2012 SKODA OCTAVIA headlights

Driving with a trailerFig. 104
Swivel out the 13-pin power
socket
›
Before hitching the trailer to the vehicle, hold on to the 13-pin power socket in the area
A
» Fig. 104 and swivel it out in the direction of the arrow.
›
Remove the protective cap
5
» Fig. 99 on page 106 upwards before hitching
the trailer to the vehicle.
Safety eye
The purpose of the safety eye
2
» Fig. 99 on page 106 is to attach the break-
away cable of the trailer.
When attaching the breakaway cable to the safety eye, it must sag freely in all
trailer positions (sharp bends, in reverse, etc.).
Exterior mirrors
You have to have additional exterior mirrors fitted if you are not able to see the
traffic behind the trailer with the standard rear-view mirrors. The national legal
requirements must be observed.
Headlights
The headlight settings must be checked before starting a journey with a coupled
trailer. If necessary, adjust the settings with the headlight beam adjust-
ment » page 44 .
Driving speed
For safety reasons, do not drive faster than 80 km/h when hitching a trailer.
Immediately reduce your speed as soon as even the slightest swaying of the trail- er is detected. Never attempt to stop the trailer from “swaying” by accelerating.
Brakes
Apply the brakes in good time! If the trailer is fitted with a trailer brake, apply the
brakes gently at first, then brake firmly. This will avoid brake jolts resulting from
the trailer wheels locking.
On downhill sections shift down a gear in good time to also use the engine as a
brake.
Trailer stabilisation
The trailer stabilisation is an extension of the stabilisation control that works in
conjunction with the counter-steering assistance to reduce the amount the trail-
er "sways".
After turning on the ignition, the ESC warning light  in the instrument cluster
lights up for about 2 seconds longer than the ABS warning light.
Prerequisites: › The towing device is assembled or retrofitted ex works;
› The ESC system is active. The warning light
 or  in the instrument cluster is
not illuminated;
› The trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle by means of the trailer
socket;
› The speed is higher than approx. 60 km/h;
› The trailer has a fixed drawbar;
› The ESC system works for both braked and unbraked trailers.
A trailer is connected to the anti-theft alarm system, when: › the vehicle is factory-fitted with an anti-theft alarm system and a towing de-
vice;
› the trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle by means of the trailer
socket;
› the electrical system of the vehicle and trailer is fully functional;
› the vehicle is locked with the car key and the anti-theft alarm system is activa-
ted.
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is activated as soon as the electrical con-
nection to the trailer is interrupted.
Always switch off the anti-theft alarm system before a trailer is connected/dis- connected » page 35, Anti-theft alarm system .
Engine overheating
If the needle for the coolant temperature gauge moves into the right-hand area or the red area of the scale, the speed must be reduced immediately.
Stop and switch off the engine if the warning light 
in the instrument cluster
lights up. Wait a few minutes and check the level of coolant » page 174.
The following guidelines must be observed » page 15, Coolant temperature/cool-
ant level 
.
The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating. 110Using 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

Plastic partsFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 159.
Plastic parts can be cleaned using a damp cloth. If this does not prove to be ade-quate, the parts can be treated with special solvent-free plastic cleaning prod-
ucts .
Paint care products are not suitable for plastic parts.

De-icing windows and exterior mirrors
Fig. 143
Fuel filler flap: Ice scraper
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 159.
A scraper to remove snow and ice from the windows and mirrors is located on the inside of the fuel filler flap . Remove the scraper from the fuel filler flap in the di-
rection of the arrow » Fig. 143.
Clean the windows from the inside on a regular basis. Dry the glass surfaces with a clean chamois leather or a cloth intended for thispurpose.
When drying the windows after washing the vehicle, do not use window leathers
that have been used to polish the bodywork. Residues of preservatives in the
window leather can dirty the window and reduce visibility.
CAUTION■ The ice scraper should not be moved forward and backward but in one direction
to avoid any damage to the surface of the glass.■
Snow or ice that is contaminated with coarse dirt such as fine gravel, sand, and
salt must not be removed from the window glass and mirrors – risk of damage to
the surface of the windows and mirrors.
■
Never remove snow or ice from glass parts using warm or hot water – risk of
formation of cracks in the glass!
■
When removing snow or ice from windows and mirror lenses ensure that the
paintwork of the vehicle is not to damage.

Radio reception and aerial
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 159.
Car parks, tunnels, tall buildings or mountains can disrupt the radio signal even causing it to fail completely.
With factory-fitted radios and navigation, the aerial for the radio reception can be installed at different locations in the vehicle:
› on the inside of the rear window along with the rear window heater;
› on the inside of the rear side windows;
› on the roof.

Headlight lenses
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 159.
Use soap and clean water to clean the plastic headlight lenses.
CAUTION
■ Never wipe the headlights dry and do not use any sharp objects to clean the
plastic lenses, this may damage the protective paintwork and consequently cause
the formation of cracks on the headlight lenses.■
Do not use any aggressive cleaning or chemical solvent products to clean the
headlights – risk of damaging the headlight lenses.

162General Maintenance

Brake fluid changeFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 169.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. Over time it therefore absorbs moisture from the
environment.
Excessive water in the brake fluid may be the cause of corrosion in the brake sys-
tem.
The water content lowers the boiling point of the brake fluid.
The brake fluid must comply with the following standards or specifications: › VW 50114;
› FMVSS 116 DOT4.
WARNINGDo not use used brake fluid - the function of the brake system may be im-
paired - risk of accident!
CAUTION
Brake fluid damages the paintwork of the vehicle.
Note
The brake fluid is replaced as part of a proscribed Inspection service carried out by
a ŠKODA Partner.
Windscreen washer system
Fig. 152
Engine compartment: Wind-
screen washer fluid reservoirFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 169.
The windscreen washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment and
contains the cleaning fluid for the windscreen or rear window and for the head-
light cleaning system.
The capacity of the reservoir is about 3 litres or about 4.7 litres on vehicles that
have a headlight cleaning system.
Clear water is not sufficient to intensively clean the windscreen and headlights.
We recommend using clean washing water together with the screen cleaner from
the range of ŠKODA Original Accessories (in winter additionally with antifreeze)
which is capable of removing stubborn dirt.
In Winter, the washing water should always be mixed with antifreeze even if the
vehicle has heated windscreen washer nozzles.
Under exceptional circumstances, methylated spirits can also be used if no screen
cleaner with antifreeze is available. The concentration of methylated spirits must
not be more than 15 %. The freeze protection at this concentration is sufficient
only to -5 °C.
CAUTION
■ Under no circumstances must radiator antifreeze or other additives be added to
the windscreen washer fluid.■
If the vehicle is fitted with a headlight cleaning system, only cleaning products
which do not attack the polycarbonate coating of the headlights must be added
to the windscreen washer fluid.
■
Do not remove the filter from the windscreen washer fluid reservoir when re-
plenishing it with liquid otherwise the liquid transportation system can be conta-
minated, which can cause the windscreen washer system to malfunction.

Vehicle battery
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Battery cover
178
Checking the battery electrolyte level
179
Charging a vehicle battery
179


176General Maintenance

Fuse assignment in engine compartmentNo.Power consumerF1Control unit for ESCF2Control unit for ESC, ABSF3Engine control unitF4Engine control unit, relay for electric auxiliary heatingF5Engine componentsF6Brake sensor, engine componentsF7Coolant pump, engine componentsF8Lambda probeF9Ignition, control unit for glow plug system, engine componentsF10Control unit for fuel pump, ignitionF11Electrical auxiliary heating systemF12Electrical auxiliary heating systemF13Control unit for automatic gearboxF14Windscreen heater - leftF15HornF16IgnitionF17Control unit for ABS, ESC, engine control unitF18Data bus control unitF19Windscreen wipersF20AlarmF21ABSF22Engine control unitF23StarterF24Electrical auxiliary heating systemF31Not assignedF32Not assignedF33Not assignedF34Windscreen heater - rightF35Not assignedF36Not assignedNo.Power consumerF37Control unit for auxiliary heatingF38Not assigned

Bulbs
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Headlights
203
Changing the bulb for the low beam
203
Replacing the bulb for main beam and separate daytime running lights
204
Changing the bulb for daytime running lights and parking light
204
Changing light bulbs for fog lights
204
Changing the bulb for the licence plate light
205
Tail lamp assembly
205
Replacing the bulbs in the tail lamp assembly
206
Some manual skills are required to change a bulb. For this reason, if uncertain, we recommend that bulbs are replaced by a ŠKODA specialist garage or other experthelp is sought.
› Switch off the ignition and all of the lights before replacing a bulb.
› Faulty bulbs must only be replaced with the same type of bulbs. The designa-
tion is located on the light socket or the glass bulb.
› A stowage compartment for replacement bulbs is located in a plastic box in the
spare wheel or underneath the floor covering in the luggage compartment.
WARNING■ Accidents can be caused if the road in front of the vehicle is not sufficiently
illuminated and the vehicle cannot or can only be seen with difficulty by other
road users.■
Always read and observe the warnings before completing any work in the
engine compartment » page 169. 
202Do-it-yourself

WARNING (Continued)■Bulbs H7 H8 and H15 are pressurised and may burst when changing the bulb
- risk of injury! We therefore recommended wearing gloves and safety glasses
when changing a bulb.■
Gas discharge bulbs (xenon bulbs) operate with a high voltage, professional
knowledge is required - danger to life!
CAUTION
■ Do not take hold of the glass bulb with naked fingers (even the smallest
amount of dirt reduces the working life of the light bulb). Use a clean cloth, nap-
kin, or similar.
Note
■ This Owner's Manual only describes the replacement of bulbs where it is possi-
ble to replace the bulbs on your own without any complications arising. Other light bulbs should be changed by a ŠKODA specialist garage.■
We recommend that a box of replacement bulbs be always carried in the vehi-
cle. Replacement bulbs can be purchased from ŠKODAOriginal Accessories.
■
We recommend that the headlight settings are checked by a ŠKODA specialist
garage after replacing a bulb in the main or low beam, or the fog lights.
■
Gas discharge bulbs and LED diodes are replaced by a ŠKODA specialist garage.

Headlights
Fig. 174
Bulb arrangement: Halogen headlights/Xenon headlights
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 202.
Halogen headlight
Low beam
Main beam, separate daytime running lights, and parking light
Headlights with Xenon light Xenon gas discharge bulbs
Daytime running and parking light

Changing the bulb for the low beam
Fig. 175
Halogen headlight: Changing the
bulb for the low beam
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 202.
›
Remove the rubber cover
1
» Fig. 174 on page 203.
›
Turn the connector with the bulb in downwards in the direction of the arrow
A
» Fig. 175 and remove it in the direction of the arrow
B
.
›
Remove the connector.
›
Insert a new light bulb in such a way that the fixing lugs of the bulb fit in the
recesses of the reflector.
›
Fit the connector.
›
Insert the rubber cover.

1234203Fuses and light bulbs

Replacing the bulb for main beam and separate daytime
running lightsFig. 176
Halogen headlight: Replacing
the bulb for main beam and sep-
arate daytime running lights
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 202.
›
Remove the rubber cover
2
» Fig. 174 on page 203.
›
Turn the bulb holder
A
» Fig. 176 anti-clockwise up to the stop and remove.
›
Replace the bulb, insert the bulb holder with the new bulb and turn in a clock-
wise direction to the stop.
›
Insert the rubber cover.

Changing the bulb for daytime running lights and parking light
Fig. 177
Headlights with Xenon light:
Changing the bulb for daytime
running lights and parking light
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 202.
›
Remove the rubber cover
4
» Fig. 174 on page 203.
›
Turn the bulb holder
B
» Fig. 177 anti-clockwise up to the stop and remove.
›Replace the bulb, insert the bulb holder with the new bulb and turn in a
clock-
wise direction to the stop.›
Insert the rubber cover.

Changing light bulbs for fog lights
Fig. 178
Front bumper: Remove the protective grille/fog light
Fig. 179
Replacing the light bulb
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 202.
Removing the protective grille
›
Release the protective grille in the area of the arrow » Fig. 178 -
 using the
clamp for removing the wheel trims » page 188, Vehicle tool kit .
›
Remove the protective grille in the direction of the arrow
1
» Fig. 178 .
Changing light bulbs for fog lights
›
Use the screwdriver from the tool kit to unscrew the fog lamp » Fig. 178 -
 .
›
Unlock the fuse in the direction of the arrow
2
with the screwdriver.
›
Remove the headlight in the direction of the arrow
3
. 
204Do-it-yourself

EngineRunning in100
Starting and stopping the engine92
Engine compartment Brake fluid
175
Coolant173
Overview172
Vehicle battery176
Engine oil Capacity
209
Changing173
Checking172
Replenishing173
Specification209
Engine revolutions counter10
Environment101
Environmental compatibility103
Environmentally friendly driving101
ESC Function
112
Warning light17
F
Fatigue detection
27
Fire extinguisher188
First-aid kit188
Footmats99
Force limiter40
Front airbag147
Front seats59
Fuel167
Diesel169
Fuel gauge display10
refer to Fuel167
Refuelling167
Unleaded petrol168
Fuel consumption101
Fuel gauge display
10
FusesAssignment199
Replacing199
G
Gear Recommended gear
21
General view Cockpit
7
Glow plug system Warning light
18
H
Handbrake
98
Head airbag150
Headlight assist47
Headlight cleaning system Headlight cleaning system
55
Headlights Driving abroad
104
Headlight cleaning system55
Head restraint63
Heating Defrosting windows
83
Exterior mirror58
operating83
Recirculated air mode84
Seats62
Windscreen and rear window52
Hill hold control (HHC)112
Horn7
Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)112
I
Ignition see Ignition lock
94
Ignition lock94
Immobiliser93
Inertia reel145
Information display25
Instrument cluster9
see Instrument cluster9
Interior monitor36
ISOFIX157
J
Jacking points Raise vehicle
191
Jump-starting195
K
KESSY see Kessy system
33
Starting95
KESSY system Starting
95
Unlocking the vehicle33
Keys Lock the vehicle
31
Unlock the vehicle31
Knee airbag148
L
Lane Assist
126
Lever Main beam
45
Turn signal light45
Windscreen wipers54
Light Adaptive headlights (AHL)
46
Automatic driving lamp control45
Cockpit51
COMING HOME/LEAVING HOME function49
Daylight driving light44
Fog lights48
Fog lights with the function CORNER48
214Index