2012 SKODA OCTAVIA Owner's Manual

KESSY system
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Unlocking and locking the steering
95
Switching on the ignition
96
Switching off the ignition
96
Emergency ignition shutoff system
96
Starting engine
96
Emergency start-up of the engine
97
Switching the engine off
97
The KESSY system makes it possible to switch the ignition on/off and to start/
stop the engine without actively using the key.
A key must be in the vehicle to unlock the steering, switch on the steering andstart the vehicle.
WARNING■ Never switch off the ignition while driving, as the power steering and brake
booster will no longer operate - risk of accident!■
Never leave the keys in the vehicle, if leaving children unattended in the ve-
hicle. Otherwise the children could start the engine - risk of accident!
Note
■ After pressing the starter button while the steering is locked, the steering is un-
locked, the electrical components are activated (e.g. Infotainment, etc.) and the ignition is switched on.■
If you do not leave the vehicle after locking the steering and wish to unlock the
steering again, press the starter button. At the same time, electrical components
are activated (e.g. Infotainment etc.) and the ignition is switched on.
■
The KESSY system is protected against inadvertently switching off the engine
while driving, this means that the engine can only be switched off in an emergen-
cy » page 96 .
■
The steering is not unlocked or locked if the starter button is repeatedly press-
ed at short intervals.

Unlocking and locking the steeringFig. 91
Starter button
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 95.
Unlocking
›
Open the driver's door and get into the vehicle.
›
Close the driver's door, and the steering is unlocked within 2 seconds.
Locking
›
Stop the vehicle.
›
Switch off the engine or the ignition by pressing the starter button » Fig. 91.
›
Open the driver's door and the steering is locked.
If the driver's door is opened and the ignition is switched off afterwards, the steering is only locked after the vehicle is locked.
If the steering is locked and the KESSY system does not manage to unlock the steering lock the first time (e.g. if the wheels are resting against the curb), the at-
tempt will be repeated twice by the system.
If the steering lock is then not unlocked, the following message is shown in the
instrument cluster display:
Move steering wheel!
or MOVE STEERING WHEEL
Slightly move the steering and the system will complete 3 more attempts to un-
lock after 2 seconds. At the same time, the indicator light 
flashes.
It is necessary to eliminate the possible cause which is preventing the unlocking
and then repeat the attempt to unlock the steering.

95Starting-off and Driving

Switching on the ignitionFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 95.
The steering must be unlocked to switch on the ignition.
›
Briefly press the starter button » Fig. 91 on page 95 and the ignition is switched
on.
If the ignition is switched on and the driver's door is opened, the following mes-
sage appears in the instrument cluster display:
Ignition on!
or IGNITION STILL ON

Switching off the ignition
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 95.
›
Briefly press the starter button » Fig. 91 on page 95 and the ignition is switched
off.
The ignition can be switched off up to a speed of 2 km/h.
On vehicles fitted with a manual gearbox, the clutch pedal must not be depressed after switching off the ignition otherwise the system would try to start.
On vehicles fitted with an automatic gearbox, the selector lever must be in theposition P or N and the brake pedal must not be depressed.

Emergency ignition shutoff system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 95.
In an emergency, it is possible to switch off the ignition even at speeds greater than 2 km/h, by using the "emergency ignition shutoff system".
›
Press the starter button » Fig. 91 on page 95 for longer than 1 second or twice
within 1 second.

Starting engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 95.
Maintain the clutch pedal depressed when starting vehicles fitted with a manualgearbox. On vehicles with an automatic gearbox, place the selector lever in posi-
tion P or N and depress the brake pedal until the engine starts.
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 
.
Petrol engines
›
Briefly press the starter button » Fig. 91 on page 95 - the engine fires up.
Diesel engines
›
Briefly press the starter button - the engine starts after the indicator light 
goes out.
The diesel engine can also be started by pressing the starter button, the ignition
is switched on and the glow plug warning light 
illuminates. Wait until the glow
plug warning light goes out and then press and hold the starter button until the
engine starts.

96Using the system

Emergency start-up of the engineFig. 92
Emergency start-up of engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings on page 95.
If the authorisation check for the key fails,the following message appears in the
instrument cluster display:
Key not detected.
or
NO KEY
The emergency start-up must be completed.
›
Press the starter button » Fig. 92 and then hold the key to the starter button;
or
›
press the starter button directly with the key.
Note
During an emergency start-up of the engine, the key bit must face the starter
button » Fig. 92 .
Switching the engine off
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 95.
›
Stop the vehicle.
›
Switch off the engine by pressing the starter button » Fig. 91 on page 95, doing
so switches off the ignition at the same time.

Brakes
Information for braking
Wear-and-tear
The wear of the brake pads is dependent on the operating conditions and driving
style.
The brake pads wear more quickly if a lot of journeys are completed in towns and
over short distances or if a very sporty style of driving is adopted. If operated un-
der severe conditions , the thickness of the brake pads must be checked by a
ŠKODA specialist garage between service appointments as well.
Wet roads or road salt
The performance of the brakes can be delayed as the brake discs and brake pads may be moist or have a coating of ice or layer of salt on them in winter. The
brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.
Corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the bake pads occur if the vehicle has
been parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the braking
system. The brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.
Faults in the brake surface
If it is found that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and that the brake pedal can be depressed further, the brake system may be faulty. Visit a
ŠKODA specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropriate-
ly as you will not know how great the damage is.
Low brake fluid level
An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake system. The
level of the brake fluid is monitored electronically » page 14, Brake system 
.
Brake booster
The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The
brake booster only operates when the engine is running. 
97Starting-off and Driving

WARNING■Greater physical effort for braking is required when the engine is switched
off – risk of accident!■
During the braking procedure on a vehicle with manual transmission, when
the vehicle is in gear and at low revs, press the clutch pedal. If you fail to do
so, the functionality of the brake booster can be impaired – risk of accident!
■
If a front spoiler, full wheel trim, etc. is mounted retrospectively, it must be
ensured that the air supply to the front wheel brakes is not reduced. The front
brakes may overheat which can have a negative impact on the functioning of
the braking system - risk of accident!
CAUTION
■ Observe the recommendations on the new brake pads » page 100.■Never let the brakes slip with light pressure on the pedal if braking is not neces-
sary. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer braking distance and excessive wear.
Note
■ If the brakes are applied in full and the control unit for the braking system con-
siders the situation to be dangerous for the following traffic, the brake light
flashes automatically. After the speed was reduced below around 10 km/h or the vehicle was stopped, the brake light stops flashing and the hazard warning light
system switches on. The hazard warning light system is switched off automatical-
ly after accelerating or driving off again.■
Before negotiating a steep downhill section, reduce the speed, shift down into
the next lower gear (manual gearbox) or select a lower drive position (automatic
gearbox). As a result, the braking effect of the engine will be used, reducing the
load on the brakes. Any additional braking should be completed intermittently, not continuously.

HandbrakeFig. 93
Centre console: Handbrake
Apply
›
Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
Loosening
›
Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time push in the locking
button » Fig. 93 .
›
Move the lever right down while pressing the lock button.
The handbrake warning light 
lights up when the handbrake is applied, provided
the ignition is on.
A warning signal sounds if the vehicle is inadvertently driven off with the hand-
brake applied.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display:
Release the parking brake!
or
PARKING BRAKE ON PLEASE RELEASE
The handbrake warning is activated if the vehicle is driven at a speed of more than around 5 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. This can
have a negative effect on the operation of the brake system - risk of accident!■
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!

98Using the system

ShiftingFig. 94
Gearshift pattern of 5 gear or
6 gear manual gearbox
Always depress the clutch pedal all the way down. This prevents uneven wear on the clutch.
Observe the recommended gear » page 21.
Only engage reverse gear when the vehicle is stationary. Depress the clutch pedal
and hold it fully depressed. Wait a moment before reverse gear is engaged to avoid any shift noises.
The reversing lights will come on once reverse gear is engaged, provided the igni- tion is on.
WARNINGNever engage reverse gear when driving – risk of accident!
Note
If not in the process of changing gear, do not leave your hand on the gearshift
lever while driving. The pressure from the hand can cause the gearshift mecha-
nism to wear excessively.
Pedals
The operation of the pedals must not be hindered under any circumstances! In the driver's footwell, only a footmat, which is attached to the two correspond-
ing attachment points, may be used.
Only use footmats from the range of ŠKODA Original Accessories, which are fitted to two attachment points.WARNINGNo objects are allowed in the driver's footwell – risk of obstruction or limita-
tion in operating the pedal!

99Starting-off and Driving

Driving and the Environment
Running in
New engine
The engine has to be run in during the first 1 500 kilometres.
Up to 1 000 kilometres
›
Do not drive faster than 3/4 of the maximum speed of the gear in use, i.e. 3/4 of
the maximum permissible engine speed.
›
No full throttle.
›
Avoid high engine speeds.
›
Do not tow a trailer.
From 1 000 up to 1 500 kilometres
Gradually increase the power output of the engine up to the full speed of the
gear engaged, i.e. up to the maximum permissible engine speed.
During the first operating hours the engine has higher internal friction than lateruntil all of the moving parts have harmonized. The driving style which you adopt
during the first approx.1 500 kilometres plays a decisive part in the success of running in your car.
Never drive at unnecessarily high engine speeds even after the running-in period
is complete. The maximum permissible engine speed is marked by the start of the red scale area of the revolutions counter.
On vehicles fitted with a manual gearbox, at the very latest shift up into the nextgear when the red area is reached. Very high engine speeds when accelerating
(accelerator) are automatically restricted »
.
If the engine is no longer running smoothly, do not drive with unnecessarily low
engine revs on a vehicle with manual transmission. Shift down. Observe the rec-
ommended gear » page 21.
CAUTION■
The engine is not protected from excessive engine revs caused by shifting
down at the wrong time. This can result in the sudden increase in revs beyond
the permissible maximum rpm and thus cause engine damage.■
Never rev up a cold engine when the vehicle is stationary or when driving in in-
dividual gears.
■
All the speed and engine revolution figures apply only when the engine is at its
normal operating temperature.
For the sake of the environment
Never drive with unnecessarily high engine revs. Shifting up sooner helps save on
fuel, reduces engine noises and protects the environment.
New tyres
New tyres have to be “run in” since they do not offer optimal grip at first. Drive
especially carefully for the first 500 km or so.

New brake pads
New brake pads initially do not provide optimal braking performance. They first need to be “run in”. Drive especially carefully for the first 200 km or so.

Catalytic converter
Proper operation of the emission control system (catalytic converter) is of major
significance for driving your vehicle in an environmentally conscious way.
› Vehicles fitted with a petrol engine must always be refuelled with unleaded
petrol » page 168 .
› Do not pour too much oil into the engine
» page 172, Checking the engine oil
level .
› Do not switch off the ignition while you are driving the vehicle.
If you drive your vehicle in a country in which unleaded petrol is not available, you must have the catalytic converter replaced later when driving the vehicle into a
country in which use of a catalytic converter is mandatory. 
100Using the system

WARNING■In view of the high temperatures which can be produced in the catalytic con-
verter, the vehicle should be parked in such a way that the catalytic converter
cannot come into contact with easily flammable materials under the vehicle –
risk of fire!■
Never use additional underbody protection or anti-corrosion agents for ex-
haust pipes, catalytic converters or heat shields – risk of fire!
CAUTION
■ Never drive until the fuel tank is completely empty! The irregular supply of fuel
can cause misfiring, which can result in considerable damage to parts of the en-
gine and exhaust system.■
Just filling the tank with leaded petrol once will damage the exhaust system!

Economical and environmentally friendly driving
Introductory information
The technical requirements for low fuel usage and economic efficiency of the ve- hicle have already been built into the vehicle at the works. ŠKODA places a partic-
ular emphasis on minimising negative effects on the environment.
It is necessary to take note of the guidelines given in this chapter in order to
make best use of these characteristics and to maintain their effectiveness.
Your fuel consumption, any pollution of the environmental and the wear-and-tear
to the engine, brakes and tyres, depend essentially on three factors:
› your personal style of driving;
› the conditions under which your vehicle is operated;
› technical aspects.
The fuel economy by can be improved by 10 -15 % by always looking ahead and
driving in an economical way.
Fuel consumption is also be influenced by external factors which are beyond the
driver's control. Consumption increases during the winter or under difficult condi-
tions, on poor roads, etc.
Fuel consumption can vary considerably from the manufacturer's data, as a result
of outside temperatures, the weather and driving style.
The optimal engine speed should be obtained when accelerating, in order to
avoid a high fuel consumption and resonance of the vehicle.
Looking ahead when driving
A vehicle's highest fuel consumption occurs when accelerating, therefore unnec-
essary accelerating and braking should be avoided. If looking ahead when driving, less braking and consequently less accelerating are required.
If possible, let your vehicle coast to a stop, or use the engine brake, if you can see that the next set of traffic lights is on red, for example.

Shifting to save energy
Fig. 95
Principle sketch: Fuel consump-
tion in litres/100 km depending
on the selected gear
Shifting up early saves on fuel.
Manual gearbox › Drive no more than about one length of your vehicle in first gear.
› Shift up into the next gear at approx. 2 000 revolutions.
An effective way of achieving good fuel economy is to shift up early. Observe the
recommended gear » page 21.
A suitably selected gear can have an effect on fuel consumption » Fig. 95.
Automatic gearbox › Slowly
apply the accelerator pedal. However, do not depress it to the kickdown
position.
› If the accelerator pedal is only depressed slowly on a vehicle fitted with an au-
tomatic gearbox, an economic driving programme is automatically selected.

101Driving and the Environment

Avoiding full throttleFig. 96
Principle sketch: Fuel consump-
tion in litres/100 km. and speed
in km/h
The slower you drive, the more the fuel savings.
Sensitive use of the accelerator will not only significantly reduce fuel consump- tion but also positively influence environmental pollution and wear of your vehi-
cle.
The maximum speed of your vehicle should, as far possible, never be used. Fuel
consumption, pollutant emissions and vehicle noises increase disproportionally at
high speeds.
The » Fig. 96 shows the ratio of fuel consumption to the speed of your vehicle.
Fuel consumption will be halved if only three-quarters of the possible top speed
of your vehicle is used.

Reducing idling
Idling also costs fuel.
In vehicles not equipped with the START-STOP system, turn off the engine when
in a traffic jam, at a level crossing or traffic lights with longer wait times.
Even after just 30-40 seconds you will have saved more fuel than that is needed
when you start the engine up again.
If an engine is only idling it takes much longer for it to reach its normal operating
temperature. Wear-and-tear and pollutant emissions, though, are particularly
high in the warming-up phase. Therefore, start driving as soon as the engine has
started. whereby high engine speeds should be avoided.

Avoid short distancesFig. 97
Principle sketch: Fuel consump-
tion in l/100 km at different tem-
peratures
Short distances result in an above-average high fuel consumption. We therefore recommend avoiding distances of less than 4 km if the engine is cold.
A cold engine consumes the most fuel immediately after the start. Fuel consump- tion drops to 10 litres/100 km after just 1 kilometre. The consumption stabilises once the engine and catalytic converter have reached their operating tempera-
ture.
An important factor in this connection is also the ambient temperature. The im-
age » Fig. 97 shows the different levels of fuel consumption after driving a certain
distance at a temperature of +20 °C and a temperature of -10 °C.
Your vehicle has a higher fuel consumption in Winter than in Summer.

Convenience consumers
The convenience consumers include:
› The air conditioning system;
› Rear window heater;
› Windscreen heater;
› Heating of the external mirror;
› Rear fog light;
› Fog lights;
› Heated front seats;
› Auxiliary heating (parking heating).
We recommend you keep the convenience consumers on for as long as necessary. 
102Using the system