a vehicle which is stationary
or driving slowly uphill, it will result in an increase of thermal stress of the clutch-
es.
● In the event that they overheat, the symbol  appears in the information dis-
play with the warning text ⇒ page 29. In such a case bring the vehicle to a stop,
switch off the engine and wait until the warning light and the warning go out -
risk of gearbox damage! You can continue the trip as soon as the symbol and the
warning go out.  109
Automatic gearbox Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

Voice control
Dialogue On vehicles which are factory-fitted with the navigation system Co-
lumbus, it is only possible to operate the voice control via this de-
vice, see the operating instructions for Columbus.
The period of time in which the system is ready to receive voice commands and to
carry them out is called a dialogue. The system gives audible feedback and guides
you if necessary through the relevant functions.
Optimum understanding of the commands depends on several factors:
● Speak with a normal tone of voice without intonation and excessive pauses.
● Avoid a bad pronunciation.
● Close the doors, windows and sliding roof, in order to reduce or stop disturbing
exterior noise.
● It is recommended to speak louder at higher speeds, so that the tone of your
voice is louder than the increased surrounding noise.
● During the dialogue limit additional noise in the vehicle, e.g. simultaneously
talking occupants.
● Do not speak, if the system makes an announcement.
● The microphone for voice control is inserted in the moulded headliner and di-
rected to the driver and front passenger. Therefore the driver and the front pas-
senger can operate the equipment.
Switch on voice control (dialogue)
You can start the dialogue at any time by pressing the 1 button on the multi-
function steering wheel ⇒ page 125.
If the system does not recognise your command, it repeats the first part of the aid
and thus a new entry is possible. After the 2nd error the system repeats the sec-
ond part of the aid. After the 3rd error the answer
“Procedure cancelled ” is given
and the dialogue is ended.
Switching off voice control (dialogue)
If the system is currently playing a message, you will need to end the message
currently being played by pressing the 1 button on the multi-function steering
wheel. If the system expects a voice command, you can end the dialogue yourself:
●
Do some with the CANCEL voice command;
● by pressing the 1 button on the multi-function steering wheel.
Note
The dialogue of an incoming call is immediately interrupted. 
Voice commands Basic voice commands for operating the telephone control unit
Voice command Action
HELP After this command the system repeats all possible
commands.
CALL NAME After this command a name can be entered which es-
tablishes a connection to the requested partner. DIAL NUMBER After this command a phone number can be entered
which establishes a connection to the requested par-
ty.
REDIAL The last selected telephone number is selected.
READ ADDRESSBOOK The system reads the contacts in the telephone
book.
READ MESSAGES The system reads the messages which were received
while the telephone was connected with the hands-
free system. SHORT DIALOGUE Help is clearly reduced (good operating knowledge
provided).
LONG DIALOGUE Help is not reduced (suitable for beginners).
CANCEL The dialogue is ended.
Store voice recording of a contact
If automatic name recognition does not work reliably for some contacts, you will
can choose to save your own voice entry for the contact in the menu point
Phone
book - Voice Tag - Record.
You can also store your own voice entry using voice control in the menu FURTHER
OPTIONS . 128
Communication