2012 SKODA OCTAVIA warning

Manually activating/deactivating the systemFig. 115
Button for the START-STOP sys-
tem
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 121.
Activation/deactivation
›
Press the button 
» Fig. 115 .
When start-stop mode is deactivated, the warning light in the button lights up.
Note
■ If the system is deactivated during the STOP phase, the automatic start proce-
dure takes place.■
If the Eco » page 124 driving mode is selected, manual deactivation is not pos-
sible.

Information for the driver
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 121.
The information for the driver appears in the instrument cluster display.
Start the engine manually!
or
START MANUALLY
The driver sees this message when the conditions for the automatic start proce-
dure are not met during the STOP phase. The engine must be started manually
with the key or starter button KESSY » page 95.
Error: start-stop system
or
START STOP ERROR
Error in the START-STOP system. Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
Select driving mode
Fig. 116
Centre console: Button for se-
lecting the driving mode
Selecting the driving mode allows you to adjust a range of different driving pa-
rameters for the vehicle.
The driving mode can only be selected when the ignition is turned on. The menu for selecting the driving mode is called up by pressing the button 
» Fig. 116 . More information about setting the driving mode » operating in-
structions for Infotainment , chapter Other functions .
When the Sport, Eco or Individual modes are activated, the symbol 
» Fig. 116
lights up in the button.
The most recently selected driving mode (before the ignition was switched off) is
mapped to the vehicle key and is re-activated after the ignition is switched on.
Driving mode
› Normal
- this mode is suitable for a standard comfortable driving style
› Sport
- this mode is suitable for a sporty driving style
› Eco
- this mode is suitable for a economical driving style
› Individual
- this mode is provided for making custom settings to the vehicle sys-
tems (steering, engine, dynamic cornering lights, air conditioning) 
124Using the system

Steering
In the Sport driving mode, the steering force assistance » page 93 is reduced
somewhat. This helps keep the vehicle on the best possible track when driving in
a sporty driving style.
Engine (drive)
The engine and transmission respond more dynamically or more relaxed to move- ments of the gas pedal based on what driving mode was set. In the Eco driving
mode, automatic transmission allows you to drive in the Neutral posi- tion » page 130 . When the Cruise Control System is active, the selected driving
mode can have an influence on driving behaviour when accelerating.
Dynamic cornering lights
The headlights adjust to the more dynamic driving style in the Sport driving
mode. Dynamic cornering lights is deactivated in the Eco driving mode.
Air conditioning (Climatronic)
In the Eco driving mode, the air conditioning system works more efficiently whilst
still maintaining the desired interior temperature.WARNING■ Setting the driving mode while driving can distract you from other traffic -
risk of accident.■
Concentrate fully at all times on your driving! As the driver you are fully re-
sponsible for the operation of your vehicle.
■
Adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road and
traffic conditions.
Note
■ The Eco driving mode is not available when towing a trailer. When the vehicle is
connected electrically to a trailer and is in the Eco driving mode, the Normal driv-
ing mode is configured automatically.■
On vehicles with automatic transmission, the gear is automatically set to mode
S » page 129 when selecting driving mode Sport or, in Eco driving mode, to mode
E .
■
The driver can change some vehicle functions irrespective of the selected driv-
ing mode. For instance, in the driving mode Eco , the driver can switch the auto-
matic transmission to the mode S.

ProActive passenger protection
ProActive passenger protection increases the protection offered to passengers in situations which could lead to a collision or rollover.
The system is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on and
works at speeds of over 30 km/h.
In critical driving situations (e.g. during an emergency brake or sudden change in direction), the following steps can be taken separately or combined in order to re-
duce the risk of serious injury:
› Front passenger seatbelt or front passenger and driver's seatbelts are automat-
ically tensioned strongly over the body;
› Door panels in the side doors and the sliding/tilting roof (if open) are automati-
cally closed up to a gap of around 5 cm from the edge.
Once the critical driving situation has passed, the tension on the seatbelts will be released again.
All functions of the system are available when:
› the system is activated in Infotainment
» operating instructions for Infotain-
ment , chapter Setting vehicle systems (CAR button) ;
› the TCS is switched on
» page 113;
› the
Sport driving mode is not selected » page 124.
If the system cannot function correctly, the following message will appear in the
instrument cluster display:
ProActive passenger protection not available.
or ProActive passenger protection: funct. restricted.
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.WARNING■ Adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road and
traffic conditions. The increased safety offered by ProActive passenger pro-
tection must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise – risk of an
accident! 125Assist systems

NoteIf the front passenger front airbag is deactivated » page 151 the belt tensioning
function for the front passenger seat is switched off.
Lane Assist
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Operating principle
126
Explanations of situations
127
Information for the driver
128WARNING■ Lane Assist only operates as a support- it does absolve the driver of the re-
sponsibility to maintain full control over the vehicle's steering.■
Lane Assist only makes the driver away that the vehicle is approaching the
line between two lanes by means of a steering intervention. The driver retains
responsibility at all times for keeping the vehicle within the lane.
■
Lane Assist can help you keep the vehicle within the lane. However, it does
not steer the vehicle for you. The driver retains full responsibility for steering at all times.
■
The camera need not be able to detect all lane lines. A steering intervention
can only be made when the vehicle approaches a detected line between lanes.
■
Some objects on the road may be incorrectly detected as lines. As a result,
an incorrect steering intervention may take place.
■
The function of adaptive lane guidance Assist system may be restricted
when driving e.g. over rutted roads, on a slope, or if there are lateral winds.
■
Do not use the Assist system in poor weather, e.g. black ice, fog, heavy rain -
risk of accident!
WARNINGThe camera's powers of detection may be limited by a range of external influ-
ences. In this case, the Assist system may not be able to detect the line cor-
rectly, if at all. The camera's powers of detection may be limited, e.g. in the fol- lowing:■
in poor visibility conditions, e.g. fog, heavy rain, thick snowfall;
■
when dazzled by the sun;
■
when dazzled by oncoming traffic;
■
by vehicles ahead;
■
when the camera viewing range is obstructed by an obstacle.
CAUTION
Do not attach any stickers or similar objects to the windscreen to avoid impairing
the functions of the Assist system.
Operating principle
Fig. 117
Windscreen: Camera viewing
window for Lane Assist
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 126.
Lane Assist (in the following referred to as the system) detects the lines between
lanes using data obtained from the camera (continuous and interrupted) » Fig. 117.
When the vehicle approaches a detected line between lanes, the system makes a
light movement of the steering wheel in the opposite direction to the boundary
line. This corrective steering intervention can be overridden at any time.
The strength of the steering movement can be activated/deactivated in the Info-
tainment » operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Setting vehicle sys-
tems (CAR button) . 
126Using the system

Where necessary, the system only performs a steering intervention when the
boundary line is detected on at least one side of the lane.
If the turn signal is switched on prior to driving over the boundary line (e.g. whenmaking a turn), no steering intervention takes place when the vehicle approaches
the boundary line. The system regards the situation as an intended lane change.
The system works above speeds of 65 km/h and is designed for driving on motor-ways and streets with high-quality markings (the boundary lines must have high
visibility).
Adaptive lane assist
Using steering intervention, the system helps to keep the selected distance from the boundary lines on both sides of the vehicle. A steering intervention is only
made when the boundary lines are detected on both sides of the vehicle.
If the position within the lane is changed, the system quickly adapts and holds
the newly-selected position.
Adaptive lane assist can be activated/deactivated in the Infotainment » operating
instructions for Infotainment , chapter Setting vehicle systems (CAR button) .
Explanations of situations
Fig. 118
Instrument cluster display: Examples of system indications
Fig. 119
Instrument cluster display (colour): Examples of system indications
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 126.
Explanation of graphic
Dis-
play » Fig. 118 ;
» Fig. 119DescriptionAThe system is active, but not ready to intervene.BThe system is active and ready to intervene.CThe system intervenes when approaching the right-hand boundary lane.DThe system intervenes (adaptive lane assist).
The system can be activated/deactivated in the following menu in the informa-
tion display:
■ Assist systems
■ Lane Assist
Warning lights in the instrument cluster
Illumi-
nates » Fig. 118DescriptionThe system is active, but not ready to intervene.The system is active and ready to intervene or is currently
intervening. 127Assist systems

Automatic gearbox
Automatic transmission
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Introductory information
129
Starting-off and driving
130
Selector lever positions
130
Manual shifting of gears (Tiptronic)
131
Selector lever lock
131
Kickdown function
132
Dynamic shift programme
132
Emergency programme
132
Selector lever-emergency unlocking
133WARNING■ Do not depress the accelerator if changing the position of the selector lever
when the vehicle 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 vehicle is stationery and the engine is running, stopping the vehi-
cle requires you pressing the brake pedal in all selector lever settings. When
the engine is idling, the power transmission is never completely interrupted -
the vehicle creeps.
■
The selector lever must be placed into position P and the handbrake firmly
applied before the bonnet can be opened and work on the running engine can
be completed – risk of accident! The safety guidelines must always be ob-
served » page 169 , Engine compartment .
■
If stopping on a hill (downhill gradient), never try to maintain the vehicle sta-
tionary with the gear engaged by means of the accelerator pedal, i.e. by let-
ting 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 automati-
cally and the vehicle rolls backward – risk of accident!
WARNING (Continued)■ If you have to stop on a slope, depress and hold the brake pedal to prevent
the vehicle from rolling back.■
On a smooth or slippery road surface using the kickdown function can cause
the driven wheels to spin – risk of skidding!
Note
If the driving mode Sport or Eco » page 124 is selected and the selector lever is in
position D/S, the gearbox is automatically set to mode S or E. The mode is indica-
ted in the instrument cluster display » Fig. 120 on page 130.
Introductory information
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 129.
Starting
The engine can only be started when the selector lever is in position P or N .
When the steering is locked, when the ignition is turned on or off, or when start-
ing the engine, If the selector lever is not in the positions P or N, the following
message appears in the instrument cluster display Move the selector lever to Po-
sition P/N! or ENGAGE N OR P .
Shifting gears
Shifting up and down through the gears is performed automatically. The gearbox
can also be switched to Tiptronic mode. This mode makes it possible for you to
also shift gears manually » page 131.
If the selector lever position N is accidentally selected while driving, it is first nec-
essary to release pressure on the accelerator pedal and wait for the idling speed of the engine to be reached before the selector lever can be engaged in the driveposition.
At temperatures below -10 °C the engine can only be started in the selector lever position P.
Parking
When parking on a level road surface, it suffices to engage selector lever position
P . 
129Automatic gearbox

Communication
Introductory information
For more information about controlling hands-free equipment, multimedia, Navi-
gation, etc. see » operating instructions for Infotainment .
ŠKODA permits the operation of mobile phones and two-way radio systems with
a professionally installed external aerial and a maximum transmission power of up to 10 watts.
Please refer to a ŠKODA Partner for information about the possibilities of instal- ling and operating mobile phones and two-way radio systems that have a trans-
mission power of more than 10 W.
Operating mobile phones or two-way radio systems may interfere with the func- tionality of the electronic systems in your vehicle.
The reasons for this are as follows:
› no external aerial;
› external aerial incorrectly installed;
› transmission power greater than 10 watts.
WARNING■
Concentrate fully at all times on your driving! As the driver you are fully re-
sponsible for the operation of your vehicle. Use the telephone system only to
such an extent that you are in full control of your vehicle at any time.■
The national regulations for using a mobile phone in a vehicle must be ob-
served.
■
If a mobile phone or a two-way radio system is operated in a vehicle without
an external aerial or an external aerial which has been installed incorrectly,
this can increase the strength of the electromagnetic field inside the vehicle.
■
Two-way radio systems, mobile phones or mounts must not be installed on
airbag covers or within the immediate deployment range of the airbags.
■
Never leave a mobile phone on a seat, on the dash panel or in another area,
from which it can be thrown during a sudden braking manoeuvre, an accident
or a collision – risk of injury.
■
In the event of air transport, the Bluetooth ®
function for the hands-free sys-
tem must be switched off by a specialist garage.
CAUTION■ Not all mobile phones that enable Bluetooth ®
communication are compatible
with the universal telephone preinstallation. You can ask an authorised ŠKODA Partner whether your telephone is compatible with the universal telephone pre- installation.■
The range of the Bluetooth ®
connection to the hands-free system is restricted
to the vehicle interior. The range is dependent on local factors, e.g. obstacles be- tween the devices and mutual interferences with other devices. If your mobilephone is in a jacket pocket, for example, this can lead to difficulties when estab-lishing a connection with the hands-free-system or transferring data.
Note
We recommend that the installation of mobile phones and two-way radio sys-
tems in a vehicle be carried out by a ŠKODA Partner.
Declaration of conformity
ŠKODA AUTO a.s. hereby declares that the ŠKODA Infotainment systems meet the basic requirements and additional provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC.


Warning statement
Valid for infotainment systems ŠKODA.
FCC § 15.19 Labelling requirements
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules and Industry Canada license-
exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference thatmay cause undesired operation.
FCC § 15.21 Information to user
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. 
134Using the system

Safety
Passive Safety
General information
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Safety equipment
138
Before setting off
138
What influences the driving safety?
139
In this section you will find important information, tips and notes on the subject
of passive safety in your vehicle. We have combined everything here which you
should be familiar with, for example, regarding seat belts, airbags, child seats and safety of children. It is therefore important, in particular, to comply with the notes
and warnings in this section for your own interest and in the interest of those
travelling with you.
WARNING■ This chapter contains important information on how to use the vehicle for
the driver and his occupants. You will find further information on safety, which concerns you and those travelling with you, in the following chapters of this
Owner's Manual.■
The complete on-board literature should always be in the vehicle. This ap-
plies in particular, if you rent out or sell the vehicle.

Safety equipment
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 138.
The following list contains part of the safety equipment in your vehicle:
› three-point seat belts for all the seats;
› belt force limiters for the front seats;
›
belt tensioners for front seats;
› seat belt height adjusters for front seats;
› Front airbag for the driver and the front seat passenger;
› driver’s knee airbag;
› front side airbags;
› rear side airbags;
› head airbags;
› anchoring points for child seat using the ISOFIX system;
› anchoring points for child seat using the TOP TETHER system;
› head restraints adjustable for height;
› adjustable steering column.
The specified safety equipment works together, in order to optimally protect you
and those travelling with you in accident situations. The safety equipment does
not protect you or the people travelling with you, if you or your occupants adopt
an incorrect seated position or the equipment is not correctly adjusted or used. If
the seat belt is not fastened properly, this may result in injuries during an acci-
dent caused by the deployed airbag.

Before setting off
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 138.
For your own safety and the safety of the people travelling with you, please pay
attention to the following points before setting off.
› Ensure that the lighting and the turn signal system are functioning properly.
› Check the tyre inflation pressure.
› Ensure that all of the windows offer good visibility to the outside.
› Secure all items of luggage
» page 64, Boot .
› Ensure that no objects can obstruct the pedals.
› Adjust the mirrors, the front seat and head restraint to your body size.
› Advise your passengers to adjust the head restraints to their body size.
› Protect children in suitable child seats with correctly fastened seat
belts » page 154 , Transporting children safely .
› Adopt the correct seated position
» page 139, Correct seated position . Tell your
passengers to assume the correct seated position.
› Correctly fasten the seat belt. Also inform passengers to fasten the seat belt
correctly » page 142 , Seat belts .

138Safety

What influences the driving safety?First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 138.
The driver is fully responsible for himself and his occupants. If your driving safety is effected, you place yourself and the oncoming traffic at risk.
The following guidelines must therefore be observed. › Do not get distracted from concentrating on the traffic situation, e.g. by your
passengers or mobile phone calls.
› Never drive when your driving ability is impaired, e.g. through medication, alco-
hol or drugs.
› Keep to the traffic regulations and the permissible speed limit.
› Always adjust the driving speed to the road, traffic and weather conditions.
› Take regular breaks on long journeys – at least every two hours.

Correct seated position

Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Correct seated position for the driver
140
Correct seated position for the front passenger
140
Correct seated position for the occupants on the rear seats
140
Examples of an incorrect seated position
140WARNING■ At all times, the front seats and head restraints must be adjusted to match
the person's body size and the seat belt must be attached properly to provide
the most effective levels of protection to passengers.■
Always assume the correct seated position before setting off and do not
change this position while driving. Also advise your passengers to adopt the
correct seated position and not to change this position while the car is mov-
ing.
■
If the occupant adopts an incorrect seated position, he is exposed to life-
threatening injuries, in case he is hit by a deployed airbag.
WARNING (Continued)■ If the occupants on the rear seats are not sitting upright, the risk of injury is
increased due to incorrect routing of the seat belt.■
The driver must maintain a distance of at least 25 cm from the steering
wheel, and a distance of at least 10 cm between the legs and the dash panel at the height of the knee airbag. The front passenger must maintain a dis-
tance of at least 25 cm to the dash panel. Not maintaining this minimum dis-
tance will mean that the airbag system will not be able to properly protect you
– hazard!
■
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 severely injure the arms, hands
and head when the driver airbag is deployed.
■
The seat backrests must not be angled too far back when driving otherwise
this will affect proper operation of the seat belts and of the airbag system –
risk of injury!
■
Ensure that there are no objects in the driver's footwell as they may get
caught behind the pedals when driving or applying the braking. You would
then no longer be able to operate the clutch, brake or accelerate.
■
Always keep your feet in the footwell when the car is being driven – never
place your feet on the instrument panel, out of the window or on the surfaces
of the seats. You will be exposed to increased risk of injury if it becomes nec-essary to apply the brake or in the event of an accident. If an airbag is de-
ployed, you may suffer fatal injuries when adopting an incorrect seated posi-
tion!

139Passive Safety