2012 SKODA OCTAVIA Owner's Manual

Switch automatic mode on/off » page 87
Switch the cooling system on/off » page 87
Note
The interior temperature sensor is located between the buttons  and SETUP.
Do not stick anything on or cover the sensor, otherwise it could have an unfav-
ourable effect on the Climatronic.
Automatic mode
Automatic mode works in three modes - weak, medium, and intensive.
Information on the setting » Bedienungsanleitung Infotainment, chapter Addi-
tional functions (CAR button) .
Switching on
›
Set the temperature between +16 °C and +29 °C using the control dials
A
and
C
» Fig. 86 on page 86.
›
Press the button AUTO and the indicator light in the button illuminates.
Switching off
›
Press any button for the air distribution or increase/reduce the blower speed.
After the Climatronic is switched on, it works in the last selected mode. The currently selected mode is displayed in the Infotainment display.Climatronic is set to the medium setting by default.
Note
We recommend that you adjust the air outlet vents 3 and 4 » Fig. 82 on page 82,
so that the air flow is directed slightly upwards.
Switch cooling system on/off
›
Press the button  and the indicator light in the button illuminates.
›
Pressing the button
 again switches off the cooling system - the indicator
light in the button goes out.
After the cooling system is switched off, only the ventilation function remains ac-
tive whereby the minimum temperature that can be reached is the outside tem-
perature.
AUTOSetting temperature
The interior temperature for the left and right side can be set separately or to-
gether.
For both sides›
Turn the control dial
A
» Fig. 86 on page 86 to the left or right to increase or
decrease the temperature.
The warning light in the button DUAL
goes out.
For the right side
›
Turn the control dial
C
» Fig. 86 on page 86 to the left or right to increase or
decrease the temperature.
The indicator light lights up in the DUAL
button.
If the indicator light in the button DUAL
is illuminated, the temperature for both
sides cannot be set with the control dial
A
. This function can be restored by
pressing the button DUAL. The warning light in the button goes out.
The interior temperature can be set between +16 ℃ and +29 ℃. The interior tem-
perature is regulated automatically within this range.
If a temperature lower than +16 ℃ is selected, a blue symbol lights up on the con-
trol dial.
If a temperature higher than +29 ℃ is selected, a red symbol lights up on the con-
trol dial.
At both end positions, Climatronic runs at maximum cooling/heating output and
the temperature is automatically not regulated.
CAUTION
Lengthy and uneven distribution of the air flow out of the vents (especially
around the feet) and large differences in temperature, for example, when getting
out of the vehicle, can cause susceptible individuals to catch a cold.
Automatic recirculated air mode
Recirculated air mode largely prevents polluted air from outside the vehicle get- ting into the vehicle, for example, when driving through a tunnel or when stand-
ing in a traffic jam. 
87Heating and air conditioning system

If a considerable increase in concentration of pollutants is recognised by the air
quality sensor, recirculated air mode will temporarily be switched off.
If the concentration of pollutants decreases to the normal level, the air distribu-
tion control is automatically switched off so that fresh air can be guided into the
vehicle interior.
In recirculated air mode air is sucked out of the interior of the vehicle and then
fed back into the interior. When the automatic air distribution control is switched on, an air quality sensor measures the concentration of pollutants in the drawn inair.
If the air quality sensor does not switch on automatic recirculated air mode when there is an unpleasant smell, you can switch in on manually.
Switching on/off›
Press the button  and the warning light underneath the button illuminates.
›
Press the button  again, the warning light underneath the button goes out,
where necessary press the button AUTO.
You can also switch the system on/off in he Infotainment » Bedienungsanleitung
Infotainment, chapter Setting vehicle systems (CAR button) .
WARNINGDo not leave recirculated air mode on over a longer period of time, as “stale”
air can cause fatigue of the driver and passengers, reduce attention levels and
also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an accident increases.
Switch off recirculated air mode as soon as the windows start to mist up.
Note
■ If the windscreen mists up, press the button . Press the button AUTO when
the windscreen is demisted.■
The automatic air distribution control operates only if the outside temperature
is higher than approx. 2 °C.

Controlling blower
The blower stage can be manually adapted to suit your particular needs.
›
Turn the control dial
B
» Fig. 86 on page 86 to the left or right to increase or
decrease the blower speed.
If the blower speed is reduced to a minimum, Climatronic is switched off.
The set blower speed is displayed in the control dial B when the respective num-
ber of warning lights come on.WARNING■ “Stale air” may result in fatigue in the driver and occupants, reduce attention
levels and also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an accident
increases.■
Do not switch off the Climatronic system for longer than necessary.
■
Switch on the Climatronic system as soon as the windows mist up.

Defrosting windscreen
Switching on/off
›
Press the button 
» Fig. 86 on page 86.
›
Press the button  or the button
AUTO again.
More air flows out of the air outlet vents 1 » Fig. 82 on page 82. The temperature
control is controlled automatically.

Auxiliary heating (auxiliary heating and ventilation)
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Switching on/off
89
setting
90
Remote control
90
Replacing the battery in the remote control
91
Function prerequisites when switching on:
› Comfort temperature has been set;
› The blower is switched on;
› the air outlet vents are opened;
› The air outlet is set to position

or 
.
Auxiliary heating (parking heating) › It can be used when stationary, when the engine is switched off to preheat the
vehicle and while driving (e.g. during the heating phase of the engine);
› It works in tandem with the hearer, air-conditioning system or Climatronic;

88Using the system

›The engine is also preheated when the vehicle is stationary and the engine is
not running;
› It warms up the coolant by burning fuel from the vehicle tank. The coolant
warms up the air, which (if the blower speed is not set to zero) flows into the passenger compartment.
Auxiliary ventilation
The auxiliary ventilation enables fresh air to flow into the vehicle interior by
switching off the engine, whereby the interior temperature is effectively de-
creased (e.g. with the vehicle parked in the sun).WARNING■ The auxiliary heating must never be operated in closed rooms - risk of poi-
soning!■
The auxiliary heating must not be running during refuelling - risk of fire.
■
The exhaust pipe of the auxiliary heating is located on the underside of the
vehicle. Therefore, if you wish to operate the auxiliary heating, do not park the vehicle in such a way that the exhaust gases can come into contact with high-
ly flammable materials (e.g. dry grass) or easily inflammable substances (e.g.
spilt fuel).
CAUTION
■ The running auxiliary heater consumes fuel from the vehicle tank and automati-
cally controls the filling level. If only a low quantity of fuel is present in the fuel
tank, the function of the auxiliary heating is blocked.■
The exhaust pipe of the auxiliary heating, which is located on the underside of
the vehicle, must not be clogged and the exhaust flow must not be blocked.
■
If the auxiliary heating and ventilation is running, the vehicle battery discharges.
If the auxiliary heating and ventilation has been operated several times over a
longer period, the vehicle must be driven a few kilometres in order to recharge
the vehicle battery.
Note
■ The auxiliary heating only switches the blower on, if it has achieved a coolant
temperature of approx. 50 °C.■
At low outside temperatures, this can result in a formation of water vapour in
the area of the engine compartment. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem.
■
The air inlet in front of the windscreen must be free of e.g. ice, snow or leaves
to ensure that the auxiliary heating and cooling system operates properly.

Switching on/offFig. 87
Button for switching on/off the system directly on the operating
part of the air conditioning/Climatronic
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 88.
Switching on
Manually using the button on the operating part of
the air conditioning/Climatronic. The warning light in the button lights up.» Fig. 87Manually using the radio remote control.» page 90 Automatically through the configured and activated
departure time.» page 90
Switching off
Manually using the button on the operating part of
the air conditioning/Climatronic. The warning light in the button goes out.» Fig. 87Manually using the radio remote control.» page 90 Automatically when the pre-set departure time is
reached or when the pre-set run time has elapsed.» page 90 Automatically when the indicator light lights up .» page 10 Automatically when the charge state of the vehicle
battery dropped too far.» page 176
After switching the system off, the auxiliary heating will continue running a little
while longer in order to burn the remaining fuel in the auxiliary heater. Exhaust
fumes from the system will thus be directed outside. 
89Heating and air conditioning system

After switching off the auxiliary heating, the coolant pump runs for a short period.
The auxiliary heater does not switch on: › when the following appears in the instrument cluster display, or the the follow-
ing was displayed before the ignition was turned off: Please refuel. Range: ...
km or PLEASE REFUEL ;
› when the charge state of the vehicle battery is too low;
› when no pre-set time is activated.
setting
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 88.
Information on the setting » Bedienungsanleitung Infotainment, chapter Setting
vehicle systems (CAR button) .
Before the setting is started, check the correct time and date settings.
Checking the settings
When the departure time is activated, the indicator light in the button 
lights up
for around 10 seconds after the ignition is turned off.

Remote control
Fig. 88
Auxiliary heater: Radio remote control
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 88.
Explanation of graphicAAerialBBattery coverCWarning lightSwitch on the auxiliary heatingSwitch off the auxiliary heating
The transmitter and the battery are housed in the housing of the remote control.
The receiver is located in the interior of the vehicle.
When the battery is fully charged, the range of the remote control is a few hun-
dred metres. Obstacles between the radio remote control and the vehicle, bad
weather conditions and a weaker battery can clearly reduce the range.
To switch the auxiliary heating on or off, hold the remote control vertical, with the
aerial pointing upwards. The antenna must not be covered with the fingers or the palm of the hand during this process.
The auxiliary heating can only be switched on/off safely using the radio remote control, if the distance between the radio remote control and the vehicle is at
least 2 m.
After pressing the button, the warning light in the remote control gives the
user different kinds of feedback:
Display warning light C » Fig. 88DescriptionLights up green for around 2 seconds.The auxiliary heating was switched on.Lights up red for around 2 seconds.The auxiliary heating was switched off.Slowly flashes green for around 2 sec-
onds.The ignition signal was not received.Quickly flashes green for around 2 sec-
onds.The auxiliary heating is blocked, e. g
because the tank is nearly empty or
there is a fault in the auxiliary heating.Flashes red for around 2 seconds.The switch off signal was not received.Lights up orange for around 2 seconds,
then green or red.The battery is weak, however the
switching on or off signal was received.Lights up orange for around 2 seconds,
then flashes green or red.The battery is weak, however the
switching on or off signal was not re-
ceived.Flashes orange for around 5 seconds.The battery is discharged, however the
switching on or off signal was not re-
ceived. 90Using the system

CAUTIONThe radio remote control comprises electronic components and must therefore be
protected against water, severe impacts and direct sunlight.
Replacing the battery in the remote control
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 88.
If the indicator light
C
» Fig. 88 on page 90on the radio remote control indicates
a weak or discharged battery, it must be replaced.
The battery is located under a cover
B
» Fig. 88 on page 90 on the back of the
radio remote control.
›
Insert a flat, blunt object, such as a coin, into the gap of the battery cover.
›
Turn the cover against the direction of the arrow up to the mark to open the cover.
›
Replace the battery.
›
Return the battery cover.
›
Turn the cover in the direction of the arrow up to the initial marking, engage.
When replacing the battery, pay attention to the correct polarity.
The replacement battery must have the same specification as the original battery.
For the sake of the environment
Dispose of the used battery in accordance with national legal provisions.
91Heating and air conditioning system

Starting-off and Driving
Starting and stopping the engine
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Adjusting the steering wheel position
93
Power steering
93
Electronic immobiliser
93
Ignition lock
94
Starting engine
94
Switching the engine off
94
Starting and stopping the engine on vehicles with the KESSY system » page 95.
WARNING■
Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving only when the
vehicle is stationary!■
Maintain a distance of 25 cm
1
to the steering wheel » Fig. 89 on page 93
–  . Not maintaining this minimum distance will mean that the airbag system
will not be able to properly protect you – hazard!
■
The lever for adjusting the steering wheel must be locked whilst driving so
that the position of the steering wheel cannot accidently change during the journey – risk of accident!
■
If the steering wheel is adjusted further towards the head, the protection
provided by the driver airbag in the event of an accident is reduced. Check
that the steering wheel is aligned to the chest.
■
When driving, hold the steering wheel with both hands firmly on the outer
edge in the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock position. Never hold the steering wheel in
the 12 o'clock position or in any other way (e.g. in the middle or inner edge of the steering wheel). In such cases, you could injure the arms, hands and head
when the driver airbag is deployed.
WARNING (Continued)■ When driving, the ignition key must always be in the position 2 » Fig. 90 on
page 94 (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 pull the ignition key from the ignition lock when the vehicle has come
to a complete stop (by applying the handbrake). Otherwise the steering wheel
could block – risk of accident!
■
When leaving the vehicle, the ignition must always be removed. This is par-
ticularly important if children are left in the vehicle. Otherwise the children
could, for example, start the engine – risk of accident or injury!
■
Never leave the engine running in unventilated or closed rooms. The ex-
haust gases of the engine contain besides the odorless and colourless carbon
monoxide a poisonous gas – hazard! Carbon monoxide can cause uncon-
sciousness and death.
■
Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running.
■
Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary – risk of acci-
dent!
CAUTION
■ The starter may only be operated (ignition key position 3 » Fig. 90 on
page 94), if the engine is not running. The starter or engine can be damaged if
the starter is activated when the engine is running.■
Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttle and high engine loads as long as the
engine has not yet reached its operating temperature – risk of damaging the en-
gine!
■
Do not tow start the engine - danger of damaging the engine! On vehicles with
a catalytic converter, unburnt fuel may get into the catalytic converter where it
may ignite. This in turn may damage the catalytic converter. The battery from an- other vehicle can be used as a jump-start aid » page 195.
■
Do not switch the engine off immediately at the end of your journey after the
engine has been operated over a prolonged period at high loads but leave it to
run at an idling speed for about 1 minute. This prevents any possible accumulation of heat when the engine is switched off.
For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine while the vehicle is stationary. If possible, start your
journey as soon as the engine has started. Through this the engine reaches its
operating temperature more rapidly and the pollutant emissions are lower. 92Using the system

Note■The engine can only be started with a genuine ŠKODA key with the matching
code.■
The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time after
starting the cold engine. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem.
■
After switching off the ignition, the radiator fan can intermittently continue to
operate for approx. 10 minutes.
■
If the engine also does not start after the second attempt, the fuse for the elec-
tric fuel pump (in petrol engines) or the control unit for the glow plug system or
glow plug system relay and fuel pump (in diesel engines) could be faulty. Check
the fuse and replace, if necessary » page 199 or seek assistance from a ŠKODA
specialist garage.
■
We recommend locking the steering wheel whenever leaving the vehicle. This
acts as a deterrent against the attempted theft of your car.

Adjusting the steering wheel position
Fig. 89
Adjustable steering wheel: Lever below the steering wheel/safe dis-
tance to the steering wheel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 92.
The height and forward/back position of the steering wheel can be adjusted.
›
First of all adjust the driver's seat » page 59.
›
Pull the lever below the steering wheel down » Fig. 89 – 
.
›
Adjust the steering wheel to the desired position (with regard to the height and
forward/back position).
›
Push the lever upwards to the stop.

Power steering
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 92.
The power steering enables you to steer the vehicle with less physical force.
It is still possible to fully steer the vehicle if the power steering fails or if the en- gine is not running (vehicle being towed in). However, greater physical effort is
required to turn the steering wheel.
Steering force assistance can be influenced by the selection of driving
mode » page 124 .

Electronic immobiliser
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 92.
An electronic chip is integrated in the head of the key. The immobiliser is deacti-
vated with the aid of this chip when the key is inserted in the ignition lock. The
electronic immobiliser is automatically activated when the ignition key is with-
drawn from the lock.
The engine will not start if a non-authorized ignition key is used.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display: Immobilizer active.
or
IMMOBILIZER ACTIVE

93Starting-off and Driving

Ignition lockFig. 90
Positions of the vehicle key in
the ignition lock
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 92.
Petrol engines » Fig. 90
Ignition switched off, engine off, the steering can be locked
Ignition switched on Starting engine
Diesel engines » Fig. 90
Fuel supply interrupted, ignition switched off, engine switched off, the steer-
ing can be locked
Heating glow plugs on, ignition switched on
Starting engine
To lock the steering , with the ignition key withdrawn, turn the steering wheel
until the steering locking pin engages audibly.
If the steering is locked and the key cannot or can only be turned with difficulty
into the position
2
» Fig. 90 , move the steering wheel back and forth and the
steering lock will unlock.

Starting engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 92.
Vehicles with a diesel engine are equipped with a glow plug system. The glow
plug warning light 
comes on after the ignition has been switched on. Start the
engine just after the indicator light 
goes out.
123123You should not switch on any major electrical components during the heating pe-
riod otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
Procedure for starting the engine›
Before starting the engine, place the gearshift lever into neutral or place the se-
lector lever in the position P or N and firmly put on the handbrake.
›
Switch on the ignition
2
» Fig. 90 on page 94.
›
Depress and hold the clutch pedal (vehicles with a manual gearbox) or brake
pedal (vehicles with an automatic gearbox) until the engine starts.
›
Turn the key into position
3
as far as it will go and release immediately- do not
touch the accelerator.
After letting go, the vehicle key will return to position
2
.
›
If the engine does not start within 10 seconds, turn the key to position
1
. Re-
peat the start-up process after approx. half a minute.
›
Release the handbrake before starting off.
The engine will not start if the engine is started without the clutch pedal (vehi- cles with a manual gearbox) or brake pedal (vehicles with an automatic gearbox)
being depressed.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display:
Press the clutch to start. or Apply the break to start. at the same time the indica-
tor light lights up 
.
or
PRESS CLUTCH or APPLY BRAKE at the same time the indicator light lights up 
.

Switching the engine off
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 92.
Switch off the engine by turning the ignition key into position
1
» Fig. 90 on
page 94.

94Using the system