2012 SKODA OCTAVIA Instrument cluster

Information system
Introductory information
The information system provides the driver with alerts and messages about indi-
vidual vehicle systems. These alerts and messages appear in the display of the in- strument cluster
2
» Fig. 2 on page 9.
The following is displayed in the information system:
› The outside temperature
» page 21;
› Recommended gear
» page 21;
› Door, boot lid and bonnet warning
» page 21;
› Eco tips
» page 21 ;
› Service Interval Display
» page 11;
› Auto Check Control
» page 12
› some warning lights
» page 12;
› Driving data
» page 22;
› Warning against excessive speeds
» page 24
› Data on the information display
» page 25;
› Traffic sign recognition
» page 25;
› Fatigue detection system
» page 27;
› Selector lever positions for an automatic gearbox
» page 130;
› Information and alerts in the Assist systems
» page 112.

Outside temperature
The current outside temperature is indicated in the display of the instrument cluster.
If the outside temperature drops below +4 °C while driving, a snow flake symbol
(warning signal for ice on the road) appears before the temperature indicator and
an audible signal will sound.
If the outside temperature is less than +4 °C when the ignition is turned on, a
snow flake symbol appears in the display and an acoustic signal sounds. After
pressing the rocker switch
A
or the adjustment wheel
D
» Fig. 3 on page 22,
the function shown last is indicated.
WARNINGEven at temperatures around +4 °C, black ice may still be on the road surface!
Do not only rely upon the information given on the outside temperature dis-
play that there is no ice on the road.

Recommended gear
In order to minimise the fuel consumption, a recommendation for shifting into an- other gear is indicated in the display.
Information about the currently-selected gear is shown in the upper part of the
display. When the system determines that a change in gear is required, the arrow
symbol 
and the recommended gear appears next to the current gear indication.
For instance, if 


appears in this display, this means it is recommended that
you shift from 3rd into 4th gear.
WARNINGThe driver is always responsible for selecting the correct gear in different driv-
ing situations, such as overtaking.

Door, boot lid and bonnet warning
If at least one door is open, or the boot or bonnet is open, the instrument cluster
display indicates the relevant open door or boot/bonnet.
An acoustic signal will also sound if you drive the vehicle above 6 km/h.

Eco tips
To minimise fuel consumption, fuel economy tips can appear in the display.
Eco tips are indicated next to the letters ECO-TIP.
For instance, if the air-condition is on and a window is open, the following mes- sage appears ECO TIP Air conditioning switched on: close windows.
Eco tips display must be activated in the Infotainment » operating instructions for
Infotainment , chapter Vehicle settings .

21Information system

Change or delete speed limit›With the button A » Fig. 4 or, if applicable, the adjustment wheel D, select the
menu item Warning against excessive speeds .›
Pressing the button
B
or the adjustment wheel
D
deletes the speed limit.
›
Pressing the button
B
or the adjustment wheel
D
again activates change
mode for the speed limit.
If the pre-set speed is exceeded, an acoustic signal appears as a warning tone
and a warning message appears in the instrument cluster display, e.g.:
Speed 50 exceeded.
or SPEED TOO HIGH
The set speed limit value remains stored even after switching off the ignition. Af-
ter a gap between driving exceeding 2 hours, the pre-set speed limit is deleted.

Information display
Fig. 5
Buttons (adjustment wheel) on the operating lever/multifunction
steering wheel
The information display provides you with information on the current operating
state of your vehicle . The information display also provides you with data (de-
pending on the equipment installed in the vehicle) relating to the Infotainment,
multi-functional indicator, etc.
Operating with the buttons on the operating lever
Activate the Main menu by pressing the rocker switch
A
» Fig. 5 for longer.
Individual menu items can be selected by means of the rocker switch A. When
the pushbutton B is briefly pressed, the information you have selected is dis-
played.
Operating the button/adjustment wheel on the multifunction steering wheel
Activate the Main menu by pressing the rocker switch C
» Fig. 5 for longer.
The individual menus can be selected by pressing the adjustment wheel
D
. The
selected menu is displayed after briefly pressing the adjustment wheel
D
.
By briefly pressing the
C
button you will reach one level higher.
Main menu points
The following information can be selected (depending on the equipment installed on the vehicle):
■ Driving data » page 22
■ Assist systems » page 126
■ Navigation » operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Navigation sys-
tem (NAV button)
■ Audio » operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Media (MEDIA button)
■ Telephone » operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Telephone
(PHONE button)
■ Vehicle » operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Setting vehicle sys-
tems (CAR button)
The menu items Audio and Navigation are only displayed when the factory-fitted
Infotainment radio or navigation system is switched on.
Note
If warning messages are shown in the information display, these messages must
be confirmed with the button B on the operating lever or with the adjustment
wheel D
on the multifunction steering wheel » Fig. 5 to call up the main menu.

Traffic sign recognition

Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Operating principle
26
Information for the driver
27

25Information system

The detected traffic signs appear in the instrument cluster display in the follow-
ing menu:
■ Driving data
■ Traffic sign
Additional display
If the menu item is not currently displayed with traffic sign detection, the traffic
sign is displayed with the speed limit in the upper area of the instrument cluster display » Fig. 7 on page 26 - .
The additional display traffic sign detection can be activated/deactivated in the Infotainment » operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Setting vehicle
systems (CAR button) .
Traffic sign display when towing a trailer
When towing a trailer, displaying the traffic signs which apply when towing a
trailer can be activated.
The traffic sign detection display when towing a trailer can be activated/deactiva-
ted in the Infotainment » operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Setting
vehicle systems (CAR button) .WARNING■
Traffic sign detection only operates as a support. Real traffic signs always
have priority over electronic displays. The driver is always responsible for cor-
rectly assessing the traffic situation.■
Traffic signs may not be recognised at all by the system, or may be recog-
nised incorrectly. As a result, the traffic signs may not be displayed at all, or
the wrong one may appear.
■
Traffic sign recognition does not warn about exceeding the maximum per-
mitted speed nor does it adjust the driving speed to the maximum speed!
■
The display is based on standard national speed units. The display  in the
instrument cluster display can therefore be in km/h or mph depending on the country concerned.
Note
Traffic sign recognition is not available in all countries.
Operating principleFig. 6
Windscreen: Camera viewing
range for traffic sign recognition
Fig. 7
Instrument cluster display: Ex-
ample of traffic sign recognition
display/additional display
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 25.
Traffic sign recognition allows traffic signs with maximum speeds/no overtaking
recognised by the system to be shown in the instrument cluster display.
Additional signs, such as 'when wet' or signs which only apply for a limited time
can also be displayed.
Traffic sign recognition works on the basis of the data captured by the camera
and is only able to show traffic signs which are in the camera's viewing range » Fig. 6 .
Data from the camera can be supplemented by information from the Infotainment Navigation. This is the reason why traffic signs with maximum speeds can also be shown on sections of roads which do not have any traffic signs. 
26Using the system

Traffic sign recognition may not be available or may only be available to a limited
extent in the following situation:
› in poor visibility conditions, e.g. fog, heavy rain, thick snowfall;
› when dazzled by the sun;
› when dazzled by oncoming traffic;
› when the camera viewing range is obstructed by an obstacle;
› at high speeds;
› when the traffic signs are fully or partially obscured (e.g. by trees, snow, dirt or
other vehicles);
› when the traffic signs are not standard (round with a red border);
› when the traffic signs are damaged or bent;
› when the traffic signs are fixed to signs with flashing lights;
› when the traffic signs were changed and the navigation data are out of date.
Information for the driver
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 25.
The information for the driver appears in the instrument cluster display.
No traffic signs detected.
No maximum speeds were recognised (e.g. on German motorways where there is
no speed limit).
Error: traffic sign recognition
A system error is present. Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
Traffic sign recognition: clean windscreen!
The windscreen is dirty, iced over or misted up in the camera viewing range. Clean
the windscreen or remove the obstacles.
Traffic sign recognition: restricted.
Infotainment Navigation is not currently providing any data. Check whether the
maps are up-to-date or the whether the vehicle is currently in a location for which
no navigation data are available.

Fatigue detection (break recommendation)
The fatigue detection system advises the driver on the basis of information about
the steering behaviour, to take a break from driving. The system recommends a
break at speeds of 65-200 km/h.
After the ignition has been switched on, the system evaluates the steering be-
haviour for 15 minutes. This baseline analysis is constantly compared with the
current steering behaviour. If the system detects deviations from normal steering
behaviour due to possible fatigue of the driver, it recommends to take a break
from driving.
The symbol  appears in the instrument cluster display, with the following mes-
sage:
Driver alert. Take a break.
or DRIVER ALERT TAKE A BREAK
An audible signal is also emitted.
The system deletes the stored baseline analysis if one of the following condi-
tions is met:
› the vehicle is stopped and the ignition is turned off,
› the vehicle is stopped, the seat belt is taken off and the driver's door is opened;
› the vehicle is stopped for more than 15 minutes.
If none of these conditions is met, the system will recommend another break
from driving.
The system can be activated/deactivated in the Infotainment » operating instruc-
tions for Infotainment , chapter Setting vehicle systems (CAR button) .WARNING■
For the driving ability is always the driver's responsibility. Never drive if you
feel tired.■
The system may not detect all cases where a break is needed.
■
Therefore, take regular, sufficient breaks during long trips.
■
There will be no warning during the so-called micro-sleep.
Note
■ In some situations, the system may evaluate the driving incorrectly and thus
mistakenly recommend a break (e.g. sporty driving, in adverse weather conditions,
or in bad road conditions).■
The fatigue detection system is designed primarily for motorway driving.

27Information system

If the vehicle is locked and the safe securing system is switched off, the door can
be opened separately from the inside by a single pull on opening lever.
A message is shown after switching off the ignition.
Information message
In the instrument cluster display: CHECK SAFELOCK.
Vehicles with the information display: Check SAFELOCK! Owner's manual! Check
SAFELOCK! Owner's manual!)
Switching on
The safelock switches on automatically the next time the vehicle is locked and
unlocked.
Switching off
The safelock can be switched off by locking twice within 2 seconds.
Switch-on display
The warning light flashes for around 2 seconds in quick succession, afterwards it
begins to flash evenly at longer intervals.
Switch-off display
The indicator light in the driver door flashes for about 2 seconds fast, goes out
and starts to flash at longer intervals after about 30 seconds.
Locking/unlocking with the key
Fig. 12
Turning the key for unlocking
and locking the vehicle
Unlocking
›
Turn the key in the locking cylinder of the driver's door in the direction of arrow
A
» Fig. 12 .
Locking›Turn the key in the locking cylinder of the driver's door in the direction of arrowB
» Fig. 12 .
The following is true after unlocking.
› The doors, the boot lid and the fuel filler flap are unlocked.
› The switched on interior lights come on over the door contact.
› The safe securing system is switched off.
› The indicator light in the driver door stops flashing.
On vehicles with remote control, only the driver's door is unlocked.
The following is true after locking. › The doors, the boot lid and the fuel filler flap are locked.
› The switched on interior lights go out over the door contact.
› The safe securing system is switched on.
› The warning light in the driver door begins flashing.
If at least one door has been opened, the vehicle cannot be locked.
Turning the key in the driver's lock twice inside 2 seconds in the direction of the arrow
B
» Fig. 12 switches off the safelock.
Note
■
The windows open and close as long as the key is kept in the locked/unlocked
position; the sliding/tilting roof is tilted.■
If the vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft alarm system, you must insert the
key into the ignition lock and switch the ignition on within 15 seconds after un-
locking the door in order to deactivate the anti-theft alarm system. The alarm is
triggered if the ignition is not switched on within 15 seconds.

31Unlocking and locking

WARNINGIf the AFS system is defective, the headlights are automatically lowered to the
emergency position, which prevents a possible dazzling of oncoming traffic. This reduces the cone of light in front of the vehicle. Drive carefully and visit aŠKODA specialist garage as soon as possible.
Note
■ When the “tourist light” mode is active, the warning light  flashes for 10 sec-
onds each time the ignition is switched on.■
If the Eco driving mode is selected, dynamic cornering lights are deactiva-
ted » page 124 .

Headlight assist
Fig. 28
Operating lever: Headlight assist
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 43.
The Headlight assist switches the headlights on/off automatically depending on
the environmental conditions.
The headlight is regulated based on data gathered by the camera attached be-
tween the windscreen and interior mirror.
The headlight can switch off automatically at speeds above 60 km/h. The head-light switches off automatically when the speed falls below 30 km/h.
When the Assistant switches on the headlight automatically, the indicator light 
lights up in the dash panel insert.
Activating›Turn the light switch into position  » Fig. 27 on page 45.›
Place the lever in position
A
(spring-tensioned position) » Fig. 28.
In the instrument cluster display, the indicator light  appears for the activated
Headlight assist.
Deactivating
›
If the headlight is currently switched on automatically, move the lever into posi-
tion
B
(spring-tensioned position) » Fig. 28.
›
If the headlight is not currently switched on automatically, move the lever into
position
A
(the headlight switches on) followed by position
B
.
If you want to reactivate the Assist, put the lever back into position
A
.
The Assist can also be switched off when the light switch is turned from position  to another position.
If the system cannot function correctly, the following message will appear in the
instrument cluster display:
Fault: Light Assist
or LIGHT ASSIST FAULT
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
Light Assist: clean the windscreen!
or
WINDSCREEN PLEASE CLEAN
Check for any obstacles on the windscreen in the viewing area of the camera.
The function of Headlight assist can be activated/deactivated in the Infotain-
ment » operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Setting vehicle systems
(CAR button) .
Manually switching on the headlights
If the headlight is not switched on automatically, it can be switched on manually -
put the lever into position
A
. The Assist is deactivated; the indicator light 
goes out.
Manually switching off the headlights
If the headlight is switched on automatically, it can be switched off manually - put the lever into position
B
. The Assist is deactivated; the indicator light 
goes
out. 
47Lights and visibility

WARNINGHeadlight assist only functions as a support and does not relieve the driver of
his responsibility to check the headlights and light beam and, if necessary, to
switch on the lights depending on the light conditions. Manual operation may be required in the following situations:■
in poor visibility conditions, e.g. fog, heavy rain, thick snowfall;
■
on A roads or motorways when oncoming traffic is partially obscured;
■
when passing poorly lit traffic, e.g. cyclists;
■
around sharp curves;
■
on sharp slopes up/down;
■
while driving through poorly-lit villages;
■
while driving over highly reflective surfaces;
■
when the windscreen around the camera is dirty, iced up, misted up, or cov-
ered up by stickers;
■
when an external navigation system is attached to the windscreen.
CAUTION
■ Do not attach any stickers or similar objects to the windscreen to avoid impair-
ing the functions of the Assist system.
Fog lights
Fig. 29
Dash panel: Light switch
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 43.
Switching on/off›Turn the light switch into position  or   » Fig. 29 .›
Pull the light switch to position
1
.
The rear fog light is switched off in the reverse order.
The warning light  lights up in the instrument cluster when the fog lights are
switched on » page 12.

Fog lights with the function CORNER
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 43.
The fog lights with the function CORNER are designed to improve the illumination
of the surrounding area near the vehicle when turning, parking, etc.
The fog lights with the function CORNER are adjusted according to the steeringangle or after switching on the turn signal light 1)
in the following circumstances:
› the vehicle is stationary and the engine is running or it moves with a speed of
maximum 40 km/h;
› the daytime running lights are not switched on;
› the low beam is switched on or the light switch is in the position

and the
low beam is switched on;
› the fog lights are not switched on.
Note
The two fog lights are switched on when you shift into the reverse gear.
Rear fog light
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 43.
Switching on/off
›
Turn the light switch into position 
or 

» Fig. 29 on page 48.
›
Pull the light switch to position
2
.
The rear fog light is switched off in the reverse order. 

1)
If both switch on versions are conflicting, for example if the steering wheel is turned to the left and
the right turn signal light is switched on, the turn signal light has the higher priority.
48Using the system

If the vehicle is not fitted with fog lights, the rear fog light is switched on by pull-
ing out the light switch directly to the position 2. This switch only has one posi-
tion.
The warning light  lights up in the instrument cluster when the rear fog light is
switched on » page 12.
When the rear fig light is switched on in towing mode, only the rear fog light of the trailer will light up. This is only the case when the trailer is coupled to a facto-
ry-fitted towing device/a towing device from ŠKODA Original accessories.

COMING HOME/LEAVING HOME function
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 43.
In poor visibility conditions, this function makes it possible to automatically
switch on the lights for a short time after leaving the vehicle or when approach-
ing the vehicle.
The intensity of the surrounding light for switching on the lights is controlled
with the light sensor in the interior mirror holder.
Switching on the COMING HOME function
›
Turn the light switch into position 
» Fig. 27 on page 45.
›
Switch off the ignition.
The light switches on after opening the driver's door.
Switching off the COMING HOME function
›
Close all doors and the luggage compartment lid.
The light switches off after the pre-set time has passed.
If a door or the boot lid remains open, the light goes out after 60 seconds.
Switching on the LEAVING HOME function
›
Before leaving the vehicle, turn the light switch into position 
» Fig. 27 on
page 45.
The light switches on after unlocking the vehicle with the remote control.
Switching off the LEAVING HOME function
The light switches off after the pre-set time has passed or before the pre-set
time has lapsed after the ignition is switched on or the vehicle is locked.
The COMING HOME/LEAVING HOME function can be configured in the Infotain-
ment » operating instructions for Infotainment , chapter Setting vehicle systems
(CAR button) .
Depending on the equipment fitted the COMING HOME/LEAVING HOME function switches on the following lights:
› Parking lights;
› Low beam;
› Entry lighting in the exterior mirrors;
› Licence plate light.
CAUTION
Do not affix any stickers or similar objects in front of the light sensor on the wind-
screen, so as not to impair or disable the COMING HOME/LEAVING HOME function.
Note
If the COMING HOME/LEAVING HOME function is switched on continuously, the
battery will be heavily discharged particularly over short distances.
Hazard warning light system
Fig. 30
Dash panel: Button for hazard
warning light system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 43.
Switching on/off
›
Press the button 
» Fig. 30 . 
49Lights and visibility