2011 SKODA OCTAVIA traction control


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

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

Driving Tips
Intelligent Technology General information WARNING
Lack of fuel can cause irregular engine running or lead to shut down the en-
gine. Consequently, the systems described in this chapter may to lose their ef-
fectiveness, resulting in loss of vehicle control – risk of accident! 
Electronic stability programme (ESP)
General Fig. 138 ESP system: Switch for TCS
The ESP aids you in maintaining control of your vehicle in situations in which the
vehicle is driving at its dynamic limits, such as entering a curve fast. The risk of
skidding is reduced and your car thus offers greater driving stability depending on
the conditions of the road surface. The system operates at all speeds.
The following systems are integrated into the electronic stability programme:
● Electronic Differential Lock (EDL),
● Traction control system (TCS),
● active driver-steering recommendation (DSR),
● Antilock brake system (ABS), ●
Brake Assist,
● Uphill Start Assist.
The ESP system cannot be switched off with the  ⇒ 
fig. 138 button; only the TCS
system is switched off, the warning light  instrument cluster lights up.
Operating principle
The ESP switches on automatically when the engine is started and then conducts
a self-test. The ESP control unit processes data from the individual systems. It al-
so processes additional measurement data which are supplied by highly sensitive
sensors: the rotational velocity of the vehicle about its vertical axis, the lateral ac-
celeration of the vehicle, the braking pressure and the steering angle.
The direction which the driver wishes to take is determined based on the steering
angle and the speed of the vehicle and is constantly compared with the actual be-
haviour of the vehicle. If differences exist, such as the car beginning to skid, the
ESP will automatically brake the appropriate wheel.
The car is stabilised again by the forces which take effect when the wheel is
braked. Intervention into the brake system takes place primarily on the outer front
wheel of a vehicle which tends to oversteer (tendency for the rear of the vehicle
to break away) while occurs this is on the inner rear wheel of a vehicle which
tends to understeer (tendency to shift out of the curve). This braking control cycle
is accompanied by noises.
During an intervention of the system, the warning light  flashes in the instru-
ment cluster ⇒ page 26.
The ESP operates in combination with the ABS ⇒ page 158, Antilock brake system
(ABS). If there is a fault in the ABS system, the ESP also does not operate.
The ESP warning light lights up in the instrument cluster when there is a fault on
the ESP  ⇒  page 26. £154
Intelligent Technology

WARNING
It is also not possible for the ESP to overcome the physical limits of the vehi-
cle. Even if a vehicle fitted with ESP you should still always adapt your style of
driving to the condition of the road surface and the traffic situation. This par-
ticularly applies when driving on slippery and wet roads. The increased safety
offered must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise - risk of an
accident! Note
● All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres in order to achieve prob-
lem-free operation of the ESP. Differing rolling circumferences of the tyres can
lead to an undesirable reduction in the engine output.
● Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or another combi-
nation of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the ESP ⇒
 page 197, Ac-
cessories, changes and replacement of parts. 
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDL) The electronic differential lock prevents an individual wheel from
slipping.
General
The EDL makes it much easier, and sometimes at all possible, to start off, acceler-
ate and climb a steep hill when the conditions of the road surface are unfavoura-
ble.
Operating principle
The EDL is activated automatically, that is without any action on the part of the
driver. It monitors the speeds of the driven wheels with the aid of the ABS sen-
sors. Should only
one drive wheel begin spinning on a slippery surface there will
be an appreciable difference in the speed of the driven wheels. The EDL function
brakes the slipping wheel and the differential transmits a greater driving force to
the other driven wheel. This control process is also accompanied by noises.
Overheating of the brakes
The EDL switches off automatically if unusually severe stresses exist in order to
avoid excessive heat generation in the disc brake on the wheel which is being
braked. The vehicle can continue to be driven and has the same characteristics as
a vehicle not fitted with EDL. The EDL switches on again automatically as soon as the brake has cooled down.
XDL function (only for Octavia RS)
The XDL function is an extension to the electronic differential lock. The XDL func-
tion does not respond to traction, but to the relief of the inner front wheel during
fast cornering. An active brake intervention on the brake of the inner wheel pre-
vents it from spinning. Thus, the traction is improved and the vehicle continues to
follow the desired track.
WARNING
● Carefully depress the accelerator when accelerating on uniformly slippery
road surfaces, such as ice and snow. The driven wheels might still spin despite
the EDL and affect the stability of the vehicle - risk of an accident!
● You should always adapt your style of driving to the condition of road sur-
face and to the traffic situation even when your vehicle is fitted with EDL. The
increased safety offered must not tempt you to take greater risks than other-
wise - risk of an accident! Note
● If the ABS or ESP warning light comes on, this may also indicate a fault in the
EDL. Have the vehicle inspected by your specialist garage as soon as you can.
● Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or another combi-
nation of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the EDL ⇒

 page 197, Ac-
cessories, changes and replacement of parts.  155
Intelligent Technology Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

Traction control system (TCS)
The traction control system prevents the driven wheels from spin-
ning when accelerating.
Fig. 139 TCS switch
General
The TCS makes it much easier, and sometimes at all possible, to start off, acceler-
ate and climb a steep hill when the conditions of the road surface are unfavoura-
ble.
Operating principle
The TCS switches on automatically when the engine is started and then conducts
a self-test. The system monitors the speeds of the driven wheels with the aid of
the ABS sensors. If the wheels are spinning, the force transmitted to the road sur-
face is automatically adapted by reducing the engine speed. The system operates
at all speeds.
The TCS operates in combination with the ABS ⇒ page 158, Antilock brake system
(ABS)
. The TCS will not function if a fault exists in the ABS system.
The TCS warning light lights up in the instrument cluster when there is a fault on
the TCS 
⇒  page 26.
During an intervention of the system, the TCS warning light flashes  in the in-
strument cluster ⇒ page 26.
Switching off
You can also switch off the TCS system by pressing the ⇒ fig. 139 button, or, in ve-
hicles with ESP, by pressing the ⇒ fig. 138 button. The TCS warning light lights up
in the instrument cluster when the TCS is switched off . The TCS should normally always be switched on. It may be good practice in certain
exceptional cases, such as when you wish to have wheel slip, to switch off the
system.
Examples:
● when driving with snow chains,
● when driving in deep snow or on a loose surface,
● when it is necessary to rock a car free when it has become stuck.
then you should switch on the TCS again. WARNING
You should always adjust your style of driving to the conditions of the road
surface and the traffic situation. The increased safety offered must not tempt
you to take greater risks than otherwise - risk of an accident! Note
● All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres in order to achieve prob-
lem-free operation of the TCS. Differing rolling circumferences of the tyres can
lead to an undesirable reduction in the engine output.
● Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or another combi-
nation of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the TCS ⇒

 page 197, Ac-
cessories, changes and replacement of parts. 
Active driver-steering recommendation (DSR) This function indicates to the driver in critical situations a steering recommenda-
tion in order to stabilise the vehicle. The active driver-steering recommendation is
activated, for example, on the right and left vehicle side when braking sharply on
different road surfaces. WARNING
Even with this function the vehicle cannot steer itself! The driver is further-
more responsible for the steering of the vehicle! 156
Intelligent Technology

You can fit winter tyres of a lower speed category to your vehicle provided that
you also do not drive faster than the permissible maximum speed for such tyres,
even if the possible maximum speed of your vehicle is higher. The corresponding
tyre category can damage the tyres when exceeding the permissible maximum
speed.
Please pay attention to the notes if you decide to fit winter tyres
⇒
 page 192.
You can also fit so-called “all-year tyres” instead of winter tyres.
Please contact your specialist garage if there are any points which are not clear
who will be able to provide you with information regarding the maximum speed
for your tyres. WARNING
You must on no account drive your car at more than the permissible maximum
speed for your winter tyres - risk of an accident resulting from tyre damage
and loss of control over your car. For the sake of the environment
Fit your summer tyres on again in good time since summer tyres offer you better
grip and handling on roads which are free of snow and ice as well as ar tempera-
tures below 7 °C - the braking distance is shorter, there is less tyre noise, tyre
wear is reduced and fuel consumption is reduced. Note
Please observe the various differing legal requirements regarding tyres. 
Unidirectional tyres The direction of rotation of the tyres is marked by arrows on the wall of the tyre
.
This indicates the direction of rotation of the tyre, and it is essential that the tyres
are fitted on to run in this direction. Only then are the tyres able to provide the
optimal properties in terms of grip, low noise, wear-and-tear and aquaplaning.
Should it be necessary to fit on a spare wheel in exceptional cases with a tyre not
dedicated to the running direction or in opposite running direction, please adopt a
cautious style of driving as the tyre is no longer able to provide optimal grip and
handling in such a situation. This particularly important on wet roads. Pay atten-
tion to the following points ⇒

 page 199, Spare wheel.
You should have the defective tyre replaced as soon as possible and restore the
correct direction of rotation on all tyres Snow chains Snow chains must only be mounted on the front wheels.
When driving on wintry roads, snow chains improve not only traction, but also the
braking performance.
For technical reasons, it is only permissible to fit snow chains with the following
wheel/tyre combinations. Wheel size Depth (D) Tyre size
6J x 15
a) 47 mm 195/65
6.5J x 15
a) 50 mm 195/65
6J x 16
a) 50 mm 205/55
6J x 17
b) 45 mm 205/50
a)
Only fit snow chains with links and locks not larger than 15 mm.
b) Only fit snow chains with links and locks not larger than 9 mm.
Remove the full wheel trims before installing the snow chains.
Observe the different national legal regulations relating to the use of snow chains
and the maximum vehicle speed with snow chains. WARNING
Please pay attention to the information in the supplied fitting instructions of
the snow chain manufacturer. CAUTION
You must take the chains off as soon as you drive on roads which are free of
snow. They adversely affect the handling of your vehicle, damage the tyres and
are rapidly destroyed. Note
We recommend that you use snow chains from ŠKODA Original Accessories. 196
Wheels and Tyres

The roof luggage rack system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Through-loading bag
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Tilting roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Tiptronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Top Tether . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Traction control system (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156 Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168 General Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Transporting children safely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Tread depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Turn signal lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Two-way radio systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Tyre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Tyre inflation pressure Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Tyre repair kit Tyre repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Tyres Winter tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
U Underbody protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
unlock Central locking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Unlocking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Uphill Start Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
V
Vanity mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Vehicle key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Vehicle tool kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Ventilation Auxiliary ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
W
Warning lights
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Warning symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Warning triangle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Washing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170 with a high-pressure cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Washing the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Washing vehicle by hand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Wax treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Wheel Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Wheel bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Wheel trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192, 201
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 de-icing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Windscreen washer nozzles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Windshield washer fluid reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190 Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Windshield washer system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Windshield wiper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Winter tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Wiper blades Replacing the wiper blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
X
XDL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Xenon headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214 243
Index Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data